Bob’s
World of
J. Massenet

Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times February 19, 1913

MARY GARDEN IN “THAIS.”
Chicago Company Gives Revival of
Massenet’s Opera.

     The fourth offering of the Philadelphia-Chicago company in New York last evening was Massenet’s “Thaïs,” a work which has become generally popular in this country since it was introduced here on the occasion of Mary Garden’s d‚but at the Manhattan Opera House. The scenery, in fact, remains the same, and as it has been carted around the country from Brooklyn to Cleveland by both Mr. Hammerstein and Mr. Dippel, it has known some wear which it has, perhaps, withstood as gracefully as possible. New scenery, however, will be needed if “Thaïs” is to continue her crusade of conversion.
     there is nothing new to be said of this opera of Massenet’s at this date, except that possibly the recent death of the composer may invest the present performance with an added interest. Whether the story, the Meditation, or the interpretation have the most to do with the favor may still be allowed to remain a mystery.
     Last night’s performance contained no novel features. “Thaïs” was written for Sibyl Sanderson, but what success it has had in this country is almost entirely invested in Mary Garden, a slimmer personality, it should be seated, than, it has been for some years.
     The Athanael last evening was Hector Dufranne, who sings and acts the part well, if not with all the finesse and authority which it will stand. Mr. dalmores, of course, sing Nicias with ease. It is a pleasure to hear as good a singer in so small a rôle. Mr. Huberdeau was the Palemon. The orchestra was under the direction of Cleofonte Campanini, and the audience was larger than it has been at any other of the Chicago-Philadelphia Opera Company’s performances, if one excepts the Titta Ruffo episode.

Last updated December 30, 2006