Show AMERICAN THEMES I IFOR FOR GRAND OPERA and De Dc Koven Draw on Our Literature for Librettos NEW lORK July 4 Beside Beside Puccini's Madame Butterfly and The Girl of ot the Golden West Vest English and American stories have but rarely been used ab as grand opera material Considering the many treasures In our literary storehouse it is a surprising thing that it has not been drawn upon more frequently for tor contributions contributions con con- to librettos The prospect in the future Is bright however Andre the well known French conductor who with his Paris Conservatoire Conservatoire Con Con- orchestra spent the greater part of ot last winter In this country has composed an excellent opera from Booth early story Monsieur Beaucaire This work is now meeting with great success In London Americans sing the chief roles and the manager Is also an American Another opera on a theme from Amerl- Amerl can literature Is Rip V Van n Winkle book by Percy Mackaye l and music by RegInald Reginald Reg Reg- maid de Koven which will wilt be completed next winter As a result of ot the ventures of ot and the two Americans many other stories from our own and English literature litera ture tune are now being suggested as worthy I operatic material among them Lord The Queens Queen's Enemies Oscar Wildes Wilde's A Florentine Florentino Tragedy and I John The Faithful |