New-Yorker Stadt-Theater Opera: Barbe-bleue

“Tonight the renovated Stadtheater will open for the season. Herr Neuendorff, who took over this house, intends to stage operas, farces, and comedies. The famous Berlin soubrette Fräulein Lina Mayr begins as ‘Boulotte’ in Offenbach’s operetta ‘Blaubart.’ Fräulein Mayr, as we have often remarked before, is among the best, most piquant interpreters of Offenbach’s roles and is an excellent comic soubrette.” Lists remainder of cast.

Full cast list. 

“The season at this spacious establishment was commenced last night under exceedingly favorable auspices, not only in regard to the character of the entertainment or the number of persons in attendance, but chiefly on account of the desirable changes recently made in the interior of the building. Heretofore the Stadt Theatre has had strange terrors for the timid, because of the limited means of egress in case of accident, while its palmiest days could never boast much in the way of architectural upholstering or scenic attractions. It was in every sense a theatrical wilderness from which it was no easy task to go abroad. A judicious expenditure and a considerable amount of taste, have, however, worked wonders, and last night the theatre wore quite a cheerful, bright and animated look. What with handsome and appropriate decorations, new scenery, and, above all, increased means of entrance and exit, the Stadt Theatre has undergone a transformation which must be very acceptable to its numerous patrons. The artistic attraction consisted in the first appearance of Miss Lina Mayr, who is said to be a great favorite in Germany in opéra bouffe. She essayed the rôle of Boulotte in ‘Barbe Bleue,’ and was supported by several performers who have already appeared in German opera in this city. Miss Mayr, to begin with, has the all-important advantages of good looks and a comely figure, and has evidently studied with care the necessary points which contribute to the success of an opéra bouffe artist. Her voice, while calling for no special comment so far as strength and volume are concerned, is sweet and flexible, and answers all the purposes which a part like Boulotte demands. But her acting is full of that vivacity, dash and abandon without which it would be impossible to portray the rollicking rôle of the giddy headed shepherdess. Indeed she left little to be desired and the enthusiastic demonstrations which greeted her efforts proved she had made quite a favorable impression. The choice morceaux which fall to Boulotte she rendered with artistic finish, and during the evening she was called repeatedly before the curtain. Her success was altogether assured, although opéra bouffe in German would hardly commend itself to those whose ears are familiar with the sparkling dialogue in the language which, of all others, can best convey the spicy thoughts of joyous though irreverent writers. Blue Beard was creditably represented by Herr Schütz, as were the parts of King Bobeche by Herr Witt and Clementine by Mrs. Witt, while Popolani had an admirable interpreter in Herr Schönwolff. The chorus was very fair and the piece handsomely placed on the stage. At the conclusion of the performance Mr. Adolph Neuendorf, the director and conductor of the orchestra, in response to enthusiastic calls, appeared before the curtain and thanked the audience on the part of the management.”

“Fräulein Lina Mayr performed ‘Boulotte’ for the fifth and final time yesterday at the Stadttheater. The house was overflowing and she received a thunderous applause.”