Draper English Opera: The Doctor of Alcantara

    “Mr. Julius Eichberg’s light, sparking little work, The Doctor of Alcantara, was produced the second time at this theatre last night, and was even more successful than at its first presentation.  There were but few defects in the acting or singing of the characters in the opera, and the orchestra rendered the simple instrumentation with grace and vivacity.  The part of Inez, the unlucky waiting maid, who is driven almost to distraction at the thought of having committed, with the complicity of the worthy Doctor, two murders in the same night and, Hibernian like, on the same individual, was enacted by Miss Richings in a manner which left but little to wish for. The only defect we could discern in her singing was her indistinct enunciation in one of the brilliant airs of the first act. Her vocalism, especially in trills and the most trying intervals, exhibits a highly cultivated and manageable voice. Miss Zelda Harrison and Mrs. Mozart were in excellent voice last night, especially the former lady, who sang better than ever we heard her in the concert hall. We were surprised to find that Mr. Castle, whose manner was so automaton-like at some of the concerts in which he appeared this season, really possesses the qualities of a good actor. He was unexceptionable in the character of the silly, hated lover, and his light tenor voice told well in the trifling songs which fell to him. Of the other characters, Mr. Ketchum as Señor Balthazar, and Mr. Peakes as Don Pomposo, were the most successful. The Doctor could be improved considerably in the singing line by a more effective and telling voice than Mr. Seguin’s. The acting, however, compensated for the voice to some extent. The music of this operatic trifle is interwoven in the dialogue in such a manner that it gives point and zest to the many ludicrous situations and witty remarks scattered through it. The ‘Good night, Señor Balthazar,’ is one of the best things in the opera, both in a dramatic and musical sense. The audience last night was very large, and decidedly fashionable. They seemed to enjoy the feast of merriment and music which Mr. Eichberg had prepared for them, more keenly than they could any farce, pantomime or extravaganza. The arrangements made for the ease and comfort of the audience by the management of this theatre are certainly of a novel description, as we know not of any other metropolitan theatre in which such ample means are adopted for that purpose.  We would suggest, however, that the drop curtain be secured, by a heavier weight at the bottom, from flapping towards the footlights in case of a draught from the stage.”

    “The second performance of the English Opera Company last night was attended by a large and brilliant audience. Eichberg’s opera, which is very light and pleasant, grows upon the public ear; it is just of the quality to take the public taste. Last night the music went smoother; and will doubtless improve as artists and orchestra work more together.

    The artists are feeling more at home in their roles. Miss Richings is, of course, a thoroughly trained artist, and beside her the novices, Miss Harrison and Miss [sic] Mozart, do not show to advantage as actresses; still they are by no means awkward or restrained, although they have not the tact to enter thoroughly into the spirit of their parts. But their lady-like deportment and very excellent singing make them attractive aids to a very excellent performance.

    Castle, Seguin and Peakes were good throughout, singing and acting capitally.

    This opera has got the ear of the public, and it needs only certain things to retain its hold, and grow into a permanent success. We shall reserve our suggestions for a day or two, in order to give the company and the conductor a fair chance to prove their positions.”

“The French Theatre was last night as well filled as on the first evening of the English opera season, and with one of the most select and intelligent audiences we have lately seen.  Mr. Julius Eichberg’s ‘Doctor of Alcantara’ was produced even more successfully than on Monday evening. The dialogue was somewhat shortened in some places, there were fewer delays, and the actors naturally assumed their various parts with more ease than when laboring under all the embarrassments of a first appearance in a new theatre.  The only criticism we are disposed to make is that the singers did not seem to comprehend fully how easy it is to fill the auditorium of this small theatre. If they would sing with a trifle less stress of voice the effect would be improved.

    As we have already given a full criticism of the opera we shall say nothing further save to reiterate that it has been an entire success, highly creditable to Mr. Eichberg, to the management, and to the individual artists of the company. The manner in which it was received shows that there is a public taste and demand for such light and sparkling pieces. We trust that the management will continue to adhere to and cultivate the specialty in which so excellent a start has been made.

    We have had a satiety of the more serious and elaborate works, and can cheerfully accept a long season of the light and humorous. In the coming warm weather, when we shall welcome any diversion as a prophylactic against cholera, nothing can be better suited to the popular wants than just such enjoyable operettas as ‘The Doctor of Alcantara.’”