Strakosch Italian Opera: Martha

“Never since this favorite temple of comedy was first thrown open to the public did it present a more animated appearance than on Saturday afternoon, when the Swedish songstress graced its boards. To say that it was crowded would but faintly express the number of ladies and gentlemen that were present, and the receipts were in the neighborhood of five thousand dollars. The grace, coquetry and mingled tenderness and vivacity with which Miss Nilsson invests the character of Lady Henrietta in ‘Martha,’ and the elegance of manner, neatness of vocalization and admirable acting of Capoul as Lionel are well known to the habitues of the Academy of Music. These qualities appeared to eminent advantage on Wallack’s boards, enhanced as they were by Miss Cary as Nancy and Jamet as Plunkett.”

“The Nilsson troupe repeated ‘Martha’ at Wallack’s for the Saturday matinée, and, it is needless to say, to a house crowded in every part. The fair prima donna was never in better voice, and those marvelously pure and sweet tones, which have raised her to the pinnacle of fame, supported by her unequalled dramatic powers, produced thunders of applause. As the day for her departure approaches she appears to gain in attractiveness and popularity; after two hundred representations she is as fresh as she was at her first concert; and we believe that if she intended to sing the whole year round, audiences would be found to listen to her, and to repeat their praises to their friends. Capoul was also in excellent voice, and was warmly received and applauded, as he always is.”