Tempest

“Mr. Tayleure has awakened a tempest in a teapot by advertising ‘The Tempest’ as ‘Shakspeare’s [sic] last play.’ We are inclined to Mr. Tayleure’s opinion, which is alos that of very good Shaksperian [sic] scholars.” Long critique of the play and its performance follow; no mention of music.

“At the expiration of Mlle. Nilsson’s engagement at the Grand Opera House Patti will appear. Fisk has been negotiating with the celebrated prima donna for some time, endeavoring to induce her to visit the United States, and has at length succeeded. La Diva is to receive $1,000 a night. Owing to previous arrangements itw ill be ipossible for her to appear here until the year 1872.”

Brief: “A gleam of sunshine in the dreary ‘Tempest’ at the Opera House is the poetic groupings and Terpsichorean gems of the Morlacchi ballet troupe.”

“‘The Tempest’ is in the fourth week of its presentation at the Grand Opera House. The magnificent manner in which it has been placed upon the stage ought to ensure for it a much longer run than it is likely to have. Although the ‘Tempest’ has never been a pecuniarily successful piece whenever produced, it nevertheless possesses many beauties. Prospero’s enchanted island seems to have risen up out of the sea; the airy music, the tempest tossed vessel, the turbulent waves, all have the effect of the landscape background of some fine picture. There is in the songs a peculiar charm, without conveying any distinct images…Among the features in its presentation now are the Morlacchi Ballet Troupe, composed of some of the best solo dancers to be found in this country, while Morlacchi is a great terpsichorean artist. Mr. Neil Warner, the Australian actor, is held in reserve in case Mr. Davenport should be obliged to lay off at short notice, as he is subject to inflammatory rheumatism.”