1897 Providence Opera House Program The Geezer Donnelly Girard James A Herne

Original 1897 Providence Opera House program booklet from the 1897-1898 season in Providence, Rhode Island. This issue advertises the comic opera “The Geezer,” presented October 28-30, 1897 by Donnelly and Girard with music by John Stromberg and book by Joseph W. Herbert. The cast included Henry V. Donnelly, Edward Girard, Nina Bertolina, Mae Lowery, Nettie Black, Lillian Maynard, Madeline Marshall, Kittie Nelson, Annie Black, and others. A detailed synopsis and musical program are printed inside. An announcement also appears for the following week’s engagement of James A. Herne’s celebrated drama “Shore Acres,” featuring members of the Herne family. Surrounding the theatrical content are numerous illustrated advertisements for Providence businesses, including The Bon Ton, What Cheer Brewery, The Paton hotel, John M. Dean Co. furniture, and many more. A scarce and detailed piece of Providence theater history from the late 19th century.

– Date: October 1897
– Venue: Providence Opera House, Providence, Rhode Island
– Performance: “The Geezer” by Donnelly & Girard
– Other noted play: Announcement for James A. Herne’s “Shore Acres”
– Size: 10.25″ tall by 7.25″ wide with 8 pages
– Notable cast: Henry V. Donnelly, Edward Girard, Nina Bertolina, Mae Lowery
– Advertisers include Providence hotels, tailors, furriers, coal companies, breweries
– Historical ephemera relating to theater and local businesses