Article on the unceasing attraction of burlesque performance

“‘What is to be the character of our dramatic entertainments for the coming season of 1869-70?’ is a question frequently asked at the present time. The season of ’68 was not a very remunerative one to managers generally, although a few of them ‘hit a streak’ which sent them bowling along quite comfortably, and in a happy frame of mind. A good deal has been said concerning what is called the ‘nude drama,’ as contrasted with the legitimate, and at the close of the regular season of ’68 it seemed to be conceded among certain classes that the ‘blonde’ fever had died out; that the ‘naked actress’ had had her day, and that the legitimate must now take the place of burlesque, pantomime and the blondes. We do not agree with this opinion altogether, and have grave doubts as to the rise of tragedy and Shakespeare over the ruins of tights and tarletan [sic]. We have seen the ‘Black Crook’ and its band of nudities achieving a most [illeg.] ordinary run of business, for more than a year, while the legitimate on the same boards failed to attract even for a few weeks. We have seen almost a like success attend the presentation of other spectacles in which the charms of lovely woman [sic] were made the great feature. The Lydia Thompson Troupe have certainly met with great success since their arrival here, and, were it not for the unwise policy of Mr. Henderson toward the press of this city, the troupe might have continued their successful career without interruption, for we do not believe that the people of this ‘blarsted [sic] country’ have yet had a surfeit of legs or of pretty women dressed in tights and gauze; and cavil at the ‘immodesty’ whenever it is presented to their notice in a tasteful manner. Strong efforts are making to revive the legitimate for the coming campaign, but to present Shakespeare in a proper manner requires a company of first class performers, and superior mounting in the way of scenery, costumes, furniture, etc., entailing a heavy outlay, which few managers are bold enough to risk. Looking at the signs of the times ‘through a smoked glass,’ we do not see that Shakespeare will gain great headway during the season shortly to open. It will have a ‘place’ in the general summing up, but we do not entertain the opinion that in the race for public favor and the people’s money it will take the lead. Genteel comedy will also secure a good position, and English opera promises well; but be the entertainment what it may, ‘legs’ will, in nearly every instance, be brought into requisition to assist in carrying it through. There is a fascination about a corps of pretty young girls, which is ‘interesting,’ to speak mildly, in whatever guise they may appear; but when these fresh young beauties are presented to us divested of all superfluous toggery, the attraction is irresistible, and we hanker after them as we do after clam chowder on a first class lunch route. Beauty dressed up in good, store clothes, commands the admiration of mend of every degree; but when beauty is unadorned, and exhibited to us in all the pristine loveliness of unadulterated nature, save what is covered up by the never to be severed tights, then there is an infatuation in the sight which draws us on as easy as an old shoe. Take a handsome girl, without a cent in her possession, put her on a railroad car, and that girl can travel free just where she likes; if the conductor should, unconsciously, hesitate to pass her, plenty of gentlemen passengers would out with their purses to send her on her way rejoicing; but let a plain, ugly-faced, but honest, virtuous girl be started on such a mission—you can bet the New Court House—when it is finished—against a ‘pennorth [two pennies] of gumarrerback’ that the girl would be urged out at the first station. Send the handsome girl, penniless, to market, and she will return to the domestic fireside with ‘the best the market affords.’ Let the plain girl try that game on [illeg.]! Why the marked woman and hucksters would [illeg.] her down ‘like a cucumber of the ground,’ as ‘Our Jim’ would say. Beauty is a great power, and the idol of the world. And so it will remain, ‘world without end,’ [illeg.] hence, when we can see so much of it, unadorned, and undressed, at such a trifling cost, is it any wonder that mankind takes to it, and follows after it, like children after a monkey organ? So, let the croakers say what they will, girls and tights and legs will ‘come up smiling’ again the coming season, and infatuated mankind will dance attendance once more. Our friends, the supera, will again have a chance to ogle the sweet creatures as they join them in the ‘mazy,’ or tip ’em a wink as they go marching on’ [sic]. And speaking of supes, calls [sic] to mind one of the boldest of the band of braves who made the Old Bowery his home, and ‘Captain Roar in his name.’ ‘James, give her a few turns in honor of your old friend, Captain Roar.’ ‘Its [sic] too hot for any kind of turnin’ but political. Howsmever [sic], I don’t mind strainin’ a pint for Roar, for he’s a good egg.’” Goes on for the rest of the column in a similar, conversational manner, and ultimately offers a preview of the upcoming fall season. It is quite difficult to read.