The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-01-03


Haverly's excellent Comic Opera Company
appeared at the Richmond Theatre twice
yesterday-at Il matinee and an evening
performance. On both occasions they pre-
sented Gilbert d Sullivan's operate satire
on astheticism to large and well-pleased
audiences.
We always expect rather undemnstra-
tive audiences ut matinees, from the fact
that they are composed almost entirely OF
ladies, and loud applause is not eXlctly in
keeping with female decorum. Yet we
have seldom, il ever, seen so cold an as
sembage as that which greeted tbs COM
pany yesterday afternoon. The company
gave a correct and clever Interpretation OF
the work, albeit it differed i'm many 'espects
from that given by Mr.. FOrd's company;
vet song after song, and chorus after cho-
rus, went by in the first act without elicit
ing any applause, until Mr.. AlonZ' Hatch,
as the Duke, seemed to touch sympathetic
chord when he sang his solo in the finale OF
the first act. He enjoyed a decided recall,
and from this point the audience began to
warm up in giving expression totheir ap-
preciatiOn until by the middle Of the sec
Ond act they appeared positively to enjoy
most everything that came along.
Though Miss Rosa Stella wa, billed for
the title-r0le, Miss Dora Wiley appeared rs
Patience" and she sang the part charm
ingly. She has very nice voice indeed,
and understands well how to use ii. All
her numbers were beautifully executed,
yet in the afternoon her pretty opening
song fell fiat, while her chaste and sweet
vocalization in the duet with Lady Angela
Miss Manired) called forth but FAINT eX-
preston OF approval. As Lady saphir
Miss Pauline Hall looked very beautiful
and sang well, while Miss Rose Wilson,
who played the part of Lady Ella, possesses
a remarkably fresh and pure voice con-
siderable power, though it needs clltiya-
tion TO tone it down.
Miss Gertrude Orme makes a opital
Lady Jane, filling as she does eyey re-
quirement OF the role. Her solo II the
opening OF the second act was eXcelently
well sung, though her counterfeit mmipu-
lationS OF the bass violin were not as ecep-
tive as others we have seen. Her vdce is
rich and well cultivated
Mr.. William II. Seymour's Bunhone
was an easy and clever impersonation and
although we were inclined at firstto be
disappointed with his conception, wewere
more than pleased with the manner in
which he worked it up as he progressed.
In his duel with GrOsyenOr (Mr. =. NJ.
Pyke) he was recalled time and time gain,
and responded with some telling loca hits.
Mr.. ]. +. Dalton was acceptable s the
"Colonel," and sings quite well, although
we thought the tempos in which he TOOK
his two songs III the FIRST act were fcarully
slow. Indeed, in much OF the first act
there seemed to be a want Of spirit.
Mr.. Hatch has sweet but very dttennted
tenor voice. His singing seemed b be
greatly admired. Mr. Henri LearocS, as
the Major, was exceedingly funny. He Is
a good comedian, has great powers in facial
expression, and makes the most o his
part. The chorus, which is very full,
showed excellent training, and the cmpa-
ny, as Il whole, acquitted itself more than
creditably.
The company brings beautiful scenery,
together with an orchestru which, rein
forced by some OF our city musicals, Is
very effective. 1t is really refreshing TO
hear full, well-balanced orchestra n the
Theatre once in while.
In compliance with the request OF " many
citizens" 4" "Patience will again b, per-
formed tonight. The change is ratler to
be regretted, as the Pirates OF Penzmce"
is favorite opera with the people Of Rich
mond.