The Mulligan Guard Picnic

The 1880 Musical Farce

By  Edward Harrigan

"The Mulligan Guard Picnic” debuted in 1880 as part of the prolific Mulligan Guard series. Harrigan, a significant figure in 19th-century American theatre, created this series in collaboration with composer David Braham. These works were noted for their humorous and often satirical depiction of New York City’s diverse working-class neighborhoods, capturing the ethnic and cultural tensions of the time.

"The Mulligan Guard Picnic" centers around the misadventures of a fictional militia group, the Mulligan Guards, who embark on a picnic outing. This premise provides ample opportunity for comedic mishaps, misunderstandings, and character-driven humor. The narrative is populated with a variety of colorful characters, each representing different immigrant groups that were integral to the social fabric of New York City. These characters often spoke in exaggerated dialects and engaged in slapstick humor, which appealed to a wide audience.

One of the hallmarks "The Mulligan Guard Picnic" was its authentic portrayal of the everyday lives of working-class Americans. He drew on his own experiences and observations to create realistic and relatable characters. The Mulligan Guards, for instance, were inspired by the real-life volunteer militias that were common in New York during the post-Civil War era. These groups, often formed along ethnic lines, provided a rich vein of material for comedy and satire.

"The Mulligan Guard Picnic" reflected and commented on the social and political issues of its day. Through humor and satire, Harrigan addressed themes such as immigration, urbanization, and the melting pot nature of American society. His work highlighted the challenges and absurdities of life in a rapidly growing and changing city, resonating with audiences who saw their own experiences reflected on stage.

Harrigan’s work remains an important part of the history of American theatre, illustrating the power of comedy and music to capture the essence of an era.

ISBN  979-8702868981 

$12.95

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