The New York herald., 1873-11-26
A III u 8 E N E N is.
The Christmas PantOmime at the
Grand Opera House.

Grand Opera House.
The production OF the Christmas pantoInme at the
Grand Opera House last night was great success In
every respect. We have seldom seen larger au-
dience in the Immense theatre. Every seat and
every available spot OF standing room was occu-
pied. As to the pantomime itself 1t was new In
every respect-in conception, In treatment in
scenery, In properties and in detail 1t is nearly
a play as it is possible to make trick and show
piece. The special attractions included in
the action or the piece, and not, as has been GUS
t0mary with theatres which include variety busi-
in their performances in an act by themselves.
We have frequently complained of the system OF
stopping the play for acrobats, ventriloqusts,
jugglers and the like, and we were pleased to see
that wherever they used in this piece they help
rather than retard the action. 1t is true the Mar
tens in their Tyrolienne scarcely harmonlzed with
the village scene, but this be easily remedled by
OF the pantomime there are the usual Vaccinations
OF the aires ana the spirits. The struggle Is be-
tween D9ciiiion the t son OF magician ana
watch Humpty Dumpty expects TO marry Belline
the village belle, but as the owner OF the watch,
he throws her OF for the Pr rncess Admranto to
whom he Is welded. The wedding feast Is q
model in its way, the turkey and roast
rarc.n More than this, the dinner is exceedingly
lively, both nesh ana fowl becoming invested with
life again. and exhibiting special anlmoslty toward
and his humOr harmoniZes by contrast with his ex-
travagant dress suit OF white satin. But Humpty
on account OF his fatal fOrgetfulness TO wind his
watch he is divorced from his bride in "the Palace
,n,a ~ 'nc se u nver the
EARTH The principal ballet in this act takes
the shape OF musical instruments, closing with
beautiful tableau and the appearance OF harle-
quin on the back OF an immense dragon. In this
ballet the premieres are the Rig sisters. Betty
and Emily, but In the transformation the latter be-
comes the columblne. The harlequin is Herr Karl
Lind, called in the theatrical advertisements "rne
Stockholm Wonder.n Herr Lind also appears in
the first act. The second act is In China,
where there is great rejoicing among the the
with the Emperor. Humpty Dumpty also
arrives soon after in balloon, accompanied
by his great grand uncle Old one TWO We need
not enlarge upon the acting of either Mr.. G. L.
Fox as clown or Mr. 9. X. Fox as pantaloon, their
IN parts being too av wen 70
everything they do IN this piece IS as new as
the pantomime The spectacular feature atn,
calling into requisition all the resources
OF the theatre, including the Jackley troupe both
in dances and in acrobatic feats The performances
only parts OF picture the effect is among the
best yet seen on the New York stage: Ihe changes
in this act are from China, by way OF the Burning
Forest and the North Pole, to sunny Italy, and
thence to New York, with the return of the New
act takes place in New York, the changes of scene
being exceedingly rapid. This act like the others
IS Iull OF JrlckS, Ieats, uanCeS speclalCeS anu lu
Humpty Dumpty's mlscnief and misiortunes being
OF course, particular feature. The pantomime
ends with q grand transformation representing
the Realm OF the Hours. The scenery Is well
painted the Palace OF Instruments being especi-
ally gorgeous. The perspective In the Italian
scene is well worthy OF remark and the transiorma-
tion from this to the effective canvas OF the
yachts called forth much commentator. The bal
let's were all dress and character ballets, the cos
tunes and dresses being very rich and contrasting
well with all the surroundings.
Musical and Dramatic Notes.
Next week the Florences appear at Booths and
the Lngards at the Broadway.
AThe Martens have been playing in ST. Louis Tor
that eminent tragedian Ben de Bar. Martens
account OF 1t is as folows0: 0:-"They give Richard
No. and cat duet Cat duet great success
Richard No. no good.'
Last evening Blind Tom, the negro pianist, per-
formed to q house at Steinway Hall which was
about one-third filled. There was not any pro-
gramme printed or distributed to the disconsolate
audience, and yet every one was satisfied with the
delicate lingering OF the colored lad and his imi-
tatons OF Thalberg and Liszt and the touching
manner in which he played "Home, Sweet nome,"
was deserving or much commentator.