The Indianapolis journal., 1902-10-10
"Robin HOOD Sung by the Bostonians.

"HObtn Hood" sung by the BOstOnians.
A large audience at Englishs last even
ing was grateful for a good performance
of Reginald De Koven and Harry B.
Smiths robin Hood" by the Bostonians.
Its sequel and inferior. Maid Marian"
had been announced, but yesterday morn
ing on the arrival Of the company Mr.
Miller, the manager of the theater, asked
Mr.. Macdonald and Mr.. Barnabee to
change the bill. The theater should have
been filed, no doubt, had longer notice
been given, for robin Hood holds popu-
larity and the favor in which it is held is
of the substantial sort. Since its produc-
tion Mr.. De Koven and Mr.. Smith have
turned their talents TO a great deal of hack
work for singing comedians of momentary
prestige. and robin Hood possesses the
best of their worthily ambitious and en-
thusiastic effort. The story of the Earl of
Huntington and his friends, the honest out
laws OF Sherwood forest, Is not, of course
of weighty significance or intense sentiment,
but II Is a narrative of the activity of free
hearted. high-spirited fellows-as Ii has
been filtered through centuries-and in his
score Mr.. De koven has expressed this in
q style seriously impressive. The climax
of the second act. the departure of Robin
for Nottingham and the gallows, is charged
with no little of the feeling of tragic fare
well.
That the promise of American opera given
IN Robin Hood" has not been fulfilled yet
Is no fault of the Bostonians. The man
ayers of that organization have maintained,
from being worthy of that designation pro-
moters Of musical comedy and comic opera
have fallen is strikingly apparent on COM
parison with the Bostonians. Last even
tngs orchestra was of eighteen instru-
ments. the company adding eleven to the
theater corps. Two French horns, a cello
fymnQnii he
Samuel L Studley conducted with care
energy and musical intelligence. The
chorus was OF little, but the orchestra
more than made up for the deficiency. Miss
Van Studdford, the prima donna, was un-
able TO sing because of hoarseness, and
her alternate, Antoinette Martin. had the
role of Maid Marian Neither her voice nor
manner was sufficient. but excuse was easy
to make for these lacks. Otherwise the
voices were fine and admirably used. a
pleasant surprise was in the singing and
acting OF Olive Celeste Moore, who per-
sonated Aian-a-Dale. She was a newcomer
with the ability TO make her way to promi-
nence. She sang In sweet round tones and
Promise Me- which, though not a part of
the original score, was written by Mr.. De
koven.
The tenor voice of Robin Hood was that
OF William G.. Weldon and it was clear
strong and well-directed. Allen Hinckley'
armorers song and the song of the cross
bow stirringly and Mr.. Macdonald gave
again his Whole-hearted Interpretation of
Brown October Ale in the character of
Little John. Mr.. Barnabee remained UNI
able TO cloak his honest joviality under the
foxily villainous exterior OF the sheriff
and he delighted the spectators with his
thorough-going but gentle booze in the
second act Mr.. rockingham welcomed
as Frtar Tuck. the loose but generous
churchman that has rollicked i'm the woods
so long that there is black moss I'm the
wrinkles OF his face and his gait is like
satyrs- Josephine Bartlett was pleas
anti "a
bell Donald had the part OF Guy of Gis-
bourne and gave ii distinction. Alice Jud-
son, as Annabel. sang prettily.
For this seasons presentation the seem
cry for Robin Hood" had been renewed
and the picture OF Sherwood Forest was
peautituI The costumes, too. were bright
and harmonious. The applause was fire.
euent and full and expressions of salts
faction with the performance and approval
OF the work OF Mr.. Studley's orchestra OF
eighteen were many In the foyer at the
close Of the performance.