The Washington herald., 1906-12-11
OPENING NIGHT AT THEATERS
FRITZ scheR, in "MIIe. MOdiste
Heard at the New National

FRITZ ScheR, in "AfIIe. MOdiste,"
Heard at the New National.
The very distinguished audience which
filed almost to overflowing the New Ma
tionaI Theater last evening we,.t away
thoroughly satisfied with its evenings en-
tertainment In these days Of mediocrity
in the field of musical comedy and comic
opera. such a bright piece as Mile
Modiste" is deserving Of the second sea
son Of success which it is now enjoying.
In it Manager Charles Dillingham; has
found. after two or more trials of less
notable operettas, a suitable vehicle for
FRITZ Schen.
Henry Blossom. the author, has fur
nished a libretto which fairly scintillates
with sharp dialogue and breezy American
humor. The story lays claim to no strik-
ing originality, but serves adequately as a
sentimental undercurrent for the more
attractive episodes Of jest and song, Mr..
Herbert's music Is OF the musicianly
quality which is displayed in some of
his earlier works-"The Serenade" or
"Cyrano," for cxamples-and the num-
bers which are sung by the star are
especially commendable
Onto a flower -bedecked stage, peopled
with pretty girls and dashing soldiers,
there flashes upon the scene, nov and
again a pair Of dainty feet and ankles,
a trim, petite figure, snow-white neck and
arms, "a piquantly pretty face with
delicious retr0usse nose and a pair Of
rCguish eyes: the whole surmounted by
a glory Of glinting bronze-brOwn hair.
II is FRITZ Schef After the eye has
feasted upon this vision, there entrances
the ear a series Of liquid, bird-like notes,
breaking upon the tympanum like show
ers Of pearly spray upon a beach That
is Fritzi's voice. In range and eXecu-
zion, Miss Scheff's voice leaves little TO be
desired. While not rich, Il is clear
and exquisitely trained. In the flute pas
ages Of her final song, she honestly de-
served the ovation which followed its
conclusion. Her song as the mascot OF
the regiment affords Miss Scheff
charming bit Of comedy work, in which
alluTing misChicvousnesS was uppermOst.
Upon large floral bear. OF the prevail
ing mode. being hoisted upon the stage
over the footlights. she laughed as
heartily and as spontaneously as any one
in the house.
The 9rima donna is surrounded by an
excellent company. OF the role OF Hiram
Bent. the American millionaire. Claude
.GHlingwater gave "a legitimate and clever
portrait The quiet humor. the never-fail-
ing shafts Of wit, which the author has so
skillfully and aptly provided find appre-
ciativS expression on Mr.. GillngwateT's s
tongue. William PTuette gave a humorous
Interpretation OF the recalCitrant Compte
de ST Mar, while Leo Mars. as Gastn,
a product of the Quarter Latin, was also
notable Mr.. Pruette sang ! Want What
/ Want When I Want It with good effect
and Mr. Mars two songs, Love Me, Love
Ny Dog and The English Language,
proved hits. Miss Holly's song about the
culture club of KcOkuk was also well
rendered, and received several encores- La
Mora, "A toe dancer. appeared in the fete
scene. and the well-known favOrite. Jo-
sephine Bartlett as Madame Cecile. made
the best Of a small part.
Mile Modiste" is handsomely staged.
and the display Of costumes is extensive
and in good taste.