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"Negro Melodies"
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19 | At the rising of the curtain the "Blackbirds" were introduced in a happy and expressive prologue, by the "Doctor" -- our "old man eloquent" -- whose voice, so often echoed from chapel and hall, has become as familiar as household words. With pathos and eloquence he spoke of the African, and discoursed in glowing terms of their love of song, closing by briefly announcing to the audience the character of the entertainment which awaited them. | |
20 | Then appeared the performers -- real, genuine negroes, in color and dress-plentifully supplied with instruments preparatory to the Grand Overture." Next came the "Fan-cy Air" -- "Von grand humbug" -- in which the science of fanning was fully shown up, and well appreciated, judging from its effects. A succession of songs closed Part I, selected with much taste, and sung with skill, the intervals spiced with conundrums, and "Brother Bones'" practical, instructive and scientific observations, forming a pleasing interlude and accompaniment. | |
21 | An intermission of ten minutes, and the curtain again rises, disclosing to view a new and novel scene. Darkness reigned supreme. With breathless expectation we wait the result. So on appeared the venerable Dr. Snowball, whose choleric air, ponderous dimensions, and pile of manuscript still shrouded the scene in mystery. A lecture is announced, and silence gives way to loud cachinnations as the lecturer, rendering darkness visible, proceeds to enlighten his hearers, amid his frequent draughts. -- Further description baffles our powers of language. The lecture we can compare to nothing but a "conglomerated mass of heterogeneous matter." We intended a synopsis of his remarks, but as the Dr. will neither lend his "notes" or the lexicon from which he abstracted his "jaw-breakers," we are unable even to name his subject. Suffice it to say we have several times nearly dislocated our jaw, vainly attempting to repeat to a friend some of his shorter words. The performance closed by passing round the plate to remunerate the lecturer, when a general distribution of the spoils ensued, and the curtain dropped. | |
22 | A. few more songs, and then followed a dance -- the "Virginia Breakdown" -- the climax of the whole. The performers fairly outdid themselves, completely "taking down" the house at every repetition, provoking shouts of laughter long and oft repeated. | |
23 | Another intermission and the company appear in the "Burlesque, a la Jullien" -- a commingling of sounds unharmonious and concord discordant, played off to the tune of untuned instruments, presenting a noise musicale peculiarly refreshing and acceptable to the lovers of music. | |
24 | Next came the "Exhibition of the Elephant" -- a "real hanimal" according to the description, which conducted in an elephant manner, and, as was remarked by his accomplished driver, seemed to be considerably knowing. The elephant was accompanied and ridden by little "Snuffy," -- a remarkable specimen of the canine species -- dressed in cap and coat, by no means the least attractive part of the performance; and the way the negro was rolled off, and the Yankee thrown was a terror to the uninitiated. We really thought it a genuine specimen of the species, at first, it looked and moved so natural, but soon learned from the wise ones, that we were Barnumized in the superlative degree. | |
25 | A "Fancy Negro Dance" closed Part III, the gay plumage and dresses of the dancers singularly adapted to facilitate their graceful "light fantastic," presenting in pleasing contrast the "lights and shadows" of negro life. The precision and regularity exhibited in the labyrinthine mazes of this dance elicited universal praise, and chained the attention of the audience from beginning to the end. | |
26 | The exercises of the company being finished, our Dr. in a brief epilogue dismissed the assembly, thanking them for their attention and presence, reminding them they had seen "the" elephant, and taking little Snuffy in his arms, and presenting him as a skilful rider, wished our visitors a safe transit to their homes, bowed and retired. Thus passed the "Blackbird Entertainment," which, from its varied and concatenated series of fun-provocatives, the artistic skill displayed in its conception and exhibition, added to its serio-comico-dramatic character deserves to be ranked as the eighth wonder of Asylumia. For three consecutive nights the Blackbirds performed with unabated interest to a crowded hall, each night slightly varying the performance, both adding interest, and showing their inexhaustible sources for administering entertainment. The second evening they were honored with a numerous delegation of ladies and gentlemen from town, who, judging from the amiability of their countenances, and the merriment they exhibited -- were like ourselves well pleased. | |
27 | The character of the two entertainments were so diverse, any comparison between them would seem invidious, yet, though strongly sympathizing with, and prejudiced in favor of the ladies, we must, for once, show a preference for the gentlemen, and suggest to our side to try again. |