The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-11-05
.AMUSEM ENTS.
TIE ITALIAN GRAND OPERA.

Mr.. Strakosch's company appeared at the
Grand Opera-house last night for the second
time The opera was "Faust," q work so
grand that the temptation is to put it for
ward so frequently as to make it too famil'
in music as well as anything else, and those
who only feel like enjoying the luxury of
the opera once or twice are inclined to
select attractions which are Of recognized
merit but least familiar to them. The rem
dering OF Faust" last night was, in nearly
all respects, most satisfactory one.
The company grows III favor as one be-
comes acquainted with it. and as we find
how much Mr.. Strakosch really has to be
proud of, we wonder that he did not make
more ado about it. Miss La Blanche, who
is sister of Fanny Davenport. made her
first appearance here. Her Marguerite is
an impressive production. She has good
voice, and is one of the finest actresses we
have ever seen on the operate stage. The
role of Marguerite calls for voice distin-
guished for its pathetic quality rather
than any other characteristic and this e.
onirement Mile. La Blanche fully meets.
Her fine dramatic powers also here have
full play.
In the last scene, which demands grand
dramatic action. the Marguerite of last
night was one of the finest We have ever
seen. The Jewel Song" was one of her
most pleasing numbers, and was warmly
received, but not half so much so as it de-
served. Mr.. Lazarini as Faust" is also
an excellent artist. His opening numbers
| in the first act were very brilliant, and he
sustained the fine impression throughout
Mr.. Castlemarv, the "Mephisto," gave us
an original presentation, a more pleasing
and less tiendish fiend than the ordinary
one. He is a fine singer and an actor of no
| little merit. He is Frenchman, and this
is his first season in this country.
Mr.. Gottsclalk, who is not altogether a
stranger, sang "Valentine" very accepta-
bly,, his rendering being an even and pleas
art one throughout, and the same may be
said OF the other artists. The present conf
pany differs from many which we have
seen in this very important particular. In
stead of one great star and one part very
finely sung and all the rest butchered the
whole opera is evenly and acceptably rem
dered. The merit is in the performance rs
a whole rather than in the part of any one
performer. Tonight we are to have
"Aida" with the strongest cast Of the week,
Mile Singer, Aida; Mile Belocca, Am.
neris; Sig. Petrovich, Radames; Sig. Storti,
AmOnasro; Mons. Castelmary, Ramphisi
Sig. La Fontaine, the King.
| EMERsoN's MINsTRELs.
The Ministries at Pixies Opera-h0use last
night had another fine house. 1t is very
large and very thorough minstrel combine
ti0n. Performance every night ano
"Wednesday and Saturday matinee.
HEUCK's opERA-HoUsE.
The second presentation of calvin Jos
lin" at Heuck's last night drew fine
audience. To try and conceive more hu
niorvas character than the one impersOn
ated by Mr.. Davis would, indeed, be diff
cult. His dialect and makeup as an ole
New England farmer is very fine. Mstine'
10 day and same bill the remainder OF th'
week.
| OTHER ATTRACTIONS.
Lawrence Barrett at Pixies and Haveri,
Minstrels at the Grand next week.
Over-the. Rhine-visitors should remembe
Esl1ers' Palace and drop in. The programme
is a lengthy one this week.
F. Gibson, agent for the Wallack Fou
Star Combination is in the city making ar
rangements for the company's appearance
here next week at Heuck's.
The Vipe-street Bonanza continues t
draw big houses at every performance
. The American Four have made hit an
the Swains are catching the boys