Bob’s
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J. Massenet

Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times December 5, 1909

LE JONGLEUR DE NOTRE DAME
Mary Garden Displays Her Versatility
In Revival at Manhattan.

Jean                                          Miss Mary Garden
Boniface                                    M. Maurice Renaud
The Prior                                   M. Dufranne
The Poet Monk                         M. Lucas
The Painter Monk                      M. Laskin
The Sculptor Monk                    M. Huberdeau
The Musician Monk                   M. Crabbe
Musical Director M. Henrique de la Fuente

     For the first time this season Massenet’s modern “miracle play” of “Le Jongleur de Notre Dame” was revived yesterday afternoon at the Manhattan Opera House. the quaintly original operatic work was one of the most successful of Mr. Hammerstein’s productions last season, (when it had seven performances,) and yesterday it was evident that the public interest in it was still great. There was a large audience, that witnessed and obviously enjoyed an excellent performance.
     The cast was again headed by Miss Garden, as Jean, the little juggler, and Mr. Renaud as Boniface. Mr. Dufranne was the prior and Mr. Crabbe the musician monk. there were three new members. Mr. Lucas, the poet monk; Mr. Laskin, the painter, and Mr. Huberdeau, the sculptor. Mr. Lucas acquitted himself admirably in his new part.
     There is little new to be said of Miss Garden’s interpretation of Jean; it gives an admirable opportunity for her remarkable histrionic versatility and displays a very attractive side of her art. It is still a question that will not down, whether the unity and characteristic spirit of the work is not injured by the change whereby the part of Jean is given to a woman singer instead of a man.
     It was conceived for a man’s voice, and the obvious requirements of the whole situation are for a man. Miss Garden with all her cleverness, cannot keep out of her impersonation certain false notes - we use the expression figuratively and speak not of her voice - that jar in the general harmony of the scheme. but there is the composer’s sanction, and that may be supposed to stand against many conclusions of the reasoning mind.
     Of Mr. Renaud’s most delightful impersonation of the unctuous Boniface there is only admiration, Mr. de la Fuente conducted an excellent performance.

Last updated December 29, 2006