The herald., 1897-01-17

The English people are fond Of panto-
mime, and, cognizant of that fact, many
Of the London theatrical managers have
become past masters in the placing OF
gorgeous pantomime exhibitions be-
fore their patrons, particularly at the
Christmas holiday season. Strange tc
say, Americans have very little concep-
tion of the possibilities of such produc-
tions, as they are acquainted with PAN
tomime only as it is sparingly intro
duced into extravaganza, SO therefore
1t comes to us somewhat in the light OF
q novelty. 1t is this element of novelty
that is packing the Orpheum to witness
the performance of the Phoite company
in the pantomime Mephisto. These peo-
pie are extremely clever and give an ex-
cellent performance. in which every de-
tail receives such particular attention
as to denote the supervision of some one
well versed in the possibilities Of such
productions.
Orpheum patrons have never witnessed
a better performance on the horizontal
bars than that given by Zazelle and Ver-
non. With such ease and good nature
do these acrobats perform their won
derful feats that the audience fairly
screams itself hoarse with applause.
NThe Dunbar Sisters, who, by their
delightful disregard for the letter "h''
proclaim themselves as belonging to the
tight little island" within the sound of
Bow Bells, are rendering themselves
xx,sN ~ tA1 4 H.
front row at the Orpheum with their
songs and dances. which. like the young
ladies themselves, are quite up-to-
date, and win the unqualified admiration
of the Johnnies.
mot love-lorn Quixote, when his Sancho
thought
The knights fandango friskier than 1T
ought:
Not soft Herodias. when, with winning
tread,
Her nimble feet danced Off another's head /;
Not Cleopatra on her galley's deck
Displayed so much of leg, or more Of neck !"
At the Los Angeles theater the Grau
Opera company has been winning lau-
rels for itself. The unpretentions way
in which this really excellent organika-
tion has come before the public has,
In no small degree, added to it's popu
larity. 1t 10 so seldom nowadays that
theater goers find themselves pleasant
ly surprised by getting more than they
expected for their money, that the Grau
company may feel sure of welcome
wherever it may go. Most certainly
has 1t made unto itself friends In Los
Angels.
Miss Johnson. the prlma donna So
prano of the Grau Opera company, is
a woman Of the TrilSyesque style-"a
daughter Of the gods dfvinely tall, and
most dlvinely fair" She possesses a
sweet. albeit a not very strong voice,
which she uses very artistically. One
delightful feature of Miss Johnson's
singing in her enunciation, which is so
perfect as to render her every word
distinct to the audience.
Alice Carle. the big voiced contralto
OF the Grau Opera company, is, in the
words OF Mantalini. an "engrossing lit
tie captivator," who before she has
been on the stage five minutes has won
the good will of her audience, which she
continues to hold throughout the per-
formance. Miss Carle has a beautiful
voice df immense power, which she
uses to the best advantage, and this,
coupled to her dramatic talents, renders
her a valuable acquisition to the Grau
company.
Mr.. Dunbar, the tenor of the Grau
tall. handsome fellow, we'll
adapted for the roles of hero and lover
which fall to his share. and which, when
placed in the hanGlJ of little man, or
one of unprepossessing appearance, al
ways move an audience to unseemly
mirth, even should, the unfortunate one
possess the voice of an angel. Mr.. Dun
bars voice, while not of the angelic cal
iber, perhaps. is yet very pleasing, and
Is at times possessed of a truly excel
lent quality.
Mr.. Langlois of the Grau company has
finished character about his perform
ance that bespeaks an artistic train
Ing. Mr.. Langlois does not strive after
undue prominence, and seeks no other
erect than what the artistic performance
OF his role warrants.
The Burbank presented an especially
successful production of Haggari's She
for the delectation of it's patrons during
the past week. There is great oppor-
tunity in this drama for the Introduction
OF scenic effects. a fact of which the Bur-
pank management, with its usual care
ful attention to detail, took every possi-
bic advantage, making of the perform
ance highly creditable spectacular pro-
duction.
In Jessie wellburn the Burbank has
q particularly valuable leading woman.
one capable of the playing of many parts
anQ OF achieving much success in each
dinerent role she essays. AS She, in
the drama OF that name. Miss Wellburn
had q particularly trying part which she
maintained throughout in a most realis-
tic way.
The Burbank has become noted for its
leading men, which fact in no
small degree adds to it's success Miss
Davenport, whose judgment in theatri-
cal matters no one will doubt, has said
that unless a show pleases the ladies it
IS sure TO be a failure. Perhaps Mr..
Pearson, the clever manager of the Rrr
bank, has learned the truth of this q sser-
tion and has figured out that nothing is
more apt to arouse the interest of the
lady patrons of his house in a production
than the presence Of handsome man or
two In the cast, in the role of hero or.
lover.
LOS ANGELES THEATER.-Com-
mencing Monday night Graus Opera
company Will begin their second and last
weeks engagement. This organization
Is without. doubt one of the best reper-
toire opera companies that has ever an
peared in Los Angeles for long time.
and give each of their operas in grand
style, and their second week should
meet with crowded houses, as no COM
pany has given the public more value
for the money than the Grau company.
Each member has become great IA
vorite in Los Angeles. such as sweet
Alice Johnson. Alice Garlic, Gertrude