The herald., 1897-06-29
!. AT THE THEATERs
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when II was first produced at the San
Francisco Tivoli some years ago. had
very successful run. There Is little in
the music Of the opera that can claim
originality, and yet taken altogether 1t
is very clever combination Of catchy
music In which the portion that Is rem-
iniscent IL the most pleasing.
As for the motive, or story, 1t Is as
widely impossible as could be imagined.
but the writer manages to bring in
mixture Of Turkish, East Indian. Mexi-
can and nondescript elements. affording
an opportunity for attractive costuming
glimpses of the harem and general
display Of theatrical loveliness without
which no modern comic opera Is COM
plete. Boa
There was a large audience present
last night, so far as the seats In the low
er part Of the house were concerned, and
1t was more responsive than Is usual
here on fret night sperformance. The
opening chorus Of soldiers and Fred
Huntley's solo az Hassan Bey were de-
livered with good deal of fire and ex-
preston, and gave the piece a favorable
start. Charles E. Huntington in the title
role and Harry Davies as the Mexican
nobleman coming on Immediately after
wards assisted In confirming the good i'm
preston already made. Mr.. Hunting
ton does not have very much to do, but
does that we'll and has an attractive
manner, which with a good voice made
his part pleasing one. Mr.. Davies. the
tenor, is the possessor Of an excellent
voice which he uses with taste and feel
ing. Ethel Balch, as the Pasha's daugh-
ter. has the first act pretty much all to
herself and improved her advantage ac-
cordingly. She is full of life, animation
and go, with dainty little figure and a
graceful movement that is very fetch
ing. She manages her high notes with
great apparent ease and sings very
sweetly. Her duet with Huntley, "Kiss
me once again." was one Of the best
things Of the evening, and was encored.
of course.
In the second act, Katharine Mac
Neill made her appearance in Katisha-
like character and made hit. The same
success did not come to Louise Lewis.
who. as the young queen, had capital
opportunity, but showed much of tbs
novice in her singing and department.
and SO did not compare we'll with the
rest Of the company. She has sweet
voice but lacks expression, which may
come with more experience.
A capital bit was the Rajah Of Eugene
Rogers, a basso Of portentous. Othello-
like appearance, great solidity Of frame
and voice equaling in power that Of
the proverbial wild bull Of Bashan. Mr.
Rogers vocal efforts were chiefly spok-
en-, but he made the glasses Of the in
candescent lamps to quiver and set the
babies in the audience to crying. From
the little singing he did 1t may readily
be concluded that he will afford musi-
cal treat when he has character that
will give him the opportunity.
The low comedy team, whose work has
a family resemblance to the two scamps
to be found in Erminie and other operas
and melodramas, were funny, but would
be funnier if they would eliminate lit
tie Of their horse play, such, for instance,
as that with Alti. The supposed mes
merisms might be worked out In the
Triiby manner. but, as given, It is SIM
ply stupid and slow. Funny men cannot
afford to be slow, and Messrs. Kunkle
and Henderson may improve by being
little more rapid. The piece Is written
so as to give the low comedians an ex-
cellent show, and they should take ad-
vantage Of their chances without using
undue license.
The male chorus is quite good; on the
other side, while the feminine contin-
gent is not as satisfactory from musi-
cal point of view, 1t more than makes
up, in fact 1t does make up-they all
have to do it--by being pretty and at
tractive in appearance.
The entertainment. 1t may be remark
ed, is given at summer prices and, should
not therefore be judged by the standard
eXacted when higher prices are charged.
At the same time, with the exception Of
natural deficiency in scenic appoint
ments, the performance given is better
than many that have been seen on the
same stage when high prices were
charged. 1t may safely be said that the
people who patronize this company will
get full value received, and there ap-
pears to be an intention to support 1t
IL last nights attendance may be taken
as criterion.
ORPHEUM.-A we'll balanced bill Of
more than ordinary variety was pre-
sented at this house last evening before
the usual large audience. There is a
"lyric dramatic" soprano, tramp and a
soubrette, "the latest craze OF the day."
eccentric comedians, musical people
and aerial artists and Billy Carter.
What more could the most exacting Or
pheumite wish for?
The evenings entertainment is opened
by the Ryans and Emma Wood, who
repeat their success of last week. Nor
ton and Elliott continue to tear paper
into lace patterns and make a number
of eccentric noises, in which their sing
ing, which is exceedingly funereal, must
be included. A new team. Daily and
Hilton, do turn that fairly buzzes in
it's rapid and bizarre movement, but the
last part of their turn is a vulgar exhibit
ton that boasts no apology Of humor
Ida Grey Scott is a soprano of pleasing
presence, with powerful, true and we'll
managed voice. She sang two florid
numbers, that well displayed the re-
sources and cultivation of her voice and
a simple ballad in way that won the
warm appreciation of the house. Nat
NJ. Wills, 'the trampiest tramp, and
his foil, Loretto, do much the same turn
as last week, and most of 1t is extremely
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