The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-26

That merry and melodious opera, 1.-THE
Serenade,' was the delightful Christmas
entertainment offered by the Bostonians
last night. Englishs was crowded, the
gathering being one of the largest that
this playhouse has seen in the last two
weeks, and the performance, which was
much superior to the rendition of Robin
Hood in the afternoon, was welcomed in
most enthusiastic manner. The opera
was given with a dash and vim that re-
called the old days of the Bostonians. The
book of THE Serenade' is not particularly
clever, but the music Is charming from
beginning to end, and when the opera is
presented by competent singers 1t is in
deed a most enjoyable musical treat.
Despite the annual changes in their
ranks, the Bostonians manage to maintain
high standard from season to season, and
when the full strength of the company is
now put forth in a production, the effect
can hardly fail to prove in every way
satisfactory. With the exception OF Agnes
Cain Brown, all of the principal singers of
the organization appeared last evening, and
as the leading soprano part was sung by
little artist who proved entirely capable,
the absence of Miss Brown from the cast
was not felt to an appreciate extent. Ger
trude thinner is a newcomer to the local
stage, but she soon won her way TO the
hearts of her auditors last night. She is
small of stature and of frail appearance,
but her soprano voice is exceptionally
sweet and she knows how to use it effec-
lively. Her work in the important role OF
Yvonne was thoroughly praiseworthy.
w. III. Mcdonald, who did not sing at
the matinee, appeared in his old character
of Carlos AIvardo, part that suits him
perfectly Mr. Barnabee was once more
seen the Duke of Santa Cruz. and George
rockingham portrayed Gomez, the tailor,
as of yOre. These three old-timers were
most warmly greeted by the big audience.
If the performances of these favorites ever
had blemishes, habitual playgoers long ago
ceased to recognize them such They
sang their songs to prolonged applause-in
fact, the demand for encores was carried
to an extreme, as is only too often the
case during the performance of musical
show at English's. There is such thing
as OVERRIDING the encore feature; Ii is hard
ly right that great many people in the
audience and the performers themselves
should be wearied by the persistent de-
mGndS for more from some people who
seem unable to get their moneys worth.
Kate Condor sang the contralto role OF
Dolores, and was happy In her work so
long she remained in skirts. Miss Con-
don doesn't seem to take to knickerbockers
did her predecessor, Jessie Bartlett
Davis. She is woman of much personal
charm, with a voice that is especially good
in its lower register, and she is undoubted-
ly the best prima donna contralto the Bos-
tonians have had since Miss Davis deserted
them. Howard Chambers, another new
member of the company, made a good
Romero, and his bass voice was heard to
advantage in many Of the principal musical
numbers. Campbell Donald played the low
comedy part of Columbo creditably and
Charles X. Hargreaves was good vocally
and poor dramatically in the character of
Lopez.
The opera was beautifully staged, two of
the settings being entirely new, and the
stage management of Mr.. Macdonald, as
we'll as the conducting of the musical di-
rector. Mr. Studley. was excellent. THE
Serenade' will be sung again at the
matinee this afternoon.