Robert Heller
Event Information
Venue(s):
Salle Diabolique
Event Type:
Chamber (includes Solo), Variety / Vaudeville
Performance Forces:
Instrumental
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
23 July 2011
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
26 Sep 1864, 8:00 PM27 Sep 1864, 8:00 PM
28 Sep 1864, 8:00 PM
29 Sep 1864, 8:00 PM
30 Sep 1864, 8:00 PM
01 Oct 1864, 2:00 PM
01 Oct 1864, 8:00 PM
Program Details
Magic program included Goblin Drum and Real Wood Minstrels.
Performers and/or Works Performed
Citations
1)
“Mr. Heller’s unprecedented cleverness as a necromancer, and his eminently skillful piano playing are rewarded by an unceasing flow of prosperity.”
2)
“Sensation no. 1: The Goblin Drum. Sensation no. 2: The automatic minstrels—mechanical Negro melodists, more humorous than live ones. Sensation no. 3: Heller’s Dixie on the pianoforte.”
4)
“Notice—Last nights of the Wood Minstrels, which must be withdrawn for A GREAT ILLUSION IN PREPARATION.”
7)
“…the wonderful performances by Mr. Heller, at his elegant little parlor theatre on Broadway. Our view of the entertainment was somewhat marred by an unfriendly post, behind which the gentlemanly usher insisted on seating us, in spite of our repeated remonstrances that we did not wish to be posted in such matters; he was obdurate, and as deaf as a post to our entreaties, and we were fixed facts in the rear. Although the mysteries performed by Mr. Heller would induce many to believe that he has dealings with the devil—excuse us, ladies—yet, as Burns said, he’s ‘a man for a’ that.’ Alone, he entertains an audience for an entire evening, and by a variety of feats that never permit the interest to flag, or the audience to tire. His tricks are neatly done, and his accompanying remarks are of a very entertaining and witty character; in fact, some of his puns are fresh and delightful as a poet’s dream; his piano playing gives evidence of a true artist, and adds variety to the diabolical sallies at the Salle Diabolique. To render still more mystified and varied the attractions, he gives a wonderful exposition of ‘Second Sight,’ which, at first sight seems a most marvelous performance. The little ‘Nigger Minstrels’ came into greater favor last week, and in consequence will not be withdrawn, as previously announced. Although, like Early’s army in Virginia, they are in an unfinished State, yet they can be made into a very amusing corps by proper machinery and careful handling. A very laughable finale is given by the little Niggers, in the introduction of the ‘Faust Chorus.’”