The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-16

The student of the stage who for years
past has wished for the return of the day
when comic opera should possess a legiti-
mate and understandable story will find
the object of his search in The Princess
Chic" which was seen for the second
time in Washington at the Columbia last
evening. Billed as an opera comique, the
offering lives UP TO Its promise. Those
who seek In II the hustle, horse play, and
idiocy of the average comic opera and
musical comedy will be disappointed but
those for whom a clean and clever story.
tuneful airs and rhym'ng lyrics, tasteful
costumes and scenic spIendor have charm
will be well satisfied with the visit to the
Columbia this week.
When last seen in Washington THE
Princess Chic" was in very crude state,
but despite the manifold defects every
dramatic writer in the city prophesied
that with few alterations in the cast
and the elaboration of the book the OPP
era would be a great success This prog
nostication was realized last evening. In
Marguerite Sylvia, Kirke La Shelle has
brought out a remarkably clever woman
who assumed the titular role with intelIi-
gence and understanding. There are bet
ter voices in comic opera than that pos
sessed by Miss Sylvia, but in recent years
there has not been in America an actress
singer with even "A fair percentage of the
histrionic merit of Miss sylvia. She looks
Jaunty in her masculine DISCUSSES, sings
her solos with complete appreciation of
her vocal limitations, ana aids every
member Of the cast with her complete CO.
operation. Above all. she possesses that
most essential requirement. personality
and coupled with her form and facial
loneliness is decidedly acceptable star
ring material for the remainder of the de-
cade et least
The supporting company is extremely
gDlNT la.l.. aaH Ia.
above all is Joseph Miron. excellently
suited in the role of the soldier of for
tune" Mr.. MirOn has about the best bass
voice in comic opera and uses 1t properly.
His duet with Mr.. Lawrence in the first
act is a good Introduction and the solo
in the early part Of the third is in many
ways the best thing in the opera, win
ming last evening four recalls. His acting
also IL admirable throughout Mr. Law
renee is far less worthy, but serves as a
fair foil for the deep-vOiccd Miron. HUI
bert Wilkie sings with effort and is n
trifie STACEY. as is Frederick knights. A
newcomer in the East is Thomas G
Leary. who has the fertile role of the
duke s steward. 1t Is not too much to
superior to that of Richard Golden who
created the part. and much more might
justly be said in favor of this recent re-
cruit Isabelle Underwood a pretty
woman with a better than average CON
tralto voice, is heard in one taking solo
and several vocal bits. The Love Light
in Her Eyes is her only opportunity and
won a well-merited recall. Agnes Paul is
good also. but seems inclined to overact
while Nell Mcneil does not make the most
Of his opportunities.
That the performance pleased the au
dience Of last evening is doubtless a bet
ter recomme ndation of the merit of 9TH.
Princess Chic" than many printed lines
The customary Thursday and Saturday
matinees will be given.
The .tcndrmy of Music-Bob Fitz-