Birgfeld French Opera: Périchole

“Pike’s is no longer Pike’s. Mr. Fisk, the new proprietor, calls it ‘The Grand Opera House,’ and grand it certainly is, so far as the edifice and its appointments are concerned. It is a grand opera hosue, however, without the grand opera, which has deserted our shores for the present, and indeed seems to be on the decline everywhere, perhaps for lack of the proper voices. Meantime we must content ourselves with what Mr. Offenbach vouchsafes us. His reign is certainly a brilliant one, and probably, like most brilliant things, from a rocket to a comet, will be brief.”

“‘La Périchole’ bids fair to rival ‘Barbe Bleu’ or any of its predecessors in popularity. An interesting plot, taking situations and plenty of opportunity for the talents of the three stars of the company, Irma, Aujac and Leduc, make this opera a popular success. For the ballet last night was substituted a duet for Irma and Leduc, or rather a solo for the former, for the Viceroy had very little to sing. This bijou is very clever and a welcome addition to the opera.  It is a series of reminiscences, or rather scraps of former melodies, and was charmingly sung by Mlle. Irma. The audience was very large and of a quality suitable for such a theatre. The admirable acting and singing of Irma and Aujac alone are sufficient to insure the success of this opera. The orchestra sadly needs moderation, as it in many places drowned the singers and marred their best efforts. The absence of the ballet will not be regretted by any of the patrons of the Grand Opera House, as it was entirely out of place in ‘La Périchole.’”

Change of ownership and name of the theatre.