The herald., 1898-04-28
At THE THEATER
h++++++++++++++++4. + +4.4

ater last evening will long be treasured by
those who were fortunate enough to be
present. If Melba was radiant as Rosina,
as she certainly was, as Violetta she was
rapturous. The great prima donna simply
stormed the ears and hearts of her audience
and carried them off with her. And besides.
her wonderful impersonation of La Dame
aux Camelias," for it is impossible to di-
vorce Dumas Camille from Verdis Vio-
letta, was complete surprise. Her acting
was thrillingly impressive from its entire
sincerity. She was the brilliant cocotte,
the loving woman, the self-sacrificing hero
inc. in turn.
The production Of La Traviata" was in
fact a far more satisfactory performance
than that Of al Barbiere." Primarily, there
is more delightful music in it. Then, too
it was far better staged. Mr.. Ellis proved
that he had really brought chorus across
the continent and Bimboni and his splendid
orchestra gave consummate display of
their talent.
Last night, also, there could be no COM
plant of coldness on the part of the au-
dtence. Melba had to respond to at least
half dozen enthusiastic recalls at the fall
of each curtain, and it was only Campa-
nari's innate modesty that prevented rep
etition of "Di Provenza.''
The one infirm spot in splendid per-
formance was the weakness of Salignac' S
acting. He was in good voice but yet was
entirely unequal to the occasion, despite
the fact that Melba's acting was through
out magnetic and inspiring.
The last scene of the first act supplied
Melba's first triumph. Every note of the
splendid soiloquy was beautifully rem
dered The brilliancy of "Ah Fors Luz
was wonderful with perfect phrasing. and
in the aria, "Sempre LIBERIA" she reused
The audience to a great climax of enthusi-
asm. The duo with Germont (CampanarD,
"Dite Alla," was faultless example of art
and the "Addio' of the last act leading up
to the duos, "Parigi o Cara" and "Gran
DID," were perfect as far as Melba was
concerned. With her voice of Incompatible
beauty and her remarkable dramatic pow
er she transflgured the commonplaces Of
La Traviata." Whether the diva has
modelled her Interpretation Of the charac-
ter after Sara Bernhard or not. she GER
tainly produces an even greater impress
sion than the great French actress herself
and without descending to the narrowing
details. the cruel cough, etc., of the last
painful act.
with such dramatic ability it Is to be
hoped that the rumor that Melba means to
produce Puccinis La Boheme" Is true
1t is far greater music than la Traviata"
and it is no idle prophecy to predict that
Melbas Mimi would be the operatic Gre
alton Of the age.
Too little has been said of the excellence
9. Campanari's performance. He is a
voice, always even. always true. One would
have liked to hear more of Mr.. Rains, who
took the small part of the Marquis, for he
evidently has a voice of great power and
fine tone. The other parts last night were
taken by Nine. Mattfeld. viviani, Carbone
and Van Hoose.
Melba's brief season here has afforded a
rarely rich enjoyment for music lovers. 1t
has been an artistic triumph and the men,
ory of the superb songstress will long lin
ger with Los Angeles.
TONIGHT.-The presentation of a new
farce from the pen of such popular play
wright as Charles Hoyt is an event in it's
line. His latest effort. "A Stranger in New
York" will be seen at the Los Angeles
theater for three nights, commencing this
evening. 1t will be presented by company
headed by Anna Boyd and Joe Coyne and
including Charles DUNCAN, Amy Muller.
John Dudley. Nellie Mccoy, W. II. Halter,
Camille Cleveland. Harry Rodgers, Lizzie
Mccoy, Steve Maley, Minnie Bridges. Sam
Marion, Minnie McEvoy, John Mitchell
Willis Martin, Thomas Quinn and Edward
Wonn. 1t is promised that the play will be
deliberately presented, as the scenery and
furniture are carried by the company.
The piece, like all of Hoyt's is full OF
singing, dancing and other specialties, and
has the usual bevy of pretty girls who wear
swell costumes. The music is composed
by Richard Stahl and Mr.. Hoyt has sup
piled the songs.
BURBANK.-Today special matinee
will be given at this house for the purpose
of assisting the school children of this city
in their patriotic endeavor to help in rails.
ing fund for the building of a new United
States battleship to replace the bat
tleship Maine. The entire proceeds oi
the entertainment will be devoted to the
stated object, Managers Belasco and Fish.
er furnishing the entertainment with al
it's auxiliary expenses as their contribu.
ton to the occasion. The affair has the
official sanction of the board of education
and an overflowing house is expected. The
famous Chinese drama, entitled 1.-THE First
Born will be given.
In the evening a special arrangement o.
patriotic airs will be played by the very
competent orchestra under Mr.. Vests lead
ership and the attendance of representa-
tive members of a local social club is ex.
pected to swell the size of the audience
The bill will consist of "In Idaho" and 1.-The
First Born"
Arthur F. Warde, eldest son of Frederick
Warde, the tragedian, and formerly hi.
manager, is in the city completing arrange
| ments for the appearance of the celebrated
comedienne, Marie Jansen at the Los An
geles theater, commencing next Tuesday
night.
Miss Jansen Is one Of the most distin
guished women of the stage and was fam