The
California Gold Rush had just passed its peak -- and so had the thirty-five
year old Irish-born Lola Montez when she first appeared in San Francisco in 1853.But Lola Montez still had dynamic appeal; she retained a surfeit of overwhelming beauty, a cocky spirit and a quick wit, and she was well-known in the world at large for the distinguished male scalps she had collected, and for her scandalous antics all across Europe.
San Francisco, Sacramento, Marysville and Grass Valley played host to her temper, wit and grace, and received in the bargain a mine of gossip and scandal for their press. Lola ran her course through California's theatre circuit, always maintaining an air of importance and inviting passionate, if mixed, reviews. Quickly known, her path crossed with Alonzo Delano, John Sutter, John Southwick, Dr. David Gorman ("Yankee") Robinson, Gilmore Meredith, and others.
Glamorous and boldly unconventional, Miss Montez attracted an enthusiastic following based more on her persona and her beauty than on her talent. She thrilled Gold Rush San Francisco with her amorous scandals and famously suggestive "Spider Dance." She was also known for her affairs with Franz Liszt and King Ludwig I of Bavaria. First appearing in San Francisco in May of 1853, Lola Montez spent a year in California's sleepy Sierra town of Grass Valley, where she took an interest in a young neighbor named Lotta Crabtree.
Daily Alta California, May 23, 1853
LOLA MONTEZ.--The public of San Francisco will have an opportunity to gratify its long awakened curiosity, on Thursday night next, by visiting the American Theatre, where and when Lola Montez make her debut before a California audience. An engagement has been made with her by Mr. Baker, and she will appear on that night.Daily Alta California, May 28, 1853
We can say nothing of her theatrical ability, never having seen her upon the stage. But who has not heard of her and her gallant spirit, her independent and Republican nature? Who has not heard how the sins of the aristocracy were heaped upon her because she possessed the royal favor, and how her troublesome Democracy was got rid of by the usual tyranny of despotism exile? Are not these things written in the books of the history of Bavaria?
This favorite and sport of fortune, now a member of the ballet, now a Countess; now brilliant with the smiles of majesty, now dragged by a mob through the streets of a revolutionary city; ready with the pen as with the steel, and dangerous with both -- comes from the palaces and royal theatres of the East to the borders of civilization, where free hands and free hearts construct temples for the Muses, and free thought and free welcomes greet those who seek our favor. We doubt not she will meet a fair, and just, and generous reception.
THE AMERICAN THEATRE.--
LOLA MONTEZ.--Seldom is actress or artist greeted with such a house as was the renowned Countess of Landsfeldt last evening at the American. The building was literally stowed with human beings. The performances commenced with the farce of Damon and Pythias, wihch was performed passably well by the stock company. But the people had no patience to watch and listen to that. They came to see Lola Montez, and were impatient till she appeared. In the character of Yelva, Madame Lola's powers of pantomime were exhibited, and she portrayed the sufferings of the orphan with a great deal of truthfulness and effect, though we could see but little merit in the piece apart from the impassioned representation of the deserted orphan.
Following this came the Nabob for an Hour, and then the Dance. The dance was what all had come to see, and there was an anxious flutter and an intense interest at the moment approached which would bring her before the house. She was greeted with a storm of applause, and then she executed the dance, which is said to be her favorite, and has won for her much notoriety. The Spider Dance is a very remarkable affair. It is thoroughly Spanish, certainly, and it cannot be denied that it is a most attractive performance. At a danseuse, Madame Lola is above mediocrity. Indeed, some parts of her execution was truly admirable. We shall endeavor to do her full justice in another notice.
She was heartily applauded, and at the close of the performance, being called out she very neatly expressed her profound gratitude for the reception she had met with. Lola is sure to have fine success with us -- this is a fixed tact; and to say that is to say that she has merit of a high order, for nothing less could succeed with a people so practical and exacting as ours. This bill of last evening is again offered tonight.