The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-01-05
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THE DETROIT.

The criticism that has been made
that Detroit theatergoers enjoy only
musical performances OF the Conan
variety was refuted in the Detroit
Opera house Monday evening when an
audience that completely filled that
playhouse, with many standing, gave
a hearty greeting to the comic opera,
THE Golden Butterfly" The audi
ence. too, consisted of Detroit's cul-
ture and fashion, and II was most lib
era in its applause OF this musical
offering
The libretto of The Golden Butter
fly" is by Harry B. Smith, while Reg
inald de Koven is responsible for the
music. And it's music that may well
be placed among the classics, although
il is tuneful and catchy enough to be
appreciated and enjoyed by the aver
age person who has not had the ad-
vantages of a musical education.
Those responsible for thep reduction
have been happy In the selection OF
characters for the various roles. That
well-known and brilliant comic opera
star. Miss Grave van Studdiford, ap-
pears in the title role, supported by
large company, including Willard
Sims, Walter Percival, Alice Hills,
Gene Luneska, Louis Casavant, w. j.
Mccarthy and several other singers
that do credit to the production.
The authors have produced a light
opera which has real heart story,
with a real plot and characters. The
story as told in THE Golden Butter
fly" is that OF Franz, music student
OF the Latin quarter. In love with
lima, a chorus singer. The girl aspires
to the position Of a prima donna, and
the young man Is anxious to become
a great composer, finally attaining 10
the hight of his desires. However. the
score of his beautiful opera has been
stolen and he returns TO his home. d.
recting band OF strolling musicians.
Here he discovers that the score OF his
opera has been stolen by the manager
to whom 1t was sent and THE Golden
Butterfly" Is about to be produced by
the manager, with his own prima
donna in the leading role. Tina, the
managers choice, In fit OF pique, re-
fused to sing, and lima is chosen by
the manager to take her place. Tina,
at the last moment, decides to go and
sing her part, but this plan Is frus-
trated by Franz, who, impersonating
Russian nobleman, persuades her to
elope with him. lima scores triumph
and Franz finally claims the opera and
his sweetheart.
No expense has been spared In cos
tunes, properties and scenery and the
production Is on a large scale OF gor-
geous splendor The ensemble is OF
h. ,Ax t. -.
of the best heard in Detroit for some
time.
One of the striking features Of the
opera Is the Hungarian grape harvest,
which is q decidedly artistic achieve
ment, and delightfully."- true to nature.
The scene discloses masses OF foliage.
silver. green and brown, clusters of
grapes, which combined with the bril-
liant gowns OF the girls make II a
highly pleasing spectacle. The butter
fly dance, with the varied colored cal
cium lights thrown over II as the
gauzy creatures fit to and fro on the
stage. Is decidedly unique.
Miss Van Studdiford has a beautiful.
velvety voice. good looks and charm
ing stage presence to her credit Her
coloratura work Is excellent. Willard
Sims, as the director of the Buda-
ePesth opera company, proved a prince
OF entertainers. the scene I'm the green
room giving him excellent opportunity
10 display his talents. Walter Perci'
val, as Franz, pleased immensely by
his singing and acting, and Miss Gene
Luneska as Tina, and Miss Alice Hills
as Wanda. the gypsy girls, have unus-
ually good voices.
An augmented orchestra. under the
direction OF Anton Heindl. added ma
| terially 10 the success OF the perform.
ance. The engagement IL for the re.
mainder OF the week
THE TEMPLE.
I Withou. SDeaking one word Rert