Bateman French Opera: La Grande-Duchesse de Gérolstein

“No Better evidence of the true excellence of the French Opera Troupe, brought to this country by Mr. Bateman, can be found than in the fact that on every evening of their appearance since the commencement of the season, scarcely a seat, or at times, a standing place has been left unoccupied. What makes the success of this troupe still greater is that but one opera has as yet been presented, that the ‘Duchess of Gerolstein,’ which was a success on its first representation. Being a new opera, light and pretty, it hit the popular taste from the first scene to the last. Future performances but further proved the correct judgment of the auditory and the complete master power of the company. M’lle Tostée, having fully recovered from her late indisposition, resumed the role of the Duchess last week, and M’lle Feleasset, who was her substitute, is again the coquettish Wanda. Tostee’s sweet voice seems to have increased in compass and richness, as if keeping pace with every performance. The ‘Duchess’ on every successive evening of its representation has been a continued triumph throughout, and the audience lavish applause upon those sustaining the principal roles. While we are pleased to chronicle the continued success of this opera, we would like to hear the company in something new, just for a change.”

“The Grande Duchesse was played last night, with as little as possible of Grande Duchesse in it—Tostée being still stubbornly invisible to the admiring public. It is a pity that the management could not make arrangements to supply the place satisfactorily and dispatch her highness to a more congenial climate. Yet, with only a lay figure in the part of the Duchess, this opera is still a most delightful entertainment. A piece that affords good parts for such artists as Duchesne, Leduc, Lagriffoul and Guiffroy can never be dull; the singing, acting, and delicious humor of these actors will suffice to fill the house for many a night.”