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Found 16 results: showing 1 through 16
No Playbill | Result 1
- Date - May 31st, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: May 31
EXTRA.
McDOWELL’S
COMEDY AND BURLESQUE
COMPANY.
What the St. John Papers
SAY OF
“BEAUTY AND
THE BEAST,”
Mr. McDowell’s Company in Burlesque.
The performance given by Mr. McDowell’s company, last evening, was as enjoyable as anything we have witnessed, in the theatrical line, in St. John for a long time. “Beauty and the Beast” was first produced nearly a quarter of a century ago in the Haymarket theatre, London, and yet still retains its popularity. Undoubtedly, as produced last evening, it was the finest spectacular extravaganza ever presented in St. John, no such corps de ballet ever having been before a St. John audience as that afforded by the Menzelli and St. Felix sisters. Their dancing created a genuine sensation, the former especially being very finished artists from the best Parisian schools. The St. Felix Sisters, in their “waking fairy ballet,” danced and looked beautifully, and won deserved applause. As for the play itself, it was admirable, and proved most amusing, the songs in which it abounds being all well rendered, and the mechanical effects and scenery being perhaps the finest ever displayed here. The costumes were all fine, particularly that of Mr. McDowell. Want of space prevents us from particularizing the cast as it deserves, but all did their parts well. The management, flattered by the success of last evening, intend to keep the play on one evening longer than they originally intended, consequently it will be repeated this and to-morrow evenings, when all who wish to see admirable ballet and a most amusing extravaganza should attend. – Telegraph.
Mechanical Institute – Another Success – The Ballet Causes a Genuine Sensation.
It was the unanimous verdict of the audience at the Institute last night that the performance as presented was the finest assertion to make, but it is nevertheless true, and we must here repeat what we have said before, that Mr. McDowell is the most liberal and successful manager in the States. He has made the stage of the Institute perfect in every respect; still we were surprised last night to see the manner in which he presented the fairy spectacular of “Beauty and the Beast.” It was beyond a doubt the finest thing of its kind ever witnessed here. In the first place the ballet created a genuine sensation. The dancing of the Menzelli and St. Felix Sisters left nothing to be desired – it took the audience completely by storm and the applause that followed was deafening. We must say we felt a little doubtful at first as to the reception such artistic dancing would receive at the hands of the audience, but judging from the applause the above ladies can have nothing to complain of, in fact they received a perfect ovation. “Beauty and the Beast,” as an extravaganza, is enjoyable. It abounds in popular songs, local sayings, and laughing situations, and kept the audience in roars of laughter. The characters were all well sustained. The costumes were very rich and tasteful, and showed that Mr. McDowell’s company know how to dress as well as act. The scenery and the mechanical effects were the finest the management have yet produced. The two calcium lights added greatly to the effects, another evidence of good stage management. Taken as a whole the performance given last evening was the best of the season, and is sure to draw large audiences. – Daily News.
Theatre.
Notwithstanding other attractions, a good audience gathered at the Institute last evening. The St. Felix Sisters in their specialties, at first were received rather indifferently by the audience, but as the latter became sensible of the beauty and artistic finish of the performance, their appreciation was manifested by enthusiastic rounds of applause. The fairy extravaganza “Beauty and the Beast,” gave scope for the display of some beautiful ballet dancing by the Menzelli and St. Felix sisters, in their line of business, at any time previous. Fanny Reeves, as “Beauty,” acquitted herself with her usual grace. E.A. McDowell’s impersonation of the “Beast” was excellently well carried on; while Alfred Hudson as Sir Aldgate Pump, and Charles Arnold as John Quill, produced much merriment. The burlesque operatic parts were especially enjoyed. A storm of applause greeted the performance of the grand festival ballet by the Menzelli and St. Felix sisters. Some trouble was experienced in shifting the scenery, which did not work very smoothly. The programme will be repeated to-night. – Freeman.
- Reference - [The Morning Herald, 31 May 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 2
- Date - May 31st, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: May 31
ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
Monday Evening, June 3rd.
(and until further notice)
First production in Halifax of the favorite
London Fairy Extravaganza, entitled:
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!
As performed at Drury Lane Theatre, London,
and recently revived at the Boston Museum
with brilliant success, and which will
introduce
THE MENZELLI
– AND –
ST. FELIX SISTERS!
In their chaste and elegant
FAIRY BALLETS, CHARACTER
SONGS AND DANCES.
This laughable extravaganza is replete with
POPULAR SONGS,
DUETTS, CHORUSES, &c.,
and produced with
GEORGEOUS COSTUMES!
NEW SCENERY!
TRANSFORMATIONS!
MECHANICAL EFFECTS!
Music Incidental to Play:
ACT 1
1. Chorus – We hear our Queen’s Command…….Fairies.
2. Duet – Land of the Swallows,
Marigolds and Dressalinda.
3. Quintette…By the Characters.
4. Song – Once upon a time…………………...…Beauty.
5. Duet – I see a bank…………………...Pump and Quill.
6. Air – Tremble you………………….Beast and Chorus.
7. Song – Bring me a Rose………………………...Pump.
8. Song – “I’m always gay and free”…………Marigolds.
9. Song – Beauty’s FlowerQuill.
10. Quintette – To Death………………………Characters.
11. Song – I sent my love a “Red, red Rose”……….Beast.
12. Trio – Begone Old Pump,
Beast, Pump and Quill.
13. Duet – Good Night and Happy Dreams,
Beauty and Beast.
14. Chorus – Sleep Little Beauty…………………..Fairies.
ACT II
15. Song. Can I Forget….Beauty.
16. Medley Duet………………………..Beauty and Beast.
17. Song “Grandfather’s Goblet”…………….Dressalinda.
18. Song and Chorus It was a Dream…Beast and Fairies.
19. Song and Chorus “The Man in the
Moon was Looking”….By Characters.
20. Finale…..By entire Company.
The performance will commence with the first
production here of the charming English
Comedy, in 1 act, entitled:
MY UNCLE’S WILL.
By W.S. GILBERT. Author of “Pyg-
malion and Galatea.”
The above Comedy has held the boards of the
Princess Theatre, London, for 150 consecutive
nights.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
Arrangements have been effected with the
DARTMOUTH FERRY COMPANY to run a
SPECIAL THEATRE TRIP on Monday and
Friday evenings of each week, thus giving the
citizens of Dartmouth an opportunity to wit-
ness the performance given. THE SPECIAL
BOAT will leave immediately after the per-
formance on the evenings above mentioned.
Notwithstanding the enormous expense at-
tending the engagement of this talented Com-
pany the Management will adhere to
Popular Prices of Admission.
Reserved Seats 75c. Admission 50c; Gallery
25c.may 31
- Reference - [The Morning Herald, 31 May 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 3
- Date - June 3rd, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 3
ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
Monday Evening, June 3rd,
(and until further notice.)
A NEW STYLE OF ENTERTAINMENT.
E.A. McDOWELL’S
Boston Comedy & Burlesque
Company.
30 – FIRST-CLASS ARTISTS – 30
The most complete organization of its kind
ever seen in Canada, combining all the ele-
ments of Comedy, Burlesque, Ballet and Spec-
tacle, produced after the manner of DRURY
LANE THEATRE, London.
First production here of the celebrated Fairy
Extravaganza.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!
With new Scenery, Gorgeous Costumes and
appointments. A special feature of this
production will be the appearance of
the great
MENZELLI
– AND –
ST. FELIX SISTERS!
In their chaste and elegant
FAIRY BALLETS, CHARACTER
SONGS AND DANCES.
je 1
- Reference - [The Morning Herald, 1 June 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 4
- Date - June 3rd, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 3
THE MCDOWELL COMPANY.
Thirty-five members of this company arrived in town yesterday morning, and appear at the Academy of Music to-night in the laughable fairy burlesque of “Beauty and the Beast.” Judging from the success burlesque performances met with as given by the 60th Rifles, we predict a very enjoyable season for our citizens. Not to be behindhand in the matter of scenery, Mr. McDowell has brought two car loads with him, which was painted for the Academy by the popular young artist Mr. Gill. The corps de ballet which accompanies Mr. McDowell is, as we glean from our exchanges, strictly first class, the Menzelli and St. Felix Sisters having appeared in the best theatres throughout Europe and America. The sale of seats commenced last Saturday at Sichel’s piano Warerooms and the Central News Depot, and already there is a great demand for them. The management have arranged with the Dartmouth Steamboat Company to run a special trip at the conclusion of the performance this evening, and on succeeding Monday and Friday evenings, thus giving the residents of Dartmouth a chance to witness the performance without fear of being detained in town over night. We are informed that the performance will conclude at 11 p.m.
- Reference - [The Morning Herald, 3 June 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 5
- Date - June 5th, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 5-6
ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
Wednesday and Thursday,
June 5th and 6th.
ANOTHER GREAT ATTRACTION.
The Grand Legendary Drama, entitled
The Angel of Midnight!
Produced with new scenery and mechanical effects
and new ballets and special toes by the
Menzelli and St. Felix Sisters.
FULL DRAMATIC COMPANY IN THE CAST.
First Time of the Beautiful snow Ballet.
je 5
- Reference - [The Acadian Recorder, 5 June 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 6
- Date - June 6th, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 6
ACADEMY OF MUSIC. “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST,” &C.
Discretion is always the better part of valour, and it is particularly so when one is dealing with public. It would have been well for the managers of the Variety Company at present performing in the Academy of Music if a little discretion were among their many talents. If they had been wise, we fell sure that the singularly simultaneous and general outburst of protest in our contemporaries against our remarks on the “dancing” of the “Menzelli Sisters” would never have occurred. These things seldom happen spontaneously.
Our remarks concerning the dancing of the said sisters were quite honest; and it was our privilege, our duty, to make them. They were not followed up by any further criticism, and therefore we are not open to the charge of unfair persecution. But as a pretty general protest against our criticism has been entered by “the press” (not without prompting of some sort, we feel fairly sure), it is necessary to justify our position. It is the fault, as well as the misfortune, of the manager, if he is wounded in the process. It will be remembered that in noticing Mr. McDowell’s first entertainment we praise the opening comedy, praised the St. Felix Sisters (moderately), and praised the music and choruses – we should have added a word of praise to the little lady who did the part of “Beauty,” and who took it with admirable tact and cleverness. Our protest was directed against the Menzelli Sisters chiefly, whose obtrusive legs were offensively, immodestly, and vulgarly thrust into the faces of the audience, quite unprepared for any such indecent exhibition. Talk of Spanish bull fights! Why, a Spanish bull fight would be manly and spirited, delicate and refined, compared with this atrocious assault on female modesty, this shocking exposition of the female figure in a state of contortion, and in postures which, of assumed in the street, would lead to the arrest of the performers for indecently exposing their persons. Honi soit qui mal y pense, says one sweet-souled critic, Stuff! The maxim is habitually made the cloak and shield of more obscenity, more impurity, more indecency than any other of the ill-used proverbs current in the world. In the way it is used by many persons, it might be written with perfect propriety over the door of ever preacher of morality in every pulpit in the land, “You are immoral and an outrage on your sex,” cries the clergyman in his pulpit. Honi soit qui mal y pense! cries some leering creature. And forsooth the preacher’s mouth must be stopped. “This exhibition of female immodesty is an outrage,” we say. And Honi soit qui mal y pense cry the Annands. And our mouths, forsooth, must be closed!
The Messrs. Annands have come forward as the champions of indecency. It is their office; and the protest comes with a peculiar fitness from them, as most people will see at once. These Babes of Grace have the impertinence to say: –
As the rustic prude who visits an art gallery will find immodesty in pictures and statuary which to the eyes of the refined woman are only beautiful works of art so our Bluenose prudes will find harm in a ballet which those of purer mind and more liberal culture regard as an innocent and graceful spectacle.
In the language of the Annands, “Rustic Prude” means modest country girl, and we hope there are thousands of such in Nova Scotia who would shut their doors in the faces of any of the Annand tribe, and tell them that Nova Scotia women are not all rustics and not at all prudes; and that they are educated and refined enough to draw the distinction between the works of art in a gallery, and the painted outrages on womanhood who flaunt their lascivious limbs in the faces of the audiences whom they have induced to attend their performances. “Innocent?” – that spectacle of the Menzelli sisters innocent? It may be innocent in the eyes of the Annands, compared with other of their experiences; but it is not innocent to any other people. “Graceful?” – that spectacle graceful? It is an insult to human credulity to say so; all those twistings and whirlings, those leg-shakings and arm-pointings, are vulgar and indecent, and have not an element of grace in them. We do not care if we are in even a minority in thus judging of this performance. We shall at least have the consolation of knowing that every glebe and parsonage house in this country will be with us; and that the population will be with us, too, in time. We would be the last to limit unduly the range of popular amusement; but there is a limit, in our judgement, and that limit has been exceeded. An experiment has been tried, and failed. We do not think it will be repeated. If Herodias is set to dance at the Academy, it is the manager’s head that will be in danger.
- Reference - [The Morning Herald, 6 June 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 7
- Date - June 6th, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 6
ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
Wednesday and Thursday,
June 5th and 6th.
ANOTHER GREAT ATTRACTION.
The Grand Legendary Drama, entitled
The Angel of Midnight!
Produced with new scenery and mechanical effects
and new ballets and special toes by the
Menzelli and St. Felix Sisters.
FULL DRAMATIC COMPANY IN THE CAST.
First Time of the Beautiful snow Ballet.
je 6
- Reference - [The Acadian Recorder, 6 June 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 8
- Date - June 7th, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 7
THE FIELD OF THE CLOTH OF GOLD.
This capable burlesque will be produced for the first time in Halifax at the Academy to-night. It is one of the most amusing and harmless of Brough’s burlesques, and has enjoyed a run of over 150 nights at the Royal [illegible] Theatre, London. It will be presented this evening with entirely new songs, [illegible word] and character dances by the Menzelli and St. Felix Sisters. A special feature of the performance will be the tilting scene or [illegible word] on “two Canadian ponies.” No doubt there will be a large audience present this evening as this burlesque si very popular among our English residents. There will be a special boat to Dartmouth after the performance to-night. At to-morrows matinee “Beauty and the Beast” will be repeated.
- Reference - [The Morning Chronicle, 7 June 1878, p. 3, col. 1
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 9
- Date - June 10th, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 10
ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
Monday Evening, June 10th,
and until further notice.
The Great Operatic Spectacular Drama of
The Naiad Queen.
Produced with magnificent New scenery by Mr. Wm.
Gill, new mechanical effects, &c.
Grand Amazon March! Dazzling
Transformation Scene!
A MILITARY BRASS BAND!
New Songs, Fairy Ballets, Character Dances and
Specialties by the MENZELLI and ST. FELIX
SISTERS. The most gorgeous spectacle ever
witnessed in Halifax!
Reserved Seats at S. Sichel & Co’s
je 10
- Reference - [The Acadian Recorder, 10 June 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 10
- Date - June 10th, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 10
ACADEMY OF MUSIC
There was again a fine house at the Academy last night, and the “romantic spectacular drama” was seen in greater splendour than ever before in Halifax. “The Naiad Queen” is strictly a spectacular piece, depending fro its success on beautiful scenery, scenic effects, showy costumes, striking groups and the plentiful use of the calcium light and red fire. Certainly there was no lack of gorgeousness, and Mr. McDowell has put the play on the stage in a very complete manner, most of the scenery being new and very judiciously used. The hurleiberg was the first striking tableau, soon eclipsed by the cave under the Rhine, which was exceedingly pretty. The finest scene, however, was the Silver Grotto, and the Grand Amazon March, in which capital marching was witnessed. The costumes were exceptionally brilliant, especially in the Amazon performance, and the house testified its warm appreciation of the beauty of the mise en scene by loud and frequent applause. Miles Menzelli danced a very pretty pas together, and a still prettier one just before the Amazon March. The St. Felix Sisters danced the Sailor Ballet and reappeared at intervals, invariably pleasing the audience by their excellent performance. Miss Reeves, Miss Harold, and Miss Crozier took leading parts, and looked the last especially as pretty as fairies. Mr. McDowell was Knight Rodolph, making love to Hurline, Miss Reeves, and Lady Una without distinction. Mr. Hudson was a capital buffo as Schnapps, and his songs were loudly encored. The grand transformation scene at the end was marred by some hitches which will, we presume, be avoided to-night, and as a spectacular drama the piece was generally pronounced a success. It will be repeated to-night, and it may be hoped that the “Field of the Cloth of Gold” will also be repeated.
- Reference - [The Morning Chronicle, 11 June 1878.]
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 11
- Date - June 12th, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 12
THE ACADEMY
The “Naiad Queen” was presented for the third time last night, and was enjoyed by a large audience. The singing was as good as usual and the dancing superb, and elicited the hearty applause of the audience, and the St. Felix and Menzelli sisters were the recipients of floral offerings from some admirers. To night “Pink Dominoes” will be produced and as there are several attractions to be put on immediately, it will only be produced to night. The St. Felix sisters will appear in the second act and Miss Leonora St. Felix will sing among other novelties her successful ballad, “Do-da-day.” The promenade or garden at the side of the Music Hall has been opened, and is cool and refreshing after sitting through a long act. The spot, though small, is neatly arranged with flowers and seats around it, and we have only one fault to find – to small; this of course cannot be helped, and those who have been the instruments of its completion deserve credit for the manner in which they have progressed in their undertaking.
- Reference - [The Acadian Recorder, 13 June 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 12
- Date - June 13th, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 13
ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
Thursday Evening, June 13.
The Greatest London Sensation
PINK DOMINOES
New in its second year in London – The most
delightful of modern English Comedies.
It tells how married men deceive their wives on
the pretext of “sitting up with a sick friend.”
Fun! Fun! Uproarious, Glorious Fun!
THE MENZELLI and ST. FELIX SISTERS in their
beautiful specialties, &c.
FRIDAY JUNE 14, The Field of the Cloth
of Gold and My Uncle’s Will.
Reserved Seats at S. Sichel & Co’s Music Store,
and the Central News Depot.
je 13
- Reference - [The Acadian Recorder, 13 June 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 13
- Date - June 13th, 1878
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 13
ACADEMY OF MUSIC
Pink Dominoes drew a big house last night and was uncommonly well presented by Mr. McDowell’s company. The play is one full of incidents, comical situations and fun of one kind and another. It is London life as lived by some people - it is to be hoped not many of them. The audience evidently enjoyed the numerous dilemmas of the trio of husbands, from that old sinner Tubbs to the gay young blade Graythorne, and as the actors did their part with much animation and spirit there was no drag to speak of and the interest was kept up unflaggingly. The Menzellis Sisters danced a pas, of which it might have been said pas ce pas, for it was neither pretty nor graceful. Little Leonore St. Felix, of course, brought down the house with “Doo-da-Day,”and she and her sisters sang and danced very prettily.
To-night the Field of Cloth of Gold - the best piece put on by Mr. McDowell and one which everybody is sure to enjoy.
An extra boat will run to Dartmouth after the performance for the accommodation fo the people of that town.
- Reference - [The Citizen & Evening Chronicle, 14 June 1878.
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 14
- Date - January 9th, 1902
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: January 9
25 YEARS’ THEATRICALS.
Academy of Music opened 25 years ago to-night.
SOME PLAYS AND PLAYERS.
25 years ago to-night the first performance was given in the present Academy of
Music, and the beautiful new theatre was thronged from pit to dome. For years previous
theatrical performances were given in the Theatre Royal on Queen street, just above
where Blackie’s drug store now stands, and in Temperance Hall, Starr street, where many
of the best actors of the day appeared, but, after talk which lasted for years that Halifax
should have a handsome temple of amusement, a company of leading citizens was formed
and the present Academy of Music was built at a cost of $78,000, and its opening night
was an event long to be remembered, when the people found themselves in a building
which appeared to them, with its luxury as a veritable palace.
THE OPENING PERFORMANCE
Was given by the Halifax Musical Union, conducted by Samuel Porter, assisted by
the Philarmonic (sic?) Club, and the Rudolphson Quartette of Boston, assisted by Mr.
Listemann, Boston.
The first dramatic performance was on Jan. 16, 1877, given by Wm. Nannary’s
company, in a piece called Clouds. The company was an excellent one, and included J.
R. Grismer, who became an immense favorite, and has since risen to great prominence,
and is now connected in a business way with the big production of Way Down East; W.
S. Harkins, our greatest favorite, who has been with us annually ever since, bringing us
some of the very best dramatic companies we have had; Belvil Ryan, a remarkably clever
comedian of the old school; W. A. Donaldson, one of the finest heavy men ever in
Halifax; P. A. Nannary, whose clerical characters are often a subject of comment among
old time theatregoers; G. T. Ulmer, J. L. Saphore, Harry Pierson, P. M. Allison, B.
Atkins, G. Allen, J. R. Walsh, Florence Noble, a splendid leading lady; Pearl Etynge, a
pretty ingénue, Lizzie May Ulmer, one of the best of soubrettes, Hattie Saphore, Louise
Donaldson, Mrs. M. A. Pennoyer, magnificent in elderly female parts, Leonora and
Zaidee Bigelow, the former of whom married on March 16, that year, W. S. Harkins, so
that this year Mr. Harkins not only celebrated his 25th year of coming to Halifax, but also
his silver wedding. Edwin Christie was the leader of the orchestra with the company; E.
D. Carver, machainist; Wm. Gill, scenic artist, and J. L. Saphore, stage manager.
There was an immense attendance the opening night, when Mr. F. H. D. Veith a
prominent Halifax amateur, read the prologue.
THE FIRST DRAMATIC SEASON
lasted almost 11 weeks; Clouds was followed by New Men and Old Acres, Dan Caezar
December Bezan, with the farce of the Two Poles, My Mother-in-Law, Home, and
Sarah’s Young Man, Caste (in which Belvil Ryan made a great success as Eccles),
Ingomar, and then Under the Gaslight, which was one of the most important productions
in the history of the Academy. It was the first time our people had the opportunity of
seeing a play with a Train crossing the stage; while nowadays such is hardly noticed-25
years ago this was a novelty which set the people crazy. They went fairly wild, and for
five nights and two matinees the piece was presented. Besides it was a great caste, and to
this day old time theatregoers talk of “Joe Grismer’s Snorkey and Donaldson’s Byke.”
The Flying Scud was another scenic production, in which Belvil Ryan made such a hit as
the old Jockey, and this also ran for five nights, as did the Shraughraun, in which Mr.
Harkins made his hit of the season as Capt. Molyneaux. Pique was another big success,
and Camilla’s Husband, Inshavogue, Shadow Brook, Streets of New York, Euoch Arden,
Lady of Lyons, Blow for Blow, Saratoga, and Colleen Bawn were among the other plays
presented. The closing weeks were most successful, with benefit nights to Mr. Nannary
and the various principals, but none drew a greater audience than Lizzie May Ulmer’s
benefit in Rosedale. Oliver Doud Byron was the first star to appear in the Academy,
playing for four nights with Nannery’s company in Ben McCullough and Across the
Continent. Both were sensational western pieces, and it is related that in the former play,
one night when Mr. Byron ejaculated his lines: ‘I’d give the world for a chaw of tobacco,’
a sailor in the god’s shouted ‘ere ye are,’ and he threw a portion of a plus on the stage.
Mr. Nannery returned Again later, with W. E. Sheridan at the head of his company
and W. H. Lytell as his comedian, and he presented an elaborate production of Around
the World in 80 days, which ran for nine nights and three matinees. Katie Putnam and
Louise Pomerdy were among the stars who played during the engagement; the latter’s
manager was in St. John at the time of the big fire, and her lithographs were displayed
about Halifax scorched or with the edges burned. Mr. Nannery’s benefit that season was
a big event, and in the farce of Used Up, which was presented by amateurs as an extra
attraction, the present Sir M. B. Daly, F. H. D. Veith, Lieuts. Bully and Cummins
appeared. The closing night, the benefit to P. M. Allison, a clever delineator of negro
characters, was also a great night, and among the volunteers were Conductor Joe
Edwards, who gave a stump speech on Halifax and its inhabitants, and P. C. Shortis, who
has since gained such fame as a banjoist.
The Boston English Opera Company was the first opera company to play in the
Academy, among whom were W. H. Macdonald, now of the Bostonias; Stanley Felch,
who comes here in April with the Grau Opera Company; and many will recall Eugene
Clark, the delightful tenor, and Marle Stone, the gifted soprano. The first band concert
given in the theatre was by the 66th band with Prof Muller. Altogether the theatre was
open during its first year for 161 nights with 29 matinees.
OTHER SEASONS.
It was during the second year of the Academy that Felix Morris, the afterwards
famous comedian, made his appearance, with the May Howard company. E. A.
McDowell played his first engagement in the Academy that year, when he produced the
burlesques Beauty and the Beast, the Angel of Midnight, the Field of the Cloth of Gold,
the spectacular drama the Naiad Queen. As an additional attraction he had the St. Felix
sisters and the Menzelli sisters, the latter the greatest ballet dancers in the country; it was
the first time ladies had appeared on the Academy stage in the airy ballet costumes, and
many people were shocked, and there was quite a lively argument in the papers as to
whether the Academy was ever intended to have such. Charlotte Thompson appeared that
season, and with her W. F. Owen, the popular comedian, now playing in New York. John
T. Raymond also came that year as Col. Sellers in the Gilded Age, and during his
engagement a request was published in the papers asking him to sing “Whack,” a song
with which he had delighted theatre-goers at the Theatre Royal 20 years previous, when
he did his turn between the acts. He replied the next evening that he would sing the song
if anybody could provide him with a copy of the words, which were given to him, and he
sang the song on the benefit night. Tom Karl, the great tenor, appeared with the Adelaide
Phillips opera company, and Pinafore was given its first production that year by a variety
company which G. T. Ulmer brought. The company had clever variety people, among
them being May Irwin, who has since become a great star, but they made a mistake with
opera, and their performance Pinafore still lingers in the memory of those who were
present.
Wm. Nannary played another long engagement in 1879, when he had W. F.
Burroughs, Walter Lennox, E. B. Holmes, Phosa McAllister and Ida Van Cortland and
others in his company. The Corsican Brothers, The Dead Heart, Peep o’ Day Boys,
Hidden Hand, Green Bushes, the Duke’s Motto, were among the favorite plays presented
during the season which lasted from Jan. 15 to March 24. The first real good comic opera
company came that year, the Boston English opera company, with Dora Wiley, Anna
Gunther, Jas. A. Gilbert, now at the Bijou, Boston, and others, who presented Pinafore in
first-class style. Fox and Ward, the minstrels, also came that season with Duprez and
Benedicts minstrels, as also did Frank Dumont, who become one of the greatest men in
his line in America. Dan Daly, the present famous comedian, played in the Academy in
1880 in the opera company headed by Little Corinne, with his brother Bob, doing song
and dance. Probably no company ever appeared in the Academy which had so many
members who afterwards became very prominent, as Stinson’s Burlesque Company,
which presented Evangeline, Babes in the Woods, etc., and in which were Sadie Martinot,
now starring in the leading cities in the Marriage Game; Harry E. Dixey, who has become
almost world famous as a comedian; J. B. Mason, who has been starring with Marion’s
Manola; Geo. Schiller, who plays in the big New York Burlesque productions; Mary
Shaw, Frank E. Lamand Alfred Hudson, Date Claxton; and the Tagliapetra Opera Co.,
with all Italian singers of note, appeared that season, but it would take columns to
enumerate all the companies and the many prominent actors who have trod the Academy
stage.
THE LOCAL MANAGERS.
S. Sichel was the fist local manager, who brought many of the best attractions of
the day, and H. B. Clarke followed for 18 years, during which time he gave our
theatregoers a splendid lot of varied attractions. Mrs. Langtry, Jaunaschek, Rhea, Julia
Arthur, Albani, Jarbeau, Frank Mayo, Jas. O’Neill, Jas. K. Rackett, Keene, Chanfrau,
Salvini and Herman are but a few of the many prominent people who appeared under his
management, not to mention the many excellent companies of note. When the Academy
directors decided to run the house themselves they selected J. D. Medcalfe for the
position, and they have proved to be most fortunate in their selection, as he has brought
splendid attractions, among them the very best of burlesque companies. Little Faust,
Richard Golden, and many other still fresh in the memory of theatregoers, and has given
the public varied and plentiful amusement.
The play which has probably been produced in the theatre more often than any
other is Uncle Tom’s Cabin; it was this play which caused Mr. Clarke to take hold of the
show business; he and a friend hired the Academy, brought Waterman’s ideal Uncle
Tom’s Cabin company, and they played to immense audiences, and which decided Mr.
Clarke to continue his efforts in this line.
The Academy is a place of amusement of which Halifax should feel justly proud;
the directors have from time to time spent all their spare money in making improvements;
Manager Clarke introduced many ideas in keeping the theatre thoroughly up to date, as
likewise has Manager Medcalfe, so that not only are the wants of the patrons provided
for, but the companies, who find it a pleasure to appear there, as was only recently
testified to the writer by Miss Jessie Bonstelle, who remarked there was no theatre in
which she had ever played better conducted behind the stage than our Academy.
ONE OF THE OLD GUARD.
Of all the attaches at the opening of the theatre but one remains—Louis Johnson,
the genial chief door-keeper. He has in his possession now one of the tickets taken at the
opening night of the theatre, as well as a copy of the caste of Clouds. For 25 years he has
been at his post, and night after night in all this time his familiar “curtIn’s up” has been
heard by those who languish in the lobby between acts. His position is one of the greatest
importance in connection with a theatre, and none better could be had anywhere, being
polite and genial to patrons, while visiting managers place their confidence in him with
but a minute’s trial.
25th Annual meeting.
The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Halifax Academy of Music was
held yesterday afternoon. There was a large attendance. The reports of the directors,
manager, and the financial statement for the past year were read and adopted. After
providing for the payment of 5 p. c. dividend on the preferential stock, there was a
balance on hand of $2997.57. The ballot for election of eight directors resulted as
follows:
C. C. Blackadar, president.
Donald Keith, vice-president.
John Murphy, treasurer.
J. F. Kenny.
Dr. W. Tobin.
S. M. Brookfield.
L. J. Hesslein.
Michael Dwyer.
F. J. Phelan was elected secretary.
J. D. Medcalfe, Manager. - Reference - [Acadian Recorder, 9 January 1902.]
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 15
- Date - June 3rd, 1908
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: June 3
30 YEARS AGO TO-DAY.
(From Files ACADIAN RECORDER.)
JUNE 3.
E. A. McDowell opened a four weeks’ season at the Academy of Music in the burlesque, Beauty and the Beast, and the farce My Uncle’s Will. The company included E. A. McDowell, Alfred Hudson, C. H. Thompson, Harry Coulter, Alfred Selwyn, Charles Arnold, J. H. Redding, Wm. Melbourne, Fred Murray, C. H. Miller, F. P. Barton, H. H. Glenn, W. H. Vandersmith, Chas. Gilbert, E. Powell, Fanny Reeves, Lizzie Harold, Jean Crozeir, Jennie Calef, Clara Irving, Julia Davis, Amy Stuart, Mrs. C. H. Thompson, little Jennie Lorne, Menzelli sisters, ballet dancers; four St. Felix sisters, song and dance; Wm. Gill, scenic artist; William Scribner, master carpenter; J. McClosky, costumer; N. J. Spring, musical director; F. Miller, master properties; S. Downs, calcium operator. - Reference - [Acadian Recorder, 3 June 1908]
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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No Playbill | Result 16
- Date - October 6th, 1913
- City - Halifax, NS
- Note: October 6
Academy Players Here - One of the newcomers played in Halifax 35 years ago. Most of the members of the Academy Players, who open their season at the Academy of Music next Monday, arrived Saturday and yesterday. Among them were Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Toler, Doris Wooldridge, Anna Doherty, Mabel Craig, Alice Baker, Florence Davenport, Edwin Abbey, Harry Horne, Frederick P. Murray, Alex. Leftwich, and H. Pierce. “Glad to be back in Halifax,” was the general expression of all who had been here before; “glad to see you again,” was the warm greeting they received from the many friends they have met. with whom they have been busy shaking hands.
Among the new comers with the company is Fred. Murray, who plays characters and old men’s parts. Mr. Murray’s first visit to Halifax was when he was a young man, having appeared at the Academy of Music 35 years ago, July, 1878, with E. A. McDowell, who frequently brought companies here. This was the year that McDowell played two weeks burlesque and two weeks drama. He had the four St. Felix sisters introducing their songs and dances and for the first two weeks had the Menaelli Sisters, the famed ballet dancers. It was the first time that such dancers had been seen in the Academy of Music and the change in public ideas, comparing that time with the present, may be shown by the fact that there were a number of complaints in the press about those ballet dancers, who, however, were the personification of grace, and who would be welcomed now as an addition to the highest class of performance.
It was a remarkable organization, the first two weeks bills including the burlesque Beauty and the Beast; the legendary drama, Angel of Midnight; the historical burlesque The Field of the Cloth of Gold, and the spectacular drama, The Naird Queen, followed with the play Pink Dominos, Elleen Oge, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, After Dark, The Shaughran, A Celebrated Case, Rosedale and Mary Warner.
The company included E. A. McDowell, Alfred Hudson, C. H. Thompson, Harry Coulter, Alfred Selwyn, Charles Arnold, L. H. Redding, Fred. Murray, William Melbourne, C. H. Muller, H. H. Glenn, W. H. Vodersmith, Charles Gilbert, E. Powell, Fanny Reeves, Lizzie Harold, Jean Crozier, Jennie Calef, Clara Irving, Julia Davis, Amy Stuart, Mrs. C. H. Thompson and little Jennie Lorne, the four St. Felix sisters and the two Menzelli sisters, with William Gill, scenic artist, Wm. Scribner, master carpenter; I. McCloskey, costumer; F. P. Barton, stage manager; N. J. Spring, musical director; F. Muller, master of properties; G. Downs, calcium operator.
these were the days of the good old stock, which were so successfully revived here by Mr. Toler and his associates last season, and with a stronger company and presenting many late successes as well as favorite plays, promises to be even more popular this season. - Reference - [The Acadian Recorder, 29 September 1913.]
- Source - Patrick B. O'Neill's Halifax Newspapers
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