The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1909-05-05
"THE MERRY WIDOW"
Farsoans Have a Treat In Store for
Friday Nisht-Show Scores
Hit at Duluth.

The Duluth papers are very enttusi-
astic over the Merry Widow. which
comes here Friday night. OF Monday
nights performance, The Herald says,
in part:
The Merry Widow hat is familiar
friend in Duluth: the Merry Widow
waltz has been tried on most local
pianos; and the Merry Widow rings
are decorating many fair feminine
fingers in town; but the lady, who
gave such inspiration to the milliners;
such a twinkling in the feet and hum
ming in the throats of several con-
tinents did not arrive until last night,
when she appeared at the Lyceum the
atre against a gorgeous background
of elaborate scenery, swagger, ex-
pensfve costumes and smart players
that has seldom If ever been equalled
in a local theatre. In fact the Merry
Widow is just as advertised.
The reason the piece has not been
seen here before is that New York and
other eastern cities which have first
call in matters theatrical would not
let 1t 90. Those who attended the
opening performance of the Merry
Widows engagement at the Lyceum
last night easily understood why New
York and the capitals Of Europe raved
over the piece.
Last nights audience eagerly drank
in every bit Of the delightful, tinkling
music, every line of the story, and sat
enraptured at the wonderful stage pic
lures which were unfolded in kaleido-
scopic profusion.
So much was heard about the Merry
Widow before the piece came to town
that some people went to the theatre
with the firm conviction that its mer-
its had been overestimated and that
the production could not possibly come
up to expectations. Those who har-
bored such ideas saw tnesn dissolve at
the first rise Of the curtain, which dis
played a ball scene of such brilliance
that some people involuntarily gave
little "ohs" and "ahs" of delight and
appreciation. And so it was during
the rest Of the performance: some
thing new to charm, every minute.
The Merry Widow is a beautiful
peasant girl OF the mythical comic
opera country Of Marsovia. who upon
the death of an aged husband finds
herself possessed Of an immense for
tune and in consequence, her hand is
much sought.
Aside from the attraction Of her
money, the widow might easily have
many at her feet, for, in the person of
Mabel Wilbur, who sings the role, she
presents as charming a picture of fem
mime loveliness as the average mas
culine fancy could conjure. Moreover,
she is an actress of ability and man
ages the many little situations which
are part Of the role with captivating
artfuIness. Yes, ''artful is the word
as Mr. Nish (Thomas Leary), the COM
ic embassy messenger, was wont to
remark.
Opposite her there is Charles Mea-
kins, in the role OF the prince. These
two are tha most important members
Of the cast and they give complete
satisfaction. Mr.. Meakins Is a hand
some chap. with good voice, an ex-
cellent idea Of what comedy is and
an ability to dance, which is most es-
sential to the part.
The charm OF the music begins with
the ball music at the rise OF the first
curtain. After a pretty duet by Nat
allie (Mias Georgena Leary) and Ca
mile (raul Bleyden), Miss Wilbur
makes her entrance, and is heard to
advantage In a beautiful number, In
Marsovta.
Toward the end of the first act the
prince and the widow do very grace
ful waltz. but the famous Merry Wild
ow waltz does not come until the
second act. To arouse his Jealousy
and induce him to speak his love for
her, the widow tells Danilo that she is
soon to wed, and urges him to dance
with her for the last time the national
dance OF their native land. Marsovia
The prince consents, and they after
wards do the waltz.
This waltz Is perhaps a little more
amorous than 1t is given in local bal
rooms, but 1t is not offensive and
called forth many encores last evening
Incidentally, neither is the cafe scene
IN the last act anything to gel
squeannish about
At the opening of the second act
the chorus does a peasant dance thai
ls wonderful In its way. The widow.
Bong, Villa, her Cavalier duet witt
the prince and Women, sung by I
male septette are other delightful
numbers OF the second act. The finale