The day alone for thought—
Let all begone who would annoy us thinking.
Then come while above
The stars wink at love—
Come all and drink and laugh tonight.
We’ll clink and we’ll drink,
Nor stop to sigh or think—
Come on with me who love delight.
Jessie Bartlett Davis was cast for “Minnetoa, an Indian Girl,” but didn’t take the part until Flora Finlayson had made a hit and even then she wanted certain changes made in the finale, which Waller refused.
Well, “The Ogallallas” deserved a better fate and probably would have been a go, if there had been tenors enough to carry Waller’s big themes. They were really Grand Opera parts and the average—and better than average—tenor could not continue night after night without breaking down. It was great! Too bad it was so far ahead of the times—and failed.