The daily morning journal and courier., 1903-08-28
A PRINCESS OF WASHINGTON
4 GREAT SUCCESS IN ITS INITIAL
 PERFORMANCE.
Briilitnt Reoponing of the Hyperion Last Evening--The Play Enjoyed by a Big House. ..~.

Brtttttnt ReOponins or the Hyperion
 Last Evening-The Play Enjoyed by a
 Blg House. ..~
 "A Princess of Kensington," the Hood-German Savoy comic opera which John c. Fisher produced last night at the Hyperion theater before a large and enthusiastic audience, made a distinct success as the successor of "Florodora" and 'The Silver Slipper in America. Kensington Gardens, London, is the scene, however, of this new savoy-im- ported opera, and no more beautiful park environment could have been chosen by the librettist, Captain Basil Hood, for the half-fairy, half-human events of this farciful and charming piece. with it's up-to-date comedy uniquely set off against 1silvery- echoing romance, While Rotten Row, with it's fashionable equipages and evening throngs, claims the aristocratic. interest of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, at the upper end of the peaceful Serpen- tine, is the ideal spot for lovers trysts, and for this operetta, half fantastic and romantic, of a true love that does not run any smoother than the proverb al- lows. . III =
 The first act of a "A Princess of Ken sii1gton" affords a delightfully."- realistic view of this well-known London pleas ure ground, with it's varied types of garden frequenters. The exquisite and delicately spectacular fairy spisedes that occur here seem in sympathetic key with the picturesque surroundings, and Manager Fisher, whose character istic enterprise made such sumptuous productions as "Florodora" and "The Silver Slipper" has made this Ameri- can version far outshine the British original and has won for himself a new laurel as a thoroughly artistic producer. Some oddly original stage effects are seen in the fairy magic and in the pranks of Puck, obin Goodfellow-that 'lof of spirits The fairies not only appear in Kensington Gardens in their elfin forms, but they later disguise themselves in all sorts of idyllic mas querades.
 The second act shifts the scene to small village basking in the sunshine on the sea. Herein the accommodating fairies disguise themselves still further in fishing attire. Edward Germans fairy msic is full of poetic value, and his romantic love ballads attain an al- most classical beauty of melodic form. The rollicking numbers are plenty, nev- ertheless; and with James T. Powers as the puzzled and much-in-demand jacktar, Jeff, who Is the good-natured butt of Puck's mischief and of the less agreeable conspiracy of an inn-keeper to marry him to man-reforming old maid, the comedy element of the opera predominates to the highly desired de- gree and sends the spectators away de- lighted with a novel harmony of TO- ever welcome nlirth.
 An immense amount of detail has been given attention to the production, and the beautiful color effects would reflect great credit to a master painter, as well as the exquisite designer of the cost umes. Surely no production has been seen with such brilliancy, color, stunning men and women, and delight ful music. James T. Powers enacted the principal role as Welliam Jeff in his usual funny and humorous vein. His spontaneous wit, magnetism and energy inspire all the company with dash and vim that carry the opera to a brilliant end.
 Among the clever topical songs the most popular seemed to be By the Seasfde," which he responded to with numerous encores. Miss Dora De Fill lippe as Kenna, the fairy queen, pos- sesses a voice of excellent quality and uses it to good advantage. Charming Miss Cecil Engelhard as Joy Jellico de- serves special mention in her work with Reclus Ling as Brook Green. William Stephens as Puck was very unique and funny, and his devices made many ludi- rcrous situations. Walter S. Craven as Yapp, the policeman, was admirable.
 The superb orchestra of forty pieces was splendidly controlled by J. Sebas- tian Hitler and was most important feature in the production. Besides the orchestra a good-sized brass band aug mented the musical part in the last act, and, together with the large and we'll balanced chorus, formed a gorgeous finale.
 Everything about "A Princess of Yensinpton" is on high scale and elaborate finish. The large and fresh chorus, the splendid cast and tremend- ous orchestra and band leave nothing to be desired. It certainly deserves the highest praises and may justly be called the legitimate successor of "Pinafore" and 'The Mikado."