[1] One of the most popular theatrical forms in the early decades of the 20th century in America was the operetta, and its most famous composer was Irish-born Victor Herbert.

Directed by Frederick G. Latham and conducted by Gaetano Merola, the operetta starred Trentini as Nina, Craig Campbell as Jack Travers, Irene Cassini as Antonio Columbo, Vera De Rosa as Sybil Vandare, Sammy Lee as Pietro, Audrey Maple as Geraldine Vandare, Ruby Norton as Suzette, Katherine Stewart as Mrs. Oglesby Vandare, Melville Stewart as John Thurston, Henry Vogel as Herr Franz, and George Williams as Correlli.

[4] The 1937 MGM film version of the show, starring Jeanette MacDonald, added the song "The Donkey Serenade".

[6] At a Hudson River pier in New York City around 1909, snobby Geraldine Van Dare appears, quarreling with her fiancé, Jack Travers.

They board, and the young woman in question, Nina Corelli, arrives and recognizes her old friend Suzette, Geraldine's maid.

She wants to escape from her drunken guardian, and learning that Bermuda is farther away than Coney Island, she begs Suzette to take her along, but in vain.

"Antonio" is popular in Bermuda at the Van Dares' estate, but the boy reminds sulky Geraldine of the street singer.

The police are seeking a thief, Antonio Columbo, regarding a robbery on the island, and so Nina reveals her true identity.

Just as Franz arrives at the Van Dare's home in New York, with Nina, Jack visits on a courtesy call.