Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels

Event Information

Venue(s):
Kelly and Leon's Minstrels Hall (720 Broadway)

Event Type:
Minstrel

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
27 February 2022

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

18 Apr 1870, Evening
19 Apr 1870, Evening
20 Apr 1870, Evening
21 Apr 1870, Evening
22 Apr 1870, Evening
23 Apr 1870, Evening

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Kelly and Leon’s Minstrels;  Edwin Kelly;  Sam Price [minstrel];  Add Ryman;  Johnny Hart;  Sam S. [Ethiopian comedian] Purdy;  William H. Brockway;  Francis Leon
2)
Frow frow
aka Frou frou burlesque
Participants:  Francis Leon (role: Frow-Frow)
3)
Invaded studio
Participants:  Johnny Hart;  Sam Price [minstrel];  Add Ryman
4)
Balloonists, The
Participants:  Sam S. [Ethiopian comedian] Purdy;  William H. Brockway

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 11 April 1870, 9.
2)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 16 April 1870, 14.

Brief. Notes new Frou-Frou burlesque.

3)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 17 April 1870, 9.

“This piece [Frow-Frow] has been in careful preparation for the last six weeks.”

4)
Announcement: New York Herald, 18 April 1870, 7.

Brief.

5)
Announcement: New-York Daily Tribune, 18 April 1870, 5.
6)
Review: New York Sun, 19 April 1870, 1.

Brief and positive; no mention of music.

7)
Review: New-York Times, 21 April 1870, 4.

Positive review; no mention of music.

8)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 23 April 1870, 22.

Predicts the success of the Frou-Frou burlesque: “…this troupe have secured a high reputation for producing burlesque opera in a decidedly artistic and liberal manner, both as regards scenery and costumes. The solos, duets and choruses will be given by the full company, which embraces most excellent musical talent. You that have seen Agnes Ethel’s ‘Frou-Frou’ should not miss seeing Leon’s.”

9)
Review: New-York Daily Tribune, 23 April 1870, 4.

“The Minstrel Hall at No. 720 Broadway has become an exceedingly popular resort for those who wish to be amused. It is a neat and clean little theater, and the audiences commonly found there are quite select in character—decorous, reputable persons, who are quick to appreciate fun, and who find there plenty of opportunity for the exercise of their sense of humor. The signal success of Kelly & Leon’s Minstrels has been won by simple but effective means—by a first-class minstrel entertainment, presented in a first-class manner.” Lists and reviews pieces; no mention of music. Calls the Frow-Frow burlesque “one of the best things of the kind that have been presented on the Minstrel stage.”

10)
Review: New York Clipper, 30 April 1870, 30.

Positive review. “…The burlesque…is well written, and contains several telling local hits….Kelly and Graham add some pretty ballad singing to the programme…”