Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-01-24
MISS MARIE TEMPEST.

lie, the majority of whom are immersed in
business from early morn till the shades of
evening fall, naturally turn to some light
form Of northumberland which
does not require deep thought or concen-
tration in following out the details of the
plot.
Comedy; in its way, is delightful, but
with vocal and Instrumental accessories it
becomes "a thing of beauty and Il JOY for
ever" There is a witehery in comic opera
which bare comedy could not possibly evoke.
Music, always enchanting, is doubly so
when the performeris a skilled opera singer.
Then, too, the costumes are always selected
with the idea of enhancing the beauty of
the dazzling spectacle. 1t is to such scenes
that the tired man of business turns when
his DAYS labor is ended. He is carried en-
tlvly out of himself and away from all de-
pressing thoughts. He hears nothing but
the enhancing music; he sees naught but
= The gorgeous costumes which drape the fig
ures of the lovely singers. Life for the
time being takes ON rose tinted hue, and
care is banished.
In tragedy all this is changed. The mind
becomes concentrated, and the listener in
his efforts to follow the saddening scenes
presented strains every nerve, and what
was intended as entertainment has at its
conclusion quite an opposite effect. The
decadence of tragedy may, in great meas
ure be owing to the lack of tragedians.
Melodrama, ON the other hand, in its effects
is rather pleasing, for the evening alter
mates between hopes and fears, and what
ever impression is made is seldom lasting.
Melodrama has always found favor with
the American people from the fact that to
a great extent it characteriZes the plays of
American authors.
To return to comic opera, its present
grateful acceptance by the people may, to
Il great degree, account for their desire to
escape for at least II time from the business
troubles which almost overwhelm them.
Thus it will be seen that this form Of en-
tertanment is an Important factor in the
peoples welfare and happiness. Life is u
Kaleidoscope, and comic opera is one of its
brightest prisms. TO the eXpectant listen
er and sightseer its rainbow hues seem
quickly to chase each other across his ex-
cited imagination. But the central figure,
or star, while perhaps nightly delighting
the eyes or gratifying the senses of an en-
raptured audience, has many outside trials
TO endure. Actions are often misconstrued
and words misinterpreted. Her manager
must be consulted on every occasion, and
unless he and the star agree it is useless
putting forth any effort toward success.
Understudies must be agreeable and eff
cient. In fact to produce an opera of any
kind successfully, harmony must reign
throughout. When disturbing elements
creep in, the public soon learns of the fact
and it does not always stand ready to
support the star.
Newspaper critics are also thorns in the
flesh and it would be well if all persons
connected with public life could under
stand how much harm or good they are
capable Of doing. Reporters, too, play All
important part in theatrical enterprises,
and l would advocate their being treated
with the greatest courtesy ON all proper &C.
casions. For my own part, l consider it
fiattering indeed to be called upon for the
little bits of information am at times able
to furnish.
In a chorus girl a pretty face and shapcly
form are both important adjuncts, and
coupled with musical and sympathetic
voice are bound to insure success. But even
with these advantages her life is not always
pleasant one, for many of these sensitive
Young women are often compelled to en-
dure great hardships. And here let me say
| word in their favor, for / have never
| known u kinder hearted class than these
| selfsame chorus girls. Many Of them are
the mainstay Of invalid fathers. mothers or
sisters, and they willingly yield up their
earnings for the support of their loved ones.
| How true it is that all that glitters is not
soldl Oftentimes the coryphee adds to her
income by doing work outside of her pro-
| fession. But during rehearsals and the first
stages Of the opera this extra labor is inn
possible, for the young woman's time is not
| her own 10 control Rehearsals are fire.
quently long and firing, and It is useleN
for persons of delicate physique to take part
in any performance requiring such prelimi.
nary work.
The construction of a comic opera is per
haps the most difficult thing that libret-
| fists and musicians can undertake. An alb
| solnte daintiness is indispensable. and this
must be produced in conjunction. The Gil
bert and Sullivan operas, SO noted the world
over. are almost perfect in this respect, ow-
ing to the congeniality existing between
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