Articles on improvements made to the Grand Opera House

“Various alterations and improvements have been made in the Grand Opera House during the recess. A fine green-room has ben constructed in the rear of the stage, above which, and opening on a corridor that overlooks it, are sixteen new dressing rooms, supplied with gas and with hot and cold water. New decorations by Garibaldi will be seen in the main vestibule of the theater, and on the ceiling beneath the first balcony. The requisite preparations for the production of ‘The Tempest’ are nearly finished. Mr. Davidge has directed them. Mr. Goetz has painted the scenery. It is understood that magnificent scenic effects will be attempted. The theatrical company is to meet at 11 o’clock on Saturday.” Lists cast for The Tempest.

“It seems strange, after hearing on so many occasions of Pike’s Opera House as the ‘most perfect of theatres,’ to learn that Mr. Tayleure has had to construct in it, before he could begin his dramatic season there, ‘a green-room and sixteen new dressing-rooms.’ One feels curious to know what the opera artists did without those very necessary adjuncts. Each of the new apartments has been supplied, too, with hot and cold water, we learn, and the question naturally arises how did our harmonious friends perform their ablutions before this luxurious supply of Croton was thought of? or, [sic], didn’t they ablute at all? Since the departure of opera bouffe from Pike’s Opera House, Mr. Garibaldi, the artist, has been at work upon some of the ceilings over the circles, in the auditorium, which he has filled with neat examples of his decorative art. The theatre, in its improved condition, is to be opened on Easter Monday. The scenery for the ‘Tempest’ has been prepared by Mr. Getz, of Baltimore, and the music by Mr. Tissington, who is to be the leader of the orchestra. Miss Catherine Lucette is named as the Ariel of the cast, and the Morlacchi troupe is engaged for the ballets.”