“Ruddygore” in New York.

Evening Star, Issue 7188, 16 April 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

“Ruddygore” in New York.

The first performance of “ Rnddygore ’’ at the Fifth Avenue Theatre was witnessed by a large and brilliant audience, which crowded the theatre in every part A most friendly disposition was shown towards the piece, and there was nnmistakeable evidence of a general desire to give it as cordial a reception as possible. The overture gave general satisfaction, and was warmly applauded. The leading members of the company were heartily greeted when they appeared, but towards the end of the first act the interest of the audience began to flag, though there was considerable applanse at the close of that act; still the enthusiasm was visibly perfunctory. The second act perceptibly bored, and when the curtain finally fell, the audience, which b&d become more depressed with every scene, left the theatre in anything but a jubilant mood. One reason was the palpable nervousness of some members of the company, who, feeling a gradually diminishing interest in the audience, acted with increasing lifelessness as the play advanced. The newspapers are charitable, but agree that the work is disappointing. ‘The Times * says “It must be confessed it was not a merry moment for the world when this thing was conceived. Gilbert and Sullivan have failed.’’ The ‘Sun’ says:— *‘The opera seems top-heavy, for the best and brightest portion is over with the fyst act. The weak point is neither in the murid nor the words, for both are good, but not the best the authors can do. 'The plot is both weak and involved, and the ending completely inadequate.” The ‘Herald’ says“ While the score is often fresh and piquant, yet, like the words, it betrays a straining for originality which defeats its own object.” The. ‘Tribune ’ says:.— "There are a sufficient number of conceits •in it to fill the evening with pleasure; the scene of the pictures will surely give delight. The freshness and melodiousness of the majority of the musical pieces, will charm for a long time.”