Evening star., 1920-03-16
FOR D. c.
OPERA COMPANY
Presents "Secret of Suzan-
ne" and "a Pag|iacci" Be-
fore Capacity Audience.

Announcement Of the double bill.
The Secret Of Suzanne" and I'll
Pag2iacci." by the Washington Opera
Company. Edouard Albion. general di-
rector. attracted an overaowing au-
Garrick Theater that manifested by
frequent and spontaneous applause its
appreciation of the work of the va
rious artists. lf-Ferraris minia-
ture opera. The Secret of Suzanne"
which held the first place on the pro-
gram. was presented by Shella dor
mond elizabeth Howry) and Oliver
Melium, with an accompaniment of
piano. violins and flute, under direc-
tlon OF Louis A Potter. jr.. with Ger
trude McRae at the piano. Miss
Howry's appearance and birdlike voice
were admirably adapted to the dainty
music of this modern Italian work
while Mr. Mellum. whose mellow voice
mas on numerous occasions won un-
stlnted praise from both critics and
public of Washington, displayed un-
suspected temperamental gifts in his
portrayal of the role of jealous and
exacting husband. The part of Sante.
the quiet but observant servant was
adequately handled by Clement Tay-
lor.
Regarded as Feature.
The sensation of the evening came
in the appearance of Marie Cavan. as
Media. in ''Pagliacci." her superb dra-
impersonation of Media proving her
an artist of the first rank Otakar
Marak, who sang the part of Pag-
liacci. repeated the success of his
previous appearance here in Car
men," and, after his singing of the
ri 1a
he was accorded a we'll deserved ova-
ton. Hollis Davenny filled the un-
gracious role of Tonic most effective
ly, and Herbert Aldridge and Oliver
Mellum, as Beppo and Silvio. filled
their respective parts with credit
The orchestra. under Arnold Volpe.
gave ample support at all times. and
the performance will be repeated this
evening with the same principals.
Plea for Support of Company.
During the interim between the
two operas Edward H. Droop made
short appeal to the audience in be-
half of support for the Washington
Opera Company. He gave resume
of the splendid work that had been
accomplished by the company under
the patronage Of the War Camp Com
munity Service. lauding the unselfish
motives of the professional stars, who
had gratuitously given their services
in, order that struggling amateurs
might be benefited. and said now
that the War Camp Community Serv-
ice has ceased to- exist, it was up
to Washingtonians to come to the
front and help support what had
every indication of being one of the
best opera companies in America.
Mr.. Droop announced committee
that had been appointed to look after
the financial end of the enterprise,
and said that checks sent to Charles
J. Bell, president of the American
Security and Trust Company. or to
himself. would be taken care of. This
committee is comprised of Charles J.
Bell Justice Frederick Siddons, John
Joy Edison, Peter A. Drury and E. H.
Droop. A meeting will be held next
week to discuss plans for the con-
tinuance of the company.
Program Tomorrow Evening.
Tomorrow evening Ruby Potter will
fill the role of Suzanne and Mar
guerite Holt and Serge de Zanco will
take the places of Marie Cavan and
Otakar Marak. respectively, in "Pag-
liacci."