American Theatre

Event Information

Venue(s):
Butler's American Theatre [444 Bdway--before 3/66]

Proprietor / Lessee:
Robert W. [manager] Butler

Manager / Director:
Robert W. [manager] Butler

Ballet Director / Choreographer:
Antonio Grossi

Event Type:
Variety / Vaudeville

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
1 November 2016

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

17 Aug 1865, 7:30 PM
18 Aug 1865, 7:30 PM
19 Aug 1865, 2:30 PM
19 Aug 1865, 7:30 PM

Program Details

Lizzie Schultze and Millie Flora, leaders of ballet.

Opening night of the sixth season. Lizzie Schultze and Millie Flora, leaders of ballet.

Performers and/or Works Performed

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 14 August 1865, 7.

“Sixth Annual Season of Butler’s Great Troupe.”

2)
Announcement: New York Herald, 17 August 1865, 4.

In “Amusements This Evening.”  “Ethiopian Minstrelsy—Ballets, Pantomimes, Burlesques, &c.”

3)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 19 August 1865, 150.

“The place has undergone a thorough rejuvenation during the absence of the company in Boston, and now presents a clean appearance.  A strong company has been engaged by Manager Butler, and everything looks favorable for a prosperous season.”

4)
Advertisement: New York Clipper, 19 August 1865, 151.
5)
Review: New York Clipper, 26 August 1865, 158.

The American Theatre, but more familiarly known as ‘444,’ commenced its sixth season on the 17th. . . . In less than fifteen minutes there was not a vacant seat in the Hall, and even standing room was out of the question.  Empty barrels were placed in the alley way leading to the stage entrance, and persons were glad to get even such an unpleasant position, and there stand the whole evening, peering in at the stage through the open windows. . . . Among the first appearances on this occasion were Billy Holmes, comic vocalist, Mad. Macarte, danseuse, J. K. Campbell, Ethiopian comedian, and George Winship, song and dance. . . . Mr. Holmes, although very nervous from a first appearance before such a critical audience as frequents 444, sang his comic songs in capital style and made the biggest kind of a hit. His song of the ‘Waterfall’ took immensely. . . . Mad. Macarte appeared for the first time in this as a danseuse, and may well feel proud of her success.  Her Strathspy [sic] and sword dance was very cleverly executed, while her cocoanut dance was well received.  She displayed considerable terpsichorean ability.  J. K. Campbell is a good Ethiopian performer and made his mark. . . . The ballet, under the direction of Mons. Grossi, led by Lizzie Schultze and Millie Flora, is one of the best seen in this city for a long time.  Nearly every one of the ladies is a solo dancer.  The ballet is certainly one of the great attractions of the place.  Maffit and Bartholomew are both old favorites, and are two of the best pantomimists on the stage.”