The San Francisco call., 1899-07-29
OPERA THYT
Is WORTHY OF
RECOGNITION

TT HE production at the Grand Opera
house this week wins a favorable
criticism through its general excel
lence. Faust, Marguerite, Siebel,
Valentine and he chorus demand recog-
milton and receive it repeatedly for both
solo and ensemble work. Marguerite and
Siebel are especially worthy performers,
for both Miss Mason and Miss Ladd have
dramatic ability not too often found in
the operatic world. Many a time at high
priced attractions we have heard their
parts sung not half so well and seen
them acted-not at all. Spinning song,
jewel song, flower song-all the gems OF
the opera come to US with their full
for humming and humor for remem-
bering. Miss Ladd does Siebel from her
inmost consciousness and fills in orches-
traI pauSeS with Such natural ana appro-
pirate action that special mention is quite
IN place. This holding the stage While
the orchestra sings on is generally done
with a stride or two, gesture heaven
ward and Chestward, gulp and gasp
and a final imitation of the lungs against
the approaching solo. MISS Laodi 70 tn5s ms
traditional business, may ever plead not
guilty and ever be acquitted. The choruS
at this theater is timed and tuned and
modulated by an intelligent baton and so
generous in numbers that stylelace shout
ing is never called upon to do duty IN
answer to the command fortissimo. The
themselves worthy of this generosity by
being decently grateful and not compla-
Gently taking for granted what their
past experience has seldom held. Inc
mistake of the production lies in casting
William Wolff as MephiSto. 1t is not only
a mistake, but it is not fair to Mr. NolH,
who, when given the right parts. never
fails to impress an audience with MS
ability. AS Mephisto, he is Impossible
and comes ever upon the scene an in
trusion from farce comedy The rene
gade, the fallen angel the subtle, sneak
ing, insidious fend, chuckling over his
successful Villainies, find no favor IN his
l1GrfOTmanCR.
rude health, with such comedians voice,
would kill the cause he would support
and magnetic, compelling temptation to
sin would soon become as extinct as the
dOdo. Faust, If passionate, was lnteln,,
gent and cultured, and no clown could
ever lure him to hades. Let US SlFe the
gifts that we have to the opportunities
that lie in our way and If, as part OF
stock company, we crave the thlhgs 5ldL 5ir
should not be. the manager, reading
Alright our erring souls, should give 10
us what we would ask could we see.
Whatever masterpieces may yet ne hlQ7 ~
den in the soul of William Wolff. and we
believe there are many, they will never
reach the light in Mephistopheiian form
The last act is fine. GOunod's music here
would stir the soul of a cIod. He well
understood how to reach the emotions
through tragic melody. Like Mephsto
TO him was known" The electric effects
are good and the scenery clean ana 1resH
and pleasant to the eye from thiS PONY
Of view. but the atmosphere OF Vlne-ciad
Virginia homes with Gothic cathedral dis
tance effects does not suggest the Abiding
place of Marguerite. A few properties
cOaxed out for purposes OF DECORATION,
should be wheeled back to the nlcnes
from which they were lured. MUST t5e as
easy, wide and gentle road that Leads
10 a correct understanding of period Tor
ever remain a terra incog. to the man
who holds our scenic fate IL his we'll
intentioned grasp? Next, week merry
''BOccaCciO" will be revived. ..--
CHARLOTTE THOMPSON-