Evening star., 1937-09-25
TOhnCharles
Thomas Made
Debut Here
Baritone Revisits
Scene of Early
Triumphs.

MORE than keen spirit of sports
manship renders John Charles
Thomas visit here for the Presidents
Cup Regatta a source Of personal
pleasure to the baritone. There are
memories of his debut on the operate
stage which doubtlessly stir as they
bring back that signal evening which
marked his rather abrupt metamor-
phosis Of career from matinee idol to
grand opera singer.
1t was a memorable evening all
around. March 3, 1925, was the jubi-
liant eve Of Inauguration for President
Calvin Coolidge, which happened to
fall on the same date Of presents-
ton of Verdi's Aida" by the Wash
ington National Opera This produc-
ton, the first occasion of an all-Amer-
ican casting for the popular music
drama, was one in which appeared a
handful of promising young artists,
among them Mr. Thomas.
Focus of interest that night aimed
particularly at the baritone. Hereto
fore the young man had attained his
high rank of esteem as an entertainer
along Broadway and in light concert
roles. His manager at the time was
not blind to the fact. either. When
ever the question of the singers
eschewing serious music as a profess
sion was newfoundland it was men,
toned frequently-the manager would
parry with remark that his charge
was ''too good looking to be covered
with makeup"
So it was with great attention that
Washington Auditorium attended the
revision of John Charles Thomas tall
ents. The following acclaim remains
history Immediately after his per-
formance as Amonasro (Which, oddly
enough, drew praise in part for the
singers remarkably realistic make-up)
he left for Brussels, where command
performance before King Albert
awaited him. Shortly afterward Bel
gian diplomats in Washington were
talking at length of the good will his
appearance established between the
two nations.
His voice, now numbered among the
great of recent years. Mr.. Thomas is
in constant demand for stage, screen
and radio work.
But despite his immense popularity
and occupation he still finds time to
devote to his yachting. In fact, virtu-
ally all spare moments are spent on
his boats, which include a cruiser
houseboat, several speedboats and
cabin cruiser. These frequently popu-
late the waters of Miles River adjacent
to his home in Talbot County on the
Eastern Shore. Following his theory
when the climate doesn't suit, go
where there's breeze" he occupies as
much leisure time on boat as on his
country estate, Journeys End.
When Mr.. Thomas voyages on the
90-foot houseboat Masquerader, his
attendance tutoring ard supplying ac-
compartment on a piano bolted to the
cabin floor. Practicing always goes
on regardless of surroundings in the
fore and afternoon when he is in
the mood" He is now preparing for
a role in the Barber of Seville"
John Charles Thomas, devoted
husband and son, is accompanied by
his wife and his mother as he brings
the Masquerader up the Potomac to
the regatta. He will pilot his own
class K entry Smine in the races to-
day and tomorrow. Professional en-
gagements in New York prevented
him from participating in the three
cruiser race from Brooklyn to Wash
ington with his Miss Maryland earlier
in the week.