Tony Pastor's Opera House

“Amusements. Tony Pastor’s Opera House.—The attractions of this famous east side resort are as varied as ever, and the enterprising manager apparently tires not in trying to please his patrons; and we are glad to say he is meeting with the encouragement and reward that he so justly merits. The great temperance drama of the ‘Drunkard’s Dream’ is nicely put upon the stage and popular, smiling Tony himself sings at least three songs every night, and the champion athlete Sam Collyer contributes to the enjoyments of the evening.”

“Tony Pastor commenced his spring season at his Opera House on March 30th. The new additions to the company were Harry Richmond, Dan Morris, Sam Collyer, with his two pupils, and Stevie Rogers. With but few exceptions the entertainment given the past week was not up to the usual standard of excellence offered at this house, and would not compare favorably  with that of previous performances. Harry Richmond, in a song and dance, failed to make a very favorable impression. He also appeared in an act called ‘Chapter of Horrors,’ introducing the old ghost business. The act was badly played, and was prolonged to such an extent as to become tedious. Dan Morris appeared in an Irish song and dance of a servant girl. Taken from the act called ‘My Father Sould Charcoal,’ therefore no novelty. Mr. Morris also danced an Irish jig. Although he danced cleverly, yet he has very few steps, the side and toe shuffle constituting all. He does not possess a good voice for singing. Sam Collyer appeared for the first time in this city in a banjo solo. He was supposed to represent an old man 78 years of age; and, while his make-up was very good, his voice and action betrayed that the grey wig covered a young head. His banjo playing, although a simple tune, was pretty good, for him, but he should never attempt to sing again in public. Sam is apt at time to talk so fast that not a word he says can be understood. Tony Pastor continues in favor with his audience, as he is called out four or five times each evening. Last week he sung among his collections of songs a new one on an old subject, called the ‘Alphabet,’ commencing at A and going to Z, introducing hits at the Impeachment Committee and matters and things in general in Washington. It is cleverly written, and pleased the audience. This week a local burlesque entitled ‘Blue Beard in the Bowery’ will be given.”