Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1902-03-19
FOR THE AUDITORIUM.
Bangor to Produce "Nicoiette''-The
Musical Event of the Season.

Bangor TO Produce "NicoIette'-The
Musical Event of the Season.
The dramatic and musical event OF the
present season In Bangor, will be the
nrst production on any stage OF the
original romatic opera "Nicolette", at the
Bangor opera house, on the evenings OF
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 8,
4 and g.
This opera Is the joint production OF
X. A. Barnet, OF Boston, and Charles
Eugene Hamlin, of Bangor. Mr.. Barnet
Is recognized as one OF the foremost Ii
brettists OF the day, In the line OF light
opera among the productions OF his fertile
brain being "1492", sack and the Bean
stalk" and "Miss Simplicity.
Mr.. Barnet's invariabie custom has
hitherto been to give the initial per.
formances OF his operas In Boston, for the
benefit Of some Boston organization, and
the only reason why, In the case Of "Nicol-
ette", he has departed from this rule is to
be found in the fact that the music and
lyrics are composed by G. L. Hsmiin, of
Bangor, a grandson OF Names "grand
old man., Hannibal Hamlin.
Mr.. Hamlin has been known by his
friends as an accomplished musician, but 1t
is safe to say that he has surprised them
all by his work on this occasion. The
music Is spirited, pleasing and catchy, and
1t is difficult to keep ones feet still during
Its production. The opera Is founded on
the old Provence legend OF Aucassin and
Nicolette, and furnishes more OF plot
than Is ordinarily the case with light
opera, in which, as rule, the plot is a
mere excuse on which to hang songs,
stage action and grouping together of
pretty specimens of femininity. The
dialogue is clean, wholesome and funny,
the wit sparkling and pleasing.
The production is for the benefit OF the
auditorium, which fact alone ought to
secure the cordial support OF every lover
OF music In eastern Maine. The cast and
chorus will be composed OF the best of
Bangor's younger amateurs, who are
working hard and necessarily, and who
have bound themselves by a cast.iron rule
to attend every rehearsal.
Mr.. Hamlin has succeeded In getting
together the brightest and freshest Of
voices In that city, accompanied by an
amount of good looks on the part OF the
ladies which is certainly no mean factor
In the success OF an operate organization.
In the second place, the whole production
| is under the immediate control and
management Of Mr.. Barnet, whose repu-
tation in this direction is certainly not
inferior to that he has acquired as a
librettist. Add to this the fact alluded
to above, OF frequent and constant re-
hearsals, and 1t will be seen that there is
not much left OF amateurism.
The matter Of costumes is an important
consideration in production of this
kind, and in order to secure historic and
artistic accuracy In this respect the man
agement has purchased an entire outfit,
which cost 20 900, and was only used few
weeks by company that disbanded.
| There will be large and efficient orches-
ira, composed in the main OF members OF
PulIen's symphony orchestra, which Is
well known throughout the State. In
every respect, the production will be as
perfect as 1t is possible to make it.
| Advance tickets are now on sale by
George s. Chalmers, treasurer of the East
ern Maine Music association and at An
drews' music store. These will be ex.
chsngeable at the box office OF the opera
house on March IS and 20, in advance of
the sale to the general public, which COM
mences March 81.
| Special rates OF about one fare are
arranged for on the Maine Central
and Bangor & Aroostook railroads,
! In addition to which there Is little
doubt that, on the line OF the Maine Cen
trial, theatre parties can obtain even
lower rates.