The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1907-02-15
AN OPERAT|C SUCCESS.


When Rev. Mr. Milne first proposed
producing "Pinafore,' there we're a few
of the wiseacres who pooh poohed the
idea and said that it could not be done
in town of this size, at least not in a
satisfactory manner Well, what the
wiseacres say does not always prove to
be wise. Mr.. Milne persevered, and the
result is that our citizens have been
given a musical treat which wilf long be
remembered. In fact, things musical
will date from "the time 'Pinafore' was
sung by the best ever"
Mrs. Claire Harrison presided at the
piano, a fact ~ itself which gave double
assurance that Sullivan's music would
have the best interpretatioR- an accom-
panist could give. Mrs. Harrison played
with a rare sense of the possibilities IN
the opera, aud proved herself a first
class accompauist.
With Mr. Milne swinging the baton
what else was needed to give the play in
wholly satisfactory manner? Nothing
but larger and better equipped stage.
But the people of Paw Paw have a large
fund of tolerance and patience. There
| fore, though the rev stage is slow in
coming, it will arrive May it be soon!
A special drop was painted for the
production, and the people appreciated
/ the work of Mr. Wheeler
When the curtain rose on the first act
of the opera, a murmur OF surprise and
pleasure swept over the audience which
packed the opera house, and the sailors
on board "tIer Majesty Ship, Finafore"
were reused to action, and the introduc-
tory Chorus was given with a will and a
volume of melod, that captured the
house at once From that moment the
success of the production was assured
Then came Little Buttercup,' and
the opera was under full swing Miss
Winnifred NJ cKee made very pleasing
Little Buttercup." and did the part
with credit The success of Miss Mckee
makes it morally certain that she will
not be 10th to enter future operate ven
lures.
The character Ralph Rackstraw"
was taken by Mr.. Wakeman
Laverne Wheeler played the part of
captain Corcoran" and demonstrated
the fact that he is an actor of ability
His many difficult parts were creditably
executed and he captivated the audience
Paw Paw people are just beginning to
appreciate our artist, poet and actor
friend, Mr. Wheeler
Duane Mosier gave highly creditable
rendition of the character "Sir Joseph
Porter" and his various solos brought
hIm prompt recognition. MIR. MosieI
has bass voice of carrying quality and
should be heard frequently.
w. H. Bishop played and sang "Dicl
Deadeye' most acceptably, aud hi'
"makeup" was artistic Mr.. Bishop hac
very difficult role to assume, and, i
being his first venture on the operate
field, ne deserved great praise for tn,
able manner in which he handled hi
score.
Mrs. Neil Chappell made a mos
charming Josephine" She has clear
sweet voice and beautiful stage pre-
] sence Her rendition of the complicated
music given to Josephine" was master
J full and showed careful musical educa
! ton. 1t is to be hoped that Mrs. Chap
pell may be seen again in operate pro
ductions in Paw Paw.
One would have to travel long wa.
} to find more captivating "Hebe" thar
! Mrs. Neenah Hunter gave US. We cal
! not believe that "Sr Joseph" had mucl
of struggle to accept "Hebe," il sh
!, were like her counterpart IN our "Pina
J fore"
J AS "rom Tucker, the midshipman,
! Laverne Wheeler, ir., did we'll. and Will
his "pard," "Tim Tomtit," played b
Dale Harrison, made a hit. Tim
Il