Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-02-23
rhe R,en,ps. Epsll.h opera rreupe.

VIDE as the country, ana Wherever tne
troupe has appeared it has created new
friends and new triumphs. We are glad
to announce that through the enterprise
of the worthy managers Of the Memphis
Theater, the Rchings troupe has been in
duced to pay Memphis q visit, and will
open an engagement at our theater on
Thursday night Of this week, for three
nights and matinee only. The lovers
of music in pure English that requires
no translation will have rare opportu
nifty to be delighted. The followir 8
careful critique from prominent paper,
in a large Western city, will give our
readers an idea of what is in store for
those who 20 to hear the Richings troupe
The same general excellence noticed
in the two previous operas characterized
Martha last night. Under the direc-
ton of MIRA. Bernard, we are not over
awed with the ponderosity Of one particu-
lar STAR everything, whether it con-
tribute to the Msdame's success or to
the effectiveness Of the chorus, is care
fully attended to. -
All the performers were upon their
good behavior, and, per consequence, we
had the opera of Martha something as
Flotow must have thought it while the
scenes came from under his facie pen.
There was q profusion of stage play,
q spice and sparkle in the lighter por-
tons, which kept the audience in a sub
dued state of humor, just ready, now and
then, to be touched off into roar, when
ever Drayton or Mrs. Bowler did some
thing more than ordinarily piquant. The
choruses were all we'll rendered their
precision and exactness as to time was
remarkable. This feature was made
specially noticeable in the John Bar
leycorn" song and chorus, when the final
hurrah called out applause for the
minute exsctitude of the Explosion.
Mrs. Bernard, as the orchestra gave
the preludium to the " Last Rose of Sum-
mer," seemed to gather all her powers,
and her rendition of that beautiful gem
surpassed all expectations; she outdid
herself. As compared with Pareps, Mrs.
Bernard is the more artistic, variable
and soulful. Pareps gives it power, but
she fails to interpret the depth of senti-
ment which both words aud music so
touchiDgly express. This Mrs. Bernard
did last night uutil perfection's point
seemed to be reached, and after the
encore, while the orchestra led into the
subsequent passages, there was sigh of
regret that the balance of the opera could
not all be made into Last Roses"
The mind which conceived that air, and
the heart and voice which can interpret
it as does Mrs. Bernard, have both won
Immortality, 80 far as worldly fame goes.
Mrs. Bowler was bewitching. Her
voice is full, powerful, very rich in the
lower chest tones, smooth and cultivated
in the higher notes. Her action was ir-
resistible, setting the ladies by the ears
with admiripg envy, and inspiring the
gentlemen with cautious jealousy-of
Bowler. Her stage action with Mr.. Dray-
ton was perfect comedy. The cottage
scene, where Lionel" aud "Plunket "
first bring home their high born servants,
was q gem. The role of Julia" in the
way of solos, does not allow the con-
tralto much of field to win lyric honors,
but Mrs. Bowler plucked more than many
could, and ell that she needs to make her
an established favorite.
OF Mr.. Drsyton and Mr.. Bowler we
have before spoken, Their assn mptions
of Lionel and Plunket" left moth
ing to be desired. Mr.. Drayton is great
actor. There is q completeness and ar
tistic finish about his work which Mr..
Campbell has not yet attained. Mr..
B )wler's Like Dream, Bright and
FAN" was tender and plsintive, calling
out deserved encore; while in the quin-
tette and chorus at the end of the fifth
act he displayed more of the fire which
marked his Polish song of Tuesdsy night.
Mr.. Arnold made an excellent Lord
Tristan"
The New York Herald says of the
The artists never acquitted them
selves more handsomely, and no au-
dieuce was ever better satisfied. Mr.
Bernard, as "Raoul," Mr.. D,yton, as
" Marcel" Mr.. Arnold, as Count de
Nevers," Mr.. 81. d Peakes, as count
st. Bris," Mrs. Dayton, as Margaret de
Valoit," Mrs. Richings-Bernsrd, as the
Lady Valentine" Mrs.. Kemp Bowles,
as the gallant Urban" made an ex-
,elent distribution of the leading roles.
The strong, majestic and sonorous music
If Meyerbeer was done as we dare say it
vas never before honored with on this
tide of the Atlantic. The performances
ast night, in short, was of that emphatic
'enderiDg that would have filled house
capable Of holding 10000; and leading
fingers, orchestra and chorus were adj
nirsble in the execution of their work
)rsyton was grand, and the whole per-
ormsnce was glorious. We have never
imposed that the Hu0usnots was the
plendid opera that it was proved to be
asst night at the Grand Opera House.
TfYOu want good old Megibben W hfs-
~, 20 TO Megibben a Bro, No. ATS
IecOnd street, Az ers Block.