The Paducah sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1898-1906, 1904-12-09
FOR SWEET CHARITY
AMATEURS sing
The Production of the First
Lieutenant a Big Success.
One of the Largest Audiences Ever
Assembled Witnessed the
Performance.
4 TIDY SUM WAS REALIZED.

One of the largest and most fash
ionable audiences that ever assem-
bled in The Kentucky witnessed the
production of "The First Lieuten-
ant" for the benefit of The Home of
the Friendless last night. over one
thousand tickets we're sold and stand
ing room was at a premium.
The opera is full of pretty solos
and catchy choruses and just enough
plot to hold it together. The scene
is laid i'm the days of the Spanish
American war, the first act in Nir-
ginia and the second i'm Tampa, Flor
ida, and plenty of occasions are given
for the appearances of the state
guards, rough riders. Red Cross girls
and marine chorouses.
The story of opera is as follows.
When the news of the sinking of the
Maine is received the Richmond
guards volunteer and are ordered
out. Miss Inez Lopez. a Spaniard,
makes an unpatriotic remark in the
presence of some lads who are drill
ing and is jeered by them and
threatened with a "ducking' in the
river. First Lieutenant Montrose of
the guards rescues her and becomes
infatuated with her.
Escamil. a Spanish spy, who has
influence over Miss Lopez suggests
that she go to Tampa and by her
beauty gain influence over the Off
GERS of the company.
Major Spottswood. an old-time
southern gentleman, resolves to go
as a newspaper correspondent.
The officers and men bid farewell
to their Virginia sweethearts. sing
ing a rousing chorus. the first act
closing with their departure.
The second act opens at the head
quarters of the United States army
in the hotel grounds at Tampa. Inez
entertains the officers by singing and
dancing.
Billy Breeze, of the Chicago Even
ing Zephyr. recognizes her as for
merly of Havana, and his suspicious
are aroused.
Mrs. Fairfax, whose son is in the
navy, consents to "chaperone" the
young ladies of Richmond, and they
arrive at Tampa as Red Cross nurses,
led in their patriotism by Dorothy
spottswood, Rose Randolph and
Marjorie Lee, sweethearts of the Of
ficers.
Lieutenant Fairfax, of the navy,
the naval reserves, the Rough Ri
ders, and other branches of the SER
vice arrive at Tampa.
The admiral Of the United States
navy arrives in battleship and pays
a ceremonial visit to the land forces,
and a grand ball is arranged in his
honor.
During the ball Billy Breze over
hears enough of a secret conversa-
ton between Inez and Escamil to
reveal a plot to destroy the battle
ship.
Inez uses all her arts of beauty,
manner and song to captivate First
Lieutenant Montrose. urging him TO
forsake the United States and take
service with Spain. Montrose's de-
cision. A strong scene. Inez dis
consulate
Escamil arranges with Inez TO sig
nal him when the way is clear. that
he may gain access to the batteries.
Inez, through her love for the
First Lieutenant rises above the viii
liany and confesses the plot to Cap
tain Randolph.
"Give him the signal and leave the
rest to me" says Captain Dick. and
the scene devolves in an exciting
manner. and accomplishes the recon-
citation of the lovers in highly eff
fective way.
The opera closes with a ringing
chorus and ensemble, in honor of an
important historical event. ending
with n nnaOnfRcant o,otio,, 10 cola
Glory"
The opera is written for amateurs
in that every principal part is a star
part. and last night each role was in
good hands. Mr.. Emmett Bagby, as
Captain Randolph carried his part
we'll, both in acting and singing;
Mr. Harry Collins. as Lieutenant
MAntpAan ttusha INfruf I #.