In the stock with Pastor’s Company, likewise Harrigan and Hart’s, he essayed many black-face roles; he also did vaudeville with Add. Ryman—and there were others, notably Dockstader’s Minstrels in New York, December, 1888. Mr. Collyer was born in Baltimore, Md., March, 1853.
Frank McNish (Francis Edward McNish), like the good American that he is, began his theatrical career on July 4, the year, 1873. Garry Doon shared the honors.
He first appeared professionally April 16, 1877, in Buffalo, N. Y., at the Adelphi.
August 21, 1878, he joined Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, continuing with them until February 21, 1879. Mr. McNish later formed an alliance with the Leland Sisters, and played variety engagements with much success for about three years, after which he joined Thatcher, Primrose and West’s Minstrels, August 3, 1882, and was a feature with them for three years.
Mr. McNish was now ripe for stellar honors, and accordingly on July 30, 1885, the first performance of McNish, Johnson and Slavin’s Minstrels was given in Paterson, N. J.; the organization continued three years, after which McNish, Ramza and Arno’s Minstrels did appear—and disappear.
Mr. McNish was with Al. G. Field’s Minstrels in 1892, and with Hi Henry in 1895—and there were others.
Also did he “star” in “An Actor’s Romance” or “An Actor’s Holiday,” the author forgets which; however, the tour was neither a romance nor a holiday.
January 4, 1887, Meriden, Conn., had the honor of being the first city of witnessing Mr. McNish’s appearance as an end man.
Most everybody knows that Frank McNish was the originator of the Silence and Fun specialty that made him famous, and which has been extensively copied by other performers. In addition to being a good dancer, he is also a good singer; originally a plumber, Mr. McNish always has his pipes in good working order.
An early partner was Edward Gildea; the latest were Joe. Penfield and Frank McNish, Jr.