Footlight Notes banner with Doris Stocker


http://footlightnotes.tripod.com

Footlight Notes Collection Picture Archive - request for use of images.

e-mail John Culme here; please be sure to type your e-mail address in your message.

* * * * * * * *

FOOTLIGHT NOTES
no. 572

updated
Saturday, 30 August 2008

FOOTLIGHT NOTES
images of theatre and other popular entertainment
1850s-1920s

Emma Carson
an extra large cabinet photograph, 12 ¾ x 7 inches,
of Emma Carson (fl. 1880s), American actress and singer,
as she appeared in a revival of H.B. Farnie's burlesque version of Offenbach's Bluebeard,
produced at the Bijou Opera House, New York, Tuesday, 6 May 1884

(photo: Moreno, New York, 1884)

'BIJOU OPERA-HOUSE.
'A crude burlesque of that bright, spirited trifle, Barbe-Bleue, was given last night at the Bijou Opera-house. The French piece, done here several years ago by Irma, Aujac, and a clever company, is perhaps almost forgotten now. Lydia Thompson, without doubt the only woman who could charm away the stupidity of broad and vulgar burlesque, originally presented Farnie's version of the Offenbach farce in this city. This version was used last night, though hardly in its right form. The performance, like most things of its kind, was composed chiefly of extravaganza, absurdity, and womanhood with a small amount of clothes. A ''variety ball'' dance, at the end of the first act, seemed to enliven the audience. Much of Offenbach's music written for Barbe-Bleue was not sung. That part of it which was sung fared badly. Mr. Jacques Kruger as Bluebeard, and Mr. Arthur W. Tams as Corporal Zong Zong were the most efficient members of the company. Miss Emma Carson and Miss Irene Perry were not especially entertaining, and Miss Pauling Hall appeared to be a rather lame Venus. There was little talent shown by these mediocre exponents of the ancient leg drama. Luckily, Mr. Kruger was amusing.'
(The New York Times, New York, Wednesday, 7 May 1884, p. 4f)

* * * * * * * *


Sign My Guestbook Guestbook by GuestWorld View My Guestbook




Nedstat Counter

© John Culme, 2008