The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-09-14
The Bostonians at Providence Opera House.

was augmented by the addition of several
instruments in the hands OF good musl-
clans.
Indeed, the part assigned TO the orchestra
was surprisingly good when compared
with great deal else offered in this So
called comic opera. Striking contrast
was offered in the abundance OF curb
stone wit of the first act. 1t was up-to-
date and brimming with the vernacular
of a certain part of the population of
every large city. IL was the humor readily
appreciated by the bright conversations
alists who supply luck of descriptive
vocabulary by asserting that il Is good
thing" and "out of sight, mot in IL, -
and push il along" and won't do a
thing" is modern and familiar. 1t
tickles miscellaneous audiences in largo
towns and it gains the distinction of he.
ing bright and sparkling.
'The Serepade'' was tainted with this
sort of thing, and with gags, sufficiently
bread to catch the house. Waving draw
backs to riqipal work, The Serenade"
contains much TO commend. The music
is popular. jingling and tuneful and the
story is mirthfuI
The authors of this work have been pro.
life in the field of comic opera and they
are recogni zed as capable workmeD. The
libretto is by Harry B. smith and the
score is the product of Victor Herbert.
Bostonians grew disheartened and believ-
ed that it was doomed. The piece could
have been bought for few hundred dnl-
lars "a hours before its premier produce
tion but on the night Of its production
the Cleveland public endorsed it and its
market value Immediately went up into
the Thousands.
Then New York said il twas good
thing" and they pushed it along" The
al v a N
lis last spring was interrupted and " The
Serenade" was wrapped in oil silk while
the Bostonians produced Jules Jordan's
delightful comic opera Rip Van
Winklo" in this city.
Herbert & Smiths work was consider
ed n bonanza because IL had New York
endorsement and the work is regarded as
fit for a season 5 run at least bv the Bos-
tonians. Providence Is favored with one
of its earliest performances and the audi
ence last evening endorsed the verdict
ot Cleveland and New York by snonta-
npous manifestations OF approval. Hand.
some bouquets were delivered to Jessie
Bartlett Davis and Alice Nislsen and the
company were recalled several times. IL
was popular success and those in the
theatre went away feeling satisfied that
they hah blcn aRreeably entertained.
The Sarenade" is especially adapted 10
the BSstorians for IL supplies all the
principals with prominent arts peculiarly
aGnptod TO their personality. Mr.. Barna-
hee NJ psars much ut home rs ths Duke
chasing a. rival for tho hand Of his war
and tho music allotted to him is within
the scope of mis- capacity. Next to the
sheriff of Nottingham IL is the best part
the veteran has been seen in.
Mr.. Macdonald is fortunate in the cast,
tou, and he makes "a picturesque figure rs
the disguised opera singer pursuing his
lady love and Identifying himself with
sorenade from his inamorata' : favorite
opere. Mr.. Macdonald sings his share o
the score excellently and he acts with
effective dignity.
MIR. Cowles as the bandit chief is rerose-
fui and solid. His rich full voice found
congeniol employment In two or three
fine solos Mr.. philp u tenor of average
voice, had one opportunity and he made
the most Of it. HIS solo was one OF the
gems of the orera.
Harry Brown, an old time and compe.
tont comedian, made IA lot of fun as & O
tenor whu once had voice. Mr.. FrOth-
ingham was exceedingly droll as tho
tailor who devoted most Of his time mas
tcring the notes Of the Screnade in order
10 further his woOing. lie was comic
without boinR unnec sssarily obtruSive.
Little Alice Nielsen, " bo won her way
tn all hearts as Rip Van Wrinkles
daughter last spring, was charming in
ever way last evening. she acted with
delightful abandon, looking pretty all
the wbils anu her beautiful voice was in
gratifying 90 idense
Jessie Bartlett Davis gave her usual
hne va al exhibition and never forgot
that she was an artist Her sincere au
mirer-, however, prefer Miss Davis In
serious rAri, believing buTlesque is not
suitable Tor her or her nne atiainments-