Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-05-12
by sIDLE LAWRENCE
kkTRMINIE" in something
extended than tabloid

H. extended than tabloid form,
but yet lacking several well
remembered numbers, was presented
at the Auditorium last night. where 1T
will continue for the closing week of
the Edgar Temple opera season. The
old opera with its delightful music
and brilliant stage pageantry of court
danes and gallants proved popular
with an audience which, however, was
numerically scarcely stronger than the
company upon the stage.
The usual faults which have marked
first presentations by this organiza-
ton ever since the season opened were
= again conspicuous last night. The
voice of the prompter--not still.
small voice, ether--was to be heard
constantly. There was also the usual
uncertainty in action and the usual
difficulties in some few of the musical
numbers. However, the Temple sing
ers have merited better support than
they have received; and IT is matter
for regret that lack Of patronage COM
pels an early termination of season
which opened with such abundant
promise of success.
Though he was announced to ap-
pear last night as Ravennes Mr.. Tenn
pies voice was heard only from the
prompter's entrance. A. K Wyatt play
ing the part instead. There was one
other change in cast not noted by the
printed programs. Robert Leonard
doubled the roles of tho innkeeper and
Ernest dc Brissac, the latter part being
credited on the program to Miss Lii
liam Leighton.
Miss Kent In Name Role
Musically the honors of the evening
go to Miss Eleanor Kent in the title
role of the opera. Her opening num-
Der when Love Is Young" sung with
chorus was given beautifully. while
the famous lullaby was phrased with
charming tenderness In the ensemble
numbers also her admirable soprano
carried the several melodies safely
across bars which threatened disaster
This is the fifth role Miss Kent has
sung here since the season opened and
each one has seemed better done than
its predecessor which, | take 1t, is
the true test o. excellence in a prima
donna.
Cast as Eugene Mr. McGahan last
night made no attempt to sing the
music written for the part. Instead
he interpolated one song In the first
act. His solos and the duet with Err
mimic were cut entirely. Moreover he
did rot know the few lines of dialogue
allotted to him. Mr.. McGahan. ] be-
lieve. Is what is known professionally
as a SLOW study" but man who had
never studied a part in his life should
have been able to handle 1t better
than he handled Eugene last night.
The Vagabonds Well Done
The roles of the two vagabonds,
played by Fritz Fields and A. X.
Wyatt. proved vastly amusing to the
audience Fields Cadeaux is funny,
genuinely funny. His foolery with
Grace Vance as the princess was ex-
cellently contrived. and he was ably
abetted in merriment both by Miss
Vance herself and by Mr.. Wyatt.
Minor roles were acceptably sung
by John r. Wilson and Charles Dud-
ley, Mr.. Wilson giving us good por-
trait of Il broken down French roue
and Mr.. Dudley proving diverting as
a waiter. Nigel de Brullier suffered
from amnesia and couldn't remember
his part as the Marquis de Pontfert. |
Laura Wallace as Javotte had much |
the same difficulty though she made
a sprightly appearance as the merry |
daughter of the old innkeeper
The finale of the second act. intro
ducing a minuet by principals and |
chorus, was both well sung and effec- |
lively staged. Here the men and wo-
men in the picturesque costumes of
the period in periwig and poudre. pre-
scented brilliant spectacle, richly
-ineriting the curtain calls 1t received. |
"Erminie' will continue through the |
week The opera itself is tuneful and |
ii Us funny. 1t has been we'll staged |
and with a few more performances to
give individual members of the COM
pany familiarity with their roles it |
should prove well worth the hearing |
and seeing. Last night the company |
gave public dress rehearsal of the |
famous ole work. Tonight, doubtless, |
many of the detects noted will have |
been remedied