Life, 1893-10-12 · page 11 of 18
Life — October 12, 1893 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Life Magazine Page 235 Analysis This page reviews Francis Wilson's Broadway production of "Erminie," an opera. The large left illustration shows a crowded elevated train car—likely satirizing the working-class audience packed into public transit to see the show, contrasting with the elite opera tradition. The right illustration labeled "Diana Up to Date" depicts a fashionably dressed woman outdoors, appearing to reference modern femininity or the "new woman" of the era. The text praises Wilson's performance and production values while acknowledging the opera lacks genuine singing quality. It notes that Wilson's acting, scenery, costumes, and orchestra compensate for vocal limitations. The reviewer suggests almost anyone in New York could sing the role competently, emphasizing that Wilson's star power and theatrical skill—rather than musical merit—drive the production's success.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
DIANA UP TO DATE without any real singing in it sgems rather an absurdity, but that is about what the present “Erminie” is. It can be ac- counted for by the well-recog- nized facts that Mr. Wilson is a large part of “Erminie” him- self, the scenery counts for a good deal, the costumes cut a very important figure, the orchestra supplies most of the music, a chorus well-selected from the asthetic point of view fills a lot of gaps, and the im- agination does the rest. Of One-Eared Bill (his first trip on the Elevated): THEIR HANDS, IS THERE A ROAD AGE Regular Traveler: No; 17 1s OF ITS PATRONS NIGHT AND MORNING. Say, PARD, I SEE THE GANG HOLDING UP. A HABIT OF THE COMPANY TO STAND UP ABOUT TWO-THIRDS course a few good and well- trained voices would help along, but really they are not an essen- tial. Almost all New York c; sing “ Erminie”’ for itself. The Miss Ellie Wilton makes a well-gowned and impressive Donna Lucia. “Charley's Aunt” bids fair to rank with “ The Private Secretary" and “ Pink Dominos” as a success in the laugh- producing line. ‘ . » B* the singing, the reproduction of “Erminie” by Mr. Francis Wilson's company at the Broadway Theatre is an_immense success. To have a successful opera performance at the Broadway is in pretty nearly every particular the equal of the original one at the Casino, and in many particulars throws it entirely inthe shade. Every one is glad to see Mr. Wilson repeatedly in the part of Cadeawx, the most amusing and artistic thief that ever was, and so long as he is able to play the part, “Erminie” is bound to have admirers, even without the present gorgeousness of environment. Metcalfe. comicbooks.com