John Brougham

Columbus El Filibustero!! John Brougham

Complete libretto to the 1857 musical burlesque. Following the success of his 1855 musical burlesque Po-Ca-Hon-Tas, John Brougham turned again to America history for his next musical burlesque, spoofing Columbus' discovery of America. As he had done before to much success, Brougham created a libretto filled with topical gags and puns, satirical references, and popular songs of the day. After a short run at New York's Burton's New Theatre in 1857, the musical opened again at Niblo's Garden on Broadway in 1858. Actor, playwright and theatre producer, John Brougham was a prolific playwright having written over 120 plays, burlesques comedies, and musical extravaganzas earning him the nickname "The American Aristophanes" from critics of the time.