The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-05-11

HTIar euann Gnlton na saArIln.n

LAST eVenihg Tue Academy OF Music was densey
packed nom noor to ceiling, and the enthusiasm
OF the audience about in proportion TO its size
The Bohemian Girl, which Mr. Behrens selected for
his benefit is one Of the most popular works in the
repertoire Of the Rchngs troupe and although It has
by this time begun to pail somewhat upon the Of
our opera goers, it generally counted upon to
attract full house, II anything will The interest
which attached to the performance last evening"
however, was due in very large measure to the APP
pearance OF Miss Susan Galton in the role OF
Arlne," and although Mr.. Behrens Is
TO be congratulated upon the !pecuniary
success OF the entertainment the honors Of the
evening were fairly carried of by the attractive
young pTtrnd donna. Miss Galton has appeared
hitherto under signal disadvantages in this city, and
as she came here unheralded, her great popularity
has been fairly won. Her appearance in grand
opera, therefore, at the Academy of Music with such
support as would enable her to do herself Justice
was an event OF much interest, although there was
no doubt OF her success, provided her voice should
prove powerful enough for the large building in the
minds of those who witnessed her personaton OF
Gamma" in La SonnGnbuIa, last winter, at the
Chestnut Street Theatre, under circumstances that
were sufficiently disoourRgtng to dampen the ardor
OF the most enthusiastic artist
Although The Bohemian Girl Is a toerably sure
paying card, and very suitable piece to introduce
srtist-novce to the public, cannot but regret
that La SonnGmbuld Linda dt Chdmounip, or, some
work OF higher grade than it is not selected in
order that Miss Galton could have fair opportunity
to display all her capabilities as actress and
singer. The Bohemian Girl is simply series OF pref
ty melodies, and as a musical composition, protesting
to:work out certain theme, it is but mediocre per-
formance, not up even TO Ofenbachs standard. 1t
scarcely admits OF any genuine acting, and it Is
particular merit OF Miss Cations that she is equally
good actress singer. This is point
too often lost sight of by those who attempt
the lyric drama, for unless the various parts
in an opera are acted, in the most exact
sense OF the word, the performance is little more
than a concert in costume The really first rate lyric
artists few and far between, but when they do
appear, as in the Of Madame Gazzaniga and
sgnor Ronconi the dramatic power OF their persona
tions is more than suicient to extenuate any vocal
deficiencies. Now, this dramatic talent Miss Susan
Cation possesses in a high degree, and If she was
singer at all, she would still be very charming and
attractive actress Miss Cations voice is fresh,
sweet, and sympathetic; in comparison with some
OF the best singers Of the day. slight ruggedness in
some Of her notes, and lack OF the highest vocal
culture, will somewhat detract from the position
which we would like to award her. But she sings
with much natural grace and expression, and she
possesses other qualities rare on the lyric stage,
which are so worthy Of commentator, that her
slight deficiencies in this respect appear Of but minor
moment.
When Miss Galton made her appearance in the
second act last evening, her reception was most
nattering; indeed, anxious was a portion of the
audience to welcome her that Miss Mschka, who
personated the "Gpsy Queen" was overwhelmed by
deafening applause. Although her friends were
evidently predisposed in her favor, that all her
airs were encored the performance cannot be con-
sidered an entire success. Miss Cation sang with
much feeling and expression, but her voice is not
sufficiently powerful to I'LL so large building the
Academy OF Music. Whether this Is an inherent
defect, are Of course unable to decide on the
strength Of single performance. Miss Galton has
hitherto been accustomed TO sing in the smallest
theatre in the city, and to be suddenly transferred
from such a box as the Theatre Comique to the
largest opera house in the country is severe trial of
strength any singer might dread Miss Galton, too,
was evidently to great degree unfamiliar with the
role and the want Of sufhcient rehearsas ap-
parent throughout. We believe that with little
training Miss Galton could adapt her voice to the
Academy, as it seemed to improve in power as the
performance progressed. The aria from Sonnansbld,
which given instead Of the usual FINALE, was de-
lightfully rendered, and Miss Galton is evidently
familiar with the music of that opera than with
The Bohemian Girl it is TO be regretted that she did
not appear in it on this occasion
The remaining parts in the opera were filled by
Messrs. Castle, Campbell, Seguin Charles Drew and
Miss Anna Mischka, with whose merits the public
are familiar. The choruses were not well done, but
otherwise the performance was up to the usual mark
The City Anusements.
AT THE ACADEMY OF Music Flotows opera of
Martha will be given; tomorrow, AasanieHo; on
tie will have benent, when TraUSata will be pre-
sented.
AT THE CHESNUT the Elsie Holt English burleSque
troupe will open on Wednesday evening with new
burlesque by Byron entitled L"cretG BOrgta; or La
Grdnde Doctresse.
AT THE WALNUT Mr. John Brougham will appear
this evening in his new burlesque of Much Ado About
q Merchant of Venice. The performance will con-
eude with the drama of The Peep ShoD Nan.
AT THE ARCH Lolita will appear this evening in her
drama OF Pepina.
On Friday Mr. Barton Hill will have a farewell
benefit previous to his departure for London, where
will assume the management OF Mrs. John Woods
Theatre. MIR. Hill is an accomplished actor, and it
will be no easy task to supply his place at the Arch
We hope that his benefit will be a success RosedaLe
will be performed.
Mr.. John Collins the Irish comedian and vocalist,
who has just returned from successful tour in Cali
fornia and Australia, viii commence an engagement
at the Arch in few weeks. and will appear in a
round OF his favorite characters.
AT THE THEATRE CoMIQUB Miss Susan Gaton will
appear this evening in Fnnehette and 4 RatnU DdU
AT THE AMERICAN an attractive variety entertain
ment will be given this evening.
THE NEW YORK CIRCUS, under the management
Eighth street. above Race This troupe contains
large number OF nne performers in various special
ties together with superb collection OF we-raned
horses, ponies, dogs, and mules It will remain in
this city only two weeks, and will doubtless attract
crowded audiences. Two performances will be given
every day at ~ p NJ. and p M.
AT THE Chestnut STREET RINK grand velocipede
II. p. Covert and Mr. Lewis Fabian, for the fifty
dollar gold medal and the championship. After the
contest there will be grand prize exhibition, when
various awards will be made TO the most skilfnl
riders, and the whole will conclude with sack-raee
between four boys.
CITY ITEMS.