Griffith Gaunt: Bland Family Benefit

Announcement cut off in Music in Gotham copy.

Announcement cut off in Music in Gotham copy.

“To-morrow evening the widow of Humphrey Bland will receive a benefit at the French theatre [sic]. Bland was a well known and popular member of the profession, and one who died in harness, never giving opportunity for the harsh criticism, ‘superfluous lags the veteran on the stage,’ and through his equal merit as an actor to the very last he endeared himself quite as much to the general public as to the intimate and fellow actors among whom his lot was cast. The movement for the benefit of his widow has been spontaneous in all branches of the profession among whose members he was so popular, and the public, to whom the name of the deceased will bring back many pleasant memories, will not fail to do honor to his memory in aiding his widow. The committee having the benefit performance in charge numbers some of our very first citizens and the very brightest names in the theatrical world. The play on the occasion will be ‘Griffith Gaunt,’ with a ‘star’ cast in every respect, so that, aside from the mere charitable aspect, the performance assumes the proportions of a grand event of the theatrical season.”

“Pursuant to the suggestion of many leading professionals, endorsed by a committee of prominent gentlemen, a benefit performance for the widow and children of Humphrey Bland was given at the above theatre last evening. Mr. Bland, recently deceased, was well and favorably known on the stage here for many years, and respected and esteemed by his brethren and associates, as he was admired by the public at large; hence the occasion was duly honored by the association of some of the best talent now present on the metropolitan boards. The play chosen was ‘Griffith Gaunt,’ Augustin Daly’s drama from the story of that name, an effective piece, which was presented with most of the original cast [lists cast]. To speak critically of the performance would be out of place, in view of the circumstances attending it; but it can be said that all the features of the paly were well and satisfactorily given. Miss Eytinge in particular evincing unmistakable power in several scenes that call for dramatic effort of a high order. In the progress of the piece there were introduced as extra attractions a velocipede exhibition, and a dance by the Rigl sisters—the latter proving most acceptable. The object of the entertainment being so worthy, it might have been better attended.”

Announcement printed after the performance date. “A Benefit to the widow of Humphrey Bland, tendered by several theatrical managers of this city, takes place at the French Theatre on the 14th inst., when the play of ‘Griffith Gaunt’ will be presented by permission of Augustin Daly. The cast will include Rose Eythinge, Blanche Gray and other well known artists who were in it when originally produced. Mr. Bland was prostrated on a bed of sickness for a long time, and it is to be hoped that this benefit will place Mrs. Bland in comfortable circumstances."

“The receipts of the Humphrey Bland benefit were $1,050.”

“The benefit to Mrs. Bland and children was not so successful as it should have been. In the first place it was not half advertised.”