Fortunio and his Seven Gifted Servants

“Musical extravaganza”

No performance at the theatre Monday night. 

“Mrs. J. A. Oates and her troupe commenced an engagement Tuesday evening in Planché’s burlesque ‘Fortunio,’ and were greeted by a large audience. ‘Fortunio’ is more like an opéra bouffe than a burlesque. It abounds in puns and political ‘hits,’ all more or less laughable. Mrs. Oates, as the heroine of the piece, appearing in male disguise, sang and acted her part in a spirited manner, and was frequently applauded. Notable among the other performers were Mr. W. H. Crane, who gave a humorous caricature of a bankrupt sovereign; while Mr. H. T. Allen, as his sister (a very muscular princess), provoked shouts of laughter by his ludicrous imitation of female grace and loveliness. The singing of the principal performers was as good as the average of burlesque actors. But the scenery was of a primitive description, the ballet crude and spiritless, with not a fair face or graceful form to cheer the eye of the beholder.”

“The leading characters besides Mrs. Oates, are, Mr. Charles H. Drew (formerly of the Holman Opera troupe), tenor; Mr. W. H. Crane, basso; and Mr. H. P. Allen, baritone, all of whom are robust singers. The principal musical interludes were roundly applauded, and the whole performance well received by an audience that filled the theatre in every part.”

“Mrs. Oates, moreover, is to be credited with talent as a songstress which none of her rivals possesses, and though her voice is not of remarkable sweetness, it is handled with a skill which renders a portion of her efforts acceptable to listeners who would derive slight pleasure from the dialogue or dances of ‘Fortunio.’ The story of this piece we need not recite. It is but a thread connecting solo-songs, concerted music, antics exacting more endurance than grace, and picturesque tableaux.”

“It would, however, be unjust to withhold from Mrs. Oates the recognition and the applause that are due to a pleasing vocalist, and a nimble and dashing performer. This lady possesses a copious, flexible, and well-trained singing voice, and this, together with her abundant animal spirits, commends her to general acceptance and popularity.” “It is seldom that the musical part of a burlesque entertainment is so carefully and skillfully treated as in ‘Fortunio.’ The Theater has been crowded every night.”

Party of Sioux and Ogalalla Indians to visit the theatre tonight.

“Mrs. Oates was favored last night by a visit from the noble Red Men, who grunted with delight at the performance of ‘Fortunio.’ It is said that Red Dog gave a policeman a promise never to scalp any of the troupe in case they should fall into his hands on the plains!”