The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-03

that there is no king like Dodo," but that
must be a mistake, for the Mikado Is the
king OF them ALL always was, and probably
always will be.
The pupils of the Indianapolis Conserva-
tory of Music demonstrated this fact anew
last night at Englishs when they sang the
ever-tuneful and always delightful Gilbert
and Sullivan opera TO a big audience that
gave the good old standby a most hearty
welcome. How vastly superior In construc-
ton are all of Gilbert's librettos, and how
much wittier his lines when compared to
the present-day operate comedies, and how
far more melodious is all of the music OF
Sir Arthur Sullivan when compared with
the scores of the same up-to-date musical
entertainments. The revival of the merry
opera was thoroughly enjoyed last night,
and, although presented by cast of prin-
cipals unused to operate work, il was given
In pretty good style Only too often anna
teurs on the stage are applauded indiscrim-
inately by their friends and well wishers
In the audience, but the applause last night
did not lack that genuine ring that comes
from spontaneity, and no better evidence
or the success of their efforts could nave
been asked by the performers than TINS
Naturally enough, there is always notce-
able nervousness in the work or amateurs
engaged in interpreting a pretentious work,
but, for that matter, IL must De reliein-
bered that the first night of new stage
production by the most experienced or pro-
fessional people is always marked by lack
of confidence on the part or the performers
Taking an this into consideration, the per-
Torrance last night was exceptionally good,
and, with one or two more presentations or
the opera, the pupils of the conservatory
would be giving an entertainment that
would rank with that of many professional
opera companies.
Edgar NJ. Cawley, who directed the work
of the principals, chorus and orchestra,
is deserving of praise for the thorough man.
ner in which he accomplished his task.
1t is easy job to take in hand over
hundred young people, inexperienced in the
vocal and instrumental Interpretation of
complete opera, and bring them all up to
such a state of efficiency. The stage was
in charge of Mrs. Edgar Flagler, who dem
onstrated that she was quite equal to the
undertaking of directing the business of the
production Mrs. Harriet Augusta Prunk
had superintendent the evolutionary train
ing OF the principals and her knowledge or
dramatic work was shown In the handling
of the dialogue by the members of the
company having speaking and acting parts.
vocal way, were won by Miss Litta Grimm
in the eccentric part of Katisha. Miss
Grimm sang with assurance from the first
and her excellent contralto voice was heard
TO much advantage. The other principals
gained confidence the entertainment
progressed and after they had been long
enough on the stage TO assume command
of their vocal chords they sang with the
same confidence that characterized Miss
Grimms work all along. Miss Elizabeth
Carroll was charming as Yum-Yum and
rendered the leading soprano role in very
pleasing manner while Mrs. Gertrude Flu
gate, as Pitti-Sing, and Miss Elsa Hem,
in admirable style. Edward Taylor had the
difficult tenor role of Nanki-Pooh, and when
he had once gained self-confdence sang his
share of the score in way that won we'll
merited recalls. Arnold Spencer appeared
in the comic part of Ko-Ko. and although
he did not always make the most of his
opportunities for provoking fun his sing
ing was distinct feature of the perform
ance, also Mr.. William J.. Nor
rison's vocal work in the character of Pish-
Tush. Bert Gadd was the Mikado. and he
made good one. His appearance upon the
merry scene did not take place until the
second act, but he soon made up for lost
time. William j. Bussey portrayed the no.
bic lord, Pooh-Bah, and was satisfactory
both from vocal and dramatic standpoint.
The chorus was very large, there being
over seventy fresh young voices. and all
of those taking part in the performance
| were handsomely costumed. Taken as a
whole no amateur presentation of comic
opera has ever been more successful in In
dianapolis and the Conservatory of Music
| Is to be congratulated.