Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-04-30


Pressnrasssu or nsIlschsr's Opsrs,
"rhe Dtaek Hsssar,. Last Nighs.
There vas . brilliant audience at the
Theatre last evening to witness the first
presentation here Of "Ths Black Hus-
ear" by Mr.. John McCaull's Comique
Opera Company. The performances
seemed to give real pleasure to oil pre-
sent, furnishing an evening Of genuine
enjoyment. The company is large,
having 8 well.selected and evenly
balanced chorus and an excellent cast.
"The Black Hussar" is . comique
opera containing much beautiful music,
and presented many pleasing scenic
effects. The story of the opera is laid
during the war Of 1872 between Russia
and France, when the border towns Of
Germsny were infested with bands Of
both armies. Trsnteufeld was ruled
by an old magistrate, Theophilus
Hackenback, whose two objects in life
were to remain on the right side Of the
conquered army and to keep his two
daughters, Minna and Rosetta, from re-
ceiving the attention of intruding SOL
diers, and to accomplish this last OBJ
ject be has his daughters disguised in
the most outlandish manner, but is un-
able to conceal their beauty from
the Black Hussar and Adjutant Wald-
mann, two patriotic Germans belong.
ing to Q secret order-the "Sons Of
Truth "a body Of men formed to rid
the country Of the usurpers. These
two -ssen disguised-one Is an army
chaplain, the other IS student--come to
Tranteufeld to secretly incite the in.
habitants against the rule Of the vasci-
lating magistrate, who hangs up pic.
ture Of Napoleon when the French win
. victory and Of the Czar when the
Russians are uppermost. The Black
Hussar ultimately triumphs over French
and Russians alike, and would deal
more severely with the old magistrate
Hackenback but for his love for his
daughter, which ultimately ends in q
happy union.
Underneath the story, which is briefly
told above, there is an undercurrent Of
fun supplied by the Magistrate, his
housekeeper " Barbara" and his jack
of.all-trades " Piefkow."
The title-role last evening was in the
hands Of Mr.. E. W. Hof, the graceful
tenor, formerly of Richmond. He re-
ceived perfect ovation upon his first
entrance. The prolonged applause
which greeted him was an expression
Of which he may feel justly proud.
His voice has lost nothing Of its sweet
ness since he left Richmond, while his
ease of manner upon the stage shows
that he has lost no time in the proper
study of his chosen profession. The
part is pleasing and telling one, yet
it does not afford throughout oppor-
tunity for the really sweet and telling
character Of Mr.. Hofs voice. lie sung
exquisitely the love duet in the second
act, and was then as frequently through
out the opera raptuously encored.
Mr.. De Wolf Hopper, who gave an
inimitable impersenation of the "Magis-
trate. "isnot only an excellent comedian,
but q fine vocalist. His voice is rich,
melodious, and effective. He was very
funny all through the opera, and in the
trio "Read the Answer in the Stars"
between himself, Nine. Cottrelly, and
Mr.. Monte Walker, fairly brought down
the house.
Miss Bertha Ricci was very effective
as " Mmna, and has telling contralto
voice. Rosetta" the sister, was ad-
mirably we'll given by Miss Josie
Knapp, who has a sweet soprano. She
was encTed for her prettily-executed
solo, interpolated in the opening Of the
third act.
Mr.. Mountjoy Walker, an old Rich
mond boy, had prominent part as
Piefkow." He has advanced rapidly
in lis profession, and was often ap-
plauded for his comedy acting. He is
not lacking in confidence, and bids fair
to make his mark.
Nine. Cottrelly a" a" Barbara "played
the role to perfection. She is an ac-
tress of decided talent. Mr.. DUNCAN
as the "Adjutsnt," Mr.. Morrison as
the tragedian, and, in fact, the rest of
the large cast, filled their parts very
acceptably. The company is, indeed,
o fine one, and is well supported by q
full orchestra, under the able direction
of Signor A. de Novellis.
Tonight the company will present
Don Casar," a comic opera by Herr
Rudolf DelliDger. Mr.. Hoff appears as
King Carlos the Second and Signor Pc
rugini as Don Caesar. The opera has
never been given here before, and the
company will present it for the first
time in New York next week.
"A bOx-psrty," given by Richmond
gentlemen to friends from Old Point,
occupied three boxes and was COM
posed as follows:
From Old Point: Mrs. R. J. C.
Walker, Mrs. Thurlow, Miss Adler,
Miss Cooper, Miss Kelly, Miss Carpen-
ter, Miss Preston, Miss Lorder, Miss
Ames, Misses Weightman, Mr.. Ma
comb, Nr. Massey, Mr.. Adams, Mr..
Todd, Mr.. Waite, Mr.. Churchill, Mr..
Thurlow.
From Richmond General Charles
j. Anderson, Colonel 10. Lane Stern,
W. Ii. Allison, j. X. Jones, Charles
Jones, Warner Moore, Page McCarty,
". Fred Peasants, w. Scott Caring
ton.
Governor Lee and two ladies accom-
panying him had seats in the orchestra.