Birgfeld French Opera: La Belle Hélène

Event Information

Venue(s):
Fifth Avenue Theatre (1867-73)

Proprietor / Lessee:
James, Jr. Fisk

Manager / Director:
Adolph Birgfeld

Price: $1; $.50 family circle

Event Type:
Opera

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
23 July 2019

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

10 Apr 1869, Evening

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
Belle Hélène, La
aka Belle Helene, La; Schöne Helena, La; Schone Helena, La
Composer(s): Offenbach
Text Author: Halévy, Meilhac
Participants:  Birgfeld French Opera Company;  Monseiur [tenor] Decrée (role: Paris);  Mme. [soprano] Duclos (role: Oreste);  Lucille [vocalist] Tostée (role: Hélène);  Monsieur [tenor] Leduc (role: Ménélas)

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 06 April 1869, 7.
2)
Announcement: New-York Daily Tribune, 06 April 1869, 5.

At conclusion of review for 04/05/69 performance of La Périchole.

3)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 07 April 1869, 4.
4)
Advertisement: New-York Daily Tribune, 07 April 1869, 7.
5)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 10 April 1869, 6.

“Opera Bouffe takes possession of the Fifth- Avenue—late Brougham’s—Theatre this evening, under the management of A. Birgfeld. The bill will be changed each night. Tostee, Irma, Aujac, Decree, and the regular company will appear.”

6)
Review: New York Clipper, 17 April 1869, 14.

“The Fifth Avnue Theatre was opened with Mr. Fisk’s Opera Bouffe troupe on the 5th inst., the leading features being Mlles. Tostee and Irma, and Mons Aujac. The attendance was very large at the initial performance, and this continued throughout the week. On Saturday evening ‘La Belle Helene’ was presented [lists cast]. The opera was presented in good style, well placed upon the stage, capitally acted, and well sung. Tostee was charming as Helene, asn received several encores, which were deserved.”