The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-01
FleIds' MlnstreIs.

Since Al. c. Fields minstrels have been touring the country people have learned that when this organization comes to town they will always receive value paid out for the entertainment This year. however, Field has undoubtedly surpassed all his previous efforts. It has been com plaisantly stated in the past that min- strel shows are all alike, that they vary little from year to year, but 1t would be hard to improve upon the minstrel pro- gramme that Mir. Field gave his friends last night at the Jefferson theatre. There are novelties without number and only once or twice Is the spectator reminded of something he has seen before In min strelsy. Perhaps the chief characteristic of the show is the preponderance of comedy Every act Is enlivened by wholesome fun which at times waxes hi- larious, even though most difficult feats of legerdermaln, jugglery and gymnastics are being performed.
 To begin at the beginning, the stage setting for the first part Is sumptious for lack of a better word. The scenery Is elaborate and the general effect a treat to the eye. It represents the interior of a great hall and so cleverly are lights, windows and drop curtains arranged that the impression of distance, height and volume is pronounced. The whole is set eff by an arrangement of electric lights, tinted various shades and artiStically grouped, that complete picture of strik- ing beauty The costumes also lend en- chantment to this scene
 There was the usual singing, all of which was enthusiastically received Some of the ballads might be styled vocal gems while others were not so good. The sweetest, perhaps, was ''The Songs My Mother Used to Sing rendered by Al- bert Tit and Go. Another was "The Little Church Where You and I Were Wed" by Reese Prosser. A scenic presentation, Tn the snadow of St. Pauls" was also most effective. Of course the end men received rounds of applause for their ''coon" songs. Billy Clark sang Marian" as only Billy Clark can sing. Tommy Donnelly gave "Lindy Lou" in capital style and Dan Holt's T Wants to Be a Norman Man" was a feature. Then Doc Quigey brought forth screams of laugh ter as "The Head Waiter" This was one of the best features of the first part. The end men acquitted themselves well but Mr. Fled is inclined to finger just little too long. If he would cut his talk short it would be much more effective.
 The olio was replete with good things. chief among them Cornalla and Eddy, comedy acrobats and jugglers, the Avolos, marvellous acrobats on perpin- dicular bars; Al Field and Tommy Don- nelly in a humorous absurdity entitled "Esopus and Oyster Bay" in which Judge Parker and President Roosevelt play a prominent part, and a military finale that was superb. Billy Clark and his Mind Wanderings" was also prominent in the olio. Clark is one of the best monelogists on the stage. The finale gave opportunity for some strildngIy beautiful scenic ef- fleets. In fact the entire production was characterized by careful staging and per- lection in detail most commendable.
 It is a good show that MT. Field Is giving the public, the Dc he has ever had, and perhaps the best that has ever visited Birmingham. There will be a matinee this afternoon and another per- fromance tonight. The sale of seats for both these performances has been phe- nominal Calls are coming from all the surburbs and from out Of town points.