Imre and Bolossy Kiralfy were Hungarian impresarios whose grand, theatrical extravaganzas in Europe and the United States paved the way for modern day live spectacles. Their theatrical adaptation of Jules Verne’s “Around the World in Eighty Days” premiered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1875. According to Bolossy Kiralfy, their goal with the production was to “convert American theatre audiences into enthusiasts for the French style of musical spectacle.” They achieved this with lavish costumes, top European talent. elaborate set-pieces depicting exotic locations such as the Suez Canal and Taj Mahal, steam-powered special effects including a sinking ship and hot air balloon, and a live elephant rented at the cost of 150 dollars a week. After a successful run in New York, the show went on tour and opened at the Bush Street Theatre in San Francisco on November 20th, 1877.