The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1898-02-09
ADJUSTMENTS.

At the Orpheum just now there is
about as attractive and varied a bill
as one might wish to see, for whom a
two-hour performance is sufficient. Will
son, the Dutch comedian, has caught
on wonderfully, and is prime favorite,
as also is Dolline Cole, the female bari
tone, descriptive singer and interpreter
of coon songs" Besides there are
Weston and Herbert in a new and
improved double musical act, introduce
ing the musical desk. typewriter and
bicycle; Fanny Bloodgood the merry
soubrette singer; the Lozelle brothers,
the best Spanish ring performers seen
here yet; Lawrence, the trick bicycle
rider, who is very superior, and the
aerial ballet, which Is spectacle and
a thing of beauty with a bewildering
display of lights and colors.
The first concert Of the season Of
1898 by the Mcneil Club, took place
last night, before a fine, large and en-
tirely satisfied audience. We think it
the best, though not the most preten-
tious concert the club has given in re-
cent years. The male voices were di-
rected by the accomplished tenor, Rhys
Thomas, whose strong, dramatic tones
led them. They were twenty -nine in
number, admirably drilled, and thor
oughly familiar with the scores. The
club was recalled twice, Ring Out
Wild Bells finding most favor with the
audience, and it was indeed the most
tuneful of the chorus numbers, not one
of which, however, was weak or indif-
ferent. The clubs local soloists were
especially successful last night, Mr..
Genshlea, baritone, in THE Elf; Mr..
Cohn, tenor, in Ring Out Wild Bells;
Mr.. Scholes in very superior bass
solo, Hear the Winds Blow" and re-
spending to a recall with THE Monk"
and Mr.. Lester, tenor in solo, 20
Were I Rich and Mighty" and for an
encore sailors glee. PROFESSIONALLY
Mr.. Lester won the larger honors and
greatest favor of all these His voice
is especially strong, resonant and dra-
matte and his method is full of energy,
while his expression Is marked by much
feeling Nine. Westwater, the contralto,
was an instant favorite. She has a
notably melodious voice, deep, full,
clear-cut and of that sympathetic quail
ity that is so especially becoming in
contralto voices. Her first number was
Arditi's Let Me Love Thee" and for
an encore she gave an artistic selection
to her own accompaniment that won
her the warmest commentator of the
discriminating audience. Nine. West
water is a singer with whom expression
is the highest aim, rising superior to
technique. IT may be said literally of
her that she sings with the spirit and
the understanding. Miss Atkins, the
soprano, was very effective. Hers is
fresh. clear. vibrant voice, resonant,
firm and confident. 1t is not lacking in
warmth, and it has the charm of en-
thusiasm and youth. Her first number
was Ronald's "Once In a Life" giving
in response to recall pretty song
with cha rming effect. Her second num-
Der was a duo with Mr.. Thomas-the
Nile scene from Aida" 1t was sung
with refined taste, and marked express
sion and fully developed the fine quail
ties of her soprano Mr. Thomas. though
his voice had been severely taxed dur
ing the evening, sang with vigor and
precision that was inspiring, and his
tones were flawless. Miss Milliken was
accompanist of the evening, and dis
charged the task with the skill and
good taste for which she IS so well
known. 1t was, as said in the outset, a
thoroughly good concert and advances
the club still higher in public favor. 1t
was such a concert as deserves, if ext
gencies of time and space permitted,
q close, but generous critical review in
detail.