Evening star., 1937-10-24
Opera Star
Is Brilliant
AS Carmen
Miss Caselotti's S
Performance Is
Well Received.
BY ALICE EyERSMAN.

Staging Carmen" without suf-
fcient space for the lively movement
which flows through the entire opera
is A. hazardous undertaking and last
evenings presentation at the Rialto
by the Columbia Opera Co. Of New
York of the popular opera suffered
this handicap. 1t seems too bad that
with the spaciousness and comfort
of the theater itself one must
harp on the lack Of room on the
stage. but the limitations are more
apparent when such an opera as
carmen" is given. The unaccus-
toned hampering of movement may
have accounted for the slow tempo
with which the opera opened and the
time it required before the singers
were in the swing of the action.
The cast assembled was one Of the
best. with Louise Caselotti in the title
role. Miss Caselotti has been heard
here before as the cigarette girl and
proved to be exceptionally we'll suit
ed for the part. With a contralto
voice that is full and luscious through
out its wide range, she can give the
vocal credence to the character for
which many q singer has tried and
failed.
Stirring Climax.
Nothing finer has been heard than
her delivery Of the card scene aria, in
which she transcribed her singing
of the previous famous arias and
reached q stirring climax vocally and
emotionally. There is no question
that with her magnificent voice she
Is an ideal Carmen. In the more
difficult matter of acting out the
character through the panorama of
the opera she may not entirely have
satisfied her audience with her idea
Of it, Her point of view does not
outline q temperament, which, pas
eionate as 1t is, is thoroughly spon-
taneous and completely of the people.
Miss Caselottis Characterization was
on more restrained lines, although her
rich, warm vocal timbre cc>~,teracted
this impression. Her entire perform
ance was by far the most brilliant
heard this week.
Ralph Errolle, as Don Jose, was
splendidly adapted to the role vocally
and made the part outstanding through
his superior vocal gifts. 1t was beau
tiful singing at every point. growing
more effective as the opera progressed.
Mr.. Errolle was less convincing in his
acting, however, needing more freedom
and warmth in his portrayal of the
soldier who forgot honor for love. Next
In vividness was the Escamillo by
Anthony Nell, whose fine voice made
much of the aria and whose stage
presence was forceful. After a start
in which insecurity was apparent,
Virginia Sellers, as Micaela, gained in
poise and tonal steadiness until, in
the aria, she found herself completely
and sang 1t in G. manner to arouse
prolonged and enthusiastic applause.
Smaller Roles Admirable.
The smaller yet vastly important
IOleS Oh rTdSqultd, Mci iCcuCS, Ieclllcll-
dado and Dancairo were admirably
taken by Mary Elton Roberts, Gretch-
en- Haller, Bernard Polande and Raoul
Carrere. The card duet between the
girls and the famous quintet was spirit
ly sung and we'll acted. Lloyd Har-
ris was q capable zuniga and Raoul
Carrere was again heard in the first
act as Morales. The incidental dances
were by the Baltimore Ballet.
Although the orchestra was not as
smooth or as full of vitality as could
be desired, the chorus was thoroughly
in the spirit of the opera and sang
and acted with vigor All told, 1t was
. better performance of Bizets i'm
mortal work than has been heard in
q long time and large audience was
fully appreciative in its response. To-
morrow afternoon Donizettis Lucia
di Lammermoor" will be given and
tomorrow night Verdi's III Trovatore,
closing the engagement OF the COM
pany.