The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-02-20
THE NEW ORLEANS OPERA.

THE NEW ORLEANS OPERA.
We have often had occasion to pride ourselves
with possessing an Opera House second to none
except the Grand Opera of Paris, and one or two
others in the principal cities of the old continent
Our boast has not been vain one, for have we
not, since the establishment of alyrical stage in
this city by Mr.. Davis applauded upon the boards
of the old Orleans Opera and the New Opera
House many celebrities that have thrilled the au.
diences Of the other hemisphere, from Chit DAM
orean down through long list of singers, includ-
ing Cslve, La Grange, Frezzolini, Bertni, Wide
man, Devries. Colson, Duluc, Montau5ry, Bordas,
Delagrave, to Adelina Pitt, among those
who have more recently appeared before our
public? As our object is not to rehearse the glo.
rious era of the opera in New Orleans, we have
not been particular in selecting names, nor do we
propose to recount the achievements of the i'm
pressarios who have managed our temple of music
in producing in rapid SUGGESTIONS the grand mas.
terLieces upon which the Partisan diettant and
lions have passed favorable judgment.
The opera in New Orleans ia an institution
which constitutes, we dare say, the focus of our
society, as the resident and the visitor Will admit
by paying visit to the building on the corner Of
Bourbon and Toulouse streets, and without further
expatiating upon this self evident fact, it should
be maintained in all the eclat and perfection which
have characterized 1t during its existence, with
few exceptions. These exceptions, instead of af-
fecting our pride, should on the contrary
cause us to strive to excel even our previous
efforts and thereby obtain the satisfactory results
which energy and perseverance never fail to &C.
complish. This season, owing to many causes
+ha notr d
quirements of the public, and the Opera House
building, besides, presents certain deficiencies
which should next season be remedied. In fact,
a step, we learn, has already been made in that
direction, which has led TO this article. The
building was erected by the friends of Mr.. Chss.
Boudousquie in 1860, with little, if any idea, of
ever receiving any dividend on the capital in
vested-about $4,000, IL we rightly remember.
During the war the Opera House was purchased by
several insurance companies of this city at cost
ofs42 900, with the commendsbe spirit of preserv-
ing it for its legitimate purpose. Ever since its
completion, although built hastily, and conse-
quently defective in many respects, it has not
been in the slightest degree improved, repaired,
or even cleaned.
The insurance companies having received but
little or no compensation for the use of their thea
ter, owing to the unfortunate seasons which fol-
lowed the war, could not be expected to expend
any more money upon an investment which they
had made simply with desire to prevent its
alienation from its original purposes. We are
therefore happy to learn that several gentlemen,
moved by the same desire, and the satisfaction
that the Opera House needs certain improvements
and repairs, have talked over the feasibility of
plan whereby their objects would be accom-
plished. With the understanding that the insu-
rance companies would willingly cede the building
at nearly the price they paid for it, in cash. these
gentlemen propose to incorporate q company, the
capital stock of which shall not exceed $4,000,
divided into shares of $500 each. The excess over
and above the purchase price to be devoted to
altering and renovating the building and render
ing it comfortable and convenient to both the
audience and the artists. Among the alterations
suggested will be an improvement in the acoustic,
which has always been so bad that in certain por-
tions of the auditorium the performers cannot be
hearo' ana tne nee~.e of the theater by steam-an
improvement which would save many speot...r.
and artists from severe colds and is much needed,
as visitors of the Opera House have been able to
appreciate.
The parQuette is to be extended over the whole
suliaCe VI tne iOWeE uOOr, WITHOUT, however, IN
terfering with the loges de rez de ctasse, (which.
on.the contrary would be increased in number,)
and, instead of having two entrances by the sides
to the psrquette, single entrance would be prac-
tieed by doing away with one of the boxes in rear
Of the parterre, with passage along the CEN
ter TO the orchestra Enclosure. The Ioges g7-iIses
or latticed boxes of the prenlieres and secondes
could be moved back q compile of feet and dunn
ished in size, 30 as to permit Of another row of
open boxes or double row of seats in front of
them, without the least Inconvenience; but quite
the contrary, should seats be placed instead Of
boxes in these portions of the house, they would
be great accommodation to persons requiring
more or less seats than are contained in box; at
the same time, the effect presented by the amphi-
theater would not be destroyed. The second row
of boxes on the sides, especially of the ainphi.
theater, would be raised few inches, in order to
afford the spectators occupying these seats bet
ter view of the stage than at present. The troi-
senles or family tier would also be improved, with
a view to cleanliness and the greater comfort of
those who prefer this portion of the theater.
We also learn that $40 900 would be more than
sufficient to effect these and other desirable amel.
orations, and that already several persons have
declared their willingness and readiness to give
their five hundred dollars toward the purchase and
perfection of the Opera House. Should the pro.
ectors meet with emulators, we hope next season
10 have to record of the most brilliant operate
easons on this continent