San Francisco Minstrels

“There is a fresh and racy programme at this house this week.  Birch, Backus, and Wambold are, as usual, the leading attractions.  The excellent tenor voice of the latter draws many admirers to hear his ballads.  The comicalities of Birch and the theatrical imitations of Backus are the most amusing features of the performance.  This is one of the best minstrel companies now in the city.”

     “The San Francisco Minstrels have a good bill on, and, despite the many warm nights, are listened to by very large audiences.  The ballad singing in the first part is really good, giving Messrs. Wambold, Paine and Shattuck simple opportunity to display their vocal abilities.  The quartet is improving, and is now pretty well balanced.  In the second part, the double song and dance of Cooper and Fields is good; they are clever in their line of business.  Tim Hayes’ clog dance is another feature with the show.  Mr. Hayes will shortly start out on a tour through the country.  In the ‘Break Neck Act,” Billy Birch creates considerable amusement.  Charley Backus’ imitations continue to please.  Last week he gave imitations of James Wallace [sic] as the Iron Mask, and Maggie Mitchell as Fanchon.  Both of these were very clever, and elicited considerable laughter.  This party give a good show, and are rewarded with big business.”