Aim�e Opera Bouffe: Girofl�-Girofla

“The revival of ‘Giroflé-Girofla’ at this house last night attracted a very large audience, notwithstanding  the threatening state of the weather. Lecocq’s charming work was received with the same favor as when it was first produced at the Park Theatre. The cast, which is eminently satisfactory, is the same as when first presented. Some additions have, however, been made to the chorus, with a view to giving increased strength. New scenery has also been provided. There can be little doubt that the popularity of this work will continue to grow. It is one of the few works of its school which is funny without being licentious or coarse, and there is a brightness and sparkle in the music which commends it to the public. In Mlle. Geoffroy, Mlle. Minelli and M. De Quercy the three most important rôles find clever interpreters, who not only sing respectably, but act well. It is the present intention of the management to withdraw ‘Giroflé-Girofla’ after two weeks. We should, however, [not?] be much surprised if they found the public desired its longer continuance. It has a great advantage of not offending against the proprieties, and even the most straitlaced may without danger enter the mystic circle of opéra bouffe.” 

“There was a crowd at the Lyceum Theater on Saturday night to witness the revival of ‘Giroflé-Girofla,’ which was performed with much the same cast of parts as at the Park Theatre last Feburuary. M. de Quercy, Mlle. Geoffroy, Mlle. Minelli, and other favorites in this form of entertaining [illegible ] were [illegible] fully received, and the representation passed off smoothly and merrily. Particular comment on the attributes of this opera bouffe is unnecessary—‘Giroflé-Girofla’ being well known to be of the usually [illegible] kind and to contain exhilarating music. The managers of the Lyceum propose to keep it on their stage for two weeks, no longer. The new scenery that has been provided for it sets it off in rich attire. The Moorish [illegible], by Joseph Calayo and Mr. Hannibal Calyo, being in particular, a gem in color.”

“’Giroflé-Girofla’ was presented at the Lyceum Theatre Saturday night by the company which played it at the Park Theatre earlier in the season. Mlles. Geoffroy, Minelli and Kid, and M. M. De Quercy and Valaire received many expressions of admiration from a very large auditory. The music was well sung, the chorus stronger than at the Park. The scenery was also excellent, some of the scenes unusually picturesque. This very agreeable opera is free from much that modest people might, without exhibiting too much fastidiousness, object to in other works of its class. A large part of the music is very pleasing, and all the circumstances of the reproduction are favorable. It is probable that the representations will be continued till the end of the season.” 

“Aimée has fled, but the gay strains of opera bouffe are still to be heard at the Lyceum Theatre. The French Company, which was so successful at the Park Theatre, has migrated to the pretty little theatre on Fourteenth street, and will sing every night this week in Lecocq’s bright and tuneful work, Giroflé-Girofla. Mlles. Geoffroy, Kid and Minetti and M. de Quercy again appear in the characters in which they achieved such distinction earlier in the season. A large audience assembled to give them welcome on Saturday night, and testified to their enjoyment of the entertainment by frequent laughter and applause. The principal characters were sustained with infinite spirit, and all the stage appointments were excellent. The lovers of opera bouffe will regret to hear that the engagement of these well-known artists is necessarily short, but will rejoice at the opportunity of hearing them again before their departure from New York.”