The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-01-20

sst Efs +
lINNEA.P POLLS JOURN
AT THE THEATERs
Metropolitan-The Hostonians In a-She
ss1 Serenade.'
The Bostonians are, the one bulWarsd
that saves; aus from ttt ter surrender to the
silly MUSICAL comedy ofS the day. True
TO- the editions that have come down
from the old days OF the Boston Ideals,
to which the Barnab e-AIacDonald organ
1zat1on fell heir, the Bostonians have al
ways preserved the just balance between
comedy and music in their productions.
In their long hunt for a worthy romantic
operate succeed Robin Hood they have
never. swerved from the high standards
lssetsups by that immortal success. The fact
tsthat their annual productions of new
operas have notgyet brought forth a sec
ond masterpieces argues nothing against
the wisdom of their course. Masterpieces
are not written every day. It will be
glory enough for the Bostonians If the
| organization shall eventually pass out OF
existence with the proud record Of hav-
|. ing produced and immortalized robin
Hood Meanwhile it gives us from time
to time a line new production from the
| best American composers and librettists.
This years candidate for honors is 1.-THE
Serenade, the book Of which Is by Harry
B. Smith, librettist of robin Hood" and
| the music of which is by Victor Herbert,
who has written many more or less sue
cessful scores. The piece was first pro-
4 duced several years ago. Tho it's claims to
being a masterpiece may be contested,
..The Serenade'' will affords an evening full
Eof entertainment Of the high class. Its story
is cleverly original and shows the skill
Of the one American who comes nearest
] to rivaling Gilbert, the greatest Of all
libretto makers, in quaintness of concep-
ton and delicacy Of humor The idea Of
/ a haunting melody, which hobs up at UNI
expected times and in unsupported places
Land sets every one by the ears, is oddly
! funny, besides being ingeniously appro-
/ pirate for comic opera. It is in effect
i the Wagnerian- 'leit- MOTIF adapted to a
new purpose. The apex, Of humor is
reached when 1t IS solernnly intoned by a
1 choir OF monks, after a parrot has
| squawked it out raucously. The romance
Eof the story furnishes ali attractive color,
but is never permitted to become too seri-
Ious, and the comedy is genuine enough
/ without descending the plane of horse
| play.
The second act is the best Of the three,
tho the bold invasion of a monastery in
search OF "a new environment is one that
will not be lightly forgiven by every one.
The inevitable Eirrevarence @of the action
is not, however, permitted to become very
offensive, while none at the rich oppor-
tunities for comedy sars SoVerloo ked..
Mr. Herbert's g melodles have catchy
bright raiment. The choral effects too,
are strong. The. compeser has given to
his score characteristics and attractive
/ Spanish color that goes far to help out the
dramatic illusion, too often ignored in
modern musical productions.
i The chief fault Of the. production last
night was the evident lack of rehearsal
resulting in faltering on the part of some
Of the principals, and ragged work al
times from the chorus. This may have
been partly chargeable to the absence from
the cast of Mr.. Barnabee, who gave way
to his understudy. Joseph N. Ratliff. The
latter, who. In makeup bears some re-
semblance to the hale old comedian. die
but indfHerently well with the9role Of the
duke. His lines and methods were con.
stantly reminiscent of Mr.. Barnabee, but
n Hacked, of course, the JUNCTION ofs3tfe vet
eran. w. Fl. Macdonald, whose youthful
grace the years have not succeeded in put.
ting to flight made a picturesque figure as
the tickle and romantic barytone. His
:. voice shows some deterioration and he is
II anything, even less successful than Of
yore in alighting with accuracy on the
exact note set down in, the score. George
rockingham, third in the ancient brother.
hood, was well fitted with the role of the
tailor and provided the merry article Of
comedy which has won for him place az
the best American buffo. In his fat anc
homely person centered most Of the fun.
making and the 6audience, was content
!. His very audacity gildeda with merrimen1
lr,oy 80 ;{1,1x !,
z sumed a nuns dress. The comedy con
, tingent was rounded out by Campbell DON
, aid as a frazzled French tenor and Harry
DIAL, who played first an Old man and ther
a frisky monk, with by5play that proved
convulsfvant.
{ Howard Chambers headed the muslca
, contingent and his singing as the president
Of the brigandage association deepened the
good Impression heretofore gained of hi.
t splendid vocal abilities. He is a basst
. worthy to stand in Eugene Cowles' shoe!
and, tho not possessing his predecessor
, physique, he makes an attractive figure
and is better actor. Gertrude Zimme
as the vengeful ballet dancer was pert ant
, frolicsome and moreover sang in a light
clear soprano that was especially pleasing
in the old but ever new arpeggios with thu
t echoing flute. Kate Condor, the contralto
also scored success in the role Of tn,
dukes ward, being plump and pleasing tt
is unfmportant, but Charles Hargrave sans
!. it better than he acted it. His voice ha
good range and quality but lacks power.
2 The performance was much too long
partly because Of the acceptance Of to-
) many recalls. The Dreaming song wa
well received. but the prize verses wer.
more or less bungled in delivery and, no
being In the least happy in conception
) could not but fall rather fiat.
w. B. Chamberlain.
Foyer Chat.
"Sag Harbor,' the quaint comedy o
3 Long Island life, which is to be seen a
1 the Metropolitan for three nights and mat
inee commencing tomorrow night, is a.
. refreshing as a Whit of salt air to tn,
tired plodder of an inland town.
.'The Sultan Of Su1u'' and his full cour
I Of rnirth, melody and beauty, created b!
. that famous humorous writer, George AIDE
: will take possession Of the metropolitan
Sunday night for four nights and Wednes
day matinee.
!, Jane Remark as Cigarette in Pau
!, M. Potter's dramatization Of Ouida's 70
: mantle story, Under Two Flags vii
t be the offering at the Metropolitan 70
$ the latter part Of next week.
George Sidney is amusing good size,
!" audiences at the sBijou this week in tn
( musical farce. .S1fBusy IZzy.,,' stssES#