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MIKADOIn tbe production of Gilbert and Sullivan's famous opera, the Mikado, during the past week, the Nelson Operatic Society has sustained its high reputation and added to its laurels. This paper has always held that amateur performances given in public, and w hieh the public are induced to attend on the representation that they will be entertained, are properly the subject for strict criticism, and if the representations are in any case not fulfilled, that performance should be condemned, It is with greatr satisfaction that we can say of the Nelson Operatic Society that it has always more than met its obligations in this respect. For the three nights that the Mikado has been presented, large crowds have thronged the Opera House and have gone away at the end of the performance satisfied. The opera itself is too well known to call for any remarks on the libretto or the score. Of the performers it might be said that the general level of excellence was remarkable. It is very usual to find in such performances some parts noticeably inferior. Such, however, was not the case in this instance. The principals were one and all good ; the chorus accurate, firm and full. Mrs. Melville Parry as Yum Yum was delightful. Undoubtedly comic opera is particularly the sphere in which this lady excels. Added to her rich flexible soprano, she possesses a refined appreciation of humor and a grace and appropriateness of action that fully meet the dramatic, requirements of the piece. Mrs. R. W. Hannington entirely captivated the audience in her rendering of the part of Pitti Sing. Her perfectly artistic singing of a part which, it must be admitted, was not the most suitable for her voice and charming stage presence and manner, called forth most enthusiastic applause whenever she appeared. Miss Ida Johnson as Feep-Bo, the third of the “ Three Little Maids,” was not behind ber companions in her clever and efficient perfoimar.ee. In Mrs. M. S. Davys the character of JCatishawas presented most perfectly. This is a part.of exceptional difficulty and Mrs. Davys shewed herself possessed ofa perfect understanding of its humor and a capability of portraying it as the author intended. ' Of the men it was found that a-pleasant surprise was in store in more than one instance. Mr. George Kyddis well known on the concert stage here, but his admirers were not expecting the clever representation he gave of the youthful Nauki Poo. Mr, Wright as Pooh-Bnh also exceeded every expectation. The part of Ko-Ko is of course an exceedingly difficult one to fill satisfactorily, and tbe management must be congratulated in their discrimination in selecting Mr. Edgar Mason for the part. With a natural talent for boisterous comedy. Mr . Mason had evidently ^ bestowed careful work on the preparation of his part, and the result was a most unqualified success. Mr. Ralph Clark took the part of Pish Tush cleverly; bis deep bass sounding particularly well in'the Madrigal. Mr. T. J. Scanlan threw himself into the part of the Mikado, and merited the enthusiastic applause which he re-c eived. Mr; R. McFarland evoked some laughter
Newspaper Details
Nelson Economist
Nelson, British Columbia, CA
Sat, Sep 26, 1903
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
CA 04 Oct 2023
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