The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1909-12-28
Theatres.
CHESTNUT STREET THEATRE,
PHILADELPHIA.

CHESTNUT STREET THEATRE,
PHILADELPHIA.
'sPlays that hold over is a caption
that can rarely be employed in classifying
a production of the Orpheum Players,
but so keen has been public interest and
so decisive popular favor toward George
D. Parker's modern drama "The Stronger
Claim" that it will be retained as this
weeks attraction at the Chestnut Street
Theatre, Philadelphia, where it had its
premier Monday of last week. Profess
sional reviewers of plays found much to
commend in Mr.. Parker's foot1ight enter
prise, and what they say in its praise was
warranted by the strength and appeal of
the plot, the continuity of the dramatic
narrative and the natura1ness of the
dialogue. While it is true that the author
has originated no new material, he has
adapted and arranged his familiar situa-
tons in fresh and striking organization
of events and emotions. Adopts in things
theatrical are aware that changes are
often necessary in plays after their first
presentations, which make obvious
hitherto unsupported defects or weak
nesses. Mr.. Parker has observed his play
carefully during this weeks performances,
hardly one of which has not been follow
ed by some slight betterment in technical
construction or enactment In conse-
quence of this revision it has been
strengthened in many ways-the story
has been compacted, the dramatic move
ment has been accelerated, repetitions
have been eliminated, and transitions
have been made less abrupt "The
Stronger Claim" in its composition reveals
the knowledge of theatrical methods and
conventions of one versed in stagecraft, a
| 70 h of he
on the far side of the footlights its ''first
night" was excellent in the enactment of
Mr.. Parker's associate players, who not
only brought intelligence and skill to their
representations, but very deep personal
concern In its ultimate success. Now that
several performances have, as it were,
set them in their parts, there should be
a stage-perfect version this week. Misses
Barney, Winslow, Walls, Reimer, and
mcdonnell and Messrs. Melrose, King,
Mather and Edwards will, of course, re-
taiu the roles they Created" Stage
Director Winter has mounted" the play
as carefully, richly and artistically as if it
were intended for rum and not for
limited nunbea of ''stock" performances.
PHILADELPHIA OPERA HOUSE
Nine. Carmen Me1is in the title role of
''Tosca," supported by a splendid cast,
will be the attraction at the Philadelphia
Opera House this evening. Nicola Zerola
whose triumphs in Philadelphia are occur
rences of recent record, will sing for the
first time here the music of Cavaradossi
and q. splendid Interpretation will doubt
less be rendered. M. Sammarco Is cast
as the Baron Scarpia. M. Nico1ay will
once more present the Sacristan, while
NJ De Grazia will be the Angelotti.
Mile. Vicarino and NM Venturini and
Fossetta complete the cast, which will
be under the masterfu1 direction of M.
Sturani. The various scenes will be pre-
sented with due fidelity to detail as char
acterizes all of Mr.. HUMMELSHINE, pro-
auctions; the interior of the Cathedral
and the ecclesiastical procession being
noteworthy examples of stagecraft.
"Samson and Delilah" will be present
ed for the second time this season Thurs
day night, with the same cast as before.
The revival of Saint Saens' opera last
week was accomplished with so much
success and enthusiasm that it will I'M
doubtedly become as it did last year, one
of the most popular works in the roper
toire. AS De1ilah Mile. Gerville-Reache
is heard to great advantage, and her name
has become so linked with the role as to
be almost synonymous with it. Samson
is likewise one of the best roles assumed
by M. Dalmores, fitting him as it does in
every respect and well adapted to display
his consummate mastery over vocal and
histfionic art. M. Durfranne will again
be the High Priest; M Crabbe will be
heard as Abimelech, the Philistine Gov
ernor, and M Val1iere as an old Hebrew
MN. Venturini, Ma1fatti and Sampieri,
all capable artists, will be heard in the
other characters. The ballet will appear
in the first act, and also in the Temple
of Dagon scene.
"rrhe Tales of Hoffmann'' will be given
at special New Years performance for
the first time this season by a splendid
cast, which includes Mile. Lima Cavalier
and the stars who made Offenbach's opera
popular last year. Mile. Lima Cavalier
will made her debut in the part of
Guilietta, the beauty of Venice, and
Mile. Trentini will appear as Olympia,
the mechanical doll, and Antonio, the
last love of Hoffman, As the former,
Mile. Trentini will have occasion to dis
p1ay her ability as coloratura soprano,
a phase of her art which is as yet i'm
known to Philadelphians. That she will |
simulate to perfection the mechanical
movements of the doll is foregone con-
clusion. Dalmores will be Hoffman, a |
role in which his dashing manner, manly
presence and splendid voice are unified |
in a most artistic creation. AS Coppelius, |
the physician; Dappertutto the suave
and elegant diplomat of Venice, and the |
revolving DIR. Miracle hypnotizes the |
lovely Antonio and compe1s her to sing
herself to death. The complete change
in each of these parts which M. Renaud
effects with unfailing artistry, is one
of the achievements which easily places
this eminent barytone in the galaxy
of the worlds greatest artist. Nine.
Gentle will be heard as Nicolausse, the
companion of Hoffman, and Nine. Du-
chane will be the Voice of the Picture.
Others in the cast are MN. Nicolay, Viii
la, De Grazia, Leroux and Fossetta. The
production will be the same lavish one
that was seen last year. The orchestra
will be conducted by M. Charlier, who
will WELD the baton for the first time
this season, and under whose direction
the beautiful Marcarolle will be given
its full melodic value.
The ever popular "Aida" will be the
bill for Saturday matinee, with the same
all-star cast which has given it previously
Nine. Mariette Mazarin will have the
title role, and Nine. Augusta DORA will
be the Amneris M. Zerola, who sang
the role of Radames on the opening
night, will do so again, while Polese will
duplicate his prior triumphs as Amonasro.
Henri Scott will be the High Priest and
De Grazia the King. Miss Egener is
cast for the Priestess, and Malfatti the
Messenger. Sturani will conduct. and
the production will be lavishly embellish-
ed with ballet advertisements and beau
tiful scenic effects.
"Sapho'' will be sung Saturday even
| ing with Miss Mary Garden in the title
role. The American prina donua's char
acterization of Fanny lie Grand is one
which has won as much success for her
as have the roles of That's and Louise.
Miss Gardens histrionic ability has al
ways been the subject of favorable COM
n1ent, but it is doubtful if she has ever
before risen to such dramatic heights as
she does in the third act, when her iden-
tity has been disclosed to Jean, and, with
wild fury, she denounces her enemies.
Miss Garden in this role has several OPP
portunities to appear in modem dress,
and her sartorial splendor is a fitting
enhancement for her many personal
charms. Dalmores will sing the music
of Jean Gaussin, a part singularly con-
genial to his French birth and training
Mime. Walter-Villa will be the Irene,
leans cousin; M. Dufranne, Caoudal;
MN. Soyer, Jeans mother; and Huber
deau, leans father; MN. Leroux and
Villa will also be heard, and M. Nicosia
will conduct the orchestra.