La Grange-Brignoli Italian Opera: Martha

Billed as “Grand Brignoli Matinee."

“The attendance at Pike’s Opera House on Saturday afternoon can only be described by the word immense. If there were any remaining doubts as to whether the ladies could find their way over the new opera house they can no longer be entertained, for even the gallery was radiant with gay dresses. ‘Martha’ was repeated and given better than when first performed this season, Signor Brignoli being in good voice and excellent spirits—for him. The favorite tenor was rewarded by frequent demonstrations of admiration, including a magnificent bouquet.”

“The west side turned out in force on Saturday, when, to use a common but expressive term, Pike’s Opera House was filled from pit to dome. There was not a vacant seat in the entire establishment, and, ample as are the passage-ways, they were, as far as permitted, filled. One of the most pleasant features of the house is the absolute largeness that prevails in all the surroundings of the auditorium. There is always some place where on a crowded night the visitor can seek a breath of fresh air. The price being uniform at the matinées, the communications between the upper and lower parts were thrown open. They are of the most elaborate and extensive character. So far as brilliancy is concerned, the upper circle is by far the most striking in the building. The beautiful dome is seen to advantage there, and the splendid decorations shine in the ample light with rare and striking magnificence. Mr. Pike is already improving this part of the house by adding some additional ventilators. The lower portion is already sufficiently cool and pleasant, but the heat rises upward and extra precautions had to be taken. The opera on Saturday was ‘Martha,’ which was repeated with the same caste as before. Sig. Brignoli was again in good voice, and satisfied the best expectations of his friends. He is in every way better than when we last heard him on the stage, except in the matter of acting—where progress was not to be expected, and reprogression was impossible. Miss Phillips and Miss McCullough were both acceptable. The lady last named is a pupil of Sig. Torriani, and possesses a good and true voice, which, with the actual experience and warmth of the stage, will undoubtedly ripen. It is now somewhat hard.”