The Washington times., 1920-03-16
Genuine Grand Opera
Given N Double Bill.

IL was genuine grand opera. with it's
thrill, its climax. its dramatic sing
ing. and its spirit that the Wash
ington Opera Company presented last
evening before an enthusiastic audi
ence that filled boxes and house at
the Shubert- Gsrrick Theater.
The double bill OF the great trag-
edy-opera II Pagliaccr and dainty
pastel comedy-operetta OF THE Secret
OF Suzanne" proved two things upon
which this organization OF Washing
ton Is building it's future. 1t proved
In "Pagliacci" the mazing co-opera-
tion that international stars OF the
opera world are giving II.
Otakar Marsk, as Canio, and Mary
Cavan, as Media. and also the Tonic
OF Hollis Edison Dsvenny and Silvio
OF oliver Mellum. made this opera
rank far above the ranks OF many
professional performances Washing
ton has heard.
Suzanne" with it's cast OF three
and it's miniature orchestra was the
highly artistic. highly successful
work OF the company In its native
personnel.
"PaKliscci."
otakar Marak was a truly thrilling
impersonator OF the jealous player"
his voice. a splendidly dramatic
tenor, that brought forth salvos OF
Bravo" at the close of his "Vesti la
giubba," the famous sob" song. The
opera was sung in Italian, bringing
the music OF the language as well as
the music Of Leoncavallo In its proper
relation.
Ma "a
Marak. Her voice is big and dra-
matte. but also sweet and fresh, and
she gave some distinct and original
dramatic touches to the drama A
warm FLOODED child OF the people, a
true Italian at the first. she made the
player Media a delightful marion
cite "Columbine." emphasizing the
play.acting Of this part of the drama
in a new value. The fact that these
artists have given their splendid art
to the furthersnce of this municipal
endeavor of the National Capital de-
serves more appreciation than words
can give them. The audience de-
manded recall after recall, the public
at large should know what has been
achieved in our city.
The great "proloSo," by Mr.. Daven-
ny received a splendidly broad and
richly vibrant rendition, while the
Characterization of the role through
out. in voice and in acting, made 1t
Just complement to the splendid art
Of his confreres. oliver Mellum. as
Silvo, displayed the lyric loneliness OF
his voice, while Herbert Aldridge. In
the serenade, was notable in voice,
and his Harlequin an excellent piece
Of work. The chorus was ever in the
picture, sure and crisp in It's singing,
and a worthy asset to the opera.
To Arnold Volpe at the conductors
desk the spirit and Zest of the opera
responded, and the orchestra gave eN-
cellent support in this exacting
score.
"Secret OF Suzanne"
Oliver Mellum, as the count, scored
the success of his operate career In
his singing, and in his delightful and
spontaneous temper" as the irate
husband of the coquette Suzanne.
Wolf-Ferrari has written charming
score Of Elusive music. its rendition
by Mr.. Mellum was broad, deliShtfui
In tone and diction. and most COM
peIling piece of comedy drama.
Suzanne, given by Sheila d Ormond.
was also a delightful piece of comedy
and coquetry Her voice was not lib
Grated, came into the scheme too del
icately for ensemble. but 1t was sweet
and her portrayal as dainty as the
operetta itself. Clement Taylor a.
the dumb servant gave good panto-
mime. and the small orchestra under
Louis Potter played the score effect
lively. The stage setting was the most
attractive seen on Washington opera
or concert stage in many moons. 1t
was a part OF an artistic whole.
l.. II. Droop gave forceful motive
power to the continuance OF this aus
picious opera achievement OF Edouard
Albion and his volunteer and profess
sional co-operators, in spirited and
earnest address. He announced the
formation OF business committee
toward this end, with some OF Wash
ington's foremost business men serv-
ing on it. The chairman is Charles
J. Bell, and members are John Joy
Edison, Justice Fred Siddons, and L.
II. Droop. A guarantee fund of be-
tween $1,000 and 10000 will be
sought for the coming year, after
which the enterprise will be given
an organized support to ensure its
future service to the young American
musician and to the National Capital.
Pagliacci and Suzanne will continue
through Thursday and Faust will be
sung Friday and Saturday. J. Mach.