When it was first produced in 1855 at Niblo's Garden, New York, librettist's J. Howard Wainwright's "Rip Van Winkle" became the first original American operetta produced on a Broadway stage. It was also the first musical dramatization with an American subject.
While staying true to Irving's original plot, Wainwright created an original story line while Rip sleeps encompassing the American Revolution and a love interest between Rip's daughter and a heroic Captain.
The Niblo's production was considered a success with enthusiastic audiences and good box office receipts. During the19th Century, the operetta was a staple of operatic companies across the country.