Grau French Opera Bouffe: La Vie parisienne

“The French Theatre will be occupied to-night for a ball, but to-morrow night ‘La Vie Parisienne’ will be repeated.”

“‘La Vie Parisienne’ will be played four times during the week. It is an amusing work and is well produced as the nature of the incidents will permit. The costumes are of course modern, except in the case of the Admiral of the Swiss Navy and the General of Porto Rico, where fancy has freely been brought into play M. Carrier appears in three parts, and is thoroughly admirable in each. He makes up with true artistic effect, and sings and acts with more than average spirit. Ordinarily the gentleman is a little patronizing in his style, but in this work there is no trace of restraint. M. Beckers as the tourist Gondremarck, is also capital. Mme. Rose-Bell is not so well favored by the composer as in ‘Genevieve,’ and indeed does not seem to be in good voice. Mlle. Desclauzas is a charming Metella, and the other ladies are in every way good. All are well dressed. The inevitable can-can is introduced in the third act, and the piece terminates with a fair representation of a Parisian quadrille at the Jardin Mabile. The music is lively but it and possess [sic] no new features, and in vivacity has been surpassed by the composer’s later works. ‘La Vie Parisienne’ will be given on the evenings of Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The present week is announced as the last at the Theatre Français, Mr. Grau’s artists are going West.”

Notes no performance on Monday, 04/05/69, because the theater is let for a ball. “Farewell of Mr. Grau’s Opera Company before their departure for Philadelphia, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and other Western cities…[cast list] and the entire strength of the company of 140 persons.”

“A War of Words.—During the rehearsal of ‘La Vie Parisienne’ at the French Theatre on the morning of March 27th, quite a row took place between Gabel and Carrier, as to who should occupy a certain portion of the stage in a certain scene. Blows followed words, but the combatants were soon separated. On the following day each actor sent the other a challenge to fight a duel on March 29th. One mentioned pistols, the other favored the sword, but neither said ‘coffee.’ The police got wind of the affair, and the whole thing ended without smoke or any blood being spilt. Mr. Gabel tendered his resignation to the manager, and sailed for La Belle France on the 31st.”

“Grau’s Bouffes are worrying out a few nights at the Theatre Francaise, but this sort of thing has evidently lost its hold. The company has lost the services of one of the most valuable members of the troupe, Gabel.”