Barney Williams Irish Relief Benefit

“Guerrabella, the favorite prima donna, by kind permission of Max Maretzek, Esq., of the Italian Opera.”

“The representation at the Academy of Music last evening, under the auspices of Mr. Barney Williams, for the benefit of the fund for the relief of the suffering poor of Ireland, was a most successful and highly satisfactory affair. The appeal to the citizens of New York was most warmly and cordially responded to, as the thronged galleries and auditorium of the Academy fully testified. The entertainment began with the laughable farce of ‘The Irish Tutor,’ which, at the ninth hours, was substituted for a piece in which Miss Laura Keene was to have appeared, the indisposition of that lady rendering the change necessary. It is needless to say how well Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams acquitted themselves. The musical part of the performance was excellent. Mme. Guerrabella sung [sic] the sweet and plaintive Irish melody, ‘Kathleen Mavourneen,’ in a most exquisite manner, and drew forth repeated bursts of applause. On being loudly encored she gave the martial song, ‘The Minstrel Boy to the War Hath Gone,’ with an energy and effect that really thrilled her hearers.

       The performance then continued by Madame Strakosch singing ‘Kathleen Mavourneen’ and ‘Comin’ thro’ the Rye.’ She was loudly applauded. Mlle. Annetta Galletti and Madame Marzetti then executed a brilliant pas de deux, which greatly delighted the gods. The evening’s entertainment concluded with the farce of ‘The Irish Tiger,’ in which, if possible, Mr. Barney Williams was funnier than ever. Mrs. Williams’ versatility of talent was well displayed in her sudden transition of characters in the former and in the piece. The other ladies and gentlemen who assisted are deserving of the highest praise for the part they contributed to the success of this rousing benefit, initiated by Barney Williams, for the suffering poor of Ireland.”