Rip Van Winkle

Event Information

Venue(s):
Booth's Theatre

Manager / Director:
J. G. Hanley [dir.]

Price: $1.50 orchestra (Wednesday matinee only)

Event Type:
Play With Music

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
18 July 2020

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

06 Sep 1869, 8:00 PM
07 Sep 1869, 8:00 PM
08 Sep 1869, 2:00 PM
08 Sep 1869, 8:00 PM
09 Sep 1869, 8:00 PM
10 Sep 1869, 8:00 PM
11 Sep 1869, 2:00 PM
11 Sep 1869, 8:00 PM

Program Details

The matinee performance on Wednesday (09/08/69) is to benefit the family of J. G. Hanley (see one of the New York Times advertisements of 09/05/69). This was a special occasion, as Booth’s Theatre did not generally hold Wednesday matinees, and it was seemingly prompted by Jefferson’s willingness to participate. See also event entries of 09/10/69: Shakespearean Entertainment: Joseph G. Hanley Benefit and 09/06/69: Wallack’s Theatre.

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
aka Rip Van Winkle; or, The sleep of twenty years
Text Author: Boucicault
Participants:  Joseph, III Jefferson [actor] (role: Rip Van Winkle)

Citations

1)
Announcement: New-York Daily Tribune, 01 September 1869, 8.

Part of announcement for all of the Hanley benefits. “Arrangements are very nearly completed for the testimonial performances which certain of the players intend to give, as a tribute of respect to the memory of the late Mr. Joseph G. Hanley, and as a benefit to his widow and children. Mr. Hanley was a faithful worker—one who constantly fulfilled arduous duties, and cheerfully endured heavy burdens of care; and many persons in the dramatic profession have occasion to remember him with the greatest respect and kindness. That kindness they will display in benefitting those whom he best loved, and who are left in poverty. To the public, however, the motive of the proposed performances is of less moment than the attractiveness. This, we perceive, will be decided and extraordinary.” Announces each benefit.

2)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 04 September 1869, 174.

“The Suggestion offered by us a few weeks ago, to the effect that steps should at once be taken to give the widow of J. G. Hanly [sic, throughout], a benefit, has been acted upon and arrangements have been made for a grand complimentary testimonial to take place, afternoon and evening, at one of our leading theatres. While living, Mr. Hanly was an active worker in the legitimate, and now that his widow is in want, it is but right that those managers under whom Mr. H. appeared should show their appreciation of his valuable services.”

3)
Advertisement: New York Post, 04 September 1869, 2.

For Hanley benefit.

4)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 05 September 1869, 11.

Notes benefit matinee on Wednesday (09/08/69).

5)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 05 September 1869, 7.

“MR. JOSEPH JEFFERSON has most generously tendered an EXTRA MATINEE PERFORMANCE of RIP VAN WINKLE to be given on WEDNESDAY, Sept. 8, Commencing at 2 o’clock, as a testimonial for the benefit of the WIFE and FAMILY of the late J. G. Hanley, former Stage Manager of ‘Wallack’s,’ as also of the old Winter Garden Theatre, and who will be kindly remembered in connection with Mr. Booth’s revivals of ‘Hamlet,’ ‘Richelieu’ and the ‘Merchant of Venice’ at that Theatre.”

6)
Announcement: New York Herald, 06 September 1869, 4.
7)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 06 September 1869, 7.

“NOTICE.—The ladies and gentlemen of the company of this theatre engaged for the Fall and Winter season are required to assemble in the Green Room on Thursday next, Sept. 9, at 11 A. M.

“D. W. WALLER, Stage Manager.”

8)
Advertisement: New-York Daily Tribune, 06 September 1869, 6.
9)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 08 September 1869, 12.

For benefit matinee; gives price.

10)
Announcement: New-York Times, 08 September 1869, 5.

“But a few days ago the death of Mr. J. G. Hanley, a talented and active member of the dramatic profession, was announced. We now see that, mindful of the past services of the deceased gentleman, his late associates have planned three representations, by which his widow and children will benefit. The first of these occur this afternoon, at Booth’s Theatre, where ‘Rip Van Winkle’ will be acted in its entirety. The second, consisting of ‘Othello,’ with Messrs. Booth and McCullough, and a numerous company, will be given at the Acadmy of Music, on Friday evening. An Ownes matinée at Wallack’s on Saturday, will be the third. The worthiness of the object is as apparent as the excellence of the entertainment offered on each occasion.

11)
Announcement: New-York Daily Tribune, 10 September 1869, 4.
12)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 11 September 1869, 182.

One of two announcements on this page; this is for the non-benefit performances.

13)
Announcement: New York Clipper, 11 September 1869, 182.

“The Hanley Testimonial.—The several benefits gotten up by brother professionals for the late J. G. Hanley in aid of the widow will take place this week, and promise to be substantial affairs. [Lists performances.] It is always pleasant for us to chronicle with what cheerfulness the profession take hold of an affair like this, and to see such good will and kindly feeling existing for the memory of dear and departed friends. There is no profession where the members are so willing to assist one another in distress as the dramatic.”