Evening journal., 1919-12-16

Carmen" Blzers tuneful opera, was
given a performance OF high stand
ard OF merit at the Playhouse las,
night. opening a three-days' engagement
OF the Manhattan Grand opera Com
pany. Referring 70 the principals IN
the cast, one Of the leading musical
critics OF the city commenting, "the
best collection OF singers Wilmington
has ever heard" Some OF the audience
who remembered mediocre productions
OF grand opera by companies on tour,
given locally in former years, were
delighted beyond words 10 find the
Manhattan Company giving really lne
music, adequately staged. The singing
OF the principal members OF the cast
was such a musical Joy as Wilmington
has not experienced In years. u Is 10
be regretted That the audience was
not larger.
Notable was the splendid playing OF
the orchestra, one OF the finest and
most enjoyable features Of the perform
ance In fact. That was TO be expected
with a conductor Of the fame and geni-
US OF AdOlph Schmld. Mr. Schmld has
won wide renown for his work with
the Boston Symphony Orchestra and
his achievements abroad His directing
OF last nights performance was a work
OF art deeply appreciated by the music
lovers present.
Riccardo Martin, famous tenor. and
formerly bright, particular star OF the
Metropolitan Grand Opera Company.
was OF course the center OF attraction
last night as "Don Jose" His appear
ance was the signal for prolonged ap-
plause. Mr.. Martin was I'm splendid
voice and gave a finished presentation
OF this popular role In a popular opera.
The audience, luxuriatlng In a wealth
OF beautiful music, was blissfully con-
tent Working up gradually from his
duet with Mchaela, In the irst act, and
the finely dramatic song OF remuneration
In the third act Mr.. Martin achieved a
wonderfully effective climax IN the
vivid desperate conclusion 20 the tale
OF love repulsed. Most beautiful ol
, all. perhaps, was the exquisite flower
song OF Don Jose and entreaty Of Car
men, In the fourth scene OF the secon,
act. The audience congratulated itsel
/ mat 70 was present 10 hear such music
and Mr.. Martin became more deeply
entrenched than ever before IN the az
fectlon OF Wilmington.
Greek Evans, who gave a virile and
colorful dellneation OF Escamlllo, was
also one OF the chief Joys OF the excel
lent performance. The singer gave so
intenly dramatic, and superiority sung a
presentation OF the favorite "Toreador
Song" that storm OF applause SWEPT
the house, refusing 10 be quleted un-
III the solo and chorus were repeated.
Two such artists as Martin and Evans
are not often heard In one evening.
Cedia Breau sang Carmen vivldly and
daintily winning great favor. She was
a less bOisterOus Carmen than has been
associated with the role. but her very
sweetness made her captivating. She Is
talented actress as well as rich-volced
mezzO-sopranO. and was effective az all
times. but particularly so IN the notably
performed flfth act where Don Jose and
Carmen bring the opera 10 tempes-
tuOus climax.
Alice Heslerl, a sweet-voiced Mlchalea
did excellent work, her singing in the
third act, receiving marked approval
from the audience.
One item OF great interest IN the per-
formance was the duel scene between
Don Jose and Escamillo. giving the au-
enoe a delightful opportunity to hear
the two stars together.
Irwin Miller, Miguel Sanacana, Helen
Fechter, Elinor Mario, Alfredo Bardl.
Luigi Finni, and Amelia Costa assisted
ably In the smaller roles. The chorus
Of forty members, was expertly trained
and pleasing.
The stage settings were artistic and
trees and flowing mountain torrent,
adequate. The third soena with rocks.
formed so beautiful a setting for the
gypsy band as TO bring out applause
on It's own account
The company Will present Verdls
"Rlgoletto," with Glorglo Pulitl and
Lillian Gresham, this evening. Tomor-
row afternoon. "Pagllacol," by Leon
cavallo. will be given, the bin having
been changed from "Hansel and Crete" /"
previously announced "Cavallerla Rus
tloana," Mascagni's one-aot masterpiece,
Will also be given at this time. as part
OF the double bill. For Wednesday eve
ming the bill has also been changed and
I'll Trovatore," by Verdi. VIII be pre-
sented In place Of "0tello."