The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-02-11

THE OpERA-THE HUGUENoTs.--I must
have been more than gratifying to the bril-
liant audience that graced the Theatre last
night to witness the ease, grace, and success
with which Meyerbeer's sublime opera " The
Huguenotsn was mastered by Miss Kellog9's
great company. 1t was the first time, we
believe, that it has ever been presented in
this ity-certaiply the Grand English Opera
Troupe never played it here before but II
thew were not successful in its rendition be-
fore. it is quite certain that last nights per-
formance made up for past deficiencies.
The story of the opera is full OF interest,
and begins lust previous to the massacre OF
the Huguenots on the eve of st. Bartholomew,
when young Protestant named Raoul DE
Naupis-which character was assumed by
Mr., William Castlc-haying, through the in
terest of Admiral Coligny, received com
mission in the army, is introduced TO his
brother officers while they are assembled
at the chateau of Count de Nevers,
a Catholic nobleman OF gay anu ols-
sipated habits. During the festivities
given by De NeVers it 10 proposed
that each of the company shall relate his
amours, and it is decided that the basnfut
Raoul shall begin. He does so, and tells
how he rescued lady from the rude hanos
of party of students, and how, smltten oy
her beauty, he lost his heart. he did not
even know who the fair lady was. haoui
was accompanied by faithful servant, Ma
raj, (Mr. Comfy who was horror-struck When
be saw bis master drinking WIFI the Catnohc
officers. n..,
Mr.. Castle, ever welcome in Rlchmondi,
ever graceful in gesture and act, sang haours
part with fervor Of pathos that seemed uh-
eoualed before. His mellow tenor voice Is
as sweet as when he was here one year ago,
and his acting has lost none OF inat hnisheo
refinement for which be has SO long been
noted. But to the story again: While Raou'
| rectes his experience, Yel'ed laay:
whom he recognizes rs the tair one he
rescued, enters the garden. DE Ne'ers
| has an interview with her, ana nnahy
ascertains that it is maid of honor TO queen
Margaret of VaIois represented by MISS
Annie Moutague). She has been prom'S'u
| in marriage to De NeVers, but at the deSlre
Of Margaret she waits on her intended nus
band TO urge him to release her from hei
promise. He agrees. The lidy's name Is
Valentine, and was represented IN the opera
last night by Madam Van Zanot.
Madam Van Zandt is not unknown IL
Richmond. Upon her first visit to this city
last season she capiyated all who heard her
sing, and left many friends when she went
away. Last night she won new laurels to
her already well. established reputation as a
nrima donna of no ordinary merit. Miss
Montague, too, came in for the heartiest
APPLAUSE for the charming manner IN which
she assumed her part as Queen.
The argument of the opera proceeds, and
JJrbana Mrs. Seguin), page to the Queen, en-
tiers bringing q letter to the young soldier,
wbicn informs him that he must De leo
away blindfolded. Mrs. Seguin was IN
splendid voice, and her 1ne contrato seemed
sweeter than ever before. As she came upon
the stage a cordial welcome was given her,
and when she sang her solo IN the
second. act, part of which is an echo
song. she was rapturously eneored. and
comnelled BY her admiring audience to
relelt; which she did very gracefully: But
this was not her only triumph, for during the
entire opera she sang with Wonderlui eX-
pressiop, and was time and again rewarded.
But TIE story OF the opera goes that
Valentine is also deeply in love
with Raoul, and the Queen deter"
mines to marry the lovers. The young
soldier is conducted blindfoded to the gar
dem. where he Is dszzled by MaIgarees
besi,ty. and promises to do her bidding, not
tnowing that she is the Queen. When her
rank ia discovered she tells bim oil her In
tention OF giving him in marriage
to Catholic lady; but when Val.
entine is brought before him ne
ref1lses the alliaass, believing that aer anec-