The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-09-18
ADJUSTMENTS.
HOPPER AS GEL CAPTAIN"
Splendid Performance al IN: Providence
Op:ra House Last Evening.

ISABEL. Nella Bergen
Princess MarEhanza. .......-. Alice Hosmer
Taciturnez. z...............,.......Fi Raymond
Ihe audience that witnessed the open
ing performance Of the season at the
Providence Opera House last evening was
a large, brilliant and remarkably appre-
ciative one. Inueed, 1t is doubtful II ever
in the history OF the theater season was
inaugurated under more favorable condi-
tions. There was not q vacant seat in the
house, while the available standing
room was entirely occupied. The new
curtain, OF which The NEWS, some
weeks ago, gave a description, proved
a welcome change from the familiar one
that previously filed its place and the au-
dience testified its appreciation OF the
change by liberal applause.
Dewolf hopper, in comic opera that
was new to Providence lovers of light
music was the attraction and a most sat-
isfying and laughter r-provoking perform
ance he gave. II would be a work OF
supererogation 10 say at this late day that
MIR. Hopper is amusing; he IS more than
that. He Is the EN- bodiment OF unctious
hum or and quaint drollery. He is bundle
of winning and wonorous whimsicaiities,
so unconsciously and spontaneously en-
ployed as to excite merrment in mis-
anthrope. The vehicle through which
he exerted his unique powers last even
ing was GEL Capitsn," a comic opera,
the libretto of which was prepared by
Charles Klein and the musical setting
provided by John Philip Sousa. the noted
band master and composer. Mr.. Klein's
work is in every way satisfactory. He
has given plot sufficiently coherent TO
arrest and retain interest, while ne has
cleverly worked out some exceedingly
amusing and mirth-provoking situations
Tne musical setting is from the first
bar TO the last enjoyable. 1t abounds in
bright, sprightly and melodious meas
ures, which in merit are far above the
esr-tickliDg efforts of the average comic
opera score writer. There is not dull
or insipid movement in the entire work,
while there are mum bers which will re-
tail hold long after Mr.. Hopper has
laid by "El Captain for some newer
production. The choruees are among the
most enjoyable features Of the work.
They have a swing that carries one ire
sIstable along and q dash that arouses to
a sense of pleasursbl exhileration.
As "El Captain Mr.. Hopper has added
another to his list of remarkable sue
cesses. In fact he was never given so
warm a reception in Providence as was
accorded him last evening and never have
his efforts been SO enthusiastically ap-
plau1ed. At the conclusion of the third
act he was repeatedly called for and
finally compelled TO make . speech,
which in its way was quite as amusing as
his performance OF "El Captain" Mr..
Hopper has surrounded himself with q
company of excellent ability and chorus
which is large, well balanced ana well
drilled. Miss Nella Bergen made very
favorable impression rs a singer. She pos
sesses a voice of rare purity which she
uses very effectively. Miss Edna Wallace
Hopper, as the sprightly Estrelds, won
a large share OF applause. The stage set
ting IL most effective and the costumes
picturesque and pleasing. "El Captain"
will be repeated this and tomorrow even
ings and at the Saturday matinee.