The times., 1898-06-07
AT THE THEATERS.
Glen Eeho-"oIivette.-

Like wine and one or two ocher com
modities that might be named. good op-
eras seem to gain popularity with years.
and the old-time favorites. when well
presented. are invariably sure of appre-
ciatiye audiences. Unfortunately man
ayers do not always realize this and as
result a really meritorious production of
anything but the latest successes Is most
rare In the case of Audran's beautiful
composition, "OHvette" this has been
particularly true. and for this reason 1t
was with especial pleasure that the crowd
that visited Glen Echo yesterday discOv-
cred with what care and cost the Parry
Opera Company had staged and cast the
piece.
"Oivette'' itself is one Of the most
charmingly brilliant of the familiar
operas. Its construction is modern and
its story almost unique. while the dia-
logue is witty and the chances numerous
enough for its presentation TO be mOss
diverting The score is one of unusual
beauty. many of the solos being remark
ably tuneful. while two of the choruses
ard one number for a quintette are de-
serving of high place in musical lore
Then, too, "Oliyette" gives no end OF op-
portunity for the conscientious producer
and, altogether there is every reason why
its performance should repay the efforts
of all concerned.
The presentation given last night was
remarkable in many respects. chiefly for
its general excellence. That any stock
company could so stage piece seems be-
yond the range of possibility, but that,
the preiiminaries being accomplished. the
management could afford 10 offer the en-
tertainment at popular prices seems in
credible. Not only was the opera given
with a cast that battles criticism but the
exceptional people engaged were aided
by an enlarged orchestra three sets OF
special scenery and costumes. properties.
light effects and general accessories rare
in the best travelling combinations The
stage, too, had evidently been under most
capable direction and its numerous pict-
ures were of the most meritOriOus order.
The chorus, always feature with the
Parry Company. appeared TO unusual ad-
vantage and sung with gusto only equaled
by the vim and cleverness of its acting.
Best of all every member Of the organi-
zation was perfect in his or her part and
the entire performance was accomplished
without the slightest hitch of any kind.
Even in the days of its pristine success,
"Olivette" has rarely if ever been as well
given in this city.
The individual members of the cast were
deserving of the highest praise. Frank
Deshon won the honorS of the evening
with decidedly grOtesque impersonation
of CoquieIicot His bits of comedy were
of the most laughable nature. while near
ly all of the excellent business he intro
duced was entirely new. Mr.. Deshon is
possessed of an unusually good voice TOO.
and the only merit of his rendering of the
famous Bob Up Serenely'' was not in its
power as a smile winner AHeen Crater
was a dainty and fascinating Oiivette.
her characterization being quite the equal
of that given by Grace Golden. Her
and pleasing manners won her many new
friends. George Broderick and jay c.
Taylor made good doubles. the advantage
gained by the former through his ability
as a comedian being set off by the fine
voice of the latter. The 'tSerenade' and
one or two others of the tenor numbers
were beautifully rendered. Harry Carter
made creditable Due des IFS; Tom DAILY
a dignified Mayor and Viola D'Armon
looked. sung and acted the role of the
Countess 10 perfection. Bhe entire per-
formance was above criticism and deserv-
ing of the highest praise
feature of the opera was the work of
the Herald Square Quartette which en-
tertained before the curtain after the sec
ond act of the piece. ''Olivette" viii con-
tue until next Monday, with ssThe Chimes
of Normandy underlined for that even
ing.