The Washington herald., 1911-12-26
LAST NIGHTAT THE THEATERS
THE BELASC0.
"Jacinta."

An opera comique, or opera bouffe,
founded on the volatile political vicis-
STUDIES Of Latin America, is not an idea
likely to commend itself TO the theater-
going public by its novelty. But If any
lew musical piece can completely sub
merge triteness of theme by freshness or
treatment, "Jacinta" can. And "Jacinta,
as presented before eXpectant Christmas
audiences at the Belasco yesterday,
proved TO be one of the merriest, most
cOlorful, and sparkling visitors that have
sailed into our local theatrical harbor for
many a week
''Jacinta' made a typical conquest Of
Charm''-a charm that resided inherently
in the score, which possesses the conti-
mental tang and polish, in the consistent
iavishness of costuming and setting, and
in the abundance of chic and pretty wom-
en, who, when all is said and done,
should always be given the lions share
Of credit for the success of any musical
production. or the comedy which ia
cinta' possesses not so much can be said.
FIsmboyancy and effective satire are
lacking, but these are elements which
theatrical astuteness will supply, and
which will make the delightful new opera
weIl-balanced and well-rOunded.
On a background of scenic and sartorial
gorgeousness, 'Jacinta," which is pro-
duced under the auspices Of the progress
sive and aggressive John Cort, projects
r tale which has no touch OF Complexity
or subtety, but which assuredly does
give real scope for the frOlics of many
pretty girls and the singing of many
rharming lifting songs, written by Helm
-iCh BeTte, who will henCefOrth take his
place with Leo Fall Reinhardt, and the
other Berliners who have contributed so
much TO our American operatiC stage in
the past three years.
Like de KOVen'S The Wedding Trip" "
"Jacinta" is sung in a fashion which
leaves little ground for carping comment.
The score has been given a vOcalization
worthy of its steel Our old friend, For
rest Huff. whose triUmphS with the
AbOrn Opera Company Of two years ago
are we'll remembered, and who was given
Rn enthusiasts reception last evening,
was seen in the role OF Marcel Arrante
a cowboy, and he has risen so high in
vocal stature that his performance was
4 delight. His singing of the waltz duet,
"LOves Fond Dream" and The LasSO
Duet left nothing to he desired; his
lear and sweeping tenor was Of true
oDCratic standard. His feminine counter
part in vocal standard was Miss Bertha
Shalek in the title role. Her soprano
was rich, warm. and fun of color, pos
-,Ssing ample volume, and her waltz duet
with MI HUFF. The Day Of Love" and
You Cannot Blame Me for My Spanish
BLOOD" and her work in the ensemble
were brilliant. Whatever she lacked in
vivacity and technical accomplishment
she more than accounted for by her vocal
achievement.
1t was the task Of two clever, fascinat-
Ing. and comely Eirls-Miss Fay Banter,
II COrt prOteEe from the Coast and Miss
Anna RCssert-to provide the joyous froth
and frolic Of ''JaCinta.' Miss BANTER. as
vh" played CeIine, the winning little
sicnOgrHpher, carried the clever song.
Make a Night Of !; to high success
with her chiCnesS and daintineSS. and
|ruvcd an unfailinC delight to the proven
NaI baldhead row Miss BuSsert, who
Ulaved Alcrlc. wife Of the presidente
NccaIly WAS Miss BainteT's superior. and
conquered with a rare personal charm
in her many songs and duets. such as
Pray Tell Ne and lisa bella and
Romero She has vital part in the
success m "JaCinta.'
The brunt Of the comedy in the opera
fell upon the shoulders OF Tom HadawaE
who. as "Castcrra. the Pretender. had
one up~oIrIous scene. but his brief place
in the action Of the piece hardly gave
him a real opportunity VIII Phillips as
Hiram Query. the reporter. was in
,"uciant and nonchalant. according to
n" best report0riaI standards, and the
cost lines in the opera We're given to
'im The coUrtly md POLISHED Dick Tenn
n" nIa> "a Rcmy de Valmore. the presi-
i"ut,. and Philip Sheffield had a charar-
'"ristic ">ilIy ass English role the
secretary. Sewers An Of the roles wrr"
'npabIv nandlei.
"Iacinta" should be A success 1t may
-. NOR. AnElo-Saxon than I.atin-Amrri-
an in its atmosphere. despite its theme.
'nd IL keen blade or rae fun and satire
nay H." lacking: but the producer has
Ion" his part we'll and the company
= in most respects, so worthy of metro
rnIitHn patronage that A prosperous hOli-
Cay week at the BelaSCO may he antici-
Iated \. NJ. J.