Metropolitan Opera Archives

Ambroise Thomas' operatic bonbon was given a performance that was altogether delightful. It has not been heard here for nine years, and at that time the company did not put so much emphasis on the visual aspects of production. Yesterday we had a cast that was a delight to watch as well as one that did justice to the light but pretty music.

Risë Stevens interprets Mignon as a forlorn little wanderer, which is much more credible than the portrayal of her as a fiery gypsy girl. After all, Mignon had been kidnapped by gypsies, but her background was one of gentility. Miss Stevens' singing was best in the middle and upper registers, where her voice soared out with power and clarity, but her lower tones were poorly focused, especially in the first act, where a decided breathiness was noticeable. Her acting was splendid, reaching its climax in the last act, when Mignon remembers the prayer of her childhood. Her singing here, too, was the best of the afternoon.

Mimi Benzell was an enchanting Philine - a pert, pretty little flirt. She sang her difficult music well, and received an ovation following "Je Suis Titania," the difficult coloratura of which she handled with ease. We cannot imagine a Wilhelm better than that of James Melton, whose voice has the right timbre for the lyrical French music, and who was quite the handsomest Meister we have seen.

Ezio Pinza can always be depended on for a good performance, both vocally and dramatically, and his Lothario yesterday was a poignant and pathetic stage picture. His singing was up to its usual high standard, especially in his last act solo. Lucielle Browning displayed her pleasant contralto in the part of the lovesick Frederic, and though she never for a moment would convince anyone that she was a man, she sang the Gavotte with pert charm. A special bit of praise should go to Donald Dame, who brought Laerte to life with expert humor.

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