No Thoroughfare
Event Information
Venue(s):
Broadway Theatre [485 Broadway; 1864-69]
Event Type:
Play With Music
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
21 May 2018
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
28 Sep 1868, 8:00 PM29 Sep 1868, 8:00 PM
30 Sep 1868, 8:00 PM
01 Oct 1868, 8:00 PM
02 Oct 1868, 8:00 PM
03 Oct 1868, Matinee
03 Oct 1868, 8:00 PM
Program Details
Performers and/or Works Performed
Citations
“NEW SCENERY, NEW EFFECTS, NEW MACHINERY, NEW MUSIC. EVERYTHING NEW AND SUPERBLY CAST.”
“To-night the Florences commence an engagement at the Broadway Theatre, where will be produced for the first time in America the retranslated dramatization of Charles Dickens’ last Christmas story entitled, No Thoroughfare. This play, which is now being performed in Paris, has already passed the Rubicon of its one hundredth representation, was first translated and dramatized for the French stage, and it is a retranslation into English of the French version that is to be brought out this evening at ever popular Broadway. Great care and attention have been observed in the mounting of the piece, and it will doubtless prove the great attraction of the hour.”
“At this popular place of amusement last night was produced No Thoroughfare for the first time in this country. The story is so well known, and it has been so successfully put on the stage, both in London and Paris, that it would have been strange if intelligent playgoers has no flocked in crowds to witness the first performance. The manager of the Broadway had no cause to be dissatisfied with his audience, for it was both large and appreciative. It is pleasing to be able to add that, for a first performance, the piece was wonderfully well put on the stage and the acting was highly creditable. That there were defects no one will deny, but defects are almost inseparable from the circumstances, and what is more to the purpose defects can be got over. The performers last night vied with each other in doing justice to their parts, and an audience largely sympathetic cheered them on. Where every one did so well it is difficult to make selections. First of all we must mention the old and well known favorite Mr. W. J. Florence, who played the part of Jules Obenreizer almost too well—so well, in fact, that more than once the intense feeling of dislike which he created in the audience seemed on the point of seeking expression in hisses. This is high praise, but it is not unmerited. Next to him we must mention the name of J. C. Williamson, who played the part of Joey Ladle to perfection. Some of the scenes between Joey and Sally (Miss Emma Skerrett) were beyond all praise. The part of George Vendale was well sustained by Mr. J. Carden, who really, in spite of some little defects of pronunciation, makes a capital Englishman. Miss Kate Newton looked beautiful and spoke well, and that is all that is necessary to make a good Marguerite. The wine vault scene was interesting, but we submit to the stage manager at the Broadway whether a more exact and a more natural representation of a London wine vault is not a something within the region of the possible. There is a great variety in the piece, and from first to last, interest is never allowed to flag. Few who were present last night will soon forget the thrilling scene on the Alps, when, at the critical moment, the old faithful Joey and the devoted Marguerite appear. This piece cannot fail to have a successful run.”