The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-27
Cbe CbedtreS
BRED EEATHER.n ?

Tn Red Feather" legitimate comic opera reaches it's highest form of ex- pression.
 There Is no musical comedy clap strap about this opera. no ragtime music to quicker the lips of the street gamin. It is not an entertainment whose main purpose Is to display the lingerie of show girls. It Is sure enough comic opera, comic opera that presents scholarly music and unfolds a coherent story of sustained interest.
 With Grace Van Studdiford as prima donna three excellent comedians, a contralto. Miss Tracey, with a voice of exquisite richness. other principals with voices only a S1ort distance be- hind the star in quality. and a sing ing chorus of few equals, coupled with an orchestra Of capable musicians Red Feather" was presented in the best style at the Montgomery Theatre last night.
 Last season tho opera was produced in Montgomery with Miss Van Studdi- ford In the titular role. It was a distinct compliment to this rarely gift ed young woman that Montgomery's fashionable set passed several really merituous attractions this week to walt for Red Feather" Every seat in the theatre was taken last night and it was one of those fine Mont gomery audiences that warns the hearts of players and brings out the best of their art.
 On its previous production here the book and the the score of the opera were reviewed In these columns and 1t will not be attempted again.
 Many persons in last nights audi ence, thought that the present company Interpreting Red Feather was even better than before. Surely no more l satisfactory company has been seen here in comic opera in many years. With her fino soprano Miss Van Studdiford enthralled the vast audi ence. Her hearers were so insistent that her numbers were repeated two and three times. This soprano of Miss Van Studdiford Is of marvellous fiexi- bility, range and sweetness. It's boise and expression are incompatible. The trills with obligato on the flute gave opportunity for a remarkable exhibi- I performance reflected much credit on l the fine orchestra directed by s. L. Studley.
 In her solos, Red Feather" The Conspirators," ''The Merry Cavalier" and The Garden of Dreams" Miss Van Studdiford showed high culture. Her animation and her understanding wins confidence Her duet with Mr. Davies. gro Call Thee Mine," was one of the things in the entertainment to be long remembered.
 The splendid creations of the mo- diste's art worn by Miss Van Studdi- ford must have quickened the hearts of the women in the audience. She IS a handsome woman, and she Is as much of an artist in the wearing of her clothes as she is in singing and act ing.
 One little woman, Cora Tracy, leaped into favor with her first solo. She possesses a controlto of great volume and fine tone. Her song. '"rhe Rose and the Breeze" was one of the de- lightful features of d performance that measured full of success
 Little Miss Monroe also sung her way into favor as Fifne.
 The male principals were all good. The tenor of Mir Davies, the baritone of Mir. Crane and the basso of MT. Cassavant contributed to the entertain ment. They are just such singers as Miss Van Studdiford deserves to have in her support.
 In his song Prince of Good Fellows" MT. Crane had fine backing on the part of the male chorus. The men showed the result of careful training.
 There was never false note in the concerted numbers. Dekoven's music was delivered in n style that would have pleased the great musician him self The contraltos and altos were especially good in developing the har- mony.
 Much of the success of the concerted music was due to the company's own orchestra.
 The comedians. Messrs. Mccarthy, Cassavant and Davis enlivened the opera with their fun, but there was a bit too much holding the stage with nonsense. It was discordant In an opera of so much artistic beauty. Of the three Mr. Davis was perhaps the most reliable. He had better conception of the truly Iudicrous.
 The richness of the costumlng and the scenic equipment enhanced the value of the opera.
 Chauncey Olcot in Terence to-