The Washington times., 1919-01-14
PIRATES UNCOVER
STARS OF future

The debut of the Community opera
OF Washington, in Gilbert and Sulli-
vans tuneful comic opera. The Pi-
rates OF Penzance," at Central High
School last evening was a signal sue
cess and was greatly enjoyed by a
large audience.
Il marked the beginning Of a new
enterprise. associated with the War
Camp Community Service, that de-
serves to be sustained by the commu-
nifty from whose artistic talent most
commendable cast was drawn. The
production, as a whole, was really
beautiful, in picture, in costume. in
setting. and. above all, in the fresh
ness and charm OF the youth of our
city, who made up one of the most at
tractive choruses one has seen on any
stage, professional or otherwise.
In spirit and charm. in acting and
in singing. this chorus establishes the
right Of the community to its place
In the opera realm, and that a place
that rises for above the usual quail
neations of amateur"
-Ts snake IL Permanent.s
Make it a permanent factor in the
art OF life of the city" was the slogan
from Charles II. English in an ad-
dress. Its excellence quite demands
the consummation of this plea.
The principals in the cast revealed
In two of the youngest singers, two
future stars. Gladys Price, as Mabel.
disclosed a beautiful soprano voice,
whose high range is full, and pure,
and delightfully."- fresh. Out of just
such beginnings are opera stars Gre
ated. and Miss Price sang with both
taste and very lovely phrasing. In
Harlan Randall, as Samuel, not only
q young singer of compelling attain
ments was found, but an actor whose
humor invested his role and his sing
ing with particular appeal
Martin Richardson, tenor, an op-
era singer of experience, sang Fred
eriek In admirable style, lending the
role the poise and stage qualities of
artistic worth, while the trio Of the
major generals fair daughters had
genuine gifts vocally and dramati-
cally as, played by Elizabeth Meinin-
ger, Clara Young, and Priscilla
Slaughter. The contralto role of
Ruth was ably sustained by Richie
AacLean, and Ambrose A. Durkin as
q highly humorous policeman, Edwin
Callow as the pompous major gen.
eral, and Vivian Matson as the pi-
rate chief brought laughter into
their comedy.
- Chorus IL Perfect
The ensemble effects were a mas
terry OF stagecraft. The acting and
the singing Of the chorus was
letter perfect They suited their mu-
sic to the action and the action to
the music most delightfully."-, shading
int the background when needed or
blithely telling their "tale"-and in
dictton that all could understand
The male chorus shared the honors
with the beyy Of lovely girls. while
the ballet was delightfuIly done and
most lovely to look upon.
The scenery and lighting effects
were another tribute to the accom-
plishment Of the performance, whose
production was a labor OF love by
many publie-spirited artists. To Ed
Guard Albion. general director of the
opera, the professional excellence of
the performance as a whole is due.
Three months under his training have
gone Into the making of it. The or
chestra under c. z. Christiani came
in for its share of a separate recog-
milton 1t was supported by George
Wilson at the piano.
These Helped, Too.
Others associated in this launch
ing Of a successful opera as an art
expression OF the community were
Charles Grammar. ballet director;
Peter Dykema, chorus director: Dem
mis- Connell, dramatic director; Waldo
mar Dornman. scenic design; scenery
painted by Jerry Farnsworth. Walter
dayn and +. Watts; lighting by
Lewis harrington; stage manager,
John Luitich
Mr. Dykema told Of the oppor-
tunhies that are to grow out OF such
an enterprise, which is designed
primarily to give something the
people want. For, as he pointed out,
the excellence in the chorus will dis
close talent for principals OF the
future. Artists will come to the front
and at last we will have a distinctive
American stamp on the opera world
that, until recently. We have never
allowed to grow up at home.
The lirateS of Penzance"' will be
repeated this evening It is a. highly
artistic achievement, given as a labor
OF love for the Cause" of opera in
the National Capital. by the Wash
taSton Community Opera OF Wash
fngton. d. C.. A collection is asked
and should meet the expenses OF this
production to ensure it's continued
enort The opera as presented is