Evening star., 1925-07-07
ROBIN HOOD SUNG
WITH FINE EFFECT
Washington Opera Company
Gives Excellent Perform
ance at Polls.

The Washington Opera Company,
Edouard Albion director gave per-
formance of Reginald de koven's
Robin Hood" at Polls Theater last
night that was Creditable from every
point of view
1t was hot night and the costumes
designed for Englishmens use in the
twelfth century seemed hardly com
pa tible with July weather in the
American Capital Yet the Maid
Marion, Miss Merrill, wore her heavy
velvets well. and Robinson Newbold
as the muchly clad Sheriff of Not
tingham suggested memories of
De Wolf Hooper's Sheriff in more
than bits of characterization. In
many ways the members of the Wash
ington Opera Company proved fully
equal to high standards already set
Musically. Mr.. De koven's opera is
certainly what is generally classified
as "tuneful." Yet there is surviving
quality that defies so meager a title,
even though the melodies possess
notes teasingly reminiscent of other
works. There is mellow richness in
the archaic Brown October Ale, "
which Edward Orchard. as Little John,
sang so delightfully."- with the custom
airy trick sustained note in the final
chorus. There is whimsicality in the
tinkling notes of both the comical
Thinkers Chorus" and the more seri
Gus Legend of the Chimes. There
is real sentiment, despite Overfamil.
iarity ESPECIALLY after month replete
with weddings) in "Oh, Promise Me. "
the song which Mr. De Koven insert
ed in his opera score for the first
Alan-a Dale. Miss La Nance, Incl
dentally, had real opportunity last
night in this role of the youth enam-
ored of the fiirtatious Annabeue. She
H.,
Alan. Augusta Spette was pretty
Annabelle.
Sudworth F'Tasier. as Robert of
Huntington, later Robin Hood. also
had his most grateful role to date.
His voice was in fine condition last
night and he sang and acted his part
satisfactorily winning more than
Maid Marion's heart with his trouba-
dour song. Mr. Frasier should he a
matinee idol of light opera. Helena
Morrill, is an ideal foil for Mr.. Fra
sjer. She looked her prettiest and
sang her sprightliest as the spirited
Maid Marion.
Comedy Roles Please.
The comedy roles were handled
with considerable originality and ar
tistic discretion by Mr. Newbold as
the 'eagIe-eyed'' sheriff. Sol Solomon
(here last year with MIR. Hoppers
company and Francis Tyler as the
rotund and jovial Friar Tuck. This
triangle of comedians won many
hearty laughs throughout the three
acts.
Pierre Remington sang VIII Scar
let's melodious bass solos, 1T Takes
Nine Tailors to Make a Man and
the "Armourer's Song" so well and
so deeply that his deepest notes
seemed to come from the very soles
of his tall red boots. He also fitted
into the picture admirably. When
he took the small Guy" by the hand
in a comical dance he gave a ludi-
crous suggestion of a parent tower
ing over bad small boy. Rose Pol
lio local member of the company.
who has sung several roles in grand
opera production here. was fully ad-
equate to the responsibilities of
Dame burden.
The chorus had a number of pretty
faces and fine vocal volume. Both
chorus and principals showed clean
cut enunciation and command of the
rhythms and ColorinEs of the music.
Mr. Hirshfield in the dual role Of
conductor and pianist. worked nobly
and wove his orchestral accompani-
ment nicely into the dramatic and
vocal tapestry of the opera.