The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1911-07-20
Mr.. KNIGHTS OPERA, "PEPITA."
Presented in Belfast Before Large and
Enthusiastic Audiences.

Presented in Belfast Before Large and
Enthusiastic Audiences.
Belfast has added to her musical and drama
tic laurels by the presentation at the Opera
House Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday even
ings of the opera Pepita. The composer, Mr.
Augustus c. Knight, is Belfast boy, and with
single exception all the parts were by local
talent. The writer recalls Mr.. knight when, a
very small boy, he stood at the piano beside
his mother, Mrs. Annabel Knight, who was a
talented musician, and sang to her accompani-
ment. From infancy music has been his pas
sion, and in succeeding years his study. and as
composer he has been very successful. He
has to his credit the score of several operas,
besides the songs and choruses of other operas
and of musical comedies. He came to Belfast
to attend the rehearsals and the presentation
of Pepita, which he considers one of his best
works, and was greatly pleased with the man.
ner in which it was given here, and especially
with the attention to detail, on which the sue
cess of such production depends, shown by
Mr.. Leon Dadmun of Boston, the conductor and
stage director. A remarkable feature of this
production was its uniform excellence, in which
respect it was superior to many professional
casts, which depend upon the leading roles for
success. Many in the audience had their ia
vorites and accorded to this one and that the
distinction of being the star, but such was the
diversity of opinion that all came in for high
commendation, thus confirming the verdict of
the impartial critic. Mr.. Rawson, of Medford,
Mass, who took the part of Carlos, has sung
the part several times in Massachusetts and
has fine tenor voice as well as marked dra-
matte ability. Mrs. Wescott and Misses Quinn
by and Brier are established favorites, and this
is true also of Messrs. Morse and Pitcher who
left nothing to be desired in their respective
roles. "Will" Havener is an old-time favorite
whose temperance on the local stage was
heartily welcomed, and "Charley' Hammons
is good in whatever part is assigned him. The
solos, duets, trios and quartets were admirably
rendered and all were encored. The chorus is
also entitled to commendation, the well at
tuned voices adding much to the success of the
presentation. The ballet, led by Miss Frances
Howes. was among the attractive features,
Nor should the orchestra be overlooked, COM
posed as it was of local talent. The bass
player, Mr.. R. P. Chase, is the composer of
successful opera, presented at the Opera
House few years ago, and has other musical
compositions to his credit, including march
which E. W. Howe of The Atchison Globe
pronounced superior to anything Sousa had
musical talent from both parents, and she
handled her bow with grace and precision,
while Mrs. Carl Lamson, as on former occa-
sions, demonstrated her mastery of the violin.
The other players are we'll known and accom-
plished musicians, and the Interpretation of
Mr.. Knights bright and catchy music could
not have been excelled.
At the end of the first act Monday night
there was a prolonged and enthusiastic call for
the author and Mr. Knight was given great
ovation and a laurel wreath; and Tuesday
night he was induced to come upon the stage
and address the audience. He said that this
presentation was the fullfllment of long
cherished purpose, and in feeling terms ex-
pressed his appreciation of the assistance and
hearty cooperation of all, and especially of
the attention to detail by Mr.. Dadmun, so
essential to the success of such an entertain
ment. Mr.. Dadmun is veteran actor, who
for Is years or more has devoted most of his
time to coaching musical and dramatic COM
panies in and about Boston. and who has
written the librettos and lyrics for many light
operas Mr.. Dadmun visited Belfast 26 years
L
had always hoped to return here. We shall
hope to see him here again at no distant day.
Although it was rainy Monday and Tuesday
the Opera House was packed on both nights,
and last night, with clear skies and popular
prices a full house seemed assured. As a
matter of record we give the following details:
MUSICAL NUMBERS.
Opening Chorus-Under the Mexican Sun.
The Merry Ghost, Pedro and Chorus.
Entrance of Pepita,
From the Distant Cloudland, Pepita
Muleteers' Chorus,
Quartet-Dont You Care,
Pepita, Felipa, Carlos and Pedro
Foolish SWANS, Pepita and her admirers
Entrance of Tourists,
Song, The American Millionaire, Hepworth
Duet-Just Little Game,
Felpa and Hepworth
Trio-He Who Loves and Runs Away
Felipa, Pepita and Carlos
Serenade, Carlos
Finale,
A Smuggler l. Romero
Duet-Sad is the Morrow, Pepita and Carlos
l Can Look Long Way Backward But Just
Can't See Ahead, Wilson
o Silent Moon, Felpa and Chorus
Chatter Chorus, Wilson and Girls
Society, Hepworth and Chorus
Mexico for Mine, Felipa, Hepworth and Chorus
Sweetheart, Pepita
Ballet-Miss Frances Howes Solo Dancer.
Days of Romance, Jane and Chorus
Finale.
ACT l. Exterior of a Mexican Inn. After
noon.
ACT II Scene l. Mountain Pass
Scene2. Same as Act
Next Morning
About five minutes wait between Scenes 1
and 2, Act II.
CAST OF CHARACTERS.
Pedro, an Innkeeper Ralph l. Morse
Felipa, his daughter, Susan D. Wescott
Carlos, in league with Romero,
Robert S. Rawson
Pepita, a Mexican Maid,
Katherine C. Quimby
Henry Hepworth, an American millionaire,
Charles F. Hammons