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Bob’s
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Reviews — The New York Times
From the New York Times December 7, 1910
`THAIS’ A SUCCESS IN CHICAGO
Mary Garden’s Performance Is as In-
tense as Her Salome.
Chicago, Dec. 6 - “Thaïs,” Massenet’s word that delighted so many New York opera patrons, had its Chicago premier in the Auditorium to-night with practically the same cast that sang it in New York. Mary Garden, as the fascinating Thaïs, gave a performance that was as intense as her Salome. The tantalization of the monk in the luxurious apartments of Thaïs was daring and earnest in its realism. The Chicago audience that rebelled at “Salome” accepted this scene as artistic, and in no way repulsive, if one may judge by the enthusiastic applause that greeted Miss Garden at the close.
The French baritone, Maurice Renaud, made his d‚but with the Chicago grand opera company in the rôle of Athanael, the monk, whom Thaïs endeavors to drag from his pedestal of righteousness, and gave a characterization of dignity and power. Charles Dalmores was effective in the part of Nicias, wealthy patron of Thaïs. Gustave Huberdeau, basso, sang well as Palemon. Mr. Campanini conducted.
There was an excellent house, nearly every seat being taken, but Chicago has yet to be educated to opera at $7 a seat. The success of “Thaïs” here makes it almost certain this will be the opera Mr. Dippel’s company will sing for the first of ten engagements in the Metropolitan Opera House, New York.
Friday night the Chicago Opera Company goes to Milwaukee, where “Salome,” banished from Chicago, will be sung with Mary Garden in the title rôle.
Melba who was to appear in “Rigoletto” Thursday, wired the management to-day that she is ill in New York with laryngitis. Alice Zeppilli will be substituted.
Mme. Melba has succumbed to a bad cold and is confined to her room in the Hotel Plaza. Last night it was said that she hoped to be able to sing at the Metropolitan on Monday night in “La Traviata.”
Last updated December 30, 2006