The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-05
The Nntronal-"Fox, auiiIer.y

Foxy CUTLER" which vas presented at
the National last night. is much in the
nature OF a Washington institution, for its
principal performer, Jerome Skyes. was
born within sight of the Capitol; the mu-
sic was written by MIR. De Koven here
last winter, ana the opera had its first
city production in local playhouse few
months ago.
So after receiving the stamp of the
Capitals hearty approval on the occasion
of its previous visit, which, by the way,
has been repeated in every city. in which
the ith-DeKoven piece has since been
presented. it is not surprising thac the
large audience a the National last night
gave the Klaw & Erlanger organization
cordial welcome and appIauded almost
every number with a Zest that bespoke
the genuineness of its appreciation.
Foxy CUTLER is. without any exception.
the best comic opera Of recent origin, and
the character of the sleuth which Mr..
Smith continued from The Highwayman'
affords Mr. Sykes almost unlimited oppor-
tunities for creating mirth, and it is but
fair to say that the comedian does not
lose sight Of these manifold chances for
even second at any tllae during the per-
Torrance. Naturally, the production is
smoother now~than il was when first
viewed, but the same merry jegts OF the
master mind, the tuneful compositions of
Mr.. DeKoyen, and the admirable work of
the principals and large chorus all tend
to provide an exceptionally enjoyable en-
tertainTuent.
jerome Sykes was especially happy in
mis- work last night. lie gave to his
CUTLER an JUNCTION and experiences in de-
livering his lines that were particularly
pleasing. The role fits the big fun-maker
ike the proverbial glove. and no come
dian Of the native stage could do so much
with it as does he. II remains a distinctly
notable creation. fully as happy and di-
yerting in its present shape as when first
introduced as a secondary parsonage in
The Highwayman. And once more last
night in accepting an invitation to appear
before the curtain for few words of
hanks Mr. Sykes relied upon the fustian
language of CUTLER. the detective.
Helen Bertram receives q large share
Of the critical and popular approval for her
excellent vocal contributions, while julius
S'eger. as self-conscious as Of yore, sings
his solos and the other numbers allotted TO
him very effectively. Mr.. Stewards bari
tone Is sturdy, while his dramatic work
IS entirely pra!seworthy. Little Adolph
link catches the fancy OF the audience
from the moment he appears on the scene
and retains the liking throughout the per-
Torrance. His scenes with Harry Mac
donough are capitally done. Grace Gamer
on, who. it is announced viii be among
next years crop Of stars, is the one mem
her of the company whose efforts are not
up to the CUTLER standard, and, while she
possesses a pleasing personality. her voice
is thin and colOrless, and she places too
much reliance upon g single altitudinous
rote. Georgia Game, as the cockney maid
in search of the perfect man. is one Of the
best characteriZdtons of the opera, and
she gives to 1t the advantages Of really
good voice a nlmbleness OF foot. and a
very attractive personality.
The chorus Is splendidly drilled organ
ization and its work in the different num-
bers is well balanced and expressive, and
there is none Of the ragged work so often
noticeable in such large number Of
voices The production is the most elabo-
rate Of recent years. Foxy CUTLER" is.
as was noted in The Times when the piece
was first given here the best comic opera