Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times - February 2, 1895

“Manon” at the Opera.

     The ladies to whom each appearance of M. Jean de Reszke is cause for emotional excitement have been in a flutter for several days past for fear that he would not be able to appear as the Chevalier des Grieux last night at the Metropolitan Opera House. They read in one of our esteemed contemporaries, which boasts of its accuracy, that he had hurt his foot while riding a bicycle. Only two things about this story were untrue. He did not hurt his foot and he was not injured while riding a bicycle. He strained a tendon in one of his legs while lifting a heavy upholstered chair, in one of those feats of strength in which he and his brother take delight. He had recovered from the effects of the mishap sufficiently to permit the publication yesterday morning of an emphatic statement that he would sing in the evening, and consequently the Opera House held a good-sized audience.
     The opera was Massenet’s graceful work, “Manon,” which was given for the third time. Mlle. Sibyl Sanderson, who was not quite well last Saturday afternoon, had recovered last evening and was able to do herself justice. There is nothing to add, however, to what has already been said about her. M. de Reszke sang with his customary fervor, and M. Plancon was again an admirable Des Grieux pere. The performance was generally good, and aroused a great deal of applause.

Last updated December 30, 2006