The Washington herald., 1909-10-19
LAST NIGHT AT THE
LOCAL PLAYHOUSES
THE NATIONAL.
.sThe Gnr Hn.sn-. >,


THE Gay Hussars." which was pre-
sented by a contingent of the Savage
forces at the National Theater last night,
leaves no doubt in the mind Of the audi
tor as to its proper designation. It is
genuine light opera. Although the com
edy element is introduced to a reasonable
extent, II does not fall strictly within
the bounds of so-called comic opera.
Judged entirely from the plot and score
1t clearly belongs to the romantic school.
and as it has been spoken OF as the sue
cessor in popular estimation to the "Mer-
~ Widow" it is proper 20 state that
although the music does not have the
consecutive swing and catch of the music
Of that production. in point OF technique
X has somewhat the advantage. and Is
also devoid OF certain reminiscent fea-
lures accredited thereto.
The music is by Emerieh Kalman and
the book by Karl Won Bakonyi and
Robert Bodansky. the English adaptation
being by Grant Steward. The Hungarian
atmosphere is fully portrayed by the
characteristics OF the music. the settings
are magnificent the singers highly
equipped, both In the power TO properlv
render the score and give strength TO the
acting effect; the conduction by John
McGhie is skillful, and. considered as
whole. The Gay Hussars" is about the
most praiseworthy attempt to place the
musical play upon its old and legitimate
footing that has been brought To notice
for several seasons. Whether this form
VIII succeed in supplanting the degenerate
species so popular at present time only
VIII tell; but its coming should be a de-
ightful respite to those who know and
love the artistic and sentimental above
rehash and coarseness.
The plot. it is true, is not very intrI-
cate, being simply the story OF the love
OF young officer. the scion Of a once
powerful but now decayed house. but
after all, the plots used by Ofenbacb
and Won Suppe were in most instances
little beyond this. The beauty OF the
thing lies in its distinct atmospheric eIe-
ment' the character Of the romance. and
the high caliber Of the score. The over
ture is Of more than passing interest.
there are number Of charming SONGS
with a waltz movement in the second
act fun OF that peculiar quality that
begets remembrance.
Ihe cast employed in the INTERPRETATION
OF this opera is entirely up to the reputa-
uoil OF the savage productions in this re-
spect' ruiz share Of the hOnors falling
20 anna Bussert as the Baroness Risa.
Hue mas clear true voice. and sings
with dramatic fervor when the character
Of the music so requires. and fr,narts
charm OF sentiment 20 the romantic no.
RODS besides. she Is a pretty woman
with distinctive personality. Her nrjn,
cipal numbers were "Oh, Silver Moon ),
ana Heart 10 Heart" Carl Gantvonrt |
IS the hero Capt. Won Lorentz. and Is
also an enective singer. rendering Love |
is Traitor" and ''Vagrant Fancies +"
Inc work Of Muriel Terry. as Cadet
Marosi, is one Of the distinctive hits of
the performance; IN fact her "Sex DELI |
cious. In conjunction with Florance Reid /
was the most heartily appreciated num- |
Der or the evening. while she also scored /
IN The Gay Hussars' and please Give
Me Kiss" Another enjoyable vocal
series was 'Nagrant Fancies'' and "a /
Soidlers Life rendered by Robert Clark
as corp. Ludwig, with the very effective
background OF the soldiers, bjvouac NJ
night before the walls Of the old castle.
Inc palpable comedy feature Of the pIav
IS furnished by Bobby North. as sub /
Lieut.. Walierstein. of the militia. inter- /
pViatirg his usual vein of Hebraic
comedy, and contributing characteristics |
songs, under the captions "A Misfft Sol
der and MY Friend Lebel" OF course
there is the inevitable run of caricature /
IN the makeup Of number OF the char /
acters, but his is the only delineation /
Where extreme broadness Is resorted 10 4
ne cnorus Is well trained. and renders /
the ensemble music with skill, while the
numerical strength Of the company makes
the production Of respondent stage pic i
ture feasible, in conjunction with the rich 4
settings and elaborate eostuming.