Royal Pain?Slated for a performance in Zurich, Slezak left his home in Vienna one day having forgotten the pivotal part of his royal costume - a magnificent crown studded with faux jewels.
Fortunately, his valet noticed it, wrapped it in newsprint and raced off for the station, which he reached just in time to pass the package over as the train steamed away.
At one point in the middle of the night, a customs officer boarded the train: "Anything to declare?" he asked, passing through Slezak's compartment. "No, nothing," Slezak sleepily replied.
"Open that!" the officer ordered, indicating the newsprint package. Slezak reluctantly rose from his bed and tore off the paper with growing annoyance, uncovering the bejeweled crown.
The customs officer then stood to attention with an audible gasp. "Oh! Incognito!" he exclaimed. "Please excuse me, Your Majesty..."
Slezak, Leo (1873-1946) Czechoslovakian tenor [noted for his heroic Wagnerian roles]
[Sources: L. Humphrey, The Humor of Music]More Leo Slezak anecdotesRelated Anecdote Keywords:
Misunderstandings Mistaken Identity Royalty Costumes Trains Customs
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