Los Angeles herald., 1908-02-04

not at all hut adding to it all the little
graces that have combined to make
him the most notable producing man
ager-dramatist in the country.
The story was made into a one-act
play and was presented for the first
time by Miss Blanche Bates as cur
tain raiser to the Belasco comedy of
Naughty Anthony" The comedy
failed, but the charming delieacy of
Madam Butterfly" Joined to Miss
Bates exquisite art N the delineation
of its lltle role, scored an immediate
triumph. Subsequently Valerie Ber-
gere played the part, at first as cur
tain raiser for the same comedy and
later in vaudeville. Miss Bergere. 1
believe, presented the tragic little play
in Los Angeles at the Orpheum theater
a year or two ago.
Just how Puccini CHANGED upon the
story as to the libretto for his newest
opera l do not now recall, but the
choice proved highly fortunate and the
opera has done much to enhance the
reputation of it's talented composer.
More. 1t has served as precedent for
Puccinis selection of THE Girl of the
Golden West around which to con-
struct another opera. This work now
is nearing completion and probably
will have its first American presenta-
ton next season.
First Produced in Milan
Giacomo Puccil"s opera of Madam
Butterfly" had it's first presentation on
any stage at La Scala theater, Milan,
on the night of February II, 1904, al
most four years ago. It was first sung
in English at Washington, D. c., Oc-
tober Is, 1906, that being also it's first
presentation in this country. The first
New York presentation came a month
later. Since then Henry w. SaVage's
English grand opera company has sung
the opera In practically every large city
the country over. Last year it was
heard in San Francisco, but until last
night the opera never had been pre-
scented in Los Angeles.
In addition to the English presenta-
lions the opera has been sung on nu-
merous occasions at the Metropolitan
opera house in New York, the original
Italian libretto being used. The most
recent of these presentations was made
no longer ago than week before last.
The story of Madam Butterfly" in
little, is as follows:
The Operas Story
Lieut.. Pinkerton, an American naval
officer, is stationed at Nagasaki. He
succumbs to the destinations of Cho-
Cho-San, the geisha girl, afterward
called Madam Butterfly. Through the
marriage broker Goro he arranges all
details for a Japanese wedding.
In a charming villa on the heights
above the harbor, and accompanied by
his friend Sharpless the United States
consul, he goes through the quaint
native ceremony amid much chanting
and tinkling of bells, while Butterfly's
relations make merry in wedding
feast Here he passes the time of his
furlough, amused by the pretty airs
and graces of his winsome girl-wife.
Butterfly is devoted and plans her
life to please his every whim. She re-
nounces the religion of her fathers and
sacrifices the right of protection from
her family, but her happiness is brief.
Her hero sails for home, indifferent to
his obligations.
Butterfly, sitting day by day in her
picturesque little home, lovingly awaits
his return. Then comes the beautiful
little boy, whose blue eyes and sunny
hair constantly remind her of Pinker-
ton. Poor little Butterfly waits three
years with no news.
The American Returns
One day the consul comes with a
letter to undeceive her, but his heart
fails him on observing her childlike
faith. Suddenly .Pinkerton's ship is
sighted entering the harbor.
His near approach brings day of
wild joy to Butterfly's heart. She
decorates the house with flowers and
lanterns for a gay reception. Then with
her child and faithful maid they take
their positions at the shoji and wait.
YEARLY they watch through the gloom
of night till daybreak, but Pinkerton
does not appear. The fatal morning
comes and Sharpless brings her face to
face with the American girl Pinkerton
has married.
Heartbroken, Butterfly sends them
away and prepares for the end, Ten
derby kissing the laughing child and
bindfolding his eyes, she offers up a
wild plea for forgiveness to the gods OF