Worrell Sisters

"The three charming sisters. . . . It is unnecessary to say anything of the manner in which these clever comediennes fill their respective roles.” 

“At the New-York Theater [sic] the Three Graces of Burlesque, Sophie, Jennie, and Irene Worrell, are attracting larger and still larger audiences as the season wears on.  On Thursday evening the attendance was particularly good, and the performance particularly vivacious and pleasant.  The pretty and poetic extravaganza of ‘The Elves, or The Statue Bride’ was added, the cast including the three sisters and Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Dunn, Mr. Welsh Edwards, Mrs. Wright, Miss Gay, and others, and was followed by the familiar musical burlesque of “Cinderella.”  The pieces cannot be thought to need describing, nor, for that matter does the acting of the Worrell Sisters.  These lively and talented young ladies—who originally made their appearance in this city last season, at what was then Wood’s Theater, and subsequently acted at the Broadway—have grown steadily in favor with that portion of the public which craves dramatic merriment, until at last they have secured what, in religious parlance, may be termed a considerable following.  They are pretty, and lively, and innocently mischievous; and they sing, and dance, and pleasantly prattle through the lightest of plays; and while they command no especial attention on the score of dramatic art, they inspire the kindest interest and sympathy. Still further improvements have been made in the New-York Theater since we last wrote about it; and the interior is now as neat and attractive as it can well be made. The stage, too, looks neat and clean. Our best hope is that this strict attention to cleanliness, both on the stage and off, may not be relaxed, and that no play, and no performer tainted with indelicacy will be allowed a hearing. Thus managed, with due infusion of fresh extravaganza and clever burlesque performers, the enterprise of the Worrell Sisters can scarcely fail to win the ample support. As a final remark, let us once more protest against the floral-offering distemper which appears to have broken out at this house with more than usual virulence. Testimonial baskets of flowers are pretty things, both to give and to receive; but they are, as a matter of taste, better sent in private. A public performance upon the stage should never be impeded, even by so pleasant an obstacle as a bouquet.”

“The Worrell Sisters, familiarly known as the ‘Three Graces,’ have, in the language of a well known poet, arrived, been seen, made their mark, and obtained a firm foothold in this city in the amusement world.  It was rather a dangerous experiment, that of taking a theatre with an outward appearance more of a church than a theatre, and with a bad reputation as a temple of amusement; but, believing in the old adage of ‘Nothing venture nothing win,’ they put on a bold front (not on the building) and went to work, giving the house a thorough cleaning and making many necessary alterations.  They opened to a crowded house, and notwithstanding they as yet have produced the same old burlesques that they have played so often in this city at Wood’s and the Broadway, their performances have been attended by most excellent houses, the orchestra and parquet being crowded each evening, and the dress circle and gallery comfortably filled.  If the same business continues, particularly at this season of the year, we doubt if the management can have much fault to find.  The company is a good working one in many respects.  After the sisters have played a while, a succession of popular stars will appear, when the company will be strengthened.  On Saturday evening, the 11th inst., Sophie was presented with one of the most magnificently arranged baskets of flowers we have ever seen. . . . It was the gift of an admirer, and is valued at about $1,500.”  See 2d col., bottom-3d col., top, for further comments on the floral offering.