Omaha daily bee., 1899-05-26
...AMUSEMENTS...


1t vas Bostonans night at the Boyd thea
ter last night and the story is told as far
as attendance is concerned. The offering
was Rob Roy comic opera in three acts,
the libretto from the popular pen of Harry
b. Smith and the music written by Reginald
De Koven.
Rob Roy" will never attain to the pop
ularity of either Robin Hood" or the Ser
enade," which are to be sung during this
engagement, that is until golf becomes more
popular with the public. The Mes and the
Sandies were in very distinct evidence, OF
course, white plaids and checks we're the
correct apparel.
The music of Rob Roy" is of strange
nature. Some Of 1t is suggestive OF more
heroic action than comic opera, some of 1t
is on the order of the popular march and
again some of 1t is quite in place. The
principals had each a chance to do some
prominent work and the general presenta-
tion of the opera was well received.
AS Rob Roy, MacGregor. OH" Mr.. Mac
Donald was equipped with his usual dash
and interesting action. His voice was in
excellent condition and the part is one that
suits him to perfection.
Curiosity was rife with regard to William
LAWN who is known to many local music
lovers, vocally, If not personally. and the
impression which he created was salts
factory. His voice is of good quarity, we'll
balanced and carefully placed. His work
was marked by much of that JUNCTION which
is usually conspicuous by its absence in the
tenors of comic opera
Jessie Bartlett Davis with her splendid
voice, is better than ever and much GER
tainly depends upon her in the exacting role
of Flora Macdonald She seems to have
more and more voice and increased sympathy
on each appearance.
The renowned Barnabee, who has made
several generations laugh perhaps, was not
adequately provided for and he made the
most that could be made of lines which were
distinctly "Hoot, mon," and of certain jokes
that were as old as that beverage which
fell into the hands of Sandy McSherry, the
town crier. Mr.. Barnabee is so delightfully."-
humorous and he has such an able second in
George rockingham, that one expects many
very refreshing lines and, therefore, when
the book is a bit dull, the effect is quite
noticeable.
Helen Bertram, despite singular method
of producing some of her lower tones. por-
trayed faithfully the part OF Janet, daughter
of the mayor Of Perth. Her upper voice is
everything that is promised concerning her
the affections of the people who in every
town save their pin money for THE Bos-
tonlans."
William Broderick made magnificent
Highlander, as Cameron Of Lochief His
part is one of considerable strength and 1t
was in good hands. Fitzgerald took the
palm in his Scotch dialect and he presented
a very clever character sketch, even II he
had his doots aboot it,"
Josephine Bartlett was quite chic as the
captain Of the Grenadiers and her voice was
as usual, pleasing.
The minor parts were sufficiently well
taken care of and the chorus was effective
throughout, contributing reflection OF
credit on Mr.. Studley who conducted the
performance and had with him good or
chestra augmented to degree by local mu-
sicians.
Tonight the curtain will be rung up
promptly at s:15, instead of $3.50, as 1t was
last night.
The costuming of the opera was superb.