Montpellier’s Opera House

“THURSDAY EVENING, Nov. 2, Mlle. LEONI and EDWARD D. LAY in the FRENCH SPY, supported by an augmented and efficient dramatic corps, the Combination Troupe and GRAND CORPS DE BALLET.”

“In addition to the musical features of this house—which are not inferior to any establishment of its line—the drama now forms a part of the programme. The French Spy was produced last night, with Mlle. Leoni, an excellent pantomimist, in the principal part, in which she appeared for the first time in this country, although she has some reputation in that character in Europe.. The broadsword combat, in the second act, is made the leading attraction in the piece, and displays on the part of Mlle. Leoni an amount of endurance, muscular power and agility, which is perfectly marvelous in a woman. Of course the house paid due honors to the fair combatant, and overwhelmed her with applause. . . . The scenery was remarkably good, and the costuming of Mlle. Leoni equally so. The Montpellier Opera House in dimensions is fully as large as any of the Broadway or Bowery theatres, and exceeds many of them in proportions. The mélange of minstrelsy which precedes the dramatic presentation has much merit. The clog dancing of Messrs. Childs and Carroll, the trapeze and other acrobatic performances of Master Kincade are excellent, and the ballet, which forms a principal part of the programme, is quite attractive. It is in the power of the management to render this house one of the most available in the East End for dramatic representations, and it is to be hoped that the opportunity will not be missed.”

“On Thursday, Nov. 2d, other new attractions appear in the persons of Mlle Leoni and Mr. E. Lay, and the ‘French Spy,’ on which occasion the new comers will lay out an extra programme of novelties.”