The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-09-23
George AIDES Sultan Is Seen in
Topeka.
He Receives Very Enthusiastic
Reception.
GRAND WAS CROWDED.
People We're Well Pleased With
the Production.
Leaking Roof Endangers Com
fort Of Actors.

In the cold gray dawn OF the morn
ing after one may review the incidents
of George AIDES first comic opera at
tempt. THE Sultan of Sulu." and de-
eide that it is the best that has PLAYED
in Topeka since the surfeit of musical
comedies began. The Grand has seen
nothing so pretentious since DeWolff
Hopper's eel Captain" The two acts of
the musical satire are set here and
there with the brightest of "Adeges.
1t was a magnificent audience which
crowded, dripping and jolly into tile
Grand last night. The heavy downpour
which began Just before the curtain
went up did not dampen the enthusiasm
of the late corners. The seats were sold
and standing room was in demand be-
fore the overture was finished.
Although the rain did not dampen the
spirits of the audience it did moisten
the Sultan and his court. A downpour
commenced with the raising of the cur
tain in the first act. In a few minutes
the rain had made its way through the
roof of the stage and big drops of wa
ter were falling in Sululand. 1t was
the rainy season in the islands for ID
minutes. The chorus crowded itself to
the rear of the stage behind the line of
dampness and the principals tried to get
in the semi-arid belt in front of the
rainy district. 1t was rather humor-
Gus situation for the audience but a
realistically uncomfortable one for the
mer gown and carried filmy lace par
asOl. She had to spread the parasOl
above her to get in out of the wet while
she sang her entrance song. Everyone
was glad when the rain was over and
the Sulus were dry once more.
The action of the piece was lively
from the time the curtain went up till
it came down. Frank Moulan. as
.'Kiram,'' the Sulu sultan, had posi-
bilities and he made the most of them.
n a a
quite as funny, in an entirely different
manner, as Frank Daniels, and he has
the advantage of that comedian in be-
ing able to sing. Moulan has voice, a
real voice, which would pass muster
in a college glee club.
Moulan waded in and started the
waves of humor and ripples of laughter
at the start What AIDE has put into
the mouth of "Kiram' is funny. and
scathingly satirical. American customs
and habits are held up to inspection. Nc
class of people escape. The author
weaves a few of his fables into the
dialogue and verse. The music, by Al
fred G. Wathall, is lost sight of. TIC
be sure it is not of the Victor Herbert
nor even Gustave Luders quality, but it
might be far worse There were songs
was evidenced by the repeated encores
The authors have not stopped to any
OF the cheap tactics of some comic
opera writers. While the music may
not be as catchy as that of other pro-
auctions, it does not fall to the rag time
and cheap sentimental variety somel
times used. AIDE has kept up his repu-
tation by never coming within a stones
throw of anything vulgar or displeas-
ing. Here is some of the AIDE humor.
Kiram-"The colonel told me that the
| constitution and the cocktail follow the
flag"
Colonel Budd-"A governor is the