The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-06

~ ".
PARK-''A Ragged Hero and p. m
EMPlRE.-Burlesque and p. m.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. and p. m.
..Red Feather mt Engiisb's.
Whenever Reginald De Koven sets him
self to the task OF creating a new musical
mposition-whether it be a simple love
song of an ambitious score for a new opera
the chances are that the work will be
we'll worth attention. With Victor Herbert,
he stands at the head of American compos-
ers of the lighter class of music and say
what you will of hinl-and he has many
critics who delight in rubbing him the
wrong wayne is a man Of unquestionable
talent and musical writer of much origi-
nality His latest effort, Red Feather"
with the book by Charles Klein and the
lyrics by Charles Emmerson Cook, was
given its local premier at English's last
night before large and fashionable audi
ence that completely filled the theater, and
which set its seal of approval upon the
music early in the evening and showed, by
many enthusiastic demonstrations during
the performance, how thoroughly it was
enjoyed.
Red Feather" proved to be all that was
claimed for it, with the exception of the
book of the piece. which cannot truthfully
De said TO live up to the glowing descrip-
agent Mr.. Klein has written a story that
is absurdly illogical, even for a comic
opera, and one which comes as near being
devoid of any genuine humor as could well
be imagined. The story of the piece, himsy
as II is, presents many opportunities for
very effective stage pictures and attractive
scenes, and all of these opportunities have
been taken full advantage of by the pro-
ducers, who have gone about putting the
opera on the stage in a lavish manner that
commands admiration. The work is termed
SPONSORS
as Mr.. De Koven's score is concerned there
are times when 1t comes within the domain
of romantic opera, but at the same time
the music is not up TO the high standard of
robin Hood" or Rob Roy" There are
many melodies in ii that are exceedingly
tuneful and some of the concerted numbers
are the sort that will bear several hearings,
while the orchestration is admirable
throughout. Mr. Cooks lyrics are, for the
most part, quite clever. But the book of
Charles Klein is an inferior piece of work
and gives one the impression that it was
ground out in desperate hurry.
f++
This is the story, briefly told: The Coun-
tess Hilda Won Draga, in order to restore
the crown of Romancia to the man who
has befriended her father, DISCUSSES her
self in male attire and becomes a sort of
bandit king, using the spoils of this career
as an outlaw to meet the expense of an army
for the cause of restoration. This bandit,
who, of course, is thought to be man, be-
comes the terror Of the country and is
known as RED Feather because of the
small red feathers which the highwayman
and his followers wear-juSt as Robin Hood
spOrted his Lincoln green in Sherwood For
est. To capture the rascal becomes the
chief object of Romancia's army. Captain
TravorS, who is in love with the Countess
Won Draga, is promised title if he brings
the robber TO bay, and is given to under
stand that If he fail in his undertaking, he
will he sol from no ne
graced. This offer is made to him by the
crown prince, who is himself in love. with
the beautiful countess. The crown prince
is In reality schemer. His suit with the
countess has not progressed favorably
and, knowing the soldier 10 be his rival,
he hopes to get rid of him by sending him
| forth on the errand which promises to
prove his undoing. In the many complica-
lions that follow, it becomes necessary for
the countess to disclose the fact that she
herself is the RED Feather in order to
save Captain Travors, with whom she is
in love. The lovers are made happy, for the
soldier is not to be discharged by such
little thing having thief for wife, and
the crown prince finds that he cannot sep
arate the two because OF the fact that he
is forced to give up the throne TO the
other claimant-the one whom the countess
has aided.
1t is an opera of magnificent stage set
tings and gorgeous costumes. AS a feast
for the eye no other comic opera has ever
been in the same class with it, and it must
be seen to be appreciated since the scenery
| and brilliant raiment hardly be de-
scribed The piece is essentially a starring
vehicle for that splendid Indiana prima
donna, Grace Van Studdiford, who has
scarcely equal the American stage
in her especial field. She is statuesquely
beautiful and her soprano voice is pure,
clear and sweet. She was too free with her
high notes, however, in the first act last
night and seemed TO tire herself somewhat
before the end of the performance by work
ing too hard. She presented a stunning APP.
pearance in her several artistic costumes
and won many rounds of applause after
Miss Van Studdiford is well supported
generally speaking. George j. Tallman as
Captain TraVors sings and acts his role
In a pleasing manner. and Alfred Il. Mac
Gahen as the Crown Prince disclOses bar
itOne voice of much natural beauty-a voice
that is very rare indeed in comic opera
while his dramatic work is acceptable.
James L. Sullivan can hardly be blamed for
the poor quality of the comedy. AS the
leading funmaker he struggles hard with
the old-time jokes and business which
have been furnished him by librettist who
seems 20 have run out of ideas. Mr. Sulli-
van managed TO keep last nights audience
amused In a mild sort of way in his por
trayal of an eccentric German-the same old
German that has been turning up time and
time again in the musical comedies
in "The Girl from Paris" And. by the way,
Sullivan was one of the comedians to enact
the comic Dutchman in that musical COM
edy. Louis Casavant and w. c. Mccarthy
are Sullivans assistants in the attempts to
provoke mirth and make the best of pref
~ bad bargain, while Mr.. Casavant sings
the best song of the opera, THE Humorous
Ghost" in a satisfying bass. Cora Tracy,
who possesses a deliciously sweet contralto
voice. sings her share of the score in de-
| lightful style-her solo in the last act being
one of the gems of the piece. Mile. Elsie de
We're, of whom much has been written in
the New y ork papers, proves diSappoint-
ment. She advertised a bright
| young French woman who could sing and
dance her way into the hearts of everybody.
She cannot sing at ALL and what dancing
/ she did last night is not worth mentioning.
/ The chorus singers are praiseworthy in
! every way and are entitled to much credit
| for their efficient work.
Red Feather Will close its local engage
ment with a matinee this afternoon and
final performance this evening.
OF the lyrics which Charles Emerson
Cook has written for the opera, 1.-THE HUI
morous Ghost proved to DE the most popu-
lar with last nights audience. 1t is a very
fetching ditty. These are the verses:
A ghost lived in a castle old,
Eccentric and erTatc.
He'd wander round on darkest nights.
From cellar up to attic
And none could tell whatever made
Oh az Tn afa1 H.