The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-03-04
"Red Eeather.n

The only regret that can be expressed in Birmingham as a result of the> per formance of Red Feather" at the Jef- ferson theatre last night is by those who failed to see the new comic opera of Reninald de Koven. It was produced In a manner truly metropolitan and the fresh- ness of its costumes and the general ex- cellence of the entire performance is evl- dence that the company has only recently left New York, where the play was first put on the stage this year.
 When the curtain rose last night the entire theatre was filled, and 1t was prob- ably the most enthusiastic audience of the season Every number and every princi- pal was greeted with applause and this greeting must have warmed the hearts of the members of the cast to the audi ence.
 Miss Grace Van Studdiford, who will be remembered as being once with The Bos- tonians," has more than Justified the wisdom of the managers in placing her at the head of this, the most gorgeous pro duction which has appeared here this sea- son In any play where costuming counted much. She heads a group of fine singers. Her singing in the role of Red Feather, the bandit chieftain, showed her to be possessed of very clear, sweet voice of wonderful strength. She took her high notes with singularly good effect.
 There is something of plot running through the opera. but 1t merely draws together the various musical numbers and allows an opportunity for the display of many handsome costumes. and much clever comedy in the hands of three very capable comedians, headed by w. J. Mo- Carthy, who played the part which Is supposed to have been taken by James E. Sullivan. If Mir Sullivan, who did not appear, Is any better than MT. Mccarthy he is too good for anything but a stellar part with the center of the stage and the calcium light And incidentally whoever played the part of Bagstock Bowler, the part assigned to MT. Mccarthy on the programme. is another good comedian.
 The plot Is simple. The Countess Hilda Won Draga Is playing the Red Feather and Is bringing fear to the hearts of the loyal people of Romancia. She is form Ing a conspiracy to overthrow the reign ing sovereign. Captain Travors of the guards is in love with the countess, but does not know that she is the Red Fea- ther. He swears to capture the bandit and the Crown Prince of Romancia threatens him with disgrace if he falls He had all but failed. when the countess declared her identity to save his life. 
 Of the principals of the company 1t can be said that there is not a weak voice. The singing falls to Miss F1oye Redledge, as Mile. Fihne; Miss Cora Tracy, as Anita. a Spanish girl; George T. Talman, as Captain Travors; Alfrend .dacGahen. as the crown prince, and Louis Casavant, as Col Mac Patrick. one of the cemed- fans.
 Mir Talman and his company sang the Songs of the Guards'' as no male chorus has sung here this season. Miss Studdi- ford has three very pretty songs. "The Entrance of Hilds," the duet. '"ro Tell Thee Mine" sung with MT Tallman: ''The Merry Cavalier" with a pretty swing to its tune, and 'The Garden of Dreams." one of the prettiest ballards of this sea- son.
 Miss Tracy was in excellent voice for ''The Rose and the Breeze" and MT Casavant made himself popular by his song. "The Humorous Ghost" Two songs were omitted for lack of time, and this was a disappointment.
 It was impossible to find a defect in any of the costumes. The gowns worn by Miss