The Washington times., 1919-04-26
COMMUNITY OPERA
IS GREAT SUCCESS

"The Bohemian Girl" as presented
by the Community Opera of Washing
ten, has fulfilled its highest eXpecta-
tions and more. If excellence is a
guarantee of permanency the Com
munity Opera has come to stay The
two thousand and more who enjoyed
really brilliant and beautiful per-
foTmance of the ballad" opera at
Central High School last evening can
voice its praise. The disappointed
number turned away in the throug
clamoring at the door proves the ex-
tent of the audiences to which our
Community Opera, when established
en- a more permanent basis, will ap-
peal 1t looked as though a thous-
and people might have been turned
away.
The second opera to be produced by
this organization, through the CO.
operation of the War Camp Com
munity Service, "The Bohemian Girl"
is the first grand opera of its roper
tory to be heard. In the realm OF
appreciation 1t is difficult to stress
any one section of the opera. All
honor is due the splendid cast of
principals, the chorus OF over 100, the
orchestra of 40, all of whom, with
the costumes and settings and de-
tails, far excel many professional
productions.
Try To Visualize It.
Visualize it il you can. 1t is. as
Mr.. Dykema said in his tribute to
the directors, the result of the vision
of Edouard Albion, who, as director
general, has brought about this great
civic art achievement. 1t is the out
come, too, of a response to a gov
ernmental request to the w. c. G. S.
to care for the leisure hours of the
war-worker in Washington.
Too much praise cannot be given
for the spirit of love for music and
beauty in which this opera was pre-
pared and performed as a free gift
to the community.
When the overture. ceased. with the
delightful playing under Rollin Bond.
who was a spirited and artistic in
terpreter throughout the score, IT
has marched to a zenith with a
quickened spirit and quickened
taste that is a marvel in community
development.
HOnest-tO-GOOdness Artists.
There was a sextet of professional
artists, real artists. who have gen.
erously given their support and who
sang the tunefuI score of Balfe's
opera most effectively and mhsically.
Gretchen Hood gave the brilliancy of
a prima donna role to Airline, par
ticularly in the well-loved II dreamt
/ dwelt in marble halls" and in many
numbers, some OF which
had to be repeated.
Marie CulD. as the Gypsy Queen, in
serted the ominous note in voice and
mien with dignity and dramatic de-
clamation; the Thaddeus of James X.
Young revealed a lyric voice OF great
beauty that held strong appeal and
artistic perception, and Hollis Edison
Davenny. as Devilshoof, was mu-
sically compelling and completed
quartet that was significant in en-
semble scenes and selections, all four
singers singing these melOdious bal
ads" with fine feeling and artistry.
In Oliver Mellum. as Count Arm
leim, an artist of breadth and excel
ent attainments. was introduced, his
singing of the Heart Bowed Down"
lad to be repeated. The Florestein of
Frederic L. Pratt gave a light and
yet Legitimate" comedy not of eX-
,ellent relief. and Walter Matson and
henrietta Kittridge effectively COM
,leted the cast.
ChOruses Were Crisp.
Big massed choruses, letter per-
ect, and clean-cut. crisp, with artis- !
ic shading and professional poise in |
music and in manner, rewarded the !
abors of the large group of singers. !
The eye and the ear were equally !
charmed. The "hushed" chorus in /
he second act was perhaps the most |
.rtistice achievement.
1t was truly Il composite" prOduc- |
ion. The color scheme was a delight |
O the eye. 1t represented community |
work. directed and designed by lnez |
was n chorus girl in 1
he opera. The powers behind the"
Genes were Edouard Albion, Rollin I
sond. Peter W. Dykema, and Dennis
'onnell.
4 ballet. under Miss Minnie Hawke, |
With Camille Little. a graceful pre-
Mere danseuse," and with local color
maintained TO enhance the Gypsy |
Genes. was another feature of this
harming whole.
Collection Unexpected.
That a collection had to be relied
Ipon for the expense of the opera is
carceIy fair TO the performers.
here should be an equal distribution
+ responsibility instead Of ultimate
epeudence upon some Maecenas.
oncT9 is for the COmmun-
". not for a few patrons. Last
lights collection was not announced,
ut uncertainty chilIs the projects,
,hcn. with a small admission charge.
o thought need be given the matter.
The community has decreed for art
nd opera. The community opera of
Washington went lover the top"
should see to il that its
uture is not only sure. but serene.
True to our spirit of today, brief
community sing" was entered into
18th unanimous enthusiasm at the
pening Of the evening. The opera
ill be repeated this evening at Cen
raj High school J. Mach.
Much confusion prevailed last night
yer the invitations which had been
INT out by the committee. Only
rose who receive reserve seat cards,
IarkCd in red. are entitled to seats,
was explained, and then only if
ley arrive by s o'clock. Other in
itations are merely for general ad-
Iission.