In early 1898, Redmond, just weeks beyond her teens, played a starring role in The Idol’s Eye, singing a beautiful solo (her voice was described as a sympathetic high soprano). Her superb singing and acting were reflected in Broadway marquee mention of Helen as one of the show’s leading stars, supported by a chorus consisting of “sixty others.” More and more, she was distinguishing herself from the group of regulars.
Next came The Mandarin, another resounding success. Frank Daniels recognized those same talents in her. Critics touted her comic genius and wonderful voice. She also understudied the Cleopatra character and received high praise for that role as well. On Broadway, Helen ably handled lesser roles in the show, and within a year, she was playing the lead in matinee performances, to great acclaim. In 1895, the latest hit for Daniels was The Wizard of the Nile. Those capable of performing at a higher level had the opportunity for advancement, and Helen was soon on the move. Basically, they were eye candy that could sing. Daniels starred in his own shows, which routinely featured beautiful women as supporting cast and chorus members. At 16, she joined the Bostonians, billed as “America’s Greatest Light Opera Company.” It was the perfect showcase for Redmond’s beautiful voice and wonderful flair for comedy.Īfter touring the Northeast with the Bostonians in 1894, Helen was hired by Frank Daniels, one of the top comic-opera stars of the day. Helen’s singing talents were apparent, and at the age of 15, she found work with the traveling Robin Hood comic opera. It was not a promising beginning.īut there were some positives. Among the Redmond children was 12-year-old Mark, who went to work every day with Kate, serving as a “hotel job boy.” Two teenage sons also worked to support the family.
Redmond (Kate) found work as a servant and cook in a Swanton (northern Vermont) hotel. Of the nine Redmond children, seven survived, and by the time Helen was two, her father had also died. She was born in 1878 in the Cheever section of Port Henry, a rough-and-tough iron-mining village on the western shore of Lake Champlain, where her family had lived for more than a decade after emigrating from Ireland. Redmond’s early years offered little hope for success of any kind. Though you’ve never heard of her, Helen’s talents were once celebrated from coast to coast. Take for instance, Port Henry’s Helen Redmond. The unusual talents and accomplishments of locals is virtual gold for area museums, but so many of these stories are overlooked. Among the dozens of examples: one of the most popular songs ever written was penned by a native of the North Creek-Wevertown area and two world-champions―one a beloved cyclist, and the other among the greatest regional athletes ever―were both based in the Glens Falls area. But our mountain history tends to overshadow elements of the past that can serve as great attractions for locals and tourists alike: fame and achievements by regional natives and residents in non-mountain endeavors. The Adirondacks have a rich history of mountain lore, guide stories, Great Camps, and Olympic glory.
0 kommentar(er)
