The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-27
ADJUSTMENTS.
Francis Wilson in "Tbe Monks Oi
barr at EngIish's.

For a comic opera that is unconventional
from plot clear through to the smallest bit
of property, and that is thoroughly enjoy
able from start 70 finish. one is
ed to try 1.-The Monks of Malabar.' which
was presented at English's Opera House
last night for the first time by Francis
Wilson, Marie Celeste and one of the finest
companies seen here in a long time. There
was a large and ultra fashionable audience
present that laughed and applauded until it
was weary. There is so much about THE
Monks of Malabar" that is delightful that
one hardly knows where to begin the enum-
Grafton. Perhaps the magnificent scenery
should come first. Such splendid settings
have not been equaled before the present
season, at least, and the three beautiful
stage pictures displayed will be long re-
membered by all who saw them. The opera
being laid in India-country Of lavish ex-
penditures upon decorations the settings
might have been expected to be handsome,
but Scenic Artist Hoyt has evolved a trio
of stage pictures of a splendor calculated to
surprise the most blase connoisseur of such
things. The music. by Ludwig Englaender.
is of the brightest. catchiest, most tuneful
variety. full of enhancing melody and be-
witching airs. with now and then a de-
licious harmonic surprise that makes one
glad to be alive to hear such music. The
score was admirably interpreted by an en-
1arged orchestra directed with onsumm
skill and grace by signor Emerico Morealle.
The libretto. by j. Cheever Goodwin. is
fairly overlooking with Wit and humor. The
brilliant chorus. male and female, COM
posed of people good to look at and
eQufnnp1 with pxCo11anf UofcoG IfuDIo Ill, -
costumes of great variety and truly ORR
entail richness and beauty. could furnish the
text for an entire article. However. the
friends OF Francis Wilson have come TO un-
derstand that the announcement of Mr..
wilson's appearance In a new comic opera
carries with II by implication the appear
ance OF a great chorus. The regal settings
and Oriental costuming of the opera were
further enhanced by the use Of a number of
picturesque lighting effects. Messrs. Nixon
and zimmerman, who. together with Mr..
Wilson, arranged this production. claim
that 1900 has been spent upon il. and this
statement Is easily credible.
That Francis Wilson is the funniest CO.
median In comic opera need hardly be said.
Jet even his most ardent admirers in last
nights audience must have wondered
where In the name of all that is ridiculous
ne ever gathered together so many and
such a oewiidering variety OF side-splitting
1oolerles as ne perpetrated almost without
a break through three acts OF an opera
that lasted until II 80 o'clock. Much of the
luolcfous business introduced must have
been OF his own devising. from the mirth-
provoking effect 4; had upon the members
OF his company and the chorus. MANY un-
conventional bits have been introduced In
comic opera. but IL remained for Francis
Wilson 10 appear az a valet and go through
an uproariOusly comical shaving and hair
Gressisng act In the full glare of the cal
CUM. His other disguises were those of a
Frenchman. an East Indian merchant and
a monk OF Malabar.
notwithstanding the fact that Mr.. Wi
son was on the stage pretty much All ths
time. opportunities were given in ahund.
ance 10 the principals OF the company. War
Rensselaer, Wheeler as Daru DISPLAYED his
fine baritone voice and a realistic Frencl
accent 70 great advantage. Marie Celeste
Mr. Wilson's new leading woman. was re.
membered a. the star II "A Runawa,
Girl" but she has made remarkable gain.
In personal appearance, talent and voic.
since her last appearance here. Her worl
last night was OF a brilliant character tina
amounted 10 a revelation Of cleverness
Cara Palmer. an acquisition from 9TH.
three Little Lambs. also scored a dis
tlnct triumph. Edith Bradford as Zizibar