The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-12-04

The Opera Carnival was far greater
success than even its most ardent we'll
wishers dared anticipate. That this Is
true was repeatedly attested by the
comments Of those who. as a rule, are
rather skeptical concerning the merits
of home talent and apt to be severe in
their criticisms. There have been en-
tertainments in the past when a kind
mantle Of charity was drawn over the
little shortcomings of the performers
and when people were enthusiastic It
was with reservations as they said: TT
was very good. indeed--for amateur
work" This familiar remark was not
heard in connection with this affair, for
so excellent was it in every detail that
the audience forgot to criticize and
only admired.
Indeed, no entertainment has ever
heretofore been attempted in this city
when so much fine musical talent was
employed. The soloists were artists and
did great credit to their teacher,
Madame Timberman- Randolph.
That the opera was such an unquali
fled success is largely due to Charles
F. Doersam, the musical director. The
financial results reflect most compli-
mentary on A. II. Storrs, upon whom,
as business manager, much arduous
work has fallen.
MRS. DYKES WORK.
Too much cannot be said in praise
of Mrs. Henry F. Dixie's painstaking
work in coaching the performance, a
task in which her patience and great
talent secure wonderful results. She
was assisted in stage management yes
fnSp In ff1sa
Dixie. who came down from Elmira for
that purpose.
The expeditions methods employed
may be realized in the fact that with
encores, intermissions and ALL the per-
formance lasted only one hour and
three-quarters. The Hahnemann hos
pital. for which 1t was benefit, will
be much richer by reason Of this en-
tertainment.
The "Chimes Of Normandy" was ex-
ceedingly well sung Mrs. Henry H.
Brady. jr., taking the role Of Germaine,
her great beauty and grace making the
character especially attractive. Ralph
ID. Williams sang magnificently in the
character of Henri, and Miss Clara
Langford. of West Pittston. was a
sweet-voiced Seppolette. Harold Bat.
comedian in the Notary. The chorus
was strong and well balanced. an ar
ray Of unusually pretty girls making it
effective to the eye as we'll as their
finely trained voices pleased the ear.
The mems chorus was remarkably
good, the tenors, in particular, coming
out well in the "Silent Heroes"
SCENE FROM I'll TROvAToRE."
Without fall of curtain. the tower
scene in I'll Trovatore" was presented.
Miss Grace Spencer certainly surpassed
all her previous successes in public as
she gave that great dramati" finale to
the tenor's farewell in "Ah, I Have
Sighed to Rest Me-" T. R. Williams.
of Wilkes Barre. in the role of Manrico,
brought down the house with his splen-
did resonant tones. The mems chorus
in the vesper music to the organ ac-
compartment of Prof. Chance was ex-
ceedngy effective.
"FatinitZa' made a great hit with
Miss Susan Black as the Princess and
Miss Garagan as Vladimir. W. M. Bun
nell and M. j. Long as the Correspond
ent and the General. Miss Blacks
powerful soprano was Unexpectedly
brilliant in her solo work, and Miss
Garagan sang delightfully."-. The final
trio was a gem.
The Cachucha followed. The bright
and charming costumes and the grace
full figures being especially effective
under calcium lights. AS an intermezzo
Bauer's orchestra played a two-step
from "The Ameer," and the curtain
came up above what had probably ex-
cited more anticipation than any other
number-"TheA Artists Dream" series
of tableaux. arranged by Mrs. H. F.
Dixie. James Gardner Sanderson was
discovered in the foreground Of a
studio, putting the final touches to a
surprisingly lovely statue, the person
mel of which In this case happened to
be Miss Ethel w. Fletcher. Others In
groups Of twos We're placed at inter-
walls about the studio. The artist looked
at them with pride as he uttered aloud
his thoughts, referring to the legend of
Demetrius, who so loved the beautiful
sculptured form, the work OF his hands,
that he besought Jove to give 1t life.
WOULD DESTROY LIFE.
His request was granted, but with the
warning that kiss upon the lips of his
bride would destroy the life which had
been bestowed. Once, in a moment of
madness, he disregarded the command