Maretzek Italian Opera: Lucia di Lammermoor

“At the opera last night, Mrs. Van Zandt made her fifth appearance on the stage, essaying the part of Donizetti’s Lucia, which she has already performed in Boston. Her vocalization was good, and in the second act she acted well enough for a debutante. The lady yet needs that ease of manner which only familiarity with the stage will give her; but her every performance evinces improvement. Mrs. Van Zandt’s voice appeared in Lucia to greater advantage than in ‘Rigoletto.’ She was called before the curtain after the second act.

Van Zandt’s “voice is fresh and delightful.  It possesses more body and strength than can be found in any other American prima-donna’s voice. It is, however, an inexperienced organ, and except in cavatinas that have become familiar and facile, is inadequate to the labor of sustaining an important role. Mme. VAN Z ANDT needs practice on the stage, and, with this, will, we doubt not, arrive at a brilliant future. Her Lucia, however, is more immature than her Gilda, in which character it will be remembered she made her debut. The performance was cold, unimpassioned and amateurish.