Budworth’s Minstrels

“The management has in active rehearsal for next week an original black extravaganza, taken from ‘ye old legends of ye dark ages,’ entitled George and the Dragon, or the Maid and the Monster.”

“The great sensation piece, entitled St. George and The Dragon, which has been rehearsed with great care, will be produced at the new Fifth Avenue Opera House in fine style this evening. Manager Budworth also announces the first week of the affecting scene, Parent, Come Home, with new songs, acts, sayings, dances and tragedies. Love and Medicine will engage W. S. Budworth and J. H. Budworth.”

“An amusing performance of Ethiopian minstrelsy is always to be enjoyed at the Fifth Avenue Opera House. Budworth’s troupe is certainly a very complete one, and Budworth himself is one of the most comical fellows in the burnt-cork profession.”

“At this comfortable little place of amusement a small but appreciative audience gathered last evening. A new bill was presented, in which many novelties were introduced. The songs were for the most part good, and some of them were rendered with excellent effect. The humorous refrain of ‘The Monks of Old,’ and the ballad, ‘Mary of the Lane,’ sung by M. Dempster, were especially applauded. The Africanisms were marked with point and freshness, and the brothers Budworth as end men kept the assemblage in hearty good humor throughout. A burlesque of Camille was given but it was commonplace and contained very little to be approved. Messrs. Hughes and Hogan appeared in a number of character dances, in which they displayed such a degree of proficiency as to evoke much applause and laughter. The entertainment concluded with the extravaganza of St. George and the Dragon, given last evening for the first time. This was the feature of the performance. It is exceedingly well put on, and the scenic effect of the last scene is very well managed. The leading parts were taken by the brothers Budworth, G. Griffin and Fred Abbott.”