The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-05-06
AT THE THEATERS
MetropoItan-Fritzl schetf In babe

MetropoIitan-Fritzl schetf In "Babette."
1t is several years since FRITZ Scheff,
then a member of the Grau forces fresh
from Vienna sang with Melba. and others
in LA Boheme" at the Exposition build
ing in this city. In the interval she has
learned to speak English and has deserted
grand opera for comic opera. Few great
singers from abroad could have accom-
plished these two remarkable feats with
such success as has attended the meta
morphosis Of F'raulein Scheff. It is GER
tain that this vivacious little Austrian,
with her clear and bird-like voice, her
saucy face with it's tip-tilted nose and
her piquant coquetry, is better fitted for
comic than for grand opera. Not many
roles in the classic masterpieces and com
paratively few in the modern productions
are suited to her talents, which run to
the light and fanciful in music and to
comedy in action.
While "Babette,' the operetta turned
out for Miss scheff by Victor Herbert
and Harry B. Smith. is not remarkable in
either score or book, 1t will Serve until
something better is found. Its co-authors
turn out too many musical comedies to
be able to put in any one of the never
ending series the best work Of which they
are capable. Doubtless they make the pot
boil merrily with their tri1es, but the
some pretty songs and ensembles in
"Babette, but the vocal opportunities fo1
Miss Scheff are neither numerous nor bril-
liant. AS for the book, it cannot be ac-
cused Of lack Of plot-for there Is in
cessant plotting from start to finish; in.
deed, bewilderment lies in wait for him
who strives to follow the story thru its
complications. But some essentially comic
situations arise and others are manufac.
FIJI 81 "a nj 1ooL
for fun and frolic.
While Miss Scheff, with her daint,
songs; her trig little figure, so stunningl.
and variously gowned; her bright,
mischievous face and the foreign lisp ii
her well-mastered English is the center o
attraction, there are other favorites il
the cast Chief of these, perhaps, Is Eu
gene Cowles. the handsome basso, who's
manly physique and richly resonant vote
have won him high place in the esteem
Of the public. Mr. Cowles' opportunitie
come chiefly in the first act-which Is b
| far the best Of the three-and he wins en-
thusiastic approval with his entrance son,
and the serenade that follows. Beyond ];
| tendency-probably temporary-to flat
Mr.. Cowles' fine voice shows no sign
of deterioration, and he has acquire,
grace and repose in his acting Richi
Ling Is an acceptable tenor, whose voic
shows well in solo and blends equali
well in ensemble; he Is, moreover, al
actor Of easy carriage and good appear
ance.
The life of the piece is the inimitabl
Louis Harrison, as SNUG and unctuous a
| in the old days when he made his frs
successes in such farce comedies a
| "Photos' and Skipped by the Light Q
| the Moon" The audience last night coul
| hardly get enough Of his polyglot con
/ tributions to the sextet in the second ACT
Mr.. Harrison sings well for comedian
and he certainly builds UP his part wit
4 a line Of very funny business Of hi
own contriying. Josephine Bartlett a
his termagant wife makes an excellen
/ foil for much of his comedy.
\ Among the other members Of an ex