New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-03-11
The Lydia Thompson Troupe.

As we are to have among ns the genuine
and original Lydia Thompson troupe, the
following from The Paper, published at
Pittsburg, will be interesting, no doubt, to
the many admirers of the fair Lydia in our
city, especially those Of French origin.
1t is positively asserted by the manage
ment of the Academy of Music that they
have her and her greatly enlarged company
engaged to play over their circuit for a
number Of weeks, commencing here in
April, Immediately after the Lenten season.
1t must ne remembered that Lydia Thomp-
| son and her original company have not
played in this city since their opening in
December, 1869. The Paper says:
The opera house last night was crowded to
overlooking, and we are glad to be able to
record the fact. Miss Lydia Thompson and
her troupe of burlesque artists were the
magnets that drew the crowds. Miss
Thompson is the queen OF burlesque ac-
tresses. She it was who under the man
agement Of Mr.. Samuel Colville, inaugu-
rated in New York the peculiar style Of
performance of which she is to-day the best
representative. Other troupes have fol-
lowed her to this country, and have made
themselves candidates for public indorse-
ment, but she alone has been able to con-
tinue 4 hold upon popular favor and sue
cesstully travel through this country with
company of her own. We congratulate
Miss Thompson upon her unmistakable and
oft-rcpeated successes; and trust that for
many years she will remain with us to in
cite us to pleasant mirth and healthtul
amusement. We have said she was the
queen OF burlesque, and this is proved by
the fact that notwithstanding continued
jealousics on the part OF other artists, re
peated rupturcs in her own company, and
an unchevalier crusade against her by some
narrow -souled newspaper critics, she lis TO-
day the most popular burlesque actress
upon our shores.
Her popularity arises from her genuine
talent. from her amiable temperament, from
her evident determination to please, her
piquancy. her beauty. and her prOverhial
generosity. All these combined make Lydia
Thompson what she is-a sunbeam, happy
cricket. a laughing, joyous sprite, and-a
general tavOrite.
The burlcsque presented last night was
..Sindbad the Sailor. in which Miss Thomp-
son appeared as .Sindbad. introducing into
its rendition all the excellencies which we
have spoken of above. Miss Eliza Weatk-
ersbv. who only stands second to the Lydia
was the KOhinOOr. This lady is also de-
servedly great tavorite. Possessed of
beautiful face and Il fine voice. Miss Wealth
ersby shares the honors from the audience
with Miss Thompson.
Mr.. Harry Beckett is also with the com
panv, and is a comedian OF more than usual
merit. He is we'll known 10 the Pittsburg
public.
The rest of the company arc good. and the
performances last night proved that Mana
ger Beamer has secured one OF the greatest
attractions ever offered in This city.
Yesterday we suggested to Miss Thomp-
son the ACCESSIBILITY of giving a benefit for
the starving French. The little lady had
already given such benefit in Philadel
phia, and had done nobly. Miss Thompson
personally owes nothing to France. either
on account of nativity or education. but we
knew her generous heart would lead her
to fall in with orr suggestion She now
announces that on Wednesday afternoon
she will give q matinee Tor this object, and
as Manager Beamer gives his house free of
charge ON the occasion. the entire proceeds
will be devoted to this benevolent fund.
We trust the public will appreciate this
generosity and turn out in strong force to
show their appreciation OF Miss Thompson's
generosity.