In Lobby.—Much agitation among ancient Opera-goers on hearing report that Mario is to sing here on Saturday afternoon. "Mario!" they exclaim; "impossible!" Not at all: it turns out that this "Mario" is a character in a new Opera by "Alick Maclean" (pretty name, but nicer if it were "A Wash Meclean"), entitled Petruccio (not Shakspear's Petruchio), in which one Mario is "Elvira's little brother;" and so, possibly, he was quite an infant when sister Elvira was cruelly treated by Don Giovanni. Also in this new Opera appears "Elvira's mother." In fact, it is rather lucky for Don that he has gone below with Stony Commendatore to Stony Stratford, or elsewhere, as the talented Elvira family, with whom is associated Rubino, a gentleman "formerly betrothed to Elvira," would make it rather too hot for him.
Tuesday.—Glück's Orfeo. "Gen'lm'n," if overtaken with wine, as was David Copperfield on a notable occasion, would say, "G'luck t' you," that is, could any gentleman in such state be possibly admitted to Covent Garden, and could dare to address Julia Ravogli, admirable as Orfeo, Cavalleria to follow.
Thursday.—Madame Sembrich nice as Violetta Traviata, "were t'other dear charmer away!" Very hot night. Mancinelli must for once have wished himself a non-conductor? Result, Mancinelli Melted.
Friday.—Adelina Zerlina Patti-cake and the Im-Maurel Don G. Why not in such hot weather give opera with ice in it; Patti in skates "en Patti-neuse."
Saturday.—Welcome to Madame Albani, our Valentine in what Wagstaff calls "Lay Hug-me-nots." "Not bad title," he explains; "after crowd of ecclesiastics in swearing scene, pleasing to find two principal characters are 'lay': not 'lay-figures' but lovers not permitted by hard Fate either to embrace each other or any opportunity of eloping together; so 'Hug-me-not' curiously applicable." So far, Wagstaff. Strong cast this with Giulia Ravogli as Urbano the page of music, Melba as Margherita the Queen with the top-notes in her air; Jupiter-Plançon as Marcel, Tam Agno as Hug-me-not Raoul, and Ancona as Conte de Nevers-say-die. Conducting orchestral army to victory, Marshal Mancinelli is Merry and Meritorious.
THE BOY AND THE BAT.
["Who may describe a small boy's passion for his bat?"—Daily News.]
Jemmy Bilkins, aged Thirteen-and-a-half, loquitur:—
I've won it, Bill, I've won it! And it's pooty nigh full size!