Hibernian Minstrels

“O’ Flaherty’s Dhrame” gems from original wits side-splitting local hits.

The lovers of Irish music, good original witticisms, new comic songs, and dances in character will go hear O’ Flaherty’s Dhrame.

The Hibernian Minstrels open at Apollo Hall tomorrow evening with O’ Flaherty’s Dhrame.

“Now that MacEvoy, with his panorama of Ireland, has disappeared, and the ‘Colleen Dawn’ has been withdrawn from the stage, the natives of Erin have nothing especially to remind them of their native land. The Hibernian Minstrels have come to supply the deficiency and open at Apollo Hall tomorrow evening, with the local farce called, ‘O’Flaherty’s Dhrame.’ Certainly no one could ask for a more national title than that. The ‘Minstrels’ moreover, propose to sing a number of Moore’s fine melodies. If they are well sung there is no better ballad music to be found.”

“The melodies of Moore and Irish jokes and Irish jigs are to be the leading specialties.  Although the company will not appear in cork, it is not to be supposed that it will ignore cork altogether.”

“This company made their debut last night at the Apollo Hall, before a pretty full house. The songs were chiefly selections from Moore, and were sung with taste and discernment, particularly ‘I Saw from the Beach,’ by Mr. M. McCarthy. These were interluded with some comic songs, jokes and witticisms of the most humorous kind, but in some cases a little too coarse. Mr. Acton Kelly was admirable in ‘Professor O’Shaughnessy,’ and promises to make a good Irish comedian. ‘O’Flaherty’s Dhrame’ is an excellent original Irish American farce, and was well acted throughout. Phelim McBrien [O’Brien?] and Michael O’Flaherty land from the Ould Dart and fall in with a lot of politicians congratulating Judge Connolly, then get into a ruction at John Allen’s prayer meeting and wind up in the Tombs. After five years ups and downs Mr. O’Brien is an Alterman and O’Flaherty graces the Legislature. The last scene, in which the politicians call to congratulate Mr. O’Brien and to have a drink with the Big Judge, is admirable. On the whole, the Hibernian Minstrels promise to furnish an excellent entertainment to the lovers of Irish song and humor.”

“Both ends are made to meet in this hall this week.  There is no affinity between potatoes and hominy, an Irishman and a ‘nagur,’ yet the Hibernian Minstrels have reconciled the seeming impossibility.  Their dusky faces glow with the fervor of Fenianism and the strains of Moore take the place of the melodies of ‘Ole Virginny.’ Such is life.”

“Apollo Hall was comfortably filled last evening. The entertainment, being truly of an entirely Hibernian character, elicited the hearty approbation of a sympathetic audience.”

“This Irish entertainment has proved quite successful and attracted many to Apollo Hall during the past week. It is to be continued during the present week with the same varied and popular programme.”