The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-02
Providence Opera House.

The first performance here next week
at the Providence Opera House of one of
the most attractive light operas that has
been presented In long while seems to
have been reserved as Drawing attrac-
tion for one of the last weeks of the sea-
SON. "Rob Roy" IS, all things consider
ed. one of the most decided successes,
and il gained popular favor in New York
where II has already been given nearly
800 times and two weeks ago the boot d
representation was celebrated in Washing
ton. The Whitney Opera Company in
cludes sufficient talent among its men,
bers, however, to make the success OF al
most any light opera.
What may be pointed out in particular
is the happy selection of the theme for
this production. IL does not depend In
any way like so many similar produce
tions. on the bizarre quality, but rather
on the purely romantic and picturesque in
character and environment. That episode
in Rob Roy's career when he was the
chief ally OF Prince Charles, on the Pre-
tender. IN incitiDg rising in Scotland
in 1745, is the one chosen to weave into
the plot. The action, given in three
acts, is carried forward with just that
combination of the serious and the hum
orous which is most agreeable.
Opportunity Is afforded, of course, for
. display OF much that is picturesque and
humorous In the Scotch. The scene of
in Perth; that of the second Rob Roy's
retreat in the Highlands; and the setting
OF the third act represents the exterior OF
Sterling Castle by moonlight. All these
are stage representations that immediate
~ elicit applause the moment the one and
the other are revealed. Then there are
the kits in profusion, the bagpipes and the
Scotch burr in the mouths of all the
LowlaDders who had struggled to the
Highlands. The bonnie airs of Scotland,
the Land o. the Leal, are skillfully woven
into the woof of the score here and there.
In brief, both the work of the composer
and librettist, Harry B. Smith, form an
excellent combination OF melody, humur,
with a grain OF wit now and then, and
romantic incident.
OF the company presenting this opera
there are several members who merit
special notice. William Pruette as Rob
Roy looks the part. he is good singer
and capital personator. Juli-
cite Corden has the rule of Janet,
tho Mayors daughter. she is
attractive both by a charming
personality and voice which
lenus feeling and expression TO what
ever she sings. Prince Charles, the
leading tenor part, is sung by MIR.
Joseph Shechan, formerly of the Bos-
tonians, and the Seabrook Company,
a reliable and fine looking artist.
Next In consideration is Lizzie Mac
Nichol, certainly beautiful singer,
who personates Flora Macdonald;
aud then the two funmakers, Rich
ard X. Carroll and John G.. Bell
The former..bas the best part in this II
opera, as the Mayor of Perth, IL has
been his luck to personate in many /sns.
day. AS Sandy MacSherry, town(
crier, John q. Bell. excels In humor, -
the Scotch tongue, and makeup. =
Anna O. Keefe, one OF the stage beau
ties OF the present and several past 4
seasons, has the part OF captain OF
King Georges grenadiers while the
remaining parts are in the hands OF
the same capable artists as at the
first production, and the scenery,
properties, costumes, ETC., will be
the same as used in New York at all
three OF the productions there.