Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels

“Kelly & Leon’s Minstrels are crowded every night by a truly fashionable audience, as the style of entertainment they give and their beautiful little hall deserve.  The burlesque of Kill Trovatore, in which Leon is the unhappy Leon-ora, the descriptive ballads of Kelly and the admirable Nelse Seymour place this hall the first of minstrels in the city.”

“Burlesque Opera has become one of the features with Kelly & Leon’s Minstrels; these operas are gotten up in the genuine style of theatrical burlesques, retaining just sufficient of the form and outline of the originals to serve for general recognition, whilst the changes to the burlesque portion are natural and easy, rendering the transition from the sublime to the ridiculous free from too great exaggeration.  ‘Kill Trovatore’ is the best burlesque opera yet given by this company.  It is still on the bill, having been well received the past three weeks.  Add [sic] Rymanm, who occupies the bone end, made his reappearance on the 18th inst., having been quite sick since the 9th.  He appeared on the end, but was not strong enough to his stump speech in the olio.  Harry Stanwood commenced an engagement on the 16th, playing a banjo solo.  This is his first appearance in the city.  Harry, who is a good performer on the old cremona, touches the strings with ease, grace and precision, he produces a pure tone, and in his subdues passages the notes are clear and musical.”