Opera Pinafore

The Lyra Singing society of this city, together with Miss Timberlake, of Jackson, and others, under the leadership of Prof. R. H. Hempf, rendered Pinafore to crowded and appreciative houses on both evenings, Tuesday and Wednesday. Everyone concerned performed his part like old stagers and there was not a single break from start to finish. That Professor Kempf is an excellent drill-master, with a keen and accurate appreciation of the various parts, no one can doubt after witnessing the rendition of the opera. He had good material to work upon and the training brought it out in fine style. The chorus performed its part in a most pleasing and satisfactory manner, while the ease and naturalness of the soloists removed from the audience at once all that vague dread of a possible hitch which frequently attends an amateur performance. The work of the orchestra was well done and was in keeping with the other parts in execution. The more attractive features of the opera were correctly interpreted and emphasized, in fact, the performance as a whole was one of best the amateur performances we have witnessed. Mrs. R. H. Kempf as Little Buttercup was very pleasing, and her rendition of the song "Im called Little Buttercup" as well as her part in the duet with Captain Corcoran "Things are Rarely What they seem," was especially fine. Miss Timberlake as Josephine, in love with one of her father's sailors was charming. She has a fine voice and she manages it beautifully. She rendered the solo "Sad is Her Lot" in a most pleasing manner. The duet with Ralph Rackshaw, "Remember Audacious Tam," was quite as attractive, and so was the trio with Capt. Corcoran and Sir Joseph Porter, "Never Mind the Why and Wherefore. " Walter Taylor always comes up to the required standard in any part he undertakes, and as Capt. Corcoran he was no exception. He was natural in all his parts, and sang "I am the Captain of the Pinafore" in inimitable style. The part of Sir Joseph Porter, K. B., was taken by Mr. W. A. Spitzley, and he performed it in a very creditable and "awficially" correct manner. He sang well also. Mrs. Taylor made a most natural and easy Hebe, first cousin to Sir Joseph. Her singing was good. Mr. H. Allmendinger as Bill Bobstay, and Mr. S. Dieterle as Bob Becket, won success. The military drill by an even dozen of the Light Infantry boys was a decidedly pleasing feature and they were encored to the echo, and were obliged to return and give another performance. They were dressed in full uniform and made a fine appearance. No part of the performance was more acceptably and gracefully done than the dancing of the Sailor's Hornpipe by two little girls, Luella Granger and Elsa Kempf, as two midshipmites. They just simply charmed the audience with their graceful movements, and the little people received rounds of applause. The whole presentation was a flatering success and is worthy of warm commendation. Everyone concerned in putting it on the stage should feel well satisfied with the results obtained.