A rough sketch of modern Paris : $b or, Letters on society, manners, public curiosities, and amusements, in that capitalLemaistre, J. G. (John Gustavus)
History
A rough sketch of modern Paris : $b or, Letters on society, manners, public curiosities, and amusements, in that capital
Lemaistre, J. G. (John Gustavus)
Paris (France) -- Description and travel
“Le théâtre de la rue Favart,” to which “l’opera Buffa,” or the Italian
opera has lately removed from “la salle olympique,” is a handsome
building, the boxes of which are so far more lively than those of the
other theatres, that they are open. In most of the play-houses at Paris,
the boxes are separated by a partition on each side, like the division
of the private ones in London. This is not done at “Favart,” and the
effect is favourable to the appearance of the theatre; the company not
being concealed from view, as at the other “spectacles.” Madame Bolla has
lately made her appearance on this stage, and has excited a considerable
degree of public curiosity. She is generally much admired; and when her
name is announced, the house is sure to be full. The music is excellent,
the orchestra is well chosen, and some of the actors are uncommonly good.
The “opera Buffa” is particularly patronized by madame Bonaparte, who
has a box here, and seldom fails to attend, when any favourite piece is
performed. The first consul is likewise said to be partial to this house.
Besides the six principal theatres, which I have already enumerated, and
which are not only the most frequented, but also the most central, being
all situate in, or near “la rue de la Loi;” there are several others
scattered about the town, which are full every night. The buildings of
many of them are pretty, and the acting far from indifferent.
The “théâtre de Montansier,” in the Palais royal, is devoted to little
farces, and to that sort of comedy, which rather forces an involuntary
laugh, than claims a smile of serious approbation. The blunders of a
clownish servant, the tricks of _Scapin_, or the caricature of some
reigning fashion, and now and then a sentimental piece of one act, (for
“sentiment” is the order of the day, at Paris) constitute the kind of
amusement, usually offered at this house. At this theatre are lobbies, or
_foyers_ as they are called, in which the ladies of the “Palais royal”
roam at large, as at Covent-garden and Drury-lane. On this account,
“Montansier” is not much frequented by women of character; though now and
then it is the fashion, even for the first females of the place to make
parties, and go there.
“Le théâtre de Molière,” as it was called, till last week, when it
assumed, I know not why, the name of “théâtre National et Étranger,” is
situate in “la rue St. Denys.” It is a very elegant little theatre,
and the backs of the boxes are covered with glass, by which means the
audience are reflected, and doubled on every side. I saw here, a few
evenings since, “le Lovelace Anglois, ou la Jeunesse de Richelieu,” an
excellent comedy, which, to my great surprise, was very well performed by
the actors of this house.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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