Theatre Comique: Fourteenth Ward Benefit
Event Information
Venue(s):
Theatre Comique [1867- : 514 Broadway]
Proprietor / Lessee:
Josh Hart [actor, minstrel]
Event Type:
Variety / Vaudeville
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
28 February 2025
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
20 Nov 1873, 2:30 PMProgram Details
First appearance in America of vocalists Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Hughes, described by the New York Herald advertisement as “English Duettists” who performed “operatic selections—scenes from ‘Il Trovatore,’ ‘La Sonnambula,’ &c.”
Bobby Newcomb was billed as a juggler with the name “Langlois.”
Performers and/or Works Performed
Citations
“Josh Hart, the manager of the Theatre Comique, proposes shortly to give a benefit for the poor of the Fourteenth Ward. He guarantees that it shall net $1,000, which amount will be distributed among the suffering poor by giving to such persons as may bring a written recommendation from the captain of police of that ward, stating that they are in need and are worthy of assistance, a barrel of flour or a ton of coal. It is probable that lesser articles, such as a pair of shoes, a pair of blankets, etc., will be given to those in immediate distress. Mr. Hart deserves great credit for being the first in the field to help the poor during the coming Winter; and if other managers will but follow his example, much good may be done and suffering alleviated. ‘He gives twice who gives quickly.’”
The “entire proceeds to be handed to Captain Clinchey, of the Fourteenth precinct, to be used by him to relieve the immediate wants of the poor of this ward.”
“The Benefit… was highly successful. [The ward police captain] acknowledged the receipt of one thousand one hundred and thirty-four dollars and twenty-five cents…” No mention of music.