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FOOTLIGHT NOTES
no. 337
updated
Saturday, 28 February 2004
Rothomago
revived at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, November 1877
Scenes from d'Ennery, Clairville and Monnier's fairy play
Rothomago, revived at the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, November 1877.
above left, Rothomago with his son; above centre, Rothomago imploring help from the Fairies;
above right, Blaisinet and the fairy Rageuse; below, The triumph of Ariadne
(engraving from The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, London, 16 November 1877, p.185)
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'Rothomago has been revived with new costumes and effects at the Théâtre du Châtelet, where it was very successful. Played successively at the Théâtre du Cirque and the Gaité, and here at its third appearance, it is richer, more brilliant and resplendent than ever. Magnificent scenery, a splendid mis en scène, elegant and fantastic costumes by Grévin, a striking ballet, and very amusing dialogue, assure for Rothomago a great success as has usually been gained by this most amusing of magicians. The piece is chiefly supported by Cooper as Blaisinet, and by Mdlle. Vanghell, who acts the part of Rothomago junior with much vigour. At the top of our illustration, is represented the ballet of the Hours, the benevolent fairies who take young Rothomago under their protection, the hours of Eating, Working, Sleeping, &c. Below in the Bacchanalian triumph of Ariadne, with the fauns carrying children upon their shoulders. On the left are Rothomago and his father, the immortal magician, and on the right, gormandizing Blaisinet, and the kind fairy Rageuse. The story runs thus – Rothomago, the son of an enchanter, has recovered a talisman from the Hours, by means of which all his desires may be gratified, and while courting, loses it. This talisman is in the form of a watch, and is found by Blaisinet. This causes some complications, which are eventually put right by the enchanter's son, listening to the advice of her he loves, and abandoning all claim to the supernatural, consenting to live with her as a mere mortal husband.' * * * * * * * * The English version of Rothomago, Rothomago; or, The Magic Witch, a four act fairy spectacular by H.B. Farnie, was produced at the Alhambra, Leicester Square, London, on 22 December 1879. The cast included Harry Paulton, Constance Loseby, Hetty Tracy, Emma Chambers, and the dancer Erminia Pertoldi.
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© John Culme, 2004
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