Tony Pastor’s Company

“Tony Pastor will produce, at his Opera House in the Bowery, this evening an entirely new drama entitled Brigham Young; or, Life Among the Mormons, produced in complete manner; also for the first time at his house the spectacle, the Black Crook, which has been transferred to the Bowery with improvements. The Haunted House will also be given, with the ballet The Queen of the Bandits. Tony Pastor is there in new and original songs.”

“The programme at this popular place of amusement last evening was varied and entertaining, and was performed to a crowded and appreciating audience. All of the dances were well performed, particularly that by Mlle. Bertha.  Master George Lopez’s performance on the flying rings was excellent, and was received with great applause. Mr. Tony Pastor sang three comic songs in his usual style, each of the songs being repeatedly encored. The Queen of the Bandits was a well arranged ballet d’action, and went off smoothly. Miss Jennie Engel sang ‘The Mountain Rose’ very prettily and sentimentally. The audience being very appreciative, called her out twice, and received another song each time. Altogether, the evening’s entertainment was very acceptable, and proved that Tony Pastor’s Opera House is the best place of amusement in the Bowery.”

“Life Among the Mormons was the last piece in the programme that was performed last evening at the above named place of amusement. The object in first noticing it is to advise Mr. Pastor to take it off the stage at the earliest possible opportunity, for a mass of greater nonsense was never dished up under the name of ‘drama’ before. It has no plot, no meaning, no anything that can render it worthy of representation. In the first place, to paint faithfully life among the Mormons, the women must naturally be pictured as objects of commiseration; whereas, according to this drama, the wives of Mr. Bubble appear to have a fine time of it. As there are no characters worthy of notice in the piece, more need not be said here. The Joe Poker by Mr. Riggs represents the rough but kind hearted hunter of the plains, and what there was of it was performed in a manner that would do credit to any actor. The first parts of the programme were excellent, and were well given. The Black Crook, a burlesque, caused roars of laughter, and the pas de deux by Misses Amelia and Mary Gorenflo were loudly applauded. Mr. Gaynor in his banjo solo was au fait, and delighted the audience. Mr. Pastor sang several original comic songs, and was, as usual, encored. Mlle. Bertha danced well. One of the best parts of the programme was the classical groupings by Senorita Lopez and her three children, the eldest not being over seven years. For infants their acrobatic feats were surprisingly well executed.”

“‘Life Among the Mormons,’ is to be illustrated dramatically this week, at the Tony Pastor Opera House, John F. Poole having written a drama with that title, in which all the Pastor flock will appear. These dramas, which are written expressly for this company by John F. Poole, are very well performed for a variety company. Mr. G. F. McDonald, Miss Frank McDonald and T. G. Riggs – who do the leading parts – are old professionals and understand their business. Carrie Carner is also a clever actress, and the corps of Ethiopian delineators perform their several roles with credit. Tony Pastor in his new line of business does very well, and as George Washington Sport, in ‘Young America in Ireland,’ last week, evinced considerable dramatic ability. Tony is a favorite with his comic songs. Business continues good at this establishment.”