The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-03-20
MISS HORNER HERE.
sings the Leading Role in ..When
Johnny Comes Marching Homes


Miss Irene Homer, a born and bred
Topeka girl, sang the leading role last
night in the production of that re-
rnstrkably successful comic opera
when Johnny Comes Marching
Home which was presented at the
Grand opera house by the W. 4. Carle-
ton opera company. 1t was but the
third time that Miss Horner had sung
this part, and she acquitted herself in
most admirable fashion. In fact. it
was the expressed opinion on all sides
Inat Miss Homer has a brilliant future
on the operate stage
OF course all Of US here in Topeka
knew that Irene had a splendid voice.
sweet IN tone and bell-lilxe in its
clarity but her excellent work last
night was really a surprise. Her role
was difficult, and the conditions under
which she sang-facing a home audi
enee on what might be called her
maiden effort as a prima donna
were most trying. Stiu she sang her
part with vim and dash and ability
which was little short of remarkable.
and 1t is safe to say that Topeka has
produced another songbird who will
add Iustre to her own name and that
OF the town wherever she appears
This was the comment of musical
authority OF the city, and it was gen
orally voiced by all others who had
the pleasure of Witnessing the per-
please don't call me star" was
the modest way Miss Horner spoke of
/ her success I'm only a beginner in
the operate field In racl. I am but
an understudy to Miss Vaughn. It
was through her gracious generosity
Ihat 1 was permitted 10 sing the lead
ing part tonight. Whether my
work was success or not, it is for
others to say. My cordial reception
was indeed gratifying and L don't know
how to thank my friends here for the
kindness shown me-"
LAS to my plans for the future
WE'LL really, I cannot tell what they
are for have not made any definite
ones. except that am determined to
work harder than ever to perfect my
stjf in my chosen work. When our
present tour closes. I may renew my
vocal studies in New York. Perhaps
VIII continue on with the Carlton COM
pany during their summer season at
PittsbCrg, Pa. I thoroughly enjoy the
work, and since joining the company
IN August last have had a splendid
time or course a novice like myself
doesn't enthuse very much over one
night stands, but we have only had a
few of these and on the whole our trip
to the coast and back has been most
enjoyable and successful, I guess"
Miss Horner's career with the Carl
ton company has been a trifle meteoric.
Without experience in theatricaIs she
Joined the company in August last.
| taking a minor part in the chorus. It
was not long before she was advanced
to more important parts and then
made understudy to Miss Vaughn
BY no means was Miss Homer the
whole show last night. Because Of the
TACT that she was going to sing the
/ leading part in her home town, W. Il.
Carleton broke all of his own rules
and regulations and appeared in one
/ Of the leading male parts, and this
/ favor of his was appreciated. During
/ the second act he sang in his ininafI-
( able fashion Hearts Bowed Down
from the Bohemian Girl.
/ Everyone in the company seemed to
/ be on their mettle last night and the
work Of Miss Vaughn, who took Miss
4 HOrner's regular part Miss Bertha
! Darel, Miss Jean Salisbury, w. p.
/ Carleton and Joseph Brown was of a
/ high order.