The Washington times., 1904-03-22
THE FORTUNE TELLER"
SCORES At LAFAYETTE
Familiar Comic Opera Well Sung and
SplendidIy Mounted-Edna
Bronson as a Star.

! Few comic operas have lived the life
| and known the continued popularity of
/ Victor Herbert and Harry 3. Smith 5
/ work. The Fortune Teller" which last
night returned to the Lafayette Theater.
| where some years ago it was first pro-
/ duced with Alice Nielsen in the chief
role. Edna Bronson. who has been seen
/ locally before. is now singing the part
originated by Miss Nielsen.
The charm Of Mr.. Herbert's music in
/ 1.-THE Fortune Teller" cannot be denied
/ Many of the airs sung by that fine or
ganization supporting Miss Nielsen came
/ tunefuly back to last nights audience
and We're roundly applauded. From the
I inspiriting opening number through a
| series Of infectious melodies to the stir
ring finale the audience swayed its APP
/ prevail and at the end of the perform
ance the manifest opinion was that like
rare wine the lays Of THE Fortune
Teller have improved with age.
For work which has been previously
presented with a notable cast the public
is chary OF patronage when the attrac-
ton is brought back with substitutes in
the principal roles This tendency on
the part of theatergoes TO credit only
one cast with genuine capability often
a delightful entertainment Such may
be said of the current presentation at
the Lafayette Theater which is one OF
the best return" dates Washington
could hope to see. A group Of excellent
comedians, a fine chorus and complete
stage direction go to make up one OF
the most entertaining offerings of the
season.
TO matter how good the principals
may be, enc always feels that no mu-
steal presentation is quite complete UNI
less the chorus is adequately volumin-
Gus, vOcally, and well drilled The
chorus in THE Fortune Teller has evil
GENTLY put in many weeks rehearsing,
with the result that every one of its
I.Imbers. familiar though it may be,
goes with q snap and vigor that is truly
enjoyable.
II the matter of principals the COM
bany now playing at the Lafayette il
well equipped. Edna Bronson IS a
clever little woman with a good voice
and most attractive stage personality:
She was heartily greeted by some OF
her old friends last night. and disposed
Of the role closely associated with 4
better known singer with much dlsunc-
ton TO herself.
Chief of the comedians is Robert Lett
in the role Of the dancing master. Mr.
Lett does not everyday the part OF the
ultra an lildteQ ut nClltB ltdtlltir Jul IN
jects much good, legitimate humor INTO
the role and assumed the comedy hon
ors Of the piece Phil BransOn as the I
Polish musician-cOunt whose compost
lions will become popular in time,
and Herman Hirshberg, as the gypsy
with the German dialect-and one joke
are close seconds TO Mr.. Lett.
alton Baker sings well. and Eugene
COwles was little missed in the part Of
the gypsy musician Tor Edward Metcalte
sang the delicious Little Gypsy Sweet
heart" number beautifully. Grace orr
Myers had little TO do in the role Of the
prima donna of a French opera, but
her voice is wonderfully sweet and
pleasing
The Lafayette should have a most
successful week, for the current attrac-
ton is certainly worthy Of generous pat
ronage.