UTC
The Spirit of the Times
Unsigned [William T. Porter?]
New York: 16 October 1847

  Christy's Minstrels.—In our notice last week of the "Ethiopian Serenaders" at Palmo's, we expressed an opinion that they were the most popular and the best singers in their line in the United States. About the popularity, we draw in. We think the Christy Minstrels are as popular and that unless the Ethiopians change their performances, will be more popular in a short time. The fact is, that the performance of the Ethiopians as a delineation of Negro eccentricities, is a failure. It is entirely too elegant. The singing is very fine and very agreeable for a time, but its very excellence is an objection to it. The Christy Minstrels, in the second part of their entertainment, give the most decidedly original exhibition that we have seen, and accomplish what is the legitimate object of their costumes and colored faces, namely, the personation of the witty negro. In consideration of these things, we must express our preference for the Christy Minstrels. We do not go to see these gentlemen, no matter what band they belong to, for the expansion of our sentimentalism, but to laugh and grow fat. At Palmo's, we listen and are pleased, but leave with little desire to return. At the Mechanic's Hall, we listen and laugh, and have a desire to go again, and again. And in this feeling, we think the great majority of the people are with us. We have no desire that either company should fail, and if we could, would willingly ensure the success of both.