New-Yorker Stadt-Theater Opera: Die Lustigen Weiber von Windsor

“Mr. Rullman seems to have made a grand success in his engagement for German opera of ‘Die Kleine Pauline.’ Every night he has succeeded in bringing to the Stadt Theatre an overwhelming audience. Last night was no exception to the rule. The house was crowded as before, although the opera was by no means interesting. It would be extremely difficult for even the average Shakespearian scholar to recognize one of the most delicious comedies of the bard of Avon in the disguise which Mr. Nicolai has thrown around it. The German libretto has about as much to do with the original as the Hamlet of M. Ambroise Thomas with Mr. Booth’s representation. Yet the genius of an artist like Mme. Lucca has such a magnetic effect, even in comedy, that one, listening to her wonderful impersonation of Mrs. Ford, cannot help making liberal excuses for the mutilation of the original comedy. The wealth of vocal talent possessed by this lady, and her naïve, coquettish style of acting make her impersonation of Mrs. Ford perfectly charming. The other rôles were represented by [see above].”