Maretzek Italian Opera: Rigoletto

“’Rigoletto’ was sung last night at the Academy for the third time this season, and to a very good house. Mlle. Marie Lami, sister to a lady of the troupe already favorably known, appeared on this occasion in the contralto part of Maddalena, and acquitted herself with credit. For a first attempt, her performance was quite promising, and we shall be pleased to hear this young artist again. Some individuals—we regret to say of the softer sex—who occupied one of the proscenium boxes in the second row on the right of the stage distinguished themselves by repeatedly indulging in such boisterous talk and laughter during some of the most pathetic scenes of the opera as to be loudly called to order by the audience. This is a rudeness the frequency and outrageousness of which justifies a public reprimand, which we trust the same persons will be careful not to incur again.”

“The third performance of ‘Rigoletto’ last night differed in few respects from the previous excellent representations of that excellent opera. Lefranc was not in his best voice, but even Lefrance hoarse is better than any body else with a throat as clear as a bell, and it was only now and then that he made the effects of overwork apparent. Miss Kellogg sang with more than her usual force and vivacity, and acted with more than her usual passion; while Ronconi, though his singing showed some marks of fatigue, made all the fine dramatic effects by which his performance of the Jester’s role is celebrated. One of the best scenes was disturbed by the loud talking of a rather demonstrative party of ladies and gentlemen in the second row of proscenium boxes on the south side of the stage, and their merriment received on two occasions the heartiest tribute of hissing that we ever heard on such an occasion. The only positive novelty in the evening’s performance was the appearance of Mdlle. Marie Lami, who, at short notice, replaced Madame Lumley in the part of Maddalena. The debutante is a sister of Mdlle. Catarina Lami, who has been a member of the company all through the season. Her face and figure are agreeable; her voice is a pleasant contralto of moderate strength; and considering the disadvantages under which she was presented, she did very well, rendering in the famous quartette especially good service.”