The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-05-07
PRISCILLA"
Delightful Performance at the
Theatre Last Evening.

!
Theatre Last Evening.
The largest, and most appreciative
audience, that has attended the Salt
Lake theatre for some time was on
hand last evening to witness the first
production Of Priscilla Few, if any,
are unacquainted with the history of
Longfellow's sweet Priscilla" and the
proxy courtship of Miles Standish who,
although loving the maiden dearly.
fears her mo" too much to dare all
and put the question. In his despair
he requests his friend John Alden. who
is also in love with her, to plead his
suit. John, who is not aware of the
fact that he is the beloved of Pris-
ella, consents, and in compliance with
the wish of Miles Standish, seeks her
out and, with breaking heart, pouaS
into her ears the story of his (MilesO
love When it dawns upon Priscilla
that John is counting her for another,
she shyly turns and says: why
don't you speak for Yourself John?'
The story has been welded to sweetest
music by Thomas W. Surette, music
that is singularly in harmony with the
words. 1t its also music that stands
the test of reflection, one carries away
an impression of an undertone by
running
through IT. The production of this
opera in our city by local talent re-
fleets great credit upon all concerned
in it. If Salt Lake has one thing she
can fairly boast Of it is her vocal
element. It is seldom that one enjoys
the opportunity of hearing so many
really line voices as those that were
raised in unison at the theatre last
night The chorus was magnificent.
Mrs. Knowlton, who took the part of
Longfellow's tender Puritan maiden,
acted with a. sweet and gentle dignity,
that was infinitely attractive. She has
q light soprano voice of agreeable
encores were accorded her, her rendi-
ton of the spinning song in act two
creating enthusiastic applause
Mr.. John RObinson'S Yet Though a
Soldier was a perfect gem His Miles
StandiSh was praiseworthy piece of
acting. When he has acquired the
polish that comes of experience he will
probably make as good an actor as
he does singer. Mrs. Woodrow. Mrs.
Newman and Miss Stopper. in their
respective roles of Barbara, Faith. and
Prudence each made one or two dis
tinctive hits. The rendition of 81 See
Thee, I See Thee" by Mrs Woodrow
was very beautiful. These ladies have
earned for themselves a reputation in
musical circles that is unassaiIable.
Their efforts of last evening can only
tend to add laurels to their fame. Mr..
John D. Spencer as Hatebad Higgins.
George Westervelt as Squanto. and
Miss Royle as Resignation supplied
the comic element of the opera, and a
very comical element, too Mr. Spen-
GERS Trilby was the funniest thing we
have seen for a long time. Mr. Jen-
nings had not very great part as
Governor Bradford, but he did well |
with it. If Mr.. Piper Is slightly lack |
ing in passion and fervor, he is by |
no means wanting in an exquisitely |
melodious voice; he indeed possesses
this attribute in positive degree.
The opera was prettily staged and |
the costumes in accord with the times. |
There were no bitches and no visible |
hesitation on the part OF any member !
in the cast. Great credit is due to /
Professor Krouse for the splendid /
training that is evidenced by all TAX
ing part in the opera. Priscilla" will |
be repeated tonight and tomorrow
night