The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-03
Topeka Gets a Taste Of TIN
Genuine Article.
ssFaust" PIeases Music Lovers
at the Grand.
PRINCIPALS ARE GOOD.
Hiss Shay Proves Her Capabili-
ties as "Margarita."
She Will Be "Carmen" in the
Production Tonight.

The first nighters who heard the Cor
don-Shay grand opera company at the
Grand last night in Gounods Immortal
Faust" were a critical lot. After the
performance there was considerable as
eussion as to the merits of Gounod Ell
forts but as to the ability of the prlne1~
pals in the cast there was no dispute.
The Gordon-Shay company has an ar
ray of talent which has seldom Deeh
oqualed in Topeka. The seven parts
were well cast The voices of all were
Eich and pleasing. The opera was well
staged and richly and correctly eOstum-
ed. The orchestra and the singers We're
led in perfect unison by Signo Nococias.
The chorus, numbering 70 voices, was
Father small in numbers and deficient
in volume at times, but otherwise the
rendition of the grand opera was up TO
the requirements and the lovers o.
grand opera were agreeably surprised
as regarded the capabilities of the COM
pany
1t has been some time since Topeka
mas had any productions with even
grand opera flavor attached. 1t mas
been still longer since any organization
has been heard which chung SO closely
to the original score. There is always a
wave of criticism. good and bad. fol-
lowing such a production as Faust.
Many. without stopping to analyze the
entertainment, will condemn it by say
ing they did not like it. Those VINO
feel that way regarding the Gordon
Shaw production are not disciples of
grand opera. They should lay the blame
at the foot of Gounod's grave. 1t will
not disturb him The same company in
light opera would undoubtedly please
those who find no pleasure in grand
opera
Rose Cecilia Shay. the prima donna
of the company, was a pleasing Mar
Rarita." She sustained the difficult role
without difficulty and displayed more
than usual ability to act the part. Miss
Shay is an accomplished singer, but
more than that she possesses the power
and range necessary for successful
prima donna Miss Shay is new to To-
peka audiences. but as Margarita,
perhaps the role in all her repertoire
most difficult to sing in manner which
will captivate the uneultured, she won
the cultured and uncultured ears alike
Miss Shay has a pleasing face, which
undoubtedly would look far prettier If
she had not been forced to wear the
proveTbial blonde wig of the part and
maintain so WOebegone an expression.
Miss SHAY as Carmen" role as OPP
posite to the one she assumed last night
as is possible viii undoubtedly show
dash and abandon that will make the
part of the Spanish cigarette maker
what it should be.
John Dunemure was the 'tMeolsisto.
and he received fully his share OF plautt-
its for both his acting and his singing.
Dunsmure has a rich bass voice of ur-
six feet. and he was as towering a
tMeohisto" as could be imagined. Ar
chile Albert as Valentine" pleased the
audience with his rich baritone. Albert
is not new to Topeka. and as a thorough
artist Re IS seldom excelled by singers
appearing in the west. His voice. in the
finales of his songs. filed the opera
house completely. He is cast for the
'EscamillO' of tOnight's production
Joseph Fredericks, the tenor. as
Faust" sustained his part capably and
in the few opportunities he displayed the
power and range of his voice in a con-
Vincing manner Pauline johnson. the
Siebel" had an unusually sweet voice
Tor such a minor part. and her efforts
comNared well with the work of tine
singers in the heavier roles. Lena Win
ter's Martha" fitted well with the rest
The quartette of "Margarita," Faust
-Mephisto" and Martha" was pleasing.
George f. Boards Wagner was well
done.
The chorus was on the stage only
when absolutely needed. the singers re,
lying very little upon the ensemble for
effect. The chorus is a little below par.
but the principals made up for all criti-
cisms that might be made in that direc-
ton. The scenery for each act belonged
10 the company and was above the ordi-
nary in artistic worth