French Opera Bouffe: La belle Hélène

“Last night was the last night but one night, which is this night, of the popular opéra bouffe troupe which for two-thirds of a year have monopolized this establishment. The favorite classical story of Helen and Paris, done into the Offenbachian French under the pleasing title of ‘La Belle Hélène,’ was the entertainment, and 2,000 people were in the auditorium. In the distribution of the characters we had [see above]; and the performance was given and received with the spirit and enthusiasm of a first class horse race at Long Branch, when the seaside is radiant with the fashionable glories of August, and when a bright and breezy day has called a congregation of thousands to the course. Aimee was brilliant as a summer sunrise sparkling on the waves, Persini was delightful, and, in short, the whole performance was spirited, excellent and highly enjoyed, and largely applauded by the immense audience. We have never witnessed a more enjoyable rendering of ‘La Belle Helene.’ The music, vocal and instrumental, was fine, and the choruses made the welkin ring again. All concerned on the stage appeared to be inspired to do their best, and the house responded with enthusiasm. It was really a great night for the opéra bouffe as the last but one of the season. The long and successful season of opéra bouffe at this house will close this evening with ‘Le Petit Faust.’ During the season of eight months we have had here four of the best and most popular singers and actresses that have ever appeared in opéra bouffe—Silly, Montaland, Aimee and Persini—and the popular operas, ‘La Grande Duchesse,’ ‘La Belle Hélène, ‘Barbe Bleue,’ and the gem of them all, ‘La Perichole,’ have been given, and in addition three new operas--‘Les Brigands,’ ‘Les Georgiennes’ and ‘Le Petit Faust’—and all with a lavish expenditure in costumes, choruses, scenery, machinery and accessories of every description. The greatest hits of the season were Silly’s Petit Faust and Brigands, Aimee’s Perichole, and as for Persini, good in everything, she has been, and is the sweetest singer of the troupe, if not the handsomest.”