"The opera last evening was largely patronized by distinguished people, among them being Senator and Mrs. Sprague, Gen. Holt, and many others.
"The experiment, doubtful at first, has proved a genuine success."
From "The All-Day City Item," Philadelphia, Feb. 22, 1873:—
"'The Doctor of Alcantara' has at last attracted a number of colored amateurs of Washington; and they have lately appeared in that city, with such success that they are induced to present it in Philadelphia.
"It must be remembered that this troupe is composed entirely of amateurs, and is the first colored opera-troupe in existence. We have had the 'Colored Mario' [Thomas J. Bowers], the 'Black Swan' [Miss Greenfield], &c.; but never until now have we had a complete organization trained for ensembles.
"The audience attracted to Horticultural Hall last evening was therefore prepared to make all sorts of allowances for the shortcomings of the amateurs; but it was hardly necessary, as the troupe—really excellent, well trained—possesses agreeable voices, sings intelligently, and with experience will, we are confident, attract a great deal of attention, and receive high praise.
"The principal success was achieved by Mrs. A.G. Smallwood, who sang the music of 'Lucrezia' remarkably well. Her voice is full and pleasing. Miss Lena Miller, however, sang 'Isabella' very prettily; her romance, 'He still was there,' being rendered with excellent taste. Miss Mary A.C. Coakley, as 'Inez,' acted and sang with considerable spirit. Her arietta, 'When a lover is poor,' was quite neatly sung.
"Mr. W.T. Benjamin, as the 'Doctor,' acted and sang with spirit; so did Mr. T.H. Williams as 'Don Pomposo.' Mr. H.F. Grant, the tenor, has a powerful voice, which, with cultivation, will become excellent. He sang 'Love's cruel dart' judiciously, and was effective in the opening serenade with chorus, 'Wake, lady, wake.' Mr. Grant is not yet at home on the stage, but acted and sang the duet, 'I love, I love,' with 'Lucrezia,' remarkably well.
"The chorus, numbering nearly forty, was worthy of warm praise. The serenade that opens the opera was charmingly sung by the male voices; and the finale to Act 3 was so spirited and effective, that it was encored. We do not exaggerate when we say that this is one of the best choruses we have heard for some time."
From "The Philadelphia Inquirer," Feb. 22, 1873:—