Ravels

“For children, and for those children of a riper growth who are not yet too old to care for mirth, the appearance of the Ravels is a continual luxury and delight.”

Performers, program.

“A good many nodding ‘pows’ that have silvered in the ‘lengthening process of the years’ were present, last evening, at Niblo’s Garden, when the time-honored Ravels commenced their first regular entertainment since their last regular farewell to the public. As youngsters they went to see these excellent pantomimists, and now it is with youngsters of their own by their sides that they renew the acquaintance. No performers in America have ever gained a wider reputation, or one that seems to be so completely imperishable. The company is headed by Gabriel and Antoine Ravel, and reinforced with many new artists, terpsichorean and otherwise, just imported from Europe. It is in many respects an excellent company, and especially well selected for presenting a variety of feats and fancies to the audience. Everything [illeg…]. The reception bestowed on the Ravels was of course most flattering. They will play every night until further notice, and also on Saturday afternoon.”

Music not mentioned.  “The lobbies and passages, the stairways, and every part of the house to the amphitheatre was tremendously crammed. The reception of the old favorites was cordial, warm, enthusiastic.”

“It is certain that the popularity of the Ravels does not diminish.  Those who first saw them in the long ago, still delight in them, for the sake of old associations—since the memory of youthful joy is ever tenderly cherished—and those who see them now for the first time, become at once their charmed admirers and devotees…It cannot lose favor in New York—and Gabriel and Antoine must have inferred, from the very cordial greeting with which they have been received. They are assisted by their sister allies, the Martinetti family, and by other able artists…‘The Alchymist’ has been performed each evening thus far, and, we presume, will be repeated every night. It introduces a good ballet—though not without the customary blemishes of homeliness and awkwardness—the principal member of which is Signorita Pepita. This danseuse comes hither from London, and is sure to win golden opinions. She has beauty and grace, and her dancing is at once passionate and eloquent and delicate. She possesses, also, an unusual talent for pantomimic expression, and altogether is a wonderfully vital and brilliant creature…We have only to add that parents, who love their boys and girls, should let them see the Ravels. There is an opening here for a very moral reflection on the Ballet—but the theme is well worn. For our own part, we could readily dispense with it, and so could the Ravels; while as to the children – ‘to the pure all things are pure.’”

“It will be particularly good news to the whole juvenile community that on this day Niblo’s theatre will be open, and the Ravels will play a pantomime.  The mere fact that the day is Saturday entitles it to especial honor on the part of all school boys and girls, but the additional fact that on this day they can see these greatest of all great men—the Ravels—will make the day a truly golden one in many a little life.  We do not know either where the grown up people will find a more pure and exhilarating amusement than they will get at this Ravel matinee.”