Dodworth's Hall

Madame Stuttaford arrived here on the 21st on the steamer, Denmark.

“James Taylor, London vocalist, made his debut in this country at Dodworth Hall on Aug. 26th, supported by Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Brennan, Mad. Stuttaford and Thos. Kilmer, pianist. Mr. Taylor appeared as Yorkshire Sam, a specimen of a jolly old English farmer; followed by Dismal Doleful, a broken hearted lover; Sarah Walker, an eccentric old maiden; imitation of a crying child and the old nurse; the schoolmaster and his pupil; the humors of a London court, with laughable examination of witnesses—Paddy bothering the Judge—and Mr. Jones, with a cold in ‘is ‘ead, concluding with an impersonation of Simple Simon, a foolish boy. In all of these impersonations Mr. Taylor convulsed the audience with laughter. He is probably the best comic vocalist that has ever visited this country from England. In the first place he knows how to sing: then he seems determined to rely upon songs, the words of which shall convey some kind of sense, and the music shall possess some distinctive character. In his performances there is a great originality: he is amazingly brisk and active in his movements, and he enters thoroughly into the spirit of the songs he sings. Being a practical singer, he knows exactly what his audience requires, and he gives it to them. In female habitments he appears to greater advantage than any other vocalist that has yet appeared in this city, and his Sarah Walker is a wonderful performance, both in make-up and characterization, proving that comic singing may be full of character and yet free from hideous vulgarity. In his facial expressions he excels, it is thought, all other comic vocalists seen here. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan are very pleasing in their serio comic songs, burlesque operatic entertainments and comic duologues. Mrs. Brennan is one of the liveliest vocalists we have met with for some time, possessing a fund of humor and style that at once makes her a favorite. She is also a clever actress. She sang ‘My Pretty Maid’ and ‘Shan’t I be glad when Sammy Comes Home,’ receiving considerable applause. Mr. Brennan possesses an excellent baritone voice, which he uses with considerable skill. Mrs. Stuttaford did not make a favorable impression and an apology was made for her to the effect that her wardrobe and music had been left in her trunk in Toronto, placing the pianist as well as herself in rather an awkward position. Her selection of songs did not appear to please, and she was not in good voice. Had Mr. Taylor opened here under more favorable auspices, he would have met with greater success than he did meet with. In the first place, he was poorly advertised and carelessly placed before the public; secondly, his agent does not appear to have attended to his business properly; and thirdly, after having engaged Dodworth Hall for nine nights, he was told by the janitor of the hall that he could not have it for the third night as it had been secured by another party, notwithstanding he had a written contract for nine nights. So, sooner than have trouble about the hall, or close up for one night and then reopen, he concluded to stop with his second performance after Aug. 27 and go to Brooklyn. As soon as a convenient place can be procured he will reopen in this city, but before doing so he should be properly placed before the public, for he is a great artist and there is considerable money in him.”