Richings English Opera: Martha

“It should be borne in mind that the rates of admission and secure seats are those of an ordinary dramatic performance, notwithstanding the enormous extra expense incidental to giving grand opera in any language.” [No ticket price given.]

“Martha was given at the Olympic theatre last evening by the Richings English Opera troupe. The audience was large and good humored. [Lists cast.] Miss Richings’ voice showed the accomplished artist as usual, and was used with judicious care, a necessary precaution, as it is becoming evidently worn under the trying test of a different rôle every night. Mrs. Seguin’s Nancy was a rare piece of acting, displaying vivacity, coquetry and charming grace. The voice is one of the best cultivated contraltos we have, although it lacks breadth and power. Campbell’s singing was up to his usual standard of excellence, but there was an absence of that dashing, offhanded, devilshoof air so characteristic of Plunkett. We were disappointed in Castle’s Lionel, especially in the cold, harsh manner in which he sang the beautiful M’appari. It seemed as if he could not use the mezza voce and portamento in the style of Brignoli and Hill in the same air. The choruses were well-rendered, and the orchestra was weak as usual in spite of the left hand whipping in arrangement on the piano.”