Amateur Performance of Ernani

“The Union League Theatre was last night filled to overflowing by a distinguished audience, brought together to give practical expression to their sympathy with the Cubans in their struggle for independence, by contributing to the support of those families that have been reduced to poverty by the absence or death of sons or fathers. The piece selected by the organizers of the amateur opera, Messrs. Emilio Agramonte and F. F. Martinez, was Verdi’s ‘Ernani,’ which gave full scope for the exercise of dramatic as well as vocal power. The principal rôles were sustained by Miss Lizzie Allen as Elvira, Signor G. Boy as Ernani, Signor F. F. Martinez as Don Ruy Gomez de Silva, and Mr. Frank Bartlett as Don Carlos. The opera opens with a brigand scene, and we soon learn that Ernani, the chief, is in love with the beautiful Elvira, who, of course, returns the outlaw’s affection, but, as is necessary to the interest of the play, a certain old grey-bearded grandee of Spain has also fallen in love with the charming fair, and is about to force the young lady to marry him. But the Brigand chief appears on the scene, and, learning to his surprise that his lady love has consented to accept his rival, he reproaches her with her perfidy in the fourth scene of the second part. The acting of Signor Boy was natural in this scene, and made one forget the poverty of his voice. While the lovers are explaining they are surprised by the enraged De Silva, who denounced vigorously the baseness of the brigand and the lady. This was one of the most effective and vigorously rendered scenes. Signor Martinez as basso was a complete success, and was loudly and repeatedly applauded. Mr. Bartlett as Don Carlos made a passable baritone, and if he had thrown a little more force into his acting would have been more effective. The honors of the evening are undoubtedly due to Miss Lizzie Allen, who not only sang well, but acted with great judgment. The orchestra was well conducted, but was too strong for the size of the theatre, and occasionally marred the effect of the part singing by almost completely drowning the voices of the singers. However, the evening’s entertainment was decidedly good, and the audience gave repeated proof of satisfaction and appreciation.“

“In aid of destitute Cuban families.”

“A very creditable performance of the Italian opera was given last Saturday night at the Union League theatre. Verdi’s ‘Ernani’ was the opera selected, and though a rather trying work for amateurs, was given in a highly satisfactory style. Miss Lizzie Allen, a resident vocalist, was the prima donna, and showed that she possessed a very rich and powerful voice which even at the close of the long and trying part she took, exhibited no signs of fatigue. This young lady, indeed, has the one great essential for success in the interpretation of modern opera—plenty of vocal force. She has, too, been well taught; and when experience shall give greater repose and a more skillful use of the effects of contrast, Miss Allen will deserve a good position among the many good American prima donnas.

“Mr. Martinez is an amateur, but no one would suspect it, for his personation of Silva was at once dignified, easy and effective. His voice, style and action were all worthy of our most experienced bassos. Mr. Bartlett made some good effects as Carlos, especially in the finale to the third act. Mr. Boi [sic], an experienced and capable tenor for such parts as Ernani, did himself full justice; and the splendid trio in the last act, sung by Miss Allen, Mr. Martinez and himself, was a superb success.”