Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-07-14
OPERA SEASON OPENED
At Wheeling Park Last Night Under
Favorable Auspices.
Planquette's Tuneful Opera "The
Chimes Of Normandy" is Sung by
an Excellent Troupe-The Leading
Parts Well Taken and the Chorus
Stronghold Nights Programme.

The summer opera season in Wheel
ing was most auspiciously opened last
night al the Wheeling Park Casino with
Flanequettes tuneful opera, The
Chimes of Normandy" sung by the Ly
ric Comic Opera Co., of New York. The
audience was only fair sized one, but
quite critical, being made-up OF some
of Wheeling's best known and most
competent musical connossieurs. And
the rendition Of the piece made dis
tinct and pronounced hit. The lead
ing parts were all admirably handled,
and the chorus composed of some forty
voices was strong and we'll balanced
one. 1t is safe assertion TO say that
no better conception Of the popular
opera has been given in this city for
years past, and the reception accorded
was most enthusiastic and cordial
one. Miss Villa Knox, in the character
of ''Serpolette," achieved perhaps the
greatest success of the evening. She
fits the part TO a nicely, and her voice
is a fine one. United TO very petty
face and figure are the chic and grace
of manner that go to maze the part a
complete success. In all her songs she
captured the audience.
Miss De Rue as "Germaine," shared
the honors with Miss Knox. She pos
sesses a sweet voice and most fetch
ing presence. AS "Gaspard" the miser,
Mr.. John g. Bell showed a full con-
ception of the difficult part. His make
up was not open to the criticism OF be-
ing over-done as is so often the case,
and the strong scenes in the second act
in the old castle were given with force
and vigor that left nothing to be de-
sired.
At the end of the second act he receiv-
ed a recall, and Francis Gaillard, as
Henri, Marquis OF Cornville," was
very satisfactory and was well receiy-
ed. Just why, however, he should az
feet the accent he does is not entirely
clear. "Grenicheux, the Fisherman"
was well done nv Mr.. Phil Branson,
who has strong tenor voice, and whose
solos were heartily appreciated. Her
man Waldo, as THE Bailli," sustained
the comedy end of the piece in excellent
fashion. The rest of the cast was in
keeping with the leading parts. The
chorus was made up of set or very
pretty girls, the uniformity in size be-
ing noticeable, tending TO show that the
nice details have not been neglected by
the management, Messrs. 5. l.. Levi and
Al. Rheinstrom, VINO by the way, are
very well and favorably known here.
1t seems beyond any doubt that the
success Of the engagement, which is Tor
two weeks, is assured. The first per-
Torrance indicates beyond all perad-
venture that Wheeling citizens have
most excellent opportunity OF witness
ing high class opera, and they Will not
be slow to take advantage of it II the
past furnishes any indication of their
appreciation of what is really good.
Tonight 1.-The Chimes will be re-
peated. and tomorrow night the ever
popular "Pinafore," by those masters
in comic opera librette and music, Gil
bert and Sullivan. And according TO
the present arrangement "Pinatore'
will be given again Wednesday night.
Balfe's grand Bohemian Girl Friday
and Saturday. Next week Pirates OF
Penzance" will be sung Monday and
Tuesday; '1Mikado," Wednesday and
Thursday, and Mascot on Friday and
Saturday. This programme is possibly
subject to some slight change, which Will
be announced if made. 1t will be seen
that the engagement savors strongly OF
Gilbert and Sullivan, for three of their
operas "Pinafore," pirates of Pen
zance" and 'Mikado," and the last nam
ed has not been seen here for years, and
will be most welcome.
The motor line management has made
every arrangement to handle the
crowds. The special motor leaves at
1880 and runs into the grounds, and
others later run as usual, and leaving
the Park motors will be run at 11:1O
and midnight. A uniform change has
besn made-50 cents-and reserved
seats are on sale at Houses.