Robert Ayres Barnet facts for kids

Robert Ayres Barnet (born September 3, 1853 – died June 26, 1933) was an American writer. He wrote the words for songs in musical plays. He was known as a lyricist. Barnet lived in New York City and Boston. He was active in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Robert Barnet's Musical Career

Barnet wrote lyrics for many popular shows. These included 1492 and Excelsior, Jr.. He worked with several talented people. Some of his collaborators were Robert Melville Baker and George Whitefield Chadwick. Others included Edward Warren Corliss and Louis F. Gottschalk.

Barnet and the Boston Cadets

Robert Barnet was part of a group called the Boston Cadets. This group often put on amateur plays. Barnet wrote many pieces for them.

Jack and the Beanstock

For example, his play Jack and the Beanstock first opened in 1896. It was performed at Boston's Tremont Theatre. The Boston Cadets performed it first. They always presented Barnet's plays before they were shown to a wider audience. This new play was a fairy tale musical comedy. The music was written by A.B. Sloane. Many important people came to see the show. These included Augustus Pitou and Edward E. Rice. The actor Julian Eltinge, who was famous for playing female roles, also appeared in the early shows. Barnet passed away in New York in 1933.

Images for kids

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  Burlesque Opera of Tabasco, 1894

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  Boston Cadets' production of Barnet's Simple Simon, 1897

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  "Bugaboo Man," New York World, 1900

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  Miladi and the Musketeer, 1901

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  Miss Pocahontas: an Indian War-Whoop in Two Whoops, 1906