New-Yorker Stadt-Theater Opera: Les Brigands

Full cast list. 

“Today [Lina Mayr] performs for the first time in Offenbach’s operetta ‘Die Banditen.’ The operetta has been carefully rehearsed and the primary roles are in good hands, so a good performance is expected.”

“Offenbach’s ‘Banditen,’ which last year gave a boost to the struggling season at the Germania Theater, was performed for the first time last night at the Stadttheater. Although the operetta is not counted among Offenbach’s best works, it still offers a highly amusing story rich in comedic situations, witty dialogue, and, where music is concerned, fresh, original melodies, with a number of well-crafted ensemble numbers. In these, Offenbach very carefully treats the voices and orchestra, which is a rarity for the master of the cancan. [Author does not explain what he means by “very carefully treats.”] From the outset, we wish to state that yesterday’s performance was satisfactory; each number developed smoothly [glatt und gerundet], even where the choir and orchestra were concerned. Fräulein Lina Mayr sang ‘Fiorella.’ This role, though primarily a singing one, still requires a talented actress. Both characteristics of the robber’s daughter, who ‘always with her faithful little book at her side and her dagger at her breast,’ strides joyfully through the woods, falls in love at first sight with a handsome young watchman (with vehemence befitting the daughter of the forest), and finally, in various disguises, takes up the robber’s trade, are brought to excellent effect by Lina Mayr in every aspect of her acting and singing. She avoids, as so often happens, turning the role into a farce or caricature, and instead gives us a lively girl of flesh and blood. The highlight of her vocal performance is the song ‘Fürwahr, seltsam scheint nur die Frage,’ a sweet love song—the musical pearl of the entire operetta—which she sings with feeling, youthfulness, and a beautiful expression. She received the usual tribute of flowers and applause in very generous measure. Fräulein Heynold, as the young ‘Fragoletto,’ looked excellent and also received copious applause for her excellent performance, which is almost as important as that of ‘Fiorella.’ Herr Schütz’s ‘Falsacappa’ is already known to locals as one of his best roles. But Fräulein Beckmann, Herrn Wm. Formes, Witt, etc., also deserve recognition for their witty portrayals. The operetta is superbly staged, especially in the costumes. The theater was well filled last night, but a packed house is expected for the performances today and tomorrow.”