New-Yorker Stadt-Theater Opera: Sacred Concert

“The Teutonic element rallied last night in great array in search of joyous song , and before eight o’clock what might be termed the great prairie theatre of the east side of the metropolis, now handsomely decorated and upholstered, was packed to its utmost limits--which means, on a crush, capacity for 3,000 human beings of various weights and sizes. The interior of the building presented a fine effect, and the anxious look which was wont to mark the features of the expectant throng when the means of egress in case of fire caused woeful thought from pit to dome was nowhere to be seen. In fact, the Stadt has been dressed in a brand new suit of clothes, with plenty of pockets to boot. The attraction last night was Offenbach’s ever popular opéra bouffe ‘Les Brigands,’ and justice compels the statement that it was very fairly presented. Apart from a few defects in the rendering of some of the choice morceaux in the production, a little boisterousness in the chorus and an occasional tumult in the orchestra, the performance seemed to give general satisfaction. Miss Lina Mayr, in the rôle of Fiorella, carried, of course, the honors of the evening and acquitted herself with credit, displaying throughout a clever conception of the part. She was assisted by Miss Heynold as Fragoletto—a sprightly young artiste, of elastic tendencies, who, though lacking vocal qualifications, exhibited considerable drollery and a good deal of abandon. Herr Schütz, as Falsacappa, one of the bandit party; Herr Witt, as Garmagnoia, and Herr Schönwolff, as Bramarbasso, proved themselves valuable acquisitions to the company. The numerous features with which this production abounds were well brought forward, and the audience testified their appreciation by repeated and enthusiastic plaudits. The stage setting and costumes were in accord with the general surroundings, and altogether the entertainment was thoroughly relished.”