Olympia Antonia 5 Juliette
Mother of Antonia Stella Hoffman Dapertutto Doctor Miracle Nicklaus Spalantsani and Franiz Luter and Krespel Koppellus Shlemil Natanail German Kashenil. 5 Counselor Lindoft (prologue)
L. Mikitehuk K^ Orlovsicaya siZ, Bitner A: Eebedinskaya O. Mishina P. Markoff G. Koudinof V. Shoushlin V. Mouravieff 1P, Selivanoff 11.8. Ulianoft D. Sablinsky M. Magnitsky A. Vassilieft Doubovsky "N. Tarasoft It is a deplorable fact in this city of Shanghai that artistic effort does not meet with the support it so richly deserves..... Many hypothetical reasons could be cited to explain away this apathy on the part of the local community to art of all kinds, and the stage in particular. And yet art struggles on in Shanghai. This is by way of introduction to a review of "The Tales of Hoffmann," latest and best effort of the Russian Light Opera in years. It was staged at the Lyceum Theatre on Thursday evening and will be repeated tonight and tomorrow night at 8.45. It was a grand show and yet the theatre was not filled. It was a production that graphically illustrated what Shanghai can do in the way of stage extravagance and beauty. Offenbach's music could not have been better treated in any of the so-called centres of musical art. The audience were given plenty for their money and they appreciated what they got. It is a pity that only three performances are going to be given. In the role of Hoffman, who figured in every scene was that fine tenor, Mr. P. Markoff. Mr. V. Shoushlin, who made a welcome reappearance after two years' absence from the footlights, with his deep and resonant bass voice was there in the role of Dr. Miracle. Others stars in the Shanghai musical firmament, who graced this excellent show, included Miss L. Mikitehuk, Mr. G. Koudinoff, Miss Z. Bitner, Miss K. Orlovskaya, Mr. A. Slobodskoy, Miss A Lebedinskaya, Mr. V. Mouravieff and Maestro A. Sloutsky, who wielded his baton over an orchestra that added zest to the production. There were ballet scenes, too. These were of a high standard and featured Ballet-master B. Seroff, the producer of the show, Miss O. Manjeley, his partner, and the ballet ensemble. The singing was beautiful. Mr. Markoff, Mr. Shoushlin, Miss Bitner, Miss Orlovskaya, Mr. Koudinoff, and, in fact all the players, excelled themselves. The scenery, especially the Venetian scene, could not have been better done. It was a great show.—
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.