David Braham: The American Offenbach

David Braham (1834-1905) was the musical director for the famous vaudeville team of Harrigan and Hart, writing music for many of their comic songs, including "The Mulligan Guards," "Paddie Duffy's Cart," and many more. His long career as a theatrical composer in New York helped establish a new style of Broadway musical. He came from a family well-entrenched in the music and theater worlds, and his story touches upon nearly all aspects of the history of American musical theater of this era.

John Franceschina is Professor of Theatre History at the Pennsylvania State University.