San Francisco Minstrels

“Crowded houses are the order of the night at this temple of the dusky Momus from week’s to week’s end; nor is this to be wondered at when the excellent programmes which are the rule at this establishment are taken into consideration. Last evening, as usual, the house was filled with a large and appreciative audience, who, from the rising of the curtain to the termination of the evening’s entertainment, were plunged into fits of uncontrollable laughter by the mirth-provoling antics of the sable performers. The musical olio was exquisitely rendered by the quartet, which is one of the best in the country, and was followed by the laughable Ethiopian sketch entitled ‘Talent on a Bust,’ in which Messrs. Birch and Backus sustained the leading parts. These two droll disciples of burnt cork are growing fatter and funnier from day to day, and are continually inventing some new straw of fun, with which to tickle the susceptibilities of their patrons. That they succeed in this is clearly evcidenced in the hearty laughter and applause which always greet their eccentric personations. The San Francisco Minstrels have again revived the tuneful banjo, which they imprudently discarded some time ago, and as it pleases the public we trust that it will continue to hae a place in their popular hall. The burnt cork opera of ‘Bone Squash Diablo’ remains upon the bills for another week.”

Brief: “The audiences at the San Francisco Minstrel Hall laugh and cheer continually, as they naturally would at one of the best minstrel entertainments to be seen in the city. Master Jerry, in his jig dancing, continues one of the principal attractions. ‘Bone Squash Diablo’ winds up the evening’s amusement.”