Tony Hart (theater)

Tony Hart (born Anthony J. Cannon; July 25, 1855 – November 4, 1891) was an American actor, comedian and singer.

Their breakthrough hit was the 1873 song and sketch "The Mulligan Guard", a lampoon of an Irish neighborhood "militia" with music by David Braham.

[1] They then moved on to New York, where they first worked with Tony Pastor before beginning a long run at Josh Hart's Theatre Comique.

Harrigan's sketches on the Comique's crowded bill featured comic Irish, German and black characters drawn from everyday life on the streets of New York.

The action of the plays took place in downtown Manhattan and concerned real-life problems, such as interracial tensions, political corruption, and gang violence, all mixed with broad, street-smart comedy, puns and ethnic dialects.

[8] His friends and fans mounted a benefit production, on March 22, 1888, to raise funds for his living expenses and medical treatment.

Harry Groener portrayed Harrigan, Mark Hamill (of Star Wars fame) played Hart, Christine Ebersole was Gertie, and Joe Layton directed.

Frank Rich of The New York Times found the show dull and "aimless",[10] and so did audiences, as it closed after 25 previews and four regular performances.