Black Crook

“Unquestionably the Black Crook is the most brilliant and successful spectacular and centipedal [?] drama ever presented on the American stage. The triviality of the dialogue, which only seems to pass the time during the shifting of scenes, is compensated for by the splendors of the grotto and the ball rooms, and, we must add, by such exhibitions of the light and fantastic dance as have rarely been equaled by any ballet troupe. Mme Bonfanti sustained last night, in the Water Lily, the Pas de Démon, and, especially, in the Danse d’Action, composed by M. Costa, and entitled the Carnival in Venice, her high reputation as a graceful and agile dancer. Reinforced as Mlles. Bonfanti, Pagani, Mazzeri and their attendant coryphées have been by two new dancers of such unsurpassed grace as Mlle. Billion and such marvelous agility as M. Van Hamme, as well as by the Garde Impériale, consisting of one hundred and fifty children in French army uniforms, not to forget La Petite Ravel and her surprising vivandière solos, the Black Crook has taken a fresh lease of life and popularity.”

“The Black Crook appears to have taken a new lease of life, for the attendance was quite as large last week as it was a year ago. The introduction of the children in the ‘La Garde Imperiale’ has made a hit, and deservedly so, for it is one of the most enjoyable performances at present offered to theatre-goers in this city. It is an entertainment that pleases the old as well as the young, the grave and the gay. The dancing at this establishment continues in high favor with the patrons. M’lle Billon [sic] and Bonfanti are the principal danseuses and the applause is equally divided between them.”