Richings English Opera: La sonnambula

“English opera at Niblo’s flourishes, if we may be allowed to judge from the large audiences nightly in attendance, although for that matter there have been no slim houses since the season commenced, so that it is difficult to say to whom the credit belongs—to Manager Wheatley for the liberal manner in which he presents his entertainments to the public, to the stars who perform in them, or to the theatre itself, which is more popularly known throughout the country, perhaps, than any other dramatic establishment. The Richings Opera Troupe is seen and heard to better advantage at Niblo’s than at any other place it has appeared since starting out, for what the troupe was deficient in in the ‘provincial towns’ has been remedied here, and we see the company in its best form, with every member striving to do his or her best, in order to secure a favorable metropolitan endorsement. The troupe is a fair one as we see and hear it at Niblo’s, but it is not what we should have in this country; it is not of a high standard of excellence in all its component parts—yet we are thankful for what it is, and pleased that it is no worse. For some of the good features of the performances we are undoubtedly indebted to the enterprise of the manager of Niblo’s, who, aware of certain prejudices against English opera, determined to overcome those prejudices, if possible; to this end he has added to the original troupe a very clever chorus, not inferior, it is believed, to the chorus of the Italian opera. ‘La Sonnambula’ was produced on the 10th inst., and creditably rendered, Miss Richings’ Amina being the gem of the cast. Mr. Hill’s Elvino, and Mr. Seguin’s Count Rudolph, were fair; and Mr. E. Lamb’s Alessio slightly exaggerated, but losing nothing on that account with the audience.”