Parepa-Rosa English Opera: Maritana

“Wallace’s ‘Maritana’ had able interpretation last night at the Academy. Rich in melody as it is, and garnished with instrumentation that has hardly been too much admired, this opera under favorable circumstances is sure to please, and last night worthily illustrated the fact. Mme. Van Zandt both sang and acted Maritana remarkably well. She was on happy terms with the audience early in the first act, and gained upon them steadily to the close. In excellent voice, full of spirit, and with an intelligent feeling for the histrionic exigencies of her task, the lady supplied an embodiment better even than was expected at her hands. The charmingly written second act was given with much point and vivacity. Mrs. Seguin as Lazarillo won a deserved encore in the effective opening aria; a compliment likewise paid to Mr. Castle (Don Caesar) in ‘Let Me Like a Soldier Fall,’ and to Mr. Campbell (Don José) in ‘In Happy Moments.’ The latter gentleman was at his best, and employed his fine organ with judicious delicacy and agreeable feeling. It is fortunately becoming a matter of course to say of this opera troupe that the chorus and orchestra were decidedly good. We may add that the dresses and scenery were likewise creditable. The house was less full than we should have liked to see it, but really the measure of success so justly achieved by the company has been such that it might well bear up under far more unmistakably ill fortune.”