School for Scandal: John Brougham Benefit
Event Information
Venue(s):
Niblo's Garden
Conductor(s):
Michael [conductor] Connolly
Event Type:
Play With Music
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
7 January 2020
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
19 May 1869, 1:30 PMProgram Details
A second benefit for Brougham took place the evening of 05/19/69 (see event entry of that date: French Theatre: John Brougham Benefit).
Performers and/or Works Performed
Citations
“At the Brougham dinner at the Astor House, where were assembled many of Mr. Brougham’s friends, professional and social, Mr. Barney Williams made himself the lion of the hour by proposing a benefit for the guest of the evening. The suggestion was adopted, and it is safe to say that the affair will be one long to be remembered. Nearly every theatre in the city has been tendered for an afternoon performance—and for the evening, of course, such place as can best be secured. A committee, headed by his Honor Mayor Hall as honorary chairman, and Mr. John Lester Wallack as acting chairman, is moving vigorously, and already the rush of the volunteers, from supernumeraries up to ‘stars,’ threatens the committee with an embarrasse de richesse. Due notice will be given of the day, which will be between the 18th and 31st of May. On the 1st of June Mr. Brougham sails for California, and it will lighten his heart on the long voyage he undertakes to feel that he leaves behind him the entire population of a great city wishing him bon voyage and praying for his speedy return.”
“Mr. Brougham, on his return from the west in May, is to receive a complimentary benefit in this city, at a popular theatre. An afternoon and evening performance will be given. It will take place on the eve of his departure for California.”
“A testimonial benefit to John Brougham is talked of as a token of the esteem in which he is held by his friends. We think his friends had every opportunity to show their esteem for him while he was manager, which it appears they didn’t. We don’t know that the proposed benefit will benefit him very much, and John might be better off by declining the offer.”