The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-17
MARVELLOUS MlNsTRELsY,
Primrose and Dockstader Raise the Coed
Good Show Record Another Notch.

Primrose and Dockstader Raise the Coed
Good Show Record Another Notch
The crowded house who neglected
their holiday shopping last night to
put in an evening with Primrose and
Do, kstader's Minstrels came away with
the feeling that they had exercised good
judgment. When Primrose and West
separated last summer, each partner
mentally resolved to use his best ener-
giles to Guido the other in the rival en-
terprises which were contemplated. We
would not like to say anything we may
have to take back when the other man
brings his troupe round again, but The
Primrose claim to the best minstrel
show on earth seems to have consider
able force TO it. At all events few have
been yet seen at the Worcester Thea-
ire that could approach the one of last
night in artistic finish, skillful musical
or comedy work, or general refined
taste.
This was evidenced at the start by
the superb setting of the first part. a
magnificent dome respondent in rose
and gold confronted the spectator at
the rising Of the curtain, empty save
for the orchestra players seated in
balcony on either side. Then from the
| top, down a glittering winding stairCa1a
marched the company, headed by the
! uniformed band to their customary
| places. The lighting, color and stage
/ management made an effect that was
appreciated, as it deserved.
The first part brought out Jimmy
Wall and Ed Hanson as comedians,
while Manuel Roman sang a ballad
sweetly and w H. Thompson's glorious
baritone was heard in the familiar
/ Because" Primrose sang again mis-
\ Niger Never Die" With some new
/ dancing steps, and Lew Dockstader
showed his familiarities with town tra-
1 ditions by touching up the Holy Cross
ball nine, DR.. Frost's judgment lii
/ horsefesh and the singers old chum.
Charley" Pratt. Mr., Dockstaders
monologue in the olio was the comedy
hit of the show, partly because every
thing he does is clever and partly be-
cause of his innovation by giving
practically new act
His hits on Commissioner Prior and
the neglected streets shows the lively
comedian realized The Spy was the
correct source to look for points on
local subjects without going to Helen
Hunt for them.
RIM pGe Contribution 10 the OllD
was watermelon song" illustrated
by drop, showing half Of a huge wa
/ termelon with darkeys' heads in lieu Of
seeds. These piekaninnies helped him
out in the chorus of his ditty, and fol-
lowed it up by a cake walk, in which
they exhibited a number Of the most
eccentric steps and difficult contortions
that music tempo ever accompanied.
| Howe, Wall and Drinkwine and the
Quaker City Quartet each gave mu-
steal act, the former one comical, and
the other artistic, and the performance
was brought to a close with an exhibit
ton of leaping by the brothers Deonzo,
( to the duplicatOr of whose feats the
management offer $4,000. And few
| athletes would care to attempt the
jump which forms the climax of their
act for twice the money This came
when the brothers placed a table upon
a larger one, and upon the first an
empty barrel. Then, blindfolded, each
man leaped first upon the lower table,
then upon the second, and lastly to-
gether into the barrel, then reversed
the jump down to the ground again,
The performance will be repeated this
afternoon and evening, and it's strength,
together with the fact that it will be
the last attraction at this house until
! Christmas day, should mean repeti-
| ton Of last nights crowd.