Richings English Opera: Martha

“A numerous audience assembled last night at the Twenty-third-street Opera House to hear Flotow’s lively opera and to assist at the first appearance of a new prima donna. But after the overture had been played an apology was made for the absence of the lady in question, the management having received a physician’s certificate to the effect that she was unable to sing. The manner of the apologist, even more than his matter, conveyed the impression that the authorities behind the curtain were not altogether disposed to think the disappointment an unavoidable one. If the management were displeased, however, the public were not; for Mrs. Richings-Bernard, stepping into the breach, sang the music of Martha with so much spirit and brilliancy of execution as to put everybody in high good humor, and to form the central figure of one of the best performances of the opera we remember to have heard. Messrs. Henry Drayton and Brookhouse Bowler, the Plunkett and Lionel of the occasion, were both in fine voice, and with the excellent contralto of Mrs. Bowler and a good orchestra and chorus, contributed to the capital general result. That arduous work, the ‘Huguenots,’ is nearly ready at this theatre, and is underlined for production next Monday night.”

“At the Grand Opera House on Wednesday ‘Martha’ was sung, and sung uncommonly well. A new prima donna was announced for the heroine, but failed to appear. An apology was made for her on the score of indisposition, and Mrs. Richings-Bernard assumed the part of Martha to universal satisfaction. The performance was throughout a fine one, and gave genuine pleasure to a crowded audience. On Thursday there was a representation of ‘Maritana’ and on Friday one of ‘Faust.’ With the exception, perhaps, of this latter occasion, the business of the week at this theatre has been remarkably fine.”

“The Richings’ English Opera Troupe are in the last week of their engagement at the Grand Opera House. During the past week a change of opera was given nearly every evening. Blanche Ellerman was announced to make her debut in this city on Dec. 1st, as Martha in the opera of that name, but owing to sickness, it is stated, she did not appear, and Caroline Richings took the role, in which she appeared to decided advantage, and the audience lost nothing by the change in the cast. Henry Drayton appeared as Plunkett and Brookhouse Bowler as Lionel, and Mrs. Bowler gave additional assistance in the contralto part, all of which were most effectively sung and acted.”