The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-16
PeftisD 1.yGOOd CO
AMUSEME NTS.
Grand-.Prince Ananias.',

During the present season Indianapolis
theater-goers have generously patronized a
number of so-called comic opera companies.
Last night they saw the difference. In 9TH
ers there were one and sometimes two
principals of stellar magnitude; in the Bos-
tonians there are six. One flies to lavish
superlatives in giving anything like ade-
quate praise 70 the members of this SUI
perior and unrivaled organization, which
opened a bries operate engagement at the
Grand last night. An auditorium twice as
large and crowded to the doors would not
have been too fattering for their merits
coming OF such a splendid company, rank
ing. as Ii does above all American produc-
ers Of standard light opera, cannot be
its reputation for ..chilliness," is one OF the
most loyal when it finds a worthy object
toward something thoroughly frst-class
and bearing the stamp of popular appre-
thrown away on HUMBER Of operate 70 and
dramatic jumping jacks with Indifferent
prince Ananias." the new opera that
formed the opening bill. might be easily
picked to tatters by anyone who would
musical numbers. The libretto of Francis
Nelson, while sparkling with wit, and al
ways interesting, is really disjointed from
enough characters for two operas of the or
binary sort dished up to a charitable pub
duets, quartets and quintets to give the
different people. their proper prominence.
in abundance by Victor Herbert. The songs
have refreshing, original flavor and the
0rchestration is noticeably fine.
However, the greatest treat to the audi
ence lies in the many rare voices of the
Bostonians--an aggregation of singers the
formers. The glorious contralto of Jessie
Bartlett Davis, in all its !full-hlown purity
and strength, had thrilling effect on the
audience A 1pf
with unstinted applause, and each OF her
songs was encored: sometimes twice. In
vocal numbers, Mrs. Davis charmed almost
as much with her vvacious acting. The
bearing of a prima donna queen is her nat
ural gift, and in the beautiful pearl-silk
court costume displayed in the second act
she made gorgeous picture. The last
scene gives her the opportunity OF an add
ed attraction when she appears in black
tights. showing a figure to make an artist
The soprano roIe fell to Eloise Morgan a
rather petite W oman in comparison with
sucient soubret e = pret tHM to
make the part prominent throughout. Her
songs became fayofites at once, and 2 eIev-
erly artistic c9denza in the first act Vas
twice encored.
The four male roles. taken by George n.
Clay Barnabee and Eugene Cowles are all
OF such prominence that they should lie
mentioned in the same breath. Early in
tie first act Eugene Cows set 4
fast pace for the rest Of the company with
the only good SOLO ne mas In the opera.
His powerful basso shook the house, figur-
ative1y, of course, and the people responded
with tornado OF applause that shook
the house. literally, this time. 1t was only
at intervals after that Mr. Cowles had a
chance to repeat and then all too brief
for the clamoring audience. Mr.. McDon-
aid $ baritone is made to do almost tenor
service In a number of songs.
He alone has duet with
Mrs. Davis and when it came
there was demand for a repitition.s Henry
Clay Barnabee's songs comes in s1atches.
This famous member of the Bostonians,
however, carries the recipe for all comic
opera fun in his great. good-natured voice
and whether speaking or singing he is the
soul of prince Ananias." About all the
bright sayings fall to him and they are
delivered with spontaneous humor that
kept the laughs chasing each other with
great rapidity. As the King of Navarro
who never smiled, Mr.. Frotkingham was
indeed, a. sight to make others smile and
his appearance was greeted with uproar-
ious applause. His makeup was remarkable
and he scored a complete success, although
he does not come on till late in the piece.
The others taking part acquitted them
selves creditably. There are lots of pretty
girls in the chorus, and their costumes
striking and beautiful, especially those in
white and green at the opening of the sec
ond act which takes place in glade near
the palace of the king.
"Eobin Hood" is the bill for tonight, and
the advance sale indicates that there will
be q packed house.