The times., 1901-04-16
co1umbia-..The Princess Chic"

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 it the hustle, horse play, and
idiocy of the average comic opera and
musical comedy will be disappointed bat
those for whom a clean and clever story,
tuneful airs and rhyming 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 a few alterations in the cast
and the elaboration of the book the op-
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 intelli-
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
histronic merit of Miss Sylvia. She looks
jaunty in her masculine dsguises sings
her solos with "A complete appreciation of
her vocal limitations, and 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
comeliness is decidedly acceptable star
ring material for the remainder of the de
cade at least
The supporting company is extremely
evenly balanced. Head and shoulders
above all is Joseph Mirou, excellentIy
suited in the role of the soldier OF for
tune" Mr.. Miron has about the best bass
voice in comic opera and uses ii 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 Is admirable throughout. Mr.. Law
renee Is far less worthy, but serves as a
fair foil for the deep-voiced Miron. HUI
bert Wflkte sings with effort and is
trifie STACEY, as is Frederick knights a
newcomer in the East is Thomas G.
Leary, who has the fertile role of the
dukes 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 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 well-merited recall. Agnes Paul is
good also but seems inclined to overact
while Neil Mcneil does not make the most
Of his opportunities.
That the performance pleased the au
dience of last evening is doubtless a bet
ter recommendation of the merit of "rht
Princess Chic" than many printed lines
The customary Thursday and Saturday
matinees will be given.
The academy of Music-Bob Fitz-
simmons.
Mr.. Robert Fitzsmmons, talented gen
tleman known 10 the scientific world as
the discoYerer OF the solar pleXus. showed
Whit he L. ra m LII. 1Lf init,.s In The n.tin,,