The Wizard of the Nile

The Wizard of the Nile

Sheet music cover
Music Victor Herbert
Lyrics Harry B. Smith
Book Harry B. Smith
Productions 1895 Broadway

The Wizard of the Nile was a burlesque operetta in three acts, composed by Victor Herbert to a libretto by Harry B. Smith.

Herbert's second operetta after Prince Ananias, The Wizard of the Nile was his first real success. It was given 105 performances on Broadway at the Casino Theatre, opening on November 4, 1895, starring the comedian Frank Daniels (and his Comic Opera Company), and enjoyed productions in Britain and on the European continent – a rare achievement for an American work of the period – as well as a revival in New York. None of Herbert's later shows would achieve as much international success.

Daniels played Kibosh, the Persian Magician. His phrase, "Am I a wiz?" became a popular expression. Edwin Isham also starred.[1] Famous songs include the waltz "Star Light, Star Bright", "My Angeline" and "In Dreamland". A recording of this piece is available here.

Roles and original cast

Musical numbers

Act I – Public Square in Alexandria.
Act II – Terraced roof of the King's palace.
Act III – Interior of the King's private pyramid.

Notes

  1. Stone, David. Edwin Isham profile at the Who Was Who in the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company website, accessed 11 November 2009

References