The Cyber Encyclopedia of
Musical Theatre, TV and Film
by John Kenrick
(Copyright 1997-2008)

Jan. 13th marks 130 years since Ned Harrigan and Tony Hart made their Broadway debut in The Mulligan Guards Ball (1879), which many consider the birth of musical comedy on Broadway. Harrigan & Hart (seen at right) would co-star in 17 of these musical farces over the next seven years, establishing a new theatrical form and paving the way for much that was to follow.  At right, they are seen performing "The Mulligan Guard March," a song they introduced in variety and reprised in many of their musical comedies.