The Washington herald., 1906-11-06
OPENING NIGHT AT THEATERS
DE Koven's "student King Is Well
Cecefved at the COIumbfn.

De Koven's "student King" Is Well
Ceceived at the Columbia.
Refreshing "reminiscences of the halcyoy
days of comic opera were recorded a
the Columbia last night. when The STU
dent King" a romantic opera by Regi
maid de Koven, with words and lyric,
by Frederick Ranken and Stanislau.
STANCE. was presented before a large au-
dience
From a combination Of original com.
positions and a skillful adaptation Of a
number Of old college and folk songs. Mr.
de Kcven has succeeded I'm bringing forts
a very pleasing musical whole. giving
lprcpoRderance TO those songs which art
best adapted TO the capabilities of-a strong
male chorus. although the solcists are also
given abundant opportunity.
The story Of the opera is built upon
the ancient customs prevailing In Ger
man university towns OF electing a stu
dent king at the carnival season, who's,
authority. for a few hours. supersedes
that of the reigning prince. In this in
stance, the scene is laid at Prague, BO-
hiema's ancient capital: thus creating. al
the outset. IN atmosphere full Of ro-
nance TIE student king happens TO be
one Francis. who is involved in a love
affair with lisa. Princess of Tyrol, and
who, of course, turns out 70 be a real
prince, mislaid in infancy.
The role Of Tsa the adventurous and
roguish princess. Is essayed by Nine.
Lima Abarbanen who, aside from her
artistic vocal attainments, gives q very
piquant Interpretation OF the character
Her personality is pleasing. and she ap-
pears 10 decided advantage in the student
garb. She has a soprano voice Of re-
markable quality, particularly IN the up
per register and sings with that perfect
ease which comes from superior training
and experience. Her best number is
'Nudel Nudel, Nupp, Nupp." rendered
with the entire chorus, which merited the
repeated recalls received
The striking feature Of the production.
aside from its lavish scenic habilimeuts. is
the work Of the male chorus. The gen
tlemen score heavily at the very begin
nlug In The Student Corps" and viz
tually bring the music 20 a climax in
the last act with THE Students Kneipn.
q medley Of powerful songs. particularly
noteworthy being the singing of Messrs.
George T. Paine, Percy Parsons, and AL
bert PillatOn.
The comedy is furnished by Mr. Alex
ander Clarke, as Rudolph, King OF Bo-
hemia. abetted by Gustove Won SeyffertitZ
ana Thomas Q. Le8ry. as the counselors.
The trio succeeds I'm stirring up much
amusement. Mr.. Clarke taking the risibili-
ties to a high point with his songs. Il
Took Them All and Wine. Women. and
Song
Mr.. Henry Coote was pleasing as the
Student King, most of the sentimental
music falling 20 his lot. Give Ne Thy
Heart. Love was effectively rendered.
while he interpolated "a strong finale 20
"The Students Kneipe" Miss Fiavia
Arcaro. as Lady Anne. also deserves es-
pecial commendat.on fer her comedy ef-
forts. and the rendition Of "Czardas 90
Miss Eva FallOn. as Famine. introduced
some pretty dancing specialties.
The piece has all the necessary ac-
cessories OF comic opera. with three beau
tiful settings. showing the University
Place, Garden OF the Royal Palace, and
the Fest Han Of the university The
chorus IS unusually large. and the COS
tuning displays a pleasing show OF color
which comes from mixture OF gypsy,
Tyrolean, student. and military dress.