The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1906-10-16


in America OF Giacomo Puccinis music
drama on a japanese theme. entitled in
its English dress Madam Butterfly" II
is pleasant to be able TO record that the
event was no less successful artistically
than it was notable in the annals Of the
local theater. It was the first time in
Washington stage history that a musical
work Of the importance OF Madam But.
terfly' received its introduction TO Amer.
lea in this city. and it may be said that
the audience which gathered to do honor
10 the occasion was thoroughly repre-
sentative Of the intelligence, culture, and
fashion of the town. The Columbia Thea
ter was well filed in every part, and the
critical character Of the assemblage was
demonstrated by the evident suspension
of judgment discernible in the earlier
scenes, until the development of the work
by the excellent company of vocal and in
strumental artists gradually brought con-
viction OF unusual merit in opera and in
terpreters.
Audience Shows Enthusiasm.
Then the audience gave way 10 unmis-
taxable enthusiasm, and the success OF
Manager Henry W Savage's ambitious
and highly meritorious enterprise seemed
reasonably assured. granting that the YER
dict Of a Washington gathering is as de-
cisive as managers appear. by their Sc
lection Of this city as the scene OF first
presentations, TO think it is The fine
climax at the end OF the first act brought
a pleasant triumph to the leading ar
lists OF the company, Nine. Szamosy and
Mr.. Sheehan, which they shared deserv-
ingly with the maSterful conductor Of the
exceptionally fine orchestra, Mr.. Walter
II. RothweI TO whose skillfui work the
success Of the evening was in no small
part due. Thereafter the production pro-
ceeded with frequent manifestations of
the satisfaction and even delight of the
audience. Steady Improvement in the
work Of the entire ensemble of artists was
notable, and altogether the premier OF
Madam Butterfly" may be set down as
distinctly notable for smoOthnegs, spirit.
and finish. The work of the orchestra oc-
casioned general remark, and the young
conductor was heartily congratulated be-
tween the acts by his friends. and shared
with the leading vocalists the honors of
the evening.
A Daring Experiment.
Tho story OF Madam Butterfly is IA
miliar TO most readers. It was daring
experiment on the part of Puccini to al
tempt constructing on it an opera Of pre-
tensions. But he has done his work ad-
mirably and daintily, and there is little
doubt il viii win its way TO q very large
measure Of affection among the music
lovers Of America. In its operate dress
II is a delicate rOsevine Of simple beauty
lntertwined about a lovely treIlis of rich
and glowing music. The story has not
been smothered in q luxuriant opulence
= 10 md
slight dramatic interest the danger that
was TO be feared in turning il 10 operate
uses II has been thrown into charming
and pathetic relief BY the Geft and de-
lightful work of the composer, and comes
forth as a work OF rare musical and dra-
matte interest and attractiveuess. It viii
not take rank with the grand operas of
the great Italian or German school. but Il
viii have its own honorable place in that
distinctly modern form OF music-drama
which Mascagni, Leon Cavello and Puc-
cini are developing with such success.
The music is light, airy, graceful, but Of
nigh merit At times il has TIE exotic
and fascinating flavor of the japanese.
but there is much less OF this than might
have been anticipated considering the
locale Of the work How boldly modern
Puccini is was brought home with a little
shock OF pleasure to the audience by the
use Of a few opening notes Of THE star
Spangled Banner in the motif of the
American here. And the librettist has not
been less boldly modern in the introduc-
ton Of the highbal into the scene, in
which Lieut.. Pinkerton welcomes his
IIlend, ShaTpleSs. the American consul. 10
the new house he has purchased for his
poor little japanese bride on the hili
overlooking the beautiful roadstead OF
Nagasaki.
Nine. Szamesy, as Cho-Cho-San, the
japanese bride. showed herself to be q
delightful artist. Her voice, while not
great one, Is Of good compass and quail
lty, and she used II after overcoming
the nervousness Of the opening scenes
with convincing effectiveness. She has
the dramatic quality, and her acting was
intelligent vivaciOus, and captivating In
the lighter scenes, and restrainedly emo
uonal In those where feeling was called
Tor. Altogether, her Madam Butterfly is
most engaging and pathetic portrayal
and there can be little doubt she wiu
specify establish herself as a favorite
on the American operate stage. Mr.
Sheehan, as the unworthy hero. sang with
spirit and effectiveness. but he was MOI
easy IN his part. There was a certain
constraint and hesitation in his acting
That VIII no doubt wear away as he be-
comes better fitted into IT, Mr.. Richards
as Sharplesss gave markedly good in
depreciation or The role. Miss HARRIET
Bohnee was satisfactory as Suzuki. the
nurse. and Mr.. Jungman, as Gore. the
marriage broker, injected some quiet Jan
anese comedy in an artistic manner Tho
minor roles were adequately filed. and
the performance as a whole went of
with quite unusual smoothness and briss
ness for a FIRST night
The setting that has been given 10 The
opera by Manager Savage leaves netb-
ing 10 be desired. The stage pictures
are in every detail artistic and charm
ing. The audience Is prepared for the
Oriental locale of the story by the arad
ual rising or curtains revealing japanese
scenes, rich in color. and shifting light
effects. Then the scene is disclosed of
the hillside overlooking the bay of Ma
Butterfly viii be repeated each evening
and at two matnees 1T the Columbia
Theater this week.
The Japanese Ambassador and Wis
countess Aokt occupied a box, accom-
panied by the first secretary. Mr.. Miya-
Okla, Mrs Miyaoka, and otner members
Of their staff
Other welI-known people in the audi
enee included Rear Admiral and Mrs.
Hemphill, Capt, and Mrs. Richard Vain
wright and party Of friends, Command
CT and Mrs. Nathan Sargent, Medical Di-
rector and Mrs ". S. Dixon. DR.. and
Mrs. Maurice Francis Egan and the
Misses Egan, NJ. and Mrs. II. i. Jones,
AIRS John p. Story, Mrs. Rush Wallace,
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