Fire Fly

Lotta will play snare drum for the first time.

“Miss Lotta as Firefly, at Wallack’s Theatre,—The new play, dramatized from the novel, ‘Under two Flags,’ by the author of ‘Guy Livingstone, and especially arranged for that charming little actress, Miss Lotta, was represented last night at Wallack’s for the first time. The audience was one of the largest we have ever seen at this popular place of amusement, and was enthusiastic in its demonstrations of applause throughout . . . Miss Lotta’s peculiar merit consists in her archness, vivacity, and inexhaustible flow of spirits. Of slight, but well moulded figure, very pretty face, and quick graceful motions, she flits about the stage, a firefly indeed, drawing all eyes to her. She sings, dances, smokes cigars, beats the drum, fires pistols, all with a dash and abandon perfectly irresistible. Her cancan at the end of the second act, is equal, if not superior, to Tostee’s, and was rapturously encored.”

Long review, no mention of music, except a note on Lotta's voice: “Her voice is clear and agreeable, but when forced, as it need must be in so long a part, it has a good deal of the unpleasant quality noticeable in Mrs. John Wood's voice.”

Includes cast list.

Lotta wants to give occasional afternoon performances.

Brief: no mention of music; second review, same column, further down, includes plot synopsis. “Lotta was of course in her element, having plenty to do, skipping on and off the stage every few minutes, and was the life of the piece. She did not dance a jig or clog dance, or play the banjo; but instead performed a solo on the snare drum, and a song and dance with one of the soldiers in act second. . . . Since its first production it has been very much shortened, to its notable advantage. We still recommend much further excision. Lotta had been confined to her bed several days previous to the first performance, and, much against the wishes of her doctor, appeared on the 10th. Although very weak, she got through with her part satisfactorily. The house was crowded and business was excellent throughout the week. . . . On the 11th four deputy sheriffs attended the back door of the theatre, and when Lotta alighted from her carriage she was served with a paper from the same court, suing her for $32,000. Said papers were issued at the instance of her father, John Crabtree.”