Article on rehearsals of Parepa-Rosa English Opera Company

“The rehearsals for ‘The Puritan’s Daughter’ are proceeding at the French Theatre, the music giving great satisfaction to all who have been admitted. The cast includes Parepa, Fanny Stockton, and Messrs. Lawrence, Hall, Castle, Campbell and Seguin. Most of these singers are well known in this country, Mr. Lawrence being the only stranger. This gentleman’s admirable voice and long stage experience will, however, soon win for him a genuine popularity here. The editor of Watson’s Art Journal says that ‘no baritone before the public possesses the marvellous compass Mr. Lawrence rejoices in. From a rich, full-toned bass, E flat, his voice marches magnificently up, equal, round, rich, and full, to the tenor A, and even to B flat! He has anima more than Italian in its intensity, his phrasing is broad and large, his dramatic instincts and expression always true and full of abandon, and his face and figure those of a hero of romance.’ This is pretty strong praise, but it is supported by the evidence of others.

“Rose Hersee has arrived, and last night was, with Parepa, among the audience at Booth’s Theatre. Her debut will be made in ‘Sonnambula.’ A rarely attractive feature of the coming operatic season will be the revival of ‘Trovatore,’ which will be sung in Italian, with Parepa and Lawrence in the cast. Mr. De Vivo is the business agent of the Parepa troupe, so that with vocal and business talent combined, and popular favor secured in advance, there can be but little doubt as to the entire success of the coming campaign.”