Barbe-bleue burlesque

Blue Beard, or the White Gent with the Azure Chin is being performed at the New York Theatre.  The Field of the Cloth of Gold in burlesque form will be produced soon.

“The vivacious Worrell Sisters, since their return to their headquarters in this city, have been the recipients of many flattering recognitions from their old constituents—the New York public. Their clever operatic travesty upon ‘Barbe’Bleue,’ though not so good, in a sense, as their English rendition of ‘La Belle Helene,’ is nevertheless, sufficiently novel to attract scores of playgoers, many of whom find more to admire in the burlesque as done by the sparkling sisters than in the bouffe original. The acting of the young ladies has been improved, to a certain extent, since last season; but we cannot say as much for their singing. The English version of ‘Barbe Bleue’ has been placed upon the stage in a very creditable manner, and all the principal airs from the original have been carefully preserved. Miss Sophie, sustains the rôle of Blue Beard, Miss Irene that of Fleurette and Miss Jennie that of the hoydenish Boulotte. The chorus—the remnants of some burst-up opera company—both male and female, is decidedly better in voice than in looks; but, upon the whole, ‘Barbe Bleue’ as performed at the New York theatre will do when taken in small doses, and will doubtless continue to draw crowded houses until after the holidays.”

“’Blue Beard’ was never a favorite with any schoolboy. Indeed, it is to be questioned whether every student of the volume would not have voluntarily taken part with the wives. When the affair is ridiculed, however, it is a different thing. At Christmas times, especially, it is well to make the lightest of the monster, who, after all, was nothing more than an illegal Brigham Young. The audience last evening appreciated the entertainment, being ready to smile at anything before Christmas.”

“At the New York theatre the Worrell Sisters did their best last evening to put their audience in the best of spirits by the representation of ‘Blue Beard.’ They succeeded.”