Mark Smith by Gilbert and Bacon

Mark Smith as Eisenstein in 'Die Fledermaus" Strauss

MARK SMITH
(1855 Alabama -??)
American Baritone

Performed chiefly in operetta in Boston and Chicago & Philadelhia

INFORMATION THANKS TO GOTTFRIED

"Mark Smith one of the most popular baritones on the comic opera stage of this country has in addition to a voice which is resonant flexible and unusually pleasing an agreeable presence essential qualities for light opera He has also had an excellent experience not only here but in Europe and his father and grandfather were actors so that he is particularly well equipped for his profession Born at Mobile Ala in 1855 it may fairly be assumed that he is not yet in the fullness of his power He has sung constantly stnce he was eleven years of age He was educated in France and in Italy an opportunity by which he profited in the acquirement of several languages He made his first appearance on the regular stage in 1876 as a member of McVicker's stock company in Chicago Here he did everything from the carrying a banner as a supernumerary to the playing of principal parts an experience which has since served him in good stead In the following year he went to Europe and sang a season of Italian opera in Russia Returning to America he played at the Chestnut Street Theatre Philadelphia where the influence of a splendid company of artists encouraged him in his chosen career In 1880 he commenced an engagement with CD Hey then in the zenith of his popularity and played in a repertoire of over forty operas ranging from La Mascotte to Faust After three years of incessant travel and consequent hard work he joined the forces of Colonel McCaull at the Casino New York city singing in The Beggar Student Die Fledermaus The Black Hussar and other similar operas When Mr Rudolph Aronson assumed the control of the Casino Mr Smith continued at that house and among other characters played that of Ravannes in Erminie many hundred times Within recent years he has sung in The Sea King The Mikado and Miss Helyett In the production at Palmer's Theatre New York of 1492 he sang the role of Columbus a part which he was induced to relinquish for that of the hero of The Rainmaker of Syria at his old home the Casino Mr Smith whose portrait appears on page 517 has joined The Algerian company and will be again seen in New York when Mr Reginald De Koven's new comic opera receives its metropolitan production."

The Illustrated American Volume 14, page 535, October 28, 1893