Wood’s Minstrels
Event Information
Venue(s):
Wood's Minstrel Hall
Event Type:
Minstrel
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
18 August 2012
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
09 Oct 1865, Evening10 Oct 1865, Evening
11 Oct 1865, Evening
12 Oct 1865, Evening
13 Oct 1865, Evening
14 Oct 1865, Evening
Program Details
Performers and/or Works Performed
Citations
“Donati—the celebrated imitator of Donato, the one-legged dancer, some time since deceased—has turned up at the hall of Wood’s Minstrels, where also is presented a burlesque of ‘The Streets of New York.’”
“New faces are constantly being added to Wood’s Minstrels. This week, Donati, the man who has two legs but dances only on one, will appear; also, C. Harris, comedian, who will appear on the end. Sig. Louis Vayo, the imitator of birds, etc., also remains. The burlesque of the “Streets of New York” will be revived and a number of novel acts performed by the company, as well as several new comic and sentimental songs sung. The management strive to please and crowded houses should be in attendance nightly.”
“First appearance of the world-renowned Don Manuel Donati, who will execute the most difficult dances on one leg. First appearance of the celebrated Comedian, Mr. C. Harris. Second week of the Cuban Wonder, Sig. Louis Vayo, Grand revival of the great Burlesque on The Streets of New York.”
“Wood’s Minstrels had a succession of good houses last week. On the 9th inst. Don Manuel Donati, the dancer on one leg, and W. [sic] Harris, Ethiopian comedian, put in an appearance. Mr. Harris took the end made vacant by the retirement of Frank Moran. Mr. Harris played until Wednesday, 11th inst., when he retired, and another change was made. S.S. Purdy took the tambourine end, and James H. Budworth was added to the company and took the ‘bones’ end. He was very favorably received by a large audience, and his song and gags pleased very much. His style is similar to that of Charley Backus, and as end man he will take rank with the majority of comedians of the day. Donati, as a dancer on one leg is very clever, and hops about the stage as easily as an individual would on two legs. Sig. Louis Vayo’s imitations of birds equal anything of the kind we ever before listened to. The singing in the first part is good, and the instrumental music equal to any minstrel band in the country. J. Clark, the new basso, is an excellent solo singer, and possessed of a very deep voice. E. Haslam’s boehm flute solo is a feature of the evening’s entertainment. The burlesque of ‘The Streets of New York’ was re-produced last week and proved a success.”