They began by hiring the Academy of Music, Buffalo, NY (1852–1956)[7][8] in 1876–7 with Lotta, and later at Abbey's Park Theatre from 1876 to 1882 (when it burned down).
[9] The duo managed Christina Nilsson, Henry Irving and Lillie Langtry on tours of the US; the latter's début was delayed when Abbey's New Park Theatre burned down on October 30, 1882.
[9] Abbey and Schoeffel first collaborated with Maurice Grau in 1880 when they co-organized Sarah Bernhardt's first tour of the United States; a highly profitable venture which earned them both money and artistic acclaim.
[1] At that time, Grau was already a prominent theatre manager and producer not only in New York but on the national stage who had played an instrumental role in popularizing French opera bouffa and more generally the musical among American audiences during the 1870s.
[10] He had been managing and producing light opera companies since 1872 and brought numerous European artists to the United States, including Jacques Offenbach.
[13] Following the success of Bernhardt's tour, Abbey enlisted Grau to be his business manager at the newly created Metropolitan Opera in 1883.
[16] Abbey and Schoeffel returned to light opera and touring European acts including Henry Irving and Ellen Terry from 1884.
[4] At the time of his death the firm was in a poor state of affairs, largely due to Abbey's mismanagement which cost him all his fortune and deprived Mr. Grau as well of his savings.
[21] By 1895 the firm of Abbey, Schoeffel and Grau was in severe financial difficulties, and asked for extension of time to meet their obligations.