225
"Lady Audley's Secret", for which HED lists the following authors: C.H. HAZLEWOOD (1863), G. ROBERTS (1863) and W.E. SUTER (1863).
C: Shanghai Amateur Burlesque Company
Th: N.N. (I)
R: For the first time we have at our disposal another source than the "North China Herald" for reviews of the Shanghai theatre, viz. the "Shanghai Commercial Record". In general, though, the reports were in the same vein as those in the Herald had been, but sometimes more information was given and different accents set. Hardly so for tonight's pieces: they "reflected great credit on the talent of the performers and their endeavour to provide for the amusement of their fellow exiles has we are sure been highly appreciated" (SCR 7.1.1865). The Herald only published an announcement (NCH 24.12.1864).
11.1.1865 (Wedn)
D. BOUCICAULT: "The Octaroon" (1859)
T: Drama (4 acts)
C: Thorne (travelling) Company
Th: Lyceum Theatre (1)
R: Sometimes the availability of two sources does not make it easier to make a judgement about the truth of things. What to think e.g., of the following reports on the Thorne Company: The Herald was short in its weekly summary of 14.1.1865: "The Thorne Company have given a successful representation of the Octoroon at the Lyceum Theatre and announce a second performance for this evening" (i.e., Saturday). In contrast, the Shanghai Commercial Record reported in its issue of January 25: "We have had another theatrical troupe here, calling themselves the Thorne Troupe. But whether it is that Shanghai has had too much of this class of entertainment lately, or that the pressure of the times is so great that people do not care to attend the Theatre, we cannot say. Both these causes combined probably to render the patronage bestowed on the Thorne Troupe extremely small. Indeed, when they opened on Wednesday evening last [this should read January 11 - JH] it was literally to an empty house for we hear there was actually no one present to view the performance. The company, as well they might be, were so disgusted that they left next day for San Francisco where we sincerely trust they will be more successful" Cf. however, Survey, note $2.
14.1.1865 (Sat)?
As above?
4.2.-10.2.1865
Concert by Mr. Desvachez and Signor Enrico Grossi. Th: Town Hall of the French Concession
R: The violinist DESVACHEZ returned to Shanghai, this time accompanied by the bass singer Enrico GROSSI who had earlier, in December 1863, performed with the Faylor Company in Macao (see BGM 14.12.1863). The concert had called for favourable comment at the hands of our music critic” — indicating that a more detailed review had appeared in the North China Daily News (NCH 11.2.1865).
15.2.1865 (Wedn)
Annual Volunteer Concert by the Volunteer Band and the "Shanghai Amateur Quartet Club**.
Th: Shanghai Club
R: The Commercial Record of 22.2.1865 gave the following impression of this concert: "The Volunteer Band was assisted by the Shanghai Amateur Quartette Club and several gentleman amateurs. The large room in the Club House was lent for the occasion and we were glad to see it well filled. The gay uniforms of the Shanghai Mounted Rangers, mingled with the more sober dress of the Volunteers gave the room a very gay