Richings English Opera: Maritana

“‘Maritana’ was given last night to a very crowded house, the cast being the same as that of last week, with the exception of the substitution of Mr. Seguin in the place of Mr. Peakes, who was prevented from appearing by sickness. The many beautiful airs of this charming opera were generally well sung, and in several instances received an encore.”

“Maritana was given again last night at the Olympic theatre by the Richings Opera troupe. The ambitious, beautiful gipsey being impersonated by Miss Richings, the scheming prime minister by Campbell, the dissolute, reckless Don Caesar by Castle and the little Lazarillo by Mrs. Seguin. H. C. Peakes was cast for the part of the King, but being indisposed his place was amply filled by E. Seguin. It is a pity that the composer did not repeat the beautiful ‘Harp in the Air,’ or place it in a more telling part of the opera than the beginning of the first act. It is a rare gem, and does not generally receive the notice it deserves. The opera was very creditably performed, and confirmed our already expressed opinion of this admirable troupe. The house was crowded, chairs being placed in the aisles to accommodate some of those not fortunate enough to procure the regular seats.”