Kellogg English Opera: Fra Diavolo

“First time in New-York of the new Covent Garden version.” 

“The Academy was well filled last evening, and the audience gave hearty applause to the representation of ‘Fra Diavolo.’ The melodious and ever-charming music of this opera lost none of its beauty through its rendition by the English company. Miss Kellogg was piquante and coquettish as usual, and displayed her fine vocalism to peculiar advantage in the elaborate fiorituri at the beginning of the second act.

Mr. Castle was encored in the serenade, which he sang with finish and pathos, Mr. E. D. Peakes of the Fifth Avenue Theatre vied with Beppo (Mr. Peakes) and Giacomo (Mr. White) in doing justice to the many bits of comic by play which this opera affords, Mr. Nichols assumed the part of Lorenzo, but was not a very able support to his Zerlina. The chorus was sung with precision, and showed careful training. It is a comfort to see among them some faces under forty and some light weights.” 

“Last night, at the Academy of Music, Auber’s comic opera ‘Fra Diavolo’ was given in English by the Kellogg opera company. The attendance was not so large as on other occasions, but the representation reflected great credit on the performers. Miss Kellogg appeared as Zerlina and Miss Beaumont as Lady Allcash. Mr. William Castle took the part of Fra Diavolo and Mr. Peakes that of Beppo.

All the principals acted their parts well, but Mr. Peakes attracted to himself the attention of the whole assembly by his humorous manner. He imitated Zerlina’s posturings before the looking-glass--her shake and cadenza—in such a ludicrous manner that it was encored. Miss Kellogg sang a popular and pretty melody, ‘On yonder rock reclining,’ and the song, ‘Hour of Joy,’ in the second act, satisfactorily, Miss Beaumont sung the barcarolle very carefully, and Mr. Castle gave the brigand song at the beginning of the third act and the serenade much better than the rest of the music. He has evidently not yet fully recovered his voice.

Mr. Nichols, who appeared as Lorenzo, does not possess sufficient voice to fill so large a building as the Academy. The choruses were well delivered, and the general impression that all will go well is formed, which adds greatly to the enjoyment of the performance. The prompter appears to be holding a sinecure.”