Evening journal., 1919-12-18


Nniz ..:.......--....... Ernesto ID Blasio
stage Manager Alex Pugia
Conductor .Fuigenzo Gaerrieri
Inspired by a capacity house made
possible by a generous Wllmingtonian,
the leading singers Of the Manhattan
Grand Opera Company gave a perform
ance OF I'll Travatore" at the Playhouse
last night that seldom is excelled by
grand opera heard in New York. The
four principals were well-nigh lawless
in voice and Interpretation OF their
roles.
The "Manrlco" OF Rlccardo Martin.
greatest living tenor Of American ma
tionallty, gave the fleet Of an eXquls-
'tciy tinted jewel. When Ricardo Mar
Tin sings the audience feels the whole
world with its ugly, workaday cares
melt into nOthingness, and life becomes
sweetness and light.
one Of the cherished memories OF last
nights audience, will be the wonderful
limpid sweetness OF Mr.. Martins sing
ing
The duet batween Martin and Alice
Hesleri LenOra) in the scene outside
the prison and the duet between Martin
and Hendette Wakefield ,Azuc ma in
the interior prison scene. were gems Of
music. Nothing finer has ever been
heard in Wilmington.
Miss Wakefield was superb in the
gypsy role, glorlously sung and con-
summately acted Her al nOstri montl"
being probably the tune most familiar
- "a. otrTfauna ronnfx-aa Fhaf. rrvan Fozf
applause but sha was equally good all
through the opera.
GiOrgiO Pulti. a baritone with re
markably high range. gave one OF the
greatest interpretations OF the Count
di Luna that has been heard on the
American stage. Mr.. Puliti is without
doubt one Of the best actors as well as
one Of the finest singers m the oper-
attic world. Any role he sings Is pal
pitant with life.
Mss Alice Hesleri. the soprano. W.
the fourth notable member Of this stel-
lar cast. Miss Hcsleri seemed 10 win
the affect on Of the audience in q very
particular degree. She was well-liked
as Mchaelo" In Carmen" but great
ly surpassed that role in her singing Of
LeOnOra. Her high notes were taken
with clearness and beauty. and all her
singing was permeated with colorful
warmth and beauty.
The scenic effects were in excellent
taste Without attempt at elaboration,
they were pleasing TO the eye and har-
monious In coloring.
The double bin in the afternoon con-
sisted Of Leon Cavallo's II Pagliacci"
%
The company came TO Wilmington
from Reading. Pa, under financial
handicap They played 10 poor houses
in Reading, because Of the effect Of the
coal strike situation upon all theatre
attendance. Consequently there was a
threatened strike Of the orchestra yes
tcrday afternoon. who said they would
not give the afternoon performance
without payment in advance. Their
contract with The Playhouse id not
call for payment until the conclusion
Of their engagement and, in fact. sew
eral hundred dollars had been advanced
for their living expenses by the thea
ire management on Monday.
However. the generosity OF Irenee
dupont. president Of the dupont Pow
der Company, brought happy way out
for all concerned. Mr.. dupont, 10 show
his appreciation Of the rare musical
advantages brought by these famous
singers to Wilmington. bought out the !
entire house fer last night, with the
exception Of the few seats already sold.
The tickets were presented to dupont
employees in the Office building as the 4
gift Of the president
Consequently a jubilant audience
0vernowed into extra chairs in the
evening. The Playhouse management
also extended further financial aid TO
the company TO enable it 10 keep its
organization intact in going to its next
engagement.
The almost total lack Of musical ap-!
probation shown by Wilmington. inl
lack Of patronage Of an opera season |
Of high merit, has been an amazing
revelation The preparations for Christ
mas which are keeping all persons
busy, were doubtless large factor in /
the poor attendance at the opera.