The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-02
ADJUSTMENTS.


''The Princess Chic" Kirk La Shelle and
Julian Edwards's new comic opera, pre-
scented nj English's Opera House last night
for the first time by a splendid company,
headed by Marguerite sylvia. serves adj
mirably to make the fine distinction be-
tween opera comique and opera oufe.
''The Princess Chic" being almost devoid
OF actual buffoonery. and therefore belong
ing TO the class OF opera comique. les cal
culated TO appeal strongly to lovers of
music. If any t~heatergoers attend comic
opera productions solely for the froth and
nonsense that usually abounds In such
compositions. they will not care a great
deal for ''The Princess Chic" Last nights
brilliant audience did not seem to have
many of this kline OF people in 1t. however.
for the opera was thoroughly enjoyed aud
heartily applauded from beginning to end.
IL Is really a great production, fully justi-
tying the high praise that has been be-
slowed upon 1t IN other large cities. The
lbretto 10 not greatly In evidence, but
such as there is reflects great credit upon
Mr.. La Shelle. Mr.. Edwards's music H.. Il
must be admitted, q trifie reminiscent In
parts OF the score, but none the less de-
been spared In making the production not
able from a scenic and costume stand
point. Inc TWO scenes SnOWn, the COURT
yard of Charles the Bold's castle and the
hall OF state of the castle. are fine exam
pies OF the scene-painter's art. TIL cos
tunes. OF which there Is a great variety.
ore rich and greatly pleasing to the eve.
notably the deep scarlet hussar suits worn
by the attendants OF the Princess Chic and
the unique court dresses shown In the sec
ond act The admirable lighting effs:ts
also deserve special mention.
A charming feature of the opera is the
fact that Mr.. La Shelle has not allowed
his desire to nut forward Miss SYLVIA rs 81
star TO lead him into the error OF fur-
nishing her with all the opportunities to
please. Miss Sylvia Is indeed a fascinating
young woman, and On this account was not
altogether convincing In her male disguise
as the Princess's envoy. Her voice. too,
IL sweet and sympathetic. IL not powerful.
Miss Sylvia Is provided with only two lead
ing women, Miss Isabelle Underwood, who
plays the page. and Miss Agnes Paul, who
impersonates Estelle, Chambertin's daugh-
ter. but they press the star closely for
honors. Particularly is this true of Miss
Underwood, whose wonderful contralto voice
Is destined TO bring her into prominence
In a production In which she will have
moro than one song. Her thrilling love
ballad. "'The Love Light In Your Eyes
uncommonly pretty, shapely and graceful
and her clear soprano was heard to advan-
tage In the songs "A Lover True" THE
Story Book" "a Fighting Man." and I'm
several ensembles. Hubert Wilkes took
the part OF Charles the Bold I'm an admira-
bic manner. and his fun. rich baritone was
Love Came to Ne One Day." and in the
brilliant hnales. The comedy was furnished
by Thomas c. Leary as Chambertin. the
Dukes steward: NELL Mcneil. as Pom
pard. steward OF the Princess, and Joseph
G. Miron and w. A. Lawrence as Brevet
and Brabeau, n precious pair. soldiers Of
fortune These men were also provided
with enjoyable songs, the best OF which
was the topical ditty How Are We TO
known which was encored until IL had
to be repeated in p~antomime. Joseph Mi
ron scored one OF the great hits OF the
evening with his stirring ballad. IVA Is
a Bountiful jade" which was delightfully."-
accompanied by an anvil chorus. Another
number that was heartily a~pplauded was
Miss Sylva's The Wood Nymph and the
River God" The piece is filled with tune
ful songs and thrilling airs.
One secret OF the strength OF this opera
Hes In the great double chorus, male and
female, which Is used TO full advantage
throughout the production. 1.-The Princess
Chic" will be repeated this afternoon and
tonight.