The age-herald., 1900-07-30
THEATRICAL GOSSIP
 OF LOCAL INTEREST

The Elite Opera Company is putting up a very satisfactory show at Lakeview. I have seen several of their performances and compared with those of opera com- panies in the Southern cities, I think the Birmingham crowd Is decidedly good There is a deal of difference between sum- mer opera and winter opera, just as there is between summer prices and winter prices The few harsh critics have heard should bear this In mind, when they are tempted to look with a two dollar expec- tancy from twenty-five cent seat.
 I've seen Mascot twice this week, and was impressed with Bettina's and Pippo' s duet In this, it will be remembered, Betty vows that Pip's resonant notes are sweeter than her turkeys gobble, and Pip swears Bets voice is more attractive than his sheeps bleating. And then Pippy and Betty bill and coo in a most loverlike fash- ion. Incidentally I think the Lakevlew Company's weakest point lies just here. They're off on their hugging. They lack the practice that makes the long-organized companies perfect.
 natural, easy embrace is an art that needs cultivation.
 Another feature of the performance that amused me were the skirts of the young ladies in the chorus, which are decidedly "rainy day" Womankind is so accus- toned to her long skirted conventionali- ties that on her first appearance in the graceful skirt of the opera, there is an awkwardness in knowing what to do with the feet, that is distinctly noticeable to a front row man.
 The voices at Lakeview are particularly good. They sing with a finish that is dis tinctly professional and much better than the great majority of winter operas that visit this place. The stage action of the company is far above the amateur and adds to the performance. The details of the show, such as beginning and quitting on time, prompt car service and the like, are we'll looked after.
 I know it is hard thing to do, but l wish the Elite people could change their bill oftener than once a week. The people would go out six times week, if they didn't have to see the same show over. l want to suggest that before the season is over that at least week of repertoire be played different opera each night.
 The Lakeview opera is legitimate busi- ness enterprise and I hope the manage menC Will make d SuCCeSS Ol IL, LuaHCldlly and otherwise.
 Judng from the attractions which the management of the Jefferson Theater has booked for the coming season, the winter of 1900-1901 will be the most brilliant and attractive Birmingham has seen.
 Among the features that may be men, tioned at this early date are the Boston ians, reorganiZed and rejuvenated and bet ter than ever; Mansfield in Poor Rela- tion;" the inimitable May Irwin, the queen of coon song fame; Rogers Brothers in Wall Street." which has had such long run in New York; Sign of the Cross, D Sorrows of Satan," Sherlock Holmes; '"The Christian" and a good many others that wont try to name.
 The opening attraction of the season Is known as "Kellys Kids" But it will take light play to counteract the hot weather of August 29, which is the date fixed for the opening.
 Manager Douglas, who made such a suc- cess of the old O'Brien'S and the new Jeff ferson last season. will be in charge again this year. He is spending the summer in St. Joseph, Mo-, and in Memphis but will return to Birmingham about August 5. Mr Douglas staff will be the same as last season; all of them bright, capable fel- lows.-
 I am looking for an unusually attractive winter in the theatrical line.
 THE MAN IN FRONT.