Wood's Minstrels

“The panorama of the North River continues on the bills as one of the main features, and it may deservedly so continue, for it is well gotten up and forms quite a treat for those who are in the habit of witnessing only the singing and eccentricities appertaining to burnt corkism. The introduction of this scene with the minstrel boys on board affords an excellent opportunity for some fine singing and instrumental music, irrespective of what has been already been given in the first part of the entertainment. One thing which we admire the most about this company, is the evenness of their choruses, together with the precision with which they modulate their voices. The extensive collection of pathetic ballads, which they possess, enables them to place continually before the public a style of music in which they especially excel. As instrumentalists the Wood’s Minstrels have the good fortune to possess several first-class artists, particularly Messrs. Isaacs and Haslam. Mr. Isaacs is a most finished performer upon the violin, and possesses an easy manner which at once stamps him as a master in his particular line. Mr. Haslam, upon the flute, plays brilliant selections of popular airs with exquisite grace and skill. Of the singers individually we are prepared to speak in the highest manner. Mr. Schwicardi possesses a bass voice of great compass and flexibility, which is heard to great advantage in the singing part of the troupe. Messrs. Henry and Lockwood and possessed of those light tenor voices, which give so much effect to the simple ballads, which are identified with Wood’s Minstrels; and their singing of ‘The Good Bye at the Door,’ and ‘Willie has gone to the War,’ are most beautifully and touchingly rendered. Mr. Cool White, as middle-man, has no superior in the business, and the two end-men, Seymour and Fox, most agreeably diversify the entertainment by their comicalities.”