Duke's Motto

Event Information

Venue(s):
Niblo's Garden

Conductor(s):
Harvey Bradley Dodworth

Ballet Director / Choreographer:
Mr. Ronzani

Event Type:
Play With Music

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
6 April 2011

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

13 Jul 1863, 8:00 PM
14 Jul 1863, 8:00 PM

Program Details

John Brougham: The duke’s motto (drama)
Includes the songs: “Wine, bright wine” (Collins)
“While there’s life there’s hope” (Collins)

Niblo’s cancelled Wednesday through Saturday performances because of the Draft Riots.

Performers and/or Works Performed

2)
aka I am all here to-night
Text Author: Brougham
3)
Composer(s): Brougham
4)
Composer(s): Dodworth
Text Author: Brougham

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 13 July 1863, 7.
“Seventh Week”
2)
Announcement: New York Herald, 13 July 1863, 2.

3)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 13 July 1863, 7.

4)
Announcement: New-York Daily Tribune, 13 July 1863, 5.
 “[T]he sweeping success of ‘The Duke’s Motto’ carries it triumphantly along from week to week, and threatens to propel it into the heart of the Fall season.”
5)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 14 July 1863, 7.

6)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 14 July 1863, 7.

7)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 15 July 1863, 7.

8)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 15 July 1863, 7.

9)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 16 July 1863, 7.
“Mr. WHEATLEY respectfully announces to the patrons of this establishment that the performance of the DUKE’S MOTTO is suspended for the present, in consequence of the serious troubles which now disturb the peace of the City.  As soon as quiet is restored, the PERFORMANCE OF THIS GREAT DRAMA will be resumed with all its original magnificence.”

10)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 16 July 1863, 7.
“Duke’s Motto is suspended for the present.”
11)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 18 July 1863, 107.
“At Niblo’s Garden, ‘The Duke’s Motto’ continues to draw crowded houses night after night.  The piece has already commenced its second month, and the attendance throughout the past week has been most excellent; in fact, there is hardly any perceptible falling off in the attendance any night since the initial performance, which proves that liberal management, such as Manager Wheatley has shown our citizens, will always be rewarded.  The very large attendance at this beautiful temple of Tahlia and Melpomene is a convincing proof that the public is more delighted by what appeals to the eye and to the senses—by what, in fact, is tangible—rather than by what appeals to the imagination, the feelings, and the intellect.  In the play of ‘The Duke’s Motto’ the artist has had a wide range for displaying his abilities on the canvas; and that it has been carried out to the fullest extent, is nightly manifested by the hearty applause with which each scene as it appears is received.  We therefore contend that it is to the scenic effect and the general mounting of the piece, as well as the fine acting, that in a great measure may be attributed the continued success of this piece.  The intrinsic loveliness of this building, combined with the beauty of flowers, fountains, and various superb and seasonable decorations, make up a cool retreat for one who for a short time wishes to wile away a pleasant hour.  The ventilating apparatus is always kept in perfect working order, and diffuses throughout the house a delicious coolness.  Mr. Collins’ engagement extends to the 29th of August, during the whole of which time ‘The Duke’s Mott’ and Phalon’s perfumed play bills will be all the rage at Niblo’s Garden.  In consequence of a severe hoarseness under which Mr. Wheatley is at present laboring, Mr. Collins has at the shortest notice, consented to personate the character well played in this city, as well as in London, we have no doubt but that Mr. Collins will give a correct interpretation of the character.”

12)
Advertisement: New York Clipper, 18 July 1863, 110.
“Seventh week.”
13)
Review: New-York Times, 20 July 1863, 4.
“The disturbances last week interfered seriously with the prosperity of the various places of amusement, and caused so much general alarm that both the Winter Garden and Niblo’s were closed on Wednesday—the latter remaining closed for the balance of the week.”

14)
Review: New York Herald, 20 July 1863, 4.
“Niblo’s Garden closed its doors [last week] . . . on account of the disturbance in the city . . . and because of the indisposition of Manager Wheatley.”

15)
Review: New York Clipper, 25 July 1863, 115.
“Niblo’s Garden was closed on the 15th.”
16)
Review: New York Clipper, 25 July 1863, 115.
 “That night [WED 07/15/63] was a blank in the history of the drama in the ‘great city of New York.’  Not a single dramatic representation was given here that evening.  Nearly every place of amusement was closed.  Niblo’s put up the shutters on Tuesday evening, after the performance of the ‘Duke’s Motto,’ and has not been opened since.”