Unity of Nations

Notes that his entertainment includes “songs, saying, dances, and doings peculiar” to each of various nationalities.

“He does all his own work, even that of composing the music for his pieces.”

“A series of illustrations of the national characters of Germany, American France, England, Ireland, and Scotland, embodying the songs, sayings, dances, and doings parodied in each.”

“Mr. VALENTINE VOUSDEN, who describes himself as a polynational mimic, and whose simple mission is to prove, by a series of comic songs and burlesque dances, the unity of nations, commenced last week a series of entertainments at Clinton Hall. We were present on Saturday evening, and noticed with regret the slimness of the audience. With regret, because Mr. VOUSDEN has unquestionable ability, and had he been presented properly to the public, would at once have commanded attention. It is not, however, too late to mend. Mr. VOUSDEN’S entertainment opens with a prologue in verse, philosophical in its nature, and Hibernian in the matter of pronunciation. In the character of our old friend Chronos, he speaks indulgently and cheerfully of mankind, or, as he softly expresses it, ‘mankind.’ Subsequently, he illustrates the various nations referred to; assuming an incredible number of characters, dressing them with a rapidity which we have never seen excelled, and sustaining the impersonation with unflagging spirit. Mr. VOUSDEN has a pleasant little tenor voice, clear enough and strong enough for every purpose to which he puts it. He is the composer of his own songs; but as he alone sings them, no one can object to this. He is a good mimic and a capital actor. More than this, he can dance in a surprisingly agile manner. The best and most amusing caricatures were those of the dances of all nations, which were really excellent. We recommend the entertainment to our readers as one worthy of encouragement. It is the best single-barreled affair we have yet had in the City.”