National Republican., 1883-04-17

was the same clever, saucy, and fascinating
assumption that has become so popular In other
cities. As olivette, Miss Lewis comes
nearer TO the French ideal than any other
actress on this side Of the water, to say the
least. II Is even an opon question whether
she does not give too much Of the Partisan
accent Ito use mild term) to her
dancing in the second act. 1t
would be flying in the face of
the public to enter into an extended argu-
ment on that particular point for the audience
enjoyed the relish of IL enough to demand as
many encores as could bo comfortably crowded
In. The "Sob" song in the second act was
deliciously sung and tho same should be said
Of the interpolated Drinkers Song" which
was given with delightful abandon. Atthe
end Of the second act Miss Lewis was called
before tho curtain TO acknowledge o tumul-
tuous compliment, which in this case was due
as much TO her heols ss TO her voice. Miss
Constance +. Lowis appeared as the Countess,
but her acting was nervous and amateurish.
When this lady loses some of her self-con-
sciousness she will makoa far moro favorable
impression but IL is only just TO say that her
defects were undoubtedly tho result Of mex
pcrience. Her singing numbers were a
source Of genuine pleasure. She sang the
famous waltz song in the first act with more
than ordinary effect. Her voice is fresh and
strong, II shows the effect Of careful training,
and is therefore under most excellent con-
troll. Mr.. Henri Laurent, who was the Val
entine, played and sang much better than was
expected Of him. Mr.. Laurents voice Is not
Of the pleasantest His upper notes have
decided tendency toward harshness, and he
is often found to be singing fat when using
his upper register. Last evening he was at
his best, and gave as good satisfaction as he
Is capable OF. Mr.. Joseph s. Greensfelder was
the Captain do Merrimac, and improved most
of his opportunities. His humor is Of rather
raw material there are some refined touches
but candor compels tho statement that they
are for the most part initiated. Take for in
stance the guitar business in the third act
which is borrowed from the Interpretation oi
Mr.. John Howson, who was probably
the most artistic de Merrimac that
has been seen in this country. Mr.. Fred
Lennox made q very clever Coquelicot and
Mr.. T. V. Ricketts, a passable Due des Ifs
Tho chorus singing was, as q rule, in time and
tune, and the orchestral part of the perform
ance gives occasion to say good word for the
musicians. The house bills said last night
that Olivette was Miss Lewis's original orea.
tion. Tho truth OF the matter is that Audran's
opera was first produced in this country at the
Gaiety theater, Boston, with Miss Blanche
Correlli in the title role, Mr. Laurent as Val
entine, Mr.. Greensfeldor as Coquelicot, and
Mr.. Harry Brown as tho Due des Ifs. Miss
Lewis may perhaps be credited with having
re.created 1t, as Richelieu did France-and the
similarity in the nature Of tho achievement
may be carried farther, inasmuch as the re-
creation was also an Improvement. "olivette'
will be repeated during the remainder of the
performances Of the week al the Nationa
theater, where its charming and tripping
melodies will doubtless draw large houses.