Princess Flavia

Princess Flavia is a 1925 operetta in three acts based on Anthony Hope's novel The Prisoner of Zenda, with book and lyrics by Harry B. Smith and music by Sigmund Romberg.

Princess Flavia
Evelyn Herbert in the title role of
Princess Flavia (1925)
MusicSigmund Romberg
LyricsHarry B. Smith
BookHarry B. Smith
Basis1894 novel The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope
PremiereNovember 2, 1925 (1925-11-02): Century Theatre, New York City, New York

Production

Princess Flavia was staged by J. C. Huffman[1] and produced by Lee Shubert and J. J. Shubert. The Broadway show opened November 2, 1925, at the Century Theatre. On February 1, 1926, it moved to the Shubert Theatre, continuing for a total run of 152 performances.[2] The large cast was led by Harry Welchman, a popular tenor of the London stage, and soprano Evelyn Herbert in her first starring role.[3][4]

Cast
Sheet music cover
  • Harry Welchman as Rudolf Rassendyl and Rudolph, Crown Prince of Ruritania[3]
  • William Pringle as General Sapt[3]
  • John Clarke as Rupert of Hentzau[3]
  • William Danforth as Franz Teppich[3]
  • James Marshall as Lieut. Fritz van Tarlenheim
  • Alois Havrilla as Gilbert Bertrand[3]
  • Douglass Dumbrille as Michael[3]
  • Evelyn Herbert as Princess Flavia[3]
  • Margaret Breen as Helga[3]
  • Felicia Drenova as Antoinette de Mauban[3]
  • Maude Odell as Sophie[3]
  • Dudley Marwick as Lackey[3]
  • Edmund Ruffner as Marshal Momsen[3]
  • Joseph Calleia as Senor Poncho[3]
  • Earle Lee as Lord Topham[3]
  • Stella Shiel as Princess Edelstein[3]
  • Dudley Marwick as Innkeeper[3]
  • Alois Havrilla as Josef[3]
  • Donald Lee as Cardinal[3]

Songs
Sheet music cover

Reception

The New York Times review of the premiere of Princess Flavia described the show as "beautiful, tuneful, majestic and splendid in all its appointments."

Last night's audience, a gathering of habitual theatregoers who have known the splendors of The Student Prince and Rose-Marie and The Love Song during recent months, was forced to pay homage repeatedly throughout the evening to the even greater lavishness … and the stirring choruses evoked prolonged ovations at the end of each act.[3]

Particular praise was accorded the performances of Welchman, Herbert, Dumbrille and the large chorus, as well as the sets by Watson Barratt.[3]

References
  1. Hischak, Thomas S. (2006-01-01). Enter the Playmakers: Directors and Choreographers on the New York Stage. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-5747-6. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  2. "Princess Flavia". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  3. "'Princess Flavia' is Rich and Captivating". The New York Times. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  4. "Princess Flavia". Playbill Vault. Playbill. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
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