The herald., 1897-07-16
: AT THE THEATERS
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LOS ANGELES THEATER. The Co
lumbia Opera company rendered era Di-
avolo" last night to good sized audience
which was enthusiastic in its tokens of ap-
probation and delight. Following is the
cast of characters:
Fra Diavolo ...... Robert N. Dunbar
Lorenzo ...... ........ HILARY Davies
Lord Allcash ...... ........Jack Henderson
Lady Allcash 80. Katherine MacNell
hoperto...... .............. ......Gracfe Bell
Beppo ...... ........ Charles E. Huntington
Jocomo........ ........ ........ Geo. Kunkle
Mateo, Innkeeper ...... ....Engene Rogers
Zerlina, his daughter. $3.50. Ethel Balch
Fra Diavolo" Is dramatic character.
as becomes the principal parsonage in a.
romantic opera. The part calls for an
actor as well as a singer. Mr.. Dunbar, who
was received in a very friendly manner,
did his best as a singer. His voice has a
robust quality with a wide range and some
very sweet tones. His use of it, however
has already produced signs of wear that
might have been prevented. As an actor
he spoiled a very elaborate attempt at
the PRESERVATION of the brigand chief by an
obtrusive self-consciousness that was too
prominent to be pleasing. His two asso-
ciate land pirates were capitally done by
Huntington and Kunkle, the latter doing
an especially good piece of work In the
chief.
Miss Balch showed no visible signs Of
the severe strain she has been under all
the week and in the seXtette from Lucia
di Lammermoor," which for some occult
reason is introduced as the finale of the
second act of this opera, her voice rang out
clear and true on a high D on each of the
three repetitions which an enthusiastic
audience exacted. She acted the part with
native grace, and in the trying disrobing
scene was captivatingly pretty without
going to the lengths that have been ven-
tured by some of her predecessors in the
part. The other roles were rendered and
sung in a manner worthy of the different
members of the company and of the opera.
Harry Davies was in good voice and gained
great applause for his introduced song in
the third act, entitled Broken Melody"
which was written and composed by Mr..
Reynolds, the indefatigable and talented
director of the orchestra. 1t is very
pretty composition and Mr.. Davies did full
justice to it. Jack Henderson showed
good sense in not making driveling idiot
of Lord Allcash, as is generally the habit
with the comedians who take the part.
Miss MacNeill as Lady Allcash filled the
role most acceptably.
The performance as a whole went Off
with great spirit as is customary with this
company. Tonight THE Mikado" will be
repeated, and as it is one of the best of
the repertory will no doubt attract another
good house.
+ +
A farewell testimonial has been rendered
to Miss Katherine MacNeill which will be
given on Saturday night, when 1.-THE b.
hemian Girl will be given. The cast on
this occasion will be strengthened by the
addition of Edward Quinlan as Count Arm
helm Mr. Quinlan has not been heard
here in opera, but is well known as fine
singer and his appearance will assist in
making the occasion, notable ones Miss
MacNeill's energy and perseverance de-
serve special recognition at the hands of
the music loving public, and. it is to be
hoped that she and her excellent. company
will be honored by a large PATRONAGE