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:
7 July 2022

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

11 Jul 1870, Evening
12 Jul 1870, Evening
13 Jul 1870, Evening
14 Jul 1870, Evening
15 Jul 1870, Evening
16 Jul 1870, Evening

Program Details

Last week of the season.

Performers and/or Works Performed

2)
aka Belle L. N.
Text Author: Leon
Participants:  Francis Leon (role: Helene);  Edwin Kelly (role: Paris)
3)
aka Follies dramatique
7)
aka Lischen in Lischen and Fritzchen; Lischet et Fritzchen
8)
aka bones solo
Participants:  Dave [minstrel] Wilson
9)
Composer(s): Thomas
Text Author: Webb

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 10 July 1870, 12.
2)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 16 July 1870, 118.
3)
Review: New York Clipper, 23 July 1870, 126.

“’La Belle Helene’ formed the chief attraction at Kelly and Leon’s cosy little theatre during the past week, and was well placed upon the stage, the scenery being new and appropriate, and the costumes effective. The character of Helen was admirably sustained by Leon, who costumed it with richness and becoming taste, and sang the music effectively, rendering ‘O, Lord Divine’ and ‘Mari Sage’ in the French language. Edwin Kelly played Paris with spirit and sang the music of the role with judgement and effect. The choruses were all good, and the instrumentation was skillfully managed. Mr. Dave Wilson gave a good bone solo. Masters George and Willie Guy, recently returned from London, have much increased in stature and have improved in their business. They appeared during the week in a double song and dance entitled ‘Croquet,’ which was entirely new here. The air is taking, and was well rendered.”