Venue(s):
Fifth Avenue Theatre (1867-73)
Manager / Director:
C. H. [manager] Garland
Conductor(s):
Napoleon Gilles
Price: Parquette, $.75; reserved in parquette, $1; orchestra chairs, $1.50; family circle, $.50
Event Type:
Variety / Vaudeville
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
19 December 2015
“This neat little theatre, which has hitherto been the home of Ethiopian Minstrelsy, was opened last evening by Mr. GARLAND for a series of vaudeville entertainments. Mrs. SEDLEY BROWN, Mr. LEFFINWELL [sic], Mr. SOL SMITH, and some others less known to fame, but correspondingly gifted with talent for comedy and burlesque, form a capable company. Short and lively pieces of a varied character are to be chosen here, and here people may visit to be entertained with sparkling variety. Comedies and extravaganzas, with the performances of singers and the mimicry of clowns, will constitute the programme of the night. Last evening, for instance, after the well-worn burletta on “Cinderella”- which was very pleasingly rendered—Mr. Falconer’s ludicrous comedy of “Too Much for Good Nature” was well received, and seemed to be much relished by the audience.”
“The burlesque performance of Cinderella at this theatre made a great hit last night. The house was filled with a select audience, who from their hearty appreciation of the play evidently came to enjoy the fun. Mrs. Sedley Brown as Cinderella was the attraction of all eyes, and her rendering of the rôle she played could not well be bettered. No wonder that the glass slipper found its resting place where it did. Miss Sackett and Mrs. Leffingwell also won the applause of the house, while Clorinda, by the faultless symmetry of her form, came of manner and sweet voice in the person of Mr. Leffingwell, ‘capped the sheaf,’ as Sam Slick says. The minor characters were in harmony with the others and gave infinite amusement. We predict a good run for Cinderella.”
“The attendance was very good, and the entertainment passed off very well and every one appeared to be highly pleased with the efforts of the company. The same pieces were played all the week, and business was pretty good. Mr. Leffingwell was very good as Clorinda in the first piece, his make-up and acting being excellent. Mrs. Sedley Brown, an old favorite in this city, appeared as Cinderella and met with a warm reception. Her acting and singing were loudly applauded, and deservedly so. Sol Smith, Jr., made a palpable hit as Alidori, his dancing being very laughable. Millie Sackett dressed the role of Dandini most gorgeously, and by her off-hand, free and easy style, made a very favorable impression. She is a very clever actress and will become a favorite. M. B. Pike is also a good actor. Mrs. Leffingwell was acceptable as the Prince. In ‘Too Much for Good Nature’ Mr. Leffingwell appeared to great advantage and kept his auditors roaring with laughter.”