The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-11-22

To say that the much talked of Con
dOiiers. given under the auspices Of the
Conservatory OF Music and for the
benefit of the Free Kindergarten asso-
citation exceeded all the rosy anticipa-
tions of its merits, is to express but
tamcly the sentiments that were cN-
pressed last evening at the close of the
first performance. There was a big
house and it thoroughly appreciated
the splendid production presented by
home talent. Mr.. and Mrs. Harry +.
Dixie and all connected with the man
agement deserve great credit for the
perfection and smoothness of the en-
tertainment after a comparatively
brief period of time.
The chorus is we'll balanced; the
stage arrangements are excellent; the
scenery and costumes are most attract
i've; the music is beautiful and be-
yond all the clevcrness and talent of
the performers are of such a high Or
der that the affair of whole naturally
created a furorc. IT was witnessed
by an audience distinguished in
mal:e-up and large as to numbers.
STORY OF THE OPERA.
The story of the charming little op-
era has been told in these columns be-
fore nough it is to say that its plot
contains two kings who are mixed as
to their kingship and two fair wives
equally uncertain as to their status,
owing to one of their husbands-it is
doubtful which one--havinE annexed n
wife a very carly stage of his career
N,.ith Ittly a
vast concourse of other people com-
prise q superior cast.
Miss Katherine Timberman, of the
Conservatory Of Music. who is a pro-
nounced favorite in this city, scored
great hit as the Duchess, whose state
ly manner and importance she carried
to perfection. Miss Timbermans un-
mstakable histrionic powers and hand
some personality would score n sue
cess even If unaided by her magnin-
cent cOntralto voice. Her solo "On the
Day When l Was Welded" was one
of the undoubted triumphs OF the eve
ming.
Miss Elizabeth Thomas was so at
tractive in her petite grace and dis
played such unexpected comedy abil-
tiles that her role would be difficult
to excel Her sweet and limpid So
prano made her work a distinct de-
light. These ladies divided the honors
with Miss Clara Simpson and Miss
Grace Spencer. Their respective roles
were so similar that it is a puzzle to
| make any distinction between their in
terpretatiOns.
a BEAUTIFUL VENETIAN.
Misc Sin, r,oda n boauttfu1 Nenn-
| tian girl as she needs no stage acces-
| sories to add to her charm. Her pure,
| lovely voice was heard most effectively
| in the great amount of work necessary
to her part. Miss Spencer is much re-
marked for her grace and the enthus-
| iasm which she throws into her con-
| ception of the role. Her voice has a
rarely sweet quality that had a special
| ly good scope in the role. Mr.. James
| Gardner Sanderson has made a re-
| markable hit as the Duke. His make
| up is extremely effective and the COM
| cdian possibilities which he devclopcs
! are a continual source Of delight Last
night his impersonatlon was given with
a hearty rollickinG spirit that added
| much to the character.
The Grand Inqusitor Mr.. Charlton
| h,
! conception of the rather difficult part
! that was most pleasing. There Is no
| attempt at overriding the comedy; his
enunciation is notably good and his
| voice is excellent for that impersona-
ton. Mr.. Willard NJ. Bunnell gave a
| clever Interpretation of Marco, and
sang exceedingly wei. Mr. Fred EN-
| erich, both in quality of voice and work
as a comedian, was an immense sat
| isfaction, and takes the dual roles of
gondolier and king with much facility
| Mr.. GleeSOn, as LuiZ, was very sat
| isfactOry, and Mr.. Battin, who assumed
the role unaVoidably abandoned by Mr.
| Ralph Williams because of Illness, did
| clever work. as did also Mr.. James
| Whelan. Mr.. Howard Beidleman and
| Mr.. Hector James We're great addi-
tions TO the cast with their excellent
! voices. Miss Isabel Clarke, with hel
| splendid contralto. was pleasing as the
| foster mother of the king, and Misses
Edith Martin, Edith James and Grace
skinner were charming in their roles
CAST OF CHARACTERS.
Too much cannot be said of the work
Of Bauer's orchestra. Following is the
cast of the principals;
Duke of Plaza-Toro,
Mr. James Gardner SandersOr
Luiz (his attendanU....Alr. John Gleesor
Don Alhambra Cthe Grand Inquisitor),
Mr. Charlton w. Bidwe
| Venetian Cor doliors--
Mr.. James Gardner Sandersor
Marco. Mr., Willard NJ. Bunncll; Giu.
scppe, Mr. Frederick w. Enrich
Francesca, Mr. James Whelan; Gcor'
go, Mr. H. Howard Beideman; To
masso Mr. James.
! Duchess of PlaZa-Toro,
Miss katherine Timbermar
| Casilda Chcr daughte),
Miss Elizabeth Thomas
Contadlnc-.
Gianctta, Miss Clara Simpson; Tessa
Miss Grace Il, Spencer; Fiamctta, Miss
Edith May Martin. VittorIa. Miss
Grace skinner; Giulia, Miss Edith
James.
Incz Ohe Kings foster.mothoD,
Miss Isabel Clarke
School children under 16 years OF age
| may obtain reserved seats at fifty cents
in any part of the house for the matt,
nee performance on Wednesday after.
| noon.
The sale of seats for this evening and
the Wednesday afternoon and evening
| performances continues at Powell's