Budworth’s Minstrels

“This newly organized minstrel troupe gives much satisfaction to crowded audiences at the new Fifth Avenue Opera House. Messrs. Hughs [sic] and Hogan, well known artistes, have been added to the company, and will appear for the first time this evening.”

“The audience last evening at this favorite place of amusement were convulsed with continuous laughter over the sad misfortunes of the Persecuted Dutchman, as personated by J.H. Budworth. The burlesque is an extremely exaggerated version of Forty Winks, but loses nothing by being done in cork. The house was wall filled, and the jokes, songs and conundrums of the black band were all keenly relished by those present. The grand finale to the first part of the evening’s entertainment, by the entire troupe, ends by introducing Mr. Fred Abbott as the Goddess of Liberty, protected by the Army and the Navy. He is arrayed in the Stars and Stripes, and appears in a blaze of red fire; but we must add that he does not make a good goddess. He looks a little too antiquated, and does not black his face, when every person knows that the goddess on the dome of the Capitol—which, by the by, is the correct model to go by—was daubed black before being set up, and also that Liberty is by no means ancient, at least in this country.”

“There is quite a variety on the programme for the current week, embracing fun, sentiment, and a little of all sorts, including among other acts that laughable sketch called ‘John Schmidt, the Persecuted Dutchman,’ which it will do you all good to see.”

“Budworth’s Minstrels appeared at the Fifth Avenue Opera House last week in a well selected programme. The first part of the entertainment was a good one. C. Henry sang in exquisite style, ‘Good Bye, Annie Darling.’ Dempster sang ‘Evangeline’ sweetly, and Grier vocalized ‘Monks of Old.’ W. S. Budworth sang a new song called the ‘Perambulator,’ and J. H. Budworth sang ‘Nubbs, the Poet,’ with dialogue. The song called the ‘Auctioneer’ finished the first part. This was participated in by the whole company, ending with Fred Abbott representing the ‘Goddess of Liberty,’ which, with the aid of a little red fire, made a very pretty tableau. The olio business was good, introducing C. J. Hogan and R. Hughes in a clog dance. Several new acts were given in the second part, and, taken altogether, a really enjoyable evening’s amusement was presented.”