Kansas University Weekly.
257
To Take a Vocal Studio.
Mr. J. B. Stevens, baritone, announces that owing to the continued illness of Mrs. Stevens he is unable to return to his studies, and will, therefore, take a studio and receive a limited number of pupils in vocal instruction. He has secured the northwest room, second floor, in the Opera house block—just the place for a studio—which Mr. Bowersock is having newly papered and painted.
Mr. Stevens studied in this country at Boston with Mr.W.L. Whitney for two years. Then Mr. Whitney advised him to continue his studies with his master at Florence, Italy,the Signor Vannuccini, which he did,and was there about six months,when Mrs. Stevens became ill and he was called home.
It is not necessary to say anything in commendation of the instruction Mr. Stevens received from these two great masters of singing. They are known throughout the entire musical world. Mr. Whitney has but recently had the position of professor in the London Royal College of Music offered for his acceptance. He taught for one year at the Royal College while in London. In speaking of Signor Vannuccini to Mr. Stevens, Mr. Whitney said he had seen many of the great masters teach, and that he considered him (Vannuccini) head and shoulders above them all.
Mr. Stevens is full of music, and is prepared to help earnest pupils with something that is genuine. Those wishing lessons will find Mr. Stevens at his studio Saturday from 2 to 5 o'clock, and daily thereafter.
At the opening of the renewed Bowersock Opera house next Thursday night, December 10, there will be an exemplification of drama that should be most pleasing to play-goers, and especially so from the fact that the interpretation will be made by that gifted artist Mlle. Rhea, whose position in the drama is pre-eminent. Mlle. Rhea will, for the first time in this city, present her new play by Paul Kester, "Nell Gwynne," a historical romance in five acts, depicting life during the reign of King
Charles II. The play is said to be one of the very best in which Rhea has ever been seen. It is one which gives her ample scope for both the display of histrionic powers and also for comedy, in the latter of which little has ever been seen of her. It is an undoubted fact that Rhea is consciously a comedienne of rare gifts and charm. In this play she has the widest scope for her new impersonation, and there is yet the first critic to say that she has not succeeded beyond her greatest expectations. Rhea is gifted beyond that of most any other actress on the stage today. The Gallic inflection which lends such a peculiar charm to her every utterance, that sprightliness which adds grace to her every movement, and that dash and French chic which has made her so long a favorite are brought out to the fullest extent in the title role of "Nell Gwynne." Rhea says: "I am more delighted with this character than any in which I have ever played," and this fact is a paramount.
On Monday, December 14, Louis James and his company will give the great scenic production of "Spartacus."
Lawrence is favored in securing both of the above attractions, each of which is among the best of its class.
HOLIDAY STYLES SOFT AND STIFF HATS. WM. BROMELSICK.