Zar und Zimmermann: Eugenie Schmitz Benefit

Event Information

Venue(s):
New-Yorker Stadt-Theater [45-47 Bowery- post-Sept 1864]

Proprietor / Lessee:
Eduard Hamann [prop.-dir.]
Hermann Rosenberg

Conductor(s):
Adolph Neuendorff

Price: $1.50; $1; $.50; $.30; $.15

Event Type:
Opera

Performance Forces:
Vocal

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
27 June 2017

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

19 Feb 1868, 8:00 PM

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
Zar und Zimmermann; oder, Die beiden Peter
aka Czaar und Zimmermann; Tsar and Carpenter; Czar und Zimmermann
Composer(s): Lortzing
Text Author: Lortzing
Participants:  Eugenie Schmitz (role: Marie);  Ernst [actor, playwright] Rethwisch (role: Mayor);  Wilhelm Formes (role: Czar);  Wilhelm Groschel [tenor and conductor] (role: French Messenger)

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung und Herold, 19 February 1868.

Full cast list included.

2)
Announcement: New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung und Herold, 19 February 1868.
3)
Review: New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung und Herold, 20 February 1868, 8.

The event attracted a large audience. Considering that one cannot have high expectations of the cast regarding opera performance at this stage, yesterday’s performance can be perceived as well done. The leading parts were performed by guests, of whom Wilhelm Formes as czar excelled vocally. The song in the third act “Einst spielt ich mit dem Scepter” was showered with such enthusiastic applause, it demanded a da capo. The role of the French messenger was appropriately cast with Groschel. Rethwisch, as the mayor, sang and acted with much humor, as usual, and thus proved himself to be an excellent comedian. Miss Schmitz as Marie had a pretty appearance. Her singing did not match her acting skill, however. On her first entrance on stage, she was presented with a glamorous laurel wreath. We hope the revenue of the benefit was as substantial for her as her welcome. The stage scenery was elaborate.