Wallack’s Theatre

Members of Lydia Thompson’s new company.

Members of the company.

Theatre was closed for rehearsals Aug. 14 and 15. Lists members of Lydia Thompson’s Company; scene listing.  

“but we believe that the Queen of Burlesque [Lydia Thompson] never gets seasick, and no one could believe it possible that saw and heard her last evening while singing ‘His Heart was True to Poll.’ This dashing and vivacious ballad alone would be sufficient to carry the most wretched burlesque through a succession of wet nights, and those who heard it last evening certainly enjoyed an original sensation.” “And Mr. Michael Connolly, the music director, a most pain-taking and careful artist, did more than any other person to add to the zest of the evening’s enjoyment, the music being all new and well selected at a very short notice.”     

No mention of music.

No mention of music.

“Then Mr. Connolly appeared at the desk of the leader of the band and evoked more plaudits, partly by his own presence, and partly by conducting an orchestral performance in which vocal and instrumental music were remarkably contrasted.” ”Miss Thompson received copious bouquets and baskets, and captivated the multitude by singing ‘His Heart was True to Poll.’”

No mention of music.

Complete cast listing. “At the conclusion of the farce Thomas Baker resigned his seat as chef d’orchestre to Michael Connolly, whose appearance was the signal for a hearty outburst of applause. The initiatory music to the burlesque was spirited and terminated with a vocal effort on the part of the band, who sang a few lines of the latest popular negro refrain of ‘Carry the News to Mary,’ which was loudly re-demanded and conceded.” “Her [Camille Dubois’s] vocal efforts were lavishly applauded, and several times during the evening she was compelled to repeat her songs. Carlotta Zerbini hardly found the character of the Sorosister Anne suitable to fully display her accomplishments, but had ample opportunity to display her musical abilities throughout the burlesque. She possesses a rich, full voice, evidently cultivated and under good control, and may be pronounced one of the best vocalists of the troupe. A duet, sang by her and Miss Dubois, was one of the gems of the performance, and was heartily encored, scarcely a hand being idle in the auditorium.” “In this scene she [Lydia Thompson], with Mr. Beckett, sang ‘If Ever I Cease to Love,’ with topical allusions, which were given alternately by either artist, and aroused the audience to a positive furore. They were recalled many, many times. During this scene Miss Thompson sang ‘His Heart was True to Poll,’ from the burlesque of ‘Poll and Partner Joe,’ which was acted with much success at the St. James’ Theatre, London, Eng., during the past season. It was very comically rendered, and may be pronounced the success of the evening. She was recalled four times. In addition to these songs a plentiful amount of music fell to her share throughout the burlesque, to which we need not make present reference.” “Among the incidental music we may mention as deserving especial commendation, the finale of scene first, ‘Up in the Mormon Land,’ and the ‘Mandolin Song,’ at the close of scene second.”