a season of French plays at the |
'The season of these very attractive performances commenced on Monday [27 January 1845], having been postponed from the preceding week, at first announced in the programme. The opening of the French theatrical campaign is, in the dramatic world, what the first primrose is in the natural one - the sign that winter is on the turn, and that preparations are being made to herald in the spring. The migratory birds of fashion collect together again - some from the Continent, others from provincial hybernacula, and others from living through the winter at the backs of their houses, that the blinds might be down, and the shutter-knobs papered in the front, to gain at least the credit of being out of town. The occupants of the boxes at the French plays no longer wish their attendance to remain a secret to the world on account of the unfashionable period, but swell the lists of the distinguished personages reported as having visited the performances during the week.
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Edna May in The Catch of the Season |
'At the Olympic Edna May has held forth all week in The Catch of the Season, with her English company and English book, which book is insufferably dull. Business has been good, however, because St. Louis is one of the places where Miss May has always had a vogue. If people like that sort of thing, that's the sort of thing they like.'
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Marguerite Sylva as Carmen |
'Marguerite Sylva was last seen in New York in Gypsy Love, which, though rather above the average musical attraction usually shown on Broadway, failed to appeal to the regular habitue of our incandescent thoroughfare, is to become a regular member of the Royal Opera company in Berlin. Emperor William was so impressed by Miss Sylva during her recent singing of Carmen at the Berlin Opera House that he left the royal for a side box nearer the stage, from which he loudly and persistently applauded the singer, afterward enjoying a prolonged conversation with Miss Sylva.'
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© John Culme, 2009