Our home talent minstrel troupe, known as the Coldwater Mokes, will appear before the footlights for the first time next Wednesday eve., at Hale's opera hall. From what we can glean we judge the entertainment will be rich, rare, and racy.
The Western Star, February 13, 1886. A large select crowd attended the ball at Hale's Hall in this city Thursday eve, and all seemed to enjoy themselves to the fullest extent. Several were present from Reeder, Ashland and other neighboring towns. One of the most worthy features of the evening was the interest our young men took in seeing that the visitors were introduced and made to feel welcome.
The Western Star, February 13, 1886. Minstrel Notes
The best part of the so called minstrel show was a "fizzle."
J. D. F. Jennings may cut a good figure in a circus, but he is a miserable failure as a negro minstrel.
Doc. Wright's impersonation of a negro woman, was disgusting in the extreme.
J. G. Steffee, covered himself with glory by being 60 miles away at Medicine Lodge. He was most conspicuous by his absence.
C. D. Pauley sung a burlesque on "Branagan's Pup." His articulation was so frustrated that few if any in the audience knew what he was "singing" about.
Wm. Darroch came before the "footlights" evidently with the intention of dancing a jig - the music did not suit his aesthetic taste, so he withdrew amid vociferous applause of the audience, who were spared on this occasion.
D. Perry Doak made rather a pert looking minstrel. But when he opened his mouth to sing, it was "dead give away" to the song.
John Jennings jokes were as old and worn out as the hills of Rome, but were precipitated upon the audience in such a funny manner as to wrench a smile from the countenances of one or two urchins in the back end of the hall.
Frank Jennings' attempt to talk like a negro, reminded the audience very much of the similarity between the squealing of a pig and the braying of a donkey. However, his paint was becoming.
There were one or two scenes in the performance that were well worth walking a half block to witness in good weather. For instance, we think the audience will bear us out in saying that Wilson Carson - the original colored gentleman of the company - did his part of the "Silver Clog" well, for which he is entitled to the thanks of those who were so unlucky as to be present.
All the seats were sold as "reserved" for the minstrel farce Wednesday eve., when the holders of said tickets came in a little late with their ladies, they were politely informed by the gentlemanly usher that these reserved seats for which they held coupons had been taken by others, and that they would have to "rustle" for seats. There were only one or two instances where persons who bought reserved seats got them.
Webmaster's note: the original title of the 1886 Minstrel Show article included the
n-word , which was apparently in common use at the time but is so offensive and unacceptable to use today that I choose not to publish it on this page.Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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