The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-01-27
LUCIA WEEK AT MUSIC HALL.
Vocal Surprise by the Prima
Donnas-Sheehan's Lapses.

The Castle Square Opera Company At
Music Hall last night completed the most
successful weak. financially and artistically.
Of this. its second. st. Louis season There
was a succession OF large audiences. and
despite the fact that the patrons had the
choice OF three prima donnas IN the title
role Of Donizertis Lucia di Lammermoor.
each OF the young women Jared excellently
at the hands Of discriminating public
Miss Gertrude Rsnnyson made her first
appearance Saturday evening. somewhat
against her will. having In mind the fins
reception accorded Mixssy Norwood and
Elsv orth. The formers schooling as an
au-around oper attic singer never served her
difficulties Of Lucia after the great per-
sonRl triumph of Miss Esther Ellsworth.
Miss Rennyson was somewhat OF the same
mind, and she sang the entire score In
much slower tempo than IL se written, but
being an ambitious and determined person,
was resolved 10 take no chances with the
caderzas, trtlls and runs.
Misses Norwood and Ellsworth sat In the
box next to Manager SouthweiPs. and fol-
lowed their competitor carefully. II they
entertained the thought that it might be a
case of "step-in" with them, this vanished.
and after act 2, the two popular young
women went to their hotels. well pleased
with their weeks work. which had rebound
ed SO much to the favor of nearly all con-
cerned.
An exception. however, must be made in
the case Of Tenor Joe" Sheehan.
What ails Joe SheehanT was the query
Tuesday night The query was repeated
Friday night and found a louder echo at
the Saturday matinee. The answer came in
g somewhat widespread public impression
that the popular tenor did not know the
text OF Edgar; was willing to sustitute
some glaring interpretations for the book"
and not entirely ayerse to "guying'' some
OF the business" No singer, no matter
how much he may be the Idol of faithful
and indulgent public, can long maintain
that sort OF conduct on the stage and not
hear from Il in a very emphatic manner.
pany, the management and the public to
come to a realizing sense of the near conse-
Quences OF his persistence In such a course.
The sun Of many a tenor has been eclipsed
permanently for less cause than Mr.. Shee-
hans.
on telegraphio orders from Presiden. Saw
age. Mr.. Southwel announces the appear
ance OF Miss Ellsworth as Juliet next Tues
day evening. The faithful Norwood opens
with Delamotta- Sheehan sings with Miss
Ellsworth the following night Our own
Josie Ludwig also appears during the week
as the much-beset Verunese maiden, and
all together. the production win be nota-
bic one from every standpoint.
With this announcement of President
Savage comes another equally as important
Edward p. Temple. the original Gilbert and
Sullivan stage manager at the Savoy Thea
ter, London. where all the famous works
Of W. s. and Sir Arthur were first put on
tomorrow morning. "Patience"is going 10
be the best thing OF Its kind TO date. ir1as-
much as IL heralds the reassembly in ST
Louis Of nearly the entire Metropolitan Eng
lfsh Grand Opera chorus. which with the
best material Of the local company will
make an ensemble such as has never before
been seen here In Gilbert and Sullivan