Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-11-04
4 FINE PRODUCTION
Indian Opera "Powhatan" Presented
In Highly Creditable Manner by
High School Students Last Night.

Inc opera POWnaIdn, pFcseHIel
by members of Alexandria High
School at the opera house last night
was brilliant success from all stand
points = artistic, financially, and
last but not least, for puctuaiity, for
the curtain rolled up promptly and
there were no waits.
The stage pictures presented by the
talented pupils We're unusually bril-.
liant and picturesque; the bright
costumes elaborately beaded, the saw
age makeup" of the warriors and
the grotesque sailors combined with
the dainty shades Of colors in the
dancing girls costumes presented a
picture, under the soft colors of the
electric lights chat was highly pleas.
ing. The singing of the superb chorus
was inspiring and the soloists ac-
Quilted themselves with credit. The
audience, which completely filled the
auditorium, gave enthusiastic appro-
val and the applause stimulated the
actors to do their Dest.
Prof. S. G. Blanton as Powhatan.
the King Of Virginia, was capital in
this role; his we'll trained and beau
tifullv modulated voice showing to
fine advantage, especially in the op-
eniug song. King Of the Forest Am
l." As Pocahoatas. Miss Kathryn
Henderson was charming, her bril-
liant voice, intelligent action and
handsome stage appearance won her
instant favor. She responded TO an
encore in her opening song.
As Laughing Star, the belle Of the
tribe. Miss Marion Grenaway captur-
ed the hearts of the audience at
once, as she did the hearts of her two
dusky admirers. Medicine Man and
Pathfinder, impersonated in a conf.
cal manner by Lewis Fones and Will
Ian Meeks. Miss Greenaway has a
remarkably. sweet voice and altogeth=
or che was delight to eye and ear.
She received handsome gift Of
flowers, following her song in the
third act.
Miss jamie Saunders in an Indian
Lullaby sang sweet!y and she re-
ceived recall. Misses Louise
Schwarzmann and Ruth LcHcw were
enthusiastically encored in the Big
Chief Battle Axe" song. which was
well deserved. Misses Louise Abbott
and Grace WeWlls sang and danced
the Canadian song, Winnie from
Winnipeg with grace and effect and
The pretty Indian dance by Misses
Gladys Rodgers and Lorine Rishell
was exquisitely performed with
daintiness and chic that was electri
flying and won them an instant recall.
An entirely different atmosphere
was apparent on the entrance Of those
two jolly rovers, Captain John Smith,
and Captain Rolfe. Jaunty and light,
full Of cnnfdenGa and resourcefull-
ness, their appearance produced that
sense Of superiority over the wild
tribe Of Indians which inevitably push
ed the aborigincs to the rear. Prof
C. f. Bandy as Captain Smith was
immense--he filled the bill completely
satisfied ores mental conception Of
the original. and al through his i'm
portant role easily held the atten-
ton Of the audience. His topical
song "It Points That Way" had
some excellent hits and was we'll re-
ceived.
Prof. H. C. Motley. as Captain
Rolfe made fine lover for Pocahon
tas and their conversation and duet
in the third act made big hit. Mr..
Motley. entered into. the role with
zest and his rendition of the role
Of the handsome young Englishman
was all that could be desired.
These two splendid young teach
ers in the high school. Bandy and
Motley, added greatly to tl1e strength
of the performance, their lines and
duet at their first entrance being
heartily enjoyed.
But talk about comedians-well,
Leslie Devers has them all beat to
a frazzle, AS the comical sailor, Tim,
he simply captured the whole outfit,
audience and actors alike. Leslie
was delight in this role. He has
the necessary nerve To get his funny
lines over the footlights and his di-
minutive appearance, but level-headed,
performance Won quick
favor. He was ably supported by
Fred Schwab, as Larry, and fine
.z..aJ ~ IL ,-nprra,. biorh