Sinbad the Sailor

“‘Sinbad,’ full of dramatic sins and bad jokes, is drawing large audiences at Niblo’s. Nor is this to be wondered at when the style and quality of the performances that are nightly offered at this establishment are taken into consideration. In addition to the flimsy and witless burlesque the notorious ‘old guard’—the claque—are every night at their stations, and perform their parts, no doubt, with entire satisfaction to themselves, and the enterprising management. Coarse, silly sayings, the swinging of arms and legs, the kicking up of heels, together with other extraordinary actions, that are evidently intended as points and jokes, fall unappreciated upon the intelligent portion of the audience, but which are all applauded by the claque in a most vociferous and demonstrative manner, much to the disgust and annoyance of the majority of those present. This manner of trying to bolster up a trashy play, Messers. Managers, is altogether too thin and apparent to be gulped down by the theatre-goers of this city. If the piece does not possess sufficient merit of its own to stand upon it should be withdrawn at once. [Continues in this manner; negatively reviews specific jokes.] But what can be said of a theatre which claims to be the first establishment of its kind in this city where such things are not only tolerated but encouraged? Though the ribald jests and actions now indulged in at this theatre may make the groundlings laugh they cannot but make the judicious grieve.”

“The Lauri Ballet at Wallack’s[,] the Clodoche Troupe at Niblo’s Garden, and the Kiralfy Troupe at the Olympic, concentrate the attention of those who care for dancing. We are glad to remark, however, that stage-dancing has at length fallen to its proper level as a mere subsidiary incident.”

“‘Sinbad the Sailor’ continues the attraction presented by the Lydia Thompson Troupe at Niblo’s Garden, which is now in the fourth week of its representation. There was quite a falling off in the attendance the past week, and every evidence is given of the decline of this kind of amusement. Like opera bouffe it has seen its best days. On Saturday evening, the 19th, President Grant occupied a private box.”