Adah Menken, an actress "not known for her talent, but rather for her frenetic energy, her charismatic presence, and her willingness to expose herself," was born in a suburb of New Orleans (Richard
27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Figaro opens the Feuilleton by addressing the Editor and commenting on the Editor's claims about why he currently refuses to write on books. Figaro claims that the only plays worth seeing are Arrah-na-Pogue at Niblo's and The Colleen Bawn at Wallack's, but claims that both are "out of date" and that he will not write on them. Figaro reprints the lyrics to "The Wearing of the Green" from Arrah-na-Pogue. Figaro also claims he ought to go see Miss Reginolds' Farewell Matinee at the Broadway or attend Barnum's show this afternoon. Figaro discusses Barnum's letter to the Nation in which he discusses his plans to "reform" after earning two million dollars on his "old plan." Figaro claims he too will reform when he has made that much money. While he claims he will stop writing Dramatic Feuilletons until he has any news to report, Figaro gives some general theatrical news, promises music news next week, and discusses Dan Bryant in The Colleen Bawn. Figaro also includes a P.S. that claims that Artemus Ward's Farewell Engagements will be genuine farewells to this world.
Figaro credits House with writing the final verse of "The Wearing of the Green" from Arrah-na-Pogue. Figaro credits Boucicault for the first two verses (25).
Figaro reports that Menken has returned from London and is currently staying at the New York Hotel (25).
Figaro reports that The Colleen Bawn at Wallack's and Arrah-na-Pogue at Niblo's are the only plays worth seeing, but since they are both "out of date," he decides not to write anything about either play (25). Figaro also reports that Dan Bryant has been so popular in The Colleen Bawn at Wallack's that it has been extended another week (25).
Figaro reports that Ward will "positively" be giving "a series of Farewell Entertainments at Irving Hall" at the end of August (25). Figaro also reports in a P.S. that Ward's "Farewell Entertainments" will not be of the "Much Adieu About Nothing" school, but will be the real deal, as "He is about to take leave of this world. Where he is going, I don't know. Probably to the old world. To another, at any rate, and, it is to be hoped, a better" (25).
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Adah Menken, an actress "not known for her talent, but rather for her frenetic energy, her charismatic presence, and her willingness to expose herself," was born in a suburb of New Orleans (Richard
27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015