Theatre Comique

“With favoring breezes of popular approval and amid the loud acclaim of enthusiastic audiences the bark of Thespis, bearing Lingard and his fortunes, apeeds on triumphantly, receiving and giving profit. Legitimate successor of the coarser kind of comique native American opéra bouffe known as negro minstrelsy, the sort of entertainment provided at this establishment has, under able presentation and competent management, grown into a standard order of amusement in this city. The advent of Lingard here was in the nature of an experiment, but his Captain Jinks took the town by storm and established him at once and without any difficulty as a favorite. So much for his opportunity; now for his manner of utilizing his success. It has been well improved. Whether or not the management at the Theatre Comique have regulated their enterprise by the observation that, having tired of negro minstrelsy, the popular taste was improving and needed a more elevated kind of burlesque entertainment, they have, if not shrewd, been fortunate in securing a combination of talent capable of just that sort of distinction. Of Lingard’s specialties enough is known to render other reference here unnecessary. They have not yet ceased to draw crowded houses, but sound judgment would suggest that to insure the permanent success of this establishment novelties should be more frequent. Miss Susan Galton, the charming young English prima donna, both in ballad and operetta, is excellent in voice and action, and deservedly a favorite. Miss Lena Edwin, Mr. Thomas Whiffin, Mr. J. T. Raymond, Professor Hilton and others are also most entertaining in their several spheres. The bill this week is a strong one.”