The Washington times., 1914-06-09
NATIONAL

| When the largest audience that has
attended a performance of the Aborr
| Opera Company settled itself for the
| first act of Faust" at the Nationa
I Theater last night, and glanced over
the program. its first thought was thai
| the Management had provided the most
notable cast of the season to support
Gretchen Hood because she was an in
experienced singer making her debut
before an audience of her neighbors
and would naturally need the very best
and most sympathetic associates to
keep up her courage.
When the curtain fell on the last act
there was unanimous conviction that
the reason for the unusual array of
stars was that the other members of
the cast might be of approximate equal
ity to the wonderful prima donna whom
Washington has sheltered all her life.
but of whose exquisite voice and ma
tured ability as an actress It just be-
came fully aware last night.
The generous applause Bestowed upon
Miss Hood at her entrance and after
the singing of the two or three phrases
tended as welcome ana as encourage
n-ent- The storm Of enthusiasm that
followed the Jewel Song" and the duet
with Faust, in the third act, was. ap-
probation of the Inusician-all thoughts
OF encouragement or welcome being
sunk in the desire TO pay tribute to a
new singer, who promises to be 4 great
singer, if she is not that already.
The production of Faust was by
far the most important happening Of
dom been heard N this city under such
favorable conditions and with so fin
iShed company OF musicians. The an
nouncement that Miss Hood would
make her debut drew a. house hat ne
cessitated the Standing Room Only"
sign early in the ev=nins.
There were probably more writer's
and musicians in the audience than
have been gathered under one roof in
Washington for many months.
Orville Harold made his first ap-
pearance in opera before a local audi
ence in the part of Faust. Harrold's
voice is all his most enthusiastic ad-
mirers claim for it. A pure. mellow,
tenor. he likewise gives his audiences
the impression of tremendous power.
which makes one absolutely sure he
will give the very best Interpretation
of his music. There Is never the slight
est hesitation or the least bit OF doubt
but that he will accomplish the most
performances the composer
has provided for him.
AS Valentine, Louis DAngelo gave
a fine performance. The only regret
that was left by his singing was that
his part required him TO sing so little
He missed none of his opportunities,
however.
Louise LeBarron, as Siebel, gave the
part that touch of the finished artist
the composer calls for and presented
evidence of why she is popu-
lar here. Alfred Kaufman made an
excellent Mephistopheles, bringing cut |
the sinister shading of the music to a !
well balanced degree. Louise Hauss- |
man scored heavily in the part of !
and by her acting as well as |
her rich voice left nothing To be de- !
sired.
AS a special concession to those who |
were unable to attend last nights per- |
tormance Faust is to he repeated, !
with Miss Hood as Marguerite Wednes-
day matinee. Tonight and tomorrow 1
night it will be sung with Edith HeleSa |
as Marguerite and Walter Wheatley |
rs Faust. This eliminates from the |
music lovers had greatly I
wanted to hear sing Marguerite. 1
Miss Scott will sing in Lucia de J
during the latter half 4
" the week, however. - ?"
notable feature of the evening of /
lotable events. was the profusion of |
lowers showereG on the young prima
ron Club and Press Club tributes were |
especially noteworthy, both as to size ]
Ind artistic construction. In the audi |
ence were seated almost every member |
IF the Gridiron Club, the Rubenstein |
Club. in addition to the socially and |
elect of Washington.
GARDNER MACK.