School for Scandal – Grand Opening of the Lucy Rushton Theatre

     Details Miss Lucy Rushton’s New Theatre at 728 and 730 Broadway.

     “Late in the evening a band of thirteen Union Protective men packed themselves in the tight little box provided for the orchestra.  The poor fellows have not been heard for many weeks.  They were evidently longing for work, and when they commenced it seemed as if it were impossible to stop them.  After a few overtures, polkas, waltzes, &c., they were happily suppressed, and a little before 9 o’clock the performances commenced.”

     “LUCY RUSHTON’S THEATRE.—One of the greatest burlesques played for the benefit of a ‘discriminating public’ was the opening of this theatre on the 23rd inst.  From the glowing accounts of its ‘decorations, excellent accommodations,’ etc., given of it by the Herald, we were led to infer that it was not only the most magnificent affair of the kind in the country, but perfect in every delight. . . . [Discussion of theatre layout]. . . . We will now speak of the performance of the stage.  In consequence of the disturbance about the seats, the curtain did not go up till half past eight o’clock, when a portion of the company appeared in citizens clothes and sang the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ after which Miss Rushton stepped upon the stage, and advancing the footlights—the curtain descending—attempted to deliver an opening address, but she found it too much for her.  She had to be prompted nearly every line, and before she had got half through, she completely broke down, and excused herself by saying that she was ‘too much overcome by emotion to proceed.’ . . . As a first class theatre, Miss Rushton’s house is a failure as managed at present, and unless experienced parties take it in hand it will have its days numbered.  It would make a very good Music Hall for R. Butler, or a good Minstrel Hall for Dan Bryant.”