Maretzek Italian Opera: Crispino e la comare

     describes Crispino as “the fascinating and popular comic opera”

     “The performance last evening of ‘Crispino è la Comare’ was in every way delightful.  We have never listened to a more even, perfect and delicious representation of this truly enjoyable work.  Signor Bellini, on whom much depends, was in admirable mood, and Miss Kellogg was, as she always is, thoroughly exquisite.”

     “Miss Kellogg, Signori Irfre, Bellini and Dubreul [sic]  were in the best possible voice, and in the happiest of moods, and dashed through their parts with that swinging abandon which never fails of success.”

     “[A] thoroughly enjoyable performance . . . before a very large audience, Kellogg, Irfre, Bellini, Dubreuil, Ardavani and Ficher singing and acting with their usual ability.  It is worthy of note, that this charming little trifle of an opera—this droll and pretty lyrical story of a cobbler and a fairy—seems to be more attractive to the New York public than all the majestic splendors of Meyerbeer or the sympathetic melodies of Donizetti.  Certainly neither ‘L’Africaine’ nor ‘Don Sebastian,’ with all their expensive spectacular display, attract better houses than ‘Crispino e la Comare.’”