Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-04-19

qualified enjoyment, afforded US BY the
Ford Opera Troupe. While the leading
artists Of the company are not great,
yet they are excellent and very grace
ful actors and actresses, and
each particular member knows
his or her part to the
letter, hence they have given a smooth
aud very delightful rendition Of both
The Mascotte" and "Billee Taylor"
The latter, nautical comic opera, in
two acts, was given last night most
charmingly, and the audience-a good
one, considering the threatening
weather-appeared to be thoroughly
appreciative. 1t is not often that
the chorus is called upon for an
encore, but this occurred more than
once last evening. The troupe, as a
whole, make more fun than any other
company which has yet been here. The
audience last nightwas kept in sue
cession OF pleasant surprises from
first to last. Miss Marie BOckell
carried ever so much mischief and
sparkle into the part of Phoebe, and
her fresh young voice is decidedly the
best in the company. In several arias
she exhibited considerable vocal skill
and talent, and she was called upon
more than once for repetition. The
Arabella of May Stembler, the Susan
of Mamie Taylor and Eliza Of
Lille McHenry were clever aud
satisfactory. while the male parts
were full of comic eccentricitiss if
not of fine singing. Mr.. Raymond, as
G. Crab rolled much more music out
Of his voice, than many believed him
capable of, and acquitted himself
handsomely. The scenic features
were picturesque and the performance
as whole left a decidedly favorable
impress ion. This afternoon Audran's
"The Mascotte,' and tonight the
charming "0lvette" by the same au i.
thor. To morrow night we are to
have "Manola, or The Day and the
Night the music Of which is BY Charles
Lecocq. This opera is entirely new to
our people and is said to be one of the
best in the list of the sparkling or
light order of operas.
"ManOIa TO-MOrFOw Night.
The opera of "Manola," to be per-
formed here by the Ford troupe to-
morrow night, for the first time in
this city, is comic opera in three
acts, with the scene laid in Portugal.
Don Braseiro, Governor Of Elves, after
marrying Beatrix by proxy. and whom
he has never SEEN, learns that the
Spauiards have attacked Portuguese
outposts, and is obliged to head the
defenders before his bride arrives.
The lady must be received with due
honor by the young steward, Miguel,
the lover Of Manola. The Prime
Minister, Prime Picrstes de UalabOzas,
an old reprobate, makes love to and
carries Manola of, though she tries Ia
avoid him. The lady escapes and re
turns to Miguel, is pursued by Gala
bozas to the Governors chateau, where
he is led to believe she is the absent
Governors newly. arrived bride. The
Go ,ernor returning UNEXPECTEDLY, il
is necessary to present the pretended
as the real bride, and when the gcnu.
inc arrives it brings about a series Of
complications, which are finally settled
in satisfactory manner. The opera
is iull Of sparkling and delightful
music. which the Ford troupe are fully
capable Of rendering in a pleasing
manner.
The Walking Match.
Mr.. Dan 0'Leary, the famous pedes.
trian, arrived from Nashville early
this morning, accompanied by hi
manager, Mr.. H. j. Masto. The grea,
walker is in fine health and spirits
and is fully prepared to enter upor
his proposed contest next Monday
with that energy and confidence
which so marked his course while
here some weeks ago. 1t is said sil
persons will enter for this match
Their names appear among the amuse
ment cards to day.
The Fitts-PieTce Concert.
Next Monday, The oath instant, i
tho day fixed for the proposed bene6
to Mrs. Lou Fits and Miss Bessi
Pierce, by their friends and pupils
The programme has not yet been an
nounccd but it will contain many mu
steal gems, and it is expected that
large audience will assemble to hea
lit.