Troupe(s): Manager of several Ethiopian Serenaders/Dumbolton’s Serenaders Troupes, which included (at various points) F. Germon, G. Harrington, Stanwood, G. Pelham, and W. Whitlock, Winnemore, Quinn, S.A. Wells & Jerry Bryant.



Role: Troupe Manager



Info: James A. Dumbolton, the manager of the Ethiopian Serenaders, also known as Dumbolton's Serenaders, formed in Boston and performed shows in New York City before setting sail to England, in 1844. The Ethiopian Serenaders consisted of bone player Gill Pell, bass and banjo player, George Christy (formerly George Harrington), Moody Stanwood, and White. The troupe secured St. James' Hall, in London, and historical records state that "so great was demand to see them that they gave both morning and evening performances". The company gave private performances in the homes of the nobility but reached their pinnacle when, in 1846, they were invited to Arundel Castle, "by special command of Queen Victoria", to give a private performance. Following the show they were said have been presented "with a ring, bearing her crest" by her Majesty.



The troupe disbanded in 1848 and Dumbolton promptly assembled another company to return to England. This second troupe consisted of T.F. Briggs, J.H. Everton, J.H. Irwin, Juba (William Henry Lane), M.C. Ludlow, Gilbert W. Pell, and J.W. Valintine.



Please see the 'Bibliographic Sources' link at right for a complete listing of materials (both primary and secondary) from which the above information was compiled.

Keren Zaiontz