Camma

“…[T]he Director calls attention to the fact that this dramatic work was expressly written for MADAME RISTORI…the character of Camma was pronounced one of her grandest personalities.” 

“…It is unknown to the American stage, but enjoys much popularity in Italy, especially as it displays Mme. Ristori, for whom it was written, to the best advantage. It has the additional merit of being picturesque, and of introducing a number of very beautiful dresses.”

“A new and well constructed play, called ‘Camma’ was produced here last evening, with success. It is moulded on the classic form but possesses more action, and a better suite of scenes than can be found in regularly classic drama. The story is a simple one; it has been told in poetry a thousand times. [Summary of plot.] It is no exaggeration to say that the rôle exhibits the lady’s powers to far greater advantage than any other part she has yet sustained before the public. As an artistic effort—developing the best characteristics of the actress—we prefer it to ‘Mary Stuart’ or even ‘Elizabeth.’ Since the time of Rachel, there has been no artiste on the American stage who brought so much dignity, passion and fullness to the interpretation of a rôle.”

Advertisement for performance on 01/09/67, which references this performance of Camma.

“Mr. GRAU, in reply to many applications for the repetition of CAMMA, which created such a furore on Friday evening last, regrets to state that CAMMA having been announced for that night only, that ELIZABETH having been previously advertised for to-morrow (Monday) evening, and for the matinee on Wednesday—the last two represetations of Mme. RISTORI in New-York prior to her departure for the West, and, also, an immense number of seats and boxes already having been already secured for these representations of ELIZABETH, it would be departing from the rules of the management to change the performance; but as Mme. RISTORI’S return to New-York will be April next, when she will give her farewell performances, before leaving America for Paris, where she is engaged to appear during the Exposition Universeile, her rentree will take place here with the representation of Montanelli’s tragedy CAMMA.”