The Firefly

Firefly, The (1912), a “comedy opera” by Otto Harbach (book, lyrics), Rudolf Friml (music). [Lyric Theatre, 120 perf.] To flee from her drunken guardian, the young street urchin Nina Corelli (Emma Trentini) disguises herself as a boy and boards a yacht headed for Bermuda. On board are Jack Travers (Craig Campbell) and his bitchy fiancée, Geraldine Van Dare (Audrey Maple). Nina falls in love with Jack but cannot disclose her real identity. However, when she is mistaken for a sought pickpocket she is forced to reveal that she is a girl. A kindly musician, who has heard her sing, sends her to Europe to be educated. Nina returns as a celebrated prima donna and marries Jack. Notable songs: Giannina Mia; Love Is Like a Firefly; Sympathy. The Arthur Hammerstein– produced operetta was originally to have had a score by Victor Herbert, but after a series of rows with Trentini, Herbert asked to be released from his contract. The score was Friml's first and won him immediate recognition.