Article on preparations for The Black Crook

“There is something romantically suggestive and promising in the very name of this piece; and when we remember the liberal and splendid style in which Mr. Wheatley has been accustomed to produce pieces susceptible of fine stage effect, and think, too, that the projected enterprise is aided by the tireless energy of Mr. Jarrett and Mr. Palmer, we cannot doubt that ‘The Black Crook’ will fulfill both the promise of its attractive title and the expectations aroused by the elaborate preparations now afoot. Messrs. Jarrett and Palmer’s ballet troupe is to appear in the spectacle—a troupe of dancers collected from all parts of Europe, and organized with a view to present a perfect picture of symmetry, beauty, and ‘the poetry of motion.’ The dresses for the ballet are to be similar to those used in the celebrated Paris ballet of ‘Le Bisch aux Bois.’ They have been purchased in the French capital. The ballet troupe will comprise fifty dancers, including Mlle. Marie Boujanti, and will be supervised by Signor Costa, late of the Grand Opera, Paris. In the way of scenery, everything will be done that taste can dictate or liberal expenditure effect to give ‘The Black Crook’ in appropriate setting. Among the gems of scenery will be the ‘Haunt of the Naiads’ and the ‘Incantation scene,’ painted by Mr. Marstan, a new scenic artist, brought hither from Europe especially to do this work. The last scene in the ballet is to represent the ‘Palace of Dewdrops’ and is to be something gorgeous in the way of a spectacle.  It was invented and patented by Mr. Charles Brew, and it cost upward of $15,000.”