Draper English Opera: Night in Rome

“On Monday, A Night in Rome, by Julius Eichberg, will be produced.  It is very highly spoken of.”

“A Night in Rome, another of Mr. Eichberg’s works, will be produced at the French theatre on Monday.”

“Report speaks of it most favorably.”

“Another of Julius Eichberg’s works was brought out at the French theatre last evening.  This little trifle, lighter and more unpretending even than the Doctor of Alcantara, is called A Night in Rome, and is taken up with the mishaps of an amatory barber who arrives in the Eternal City in quest of his betrothed.  The barber (Mr. Wylie) is an elderly, spindle-shanked specimen of Ristoria, while his unwilling betrothed (Miss Richings) is, of course, the opposite in looks and spirit.  The barber’s serenade in the first act, with the mocking chorus of the masqueraders, peering from behind every pillar, is a ludicrous piece of mock sentiment. [summary of plot follows] The duet between Ninetta and Pietro, the visit of the familiars, the serenade and the last chorus, are all excellent. Mr. Wylie surprised us by his acting. The barber could not find a better representative than him. Miss Richings sang charmingly, as usual. Messrs. Campbell, Ketchum and Peakes were all that could be desired. Such a feast of fun, music and merriment is the very thing for this hot season. This charming operetta and the Doctor of Alcantara will be given to-night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The success of the first night of the Night in Rome is an undoubted proof of the superior ability of the English Opera Company. Such a troupe should be encouraged by all true lovers of music in this city.”

“It is a composition in which the author has merely sought to amuse, without attempting even as much as was accomplished in his ‘Doctor of Alcantara,’ yet it is full of beautiful and original melody. [plot summary follows]

        The music of the whole operetta is finely adapted to the libretto, light, sparkling and enjoyable. Pietro’s song in the first act, the serenade , the duet between Ninetta and Pietro, and the choruses, are excellently conceived.  Miss Richings acted her part with great fidelity and vivacity, and her singing was as good as her acting.  Mr. Wylie—who has not before this had a chance the present season—took his part admirably. Mr. Campbell’s rich baritone was heard to good advantage. Mr. Ketchum and Mr. J. Peakes both sang and acted well—the comic pantomime of the former was especially laughable.  As a whole the performance of last evening—including the choruses and the orchestral parts, went off remarkably well and smoothly. The audience were amused and pleased from beginning to end, and frequently manifested their appreciation quite earnestly, in spite of the hot weather. Mr. Eichberg has made another success.”

“Judging from the sparse attendance it is to be presumed that the public preferred a night at home. Business is very shaky at this new establishment.”