Hamlet burlesque

Includes complete cast listing.

“In the last act Ophelia and Laertes sing a duet to the air of ‘You’ll Remember Me,’ the most remarkable thing about it being that Ophelia always turns her back on Laertes and sing to the audience, while Laertes, on the contrary, sing to her in the most affectionate manner possible.” “Ophelia next subsides in a ‘song and walk around,’ after the manner of a negro minstrel, during the progress of which every  male neck in the parquet is strained to its utmost to catch a glimpse of the fair Ophelia’s feet, which are encased in a pair of very neatly fitting golden gaiters.” “In the third scene, the ramparts of the castle, two sentries are discovered prancing about the stage, with long spears in their hands, to the strains of an invisible chorus chanting the refrain of ‘Johnny fill up the Bowl.’ Then, while Hamlet is here waiting to see his father’s ghost, he is inoculated with this sweet refrain and in a voice of softest music sings ‘I Am Native Hero.’”

“There was too much singing in the piece by those who do not know how to sing.”

“The singing of the Misses Queen ‘Lauren and Julia] was noticeable, and the sentimental ballads with which, we should add, that ‘Hamlet’ is liberally provided. Were agreeable as affording breathing time between the spells of uproarious laughter.”

Brief; no mention of music.

Brief; no mention of music.

“Presently Fox enters upon the scene, clad in fur cap, collar and gloves, to the music of the harps by the boys, and the scene closes to the music from ‘Fra Diavolo.’ Scene second is between Laertes and Ophelia when he takes his leave for England. Ophelia and Laertes sing a duet, after which Ophelia does the song and dance of ‘The Girl with the Golden Switch,’ which received a hearty encore. The next scene is the platform where Hamlet encounters the Ghost. Fanny and Laura Queen, as Marcellus and Bernardo, are on the watch. They sang very prettily ‘Beautiful Night.’” “The bass viol player of the orchestra sings ‘The Heart Bowed Down,’ while the King stands upon the stage, music in hand, and playing dummy. It is sung in a beautiful manner, and is encored each evening.” “Julia Queen plays the First Grave-digger and sings in a charming manner ‘Five o’clock in the Morning.’ This lady has a pleasing voice and sings well, but it is hardly strong enough for a large place.” “At the internment of Ophelia Julia Queen sang with considerably feeling and expression, ‘Why Do I Weep for Thee!’” “In the last scene Laertes and Hamlet fight with wooden swords, and after they have all been killed off, they all jump up and do the song and dance of ‘Shoo Fly,’ and the curtain drops.” “Belle Howitt appeared to particular advantage, singing and acting to the delight of all and receiving many an encore. The Queen Sisters all sing very well, but do not appear to advantage as actresses. They all possess delightful musical voices, particularly Julia.”