This famous domic opera, by the Brothers Ricoj, was played on Wednesday evening, the 12th inst., at the Lyceum Theatre, by Signor Cagli's Italian Opera Company, and though it drew large houses when it was twice produced here last y were disappointed at the attend the present occasion, the theatre not being. more than half-fi Tt would be wrong, however, to attribute the small audience to a lack of interest in the exc lent performances given by Signor Cag Company. To give up three nights a week, at this festive season of the year, to go to the theatre, is hardly to be expected of residents in a place like Shanghai, be the attraction ever so great, and it would be well for Signor Cagli to consider whether two performances in one week would not pay him as well as three. Those who were absent from the Lyceum on Wednesday night missed a legitimate treat. As we have stated above, "Crispino e la Comare" was twice produced last year; thi there is no necessity to recapitulate the argument. Suflice it to say, that it was never. before represented in Shanghai successfully as it was on this occasion, when Signora Milani Vela appeared as Annetta, "and Signor Ruotolo, as her husband Crispino. Upon these two characters depends the success of the opera, and the tes. named impersonated them to perfection. We have already spoken in high terms of commendation of Signora 's_ vocal and histrionic powers in more dificult characters. Annetta. she was quite at ease. SI rendered the sprightly music with correctness and finish, and her acti was characterised by the vivacity which the true impersonation of the character demands. Signor Ruotolo seems to have been specially reserved by Signor Cagli for the part of Crispino; at any rate this was his first appearance, and he achieved a great success. He is an accom: plished and irresistible comedian, with a well-trained voice, and his Crispino could not reasonably be found fault with, except that perhaps he rather over did the doctor's scene. Signora Vela and he performed well together; they both sang in time and tune, while at the same time the con colitics of the situations were made the most of, the audience being in constant merriment throughout. Little need be said in reference to the other characters. Signora Corbianchi was cast as La Cvmare, Signor Bagagiolo as Mirabolono, Signor Gozolini as Contino de Fore, Signor Carte as Fabrizio, Signor Bocelli as Don Asdrubale di Caparotta, and 'N.N." as Bortolo. They ably supported the two principals, and the only regret in connection with the performance was that there was not a larger audience to participate in the enjoyment it afforded.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.