Parepa-Rosa English Opera: Fra diavolo

“English Opera.—Auber’s charming three act opera of ‘Fra Diavolo’ was given by the Parepa-Rosa English opera troupe last night at the Théâtre Français, and was a most delightful and enjoyable performance. A large and fashionable audience assisted at the representation and everything connected therewith passed off in the most agreeable manner. Miss Rose Hersee, in the character of Zerlina, sang and acted the part entrusted to her with much spirit and artistic ability, and succeeded in confirming the good impression which she made upon our citizens upon the occasion of her first appearance. Mrs. Seguin, as Lady Allcash, was, as usual, perfect in her rôle and in excellent voice. Her acting was full of dash, and to her is due, in a measure, much of the success of the performance. Mr. William Castle, as the terrible Fra Diavolo, was really superb, as was also Mr. Seguin, as Allcash, and Messrs. Campbell and Hall, as Beppo and Giacomo, respectively. In fact, all concerned acquitted themselves in a very handsome manner, and the opera upon the whole was one of the most perfectly rendered thus far by the Parepa-Rosa troupe. Encores were the order of the evening, after the first act all of the above named artists begin called before the curtain. The opera was creditably costumed, the ‘make up’ of the leading characters being particularly fine. ‘Fra Divaolo’ is one of the best operas of the kind ever written by Auber. It abounds in striking melodies and choruses, but the finale lacks completeness. As given last night at the Théâtre Français it was as near perfection as was to be expected, and with the exception of the prompter, who insisted on making himself heard all over the house, just as though he was one of the most important characters in the piece, it was in every respect a creditable performance.”

The first of two reviews of this performance published in the New York Times. “Auber’s dashing and melodious if somewhat superficial opera of ‘Fra Diavolo’ was sung last night at the French Theatre to a fair audience, who were genuinely pleased with the performance. The feature of the evening was the Zerlina of Miss Rose Hersee, inasmuch as that lady judiciously chose the character for her second essay in New-York. Her previous performance of Amina indicated that the former character would be well within her means, and the result altogether justified such an expectation. The Lord and Lady Allcash of Mr. and Mrs. Seguin are already well and favorably known here, and on this occasion did no discredit to former successes, while Mr. Castle as Fra Diavolo ated and sung with unusual vivacity. Mr. de Solla did very well in Lorenzo, and the two picturesque brigands Beppo and Giacomo of Messrs. Campbell and Hall did much to give completeness to a representation that was at once symmetrical and enjoyable.”

The second of two reviews of this performance published in the New York Times. “The performance of ‘Fra Diavolo’ on Saturday night deserves special praise as a smooth, careful and agreeable representation. From the first notes of the rattling overture with its wealth of trumpets and drums to the finishing cadence of the finale the whole was generally good, and our compliments of yesterday were honestly deserved. Miss Rose Hersee confirmed in Zerlina the favorable impression made by her Amina. Her singing was marked by much delicacy and elegance, and such scope as her role affords for acting was in no way neglected. Mr. and Mrs. Seguin portrayed the bickerings of Lord and Lady Allcash with almost suspicious fidelity, and helped vastly to give the true spirit to this delightful, if superficial, opera, whose crisp little melodies and gayly-ingenious concerted pieces always, if well rendered, must give pleasure. Mr. Castle was at his best vocal mark in ‘Fra Diavolo,’ and sang to general satisfaction. He should, however, learn to act this part somewhat better. It admits of much variety of light and shade, and so much of the interest of the piece depends on their proper discrimination that it is worth while to strive to master and depict them. Messrs. Campbell and Hall were picturesque and ruffianly in a commendable degree as two brigands, and the chorus and orchestra were, on this occasion, disposed to most friendly agreement. ‘Fra Divaolo’ is repeated to-night, and those who like to see a comic opera which, taken altogether, is about as well presented as any of its class, and in English, has ever yet been presented in New-York, may profitably embrace the opportunity.”

“‘Fra Diavolo’ was last Saturday evening produced at the French Theater, with a cast including the names of Miss Rose Hersee, Mrs. E. Seguin, Messrs. [illeg, entire line missing]. …-formance lacked smoothness and coherence. The voice of the prompter was more frequently heard than that of any individual engaged in the representation. Although the singing generally was good, it will, no doubt, be improved this evening, when a greater familiarity with the stage business of the opera may relieve some of the artists from an embarrassment which on Saturday threw them into occasional confusion. Miss Hersee was piquant and graceful as Zerlina, and again won the favor of the audience no less by her animated action than by her agreeable execution of the music. We observe that she still cherishes the hallucination that massive chignons are an essential part to the decoration of Italian peasant girls. We shall speak more particularly of the performance of ‘Fra Diavolo’ hereafter, the first representation having too much the character of a rehearsal to call for critical consideration.”