Lucy Rushton’s Theatre

     “The promised musical burlesque of ‘Arrah-na Pogue’ will be brought out on Monday next.”

     “Rushton will play The Black Domino and sing the songs, ‘The Spirit of Good’ and ‘Guard my Steps.’”

     “[A]n audience that crammed the house to its utmost capacity. . . . The burlesque was quite different in character from the ordinary article.  It was much less extravagantly comical than is usual, and not by any means so different from the original as burlesques are permitted, and, indeed, expected to be.  It follows the play scene for scene almost, only the dialogue is turned into doggerel, and songs on popular tunes are interpolated for Shaun (Mr. Pearson) and Arrah (Miss Rosa Cooke).  Miss Cooke, who has a good voice and knows very well how to use it, made a decided hit as the heroine of this laughable trifle, and repeatedly brought down the house.  Her comic rendition of the ‘Story of the Kiss,’ and her singing of ‘Il Bacio,’ were worthy of all praise.  Altogether the new bill at Miss Rushton’s was a great success, and will doubtless crowd the house for many nights to come.  This theatre is the coziest in town, and it is frequented by respectable and cultivated persons only.  Its audiences are second in character to none other in the city, and, since it is the only up town [sic] establishment that gives exclusively comedies and laughter provoking pieces generally, it is in every way deserving of the fullest patronage of the public.”

     “Miss Rushton has at last had the moral courage to change her bill, and, for the first time, give us something fresh.”

     “Miss Rushton, who attempted the role of the Black Domino, failed to convince her auditors that she is fitted for the position she occupies; her performance was anything but pleasing, and at times it was distressing to witness her puerile efforts.  The burlesque, ‘Between You and Me and the Post,’ was well put on the stage as regards scenery; the burlesque is in some respects cleverly written; the weight of the piece fell upon the shoulders of Miss Rosa Cooke, and she carried it out manfully. Miss Cooke is the daughter of the late John P. Cooke, and this was her first appearance on the dramatic stage of this city as an actress. She traveled last season with the Castle & Campbell Opera Troupe, and recently sang in the choruses at Niblo’s. As Arrah Meelish, her singing and acting were the means of securing for the extravaganza the success it met with. She possesses a rich voice, plenty of self possession, and a charming person.”