The record-union., 1897-06-08
ADJUSTMENTS.

1.-THE Pirates of Penzance'' was sung
at the Clunie Opera-houSe last night by
the WILDER Opera Company. 1t is the
most tuneful comic opera the company
has given here. The troupe is singing
greatly better under the baton of the
new director, Mr.. Bareuther, notably
the chorus which seems to have been
endowed with new powers The opera
reintroduced Miss Rockwell, whose ex-
pressive and limpid soprano was heard
to superior advantage. Miss Southern
was in good voice also, and had a part
admirably suited to her style. She was
notably successful in her solos. and
with Mr. Ellis won a we'll deserved en-
core in the beautiful duet II Love
| Thee one of the most delightfully."-
tuneful songs that has been given by
any of the company. 1.-THE Policeman's
Chorus was a great success in both
the acting and lyric sense. 1t was led
by Mr.. Lewellyn as Sergeant of Police,
and won for the male chorus an en-
thusiastic encore. In the Paradox
trio by Miss Busch, Mr.. Kyle and Mr..
Ellis there was a district triumph, es-
pecially by Miss Busch, whose simulat-
ed laughter so infected the audience
that finally it became genuine on her
part, and resulted in a demand for re-
petition. Miss Busch has more of act
ing than singing in this satire by Gill
| bert and Sullivan, but happily she is as
clever an actress as she is a strong,
rich contralto. Mr.. Ellis has not been
in better voice in all the weeks he has
been here. He sang in fine spirit last
night, his resonant, clear and flexible
tenor producing a most marked i'm
preston. Mr.. Rockwell as Major Gen
eral Stanley, who is oppressed by a
sense of duty, filed the role admirably.
He has one solo toward the close of the
second act that, brief as it is. wins for
him general favor for the delicacy with
which he gives IT. IFS plaintive melody.
The opera as a whole is decidedly the
best example of comic opera we have
had here in very many years. In cos
tumery and acting the company is
faultless, and in music ability it is sat
isfying. 1t may be said that with all
of the comic operas of Gilbert and Sui
livan taken into account, there is not
one that has more real music merit than
THE Pirates of Penzance" 1t is studded
with gems, and its choruses are of that
inspiring and merry order that satisfy
the lovers of humor in music. The piece
was beautifully mounted last night
The first act shows a retreat upon the
rocky sea shore of Cornwall. The
scenic artist and stage hands have in
the preparation and setting of the scene
done as effective and artistic work as
has ever been seen upon the Opera
house stage. The second act is in a
ruined castle with moonlight effects
This is even more elaborate stage set
ting, and of greater scenic beauty than
shown in the first act. Indeed the scenic
effect is so fine as to evoke applause
the moment the curtain rises. Lovers of
good music we'll interpreted and of
tuneful comic opera, we'll acted by
company of high merit, should patrorize
the Opera-house this week very liberal
ly, especially if it is the desire of the
public that the troupe shall remain here
another week. The patronage to this
GATE has not been commensurate with
the merits of the performances.
Manager Todd is considering the mat
ter OF changing the opera matinees
from Saturday to Sunday afternoon
with prices of admission for the entire
house 20 cents for adults and 10 cents
for children under IA years. Indeed,
the matter may be said to have been
| resolved upon definitely.
Professor Gentry's pony and dog
show is exhibiting 1.nday. canvas or