American Theatre

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

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

“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.”

“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.”