Devil’s Auction

“The dancing of Morlacchi still attracts crowds to the Devil’s Auction. It is the genuine poetry of motion, and might reconcile the veries [sic] cynic to the ballet. Her movements are gifted with a chaste, spirituelle character which develops ideas of beauty and poetry alone. Söhlke, Blasina, Lopu and Diani are also great attractions. Miss Fanny Stocqueler is the only feature in the drama that is above mediocrity.”

“Fair but not crowded audiences continue to witness the ‘Devil’s Auction’ at Banvard’s Museum. Considerable new business has been introduced since the first week of its production, which makes the play a little more interesting. In the second act Mr. McWade has a speech descriptive of El Dorado, which is cleverly written, full of local hits, and which is delivered by Mr. McWade with good taste. Several new dances have been introduced showing the principal dancers to the best possible advantage. Mlles. Morlacchi, Blasini, Diani, Lupo and Söhlke are the great favorites in the terpsichorean department, and all are warmly applauded for their artistic efforts. Söhlke, particularly in the ‘Hungarian Dance,’ was taken suddenly sick on the 9th inst. and could not appear. Morlacchi and Blasini, by their exquisite grace and naviette, [sic] elicit rapturous applause in every dance they appear. Much of the attempted dancing of the ballet ought to be cut, as it becomes very insipid after witnessing the efforts of the principals.”