The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-11-29


mined one of the seasons most gratifying
successes is an announcement that VIII be
highly appreciated by theatergoers.
OPERA AT THE CRAWFORD.
Wichita people like good music and the
brief season of opera by the Andrews
Opera company al the Crawford Grand
Il hailed with delight. The opening per-
Torrance last night at the Crawford
Grand drew very heavily and the audi
ence evinced more than a passing interest
in the production of 'Cavaleria Rusu-
cana and "Mikado" Cavaleria is short
opera and the double bill of last night,
Mikado following the sad but heavy and
beautiful music of Rusticana, was very
pleasing. Both performances were highly
satisfactory. The Andrews Opera COM
pany is very popular in Wichita and the
atre goers consider It a privilege TO wit
ness opera as presented by this COM
pany.
Cavaleria Rustfcana, Mascagni's beau
tiful composition was artistically executed
and came to an end all too soon, the only
compensation being that 1t was followed
after an inter1nission Of fifteen minutes by
the sprightly Mikado, which always pleas
es everybody. The story of Rusticana is
one Of passion and misguided love.
Turridu, a village fop. is in owe with
Lola. While he is away to the wars, she
marries Alto. On his return, finding her
married, Turridu in a fit Of pique and
wounded pride, turns to Santuzza, whom
he betrays. His infatuation for Lola, now
ever, still continues, and he soon tires of
SantuZza.
The opera opens at daybreak in the pub
lie square before the village church. Tur-
ridu is heard singing a serenade under
Lola's window. AS da ydawns the peas
ants gather to attend Easter service and
Santuzza comes to Mamma Lucia's to
seek Turridu. When she is about 10 tell
Turridu's mother of her betrayal, Alto
enters singing his jolly Carriers Song"
It is now the hour for services and the
peasants, after singing the beautiful Eas-
ter hymn. go into the church, leaving San
tuzza and Mamma Lucia alone outside.
After Santuzza has confessed her shame.
Turrfdu appears; Santuzza upbraids him
for mis- unfaithfulness and begs him TO
right the wrong he has done-Turridu in
a rage strikes her down. and follows Lola,
who mas meantime entered the church.
Santuzza tells the whole story to Alto,
who swears to be avenged.
While all are drinking in the square, AL
flo challenges Turridu in mortal combat
by biting his ear, an old Sicilian custom
Turridu accepts, and. after an affecting
leave-taking with his mother, when
stricken with remorse. he begs her 10
care for Santuzza, follows Alto, and IS
killed by him.
1t was the first time that Rusticana was
played here. The music of this opera pOr-
trays the passions and emotions of the
human heart in manner that is wonder
fully effective and the music alone. with
out one word spoken, would tell the story.
A blind man could appreciate the opera
and comprehend it by hearing the music.
The audience was he'd spell-bound.
Miss Nellie Andrews. who sang the part
of Santana, has a particularly fine voice,
OF great range and OF exceeding dra-
matte power and her rendering Of the pas
sionate and soul inspiring music, at times
terrific in its intensity and suddenly
breaking into a plaintive and soothing
strain, was superb. She sings with great
dramatic power and her acting is artistic.
Mr.. Jay Taylor as TuTridu. took the part
we'll and his fine tenor blended exquisite
" with cha- OF Mss Andrews. Mr.. Tay-
Tor was with the company when they were
here two years ago and sings better than
ever. Taken in every way Cavaleria =
a great opera
Mikado was well presented. The ch0-
ruses in this opera as well as in Rusticana
are beautiful and tie chorus OF the An
drews IS one Of the hes: trained that has
been here for years. The chorus Work
IS smoother than that q most companies. s
the shading. phrasing and articulation
and expression being particularly good
M Jay Taylor, as Poo Ban was very
clever and MS work most satisfactory. /
Mr.. Ed. Andrews. in as original Inter .
probation OF 10 KO 5ne Lord Hlga Exc /
cutioner. enjoys The reputation OF being (
the best Ko Ko in this c0untry. lie KEEP
the audience in merrimeut By ois very /
clever work The part o. Nanki Poo was +
very cleverly and accePtaoly played p (
NJ Ed McCrumish. who possesses con- /
siderable grace. 4 good figure and . NEST
pleasing tenor voice. lie sings swes-iy 1
and win much finish Yum Yum VAS I
good. Mss Catherine Lee. both a. Tgm
Yum II MIkado and as Lois II RGstica1a-
sings dellsntfrliy. Hey voice IS sWeet
and musical and he- charming Persona---t
pIeases. Sns VII Be popular ElSh Wiz
ia audiences II fact AL The parts Te7e .
vel taken and ,sss audience sax rood I