The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-01-26
AMATEUR OPERA
"PfnafoneD Given by Adams MusboaI
Society Last Evening

The presentation of Pinafofo, one
of the most popular Of the Gilbert
and Sullivan comic operas, by the
Adams Musical society, at the opera
house last evening was thoroughly
enjoyed by an unfortunately small,
but for Bennington, exceptionally en-
thusiastic audience.
AS a general rule, Bennington
audience, while appreciative, is in
clined to allow its appreciation to be
taken for granted, but the very gen
erous applause accorded the various
numbers last evening gave evidence
OF the favorable impression created
by the performers.
Too much credit cannot be given
the director, Thomas w. Holloway,
for the excellent manner in which
he conducted the orchestra and Choir
us. At all times in full control, he
succeeded in bringing out all that
was best and tuneful in the opera
score.
The work Of the orchestra was ex
ceptional from every standpoint, and
was one Of the most enjoyable feat
ures of the production.
The chorus was in good tune and
sang with spirit. The only criticism
of their work would be that the tenn
pc was much too slow, which criti-
cism applies equally well to most OF
the solo numbers. Mr.. Holloway
could materially improve the produc-
ton by increasing the tempo quite
considerably from start to finish.
Miss Florence Holloway as Little
Ruttercup' acted cleyerly and sang
we'll She has a pleasing contralto
voice which showed to best advan-
tage in her final song "Baby-Farm
ing"
James c. Morton as Ralph Rack
straw" was suffering from a severe
cold and made little attempt to vocal
lie the solo work attached to his
part He was obliged to omit "The
Nightingale Song" altogether, but
gave evidence OF the possession Of a
lyric tenor voice OF pleasing quality
His acting was good.
Theodore n. Plunkett, as Cap
tain Corcoran," was in fine voice and
form. He possesses a splendid stage
presence. and his pleasing baritone
voice was heard to good advantage
in all OF his solo work, especially in
Fair Moon" the opening song oil the
second act
Miss Kathryn Donovan made very
pretty and attractive Josephine
the captains daughter, sought in
marriage by the First Lord Of the
Admiralty" but in love with Ralph,
an able seaman, far below her in So
cial station. A really charming ac-
tress, she delighted her audience by
her attractive rendition OF that beau
tiful soprano aria in the second act,
The Houre Creep on A.Pace."
John NJ Dollar was a decided hit
as "Sir Joseph Porter X G. b With
an attractive voice and stage manner
he cleyerly portrayed the character
OF that conceited, egotistical and fos-
SLICED remnant OF humanity, the
First Lord OF the Admiralty in love
I with Josephine
Dick Deadeye, always with a
! crouch. and at odds with all the
world, was most admirably presented
by Daniel Paro, Jr., really clever
actor.
j Miss Della Morton as "Hebe,' had
very little to do, but was attractive,
and did that little well.
George Duggan as Bob Beckett,
} Boatswain, and Rupert Daniels as
boatswaln mate, were pleasing in the
little they had TO do.
Generally speaking. the Adams Mu-
steal society is to be congratulated
upon their really admirable presenta.
ton OF the opera, and II is TO be be
lIeved that II they should again pro
; duce an opera in Bennington, they
would meet with q warm reception.