The Washington herald., 1912-11-12
THE NATIONAL.
ssT'he Ffrehy."

Emma Trentini's return to Washington
in a brand-new comedy opera was re-
ceived last night at the National with
an enthusiasm which bespeaks the ap-
prediction with which the abbreviated
Italian prima donna is held by theater-
goers of this city And the ovation ac-
corded her was entirely merited, for new
er has the irrepressibly vivacious little
song-bird been so happily cast, from
every angle, as she is in the title role of
The Firefy," Rudolph F'rimPs comedy
opera in three acts, for which Otto
Hauerbach has written the libretto, and
which is named after the little italian
singing girl who is the heroine or the
story.
The Firefy,' Mr. FrimPs first opera,
proves him an interpretative artist Of
rare ability, and gives Emma Trentini
excellent opportunity for the display OF
the crystalline purity OF her brilliant
voice. The score climbs almost to grand
opera heights at times, particularly in
the second act, at others presenting so
many alIuring melodies that both those
who lean toward high art in music, as
well those who are satisfied just to
yield themselves up to delicious melody,
are alike content. UnQuestionably Mr..
FrimI is to be congratulated, for he has
performed the difficult task Of lifting
piece which, but for his music, would
sink to the most mediocre of musical
comedies into the realm of art.
Unfortunately the libretto cannot be ac-
corded the unqualified praise which one
gives in unstinted measure to Mr.. Frimrs
score for The Firef1y'' is sadly deficient
in its comedy element, despite the fact
that it is a merry production. with suf-
ficient plot to sustain interest, and a
happy shifting of incident
ith Roy Atwel rests the full weight
of comedy responsibility, which he is OBJ
Viously expected to extract from stereo-
typed material. Be it said to Mr.. Atwell's
credit that he realizes more than his role
offers him, using comedy methods Of so
original a type as to hoodwink his audi
ence into believing that his utterances
are actually funny. Sifted down to rock
bottom, it is Mr.. Atwelrs personality
rather than his lines which furnishes
Trentinis new operate vehicle with its
only Iaugh-making qualities.
But what The Firefiy lacks in comedy
/; more than makes up in sparkling mu-
sic. and Arthur Hammerstein has sur
rounded Trentini with excellent support.
Ruby Norton who is the diva's under
study displays an excellent voice and
charming personality in her creation of
Suzettc In her duet with Mr.. Atwell,
entitled Something, Miss Norton scored
a hit last night.
Leslie Gaze. who was last seen here
with Eddie Foy in "Over the River" has
one of the most beautiful solo numbers
Of the score in "A WOman's Smile"
which he renders in a voice which lacks
much in sympathetic quality, however.
Others supporting Trentini in important
roles are Audrey Maple. Melville Stew
art Vera de Rosa, Sammy Lee, Rather
inc Stewart, and Henry VOgeI.
Trentini's solo numbers which won for
her the most insistent applause at the
National last night, were Love Is Like
FREELY ''Giannina," and When
Maid Comes Knocking at Your Heart,
all three of which were rendered with
exquisite sympathy.
The tiny wizard Of song was in perfect
voice, and scored another tremendous
Washington success. The Firefiy' fits
her like glove, bringing out all the
wide range and clear sweetness OF her I
wonderful voice, as well the chic /
and charm of her magnetic personality. !
Aside from Trentini's solos. the most
melOdious of the musical numbers was
The Beautiful Ship from Toyland," sung
by Henry Vogel and male chorus. This
himself from dinner one evening to write |
in obedience to inspiration. an UncOnven- |
tipnality for which the music-lOving pub
lie will never cease to be grateful
Arthur Hammerstein has embellished |
his new operate venture with elaborate |
settings and artistic costumes. The ,
chorus is both pretty and adequate. and |
the largely augmented orchestra de-
serves Unstinted praise. Under Signor |
MerOla's direCtoTShiD il is a decided fea-
ture of the entertainment.
During the few weeks since THE Fire
fly has been en- tour Ruby Norton has
sung Trentini's role at matinee perform |
anccs. This rule will not be adhered to
ir Washington, Trentini having consent
ed to sing at every one of the eight
performances to be given at the Ma
tiunal this week.
The Firefiy'' will shortly go into
New York where every indication points
to. the splendid success which it de-
serves. J. c. MANI.