Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-10-11
Buy Pitcher Pumps of Browne
The MlnstreIs.


half an hour before the time an
nounced for the curtain to rise stand
ing room only" was hung out at the
ticket Office ofthe theater last night,
and a few minutes later, people were
turned away because visitors eager to
gain admission could not find a foot
square of space to squeeze in, even for
that privilege. Several hundred per-
sons desiring to see the show were
compelled to postpone their visit.
The gallery, the second circle, the
parquette and dress circle were crowd
cd to their utmost capacity, and it is
said the people within the theater out
numbered any previous gathering in
its history. The Barlow, Wilson,
Primrose and West minstrels have
been popular since their first organi-
cation two or three years ago, and now
they are pronounced the best troupe
travelling. In fact after the play last
night the universal expression was
that they are ahead of anything ever
seen here. Milt. G. Barlow has al
ways beeen popular. As a Kentucky
merchant he made hosts of friends
though no money. AS a printer and
Texas editor he struck no oil, and had
no enemies, but as a variety player at
Galveston as well ashere under Broom
a dozen years back, he fell into
his proper element. Since then Bar
low has risen to fame as a star in his
line, and the dollars have flown so
freely toward him that all Of his cred
itOrs of the olden days when he sold
molassesland calico, have been paid,
principal and interest. Barlow is
pronounced to be firm friend and a
clever man by those who know him
intimately. As a minstrel comedian
be is unrivalled in his peculiar line /;
his voice, manner and style takes i'm
mensely. Wilson is also a comedian
who never fails to make a hit with the
crowd. His songs are striking and his
voice clear and musical, while some
Of his jokes are choice. The entire
costume and silly actions in his bur
lesque act, however, does not impress
all with high favor after the first sight.
The dancing features of the troupe,
under Primrose and Vests artistic
management, is one Of the most at
tractive features ofthe company. The
two last named have long ranked as
having no ~superiors in their line, but
it is understood that Barney Pagan,
now OF their company, is conceded to
be the king Of all dancers, ever by
Messrs. Primrose and West them.
selves. Heis certainlyG noyeltyand the
persouihcation Of grace, as we'll as a
lightning manipulation Of the heel and
toe exercise. Another marvellous
feature was the anatomical twisters,
Green and Rowe, a pair Of men who
appear capable Of winding themselves
up into the smallest knots and untyinl
themselves at will. The acrobatic
features Of this couple, together with
that Of several dancers, are novel
graceful and pleasing. The songs on the
programme last night we're rendered
in musical and artistic style. That
ofMr. Frank Howard, entitled "Wher
the Leaves Begin to Turn in waltz
time, was especially admired, whilt
the "CoOper's Chorus" from Bocaccio
had a most charming ring. The
operate ~burlesque "Olivctte" was alsc
well received, though as the music baI
never been heard in public here, tb,
take off vas not as well appreciates
as if it had been better understood
Many sparkling features Of the pro
gramme deserve mention, but spac,
will not permit to-day. The MINSTREL
appear again tonight, also at a matinee
tomorrow, and they close with a per
Torrance tomorrow night.