Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1921-01-25
AMUSEM TENTS
"Monsieur Beaucaire."

A costume play" rich in the charm
of the romantic age of beruffled cour-
tiers and Vatican shepherdesses, is
monsieur Beaucaire." the romantic
opera born of Booth Tarkington's
well known story and glorified with
the musical gifts of Andre Messenger.
which is presented at the National
Theater this week. 1t is one Of the
exquisite delights of a season that
can boast of but little in the way of
competition. The stage settings and
the costumes. under artistic lighting.
are pure delight in themselves, and
there is magic in the atmosphere of
the play and the manner of it's pres
entation that will not be denied. The
story is one of high dramatic posi-
bilities and development and the play
ers seem delightfully."- attuned to the
entire production.
If one were disposed to seek defects
among all this unquestioned merit,
the suggestion might arise that per-
haps in merging SO fragile and exqui-
site a romance into opera It imposed
vocal power that seemed lacking and
yet, perhaps, had it been manifesr
might have lessened the delicacy Of
this dream Of days long gone by.
Martin Green. the American bari
tone, who created the title role
Torrance in song as well as in action
a polish and brilliance that is ire
sistible, sang with great beauty the
dominent song Of the opera. RED
Rose" His magnificent voice was a
delight also in English Maids" and
in four charming duets with Miss
Nancy Gibbs. the handsome Welsh
English soprano, who makes an ad-
mirable Lady Mary. the heroine of the
story. and whose song. "Philomel,"
was one of the gems of the perform
ance. But it was John Clark. the
greatest popular favor in Honor and
Love-" a beautiful song that had to
be repeated and which, there was no
doubt, the audience would have en-
joyed even again.
Miss Marjorie Burgess, as Lucy, i'm
parted dainty charm to her role and
duet with Mr.. Clark. 1--WE Are Not
Speaking Now" There is a great
wealth Of opportunity in the lyrical
numbers and the chorus ensembles are
really delightful. Mr.. Messengers
beautiful music must have sounded
indeed unique to those whose melodic
entertainments have been confined to
the latter-day musical productions, or
the symphonic" demonstrations at
the movies.
The story, of course, concerns the
french Duke u WIN lieu HUN
France and masqueraded as a barber
at Bath. in England. until the beau
tiful Lady Mark had made a conquest
Of his heart and had in turn capitu-
lated to him. The Duke of Winter
set, who is caught cheating at cards
and is forced as a penalty to present
the barber to the Lady Mary. and who
later denounces and seeks to dis
grace him, provides the dramatic
Situations Of the play.
The cast in playing ability is with
nishes the comedians contribution in
a way that is delightful without be
ing obtrusive., Dennis King, wan
Servais, Robert Parker, Pacie Ripple.
Gordon Baskerville and Percy Carr
are among the powdered and buckled
courtiers who lend charm to the play
and dramatic worth to its interpreta-
ton. ~
nretty and rhythmical and Frederick
Lonsdale's libretto meets the ne; need as
of tie production. though It 1alls 10
disclose why the Duke DOrleans Is
Monsieur Beaucaire.