Bateman French Opera: Barbe-bleue

“Barbe Bleue enters upon its sixth week at Niblo’s Garden with all the flattering auspices of crowded houses, undiminished success and the endorsement and approval of an appreciative public. As the piece grows older it improves upon the stage and in the estimation of our music loving citizens, and as it is gradually becoming better understood it is likewise increasing proportionately in popularity. Mlle. Irma and M. Aujac, by dint of hard labor and their own unquestionable capabilities, have succeeded in establishing themselves as the favorites of the hour, and as such are destined to hold their own for some time to come. ‘Barbe Bleue’ will occupy the boards at Niblo’s until the latter part of October, when it will be transferred to Pike’s Opera House, at which place a grand season of opera bouffe will be inaugurated…”

“As the weather becomes cooler, and the city begins to reclaim the more sensible of its wanderers, the audiences at Niblo’s Garden gradually assume a more familiar appearance. They do not increase, for the auditorium has been crowded ever since the ‘Barbe Bleue’ was first produced; but the familiar faces of those who were the first, last, most constant patrons of the ‘Grand Duchess’ and of ‘La Belle Helene’ are becoming more prominent. Within a fortnight the house will remind us of the French Theatre, where Mr. Bateman won his first and brilliant success in opera bouffe. By the way, ‘Barbe Bleue’ has been so handsomely patronized that there is no immediate prospect of its withdrawal. How long it will run no one can safely predict—for some weeks at least.”

Brief. Notes regularly full houses.

“This most magnificent production, which has excited the unbounded admiration of the entire public of New York, and which has been pronounced by all who have witnessed the piece at both houses to greatly surpass the same performances at the Theatre des Varieties, Paris, in every particular of, artists, chorus, orchestra, scenery, costumes and mise en scene.” Mr. Wheatley announces that this is the last month of his management. Jarrett and Palmer are taking over at Niblo’s.

“Precisely as the musical public returns to New-York, Mr. Bateman finds his ‘houses’ increasing. The strangers necessarily go to Niblo’s. It is the place and the entertainment of which they have heard, and necessarily, too, they take away with them a pleasant recollection of the enjoyment they have had provided for them—a pleasure—as Mr. Bateman gives it—not pretentious, but perfect. The house last evening was the best of the season. The performance, as a matter of course, justifies this. Any variation in the attendance is simply a question of the weather. If it be hot, people prefer to stay at home. If the weather is moderate, they go to Bateman's opera bouffe. The campaign at Niblo’s lasts until October or November, and of course with ‘Barbe Bleue,’ which is a success of the clearest character.” Bateman proposes to take the portion of his company not needed here on tour; they will leave today.

Bateman has invited the Dominion La Cross Club to attend the performance on Thurs. evening.