The San Francisco call., 1908-03-17
BY Walter Anthony

BY Walter Anthony
In the turning over of a variety of
parts in a stock comic opera company
each member ultimately gets chance
for the big hit" Sarah Edwards of
the Princess company got hers last
night in the role of the Princess Of
Bhong in "a Country Girl" and devel-
oped talents and a voice of really grand
opera proportions. She was the sensa-
tion of a production which marked an
other step in the Princess career up
ward.
The piece is an English opera some
what numbered with deal of unneces-
sary plot. but crammed with good
music. There is an ensemble at the end
Of the first act, in waltz rhythm. which
progresses through glittering phrases
TO big climax. It was in this that
Miss Edwards. as the spurned eastern
princess. made her real talents known
! to the Princess patrons. She has the
best light opera contralto 1 have heard
in many seasons. 1t is well produced,
carefully tutored and musically mel
low. and il rings with real temper
ment There were three curtain calls
waiting for her at the close of the scene
and act.
Another big success in the first act
is The Rajah of Bhong" duet, which
was sung by Arthur Cunningham and
Miss Edwards as the Rajah and the
Princess respectively. They find them
selves in Devonshire. where they get
entangled in love and politics. The
Princess falls in love with Godfrey
Challoner (Harold Crane), who is the
object of the affections of Marjorie
Joy Cecilia Rhoda). The latter. think
ing her lover prefers the Princess,
leaves for London. where she has been
a comic opera queen: but Nan, 'the
country girl" who was played with
much airiness by Edith Bradford picks
up her friend Marjorie's quarrel and
sends the Princess about her business
That ends the first act and supplies
the climax which Miss Edwards took
such fine advantage of las9 night In
the second act everybody meets at
diplomatic bali in London and things
are righted after much comedy and
singing.
Ned Nye was a disappointment as
comedian. He worked hard, but that
doesn't do any good. He did not dis
play the gifts usually associated with
ing acquaintance with his lines might
be held accountable for his failure, and
another days rehearsal may get him
back in his own class again.
Arthur Cunningham and his big barry
tone voice were not so mich in evil
dence last night as in former pieces.
but the few opportunities which the
score afforded him were realized by the
singer. Cecilia Rhoda was an effective
Marjorie: Zoe Barnett had a chance or
two with some speciality songs, and a
new principal stepped from the chorus
in the person of George B. Fields and
got easily ''in the applause" Harold
Crane, Ben Lodge. Oscar c. APPEL and
others of the cast helped swell the sue
cess that the Princess latest production
won.
Harry James asked no quarter be-
cause it was first night and gave his
bandsmen none. Though the music is
not particularly difficult. it demands
sympathetic Interpretation; there are
several finely balanced finales and more
than one climax not easily negotiated.
What Princess patrons know as "the
Harry James spirit" pervaded the en-
tire score which went with dash.
sparkle and, when needed, power. The
scenic presentation was, as usual at the
Princess. beyond reproach.
The opera, which. by the way. is by
James t. Tanner, who wrote the book;
Adrian Ross. Lionel Monckton. Paul A
Rubens and Percy Greenback. who sup
piled the lyrics, and Adrian Ross, who
wrote the music. will surely make good
entertainment for two weeks at the
Princess.
As a special feature tonight and for
the rest of the week Harold Crane viii
sing Love Is the Light of the World"
by Archie Macdonald who was late
assistant musical director of the Castle
Square opera company.
..RoBERT EMMETT At CENTRAL
Robert Emmett" an Irish drama in
four acts. is the attraction at the Cen
fhfS Uoal- hnfh rrpr
forInances yesterday were witnessed by
large audiences. As might be expected,
the theater was patronized by many
sons and daughters of that land which
viii be honored today in song and
story and those Of the actors who
have the heroic parts received fiatter-
ing applause yesterday. Manager Err
nest f. Howell takes the role of Mickey
McAipin. the traitor, and was the re-
cipient of three large standing floral
designs from his friends Frank Bon
ner, who was seen in the role of a
Judge of the English bench, was auto
cratic enough for Russian official as
was Herman Cripps, who played the
part OF the English colonel. Elmer
Booth as Barney McGinn. a true son of
Erin; Miss Claire Sinclaire and Miss
Laura Hudson were seen to good ad-
vantage in their parts. Old Irish airs.
which are played by the orchestra. add
to the pleasure of this weeks attrac-
tion at the Central theater.
VAN NESS
san Franciscans will be given an
other week in which to see s.Brewster's
Millions at the Van Ness theateT. This
four act comedy had long runs IN
several large cities, and each perform
ance given last week was witnessed
by a crowded house. Comedian Ober