The Washington times., 1903-11-08
At The Theaters.

Eational-Fritzi Scheff in "Babette."
FRITZ Schen. who be gins her starring
tour in "Ba5ettc," the new opera by
Victor Herbert and Harry b. Smith, at
the National Theater tomorrow night,
first came to the notice OF American
lovers Of music three years ago with
Maurice Grau at tho Metropolitan OPP
era House. New York. Her oewitchinG
beauty. delightful voice. and personal
magnetism attracted the attention not
only of the general public, but of metro
poiitan society. and she was taken up as
a new and fascinating discovery, while
her artistic hit was lne OF the most pro-
nouneed character.
The new stars opera. which has been
written specially fer her. gives her. it
is said. a chance 20 snow her splendid
personality to the best advantage.
Dainty and chic Is little Miss Schen.
and. from all accounts. her manager.
Charles 2. Dillingham;. has engaged for
her the very best Company that could
be orsa nized for comic opera TO make
her debut a success.
Eugene CoBles, the mighty buffO-
basso. william Cas.leman. an American
tenor whose celebrity has been largely
attained abroad. Louis Harrison. and E
J. Connolly. both comedians Of the first
rank. ana Ida Hawley and Josephine
BARTLETT. and others equally well known
are in the company: while all the ae-
cessories are said 70 be Of a grand opera
sort.
The opera IS written TO show. so it is
claimed. not only the adventures OF the
heroine. Bsbette. at the court of the
grand monarch. Louis XIY-but tells. it
- hFare- ~ Int Inc
story OF the revolution against that
spendthrift king. These surroundings
should afford fine opportunity for the
display OF the splendid costumes and Gle
giant fashions of the period. Every ad-
vantage, II IS asserted, has been taken
OF the opportunities. and the stage pic
lures IN "Babette" are expected to be
peculiarly delightful. and those who are
informed about the new opera say the
atmosphere Of old France fairly
breathes from every line and song and
action.
Miss Schen. who is n great favorite
IN IOndon. and on the European Con-
tinent. as well as in this country. was
persuf ted to leave the grand opera
stage by her present manager, Charles
3. Dillingham;. and to abandon a career
OF Marguerites and Juliets and Leonoras
10 enter a field left vacant by Aimee.
Fortense Schneider, and Judic. No one
has lately hlIed this place, and Miss
Schen's advent, therefore. will un
doubtedls De warmly welcomed by the
admirers OF pure opera comique. who
have had n dearth OF this enjoyable
class OF entertainment IN this country
for many years Congratulations viii
certainly be in order II Miss Sche1 and
her manager succeed In re-establishing
real light opera organization. and are
able to procure from contempOraneous
writer's and composers genuine comic
operas that shall improve a public taste
that has been sadly vitiated by an over
dose Of farce comedy and incongruOus
musical travesty.
The opera .'Babette." Victor Herbert,
its composer says. IN his opinion is the
most melodious OF his compositions. and
this. II correct. holds out an alluring
prospect to those who remember such
delightful products Of his muse as The
serenade." The Singing Girl" and
The Fortune Teller"
..Babette" is In three acts The first
setting represents the garden Of house
in a Belgium village. the second occurs
at a roadside inn, near Brussels, and
the third, which IS described as very
imposing and gorgeous picture, shows
the royal palace at Versailles.
The FRITZ Scheff opera Company ar
rived from New York yesterday after
noon, and the final rehearsal viii be
held here today The Washington en-
gagement will be the prelude 10 what
Is hoped 70 be a long run in New York
city. After the week here. the COM
pany will be taken directly TO New
York. where the metropolitan produc-
ton will be made a week from tomor-