The Newark star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1909, 1909-04-13
"7he Golden Butterfly,
Van Studdford, a
De kOyen and Smith Offering Is
Well Received at the
Newark.
GOOD BILLS AT BOTH
PR0CT0R'S AND LYRIC
Melodrama and Buriesque
Shows Draw Large POST
Easter Audiences.

MISS GRACE VAN STUDDIFoRD,
lyI prima donna Of THE Golden
Butterfly the t%uneful, pleas
ing opera by Reginald De Koven and
harry B. Smith. at the Newark Thea
tire this week, was given a warm greet
ing when she appeared last Sight, and
BIS the performance progressed her au-
dienee waxed enthusiastic. With an
exquisite voice, sweet and full, she
oon5.5es a goodly share of dramatic
ability aid a versatility OF facial ex-
preston that makes her work most
satisfactory.
Pie Golden Butterfly is different
from most comic operas In that it was
written round a plot that is quite dis
cerniblc at all times. 1t is immune
from a tendency occasionally to fade
into the faintest shadow, but just when
one decides that it has rome it oolns
into the foreground. The Baron Won
Anenkoff, director of the Buda-Pesth
opera, and more particular about ac-
curing fame than retaining honor, is
about to produce THE Golden Butter
fly" when his leading wonlan refuses
to sing Her ianderstudy has gone to
Monte Carlo. and he is in despair. Ho
offers the role. to lima Walden, of the
chorus, or coAdition that she will marry
him If the opera is a success. She re-
fuses.
Later, her lover. Franz. appears.
after having been In Paris for several
a in search of fame and fortune.
He is leader of n strolling band, and as
poor as when he went way. He learns
that lima still loves him, but when he
hears of her opportunity to be prima
donna he resolves that she shall take
II. Accordingly he sings to her of the
loves he has left in Paris, and. heart
broken, she throws her engagement
ring at his feet. She then returns to
n baron and accepts his offer.
Franz on the job.
The scene shifts to the greenroom of
the opera house. Tina Korbay, the
prima donna, having heard that Prince
Irloffsky, a Russian noble, who loves
her, is to be out in front, has forgot
ten her ihdisposition. and has decided
to, play. lima Is in despair at losing
her opportunity:
Franz happens in, pretends to be the
prince and persuades the prima donna
to elope, leaving the field clear to lima,
who sings the role and scores a tri-
umph. The baron. with head encircled
by a laurel wreath that he presented
to himself. reminds lima of her prom
Use.
She proudly declares that she will
keep 1t, and casts a disdainful glance
at Franz, whom she still believes has
deceived her. As Franz is about to
claim the opera as his own, stolen by
h baron. he Is arrested for having
pretended to be the prince, and stolen
the rubies, the princes gift to the
prima donna.
IT'S "a Pretty story.
Next day, however, he is set free, and
1t takes but a short time to convince
everyone that he wrote the opera. The
baron admits his guilt, and lima is
free. In a tuneful duet Franz tells of
his deception in regard to his love in
Paris, and lima relates her forgive
ness.
A pretty story, well adapted to the
bifthe music that accompanies 1t. The
solos and duets are dainty, though oc-
casionally the choruses are too com
plicated for actual enjoyment. AMiss
Van Studdiford's first number. Don't
Forget Me-" was full of delicate minor
hotcS that llt singer knew how 10 give
full value. The duet, "In Paris" by
lima and Franz. which role was played
by Walter Percival, was splendidly
acted as well as sung. the participants
rising TO the fun requirements of the
complicated music. Other pleasing |
numbers were Butterfly and the
Glover" lima and chorus; i"Queen Of
the Ring Tina and chorus; 9TH Elf
King" Wanda and chorus, and Tell
Me Once Again." lima and Franz.
1t was regretted that Miss Alice Hills, |
who PLAYED Wanda the gypsy girl
had so little opportunity 70, sing. Her |
voice is a rich. deep. full contralto. |
Walter Percival's voice is excellent, but
his acting would make a better impress
sion If he did not make II so very appa-
rent that he was acting. and acting
hA<d.
" J. Mccarthy WAS fairly good as
the baron. though his hurnor seemed |
inclined TO fail fiat. Joseph Carey re-
ceived a greater share of applause in a
smaller part, that OF Hanska, a stage
manager. All OF the other principals