The New York herald., 1876-03-07
ADJUSTMENTS.
ENGLISH OPERA.


Tho Academy of Music was crowded to It's fullest
extent on the occasion of the performance OF Meyer
beers opera "L'Etoile du Nord last night The opera
was given in unexceptionable form ON February l6
1854 according to the best authorities the opera
gwen for the FIRST time in Paris, with Mile. Caroline
Duprez as the Catarina. We heard II a season
after in London with Sophie Cruvei in the riie
The performance last evening something 10 be
mcmbcred MISS Kellogg who last sang II on the
Italian stage in tins city at time when French
critic thinks that Il was irsi produced even IN Europe
then created n furorc in TIE leading role Last night
she admirable IN every of the word The RE
of Catarina is very peculiar one Its dramatic and
vocal demands excessive on any artist. Yet from
the 1rs the last note Miss Kellogg proved herself
entreN equal the arduous task she had undertaken.
A clear birdlike vet sympathetic and cxpressonabie
voice; acting that was in accord with the highest
hstrionc standards and stage presence more
than ordinarily atIractive--such were the char
the leading rle The other roles were
successfully undertaken Especially may be men,
toned the sparkling duet of the vivanderes by Mrs.
Seguin tho best English contrao on the stage to-day,
and Miss Lancaster, very clever artist Mr. Mas
was very successful Danwintz Mr. Conly's fine bass
voice was heard to advantage tho re OF Peter, and
Harry Peakes drilled his soldiers according 10 Hoye
land he has a benefit tonight, showing that he IS
popular actor and superb singer) But the principal
feature OF the performance was Miss Clara Louise
Kellogg
''DES ISRAEL" AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE
The Jewish play of "Ben Israel" was produced
at the Grand Opera House last night for the first time
on any stage. The author, Mr.. Edward w. Tullidgc
has chosen theme which is in itself dramatic and has
in the hands of shakespeare and Mosenhal proved
perennial attraction The Jew, prosecuted by tho
Christian appeals to tho magnanimty and the justice
OF the world Mr Tulldgc repeats the old effects with
much power Ben Israel is the descendant OF the royal
race of Judah and his granddaughter Rachel the sole
surviving representative OF hundred generations
Fhc scene IN which these strange Hebrews play their
parts is England In the time Of Charles II Like Leah
Rachel loves Christian, but their union Is iorbdden
by Ben Israeli who VIII not consent TO see the royal
line Of David perish. These elements lead several
dramatic situations The old Hebrew is finally accused
OF the murder OF Sir Walter Tcinpiar, the Christian
lover OF Rachel and IN the fourth creates hne
effect by his refusal OF The offer OF King
Charles to aid in his escape from prison.
holding that he cannot honoraby fly til his
Innocence is established The plot into which these
characters and feelings slight The play
is well written, aud TO great extent in blank
1t reminds one OF "The Merchant OF Venice" Of Bul-
wcrs "Richeou and OF "Leah, {" but the author is
not direct mitator of these works and deserves
much credit for his Itelgent and forcibe production.
Mr. j. IL. Vinson is evidently fine actor, although
last night he was suffering from a cold His reading
was full OF energy and spirit and his emphasis
almost invariably accurate. Miss Amelia Waugh,
who played Rachel was decidedly ovcrweightcd by the
character which is tragic TO the highest degree Mr.
Jordan played Sir Walter fairly and Mr. H. Dalton
very good Charles III. Some agreeable light comedy
was gwen by Mrs. W. e. Jones Meg. The audience
applaudcd throughout, and when I" Ben Israel" has
the benefit of a few nights the performance will
no doubt DO much improved.