The Sun.
London, England, 1860-05-11 00:00:00

THEATRE ROYAL LYCEUM.

Every contribution in art, literature, or science which
tends to throw a grace over the incidents of social life, is
so much gained to the cause of civilisation and refinement.
Music, Poetry, and Painting are the three Graces of modern
mythology, and in the dramatic representations of the pre-
sent day we recognise the influence of their felicitous com-
bination. Our lively neighbours across the Channel have
always been celebrated for the trittmphs which they have
achieved in the lighter elegancies of the dramatio art and a
knowledge of stage business, with which we have not yet
been able successfully to compete ; and whilst they avoid,
on the one hand, morbid sentimentalism, and, on the other,
the extravagant horrors of the Porte St. Martin, the
French stage is without a rival for skilful situations, lively
dialogue, and sparkling music. It is with great pleasure,
therefore, that we welcome to the Lyceum a French corps
dranzatique, selected from the Opera Comique and Les
l3ouffes Parisiens, who commenced their season last night
with "La Part du Diable," Madame Faure taking the
character of Carlo, which she sustained with an ability
and grace worthy of her distinguished reputation. We
need scarcely remind the public that the music of this very
charming comic opera is by Auber, and is throughout so
strikingly characteristic of that composer's style, that no.
one would think of attributing it to any other hand. Some
of the movements, indeed, are almost identical with pas-
sages in " Fra Diavolo," but there is so much gaiety
and freshness about them that they were recognis
by the audience with the same pleasant greeting that one
bestows upon a dear friend met unexpectedly 1 Nothing
could be more cordial than the reception which was given
to Mdme. Faure, who left nothing to be desired in the part
of Carlo. The vocalization of this lady is of a very high
order, whilst her acting is exceedingly spirited and grace-
ful. Such qualities, aided by a most agreeable person, could
not fail to create a sensation, and the lady was repeatedly
called before the curtain, in which pleasing ceremony
Mdme. Faure, with inimitable grace, invited the rest of the
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and with increased confidence will be heard to much greater
advantage than upon the occasion of the first representa-
tion. Madame Delis was the Queen, and sang her music
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with great care, M. Castel Mary being; the King, whose
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theless we are bound to say that all the music went off re-
markably well, to the delight of a very fashionable audience,
and the curtain closed upon the opera amid tumultuous
applause. We should add that the orchestra is remarkably
good, and most efficiently conducted ; the scenery, dresses,
and decorations exceeding rich and in the best taste, whilst
the grouping of the characters on the stage in several of
the principal scenes reflects the very highest credit on
Mons. Dalis, the very able acting manager.
After the opera, the National Anthem was sung by the
whole strength of the company, the house, as usual,

rising.
A little buff operetta followed, under the title of " Le
Mariage aux Lanterns," M. Geoffroy sustaining the part of
the Village Landlord, Mdme. Salmson that of Fanchette ;
Catharine, Mdme. Delis; and Denise, Mdme. Guerin.
This was given with great spirit; and a quarrelling duet
between Mdme. Dalis and Mdme. Guerin drew down thun-
ders of applause.
The performances did not close till late, an objection
which will no doubt be remedied in future.
On the whole, M. Laurent has reason to be proud of
the suocessful opening of the season, and the public should
be grateful for so agreeable an addition to the stockq of
intellectual amusements,