The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-09
"CHIMES OF NORMANDY"
PRODUCED AT ENGL|SA'S
Cast Selected from Choral Society
of indianapolis Conservatory
OF Music.
LITTA GRIMM MAKES HIT

Among the comic operas none is more
picturesque than Robert Plaquette's
"Chimes OF Normandy" and no matter
how familiar one may be with its libretto
and score there is always much in IT to
enjoy This well-knOwn musical work,
with its romantic story. its humorous dia-
logue and its tuneful melodies, has stood
the test of many years and 1t continues to
be a classic in it's particular field. IL Is
often chosen for amateur production, for
the reason that il offers many excellent
opportunities for number of good soloists
and big chorus. The piece has been sung
several times of late in Indianapolis by
local talent and was given another credit
able presentation last night-this time by
the Choral Society of the indianapolis Con-
servatory of Music.
The opera was sung at English's Opera
House before a large and friendly audience
that gave many evidences Of thorough APP
probation of the production. Under the
able conductorship of Edgar NJ. Cawley the
orchestral and vocal music received salts
factory Interpretation. while Harry Por-
ter, who has had good deal of profess
sional experience. managed the stage in
very skillful manner. The orchestra, made
Conservatory, played the charming score
in praiseworthy style. and the large chorus
OF over sixty voices showed the effects of
careful training. II good to see and
hear chorus In keeping with the demands
OF the opera. and much of the credit for the
success Of the entertainment must be at
tributed to the conscietious ensemble
singers.
Judged from an amateur standard the
performance was an exceptionally even one:
II should have been. for singers who are
unaccustomed to appearing in dramatic per-
formanceS often find Ii difficult 10 act their
parts as we'll as they sing them. How
ever. the action of the piece not al
lowed TO drag and the more important in
cidents of the story were brought out ef-
fectively The vocal honOrs were fairly
won by Litta Grimm, who rendered her
share OF the score in an authoritative fash
ion that did much toward reassuring some
OF her associates who were a trifie nervous
at first. Miss Grimm's voice IS a beautiful
contralto and IL is well adapted to the
lighter class of music. She sings naturally
and, with more schooling as an actress,
would be well equipped for the professional
stage, for her personality is attractive and
her movements graceful. Miss Dorathea
Smith. after recovering from her uneasi-
ness at the opening of the opera (the hard
task of singing the first solo number fell
TO her lott, gave pretty portrayal of Ser
polette. the ood-for-nothing, singing
the part In a sweet soprano.
Christian Frederick Martens did the best
work among the male members of the cast
with a very capable rendition of the role of
the Marquis of Cornville. His fine baritone
voice was heard TO much advantage
throughout the evening and he good
dramatically, too. The role of the fisher
man Jean was sung by J. w. Bussey, who
possesses a sunny tenor voice that is very
pleasing. Upon the shoulders of Harry
Porter fell the burden of the dramatic por-
tion of the piece, and Mr.. Porter. usual,
proved equal 10 all demands. The character
of Gaspard is not the kind in which this
favorite local comedian Is seen at his best,
but he played IL well, nevertheless, and won
many rounds of applause from time 10 time.
The smaller parts were adequately filled
by Miss Mary c. Trees. Miss Nell Butler,
Miss Blanche G.. Page Miss Jean Wright,
s. N. Gold. Otto Kraus, Raymond Ayers
and Herman Rahe. The costumes were
handsome and in good taste and the stage
settings were all that could have been de-
sired.