The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1910-08-30
h . LOCAL &
T,n j LAYHOUSES
DETROIT OPERA HOUSE.


Sheehan English Grand Opera COM
pany entered upon the last week Of
its season OF stock In the Detroit
opera house, Monday evening. and a
fairly representative audience was
out for the first-night performance.
Martha" is an old-fashioned opera
and therein lies it's charm. Its score
is not brilliant and there are no great
dramatic moments. but for an August
evening one could scarcely wish for
better entertainment. Martha" has
been sung for more than 90 years and
there is no good reason Ahy COM
panies such as the Sheehan organiza-
ton should not go on singing Il for
another 60.
Monday nights presentation was
for the most part quite satisfactory.
The chorus lacked strength in some of
the ensembles, but IL rose to the de-
mands OF the occasion In the finale OF
the third act In manner that made
an encore imperative. The work of
the principals was not open to serious
criticism. Mr.. Sheehan was admir-.
ably cast as Lionel and was in splen.
did voice. The inevitable encore was
forthcoming after his rendition OF "Ah,
So Pure"
Louise Collier, as Lady Durham and
Martha" drew the first real hand
OF the evening when she sang The
Last Rose OF Summer" without which
Martha" might never have been
heard OF.
Ottley Cranston's resonant basso
was heard to unusual advantage In the
role OF the farmer. Plunkett, while
Miss DeSellems Nancy was very cred
itably executed. Phil Ffen made an
acceptable sheriff and Herbert l.. Wat
erous was well cast as Lord Mikleford,
Mr.. Ronfort conducted with his usual
skill. Scientifically, the production Is
up to the Sheehan standard, and the
costumes are historically correct.
Following the Sheehan engagement
the Detroit opera house will open for
its regular season next Monday night
when Cohan & Harris will present the
latest Augustus Thomas drama, THE
Member From Ozark"
GARRiCk.
That witty expose OF certain circles in
British high life, w, Somerset Maugh.
ans comedy, Lady Frederick" was
given a brilliant production Monday
night in the Garrick theater by Miss
Jessie Bonstelle and her splendid stock
company. This play was first made
known to Detroit by Miss Ethel Barry.
more. The presentation by Miss Bon
ste!le, like all of her work during her
stay in Detroit. lost nothing by com
parison and again proved that Miss
Bonstelle deserves every bit OF the
high reputation that preceded her to
this city as an actress and a manager
The comedy was given with every
role as well acted as In Miss Barry
more's original production and as well
staged as Mr.. Frohman himself could
do it. There was nothing lacking in
the three sparkling acts to stamp II
az a metropolitan production. Miss
Bonstelle. In the part of the coquett
ish, witty Lady Frederick. with her
delicious Irish brogue, was quite
charming. She acted with spirit and
an apparently genuine enjoyment oI
Lady Frederick's ability to outwit hel
detractors. She made an attractive
picture in a series OF smart frocks ant
looked alluring even in the boudoil
scene where. I'm the midst of the mys
teries of the rouge pot, the powder
pun and "store" hair, she seeks "a
disillusion the youngest in her long
list Of infatuated admirers.
AS the cynical Paradine Fouldes
Brandon Hurst was entirely at home
presenting the part with the subtlety
and finesse that has marked all of his
work during his engagement with Miss
Bonstelle. Mr. Hurst fitted the part