New Idea

“Mr. Curran announces the production on the 6^th of July of the pantomime of the ‘Green Monster,’ with new scenery, properties, &c., and the Martinetti Troupe have been engaged for the principle parts.”

Full program given.

 “The management of ‘The New Idea’ have struck upon a good idea in having with commendable and liberal enterprise, secured the services of the great Martinetti Family and Troupe of Pantomimists, calculating to give the best and most popular pantomimes, ballets, and spectacular pieces in a style not to be excelled.  On this (Monday) evening, July 6, the famous trick and fairy pantomime, entitled ‘The Green Monster and White Knight,’ is to be given, with new scenery, etc…Surely with such attractive performances as such a talented company is competent to give, the inner temple of the New Idea should be filled at each representation, and its prosperity should be equal to that of any time while it was known as Wallack’s Theatre.”

“On the 10th inst. we paid a visit to the New Idea. . . . The ballet was the next feature, of which we shall say nothing.  The dancing, however, of Mme. Marzetti—formerly with the Ravels—and Velarde, fully compensated for all previous short comings in the terpsichorean line.  Marzetti, although stouter than when last with us, is still as symmetrical as formerly, her actions as replete with grace and as charming as ever.  The light footed Velarde supported her well in the dance, and gave us some of the quickest and most difficult as well as the most scientific movements with the foot, we ever saw attempted.  He pirouettes beautifully and is without any doubt one of the very best male dancers ever seen on the American stage.  He has such complete control over his muscles and limbs as though he was on pivots.  Mr. Gustavus Geary followed in a favorite ballad, and received a hearty encore, as he deserved, for he is a very sweet singer.  J. Senia’s performance on the wood and straw piano was very cleverly done.  Mr. W.B. Harrison, the extemporaneous singer, then appeared in a comic song, and receiving an encore favored the audience with a song upon the war times; this was heartily encored, and he sang another song apropos of what was passing in his immediate vicinity, which was capitally rendered.  The fairy pantomime of the ‘Green Monster,’ concluded the evening’s bill.  Julian, as the Knight; Philippe as Chevalier, and Velarde as Harlequin, were very fine.  The Martinettis for versatility, quickness of perception, grace and elegance of performance, are really excellent.  We should have been pleased to have seen a larger attendance, for the artists engaged here deserve patronage, and ought to be rewarded nightly with crowded audiences.”