French Opera Bouffe: La Grande duchesse de Gérolstein

“’La Grande Duchesse’ was interpreted at Lina Edwin’s Theatre last evening. Most of the music in the opera is well worn by repetition, but its tunefulness and vivacity are still potent, and the performance last night was heartily enjoyed by an audience that filled the house. When Mlle. Aimee appeared in ‘La Grande Duchess’ on a larger and less suitable stage, her singing and acting were much commended in this place. No artist could give the familiar airs with more spirit or greater finish, or throw more variety and color into the whole personation. Mlle. Schneider’s success, after Mlle. Aimee’s, could not be safely forecast, for the last-named lady is to be credited, not only with a finesse of apprehension and delivery quite equal to that of the more widely-known person, but with a freedom from coarseness by which Mlle. Schneider’s work is often marred. Aside from the charm and effectiveness of Mlle. Aimee’s performance, abundant pleasure was derived from the efforts of her associates. M. Noe is a young and acceptable representative of Fritz, and M. Duchesne needs no more complimentary reference than the mention that he originally embodied General Boum. M. Edgard could not be else than excessively funny as Baron Puck. In other respects ‘La Grande Duchesse’ is cleverly done, and its rehearsals, which will extend over this week, can be fairly designated as worth attending, notwithstanding the plethora of entertainments the City is now suffering from.”