Evening star., 1898-10-21
AMUSEMENTS.

LA BOHEME. Boheme." Paccini's
opera, which excited so much interest in
New York, where it was produced last
spring, was heard for the first time in this
city at the Lafayette Square Opera House
II was interpreted by the International
opera Company, and when it is stated that
IL was the first time that this organization
had sung the opera, the completeness of the
performance was something remarka BILE
NOT iiaW was perceptible in the work of
east, chorus or orchestra, and the entire
representation was in every way desirable
The opera is of the modern Italian school
rich in sustained melody and harmonious
orchestration. The book is a drama con-
tanning comedy, emotional and tragic ele-
ments, and all these requisites were fully
met by the competent members of the
cast. 1t is rare that an opera company
pCsS 1SSeS so much dramatic ability for
artistic singers not always good play
ers. In the International Company, how
ever all the principals are good actors and
they should be SO to give La Boheme'
OF human interest, and the fortunes of
Mimi and Rudolph, Musette and Marcel
together with their friends, Colline and
Schaunard, are closely followed by the
audience These characters were assumed
as follows: Mimi, Mime. Clementine De
Nere; Musette. Miss Media Morrison; Ru-
dolph, Sig. Panbianchi; Marcel, Sig Bel
latf; Colline, Sig. Dado, and Schaunard Sig
Lanl, and each was in every way compe-
tent. Nine De We're sang the music with
arlstlc feeling and acted with splendid cf-
feet her death scene being natural and af-
fecting. The music suited her voice, al
tnodSh 1t gave no opportunity for fiorid
display. In the love duet in the third act
she was unusually effective. Miss Morrison
gave the part of Musette with true coquet-
tsh effect, and acted with great vivacity
he pl of
being so bright as to demand a repe tition
Sig Panbianchi proved himself an excell.nt
actor, and if his vocal methods are not al
ways pleasing, he is always earnest and
sincere Sig. Belati's voice improves with
each hearing, and he was in admira BILE
form last night.
The same is true of Sig. Dado, whose
| Colline gave him but one opportunity to
display his fine bass voice. This was in the
last act. where ne bade farewell 20 his
coat. which he was going to pawn to get
money to buy medicine for Mimi. This
was sung with such musiciany feeling that
it ELECTED a hearty encore. Sig. Zani as a
musician and MIR. Earl P. Parks as the
landlord are both deserving of special men
tiou for their work. The chorus deserves
praise for its good singing and constant ac-
tion. It's members gave life to the street
scene and made it remarkably effective
The mounting of the opera was worthy of
all commendaton, and reflected the great
est credit upon Mr.. Rudolph the stage
manager. The scenery was appropriate,
and every detail was attended to. The or
chestra. under the intelligent direction of
Sig. Sapio, rendered efficient service, and
aided in no small degree to the enjoyment
OF the evening. La Boheme' is an op-
era that will grow upon acquaintance. and
il should be greeted with a crowded house
when 1t is repeated tomorrow afternoon.
Tonight Romeo and Juliet will be given
in English, with Nine. De Vere Miss
Broadfoot. Mr. Mitchell and Mr.. Carr in
the cast.