New-Yorker Stadt-Theater Opera: Barbe-bleue: Heinrich Lange Benefit

“A very sprightly and enjoyable representation of ‘Blue-beard’ (Offenbach’s) was given last night at the Stadt Theatre; to grace the benefit of Mr. Heinrich Lange. Miss Pauline Canissa sang and played the part of Boulotte with great spirit and success. This well known and much admired artist was never in better voice or, apparently, in gayer humor, and she was rewarded with frequent encores and a summer shower of bouquets. The beneficiary, Mr. Lange, was very amusing in Popolani, and the Magician, while Mr. Homan as King Bobeche and Mr. Ronbeck as Count Oscar, kept the house in a roar. Mrs. Scholz, as the Queen, and Miss Haffner, as the Princess Hermia, were very good; and their comical court lost none of its attractions by the presence of a quite charming and graceful page. Messrs. Alström, as Prince Saphir, and Mr. Hübner, as Alvarez, the courtier, were extremely mirth-provoking in their serio-comic rôles, and the ladies who personated Bluebeard’s five former wives were not only spirited in action and vocalism, but prettily costumed, especially Heloise (Miss Schmitz). It is hardly necessary to add that Mr. Habelmann was, in Bluebeard, as ever, equal to all the requirements of a thorough and accomplished artist. His duet with Boulotte in the third act was particularly fine. The kissing chorus and all Boulotte’s solos were decided hits, and a numerous audience enjoyed and applauded them heartily. Thus closes the German opera season at the Stadt theatre, to make way for Mme. Seebach, who will open her engagement tomorrow night.”