Maretzek Italian Opera: L’étoile du nord

“Such an important work is not often played at a matinée, and will of course attract a crowd.”

“First and only time at a matinee of Meyerbeer’s IMMENSELY SUCCESSFUL GRAND SPECTACULAR OPERA. . . . SPECIAL NOTICE.—The lady patrons of the matinees are requested to purchase their tickets early, in order to avoid crowding and delay at the ticket office  A great crowd being expected, three additional doors will be opened.”

[Preliminary translation]

"(…) The chorus performed well. Also the “mise en scene” was excellent, whereas some of the soloists were less than perfect. This opera requires strong voices and acting talent; something the male leading singers do not possess enough. Even Miss Kellogg was not how she should have been. Her performance lacked elegance and refinement, simply everything that is needed to fill a role completely. We have no doubt; however, that an accomplished artist such as Ms. Kellogg will grow into the role within a few performances."

“The matinee . . . was a brilliant success in every sense. ‘L’Etoile du Nord’ was presented in a manner that left little to be desired by the most captious critics. Miss Kellogg won another triumph, and vindicated her right to the very highest place in her profession.”

“The appearance of Miss Kellogg in ‘The Star of the North’ . . . attracted a dense and overflowing audience. It was one of the most brilliant audiences of the season, several hundred ladies being compelled to seek refuge in that dreariest of dreary Amphitheaters at the Academy.  The performance of the opera was distinguished by all the excellences of its former representations, Miss Kellogg surprising and delighting those who had not heard her in this new role, and confirming the high estimation entertained of her deserved success by the opera habitués.  The seasons of 1865 and 1866 have witnessed two great triumphs for Miss Kellogg—triumphs which have placed her indisputably at the head of her profession, in the class of characters to the interpretation of which she is so admirably adapted by nature and by education.”