The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-10-13
ANU 8 E M E N rs.

Italian Opera-ssIl Ba rbiere di Seviglia.'
Rossini's comic opera was given last night at
the Academy OF Music, with the following cast
Rosina, Mile. DonadiO; Almaviva, Debassini;
Figaro. Del Puente; Don BasilIo, Fiorlni: DR..
Bartoio, scolara; Bertha Miss Cooney; Mr.. s.
Behrens. musical director and conductor. The
opera is not exactly one tnat can gain popular
favor on the grand opera stage at the present day.
1t is delightful little Tor the stage OF the
CONTINUE, but we look for lyric food OF q
stronger nature nowadays at the Academy OF
Music. Works like I'll Barbiere," LA Figlia del
Reggmento" and ERA Diavoio" will not satisfy
the patrons OF opera In this city. AS we'll might
Mile. Aimee expect to attract houses to the nome
OF Italian opera by LA Figiia al SignOra Angot"
az manager by Rosslnl's little opera. We have
had Aminas by the hundred ana Mile. Donadlo Is
the last applicant. She has a NICE pretty voice.
fresh. but effective; her method is good, but
needs more extensive experience and as come
dtenne there is much yet to be learned by her.
Mile. Donadio IN the lesson scene introduced the
boero from lies yepres Schemes" and re-
information IS considerably marred by the defective
manner in which she phrases and trllls and
Qualities and the s1 oo With wcS she ner
them, yet musician cannot very wen commend
her as an artlste IN Italian opera In the Academy
The new tenor. Signor Debassni who essayed
the trying role OF Almaviva-trying, because Mario
long ago monopollzed lt-maas a genuine favor
able impression. His voice is light In quality, but
exceedingly well cultivated responding to every
phase OF the composers ideas, and flexible and
even In every demand made upon 1t. His acting
Is not particularly effective, and after such a
courtIy Almavva as Mario, his Interpretation or
Puente made dashing, although rather vocaiy
heavy. barber. and went through the part credita-
o euee the he ac " S
selection Tor grand opera this Sc sson, as 1t belongs
nowadays TO other boards than the Academy:
The llrst novelty OF the season Will be presented
on Wednesday night Marchetti's ''Ruy Bias"
The opera IN Its licretto form closely follows the
plot of the drama The muse is thoroughly
Italian and overnowing with melody. AS far as
1t agrees with modern ideas OF lyric representa-
tiOns-nOuS FERROUS.
Booths Theatre.
Grattan Plunketts legendary drama, "The Fairy
Circle,n was presented last night at this house to
q fair audience The play Is based on q common
superstition among the Irish peasants that who
ever has the courage to sleep ON one of the
charmed mounds. which are believed to be the
places OF assemblage Of the good people"
abouts OF some hidden treasure. The &C
ton IS supposed TO- pass immediately after
the rebellion OF '9S and there Is the usual tinge
OF disaffection running through the play. Its con
ception Is, however, very pretty, and 1t differs In
most respects from other IrlSn dramas in pivot
ing on popular superstition or legendary belief,
though the means by which the final develop
ments are made cannot lay claim to the same
originality. lt has the merit OF presenting Mr.
Barney Williams IN a cOnRental character and tur-
nishes him with some excellent opportunities Tor
the delineaton OF Irish peasant character In Of
it's quiet, earnest. and, wi:ha, humorous develop
ments.
The Fifth Avenue Theatre.
The Vokes Family gave yesterday at this thea.
ire their farewell performance in America pre-
vious to their departure for London, where they
are engaged to appear at Drury Lane, in the
Christmas pantomtme. The attendance was large
and evidently the performance gave complete sat-
isaction to the Filth avenue audience
for whom the capering comicalities OF the
Vokes Family had the attraction OF
novelty. "Belles or the Kitchen" has
little to recommend 1t from o literary point or
view, but IS brimful OF animal spirits and over
flows with rude kind OF fun. Il has some OF the
spice OF the variety performance without Its vul.
garity In fact, 1t is rose water variety business,
which delights people who would not suffer the
unadulterated article The agile family were as
amusing usual and we have no doubt that,
should they return to America, they will find the
public as well disposed to laugh at their vagaries
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