Aim�e Opera Bouffe: Les Cent Vierges

“‘Les Cents Vierges’ was sung and acted last night at the Lyceum Theater. The story of this opera is coarse. Certain incidents in the treatment of the story are vile. The current of the music, though relieved now and then by airs which are taking and choruses which are spirited, is vapid, shallow, and monotonous. A plaintive song,--finely sung by Mlle. Aimee, in the second act,--is the gem of it; and this was thrice recalled, last night, by an audience which, though small, was eager and enthusiastic. So much good nature is very moving to witness. The spectators seemed quite overjoyed when M. Lecuyer kicked M. Nardin, and really ecstatic when Mlle. Stani slapped M. Lecuyer upon his [sounding?] bowels. If delicate attentions of this sort had but become general, by being passed round, the public bliss would, doubtless, have been unspeakable. Quite a prodigious glee was aroused by the spectacle of M. Lecuyer contorting his person in commendatory antics, before Mlle. Aimee, in imitation of the barnyard cock. This, and other fine Gallio wit, we say, was deeply relished. Mlle. Aimee’s brilliant vocalism also won many plaudits; and her sensuous comeliness, demure deviltry of expression, and kitten-like wiles exerted their customary spell upon the susceptible observer. ‘Les Cente Vierges’ will not be repeated—which is a comfort. For the public good it is not well that such overpowering humor should be too liberally loosed.”

“‘Les Cent Vierges’ was represented at the Lyceum Theatre last evening. This pretty opera was performed by Mlle. Aimée and her associates a few months ago, and was then reviewed in these columns. Although it was reproduced yesterday, for one night only, no pains had been spared in respect of rehearsals and mise en scène, and the entertainment, from first to last, was carried on at a rattling pace. Mlle. Aimée had to repeat the tuneful and graceful waltz in the third act, and M. Juteau and the company did their duty as efficiently as usual.”

“LeCocq’s amusing operetta ‘Les Cent Vierges’ was the attraction at this house last night. The music is sparkling, and the story has that spice of wickedness which is so keenly appreciated by the lovers of bouffe performances. Mlle. Aimée was not in very good voice, but the audience went to be amused, not to criticise. They were evidently quite satisfied, and though one or two very virtuous people had their sensibilities a little shocked, and evinced their displeasure in attempting to hiss, their efforts at virtue only made the naughtiness the more enjoyable.”