Sam Sharpley’s Minstrels

“Sam Sharpley’s troupe seem destined to successfully follow in the footsteps of the San Franciscos, at their old hall. A very full house greeted them on Monday night, and they were constantly encored. Nelse Seymour’s ‘Dolly Varden’ was the hit of the opening portion of the programme, while several of the songs and ballads were deservedly applauded.”

“Sam Sharpley’s Minstrels made their first appearance at San Francisco Hall on Monday evening, May 13th. In the first part there were twenty performers on the stage; Sam Sharpley occupied the tambourine end, Nelse Seymour the bone, and James W. Lamont was interlocutor; the quartet was composed of Frank Campbell, James W. Lamont, Monroe Dempster and Charles Henry. In the instrumental department there were four violins, one flute, two cornets, orchestral drums, one clarionet, one trombone and a bass viol. The first part was made up of fresh songs, and the witticisms of the end men were entirely fresh and created much laughter. ..All the performers in this part, save the interlocutor and end men, appeared in white faces. A youth, styled Gen. Grant, Jr., performed several character songs and dances, with rapid changes, and was thrice encored. Harry MacCarthy also sang songs in costume, with rapid changes, which met with favor. There was a marked improvement in his performances since the previous week, and the characters were properly costumed. Nelse Seymour and Charley White thoroughly convulsed the audience with laughter by their excellent acting in a sketch called the ‘Black Amateurs,’ and were twice recalled. Joe Lang performed a song and dance. Sharpley sang songs, with banjo accompaniment, which were fresh, comical, and lavishly applauded. A sketch, entitled the ‘Roguish Laborers,’ concluded the performance, which may be classed among the best ever given in this city. On the opening night the auditorium was densely filled, and since that evening the attendance has continued excellent.”