New-York tribune., 1902-01-28
MAID MARIAN"

Robin Hood, It seems. went to fight the saracens
IN the Holy Land. and the Vaccinations Of the
Sheriff Of Nottingham in his absence gave rise TO
q number OF complications. This was fortunate, in
that IL enabled Messrs. De Koven and Smith TO
produce sequel TO their own most popular comic
opera, and 70 introduce therein most of the per-
sonages Of that work, and to utilize not only
Of the surroundings and local color that were
found agreeable in It, but others of an
Oriental character. Maid Marian is the title of
this sequel to Robin Hood" as the collaboration
have entitled il. It produced the Garden
Theatre last evenig by the Bostonians for the
hrst time in New-York. after numerous perform
brces in other cities.
However much II may be taken to mean, Maid
Marian" is the best work that Messrs. De Koven
tnd Smith have done since they achieved Robin
Hood" It may be doubted, however. whether their
recurrence TO that pop liar subject and in part TO
the successful manner Of that operetta, will dupli-
pate its success. The springs of Mr.. De Kovens
Invention or other sources of his reliance, do not
Bow copiously IN Maid Marian"
There is not much of ingratiating frank
melody, and though several solos and concerted
pieces have the semblance OF the hearty English
character and wildwood charm, II seems TO be
chiefly the senblance and not the substance. that
offered Though most of the songs and
thoruses were called for second and third time
b. the large and very friendly disposed audience.
lhe impression is of commonplace invention. 1t is
certainly sonorous and Mr.. De Koven leaves
body in doubt as to his rhythms so far as all the
known varieties Of drums and the bass instru-
nents blown and beaten, can enforce them. These
Instruments all continuously overworked, and
PIE orchestral clatter and din are unceasing AS
TOR Mr. Smith, few of HIS lyrics better than
bis average. and his book tells consistent story in
presentabe and comprehensive form. He still
aaintains his position, however. a maker of
pomedy without the faintest vestige of the of
tumor any appreciable keenness of wit dis
bnction Of any kind in his lines. But the two
buthors Of Maid Marian" are entitled 10 special
need Of gratitude for producing what is truly
bonnic opera-an ineligible and fitting musical
sodment Of Ineligible and reasonable dra-
hattie action free from the senseless vagaries and
torsepay that currently pass for comic opera on
The stage at the present time They are heartily
Ieconded in this by the admirable company Of the
eostonians that present it: and there will be
nany well wishers for the success OF work that,
spite Of what it may lack. is head and shoulders
lboye the musical comedies" Of these days.
The piece is shown 20 the best advantage in its
performance, which is extremely spirited. Old IA
forites in the Bostonians reappear in parts in
which they have long been known-Mr. Barnabee
Is the Sheriff OF Nottingham Mr.. rockingham as
Friar Tuck, Mr. Macdonald Little John. Miss
Brace Van Studdiford Maid Marian. There are
some new fgures-the most promising is Mr. Allen
{. Hinckley. who played Will Scarlet. He has
admirable voice, and his singing Of the
attractive features of the performance; he has still
something 10 learn to acting. Miss Belle Har
per sings well and acts vvaciously Lady Vivian.
The chorus is most tunefUl and vigorous. and al
most too well drilled. its precision being something
pn the order OF clockwork. a handsome stage set
ting and costuming complete the excellence of
performance that II IL does not exploit a work of
high genius, has many engaging qualities TO
deserve well of the lovers of lyric comedy.