Transcription
ROYAL GROVE INTELLIGENCE.
Last night, curiosity led many to the novelties of this place, among which a new entertainment of singing, dancing, &c. was presented, founded on the story of the celebrated French piece exhibited at the variétés amusantes in the Palais Royal, Paris, called Guerre ouverte or Ruse contre Ruse, which was tolerably well received, considering the first night’s representation. The Piece is called Open War, or Cunning against Craft. The performers being accustomed to sing-song pieces, were rather awkward in those situations, where stage effect and judgement in the Actor ought to be inseparable, in order to produce and preserve the effect, as well as the plot of the piece; but this defect will easily be removed by a little attention and practice: several of the songs were executed with great judgement. The entertainments of this place have always been presented in a manner that rather deserves praise than censure, but one cannot pass unnoticed the last scene where the elopement takes place. Astley should have given the breeches character to some one of his female troop who seems to wear them at all times.
Another musical piece called, Love from the Heart, was also presented, which was better supported than the former, though the music of Open War is excellent. The Pantomime was of the first class; the last scene beautiful, and the uninterrupted and sudden change of the whole stage added much to its brilliancy.
