The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-04-08

THE CPERA-FAUsT.-Tbe very cordial
nav, entbusiaStic-recep.ion which was ac-
corded Miss Abbott and ber fine English
Opera Company at the Theatre last night
must have been highly gratifying to the
charming little artistic who has fascinated
much Of Europe and America during the
past few years. 1t was Inteed brilliant
audience, both in point OF beauty and intel
ligence; bot that might have been expected,
for Richmond people are beyond all doubt a
refined and cultivated people. and always illl
the Theatre upon such interesting occasions.
But we intended TO write brief notice OF
tie opera rather than the audience. This
was tie cast: Marguerite. Emma Abbott
Seibel, Zeda Seguln; Martha, Pauline
Maurel; Valentine, A. f. Stoddard: Me-
phisto. W. IL. Macdonald; Wagner, A. W.
Tams; Faust, Tom Karl.
As we have already said, Miss Abbott has,
take il as a whole, n very fine company.
Her chorus, thanks to her good judgment,
is not so large that it is unwieldy; hut they
are admirably drilled, and sing with pre-
cision and effectiveness. Especially were
we struck with the altos. All OF the cho-
rusrs were wen conducted, and added not
a little 10 the general effect OF the opera.
Miss Abbott's Marguerite was very enjoy
able, for in many respects it was new
version OF the character. II was certainly
very girlish representation, and Miss Alb
bolt was as patural in it as she is of the
stage. Her singing, while Lacking thal
power which is possessed by more rQpu>'
women, was of very high order, and to-
wards the end OF the opera, notably in the
prison scene, she eXcelled herself, and was
| time and again most warmly applaudcd
Her acting throughout was excellent, ana
surpassed that of any Marguerite we have
! ever seen.
"Faust" is in every Sense heavy opera
but it is yet most charming one, and II
may be that the audience failed to enjoy il
as much as they would have enjoyed "Fa
yoriia," Martha" or some other lighter
opera. 1t is full, however, OF rich music,
which to the cultivated taste is far more
gratifying than the trashy stuff we so often
hear in these latter days. Miss Abbott is
bundle Of steel springs-a charming little
woman OF culture and refinement, who wall
always draw fine houses here.
Seibel-the ever-pOpular Mrs. Zelda
Seguln, whose sweet face, graceful form,
and fine alto voice will always find well
come here-was the first OF the company 10
receive an encore last night. She returns
TO Richmond looking as fresh and sweet as
she did ten years ago. She sang last night
with fine effect.
Miss Pauline Maurel sang the part OF
Martha. She has an excellent contrato,
and made fine impression.
Mr.. Stoddurd's Valentine was fully ap-
precaled. The death scene was very affect
ing. and throughout the opera be acquitted
himself admirably.
MIR. Macdonald, who we believe made bis
dfJm this season, sang and acted The very
difficult part OF MephistO to the satisfaction,
we suppose, OF the entire audience. He is a
Young man, and will doubtless make his
mark after awhile.
Mr. Tams (Wagner) led the chorus very
acceptably.
Mr., Karrs Faust was not what was eX-
pccted of him, owing possibly TO severe
cold and consequent hOarSeness from when
he was suffering. There was, too, little too
much of the tremuIo, and in this our read
ers will heartily concur.
Much more might be written oil the opera.
There were many very striking ana inter-
esting features to which we would gladly
refer, but the late hour precludes the posi-
bility OF enlarging.
The orchestra was full and well up III
their parts. and under the excellent direc-
ton OF Signor Tomasi, added materially 10
the success OF the opera.
Tonight we are to have the Chimes OF
Normsndy with the following caste: Mig
nonette. Marie Stone: Germaine, ZELDA oe.
guin: Gertrude, Emily Gilbert; MARQUIS OF
ViJle.Roi, A. L. Stoddard; GaspaTd, EMS
Ryse; Sheriff, A. W. Tams; Notary, Harr!
Warren; Robin More, william Castle