Richings English Opera: Bohemian Girl

Part of a longer article that includes announcements and reviews of events across the city.

“At the Olympic Theatre, English opera has once more been established on a firm and permanent basis. So far the venture has been eminently prosperous, albeit the company has tried to do more than it could hope to accomplish. The trouble appears to be with the orchestra, which needs additional drilling. The soloists and the chorus are good—the best we have had for many years. To-night the ‘Bohemian Girl.’”

“There could not be a more substantial and decided proof of the success of the Richings’ English Opera troupe than the immense audience that crowded the Olympic Theatre last night from parquet to dome. There was standing room only, and very little of that to those not fortunate enough to have secured seats. The Bohemian Girl was the opera, and as it has always been the strongest card in the troupe, and the one in which Miss Richings, Castle and Campbell have particularly signalized themselves, the audience expected a treat in music such as is rarely offered even in this music loving metropolis. They were not disappointed, for we have seldom heard those artists acquit themselves more satisfactorily. Want of space forbids us to analyze the many gems of the opera and the manner in which they were rendered. Seguin’s Devilshoof was an admirable piece of acting but a very poor display of singing. The dandy Florestine was given well by Wylie, and Miss Arnold was a mediocre gypsy queen. The chorus was excellent, and the orchestra little better than before.”