San Francisco Minstrels

“Last evening the hall in which this troupe hold [sic] forth to the admiring public was filled to overflowing.  Not even standing room remained twenty minutes after the performance had begun, and the late comers in large numbers were turned away discontented from the doors. The programme of the evening presented several new features, in which the ‘leading lights’ of the establishment had especial opportunities afforded for the display of their talents. “I would I were a Fly’ was sung by Birch, with an effect peculiarly his own, and in the olio part of the performance Cackus [Backus] and Wambold disported in their fairy symmetry with equal success. The prominent features of the last part of the programme were ‘The Hilton Head Institute’ and ‘The Ocean Yacht Club’ acts, concluding as usual with the successful ‘naked drama’ burlesque.”   

“The Frisco Boys, who have identified themselves in minstrelsy in this city, at 585 Broadway, still keep a firm hold of the public, judging by the appearance of their hall every evening, as it is crowded full at each performance. They dish up a good bill of fare each evening, embracing some of the most popular ballads of the day, as well as hits at the times, which are served by Birch and Backus in their best style. Last week Charley Backus lamented over his ‘Dear Eliza,’ while Birch ‘wished to be a fly.’ Both of these songs seem to be popular with the public, as they are received at each rendition with great applause. Lew Brimmer does a banjo solo each evening which is heartily encored. The burlesque of the ‘Black Cook’ continues as popular as ever, and promises to enjoy as great a run as the original piece. This sketch, as well as that of the ‘Shadow Pantomime,’ are hailed each night with loud demonstrations of applause.”