Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-12-08
LITTLE OPERA
SCORES SUCCESS
Amateur Production of "Out
Somewhere" Delights Large
Audience Last Evening
BY JOHN w. PHILLIPS

War, and he effects of war; caused
no heartaches last night at the Or
our lives for brief two hours. in
stilled a little more patriotism into
US and gave us a glimpse of happy
youth, singing, dancing and making
merry, and with good reason, for
the war began and ended while we sat
at attention. There were no sordli
scenes; everything was bright, happy
and picturesque. Simple country life
and customs were ingeniously re-
fiected in speech, song and dance
out Somewhere" is listed as mill
tary operetta; 1t is not very strongly
military, but it is wholesome, clever,
catchy, tuneful and colorful. 1t is
essentially an operetta for young
folks. 1t breathes the spirit of young
life that does not take responsibilities
too seriously. The music is well fitted
to the words, and there is more orig
inality in the melodies than one finds
in most light works of this kind. The
work was exceedingly well put on
last night by Mrs. Lake and her capa-
BILE company of Harrisburgers. 1t is
worth the price of admission to have
yuulIl DSouly
sembled so nicely, so we can see 1t,
and appreciate it.
There were nearly three hundred
thus assembled, all there with the
IDEA of making a success of the un-
dertaking,-and they did. 1t is some
job to take n miscellaneous "crowd"
of young folks and weld them into
singing chorus, but it was achieved
with gratifying success.
Principals Well Cast
The principals were well cast. Mrs.
Roy G.. Cox, as Clarico, the prettiest
girl in town, sustained the part with
much grace and charm, while vocally
adequate to all the musical demands.
She has good poise, and was attrac-
lively dressed in bright red and white
very becoming, indeed. Paul Miller,
as Sergeant LerouX, made good
looking soldier and carried his part
through to success. George sutton as
Jean was very satisfactory in every
thing he had to do. both vocally and
dramatically, making an ideal lover
at all times. Miss Mary Belle Corbett
as Babette was vivacious and whim-
sical and caught the spirit of the
role admirably. Abner Hartman. as
Pompom, the marvellous man, gave
humor and excellent vocal powers to
the performance. Mr.. Hartma nwaS
well fitted for the part and added
many touches of humor that kept
things moving in a joyful outdoor
spirit. Mrs. Frank Eager, as Martha
Michaud. interpreted the village gos-
sip in a way that showed a careful
study of the character. Her contralto
voice was used to good advantage
in singing and her acting was cleV-
erly done. William Bretz, as Gaspard,
the tinker youth, was excellent. both
in action and singing. Miss Kath-
aIine Dubbs. as Marie the shepherd
ess, made a charming picture. She
was graceful, modest and winsome
She displayed fine ability both in
singing and acting.
Some of the musical hits: The open
ing chorus. with Katharine Dubbs in
solo part. Both chorus ana soloist
were superb in this number, which
made n good impression to start with.
Have You Heard the News?" by Mrs.
Eager and chorus was also a winner;
the action and music being cleverly
handled. The Bakers chorus, by ten
youths cleverly made up and singing
Buy a Loaf; the chorus by the
charming pastry girls; the solo by
Mr.. Hartman, 'I Am a Marvellous
Man. sung with fine freedom and in
depreciation, the chorus helping; The
Tramp of Soldier Feet" by Mr.. Miller
and chorus.
Dances and Marches
Citizens, Your Country Calls" by
Mrs. Cox, a stirring number; Bold
and clustering Soldiers We" sung by
the smaller boys very cleverly and
later Joined by group of girls;
"Sweethe art, If l Held the SUM-" sung
effectively by Mr.. sutton, who also
nade a good lover; 'If Feeling Sad"
- III, ~;
of the gems of the work, cleverly in
terpreted and sung by Katharine
Dubbs and William Bretz, assisted by
the chorus; Weave a Wreath CT Lau-'
rel Green" danced and sung by a
group of young ladies 1--WE knew there
was something lacking in the dance
il was the wooden shoes); the, Knit
ting chorus, by u group of Harris
burg's fairest daughters, who were
graceful both in dance and song;
"Cuddle Down." by Mrs. Cox and the
wee ones; this made a charming ap-
peal to both eye and car: "Ths Little
Baboon." by Miss Corbett, who sang
this to the little ones; I'm the Merry
Summertime" by Katharine Dubbs
and the dancing shepherdess; "Goosey,
Goosey, Gander." by the Gander girls
and a real gander that thought at
times there was a rough sea on; "As
a Man of My Importance" by Mr.,
Hartman and chorus; "One Little Bird
Built a Cozy Nest" by Miss Corbett
and Mr.. Sutton. Lots of Words Rhyme
With Love- by. Katharine Dubbs.
william Bretz and chorus. William
Webster. although not officially list
ed, sang the "Sandman's Song" while
the little tots were being hustled off
to bed.
All the above were genuine hits
with the audience. and every one of
the cast is to be complimented for
the fine portrayal of their respective
parts. The costumes were very. very
attractive and the scenery superb.
The Orpheum Theater was filled.
the stage was filled and we hope the
treasury of the Sunshine society is
also filled, because they deserve it
for giving us such a delightful and
interesting entertainment. All Har-
risburg should see it, and to see it
is to enjoy it thoroughly.
n I'LL kn ~ ND