New-York Theatre

“The theatre has become an established institution, and is deserving of most libersl [sic] encouragement.”

“The entertainment at this fashionable place of amusement commenced with A Regular Fix, and was followed by the two act fairy extravaganza Beauty and the Beast, which has been rearranged and reconstructed for the management. The piece was well cast, and is full of most extravagant puns and local bits.

The character of Beauty was well sustained by Mrs. W. Gomersal, who has a well cultured voice of rich tone and good compass. Sir Aldgate Pump, Beauty’s father, was well supported by Mr. Mark Smith, who by his natural easy manner makes a character, which would otherwise be tedious, laughable and interesting. Mr. Barker’s John Quill is a fine piece of acting, and Mr. Farley in the character of the Beast displays a voice of no mean quality in several very pretty airs. Altogether the piece is one which we doubt not will become a favorite with the frequenters of this neat little theatre. The scenic arrangements under the superintendence of Mr. R. Farren include some very pretty effects.”

 “Planche’s excellent burlesque of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ has been brought out here creditably. The cast is in every way good—particularly so in the singing department. Messrs. Mark Smith, Lewis Baker, John Farley, and Mesdames Gomersal and Mandeville are eminently mentionable in this respect. Mr. Jules Eichenberg’s admirable orchestra is also one of the attractions of the establishment. The attendance was by no means good, but the performance was eminently deserving.”

 “‘Beauty and the Beast,’ a fairy extravaganza in two acts, was produced at the New York Theatre on the 17th inst. Several new scenes were painted expressly for it, and altogether it was placed upon the stage in a careful manner. It has been considerably altered, re-arranged and suited to the times. Mrs. W. Gomersal made a pleasing Beauty, but she is not a really good burlesque actress; she dressed the character in a handsome manner, and sang charmingly. She introduced the cavatina from the opening of ‘Dinorah,’ ‘Le Pardon di Ploermel,’ and ‘My Pretty Tales and Songs’ from ‘Crispino e la Comare,’ in all of which she was deservedly applauded. Mrs. Gomersal possesses a sweet musical voice, under good control, and is one of the best soubrettes on the stage. Her shadow dance and song was capital. Mark Smith made up and acted Old Pump to the satisfaction of all present. Many of his songs were very well given and heartily applauded. Lewis Baker afforded considerable merriment for the audience as John Quill. In his most eccentric song he forgot some of the words, and had to repeat the first stanzas; but Julius Eichberg, the leader, took him up and carried him through without a break very handsomely. Mr. Baker is possessed of considerable comic talent. Mr. John Farley, a late importation, made his debut as the Beast. Mr. Farley has a sweet tenor voice, and is a good vocalist, but possessed of very little dramatic ability.”