The herald., 1896-06-20
AT THE TnEA1ERs
LOS ANGELES THEATER.-

LOS ANGELES THEATER.-The or
dinary habitues Of the foyers on first
nights who might have CHANGED to drop
in at this theater last night. after lis
tening to the sprightly melodies of Sui
livan and the antic and fantastic humor
of Gilbert as exploited in the Pirates of
Penzance, could we'll have asked, What
operatic organization is in town? In
good truth the production given last
night would have done credit to many
professional organizations of no mean
reputation. There was large audi
ence present. for the entertainment was
given by our local singers in the sweet
cause of charity, and in all that assem-
blage there was not one but felt tney
had enjoyed a delightful feast of good
music So we'll had the preliminary
work been done that there was but little
suggestion of the amateur in the proouc-
tion, and principals, chorus and orches,
ira united in rounding out the INES ol
this charming opera with finisheu eN-
cellence, an adequate conception OF tone
values, and an artistic relevancy that
made an ensemble that was alike a sur
prise and delight
Sir Arthur Sullivan was singularly
happy in the score of the Pirates OF Pen-
Zance Mingled with his characteristic
jingles, there are many sparkling nusl-
cal morceaux that breathe, full and free,
the soul and essence of pure melody
melodies that freshen the tendrlls OF the
heart like a cloud of dew in the heat OF
harvest time. That these beauties OF
rhythm and feeling should find opposite
expression in coterie of unprofesslonal
singers were strange indeed, but so runs
the truth, and all who were there VIII
say that it was most commendaple
performance, rare in it's surprising eX-
cellence The work of Mr.. Gottschalk
as musical director and Mr.. Huntley as
stage manager deserves the hlghest
compliment. for these gentlemen must
have done their work we'll to make such
a brilliant achievement on that stage
last night.
First to be mentioned is Mrs. Lillian
Burdett, as Mabel, her first time IN an
operate role, we belieVe-but sne car
ried herself with an ease, t1eXibiilty ana
composure that was surprising IN It's
gracefulness. AS to her voice, 1t is
pure crystalline soprano, mellowed with
strong and moving impulses OF feellng,
as we'll as giving betimes full evidence
of good technique. Mrs Simpson as Kate
was likewise notably good, ana MISS
Bernice Holmes as Ruth, with her rich,
sonorous contralto. gave varied muslcal
color and dramatic force to the 1mper-
sonation. Mr. Huntley, of course. was
Richard likewise gained the warm favor
of the audience. Mr.. Manning's major
general was a good characterization,
and Mr.. kern's sergeant added the
necessary spice of humor to the produc-
ton. Misses McCabe and Yost as Edith
and Isabel also received much commen-
dation. The work of the chorus was one
of the superb features of the program
which will be repeated this afternoon
and evening.
The following ladies and gentlemen
are in the chorus: Margaret Yost, Maud
Friel, Maud Roney, Laura Kincaid,
Blanche Heath, Stella Matthews, Dell
Steinike, Willie Lowndes. Ethelwynn
Cromwell. Maize Marion. Ouida Marion.
Dollie Kootz, w. Miller. Dan Cheno-
weth. H. B. Leader, J. Morris. Harry
Jones, Edwin Tilden, w. D. Middleton,
James Peck, L. L. Lockhart, L. Zinne
man, Winn G. Stone. George McKeeby.
Harry Mayhem. c. Bailey, c. Richard
Sumner, Irwin Martin.
ORPHEUM-These are good times for
the Orpheum, for the house has been
packed every night this week, and the
show which has been given is one that
everyone who has seen it will talk about.
The feature of the bill is the wonderful
little wire walker Virginia ARA gon. She
has given an impetus to vaudeville that
would seem impossible for this hot sea-
son, and large audiences have greeted
her at every performance. Those who
miss seeing her will loose the treat of the
year. Accompanying the great ARA
gon are several other features that are
top-notch attractions themselves. Of
these lie Clair and Leslie are best. Their
burlesque act is full of bright things and
their style is what may truly be termed
artistic. Mile. Carrie has made a hit
with her musical bells, as have also Col
Inns and Collins, the two jolly college
songsters and dancers. There is not an
act on the entire bill that Is not excep-
tionally good The usual matinee will
take place this afternoon with the full
company of Orpheum specialists.