Girofl�-Girofla

Grand opening night. 

“An English version of the opera bouffe of ‘Giroflé-Girofla’ was presented at Robinson Hall, last night, and was seen and enjoyed by a large and enthusiastic company. The text of the French piece has been roughly turned into English prose, and much of the language that was spoken had the effect of being fashioned off-hand by the speakers. There was thus, as would be surmised, a sacrifice of point and sparkle. The songs, however, being better done, flashed more brightly than the dialogue, and made, in general, a good impression. During the second act, in particular, these had the effect of arousing the joy of the whole assemblage, and the applause was emphatic. Very pretty scenery, painted by Mr. Matt Morgan, and rich and tastefully diversified costumes, were used in setting and dressing the piece, and as to externals it made a brilliant show. Mr. Morgan has done some of his most delicate painting, in the first landscape, and upon the drop-curtain—the latter being a little gem of texture, color, composition, and sentiment. Miss Clara Fisher appeared as Giroflé and Girofla, and acted with force and considerable finish, and sung with feeling and often with brilliant execution. This young actress and vocalist has steadily improved in professional efficiency, and her performance, last night, gave evidence of fine natural talent and adaptive capacity. It might be regretted that the part is not written in verse,--as, indeed, the whole piece ought to be, for the sake of symmetry, force, sparkle, and the gossamer air of refined mirth,--but Miss Fisher treated it skillfully, even as it is, keeping in the character, and filling up the pauses with by play. Less self-consciousness would be an improvement, however, and more dash would assuredly commend the performance to warmer popular favor. Mr. Welsh Edwards made merriment as the burly and terrible Mourzook, and Mr. Atkins and Miss Mortimer contributed to the general joviality of the evening. The lack of pleasing voices, so often noticeable on the New York stage, was again perceived; but the public applause was so frequent and emphatic as to denote a success for this attempt. This sort of entertainment suits the season upon which we are not entering, and Robinson Hall bids fair to be a merry place for Summer evening resort.”

“An English version of Lecocq’s ‘Giroflé-Girofla’ was represented at Robinson Hall last evening, and will be acted there until further notice. It is neither more nor less than a translation of the familiar opera; and it cannot be said that translations in general, or this one in particular, are in any way superior to the original work. To theatre-goers who prefer the former, however, the English ‘Giroflé-Girofla’ will probably prove attractive. It is briskly recited, almost all the music is retained, and the scenery which accompanies the incidents is bright and picturesque, as might be expected when we say that it is from the brush of Mr. Matt Morgan. Miss Clara Fisher, who personates the twin sisters, has a pleasant voice, and uses it with skill and spirit. Miss Louise Frankel, who plays Marasquin, also acquits herself cleverly of her duties as a vocalist, and the male rôles are in good hands as assigned to Messrs. Atkins and Welsh Edwards. Extended criticism is certainly not called for by the recital at Robinson Hall, but it can with fairness be mentioned that not too-exacting admirers of opera bouffe can satisfactorily while away a couple of hours there while the present programme is before the public.”

“The English version of ‘Giroflé-Girofla,’ presented to the public last night at Robinson Hall, will compare favorably with the results of any attempts heretofore made to turn French opera bouffe into English musical comedy, farce, or burlesque. None of these attempts can be said to have even fairly succeeded, partly because of the radical differences in the two languages, modes of fancy, and styles of wit, and partly because actors of the Anglo-Saxon race cannot conceive or express the vital spirit of these sparkling Gaelic compositions. Taking into consideration that this was the first performance, it must be called very creditable, although it did not end til too late an hour. The manager has secured some excellent voices, a good chorus, and, by making a few changes, will have a company of unusually good quality, so far as musical abilities are concerned.

Miss Clara Fisher appeared as Giroflé-Girofla, sang excellently, acted gracefully, and was very much and deservedly applauded. Miss Louise Frankle sang and played the part of Marasquin well, and received a full share of commendation. Mr. George Atkins entirely mistook the character of Don Bolero, made it a kind of ‘Greppo’ and most injudiciously ‘gagged’ it. Mr. Welsh Edwards was fiercly effective as Mourzouk. The scenery (all painted by Mr. Matt Morgan) was very handsome. The performance was unexceptionable in point of morals and decency, and is likely to be popular.”

“Lecocq’s amusing and melodious setting of the story of the Spanish grandee and his twin daughters was sung last evening at Robinson Hall by a newly organized troupe. The piece was presented with an English text, which was not remarkable for literary merit. New scenes from the brush of Mr. Matt Morgan, and bright and tasteful dresses, helped to make the entertainment successful. The twins were personated with sprightliness by Miss Clara Fisher. Mr. Welsh Edwards was Mourzouk and Mr. George Atkins Bolero. The chorus was fair, but the orchestra was weak. A large audience appeared to derive considerable gratification from the entertainment, which will be repeated every evening until further notice.”