Ye Grand Queen Bess

“A clever rearrangement of the old burlesque of ‘Kenilworth’ has been produced at the Fifth-avenue Theatre, under the title of ‘Ye Grand Queen Bess.’ Mr. Edmund Falconer, who did the work of reconstruction, has hit upon the fortunate idea of parodying the songs of Mr. Bateman’s ‘Grand Duchess,’ and fitting the merriest airs of that opera to ludicrous and local themes. Mr. Falconer’s work is to be praised, also, for many evidences of a true spirit of fun that underlies and overlies the ‘punning,’ and although a good deal of this word splitting could be spared, many of the puns are honest, good jokes. The piece has been produced with some attention to the scenic requirements of its subject; but, with one or two exceptions, the piece is badly acted. Mr. Leffingwell’s happiest notion of burlesque seems to be that he must make himself decidedly broad, and is but seldom naturally merry. His extravagant proportions excite roars when he enters as Queen Bess, and his gigantic form is contrasted with the petite figure that Mrs. Watkins cuts as Essex; but he frequently destroys an interest in his performance by a questionable leer or gesture. Mrs. Howard is lively enough, and sings to please, but there is a great lack of spirit in the lesser members of the company.”