Bryants’ Minstrels

“Bryant’s began another season on Monday evening, and, in spite of the heat, is already drawing very fair houses. The old company has been reinforced by several very strong names, among the rest by the well known Leon. The first part, as usual, is devoted to the singing of melodies. Dan Bryant himself is, of course, one of the strongest bulwarks of this part of the entertainment, and in response to the encores of his song ‘Down by the Weeping Willows’ gives some amusing stanzas, containing various local and seasonable hits. Templeton also gives a very good song, ‘Sweetly Thine Eyes, Love,’ and his sweet and fresh voice brings down the house. In the second part, there is a budget of amusing novelties. Leon starts off with an act of his own, and Nelse Seymour and Dan Bryant engage in an interesting little scene, entitled the ‘New Railroad.’ An operetta by Offenbach, ‘Lischen and Fritzen,’ follows, and includes some sprightly and pleasant music. Mr. Steele performs a solo on the violoncello, which is of genuine merit, and is a new feature in the bill. The evening closes with a sketch, in three scenes, ‘Dodging for a Wife,’ which is of a little better order of fun than the usual run of minstrel hall farces. Bryant’s is fully up to its old high standard, and will, doubtless, have another successful season.”

Company members.

“Wash. Norton is one of the new acquisitions to Bryant’s Minstrels. Wash. is an excellent versatile performer, and has achieved quite a reputation in his specialties in this country as well as in England and Australia. Mr. Charles Steele, ‘side partner’ with Mr. Norton, who have traveled and performed together for the past ten years, has also been engaged for Bryant’s troupe, as musical director. He is said to have an extensive knowledge of musical matters, and as composer and performer stands very high.”

“The witticisms were fresh, the instrumentation good and the quartet excellent.” “The company, as a whole, is excellent and the attendance has been good throughout the week, the lower portion of the auditorium being fully occupied and the gallery fairly filled.”