The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-09-21
PROVIDENCE OPERA HOUSE

To the lovers Of good music and with
Just enough fun In II to carry the term
opera house In "veronique," a musical
comedy In three acts. by Andre Messenger
and book by A. van Loo and @. Duval.
The piece is OF French origin, thence IL
produced for the first time In America
about a year ago. IL has been success
fully presented In each OF the three c"un-
tries and as evidenced by the manner in
which Il was received last evening. is
pretty sure -ln- -ple4ISa- almost anv audience.
There is no doubt but that II has under
gone many chauges ~ is life of some
eight years. but the foundation OF the piece
as originally constructed is not lost sight
of 10 any great degree. although extreme
carelessness is shown in some instances
by allowing decided English expressions
20 be used in piece that Is thoroughly
OF French atmosphere. This might be al
lowable I'm a comedy part. but hardly In
lines OF somewhat serious nature.
The music is decidedly better than the
book. for at times the dialogue is any
'thing but clever or attention-holding.
while the music is at almost all times
dainty. sweet and decidedly above the
score Of the average musical comedy. In
practically every song and chorus charm
OF dainty expression pervades; there is
delicacy about the various numbers and
while they are not the kind that you will
find yourself subsequently huniming, they
appeal to you as being so different as II
were, in comparison with the more or less
sing -songy tunes found In many OF the
musical productions Of today. In truth
too much praise cannot be bestowed upon
the music in "Veronique"
IN plot there is. however, nothing par
ticularly unique or original; II tells Of
mischlevous maid OF honor who Is be
throthed to man she has never seen.
In visit TO a flower shop she learns of
his presence there and OF bis Irritation
with a pretty florist. She concludes to
win him and assumes the Identity of
wins the heart of her noble flanca without
his becoming aware OF her true Identity:
The wooing Is OF the romantic sort and
the climax occurs when the young noble
meets his nance face to face In the Tull
cries, and then sees in her his delightful
companion OF the day. OF course. they
marry-we are led to believe they did
and are probably happy ever after
There isn't any question about who is
the star OF the piece; II Is Miss Louise
Cunning In the title role. ana from me
moment OF her appearance she won the
hearts of the audience, not only by her
charming personality but by her vocal
efforts Her voice is one of unusual
grand opera quallty-she interprets her
songs probably as near the manner In
which Messenger would have wished them,
as is possible. Especially pleasing was
swing song duet, "You Are Laughing"
sung with Mr. Fairleigh as Florestan
and in tn duet "Trot Here and There.
Miss Cunning being seated bravery on
the back OF a evidently gentle htte
mouse -colored donkey,
Closely following Miss Cunning In favor
was Mr.. Louis Harrison. I'm the role OF
M Coquenard. proprietor OF the mower
shop and subsequently as captain oi the
guards lie In a clever comedian ana Win
what he had 20 do with made the very
best OF ~: there Is not, however, any
great opportunity for him except IN the
last act. as the captain with sword 10 -
big for him and n hat too hot Tor NM
and a good topical song Uhe only one IN
the piece) entitled. ASK Me Not which
which kept the audience In roar.
Mr. Harry Fairleigh, as Florestan, de-
serves favorable comment, and his songs
were we'll received. while Miss Laura lnf.
fray. as Denise. sung her song "Rosale
well and danced cleverly. The others inter-
preted their parts acceptably.
The chorus voices were exceptionally
rood. and II Is quite evident that thcy
were picked for quality and have had eN-
-ceffput training under Mr.. s. l.. Studley
of The Bostonians" fame, who welded
the baton. The costumes are dainty and
appropriate. while the stage pictures were
quite in accord with the Gantness OF the
rnvsic throughout.
All in all "Veronique" Is a decided sue
rose and cannot fail 90 bI appreciated
nv the audience OF tonight. Saturday mat
ipee and evening performance