The Forrest City times., 1911-03-10
French Opera for Memphis.

Manager Clarence W elS. gf the Lyceum Theatre, has just made public announcement of the fact that Mem phis is to be the recipient this spring Of short season Of grand opera at the hands of the famous French Grand Opera Company of New Orieaus. which on Monday evening. March l3. ~ill inaugurate series of seven perfOr- mances at Memphis most beautiful play
 With Mards Gras week, the French Opera season in New Orleans ends. and prior to the opening of the con- pany at the French Opera House, Paris on Monday, June 9th, ihe com pany will make flying tour to the principal cities of America. on which Memphis will be one of tie few cities to be visited. Only one other town in the South is to he visited. Atlanta, the company going from here direct Co Kansas City.
 One Of the most notable features Of the performance Of the French Opera Company is the superb orchestra of fifty picked musicians under the baton of NJ. De la Fuente, which was brought direct from Paris with the company and which NJ. Layolle is under heavy bond to the United States Government to return to France at the cl0ee Of the season in this country. The orchestra has been pronounced by many of the greatest musical critics of the country who heard it during the New Orleans season, to be the greatest band of instrumentalists before the public today.
 For Memphis NJ. Layolle has selected a most attractive list of operas. On Monday night, March 18th, the the season will open with Massenet's gorgeous lyric drama, "Manon" in which opera it will be remembered Geraldine Farrar made her American debut On it's presentation here Nile. Marie Louise Roland will be seen in the title role. Fontain. the company's marvellous lyric tenor, as the Cheyalier des Grieuz, Montana as Lescaut, Mile. Cortez as Pousette, and Mile. Ceddes as JaVotte. On Thursday night. March II. Faust" the immortal mast erpiece the wonderous Gounod, is to be the offering, with Morati as Faust" Miss Rachel Donaldson as Marguerite, Huberty as Mephisto, Moore as Valen- tine, Mile. Ceddes as Sc bel and Mile. Mea as Dame Martha. At the We'd nesday matinee Carmen will be sung, with Nile. Cortez in the name part; on Wednesday night the famous Les Huguenots" will be the attrae- tion: Thursday night is the red letter night of the week, when Messenet's S 'sThais' in which Mary Garden made her phenomenal American hit. will be sung, with Mile. Roland in the name part and MT. Moore as Athaenal. On Friday night NJ. Layolle announces ''Rigoletto", with Fontaine, Moore, Huberty, Reiber, Vergnes, Miss Don- aldson, Mile. Nady Blancard and Mile Mea, while the engagement will be brought to close at the Saturday matinee, March llth., with Delebes gorgeous tonepainting "Lakme. :" with Nm. Morati, Montana Caillol. Reiber and Combes and Miles. Roland Dingry, Ceddes, Vincent and Mea At each perpormance the celebrated ballet will appear, including Mile. Rachel Fabris.
 In journeying to Memphis the French Opera Company requires the services of special train of nine ears to transport the massive company of POO people and the scenery and effects, all of which were constructed in Paris es ''ially for this seasons tour. as well as costumes, for all of which NJ. Lay is under heavy cash bond to the United States Government to return to France at the close of the 1 United States tour.
 Manager Weis has gone to tremen. dous expense to bring this immense organization to this city, and his efforts to give Memphis so great musical treat should call for the most enthusiastic support on the part of our musicloying public