Bateman French Opera: Barbe-bleue

“The performance on Saturday evening, although the artists had become somewhat fatigued by the matinée, was by far the most spirited of the season. Irma and Aujac excelled themselves. Whether or not they were inspirited by the presence of Madame Rose Bell, in Mr. Bateman’s box, we are not prepared to say.”

“Barbe Bleue, the last of Offenbach’s sparkling operas to which New Yorkers have been treated, is now in the eleventh week of his rollicking and successful career at Niblo’s Garden, and did circumstances permit there is not the slightest doubt but that the unconscionable and harmonious bigamist could run smoothly and profitably under Mr. Bateman’s management until the Christmas holidays. But, owing to the fact that Niblo’s, which for years has been running after Fawning and Crooked gods, is about returning to the legitimate drama, it becomes necessary for merry, tuneful Barbe Bleue and his sprightly resurrected consorts to find another abiding place; and that place it is now ascertained will be the magnificent Opera House of the gorgeous Pike. Here that insatiable loving scamp, who is blue in nothing save his beard, may hide his head for a while before the fascinating glances of The Grande Duchesse and the irresistible Belle Helen, so that it behooves his admirers—and their names is legion—to take one last fond look at him now before his withdrawal from the boards of the establishment where he has achieved a success and a reputation that has heretofore been accorded to but very few opera bouffe heroes.”

Brief: “But for Theodore Thomas’ admirable Garden concerts, and Bateman’s ‘Barbe bleue,’ New York would be almost a musical desert.  It may be said that a desert is the most suitable of places for Blue Beard, and certainly the old gentleman seems to be thriving very much as if he had found his native element.  The run has already continued more than two months, with no signs of abatement.”

Brief: “The last performances of this favorite opera have been the best, the most spirited, the most enjoyed and the most numerously attended. Mr. Bateman seems determined to leave the Garden with flying colors, as he undoubtedly will, and is preparing for the ensuing campaign with all of the indomitable energy and determination which have distinguished his managerial career. His plans are liberal, expansive, and even daring, but he has the will, the ability and the resources to make his promises good.”

Last matinee today; season ends Wed.

“With Ellie to Niblo’s. Barbe Bleue. Irma is nice, but not up to the delectable Geistinger.”