'>%bXM% 0f $0ttpW. ^PAJf. ,W.ffB..7 i 7 A UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. SYNOPSIS 1 jfanwnj, § nmUnte, &mp f §mm f tti. f *& % FAIRY EXTRAVAGANZA f Willi Will € T NOW BEING PERFORMED *VERY EVENING & SATURDAY AFTERNOON && BOSTON f HEATRy. 1 * 7 jr. 13. BOOTKC, - *^!S«a:uftk.2>T- Fairies. ? Miss D. Goldthwaite Emerald ) ( Miss Johnson First Page — Miss A. Winslow | Second Page Miss Ramsdale Courtiers, Chamberlains, Pages, Amazons, Soldiers, Bayaderes, Ladies, etc., etc. THE GRAND VIENNESE BALLET TROUPE, JARRETT AND PALMER, CONSISTS OP Amongst whom will be found the following Distinguished Artistes : — M'lle MARIE WESMAEL, M'lle EUGENIA LUPO, M'lle E. VENTUROLI, M'lle G. MAZZERI, M'lle MARIE ADRIAN, M'lle SCHLAGER, M'lle EUGENIA OBERTI, M'lle LOUISA MAZZERI, M'lle C. GUERRERIO, M'lle ELENI FRANCISCO. OXOV-^ISnNTX LUPO, The 'Greatest Living Male Dancer, from the Grand Theatres, Oporto, Lisbon, and Barcelona. CORYPHEES: M'LLES GABRIELLE, ELISE, MARIANNE, DAHLIA, MADELINE, TERESA, LUCETTE, EMELINE, JOHANSON, GISETTA, MARIE, MARIETTA, GEORGIANNI, ADELE, VICTORINE, BERTHA, * LOUISE, LEOLINE, CAROLINA, HENRIETTA, From the Imperial Opera House, and Principal Theatres of Vienna. Misses LIZZIE KELSEY, A. WILLIAMS, O. BERNARD, E. LAIRD, SALLIE MADDOX, E. MADDOX, H. MORDAUNT, WILMOT, H. KELSEY, M. MILLER, L. CLINTON, L. NATHAN From Covent Garden and Astley's Theatre, London. Together with a CORPS DE BALLET OF FIFTY LADIES, Selected from the principal European and American Theatres. , The Fairy Extravaganza of " The White Fawn " is an, English adaptation, in a Prologue and Three Acts, of the great Parisian Spectacle, "La Biche au Bois," and is from the pen of James Moriimer, Esq., of Paris. Below will be found a full synopsis of the Plot, Scenery, Incidents, and Dances, prepared expressly with a view of facilitating spectators in thoroughly enjoying this most gorgeous Spectacle. 1ft* grotop*. At the rise of the curtain, " the Exterior of the Palace of King Dingdong, the Magnificent Monarch of Bell-Isle," is discovered ; the stage filled with guards, courtiers, people in holiday costumes, etc., among whom are to be seen Pages of the King, in rich liveries, busily engaged in distributing purses of money. All are singing in chorus : — Air. — The Soldiers' Fanfare in "Faust." "Ding! Dong! So merrily ring the bells ! Their song The joyful tidings tells ! Ding! Dong! Hark ! still the anthem swells. To welcome the morn, A Princess is born. Hail ! Queen of the Bells ! " At the end of the chorus, King Dingdong enters, leaning on the shoulder of his Lord High Chamberlain, Count Tinculum. The King informs his subjects that a daughter has been born unto him; and, in honor of the joyous event, for three months the city shall be kept constantly illuminated, and that, for that space of time, they shall be absolved from all labor, and all duties except taxation. The people then retire, and Count Tinculum, struck with a sudden thought, informs the King that, in his list of invitations toWhe christening of the royal infant, he had forgotten the name of the 4: THE WHITE PAWX. powerful Aqualina, the Fairy of the Lake ; but that the rest of the Fairies in his dominions had received invitations. To remedy this oversight, and to appease Aqualina, Count Tinculum determines to take the blame on himself. The King then gives orders for the preparation of a magnificent banquet; and while the tables are being laid, the fairies Ruby, Emerald, and Torquoise arrive, and inform the King that they intend to stand as godmothers to his daughter. The royal infant is then brought in, lying in a splendid cradle ; and the fairies confer on her the gifts of Chastity, Goodness, Wit, and Beauty, and name her the Princess Graceful. The festiv- ities now commence, during which a grand ballet (Paction takes place, and in which M'lles Wesmael, Lupo, Venturoli, Adrian, Oberti, Mazzeri, Guerrerio, Francisco, La Petite Schla- ger, and Sig. Lupo, take principal parts, assisted by a corps of thirty-two Coryphees. The ballet is just concluded, when the stage suddenly becomes dark, a loud clap of thunder is heard, and Aqualina rises up through the stage. She upbraids the King for his ingratitude and neglect in not having invited her to the festiv- ities, cries woe to him, and double woe to his daughter, whom she is about to strike dead ; but, at the intercession for mercy of the other Fairies, she determines to abate her wrath, and saying to tho King^ — " Woe, woe betide thy daughter here, If e'er she sees the light of day, Until the hour her sixteenth year Shall be complete, and passed away. Beware ! beware ! * she disappears in the midst of flames. The King is in despair at this cruel sentence ; but to avert any mischance which may befall the Princess, Ruby, Emerald, and Torquoise, determine to build for her a tower without doors or windows, in which she shall be kept from the light of day, and in safety, till the completion of her six- teenth birthday. They wave their wands, and immediately the stage becomes filled with a number of Elves, some as architects, and some as masons, carpenters, bricklayers, and painters, who immediately set to work. As they labor, they sing the following chorus : " Build, little men, build ! build, build, build! Let the plank be planed and drilled ; Be your mistress's will fulfilled. Build, build, build, build! Saw, saw, saw, saw, Chisel, file, and rasp, Lock, bar, screw, hinge, Bolt, and clasp. Walls and windows and doors, Roofs and ceilings and floors ; Quick, quick, quick ! each lad with his ladder. Run, ply your hammers amain, Tap, tap, tap, again- Tap, tap, tap, the hammer goes, Click, click, click 1 the work draws to a close ! " At the conclusion of the chorus, a beautiful palace is seen com- pleted at the back of the stage j and in it the infant Princess is placed as the curtain descends. THE WHITE FAWN. 5 [A lapse of sixteen years is supposed to take place between the Prologue and the Drama.] Ittt »♦ Scene I. — A Hall in the Palace of Queen Saffronilla, opening on to large gardens at the back. An alcove is at the left, before which is drawn a large yellow satin curtain. Queen Saffronilla enters, atiended by her Pages and Lord Ticad- dledum, the esquire of her son, the Prince Leandei\ Twaddledum informs the Queen of the story of the Princess Graceful, and also tells her, that having seen her portrait her son Leander has fallen desperately in love with Graceful. They conceal themselves as Leander enters, who, drawing aside the yellow curtain, discovers the portrait of Graceful, and pours out his love for the original. The Queen comes from her concealment, and tells him that state reasons render it necessary that he should wed Aika, Queen of the Ebony Islands. This the Prince refuses to do, and the Queen finally accedes to his wishes to marry Graceful; and • Twaddledum is sent ambassador to the court of King Dingdong, to ask the hand of his daughter for the Prince. As Twaddledum leaves to make preparations for his journey, the Princess Aika is announced. She is accompanied bv Abdafla, an enchanter. Aika doubts the sin- cerity of Saffronilla and Leander. Abdafla gives her two bouquets, each one of which contains the flower of truth, and by which she can prove their sincerity. She presents the bouquets to the Prince and his mother; and the moment they receive them, the flower wilts, and discloses their treachery. Twaddledum now enters, car- rying a yellow banner, on which is inscribed, " Prince Leander to the Princess Graceful," and Aika becomes aware that Graceful is her rival She vows vengeance on the Princess, and hurls a defi- ance on Saffronilla as the scene closes. Scene II. -^ A Richly-Furnished Apartment in the Dark Tower. It is without door or window, though it is brilliantly ilia* minated with variegated lamps. Finetta, the waiting-maid of the Princess, enters. Song. — Finetta. Words by Dexter Smith. Music by N". Lothian. " I'm waiting for thee, love, in the willow glen; I'm counting the moments, again and again. I think of thee only, And I 'm ever lonely, When thou art not beside me, my own true love. The stars above me shining, Seem for thy presence pining ; Oh, why art thou delaying to cheer thy lover's heart ? I 'm waiting for thee, love, in the willow glen ; I'm counting the moments, again and again. I think of thee only, And I'm ever lonely, When thou art not beside me, my own true love. 1* 6 THE WHITE FAWN. " Then hasten to me, love, in the willow glen, And whisper the sweet words again and again; I >11 love thee forever, Be false to thee never, While life and love are with me, my own true love. The days before me smiling, All care and doubts beguiling, Need but thy presence, darling, to cheer them evermore. I 'm waiting lor thee, love," etc. At the termination of the song, the King enters, and, from a con- versation Finetta has with him, we learn that he has received a letter asking the hand of the Princess in marriage with Leander. Finetta then informs the King, that as she was walking with the Princess the previous night in the woods, a medallion, containing the portrait of a handsome youth dressed in yellow, fell at the feet of the Princess, who picked it up and placed it around her neck . This proved to be a portrait of Leander. Lord Twaddledxtm now enters, bearing presents, and the King consents to the marriage. But it yet wants three months before the spell placed on the Princess by Aqualina will be broken. The Princess is determined to set out for the court of Saffronilla at once ; and to prevent her seeing the light of day, a dark palanquin is constructed, in which she is to make the journey ; and she departs as the following song and chorus is sung by the King and others : King Dingdong. M Off you go now, my pretty daughter, Off you go in that queer machine ! Off you go, though you had n ? t oughter, Off you go, in your palanquin t Chorus. — Palanquin, palanquin I Pretty daughter of our queen, Off you go, in your palanquin ! Palanquin, palanquin. Ha, ha, ha ! Ha, ha, ha f Off you go, in your palanquin ! Lord Twaddledum. u Here >s the key, to lock up her highness ; Not a ray of light shall be seen ; Not an eye shall pry on her shyness, When she ? s in her palanquin. Chorus.-— Palanquin, palanquin, etc. King Dingdong. 14 If you won't stay, my gentle daughter, I, of course, will not make a scene; Tiiough my temper 's short, yours is shorter; So step into your palanquin. Chorus. — Palanquin, palanquin, etc." Scene III. — The Enchanted Lake in the Forest op Syca- mores, by Moonlight. The scene opens with a GRAND BAL- LET OF FIRE-FLIES, by M'lle Wesmael and Twenty Coryphees. THE WHITE FAWN. 7 At the termination of the ballet, Leander and Huntsmen enter, and set off to the chase; as they exit, Aika and Abdalla, who are in wait for the escort of Graceful, enter. Aika prays to Aqualina, her protecting genius, to aid her vengeance. Aqualina appears and promises her assistance. Mu^ic is heard in the distance, and Aika and Abdalla retire. The GRAND PROCESSION OF THK PRINCESS comes on: and as they are halting for a few minutes repose, Leander and his huntsmen enter. The Prince hegs to hear the voice of his betrothed; and at this moment, Aika and her negro troops ru^h on, attack the palanquin with clubs and break it open, and the Princess Graceful is discovered, transformed into a WHITE FAWN. The prophecy is fulfilled, and the vengeance of Aqualina is complete, A Grand Tableau as the curtain descends. Scene I. — A Cavern in the Bowels of the Earth. Finetta, Leander, and Twaddledum enter in search of the Fairy Ruby, whose help they are about to implore in removing the A from Graceful, Ruby appears as the Queen of Fire, and tells the Prince that she has not the power to restore completely the Princess to her natural form, but that she will soften her punishment, and that, after nightfall, she shall resume the shape of a woman ; but that, at sunrise of each day, she must again become a Fawn. She then gives the Prince a ruby ring as a talisman, which will protect him in the midst of the many dangers by which he is threatened, and dismisses them to the upper earth. Scene II. — The Yellow Draw t ing-Room. King Dingdong and Queen Saffronilla are discovered at a tea- table, and Graceful and Aqualina, who is disguised as the Blue Page are seated on an ottoman. Aqualina sings : Song. — "The Happy Muleteer." " O'er mountain steep, through valleys roaming, How happy is the muleteer 1 With joyous heart, with jocund song, FFom blush of day To twilight gray, Laughing winds he his way along, The merry, happy muleteer. At vine-clad door a welcome guest, By toil subdued, how calm his rest I Fading grandeur, Dreams of splendor, Build no rainbow castle in his breast* % Thoughts of home therein are dear ; O'er mountain steep, through valleys roaming, How happy is the muleteer I O THE WHITE FAWN. M His native vale, where flowers are blooming, Enchants alone the muleteer ; His rustic home, his lovely bride, Their heart's best joy, _ The smiling boy, Slumbering tranquilly by her side ; There, there delights the muleteer. For them he braves the mountain way, The wolf by night, the storm by day ; Hall of splendor, Dreams of grandeur, Ne'er lead his manly heart astray. Thoughts of home alone are dear; O'er mountain steep, through valleys roaming, How happy is the muleteer 1 At the close, Finetta enters, and is ordered to sing. Song. — Finetta. . " Ah ! que J' aime les Militaires 1 " — From " The Grand Duchess." Ah ! que j' aime les militaires 1 J' aime les militaires ! J' aime les militaires ! Leur uniforme coquet, leur moustache et leur'plumet Ah I que j' aime les militaires I J' aime les militaires ! J' aime les militaires ! Leur air vainqueur, leur manieres, en eux tout me plait. Quand je vois le mes soldats, Prets & partir pour la guerre, Fixes droits, 1' oeil k quinze pas, Vraiment, je suis toute frere. At the close of FinettcCs song, Twaddledum enters on a high wooden horse, which is brought in by grooms ; he has the talisman, by rubbing which the horse disappears, leaving him on the stage. Aqualina no sooner learns that Twaddledum has the talisman, than she resolves to gain possession of it, or render it useless. She therefore works upon the credulity of Finetta, who is in love with Twaddledum, by telling her that, as long as the ring is held by him, he can govern her against her will; and that, if she wants to take the management of affairs into her own hands, she must obtain it and throw it into the lake. This Finetta resolves to do; and having, in a moment of endearment, succeeded in drawing the ring from the hand of Twaddledum, she hurls it into the water. The Prince now enters in great excitement, and asks for the talisman. Aika and guards enter and take them prisoners. She informs the Prince what has become of the ring, and he springs through the window into the lake, followed by Twaddledum, while the guards of Aika take off the King, Queen, and Finetta prisoners, as the scene changes. Scene III. — The Kingdom of Fishes, at the Bottom op the Enchanted Lake. The Prince and Twaddledum. are in search of the talisman. IMPOSING PROCESSION OF THE DENIZENS OF THE THE WHITE FAWN. 9 DEEP. King Salmon enters, and to him Leander makes known the cause of his presence in his realms. The talisman is restored, and the Prince places it on his finger. He is anxious to depart, but King Salmon begs him to partake of his hospitality. This Leander accepts; and a Grand Ballet des Poissons is given, in which M'lles Wesmael, Ltjpo, Venturou, Adrian, Mazzeri, Oberti, Guerrero, Francisco, Schlager, Sig. Lupo, and the full corps de ballet appear. , At the end of the ballet, the scene is transformed into the Rising Bath of the Naiads, and the curtain falls on a resplendent tableau. net J$K> Scene I. — The Royal Kitchen in the Palace of Aika. As the curtain rises, King Dingdong, Princess Graceful, and Queen Saffronilla are discovered in the costume of servants, engaged in preparing a dinner. They are bemoaning their fate, when Abdalla enters and orders a sumptuous repast to be prepared for Aika. They demur to preparing it, and Abdalla goes for his minions for the purpose of having them whipped into obedience. Finetta now enters, and tells them she has seen Twaddfedum and the Prince, who, shortly after, makes his appearance, and informs them he has come to save them. Abdalla returns, accompanied by the guards. The Prince rubs the talisman, and the kitchen utensils are instantly animated, and come in from different entrances and dance around the stage. Leander and the others are overpowered by Aika and her guards as the scene closes. Scene II. — The Dungeon in the Palace of Aika. Aika enters, followed by Abdalla, whom she incites to murder the Princess Graceful, and thus rid her of her hated rival. Abdalla promises obedience to her wishes ; and the moment fixed for the assassination is when the clock strikes three during a festival which is to be given. Abdalla departs to see to the preparation of the fete, and Leander is brought into the presence of Aika. She up- braids him with his treachery, and demands the fulfilment of his promise to wed her. The Prince says the promise was his mothers, not his, and refuses her hand, as his heart is in the possession of Graceful. In her rage at the refusal, Aika dooms the Prince to slavery, and Graceful to death. To gain t|me, Leander now dissem- bles, and promises, if the life of GracefS is spared, to wed Aika. At this Aika stamps her foot, and Abdalla re-enters, and in a loud voice she tells him to free Graceful and her father, and to see that they are treated with all the honor due to their rank ; but in gromg out, as she passes Abdalla, she says to him in a low voice, " When the clock strikes three, remember ! " 10 THE WHITE FAWN. Scene III. — The Gkeat Hall op State in the Palace* op Aika. GORGEOUS MARRIAGE PROCESSION OF ATKA AND LEANDER, in which 250 AUXILIARIES TAKE PART. At the end of the Procession ^Aika, Leander, Saffromlla, Abdalla, and Guards enter, and take places. GRAND AND IMPOSING BALLET OF PRINCIPALS, CORYPHEES, AND CORPS DE BALLET OF FIFTY LADIES. At the end of the ballet, the clock strikes three. AiJca calls* on Abdalla to remember his oath. He raises his arm to stab Graceful, but suddenly stands motionless. A peal of thunder is heard, and the fairies A gualina and Ruby rise up through the stage. Abdalla s arm drops powerless by his side. Aqualina then turns to Aika, and says, — "Hitherto thou hast been protected by my power; but this day, thoughts of murder have come.across thy mind, and I renounce thee. Hear thy sentence! Entombed in the bosom of the earth shalt thou remain, until thy rival's happiness is complete." She then gives Graceful to the Prince, but informs him that, ere she can regain her human form forever, he must seek the bright gardens of the Palace of Dewdrops, and gather the enchanted flower, of which, when she inhales the perfume, the spell under which she suffers shall have passed away. The Prince takes his departure, and the Grand Transformation is effected to the BRIGHT GARDENS OF THE PALACE OF DEWDROPS, the most gorgeous and elaborate scene ever displayed in this coun- try, and which is pronounced on all hands to be the CULMINATION OF SCENIC AND MECHANICAL EFFECT. JAI\I\ETT & PALMER'S VIENNESE BALLET TROUPE. Beyond a perad venture, the Grand Viennese Ballet Troupe of Messrs. Jarrett & Palmer is, in point of excellence as well as numbers, the most attractive and accomplished ever presented to the public of this country. The ballet proper consists of the hith- erto unprecedented number of ten principal dancers, or soloists, each one of whom is the tqual of any dancer in the country: and thirty-two coryphees, each one capable, in cases of necessity, of as- suming a principal part. The troupe was selected and forwarded during the summer last past by Mr. Jarrett in person, who visited all the most celebrated European Opera Houses and Theatres, and culled from them their freshest and most attractive artistes. And the result of his labors has been the assembling together of a troupe which, we venture to say, has not been surpassed, if indeed equalled, by any similar organization in the world. Foremost in this great array of saltatorial talent — although, perhaps, where all are equals no foremost position should be assigned — is M'LLE MARIE WESSV1AEL, Principal Dan^euse of the Theatre Porte St. Martin, Paris. The lady is a native of Austria, having been born at Vienna in the Fall of 1850. She is descended from a long line of celebrated dancers j and early in life, having evinced an extraordinary aptitude for the ballet, was placed in the famous conservatory of that city, where, under the tuition of the most famous Maitres de Ballet, she soon displayed a proficiency which placed her far in advance of her co temporaries, and caused her to be the envy of all. M'lle Wes- mael soon achieved the position of leading dancer at the principal theatre of Vienna, where, she became a prime favorite with the aristocracy and nobility. Her fame was not long in reaching Paris, and she was engaged tp hold the posiflpn of principal dancer for the Porte St Martin Theatre. It was nere that Mr. Jarrett first saw her; and, struck with her great ability, determined to secure her services, at any price, for the troupe he was about forming. In this determination, happy for the American public, he succeeded. la the person of M'lle Wesniael, " the poetry of motion " has 12 JARRET AND PALMER'S BALLET TROUPE. reached its climax. She would have satisfied Benedick, for in her " all graces be in one woman." In her every movement and gest- ure, she is as graceful as tk the silvery-footed antelope ; " and after witnessing one of her captivating dances, one is tempted to say of her in the language of Prince Florizel to Perditta, — " When you do dance, I wish you A wave o' the sea, that you might ever do Nothing but that ; move still, still so, and own No other function." Following in the footsteps of M'lle Wesmael, and in all respects a worthy second, is M'LLE EUGENIA LUPO, Premiere Danseuse of the grand Theatres of Turin- and Lisbon. M'lle Lupo is Spanish, and in her style of dancing presents all the national characteristics of her countrywomen. She is at once graceful, arch, and impassioned, and full of dramatic fire ; and her poses are so thoroughly artistic, that with her, we are compelled to believe that the zenith of classical Terpsichorean art has been realized. M'lle Lupo is quite young, and a most brilliant future is before her. As a child, she -was, in Spain, the pet of the Countess de Montijo, the mother of the Empress of the French, with whom also she is a great favorite, and who, on the departure of M'lle Lupo for America, presented her with a splendid set of jewels as a token of her affectionate regard. In Turin, M'lle Lupo had the rare good fortune to merit the esteem of King Victor Emmanuel, who was a great admirer of her talents, and from whom she is the recipient of many elegant gifts. M'LLE ERJVIINIA VENTUROLI, Leading Danseuse for "La Scala,"of Milan, is in her seventeenth year, with a form of perfection, and a face as lovely as a hourie's* The muse of "the many twinkling feet" must have been present at her birth, and presided over her destinies, for she is endowed with the most surprising faculties, and she uses her feet with the most marvellous dexterity and rapidity. French by birth, she throws into her efforts all the abandon of her nation ; and in her dances there is such a compound of archness and simplicity, that she will be sure to create a furore, and throw young Boston into ecstasies. No greater favorite was ever within the walls of "La Scala " than M'lle Venturoli, and the^Milanese are still inconsolable over the loss of La Belle Erminiajrhut what is their loss is our gain. M'lle Venturoli has had several advantageous offers of marriage from titled Italians, which she has invariably refused. Wedded to her art, she desires no other spouse ; and it is to be hoped that she will live long to grace that profession which she now so well adorns. JARRETT AND PALMER'S BALLET TROUPE. 13 THE KLEINER FRAULEEN SCHLACER, Now in her tenth year, has a fame'which covers all Europe, where she is known as u Is Enfant Premiere" and recognized as the first child-dancer in the world. She has had the advantages of the best masters in Europe : and being, moreover, a protege of the celebrated Eanny Ellsler, of whose chateau on Lake Como she was an inmate for two years, and during which time she had the benefit of that great artiste's experience, bids fair to occupy the first position in her profession. When Abdul Aziz, the Sultan of Turkey, was on a visit last year to the court of Austria, at Vienna, he several times attended the Imperial Opera House, where the Erauleen Schlager was then dancing; and so impressed was he with the great talent evinced by the child, that he made her a present of a magnificent diamond bracelet, which she will wear on each evening that she has the honor to appear before the public. M'LLE ClOVANINI MAZZERI M'LLE LOUISA MAZZERI, Are from the San Carlo Theatre, Naples, and were great favorites with the Neapolitans. They are Italians by birth, and are emi- nently handsome and accomplished. They are both famous as lin- guists, and speak and read fluently five different languages. They are second to no other members of the troupe, and are as much celebrated for their artistic excellence as they are respected for their private virtues. M'LLE MARIE ADRIEN, Is last from the Grand Opera House, Paris. She was, for two sea- sons, at the Grand Opera House of St. Petersburgh, where she held the position of Premier Danseuse. The most exorbitant offers were made her to renew her engagement; and the Czarovich waited on her in person to assure her of the respect of the Court, and to express the desire that she should remain among them. But the rigors of the climate were too much for her, and she was compelled to decline all the tempting offers made. M'lle Adrieu will become as great a favorite in Boston as she was in St. Petersburgh and Paris. M'LLE EUGENIA OBERT1, Premier Danseuse at the Grand Theatre Varieties, Bordeaux, is one of the most accomplished members of the troupe; and in Chi- cago, where the company appeared previous to coming to Boston, she was a great favorite. Her style is vigorous and dashing, and of a nature certain to captivate all her beholders. 2 14: JARRETT AND PALMER'S BALLET TROUPE. M'LLE CLOTHILDE CUERRERSO, From the Imperial Opera House, Vienna, and M'LLE ELENI FRANCISCO, Prom the Grand Theatre, Vienna, were among the most celebrated pupils that the famous Conservatory of that city ever sent forth. Though engaged at rival theatres, they were ever firm friends, and all Vienna was at their feet. They were great favorites with the Court, and at their benefits the theatres were invariably crowded with the elite of Viennese society. Their triumphs in this country will fully equal those which they so well won in Vienna. SENOR JUAN LUPO, Is the greatest of living male dancers ; is a Spaniard by birth, and has held the leading positions at the grand theatres of Oporto, Lis bon, and Barcelona. Signor Lupo is a great pet of the Queen of Spain, Isabella the Second, who conferred on him the decoration of the order of Isabella Segunda, for an act of bravery by which he saved the life of her favorite matador. The incident happened at a bullfi-ght in Madrid, at which all the Court were present. A bull of enormous size and great ferocity was let into the arena prema- turely ; Ruy Diaz, the matador, was not prepared to receive him, and the enraged animal, with one furious spring, dashed the mat- ador to the earth, and was about goring him to death, when Lupo, who occupied a place in one of the galleries, sprang into the arena, and seizing the knife of the prostrate matador, at the risk of his own life, plunged it to the hilt in the heart of the bull. Innumera- ble vivas resounded through the air ; the hero was sent for by the Queen, who, thanking him for the prowess which he displayed, decorated him on the spot with the order she had herself founded, and which is among the most honorable known in Spain. Signor Lupo is the embodiment of grace and muscular agility; and the heroic incident in his life mentioned above will certainly cause him to be looked upon with the greatest admiration by the fair sex. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS CONCERNING THE GREAT SPECTACULAR DRAMA, THE WHITE FA.WN"; AS PERFORMED AT THE BOSTON THEATRE. From the Boston Post. "Boston Theatre — ' White Fawn.' — A very large and exceedingly delighted audience was present last evening to witness the second performance of the spectacular and balletical play of the • White Fawn.' The very favorable and gratifying impression made upon the first evening was more than indorsed on the second. The city yesterday was full of talk about the play, and to-day it will be still more so. A friend who is curious about matters of this sort, and whose acquaintance is quite large in this city, tells us, that he was asked if he had seen the ' White Fawn ' just seventeen hundred and twenty-one times. This is a sample of the inquiring state of the public mind. We do not anticipate ' White Fawn ' on the brain, although there are worse things on the brain very often ; but we do look for a pretty strong and steady feeling in that direc- tion. It is pretty certain, that for the next three months the com- munity will flock to the Boston to feed on the rich banquet of sights and sounds. We have stated that the play passed off well last night. M'lle Wesmael added very largely to the number of her admirers by her graceful postures and beautiful pas. In the lake scene she was superb. The Mazzeri sisters also won new laurels. These girls are pretty, have the nicest of figures, and dance fasci- natingly. Venturoli, in the Des Poissons, was extremely fine. She ranks among the first in the troupe, and the public appreciates her many excellences. She is also pretty, and has one of those figures which are an ornament to the stage. Mons. Lupo pleased all by his wonderful agility and grace. He is by far the best male dancer we have had in Boston for many years. Little Schlager also performed miracles of airy-like grace. The transformation scene is very gor- geous and beautiful, and excited tumultuous applause. This alone is worth double the price of a ticket to witness. Art and nature, the beautiful in color and form, the voluptuousness of female shapes and figures, the varying shades and hues, the revolution of ingen- ious and attractive designs, — all combine to produce an ensemble which it is tame to call magnificent. We cordially invite the daily one hundred thousand readers of the Post to go and see it." 16 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. From the Evening Transcript u The * White Fawn.' — At last, the great spectacle of the season, which has heen long in preparation at the Boston Theatre, has heen produced before an audience which filled every part of the spacious edifice, standing room and all. The general public have but a faint idea of the immense labor bestowed upon a scenic piece of the magnitude of this production. Managers generally are not modest about announcing the amount of money spent; but the per- plexities, disappointmenrs, and annoyances incident to a proper presentation of such a play as this cannot be explained, and cannot be even understood, except by those who take part in or witness a rehearsal. The censures of the critic, if there are any, should therefore be well considered and just, before they are allowed to meet the public eye. It is easy to condemn by wholesale, but is it equally convenient to point out the shortcomings and suggest a remedy ? The manager of the Boston Theatre, with the assistance of several other gentlemen, has produced a spectacle for the enter- tainment of the public. With his patrons it remains to decide whether the result is such as to enlist their attention and secure their patronage. We propose only to give a brief synopsis of the piece, its nature, peculiarities, and attractions, and leave the verdict as to its real merits with those who may witness its representation. " The action of the management in dosing the house for a week past shows a commendable desire to give to the piece that proper attention which the magnitude of the undertaking demanded. The rehearsals have been frequent and thorough; scenes have been set and reset; ballet girls exercised in their evolutions; the lights so arranged as- to give studied and brilliant effects ; and the machinery made to perform its offices many times; until the occurrence of a mistake seemed to be placed beyond a possibility. Consequently, those who purchased tickets for the first performance did not wit- ness a public rehearsal; asHrasriee^^^ scenic plays brought out in Boston. So far as promptness, alacrity, smoothness of action, and general correctness of detail are con- cerned, the first performance of the ' White Fawn' was superior to any similar occurrence in this city. And this is all the more nota- ble when the extent of the novelty is considered. To successfully represent the piece, great alterations were made in the stajre; and much expense has been incurred in placing beneath the flooring the intricate machinery which, in addition to supporting the sur- face, performs the office of governing the varied artistic combina- tions or moving spectacles that rise and fall before the audience, as if governed by unseen power. u Tne 'White Fawn' depends entirely upon its splendid scenic effects, fine music, novel and magnificent dresses, and the perform- ances of Messrs. Jarrett & Palmer's extensive ballet troupe, for its entertaining qualities. Of course, the immense masses of lumber could not be moved upon the stage, and the scenes properly set, unless a large portion of the stage was at times screened from view. The interval between the acts is not sufficient for this pur- pose, and consequently most of the dialogue occurs in places where OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 17 there are no other attractions to engage the attention of the spec- tator. The speaking parts are sustained by Mrs. J. B. Booth as Prince Leander, Mr. James Lewis as King Dingdong, George Atkins as Lord Twaddledum, D. J. Maguinnis as Count Tinculum, Mrs. L. Morse as Queen SafTVonilla, Miss Susie Cluer as Princess Graceful, Miss Rachel Noah as Finetta, Mrs. G. C. Boniface as Princess Aika, Miss Annie Kemp as Aqualina: and some minor characters are personated by other members of the Boston Theatre Company. " The play opens with a prologue, which is called " The Bell King- dom." Bells are omnipresent and ubiquitous; the gaudy garments of King Dingdong are covered with them ; and when he sings, the ring of his voice is almost drowned by the ring of bells. Large and small bells cover the scenery, and yonnjr ladies appear in the dance with little tinkling toys, which respond to every movement. In this scene occurs the first ballet, composed by M. Adrien, and participated in by the principal dancers of the troupe, with a corps of twenty ladies. A dozen young gentlemen, who compose the Boston Chorus Club, add much to the enjoyment of this scene by their excellent singing; and in other scenes during the play their powers arc exercised with good effect. The prologue closes with the building of the tower by about fifty juvenile artisans, who ply their implements to the motion of Mr. Lothian's baton, and join with the chorus in giving to the scene its proper effect. The prompter was evidently aware that this was a very pleasing combi- nation, and felt assured that it would be encored ; for the curtain had scarcely touched the stage last evening, before it was ' rung up' again. The audience were forestalled; nevertheless, a second view was highly enjoyed. "The Yellow Empire is exhibited in the first act, and, as the name indicates, but one color pervades the whole scene. King Dingdong sings General Bourn's 'Pif, paf, pouf,' from ' The Grand Duchess.' The scene changes to an enchanted lake, which is one of the finest views ever put upon the stage in this city. The novel combination of lights, with the fairy dancing upon the water, forms a beautiful picture ; and when she leaves the lake for * dry land,' she is enveloped in a brilliant circle of light, which follows wherever she flits over the darkened stage. Soon a score of young ladies appear as fire-flies, and, together with M'lle Wesmael, execute the * Fire-fly Dance,' which, as may be imagined, is very charming — the lights upon the heads of the dancers as they move about, form- ing a novel and attractive scene. " The second act is devoted mainly to the fish kingdom ; and Prince Leander leaves his palace to descend to the bottom of the lake, to secure the enchanted ring, which is supposed to lie in its depths, having been thrown there by Finetta. The specimens of the finny tribe exhibited on the stage last evening were larger than any to be found at the Faneuil Hall Market. The lobsters were as large as men of medium height; the oysters were of huge dimen- sions. King Salmon conducted himself in a manner to increase the esteem and love in which he is already held in this vicinity. 2* 18 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. The procession of the finny tribe was a very funny affair. Fish are not noted for their pedestrian gifts, and many of them found it very difficult to ' propel ' last evening. While the Prince was overboard, King Salmon entertained him with a grand ballet, the scene being in a watery cave, which formed a very pleasing landscape to gaze ipon. "The dancing in this act introduced Palmer and Jarrett's troupe' in a series of performances which excited considerable enthusiasm. M'lle Venturoli is evidently the most experienced and accomplished of the number; but there are others in the troupe whose perform- ances were of consideracle merit. Mons. Lupo carried off the honors of the evening. He is one of those few male dancers who adds grace and attraction to the scenes in which he appears. It is seldom that a man is urged to repeat anything in a tcrpsichorean way, on our stage; but M. Lupo was complimented by hearty encores last evening. Several of the ladies also shared the favor of the audience in this respect. We do not desire to institute com- parisons between the artists. The managers of the ballet have evidently selected persons whose talents are nearly equal, and cal- culate the public will enjoy the combined effects, produced by the jrreat number, rather than the performances of any special favorite. The corps is well drilled and under efficient direction, and there is no awkwardness or hesitation in their movements to mar the performances in which they appear. t; The third act exhibited was the kingdom of Aika, with all its wonders and follies. The interior of the palace was indeed palatial in its ornaments and gorgeous appointments. The spectacle abounds in nondescript processions, and the large-headed pigmies who marched in this act created much mirth. Twenty-four young ladies executed the Amazonian march, and a grand pas was danced by the full ballet. From a conversation between two of the charac- ters, the audience here learned that they were about to view Jarrett and Palmer's grand transformation scene, which was facetiously termed c The Bright Realms of the Dewdrops.' " We do not propose to attempt a description of this piece of mechanism. A dozen changes prevent the eye from resting too long upon any one of the numerous brilliant objects which fill the stage ; and the different colored lights, as they are thrown upon the various devices and figures, present a beautiful scene that does not appear the same for an instant at a time." From the Daily Evening Traveller. "Boston Theatre. — The spectacular play of 'The White Fawn ' was produced at the Boston Theatre last evening, and was from the start a decided success. It was the best first performance of a spectacle of its magnitude that we ever witnessed ; and the management and all interested in thepiece have great cause for self- congratulation. There can be no doubt that * The White Fawn* is the post gorgeous thing of the kind ever produced in this coun- try} and its great fault is, that there is too much of splendor in it. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 19 A finer combination of magnificent scenery, elegant costumes, brilliant jewels and properties, and graceful and beauteous females, we venture to say was never before seen on the stage. The piece purports to be a liberal translation of the famous Parisian specta- cle, 'La Biche au Bois,' and as near as we could make out, the plot is as follows : The drama opens with a prologue in which we ascertain that King Dingdong, (Mr. James Lewis), the Monarch of the Isle of Bells, has a daughter born to him. and all the fairies of the neighborhood are invited to her baptism, who, of course, bestow on the infant all good gifts. But, by an oversight, Aqualina, (Miss Annie Kemp), the fairy of the lake, has been omitted from the list of invitations; and, in high dudgeon, she suddenly appears at the festivities, and declares that, if the Princess is suffered to see the light until her sixteenth year, some dreadful mischance will over- take her. Consequently, a dark tower is built by fairy hands, in which the Princess is to be immured till her sixteenth year. The curtain falls on the building of this tower; and the pensive audience is supposed to imagine a lapse of sixteen years, during all which time the Princess has been growing up, and of course acquiring all those charms and graces which all good and beauteous Princesses who are protected by fairy influence, are popularly supposed to possess. The .first act of the drama proper, reveals to us the Yellow Kingdom: and here Prince Leander (Mrs. J. B. Booth^) informs his mamma, Queen Saffronilla (Mrs. Morse), of his love for the Princess Graceful (Miss Clure), the daughter of the amiable King Dingdong. Of course, the Prince has never seen the Princess, but he has had her portrait for a long time. However, the entreaties of the Prince are so urgent that the Queen gives her consent to the union, provided the Prince is successful in his suit; and the Princess A-ika (Mrs. Boniface), the Queen of the Ebony Island, the affianced bride of Leander, is dropped like a hot potato. Lord Twaddledum (Mr. George Atkins) is sent as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of King Dingdong, where he finally, by astute diplomacy, gains the consent of the King to the marriage, and he starts away with the Princess in a close palanquin. But the Princess Aika and her troops, who are lying in wait, break open the palanquin and discover the Princess, who is immediately changed into a White Fawn. Leander, at the loss of the lady of his love, is of course inconsolable ; but an amiable fairy, Ruby (Mrs. S. Flood), takes pity on his distress, and gives him a ring as a talisman by which he can bring back by night the Princess to her proper form, though by day she is compelled to remain a fawn. But this ring is stolen by Finetta (Miss Rachel Noah ), who throws it into the lake. The Prince and his Esquire plunge in for it. and sink through the waters to the Kingdom of Fishes, where the talisman is regained. With the talisman in his possession, the Prince is enabled to over- come all obstacles, to gain possession of his bride, and to live ever afterwards happily, and like Banquo, spoken of by Mr. Shakspeare, to become the 'father to a line of kings.' In the drama, Mrs. Booth as Leander, Miss Kemp as Aqualina, and Miss Noah as Finetta, were especially good. 20 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. " Miss Kemp sang very finely. She has a contralto voice of fine quality and good compass, and has made her mark in English opera. She is a great addition to the Boston Theatre company, and we trust her stay with us will be permanent. The grand Viennese ballet troupe of Messrs. Jarrett and Palmer, which takes a prominent part in the spectacle, exceeded all expectations. It is the largest troupe ever seen on the stage in this county, and, taking numbers into consideration, is, beyond all question, the best. The principal dancers, WesmaeJ, Eugenia Lupo, Venturoli, the Mazzeri sisters, Adrien Oberti, Guerrerio, Francisco, the little Schlager, and Signor Lupo, and the corps of thirty-two coryphees which wa3 so admirably led by the graceful Lizzie Kelsey, were all deserving of especial praise. Of the principals, we can especially mention the charming simplicity of manner and grace of Wesmael, the artistic finish of Venturoli, and the vigor and abandon of Lupo; while the rest were made up of a combination of all excellences which are to be found in dancers. Mile. Schlager astonished every one. She is but ten years of age; yet there are but few dancers of mature years who are her superior. Her dancing of the cachuca was very grace- ful and effective, and was most warmly applauded. Sig. Lupo is the best male dancer we ever saw. His pirouettes are most extraor- dinary, and his poses very graceful. All the dances were given with great skill and finish ; and most prominent among them were the Pas de Sonnet in the prologue, the firefly ballet in the first act, between Mile. Wesmael and twenty coryphees, and which is one of the most pleasing and original dances we ever saw. The stage represents the enchanted lake by moonlight, and on the surface of it the ballet, dressed as fire-flies, are discovered dancing: and their reflection in the waters of the lake, and the beauty of their group- ings, combine to render it the most entrancing picture imaginable. Then we have the Pas des Undine, with the Mazzeri sisters, Adrien and Oberti; the Ballet des Poissons, with Venturoli and twenty ladies ; a pas comique by Sig. Lupo and M'lles Adrien and Lupo ; and the Cancan by all the principals and twenty ladies in the second act ; the pas Espagnal by Schlager, a pas de deux by Lupo and sister, and a full ballet in the third act. The dances throughout w r ere magnificent, and gave the greateat satisfaction to the very large audience present The various marches and processions were all finely arranged, and displayed the regal wardrobe in the best style. The procession of fishes was very funny, and created great laughter. But stay ! * For O, for 0, the hobby-horse is forgot ! ' The mule was a splendid bit of acting, very natural and thoroughly artistic. I pray you, on our account, Mr. Jarrett, see him well bestowed, and give him a peck of provender ; for, can he not say, with Bully Bottom, *I could munch good dry oats. Methinks I have a great desire to a bottle of hay ; good hay, sweet hay, hath no fellow.' The scenery of the spectacle is of the grandest descrip- tion, and is finely conceived and admirably executed. It is all the work of the most talented artists, and is as creditable to them as it is gratifying to the audience. In closing, we can only reiterate that the piece was a most decided success, and an event in the dramatic annals of Boston which will not long be forgotten by those who last night had the good fortune to witness it." OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 21 From the Boston Journal. " The c White Fawn ' at the Boston Theatre. — The piece is at once a magnificent success ; such a one as the managers may well feel proud of. Nothing so extensive and elaborate has ever been attempted in this city. Never before has Boston seen a full and complete ballet troupe, equal in extent ar>d talent to those of the leading European cities; nor until now has it ever been treated to the wealth of scenic and mechanical splendors that has made the stage of Paris and London so celebrated. The dancing is xery beautiful; the scenery is exceedingly brilliant and gorgeous; and above all, if any thing can be more than superlatively excellent, are the costumes which are produced in almost endless variety. Upward of one thousand dresses are introduced in the course of the piece, and all of them are rich and elegant, while some of them are extraordinarily so. Every thing is of the most costly descrip- tion, the quality making up for any lack of quantity in the skirts of the ballet. All the other appointments are new and in perfect keep- ing, the properties having been constructed without regard to cost by Mr. W. H. Goodrich and assistants, and the jewels and para- phernalia having come from the well-known house of Le Blanc, Granger & Co., Paris. The costumes are from the hands of Lan- reys, late of the Drury Lane Theatre, London. There are engaged in the representation of the piece about three hundred persons; and a mechanical force, in addition, of one hundred and fifty men was required on the opening night to work the multitudinous changes of scenery, the gas and calcium-light effects, and the various other hid- den stage resources. This army of workmen was under the im- mediate supervision of Mr. W. P. Prescott, the experienced stage machinist of the Boston Theatre, to whom very great credit is due for the remarkably smooth performance, for a first night, then wit- nessed. The speaking characters in the piece are filled by Mr. James Lewis, Mrs. J. B. Booth, Mr. George Atkins (late of Niblo's and previously of the London theatres), Mr. D. J. Maguinnis (in two characters, Count Tinculum and King Salmon), Mr. John Tay- lor, Mrs. L. Morse, Miss Susie Cluer, Miss Rachel Noah, Mr«. G. C. Boniface (from the New York theatres), Miss Annie Kamp, the popular vocalist, and Misses S. Flood, D. Goldthwaite, Johnson A. Winslow, and Ramsdale. Mr. Lewis, as King Dingdong, has a character similar to Baron Balderdash, in ' Cinderella,' and it fits him capitally. Miss Kemp, as the Fairy Aqualina, sings several 6ongs with very pleasing effect. She has a rich, melodious, con- tralto voice, which has been heard to splendid advantage in English opera, and her vocalism forms a very agreeable feature in the piece. Miss Noah also sings }>everal songs very acceptable, one of which, a composition by Mr. Lothian, is strikingly pretty. Mrs. Booth makes a'very handsome and dashing Prince Leander, and the other ladies in the cast sustain their parts excellently well. " The dancing, which forms the grandest feature of the spectacle, is executed by Messrs. Jarrett & Palmer's Grand Vienneise Ballet Troupe, under the direction of M. Renoux Adrien, late of the Grand Opera, Paris, and Drury Lane, London. There are ten pre- 22 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. miere danseuses, and a celebrated male dancer (M. Giovanni Lupo), twenty coryphees, from the Imperial Opera House and other theatres in "Vienna, and twelve from the London theatres, and a corps de ballet of fifty ladies, together with an immense band of male auxil- iaries, over two hundred in number, and fifty children for proces- sions, tableaux, etc. A large choral force is also employed. Every one of the principal dancers who have appeared have made a hit; and some of them created a positive furore on Monday night, and again last evening. More especially was this the case in regard to M. Lupo, who is certainly the most extraordinary male dancer who has ever visited this country, M'lle Marie Wesmael, M'lle Ventu- roli, M'lle Lupo, M'lle Schlager (a most accomplished child-dancer;, and the Mazzeri sisters. M. Lupo executes the most marvellous pirouettes; Miles Wesmael and Venturoli are the very personifica- tions of artistic grace ; M'lle Lupo is remarkable for startling feats of skill and agility, and little Schlager bounds over the stage like a fairy, seeming to skim over the boards rather than to touch them. The fire-fly dance, executed by M'lle Yenturoli and twenty ladies, is one of the most beautiful of the very many heautiful things to be witnessed during the evening. The representation of the enchanted lake in the fqrest of sycamores, whereon a part of this ballet takes place, is a most bewitching picture, and reflects great credit upon the artist, Mr. Culbert. The fire -fly lights upon the heads of the dancers, and the management of the calcium lights thrown upon the stage during M'lle Venturoli's pas, greatly heighten the weird effect of this scene. A Pas Espagnol, by Schlager, a grand Pas de Deux, by M. and M'lle Lupo, and the Ballet des Poissons, are among the most notable of the other dances. " The scenic wonders, which culminate in the great transformation scene at the end of the piece, are extremely elegant throughout, and the latter is really dazzling in its gorgeousness. The other most striking scenes are the gardens of King Dingdong, by Sachetti ; Queen Safronilla's pavilion, by Getz, of Baltimore; the enchanted lake, by Culbert (already mentioned); the kingdom of fishes, by Marston, of London; and the Palace of Aika, also by Marston. " The building of the tower, in the prologue, is a very pretty device, but the implements of labor seem to bear very little relative effect to the task accomplished as wielded by the juvenile workmen. The grand procession of lobsters, oysters, and the various other subjects of King Salmon, is very amusing, as is also another procession, in which are introduced a large number of odd looking dwarfs. " The incidental music has been arranged expressly for the specta- cle, and is splendidly rendered by Mr. Lothian's orchestra. Much of it is from Offenbach, and in the vocal selections, " Pif, paf, pouf" and " Palme les militaires " have also to do service. Mr. William Wheatiey, manager of Niblo's Garden, had the general charge of the production of the piece, and the ballet is under the immediate direction of M. Adrien. " We repeat, that the * White Fawn' is a great success. It ought to run till the end of the season," OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 23 From the Boston Herald. " The White Fawn. — The production of the c White Fawn ' at the Boston Theatre, and the reception accorded to it tends in a measure to confirm the ideas expressed in the above lines. We have already alluded generally to its first representation, and to its gen- eral character, and will now refer to it somewhat more in detail. It is very generally conceded that in its general beauty this spectacle far excels any of its predecessors on Boston boards, and any denial of such statement would be unfounded in truth. We have noticed that the audiences have been rather chary of applause, and we find explanation of its absence partly in the fact that the public are stupefied into inaction through amazement. An observer becomes so absorbed in contemplating the scenes that he hardly recovers himself when the curtain goes down, but remains abstractedly com- muning with the charming image left stamped upon his retina. This is no fulsome praise, and no idle statement, for it is not pos- sible that the eye at one sitting should take in and understand all the minute beauties of some of the scenes, so numerous and so widely disseminated are they. It requires time and a glass to detect the elaborate workmanship of the costumes, and the artistic beauty of the painting. While an act is on, the observer sees and is bewildered by the glittering effulgence of the ensemble, but finds little time for analysis. Immensity seems to pervade the whole spectacle. Whether we consider the machinery to which, in antici- pation of this piece, attention was directed six months ago, and which Mr. Prescott, the stage carpenter, after a little age of worri- ment and toil, has finally put in order (to his credit, as well as relief, we dare say) ; whether we refer to the dresses, which were not completed so soon as expected, simply because they required untold labor; whether we look at the music, which was new to the orchestra and had to be learned, rehearsed, and repeated over and over again for the benefit of the dancers and the choruses (which renders it a cause of wonderment, as well as congratulation, that Mr. Lothian is still alive and sane) ; or, in fact, when we consider any department of the spectacle, we are impressed with the mag- nitude of the labor of preparation, and cannot but reflect upon the perplexities of Messrs. Wheatley, Jarrett & Palmer in bringing it to exhibition. And now that it is before the public, and a por- tion of them have pronounced it a good thing, it only remains for the rest to go and verify the tale. Those who go will doubtless recognize in King Dingdong a face strikingly like that of one Baron Balderdash, and will also detect the presence of Mr. James Lewis in the tintinnabulating garments ; will find underneath the beauteous toilets of fairies, and embellished with the jewels recently on exhibition on Washington Street, the pleasing faces and genteel figures of Miss Flood and Miss Kemp ; will hear a modicum of charming vocalism from the latter ; will see Miss Noah in a part which none could fill better; will observe Mrs. Boniface, tall, stately, and dignified, as Princess Aika; will admire Mrs. Morse in the robes of Queen Saffronilla, and be charmed with Mrs. Booth 24 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. £8 a loving and lovable Prince, concerning whom a great rumpus is kicked up by all the neighboring princesses ; and will give their attention to ten thousand other things which will look better there than on this page. Of course, the ballet is a prominent feature. There are from fifty to seventy-five ladies in this department, in- clu Jing six or eight premieres^ and thrice as many coryphees. Of the principal dancers, Yenturoli and Wesmaei will probably be recog- nized as leaders ; although, for comic pas, commend us to M'lle Lupo. We are not unmindful of little Schlager, ten years of age, whose execution is the embodiment of agility and grace, nor do we forget the sisters Mazzeri, or Oberti, or Eugenia ; for all are grace- ful, and entitled to the plaudits bestowed upon their efforts. Mons. Lupo is the best male dancer we have ever seen, and his agility as well as grace are rarely, if ever, excelled. The pas in general are new and very tasteful, and they are in great variety. We cannot undertake to allude in detail to the scenery, but must particularly commend as a triumph of scenic art, the view representing the enchanted lake, with the fire-fly ballet dancing on its surface ; and as a scene of peculiar splendor, that representing the palace of Aika. One is beautiful and the other brilliant beyond compare, and both have been received with rapturous plaudits; while the 'yellow empire,' the 'kingdom of fishes,' and the grand transforma- tion, the latter in particular, have received their full meed of praise. So far as the ' White Fawn ' is concerned, we have to say that it is as chaste as any such spectacle can be, and more so than many which have been exhibited in Boston, in years past, of kindred nature. It has much that will feast the eye and please the ear, and can give offence to none, however (reasonably) fastidious. About three hundred persons are employed in its representation. Its pro- duction marks an era in the history of the Boston stage ; and it will be said of all who do not see it,* that their theatrical experience is incomplete." From the Saturday Evening Gazette. "Everybody has heard, through the daily papers, of the * White Pawn ; ' how its name bears as little relevancy to its story as the subjects of the late Artemus Ward used to bear to his lectures ; how the costumes are rich, novel, and elaborate, almost beyond description ; how the stage is crowded with auxiliaries in proces- sions, marches, and tableaux, to an extent hitherto unknown in a Boston theatre ; how the scenery is picturesque, artistic, gorgeous, and dazzling; how the ballet troupe is a revelation, bewildering in numbers and perfect in grace and movement, from the finished premieres to the exquisitely formed ballet girls. All this the dear public have already been told, and all this they may rely on as being absolutely true. In the spectacular way, Boston has certainly had nothing to compare with the ' White Fawn.' "The music for the piece is very nicely arranged by Mr. N. Lothian ; and the overture accompanied by a chorus behind the OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 25 curtain, has been very favorably received and highly appreciated by the audiences. " The scenery is all that has been promised, from the first scene in the prologue to the grand transformation scene at the close. The exterior of the palace of King Dingdong, by Sachetti. of Paris, is exceedingly picturesque ; and the enchanted lake in the forest of sycamores, b} 7 Culbert, with its exceedingly natural moonlight effect, has never been equalled in its peculiar way on our stage. The palace of Aika is another striking scene, occupying the whole length and breadth of the large stage of this theatre. Something like the transformation scene we have had on a small scale in Boston before ; but this one is vastly superior in detail and execution. " But the ballet is the crowning triumph of the whole. So com- plete a ballet troupe has never been here within the remembrance of the oldest inhabitant. It is under the control of M. Reneux Adrien, late of the Grand Opera, Paris. It consists of ten premiere danseuses, twenty coryphees, and a corps de ballet of fifty ladies, who have been selected with great care from the principal European theatres. M'lle. Wesmael, in the ' Fire-fly ' ballet in act first, was the very incarnation of the poetry of motion, and seemed to float over the bosom of the lake and through the moonlight, as if her proper home was in the air and not on terra firma. M'lle. Venturoli is also a most accomplished artiste, as is also M'lle. Lupo; and Mons. Lupo is by all odds the best male dancer that we have seen. He twists and turns and comes again in almost as mysterious a manner as the ' Brahma' of Ralph Waldo Emerson. He is, more- over, manly in appearance, and is not addicted to the habit of grinning which is usually the accompaniment of a male dancer. La Petite Schlager is a marvellous child-dancer, and the wonder is how one so young could acquire such perfection. The rest of the premiere danseuses are all superior, and many of them are destined to become popular favorites when their good qualities become better known. •' There are numerous processions in the play, in which the strange and rich costumes, imported expressly for this piece, are displayed to great advantage. The procession of fishes, in which lobsters, oysters, and the more scaly denizens of the deep figure, is very comical; and the introduction of dwarfs and personified bells, in other moving pageants, is also very ludicrous. The fifty children employed in the spectacle are well trained, and sing the chorus in the prologue, assisted by the Boston Chorus Club, very well in- deed ; but the building of the tower, on which they are supposed to be employed, seems to arise as if by magic, and not from the result of their labor. l * The performance on Wednesday evening was a remarkably 6mooth one, when we consider the magnitude of the mechanism and the number of people employed in the presentation of the spectacle; and too much praise cannot be given to the management for the care and attention bestowed on the rehearsals which contrib- uted to this satisfactory result. Everything now is in good working order, and the performance will conclude every evening by eleven o'clock. The piece deserves and will probably have a lengthy run." 26 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. From the Advertiser. "Boston Theatre. — In point of splendor, nothing has ever been seen on a Boston stage to be compared with the results pro- duced in ' The White Fawn.' From first to last, the eye is dazzled with the brilliancy of many-colored costumes, the glitter of innu- merable. shining appointments and trappings, the startling changes of magnificent scenery, the incredibly exact groupings of hundreds of gay people, and the thousands of coruscations of colored light, — the whole culminating in the transformation scene, which is one vast blaze of fire and color, and gilt and beauty, so intense as to be almost painful as well as wonderful to behold. The task of pre- senting such an exhibition is herculean for a stage manager. To marshal so large a force at the right moment ; to guard against the omission of any needful appointment ; to be sure that scenery is properly worked, that lights are turned on and turned off just at a certain instant ; to harmonize difficulties ; to sift and distribute loads of scenery and properties ; to secure plenty of room for every per- son and every thing — in short, to bring order in what to an outsider would seem chaos indeed, requires an amount of thought, energy, concentration, and self-possession, which the public do not faintly appreciate. Yet this task is now perfectly performed every evening at the Boston Theatre, where the great spectacle now runs, without a flaw in exactness and brilliancy of effect. If any fault is to be found with the production, it is that there is too much of it. The changes are so constant, the scene is so varied, there is so much to see and to hear and to think of, that one can hardly resist a sense of weariness before the end is reached. The music throughout is delightful, but especially so in the first act ; and the successful and laborious efforts of Mr. Lothian have certainly proved conclusively that he is the right man in the right place. " The dancing is naturally the chief object of interest to those who have become so familiar with fine scenery as to expect it as a' matter of .course. This is all good. Of the latter, M'lle Wesmael can claim to be best looking ; while M'lle Veuturoli seems to be generally regarded as the best danseuse. Little Schlager is ex- ceedingly pleasing to all. Lupo is wonderful both in grace and dexterity. He is the only male dancer we ever saw whose presence upon the stage was tolerable. To witness his performances, how- ever, is not endurance but present reward. The coryphees are better drilled, and more winsome in appearance and movement, than any similar body of performers ever imported. The first act (prologue, it is called^ is most agreeable. The groupings, the dancing, the music, the general effect, — all are very fine ; and the Fire-fly ballet, in the next act, is one of the purest and most grace- ful dances we have seen. It is a remarkable circumstance that, though the chief end and aim and element of * The White Fawn ' is a gratification of the seemingly insatiate public craving for the Female heg, there is not a taint or tinge of actual indelicacy to be seen or heard throughout the performance. Large audiences have been in attendance during the past week, and the rush of our own OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 27 citizens will probably be continued for many nights to come. Meanwhile, preparations are making for excursion-trains to both near and distant towns, in order that our country cousins may be enabled to have a taste of the great spectacular ballet." From the Commercial Bulletin. "Boston Theatre. — The White Fawn is fairly on its feet, running smoothly, and presents a picture of unequalled splendor from the time the curtain is rung up on the Bell Kingdom until it drops with * The Bright Realms of Dewdrops.' The fair nymphs of the ballet are dancing rapidly into public favor, and Wesmael, Lupo, Venturoli, Mazzeri, Adrien, Oberti, and the graceful little Schlager, are winning golden opinions and liberal applause. " The features of this grand spectacle are so many in number, and so dazzlingly brilliant, that it is only by several visits that the spectator can fully appreciate the splendors of scenery, costume, and the Terpsichorean art, which rapidly succeed each other in the Bell Kingdom, the Yellow Empire, the" Fish Kingdom, the King- dom of Aika, and the gorgeous finale — the Bright Realms of the Dewdrops. The innumerable details of the spectacle are all now perfected and arranged, and work well and effectively ; while the time of representation has been reduced to a very seasonable hour." r -e*3 BOSTON THEATRE. J. B. BOOTH, - Lessee and Manager. THE GREAT SPECTACULAR DRAMA OF THE WHITE F WITH 1411111 6 141.M11*S a-RAisr id TllNRESE- BlLIET TlOV-PE! EVERY EVENING & SATURDAY AFTERNOON 17IX.IL- IFXTIEVirj&ilEIR. NOTICE. Evening Performance concludes at 10:40. Afternoon Performance, at 5 o'clock. TICKETS SECUEED FOE ANY PEEFOEMANOE I Ca3o