Rocky Ford enterprise., 1902-08-29
THE GRAND" OPERA HOUSE
Opening Week Great Success.-."The Penitent'
Captured Full and Enthusiastic House,

making il difficult 10 select Just what
would be desired for such an important
theatrical event. Nevertheless there was
considerable measure OF enjoyment Of
the occasion By the audience, some OF
the best scenes winning hearty applause.
Taken altogether the play was out Of
harmony with the beautiful play house
that evening dedicated 10 the entertain
ment Of the public. and the management
feel like they have been imposed upon.
However. the audience took the dsep-
pointment with the creates; good humor
and have no feeling but sympathy for
the opera house company in one Of those
mistakes which will happen in the best
regulated families.
o. G. Crawford. chief usher. had his
corps Of boys wei! drilled for the evening S
work and everybody was promptly shown
20 seat-and the right one. Fer most
Of the boys this was their first duties in
seating public assembly and they did
their work in very creditable manner.
The music accompanying the perform
anee was Of high order OF melodious
excellence. Twas furnished by Bert
Shelton's orchestra. assisted by Mr.. and
Mrs. Sumers Of La Junia, the latter a
superior player OF the elarionei. and MIR
Mcdonald OF La Junts. who is an expert
with drums. Miss Maude Wood was
pianist. Much praise has been heard
from the audience touching the fine quail
ity Of the music rendered. Mr.. Shelton
is planning for additional excellence in
the orchestral department Of The Grand's
entertainments,
The real opening Of The Grand" took
place Wednesday evening when full
house greeted superb company which
presented Hall Gaines great story. The
Psniteni-" This performance was in
marked contrast with the cheap show Of
Monday evening. The actors possessed
merit and the piece was rendered in 4
manner highly pleasing 10 the audience.
The atmosphere o; the evening was
wholly different from the rough and
tumble. commonplace performance Of
the formal opening night In every por-
ton o: the play there was evidence o;
ability and training for thespian presen-
taiion. The old man. Matthew Fisher.
was finely presented. Sol Globlobssy
could no; have been improved on by a
search o; all Baxter street The lawyer
was model Of the cool. shrewd. raseaily
attorney. Mrs. C. n. Greene. as Mrs.
Riison." and Edith Dombey as Mercy
Fisher" made strong presenunsnis Of
their respective parts. Throughout; the
play was well sustained and the audience
went home with all bitter memories o.;
Monday night wholly obli;erstea.
The Penitent" drew upon tho resource
Is Of the scenery more than Monday
nights show and proved that The
Crane" Is thoroughly equipped for the
presentation Of a wide range o; scenic
environment.
The opsra house management is plan
ming for a season Of such high-elsss plays
as The Peniteni-" Having 4 stage Of.
ample size and all the accessories de-
manded By the very best companies.
Rocky Ford will be favored by calls from
some Of the finest troupes which pass
from tho large cities OF tho east 10 Dem
yor. Pueblo. Colorado Springs and tho
Pacific coast;
The clouds which gathered on the
brows Of the opera house stockholders
Tuesday and Wednesday were all waited
away by tho great success Of Wedncs-
day night. and The Grand has been
launched en- what promises to be pros
Porous sea Of public entertainment.