(TO MR. JOSH HART) THE MULLIGAN GUARD
New York: William A. Pond & Co., 1873. Sheet-music. Sheet music (13 1/4 in. x 10 in.) A Lampoon of an Irish neighborhood "militia". This was Harrigan and Hart's breakthrough in 1873.
Harrigan and Hart was a theatrical partnership that began with minstrels, and progressed to the production of multi-act plays full of singing, dancing and physical comedy. They ended up in New York in 1872 and continued performing on Broadway until 1885.
"The Mulligan Guard" was part of Edward Harrigan and Tony Hart’s series of song-and-sketch performances, which began in 1873 at the Academy of Music in Chicago, and then developed into a full-length play. The Mulligans were Irishmen; the Skidmores (another iteration in the Mulligan series) were black, and the two were in constant competition. From 1879 until Hart’s death in 1891, these productions dominated the New York stage.
"...In the years following the Civil War, a number of pseudo-military or hunting clubs were formed, with men wearing what could only be described now as outlandish “military-like” uniforms. Many clubs were also formed by ethnic groups which weren’t allowed membership in the official militia. The Mulligan and Skidmore Guards were spoofs on such organizations, and their drills were subject matter for songs and skits.
Edward “Ned” Harrigan (1844-1911) was born in New York of Irish parents. .... Harrigan met Tony Hart (1855-1891; ... and the two formed the team of “Harrigan and Hart.” They moved to New York and remained in partnership until 1885...Their plays were always performed to full houses..." (Nancy S. Cleaveland on Laura Ingalls Wilder, and the "Pioneer Girl " Site). Very Good. Item #88018
Price: $95.00