Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-04-19


CHIMES OF NOMANDY--Tbeatre-go
srs after seaso On of pensnce and SELF
ahneeation last night turned Gus" EN-
mssse, Notwithstanding the Indictment
weather, to witness the reproduction by
SbarDs and Flats of the comic opera
"Thimes of Normandy" under the aus
nces of the Alexandria Free Kinder
garten Association, and judging from
The attendance the benefit will be
Great financial success, as we'll as rare
mnsicisl treat to the benefcent patrons.
Genersl expectation was not disap-
nointed, for the opera was presented
unon the best possible scale, and i'm
DIied a great deal OF effort, OF Ingenuity
IF genuinely hard study aud work, aud
careful organization. A good body of
mnsic that leaves q pleasurabls trace,
and not emptiness behind; story that
saves something of serious romance
from burlesque, with fair scattering
of witty lines, and no very dull lapses;
large possibilities OF humor 10 the con.
di,ions of the plot; chance for pictur-
esoue setting AID gay continuing
there YOU have a rough recipe for COM
ic opers. l. is also sketch OF ones
general impressions after bearing The
Chimes OF Normandy" 1t is a little
more puzzling to say which of these
elements contributed most to the sue
cess which the work secured with the
audience that OVERT owed the Opera
House last night eager to hear and see
the reproduction which had raised such
high anticipations. The opera Is full
OF difficulties, especially so In the Choir
us work, and the fact that they were
surmounted, and that the performance
was given without hitch, speaks vol
umes for the training and talents of the
cast and chorus. As to the cast, the or
eanization is lucky in having a number
who give a standard of uniform COM
petence-a happy standard for comic
opera. Too much cannot be said OF the
chorus, most essential composition OF
the production, which showed to good
effect the close study and frequent re-
hearsals requisite for q successful ren-
dition; while it's concerted work and
general capsbility were creditably
snowD. All first nights. are imposing
events. But. even If this were not so,
the musical prominence of the dramatjs
persona would have been sufficient TO
attract large and brilliant audience.
Last nights audience was not only brill
liant and large, but it was enthusiastic.
The air was charged with the ozone OF
success. There are doubtless atmos-
pheric conditions that depress or ele-
vste. Success was in the air and there
was not feature 10 the opera that was
not applauded The applause was die
criminaliug and we'll bestowed, for the
Interpretation OF the opera was most
satisfactory.
Miss Mai r. Greenwich, who played
the part of "SerDolette." was in excel
lent voice and sang her part with good
taste. Her manner on the stage is al
ways easy and graceful, and her acting
has natural quality about it that is
striking. She was the recipient OF q
beautiful bouquet. -.
Miss Caroline Evans as "Germaine"
was exceptionally good, her singing and
acting adding much to the successful
production of the opera. Miss Evans
proved quite favorite and was fire.
quently and vOciferously applauded.
Especially was che very effective 10 her
imitation of the chimes. assisted by the
chorus. She also received floral
tribute.
Misses Ruth Bryant and Edith G.
Lindsey, as Gertrude" and ISL
zaune" respectively. we're sltoge Their
charming and delightfully."- enacted their
parts. =,
Miss Aunie Fl. Uhler as Jeanne
was not only attractive, but conceived
her role 10 truly mastery manner
Her admirers were disappointed be-
cause she was not afforded q broader
scope 10 which to display her abilities
Mr.. Melville d. Hensey in the tenor
role OF "Jeanne Grenicheux" sang with
Auency and good dramatic instinct
while the range OF bis voice satisfies
easily all the demands of the score.
Mr.. Walter E. Birch sang with skill
the part of Henri" and Mr.. William
Bryant was excellent az the "NOtary.
An amusing and interesting feat
ure OF the performance was Mr.
William II. Conley as 1.-THE Bali, .
whose conception OF the part could no
be improved on. He made the audi
ence laugh whenever he wanted to will
his funny gestures and facial expires
sions.
While justice and appreciation be-
been ende vored to be done 10 mi
article to the chorus and cast, Mr.. Gee
II. Evans comes in for the best part
it.. Mr.. Evans, as "Gaspard," had
part that would either make or ru'.
the production, according to the actor
conception. Mr.. Evans not onl
brought into play the ardor of hi
musical temperament, but acted tn
part in q manner which showed 81
histrionic ability to high degree
Words are inadequate to describe MI
Eysns's acting and one can appreciat
it moro by witnessing the rendition
especially 10 the third act, when "da'
pard" goes insane, part which coul
be easily over-acted.
The opera was given under the q
rectiop of Mrs. M. w. G'Brien,
whose untiriog zeal and energy u
successful rendition was largely Que.
Just before the beginning OF the Sc
ond act one of the torches used 10 u
ghost scene exploded, but no dsmas
was done owing to the prompt acton
the attaches Of the house. Mr.. J. y
Hill, lessee of the Opera House, WI
was present, is especially commend,
for his endeavors to quiet those on u
stage. thereby keeping the audieL
in ignorance and preventing wn
might have been panic. =,
The opera will be repeated tonief