Brougham’s Theatre

No mention of music.

“Last night an extravaganza entitled ‘Much Ado about a Merchant of Venice,’ was produced for the first time at Brougham’s elegant pocket theatre. The author of this little burlesque is the manager of the little concern, and, notwithstanding the disappointment which the previous extravaganza, ‘Dramatic Review for 1868,’ caused his patrons, a very good audience in respect of style and numbers was gathered to witness this new contribution to the Shakespearan revivals of the day…The present company engaged at Mr. Brougham’s will never give a good burlesque performance until they are cast to play in genteel comedy or tragedy. There are no comic singers in his troupe; those who have voices are proud of them, and those who have not, are ashamed of them, and so among all is a self-conciousness that amuses but does not delight the hearer…”

“A CARD FROM MR. BROUGHAM.

To the Editor of The Tribune.

Sir; In The Sun of the 5th inst. appeared an article in which the prospective abrupt termination of the dramatic season at the Twenty fourth-st. Theater is attributed to the alleged inefficiency of my business manager. I wish it to be understood that the responsibility of the management rests with me, and me alone. I would also beg to state that I am strongly inclined to doubt the sudden and suspicious friendliness of certain gentlemen of the Press who, from the very opening of the Theater have—through what influence it is easy to divine [sic]—persistently opposed all my efforts to establish a reputable place of amusement; and I reprobate emphatically the shallow pretense whereby they assume to shield me from censure by ungenerously attacking an officer so thoroughly conversant with his duties and so indefatigable in their performance as Mr. James Schonberg.

Finally, I take the liberty of assuring them that their sympathy is neither desired nor needed by me. I have contrived to live and to leave a pretty fair record up to the present, and have still the hope that I shall continue to do so. Obediently yours, John Brougham.

New-York, March 8, 1869.”

“Mr. Schonberg, the accomplished stage manager of Brougham’s theatre, has been offered the stage direction of Wallack’s. He will assume the position after the close of Brougham’s season on the 3d of April.”