Venue(s):
Tony Pastor's Opera House
Event Type:
Variety / Vaudeville
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
1 May 2025
Ashcroft performed a song-and-dance medley that included The cure and “Nicodemus Johnson.”
“…The enthusiastic welcome that greeted Gus Williams as he stepped upon the stage proved that he had not been forgotten, while the numerous encores awarded him attested his popularity. He sang a fresh selection of Dutch character songs, and his interpolated remarks bristled with humor. A burlesque recitation and a performance upon a mouth harmonicon were likewise much applauded. Murphy and Egbert performed a double Irish song-and-dance creditably, and, upon a recall, gave a lively jig. Irwin Thomas, upon the summit of a pedestal some four feet high, exhibited some lively clog dancing… Tony Pastor in dulcet strains described in a humorous manner the doings of ‘Beautiful, Wicked Young Girls,’ and subsequently related many things that a married man would like to do which his sonnubial [sic] state prevented, the first song being heard for the first times [sic], while the second is also new. In response to encores, he repeated some songs with which the audience were more familiar. William Ashcroft, in Ethiopian female character, and wearing shoes somewhat over two feet in length, performed an original act called ‘The Funny Old Gal,’ which created much laughter, his dancing being particularly unique. He subsequently gave a medley of old-time songs-and-dances, introducing ‘The Cure,’ ‘Nicodemus Johnson,’ and closing with acrobatic feats, which elicited much applause. Jennie Engel, in a charming toilet of white silk, sang some fresh serio-comic songs, and met with her accustomed cordial reception. Foley and Wade in songs-and-dances… filled out the bill. The efforts of these artists were rewarded with a liberal attendance.”