Richings English Opera: Martha: Caroline Richings Benefit

“Flotow’s charming ‘Martha’ was given at the Academy last night by the Richings English opera troupe, for the benefit of Miss Richings, to a large and appreciative audience. The music of this opera is so light, so sunny and delightful from beginning to end, solos, duets, quartets and choruses; the plot is so pretty and pleasing, the period of English history and the customs, fairs and festivals, characters and costumes presented are so refreshing, so abounding in the sweet simplicities of rustic life in ‘those good old times,’ so suggestive of violets, daisies, ‘the last rose of summer,’ milkmaids and Arcadian measures, treasures and pleasures; and the development of the story between Lionel and Martha and between Plunkett and the other high born maid is so piquant and romantic, and withal so perfectly satisfactory, that, take it altogether, this opera of ‘Martha’ is deservedly the most popular in this country of all the English operas, or Italian either for that matter, ever brought out on the American stage, from the first to the last. As given last night it was exceedingly beautiful. Miss Richings acquitted herself to the admiration of the house, Mrs. Seguin was charming in her coquettish rôle, Castle was never more pleasing and Campbell was superb. The choruses were given with a will, and throughout the performance was smooth, sparkling, spirited, and fine.”