Théâtre Français: Juignet and Driver Benefit

Event Information

Venue(s):
French Theatre

Manager / Director:
Paul Juignet
Charles Drivet

Event Type:
Opera

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
2 May 2016

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

30 Nov 1866, Evening

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Paul de Surmont;  Paul Juignet;  Monsieur [tenor] Edgard;  Elvira Naddie;  Monsieur Walter
2)
Pont cassé, Le
Text Author: Duvert, Lauzanne
Participants:  Paul Juignet (role: Robertin)
3)
Galathée
Composer(s): Massé
Text Author: Barbier, Carré
Participants:  Monsieur [tenor] Edgard;  Elvira Naddie;  Monsieur Walter;  Paul de Surmont

Citations

1)
Announcement: New York Herald, 28 November 1866, 8.
2)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 28 November 1866, 7.
3)
Review: New York Herald, 01 December 1866, 5.

“The complimentary benefit tendered to Messrs. Juignet and Drivet, directors, by the subscribers and habitués of the above charming little theatre, took place last evening, and was a substantial benefit, if a large and brilliant audience be any evidence of the fact. We have rarely seen, except on the Ristori nights, as select and fashionable an assemblage in any theatre in the metropolis, and both ladies and gentlemen pretty generally appeared in full evening costume. It is gratifying to see that the delightful and enjoyable opéra comique has taken such a hold on the public here, and that the laudable efforts of its directors are appreciated by such a class of people as attended their benefit last evening. The opera was Galatea, by Victor Masse. Mlle. Naddie as the animated statue, eclipsed all her previous triumphs in singing and acting, and was called before the curtain at the end of the first act. The sparkling air ‘Ah! Verse Encore,’ when Galatea indulges in wine for the first time and thereby becomes hilarious, was given by her with fire and spirit that called forth the most enthusiastic applause. The melancholy Pygmalion, who fell in love with his own handiwork, and prayed to Venus that it might become flesh and blood, was represented by M. Walter. The music was rather trying for him, and he seemed not to be well versed in the classical school of acting. His Ganymede (M. De Surmont) gave much satisfaction, and sang his couplets very commendably. Old Midas would have had an excellent representative in M. Edgard had not the composer unfortunately given him couplets also to sing and couplets too of a very difficult nature. Mlle. Naddie, however, made up for all deficiencies and excited as much admiration and enthusiasm among the audience as the statue she represented did with the sculptor and the ancient connoisseur. The opera was preceded by the vaudeville, Le Pont Cassé, in which M. Juignet appeared as Robertin. He acted splendidly and was called before the curtain at the close of the play.”