Grand Opera House: Henry C. Page Benefit

“In spite of the sadly unpropitious weather, a splendid house gathered together at this magnificent temple of the muses last evening in honor of the benefit of Mr. Henry C. Page, the business manager. The programme included a mélange of some of the most popular music pieces in the repertoire of the company, together with Morton’s brilliant one-act comedy…Elise Persini sang the ‘Jewel Song’ from ‘Faust,’ and well earned the encore she received. The performance concluded with the last two acts of ‘Barbe Bleue.’ Aimée took the part of Boulotte, with her usual success. Gausins, as Bluebeard, was funny, original, sparkling as ever. The rest of the cast was admirably sustained. The performance was an immense success, and certainly spoke well for the popularity of Mr. Page, both before and behind the scenes.”

“The weather seems to have no effect on many of our theatre-goers. Last night, for instance, the Grand Opera House on Eighth Avenue was filled with a delighted audience, on the occasion of the benefit of Mr. Henry C. Page, who ‘manages the front’ of the house. Mr. Page has been known here only as a business man, but he is a very clever actor, and fully proved the fact by his personation of Count Glorieux in ‘Sketches in India.’ He also made a pointed little speech to the audience.

“The last two acts of ‘Barbe Bleue’ were also given, with Aimée as Boulotte and Gausins as Barbe Bleue. Mlle. Persini added to the interest of the programme by singing an air from ‘Faust,’ and the entire evening was one of marked enjoyment.”

Page’s first appearance on the New York stage as an actor. “A portion of ‘Barbe Bleue’ was also sung, and Mlle. Persini between the acts sang some operatic gems which met with favor from the audience.”