The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-09-17
At THE THEATERs.

Jules Grau's Opera company opened a short
engagement at the Metropolitan opera house
last night, with a presentation Of Adam
itzefs comic opera Tar and Tartar" The
score OF this opera is generally tuneful ana
harmonious. containing several graceful. IL
not brilliant melodies, and some effective
choral numbers.
Miss Alice Johnson, who assumed the role
OF Farina, the professional beauty was the
pleasing feature OF the programme as she
certainly looked the character, and sang the
arias sweetiy, though her voice seems to have
lost in volume since. her former appearance
here as member Of the Jennie Winston
Opera company. Miss Alice earle was also
acceptable in the role Of Taffeta. Miss earle
possesses centralto voice of meIodious
quality which She uses with some effect.
though the division between the upper and
lower registers is too marked. Sylvan Lang
lois who impersonated the Bedouin chief has
much method but little voice. His upper
notes cannot be criticised owing to their alb
sence. Mr.. Lahglois is afflicted with pro-
nounced tremolo which renders his tones in
distinct and uncertain. He is equally unin-
telligible in the dialogue in consequence of an
aggravated foreign accent. He seems thor
oughly at home on the stage, however, and
acted the role Of the hot-bIooded chief with
Eddie Smith, the name appeared on the
programme, was presumed to be the funny
man.. The funniest thing about Mr.. Smith
was his costume, which constantly threaten
ed to fall off. The chorus sang WELL con-
sidering its inadequate proportions.
The real feature of the evening the au-
dience, which consisted principally Of the ply
sicians now attending the convention of the
Mississippi Valley Medical association and their
ladies' There were 400 or more present The
illusions of the comedians to various human
ailments and the drugs that go with them
evoked much laughter from the medical men.
The Grau Opera company was not orig
inally booked by Manager Scott for his regu-
lar season, but was engaged simply to fill in
a portion Of this week owing to the failure Of
Rose Coghlan to fulfill her engagement with
Manager Scott.
1t is no wonder that 'Charley's Aunt has
been SO long-lived In popularity. No fun-pro-
ducing play ever written has compared with
this skit in point of extended runs. There
is good reason for its prestige. 1t is a clever
skit, and while awfully funny. is neither
vulgar nor suggestive. 1t is in the hands of
a good cast on this occasion and not role
suffers from weak interpretation. The attrac-
ton is meeting with good houses.
IA Midnight Bell.i; will open at the Grand
opera house next Sunday night and II Is
safe to predict for the attraction strong well
come. This play is considered by critics to
be the best Of Mr.. Hoyt's numerous come
dies. 1t is very interesting story OF the
plain country life III New England. 1t has
much lucid and continued narrative. The
incidents of the play hinge upon a bank rob-
berry, the arrest Of san innocent person and
the subsequent capture of the guilty party.
The cast producing .sthe play is said to be
one Of the strongest ever seen in 1t. Digby
Bell and his wife are said to both be seen
to excellent advantage In the roles they as
sumo. The assisting contingent is promised
to be of an excellent standard and the scenic
equipment and musical provision, adequate.
The sale of seats for this engagement opens
!. this morning. -~sts Ess,es Sas's-l-g f~s7a