Budworth’s Minstrels

“The new Fifth Avenue Opera House sustains its reputation as a pleasing, fashionable resort in a very agreeable manner under Mr. Budworth’s management. This evening will be produced an entirely new piece, adapted expressly for the company, entitled Harlem Lane; or, A Quiet Residence, with Mr. Smith, a City Merchant, by G. W. H. Griffin; Sambo, by W. S. Budworth; Tommy Dobbs by J. H. Budworth, and Uncle Dobbs by M. Dempster. The Jolly Millers, Raid on Canada, Happiest Couple Out, Two Quiet Lambs, Barbara Allen, Double Clog, with many other amusing affairs, are to be given also.”

“The success of a troupe of negro minstrels depends entirely upon its ability to create merriment. Without wit and humor the audience becomes dissatisfied and [illeg…]. Last evening at the Fifth Avenue Opera House there was a plentiful lack of all those qualities which have hitherto delighted the public, and rendered that place of amusement a popular resort. It was a matter of surprise that this should have been the case, where there were, in theatrical parlance, so many good things ‘behind the scenes.’ The first part of the programme, consisting of the customary music and songs, was excellent, it is true; but the latter parts were unusually dull. Barbara Allen, for instance, was sung very badly, and the attempt at humor was a decided failure. The Jolly Millers was, to use an expression, a farcical farce, and the ‘entirely new piece,’ entitled Harlem Lane, or a Quiet Residence, failed to exhibit the accustomed amount of humor. This has been the first time that the Herald has had occasion to criticize the Budworth’s Minstrels adversely, and in view of that fact the shortcomings of last night have not been severely dealt with. It is to be hoped, however, that Mr. Budworth will exert himself with a little more energy, and give in the future, as he has hitherto done in the past, pleasant and acceptable entertainments. The refined and fashionable audiences that attend the Fifth Avenue Opera House expect programmes to be performed that will give all the pleasure and amusement they seek.”

“‘Harlem Lane,’ a new sketch by G. W. H. Griffin, is to be presented this evening at Budworth’s Opera House, where a really interesting programme is nightly given. At this house they have prepared a pretty ‘bill of the play,’ a perfumed circular, with a neat little looking glass attached, which, in the ladies’ estimation, greatly adds to the interest of the performances. They will ‘Hold your horses’ at Budworth’s, at the same time giving you an opportunity to ‘Shake hands with Uncle Sam.’”

Includes list of company.