Bateman French Opera: Barbe-bleue

“Barbe Bleue, the amorous vocal bigamist, is now in the last week but one of his successful role-making career at Niblo’s. His sands of life have nearly run out at this establishment; but he still possesses vitality enough to carry him safely over the Christmas holidays, should the management so desire.  It is, however, the intent of Mr. Bateman to open at Pike’s Opera House on or about the 12th of October, with his combined operatic forces, probably with the Fleur de The, so that the present is the best opportunity that will be afforded the public at least for some months to come, of hearing this much wedded but popular scamp, the Baron Barbe Bleue, relate in gentle cadences the sad misfortunes that befell his various unlucky and at the same time lucky spouses.”

“For the past few nights ‘Barbe Bleue’ has drawn very large audiences. The fact that this is the last week but one of the opera bouffe season at Niblo’s will ensure crowded houses until its close. Irma and Aujac continue to deserve the unreserved admiration they won at the beginning of the season. The former’s representation of the mischievous, saucy, fearless Boulotte is always fresh, no matter how often seen, and always seems like an improvised and spontaneous effort. Both she and Aujac reveal the capacity for larger and more serious parts than they have in ‘Barbe Bleue,’ and we trust that before the winter is over we shall see what they can do outside of opera bouffe.”

“The Olympic, with Humpty Dumpty, is repeating the success of the Black Crook at Niblo’s a season before last, the Olympic scarcely affording room for the many who seek admittance, while Barbe Bleue at Niblo’s is being played to comparatively slim audiences. Such are the changes in theatrical business.”

“Matilda Heron will play at Niblo’s Garden on Mr. Forrest’s off nights.”

“Last nights of Barbe Bleue, with the charming Irma.”

“The sixty-fourth performance of ‘Barb Bleu,’ at Niblo’s Garden, on Saturday evening, was remarkable for its vivacity and for the fact that the leading artists in it had never once in the sixty-four times disappointed the public. There was a double performance too—a matinée and a regular representation at night. Mlle. Irma and M. Aujac were in admirable spirits, and the opera went off delightfully. The season at Niblo’s ends on Wednesday of next week. Mr. Bateman then transfers his double company to Pike’s brilliant establishment in Twenty-third-street.”