Olympic Theatre

Event Information

Venue(s):
Olympic Theatre

Event Type:
Play With Music

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
10 July 2016

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

22 Jul 1867, 8:00 PM
23 Jul 1867, 8:00 PM
24 Jul 1867, 8:00 PM
25 Jul 1867, 8:00 PM
26 Jul 1867, 8:00 PM
27 Jul 1867, 8:00 PM

Program Details

Rede's "Fast man" "has been in preparation for several weeks and will be produced with new scenery, new appointments and introductions, including INTRICATE MILITARY ELOCUTIONS by THIRTY-SIX YOUNG LADIES, Beautiful Choruses, Elegant Tableaux, &c.”

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
aka Columbus reconstructed
Composer(s): Brougham
Participants:  John Brougham (role: Columbus);  Emily Thorne (role: Columbia)
2)
Text Author: Rede
Participants:  John Brougham (role: Skyrocket Ned);  Emily Thorne (role: Kate Campton)

Citations

1)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 20 July 1867, 118, 3d col., middle.
2)
Announcement: New York Post, 20 July 1867, 2.
3)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 21 July 1867.
4)
Review: New York Post, 23 July 1867, 2.

“The dramatic event of last night was the reappearance of Mr. John Brougham, which was in every way a pleasant occurrence. To the audience, because they were again amused and delighted by one of the most popular favorites on the stage; to Mr. Brougham, because he met with a greeting as kindly and even as enthusiastic as he ever received, and to the manager because the receipts were so liberal. ‘Columbus Reconstructed’ was given with all its usual effect, and ‘The Fast Man,’ which has not been performed here in some years. Miss Emily Thorne appeared in this latter play as Kate Compton, and as Columbia in the burlesque, singing a new song written for her by Mr. Charles Gaylor.”

5)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 27 July 1867, 126, 3d col., top.
6)
Advertisement: New York Clipper, 27 July 1867, 127.
7)
Review: New York Post, 30 July 1867, 2.

“Mr. John Brougham’s cheerful and mirth-provoking visage continues to illuminate the Olympic, whose patrons continue to fill up its seats as liberally as could be expected at this depressing season. . . .”

8)
Review: New York Clipper, 03 August 1867, 184, 3d col., top.

“John Brougham opened an engagement at the Olympic Theatre on July 22nd, in his own burlesque of ‘Columbus Reconstructed’ and Lemon Rede’s charming two act comedy of ‘The Fast Man.’ Owing to its being the first appearance of a new company, as well as the first representation of two pieces, things did not work together very well. Judging by the manner in which the stage was operated, we should say that either there was no stage manager at all, or being one, he did not know his business. Such confusion we never saw in any ‘well regulated theatre.’ Flats were shoved on before the time, and then again not shoved on at all, those spoiling the effects of two of Mr. Brougham’s best scenes in the comedy. At one time half of a scene represented a wood while the other was an old city, and so on ad libitum. It is singular that managers will not study their own interests and engage stage hands who understand their business, and not employ those who do not know one scene from another. There is another establishment up town that makes the supers and boys shove on and off the scenes, instead of employing regular stage carpenters. Wherever it is done, confusion always reigns and the business of the scene is spoiled. After the first night there was a change, and everything worked well. ‘Columbus,’ one of Mr. Brougham’s best burlesques, was well placed upon the stage, and after the first night was well-acted. Since it was produced at the Winter Garden, Mr. Brougham has introduced many hew hits at the times, which took well with the audience. Mr. H. S. Murdock played the role of the King exceedingly well, but he should never attempt to sing, for to do so is painful to the audience. Mr. T. Hampton, a low comedian of some reputation in the East, made his first appearance on Broadway as the Cardinal. Alice Harrison, a clever and pert chambermaid, made a good page. This lady is improving with every new character she plays, and will become a favorite on Broadway. Emily Thorne, the English actress, and neé Emily Thorne Jordan, appeared as Columbia. She sang a new song written for her by Chas. Gaylor, entitled ‘Shout for our glorious Star Spangled Banner,’ and the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ in a charming manner, both of which were heartily encored.  Besides being a good burlesque actress, the lady is a sweet and pleasing singer.” [remainder of review on microfilm is illegible]