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A HISTORY

OF THE

NEW YORK STAGE

From the First Performance in
1732 to igoi

By
T. ALLSTON BROWN

In Three Volumes
Vol. I

NEW YORK

DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY

1903

650434

Published, December, 1901

UNIVERSITY PRESS ■ JOHN WILSON
AND SON • CAMBRIDGE, U. S. A.

To
CHARLOTTE CUSHMAN

AND

EDWIN FORREST

PREFACE

TN 1832 William Dunlap published his " History of the American
■*• Theatre." Since that time, no writers, except Joseph N. Ireland
and myself, have undertaken the arduous task.

In his work Mr. Dunlap stated lli.it the first dramatic perform-
ance ever given in America occurred in 1752. At Castle Garden
one hundred years later, as I shall tell in detail, that date W9M erro-
neously celebrated as the anniversary of the introduction of the
drama into America. During my researches I have discovered
that a dramatic company performed in Philadelphia in 1749.

Joseph Norton Ireland wrote the Records of the New York Stage
from 1750 to i860. My record commences eight ten years before
Ireland's, and closes forty -tv/o years later.

In 1853 I commenced to compile " A History of the American
Stage" and for five years thereafter devoted my entire time to it.
I travelled over the United States from Maine to California, visiting
the libraries of the different cities and towns in search of possible
information relating to the drama in America. Early in 1857 I
completed the work occupying over three thousand folios, and im-
mediately afterward arranged with the late Frank Queen, then
editor and proprietor of The New York Clipper, for its publication.
It took from two to three columns weekly in that paper for a period
of nearly four years to complete the publication. At that time my
work, besides the history proper of the theatres, contained a biogra-
phy of almost every man. woman, and child that had ever appeared
on the American stage. The biographical portion of the work was
afterward published in book form It made a volume of over five
hundred pages.

During the early part of the winter of 1869 I continued my
research for any dramatic performances in America prior to 1 749.
For wcek-i I had access to many private and valuable libraries, as

VIII

PREFACE

well n to all the early newspaper publications. At last I discov-
ered an advertisement in an old weekly paper of a dramatic per-
formance to be given in September, 1 732.

In March, 1885, there appeared in the editorial columns of the
New York Herald the following : —

" Chief Justice Daly of the Court of Common Pleas has brought to light
a most interesting bit of history concerning thr drama in America. The
first theatre in this country, he has discovered, was opened in this city on
the evening of Dec '>, 1 7.52, with a performance of 'The Recruiting Offi-
cer.' All that is further known of the performance of 1732 (which was
twenty years l»efore the arrival of Hallatn's Co. in New York, by whom
Dunl.ip in his history says the drama was introduced in America) is that
the part of Worthy was played by Thomas Heady, a peruke maker of this
. ity."

Replying to this. The Clipper, in its issue of March, 1885,

said : —

"Judge Daly's discovery (?) that the first theatre in this country was
opened in 1 732 is not news to old Clipper readers, for T. Allston Brown
published thlt ' item ' in this paper )uM seventeen years ago."

In March, 1888, I commenced the publication in The New York
Clipper of these records from 1732 to 1888, and it was continued in
that paper for nearly five years.

The present work has been carefully prepared and rewritten since
the time of its publication in The Clipper. It now includes the
close of the regular dramatic season of 1900-1.

T. ALLbTON BROWN.

CONTENTS

Pack

The First Nassau Street Theatre 2

Hallam's Nassau Street Theatre 4

David Doucijiss' Theatres 6

The Joan Srm.n Theatre 7

RicxKrr's Circus and Greenwich Strefx Theatre in

The Park Theatre 11

Mount Vernon Gardens 70

The Grove Theatre 70

American Theatre 71

Scuddcr's & Barnvm's Museums 7«

New York's First Circus 79

UVWAY Circus So

New Olympic Circus 80

The Commonwealth Theatre 81

The Chatham Museum 8a

The Akthony Street Theatre 82

Paviuon Theatre 8a

Marine Theatre 8a

Peale's Museum 84

Chatham Garden and Tula ike 84

American Cteka House 89

C(n TUBATKl 90

Castle Garden 90

BlanchariVs Amphrhbatrs 9°

The Lafayette Theatre 99

Iiif Bowny Theatre i°°

American Theatre «oo

Buu.'s Head Theatre «oo

CONTENTS

Paof.

Brougham's Bowery Theatre 135

Barnlm'^ Vauxhall 17a

Vauxhall Garden Theatre 172

1 vr Pitt Circus 174

\'i»lo's Garuen 175

Sooa 176

Tin RICHMOND Hill Theatre 333

Miss Nelson's Theatre 335

Tivoli Gardens 335

New Greenwich Theatre »35

I 111 \M:iiniltATRK 136

New Yokk Oku House 136

Ami'Iiitheatre of i hi Kinmu- 236

Staa Thkatm 238

MONTPEIJF.K--. OPBI HOUSE S40

Tin PkAMCUM Theatre 357

"Yankee" Hill's Theatre 361

Little Drury 361

Little Franklin Theatre »6i

<>ii' Drury 361

FRANKIJN MdSEI.M 36 1

I.I II I I T.Ko-MiWAV 363

n mm Hau 363

Aroma Saloon t6$

I'iDiii's Opera House 263

City Theatre 363

Monier's Dramatic Saloon 363

Mikhf.lls Oi.'iMik 364

Hope Chapel 388

Bekctha National Thkatm 388

Donaldson's Opera House 389

n»ELs 389

nejjv of Music 389

IREIS 390

Pace

Theatre Comkjue 290

Dn Midmb »9°

Blitz's New Hall 290

The Chatham Theatre 297

The Nvjionai Theatre 235, 240, and 336

Chatham Amphitheatre 336

H Theatre 336

National Concert Saloon 336

Palmo's Opera House 337

National Music Hall 337

Dumbi Eton's Opera Hocse 339

RurtWs Chambers Street Theatre 34a

American Theatre 359

The Pantheon 361

The Pisteaux 361

White's Melodeqn 361

LEY Hai.i 362

Franklin Museum 362

ROI Hai.i 363

HB HAU 363

Palmo's Concert Room 363

Mechanics' Hall 363

The Old Broadway Theatre 367

Bctor's American Theatre 367

Tbetoller's Hai.i 413

The I 413

The Actor Place Opera House 413

Theatre Francase 419

New York Theatre 422

Clinton Hall 422

Miskrva Rooms 423

Had 423

Stoppanni Hall 423

The Society Library Rooms 423

xii CONTENTS

Pack

Triples Hall 424

Metropolitan Hall 425

New York Theatre 426

Great Metropolitan Theatre 427

Laura Keene's Varieties 432

Burton's New Theatre 435

New Metropolitan Theatre 445

/ Winter Garden Theatre 446

Fellow's Opera House and Hall or Lyrics 468

Broadway Boudoir 469

Mrs. Brougham's Theatre 470

American Theatre 470

Brougham's Lyceum 472

A HISTORY OF THE
NEW YOR K STAG E

cTtY^vtrtf^i^jf^A"^*"^*"^*-^^

|N 1832 William Dun Up published a "History of

"the American Theatre " and stated that the first

dramatic performance ever given in America

occurred Sept. 15, 1752, at Williamsburg, the

capital of Virginia.

At Castle Garden one hundred years later, as I
shall tell in detail, that date was celebrated as
the centenary of the introduction of toe drama
into America. James Rees ("Colley Cibber") says that "a por-
tion of Hallam's troupe, combined with several artists engaged for
America by John Moody, arrived in Philadelphia about 1749, and
opened the first theatre dedicated to the dramatic muse with a
well -organized company in the Colonics."

Anthony Aston, otherwise known as Mat Medley, a lawyer,
poet, actor, soldier, excise man, and publican in England, narrates
a number of adventures by sea and land that, so far as we arc con-
cerned, ended with his being wrecked twenty leagues southward
of Charleston, S. C, whence he made his way on a sloop to New
York, and where he positively asserts that he acted in the year

1732-

In September, 1732, a company of professional actors arrived
from London and secured a large room in the upper part of a
building near the junction of Pearl Street and Maiden Lane, which
was fitted up with a platform stage and raised seats, capable of
seating about four hundred people. They continued their perform-
ances for one month, acting three times each week. Early in
December of the same year they resumed, having made several
additions to their party. I have been unable to get a complete
list of the company, but I know that Messrs. R. Bcsscl, T. Heady,
Drown. East lake. Cone, Mcsdamcs Drown, Chase, Ccntour, and
Miss Hrennan were among those advertised to play in "The
Recruiting Officer" December 6. This company continued until
February, 1734; it was then disbanded. In Bradford's New York
Gasetu of Oct. 8, 1734, there appeared the following advertise-
ment : —

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dts°

"For Sale — All sorts Household Goods, viz: beds, chairs,
tables, chest of drawers, looking-glasses, andirons and pictures, as
also several sorts of drugs and medicines; also a negro girl, about
ocn years of age, has had the small-pox, and is fit for town or
country. Enquire of Geo. Talbot, next door to the Flay House."
There also appeared in the same paper the following advertisement :

"This evening will be performed the tragedy of ' Cato ' and for
three evenings next week, the following comedies will be acted,
viz: 'The Recruiting Officer,' 'The Beaux' Stratagem,' and
•The Busy Body.'"

These performances were kept up for three nights each week
until Dec. 31, 1734, when concerts were given. On Jan. 13, 173''),
Mi. Pachchell, a harpsichord player, gave a concert for his benefit.
On Feb. 21, 1739, " The Adventures of Harlequin and Scaramouch,
or the Spaniard Tricked," was acted in Hall's Long Room. In
1743, an entertainment was given at the house of Governor Kip,
in Broad Street. The programme consisted of camera obscura and
microscope displays. On Aug. 31, 1743, a "Punch and Judy"
performance took place at Hamilton Haverton's house, near White-
hill Slip. It was advertised as "Punch's Opera of Bateman, or
the Unknown Marriage; with a dialogue between Punch and his
wife Joan." In the winter of 1749a company crossed the Atlantic.
It consisted of Messrs. Smith, Daniels, Douglass, Kershaw, and
Morris, and their wives, and Miss Hamilton, the latter playing
the leading business. This organization continued in New York
for a season of eight months.

THE FIRST NASSAU STREET THEATRE

THE First Nassau Street Theatre was located on the east
side of Kip (now Nassau) Street, between John Street and
Maiden Lane Kean and Murray appeared here March 5, 1750.
The room in which the performances were given was in a wooden
building, which had belonged to the estate of Hon. Rip Van
Dam.
f^lt was a two-storied house, with high gables. The stage was
f raised five feet from the floor. The scenes, curtains, and wings
were all carried by the managers in their "property " trunks. A
green curtain was suspended from the ceiling. A pair of paper
screens were erected upon the right and left hand sides, for wings.
Six wax lights were in front of the stage. The orchestra consisted
of a German flute, horn, and drum players. Suspended from
the ceiling was the chandelier, made of a barrel hoop, through
which were driven half a dozen nails, into which were stuck so
many candles. Two drop scenes, representing a castle and a
wood, bits of landscape, river, and mountain, comprised the

«7sO THE FIRST NASSAU STREET THEATRE

scenery. The opening bill was "Richard III." The company
consisted of Messrs. Jago, Scott, Marks, Woodham, Taylor, Tre-
main. Master R. Murray, Nancy George, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Davis,
and Mrs. and Miss Osborne. They acted twice each week, and the
season lasted five months. Thomas Kean played Richard. Our
ancestors had a Kean to impersonate the crooked-backed tyrant,
Mr. Dunlap to the contrary notwithstanding. "The Beau in the
Suds," "The Spanish Friar," Otway's "The Orphan," "The
Beaux' Stratagem," "The Mock Doctor," "Love for Love," and
"The Stage Coach" were presented during the season. On Sept.
13, 1750, the next season opened with "The Recruiting Offu
followed September 20 with "Cato." On Jan. 8. 1751. "A Bold
Stroke for a Husband " was given for Mr. Murray's benefit. For
Mr. Kcan's benefit, January 14, "The Beggar's Opera," "Miss in
Her Teens," and selections from an oratorio sung by Mr. Kean,
comprised the bill, which reads : " As an additional attraction a har-
lequin dance, a Clown dance, and a drunken peasant, all by a gentle-
man recently from London." which were done between the acts.

The next benefit was that of Mrs. Davis, announced for the pur-
pose of enabling her to "buy off her time." It was the practice
for masters of vessels to bring passengers to New York upon the
condition that they should be sold immediately upon their arrival
as servants to any person who would pay their passage money
They were sold for a definite period of time, and were called
" Rcdcmptors," of which class Mrs. Davis was one. On the
occasion of a benefit to Mr. Jago the advertisement stated: "Mr.
Jago humbly begs that all ladies and gentlemen will be so kind as
to favor him with their company, as he never had a benefit before,
and is just come out 0/ prison. ' Before the season closed, April
29, 1 75 1, Kean took a farewell benefit, when he left the profes-
sion and resumed his former duties — those of a writer. He played
Richard III." to a crowded house. That my readers may know
what a crowded house was, I will state that there were 161 pit tickets
at five shillings each, ten box tickets at eight shillings each,
I2i gallery tickets at three shillings each. This was the capacity
of the house. The following season Kean returned to the stage

During the winter of 1751, Robert Upton visited America as
the business agent for William Hallam, who gave him consider-
able money to carry out his speculation. On arriving here, he appro-
priated the money to his own use, and by securing most of Mur-
ray's company, was able to appear at this house December 21, with
"Othello " (first time in America) and " I.cthc." The company
played on Mondays and Thursdays. After losing all Mr Hallam's
money, Upton closed March 4, 1752.

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«75*

HALLAM'S NASSAU STREET THEATRE

IN June, 1753, Lewis Hallam, manager for bis brother, William
Hal lam, arrived in New York from Williamsburg, Va., with a
company that he had been playing there since September, 1752.
On his arrival here, the magistrates of the city refused to grant
him a license to perform, and he was compelled to remain idle
until the middle of September, when he published the following
petition:

"As our expedition to New York seems likely to be attended
with a very fatal consequence, and ourselves haply censured for
undertaking it without assurance of success, wc beg leave humbly
to lay a true state of our case before the worthy inhabitants of this
city, and, if possible, endeavor to remove those great obstacles
which at present lie before us, and give very sufficient reasons for
our appearance in this part of the world, where we all had the
most sanguine hopes of meeting a very different reception, little
imagining that in a city — to all appearance so polite as this — the
muses would be banished, the works of the immortal Shakespeare
and others, the greatest geniuses England ever produced, denied
admittance among them, and the instructive and elegant entertain-
ment of the stage utterly protested against ; when, without boast-
ing, we may venture to affirm that we are capable of supporting its
dignity with proper decorum and regularity. In the infancy of
this scheme it was proposed to William Hallam, now of London,
to collect a company of comedians and send them to New York
and other colonies of America. Accordingly he assented, and
was at vast expense to procure scenes, cloaths, people, etc., and in
October, 1750, sent out to this place Robert Upton, in order to
obtain permission to perform, erect a building, and settle every-
thing against our arrival, for which service Mr. Hallam advanced
no inconsiderable sum. But Mr. Upton, on his arrival, found here
that set of pretenders with whom he joined, and, unhappily for us,
quite neglected the business he was sent about from England, for
IN never heard from him again.

"Being thus deceived by him, the company was at a stand till
April, 1752, when, by the persuasion of several gentlemen in
London, and Virginia Captains, we set sail on board of Master
William I^cc (master of the ship Charming Sally), and arrived,
after a very expensive and tedious voyage, at York River, Virginia,
on the 28th of June following, where wc obtained leave of His
Excellency the Governor, and performed at Williamsburg with
universal applause, and met with the greatest encouragement, for
which we are bound by the strongest obligations to acknowledge
the many and repeated instances of their spirit and generosity.

1753] HALLAM'S NASSAU STREET THEATRE

" We were there eleven months before we thought of moving, and
then asking advice, we were again persuaded to come to New York
by several gentlemen who told us we should not fail of a favorable
reception; that the inhabitants were generous and polite, naturally
fond of diversions rational, and particularly those of the theatre.
Nay, they even told us that there was a very fine playhouse build-
ing, and that wc were really expected.

This was encouragement sufficient for us, as wc thought, and wc
came firmly assured of success; but how far our expectations arc
answered we shall leave to the candid to determine, and only beg
leave to add that, as we are people of no estates, it cannot be sup-
posed we have a fund sufficient to bear up against such unexpected
results. A journey by sea and land, five hundred miles, is not
undertaken without money; therefore, if the worthy magistrates
would consider this in our favor — that it would rather turn out a
public advantage and pleasure than 'a private injury* — they
would, wc make no doubt, grant us permission and give us an
opportunity to convince them that wc arc not cast in the same
mould with our theatrical predecessors, or that in private life or
public occupation wc have the least affinity to them."

Late in August permission was given them to appear in a
theatre on the east side of Nassau Street. It was the first theatre
erected in the Colonics. They opened it Sept. 17, 1753, with the
comedy of " The Conscious I.overs. "

Young Be»il Mr. Rigby

Seal.ind Mr. Malone

Sir John Bcvil Mr. Deli

Myrtle Mr. Clarkson

Cimbcrton Mr. Miller

Humphrey .... Mr. Adcock
Daniel .... Master L. Hallam

The farce of "Damon and Phillida " was also presented. The

f rices of admission were: box seats, eight shillings; pit, six sibl-
ings; gallery, three shillings. " Romeo and Juliet " was first per-
formed in this city at this theatre Jan. 28, 1754.

Romeo Rigby Friar Lawrence . . . Mr. Clarkson

Mercutio Mr. Singleton Balthazar .... Master Hallam

Paris Mr- Adcock Juliet . .... Mrs. Hallam

Tybalt Mr. Malone Lady Capulct .... Mrs. Rigby

Capulet Mr. Bell Nurse Mrs. Adcock

Montague Mr. Hallam

The company closed its season March 18, 1754, and went to
Philadelphia. The building was then purchased by a society of
German Calvinists for $1,250, and was fitted up as a church. It
was torn down in 1765 by the society, who erected another place of
worship on its site.

Tom Mrs. Singleton

1'hillia Mrs. Becceley

Mrs- Seal and .... Mrs. Clarkson

Lucinda Miss Hallam

Isabella Mrs. Rigby

Indiana Mrs. Hallam

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1758

DAVID DOUGLASS' THEATRES

THE next theatre built in this city was on Cruger's Wharf, at
that time extending from Pearl Street into the East River,
between Old and Coenties' Slips, on a line with what is now
known as Front Street. This theatre was erected by David Doug-
lass, who had married Hallam's widow. Having brought a com-
pany from the West Indies, all prepared to open the house, he was
astonished to learn that the city fathers again refused to grant a
license. Finally the theatre was opened Dec. 28, 1758, with the
tragedy of "Jane Shore." The only plays presented during their
brief season between the 28th of December, 1758, and the 7th of
February, 1759, were "Jane Shore," the "Orphan," "Spanish
Friar." "Recruiting Officer," "Othello," "Beaux' Stratagem,"
"Venice Preserved," "Douglas." "Tamerlane," "The Drummer,"
and " Richard III.," with the farces" Lovers' Quarrels," "The Stage
Loach," " Lethe," and " Damon and Phillida." The company went
on a tour, stopping at Philadelphia. In 1761 this organization
returned to New York, and Mr. Douglass erected a new theatre on
the southwest corner of Nassau and Chapel (now Bcckman) Streets.
It was ninety feet long by forty feet wide. Its erection cost
$1,625 *na '* would hold $450. The initial performance, Nov. 19,
1761, consisted of " The Fair Penitent " and " Lethe." " Hamlet "
was presented November 26, for the second time on the American
stage, and for the first time in New York.

Hamlet Hallam

King D. Douglass

Horatio Reed

Ghost Quelch

Polonius Morris

Laertes Allyn

Marcellus A. Hallam

GnUdeutarn Stuart

Francisco Tremainc

Queen Mrs. Doufjkis.%

Player Queen .... Mrs. Hallam
Ophelia Mrs. Morris

Quelch and Tomlinson also played the first and second grave-
diggers. During the season "King Henry IV." was given, with
Douglass as Falstaff, for the first time on the American stage.
This building was not afterwards occupied by any dramatic com-
pany for nearly two years. During the Stamp Act trouble, in
1764, a mob attacked the building and nearly demolished it.

The prices of admission were five, eight, and three shillings.
When crowded it would not hold $800.

«7*S]

THE JOHN STREET THEATRE

THE John Street Theatre was the next playhouse erected. It
was on the north side of John Street, ahout a half-dozen
doors from Broadway. It was built entirely of wood, and was
twenty yards back from the line of the street.
The following is a copy of the opening bill :

By permission of His Excellency the Governor.

By the American Company, the present evening, being the 7'h instant, Decan-
ter, 1 767, a comedy called the

•' Bkaux' Stratagem."

Archer, Mr. Hallam; AimswelL John Hentv ; S.illcn, Mr. Tomlinson; I
nan, Mr. Malone; Foigaul, Mr. Allyn; Gibbctl, Mr. Wools; Scrub, Mr. Wall;
Boniface, Mr. Douglass; Dorlnda, Miss Hallam; Lady Bountiful, Mrs. Hallam;
Cherry, Miss Wainwrigfit; Cipsey, Mrs. Wall; Mrs. Sullen, Miss Cheer. An
Occasional Epilogue, Messrs. Douglas, Hallam & Hear}', Managers.

John Henry, by the way, was the original Sir Peter Teazle in
America. Miss Storcr appeared in 1765. She afterwards became
Mrs. Henry, and was buried at sea, during a voyage to Jamaica.
The season closed June 2, 1768. Among the plays produced were:
"The Beaux' Stratagem," "Richard III.," "The Clandestine Mar-
riage," "Hamlet," "Cymbeline," "The Mourning Bride," "The
Busy Body," " Romeo and Juliet," " The Gamester," " The Wonder,"
"A Bold Stroke for a Wife," "King Lear," "The Merchant of
Venice," "George Barnwell," " Love in a Village," "Venice Pre-
served," "Macbeth." "The Roman Father," "Cato." "Othello,"
"The Distressed Mother." « Jane Shore," and "Paul Honeycomb."
In July a performance was given to aid in building a hospital,
which was afterward erected a considerable distance out of town,
at about where Worth Street is now. " King Lear " was acted
Jan. 16, 17691

The season of 1773-4 opened April 14, 1773, with "The Way to
Keep Him " and "The Taming of the Shrew." The season, not a
very successful one, pecuniarily, closed Aug. 5. There were pro-
duced "Cross Purposes," "She Stoops to Conquer," "The Irish
Widow," "The Beggar's Opera," "The Tempest," and "The West
Indian." On Oct. 24, 1774, the Congress recommended that all
places of public amusement should be closed.

At the beginning of 1777 the British officers, who then held
the city, began to give entertainments in this house, which they
called the Theatre Royal. In 1781 Major Andre and other bright
and talented young Englishmen wrote plays. On Aug. 24, 1785,
they gave a rather mixed performance, which did not promise
well. Then came a dancer, John Durang, the first American
who attained distinction as such. The first regular drama under

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1787

this management was given September 2a This was "The Citi-
zen," and constituted the first dramatic performance in the city
after the Revolution, and the first of the scries of productions
which gave so much pleasure to General Washington both before
and after his inauguration as President.

The season closed November I, and on November 21 Hal lam
and Henry brought their entire company from Philadelphia. They
had the house painted and decorated and fitted up in what, to them,
was ■ rather gorgeous manner.

The " Benevolent Merchant" and "The Devil to Pay, or The
Wives Metamorphosed," were played January 6, 1787. "The West
Indian" and the pantomime "Robinson Crusoe," 13, and Hallam
played "Hamlet" 19. The scene of the grave-diggers was re-
stored, which, from a whim of Mr. Garrick, of late years had been
omitted. "The Orphan of China" and "The Poor Soldier," 23.
The advertisements of the day contained the following:

" It is customary to have a dram shop in the neighborhood of
theatres (as is the case in this city), where the audience, exhausted
by attention to the performance, may recruit their spirits by taking
a glass of gin, or something equally exhilarating, between the acts;
and as it often happens that immediately upon drinking a dram the
person emits a sound similar to the letter a, the dram and the
sound have been united, and thus dram-a, or drama, is found."

"Richard III." and "The American Citizen" were acted Febru-
ary 3, in honor of the arrival of the ship " Empress of China "
from Canton, Captain Green, this vessel being the first one hav-
ing the privilege of presenting the American flag in Chinese
waters. A correspondent writing to a newspaper of the day,
compliments the ladies for reducing the size of their headgear,
so that they could enter a coach or sedan chair with a cap, and
(KM obstruct the view in the playhouse. "Some time ago," he
, "their heads were bigger than those of the inhabitants of
Patagonia, whilst their bodies resembled those of Liliput, but
now their features are set off by becoming head-dress."

There was acted on February 20 "The Fair Penitent;" March
3. "The Jealous Wife;" March 6, for the first time in America,
" More Ways than One." On the 2ist, "She Stoops to Conquer "
and "The Miller of Mansfield;" 29th, "The Provoked Husband."
On May 17, "Isabella, or the Fatal Marriage," was played, when
Mrs. Kenna made her American dfbut, acting Isabella; 19th,
"The Wonder, or a Woman Keeps a Secret," and "The Citizen;"
29th, "Maid of the Mill," Maria Stover acting Patty. This
was its first performance here in thirteen years. On this occa-
sion "Daphne and Aminter" were given for the first time in
America. "The Suspicions Husband" was played June 2;
"Ring Lear," 7th; "The Belle's Stratagem," 9th; "The Rivals,"

«79»D

THE JOHN STREET THEATRE

14th; "Alexander the Great," July 3, and "As You Like It," 12th.
A most extraordinary thing occurred in July and August, which
was a "run" of eighteen consecutive nights, attained by a bill
consisting of "Alexander the Great" and "The Poor Soldier."
Mr. Henry became insane, and died April 25, 1795; Mrs. Henry
also became insane, was placed in a Philadelphia hospital, and died
the same year.

The season closed July 21 , and the company left for Baltimore, Md.
A play called 'l£onlxast," by Royal Tyler, was acted April 18, 1787,
and was the first drama by a native author produced in America.

Thomas Wignell had come to America to join the company in
1774, but the impending revolution prevented his appearance until
after the war. His forte was low comedy, and he was the creator
of the first stage Yankee Jonathan in " Contrast/' O'Keefe's
comic opera, " Dead Alive," had its first production in this country
Sept. 24, 1787, for Mrs. Henry's benefit.

In 1788, the theatre, having been closed during Lent, was re-
opened at Easter, Mr. Harper being announced for Falstaff in
'* Henry IV.," when the "Doctor's Mob" excitement prevented it.
The theatre was re-opened April 17, 1789. Unfortunately the
pieces produced between April and May were not advertised in the
newspapers, the managers, Hallam & Henry, being prudent men,
who did not care to spend money merely for the information of
posterity.

In "The School for Scandal," as Washington saw it, Mr. Henry
played Sir Peter Teazle, of which he was the original in this
country. Mrs. Hallam was the only American in the whole com-
pany. Miss Luke was the first American actress who attained any-
thing like celebrity; but the favorite lady of the company was
Mrs. Morris, tall, handsome, reserved to mysteriousness, and so
averse to being seen by daylight that she had a gate made from her
lodgings in Maiden Lane, to enable her to get to the theatre by
running across John Street, without walking round through Broad-
way and exposing herself to the gaze of the beaux.

Washington's visits to the theatre were always exceedingly for-
mal and ceremonious. Over the box that he was to occupy was the
United States coat of arms. At the entrances to the theatre sol-
diers were posted, and four soldiers were generally placed in the
gallery. Mr. Wignell, in a full dress of black, with his hair elab-
orately powdered in the fashion of the time, and holding two wax
candles in silver candlesticks, was accustomed to receive the
President at the box door and conduct him and his party to
their scats. Alexandre Placidc, together with Mmc. Placidc and
a company of tight-rope performers and ballet dancers, first
appeared in America Feb. 3, 1792. M. Placide is said to have
been the most graceful rope dancer and gymnast that had then

io A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«795

reached this country. He had previously performed with much
success in both Paris and London.

John Hodgkinson made his New York de"but Jan. 22, 1793, in
"The Dramatist." Joseph Jefferson made his first appearance in
New York, Feb. 10, 1796, as Richard in "The Provoked Husband."
During the many years that Mr. Jefferson was before the public he
was not only unrivalled in his peculiar department, but I may safely
assert that of his competitors there was not one who could bear
comparison with him. From the commencement of his career until
a few weeks previous to his death (which took place at Harrisburg,
Pa., in August, 1832), he continued with "untircd spirit" to hold
the highest station in the mimic scene, and, while his own heart
was lacerated by an accumulation of family misfortunes, he was
the constant delight and the admiration of the public. His integ-
rity, though he was engaged in a profession with which calumny
is always busy, was unsullied. In attempting to save an old
friend who had become involved in difficulties, he ruined himself.
Forlorn and broken-hearted, he went with one of his sons to Har-
risburg, where he died.

A riot was caused in the theatre in February, 1797, by Mrs.
Hallam accusing Mrs. Hodgkinson on the stage of trying to force
her to retire. Hallam sold out his interests in the theatre to his
partners.

The first Hamlet in New York in point of quality was Thomas
Abthorpe Cooper, who played the part Nov. 22, 1797.

James Fennell, who came to America in 1794, acted Hamlet at
the John Street Theatre in 1806. John Howard Payne enjoys the
distinction of being the first Hamlet who was bom in America,
and he acted the character when seventeen years of age at the
Park Theatre in May, 1809. He was the original " Boy Hamlet"

This theatre was the leading one till 1798. The last perform-
ance occurred January 1 3 of that year.

RICKETT'S CIRCUS AND GREENWICH STREET

THEATRE

THE place of amusement known as Rickett's Circus was situ-
ated on Greenwich Street, near the Battery, and was first
opened in 1795; it was afterwards enlarged and called a theatre.
The following season it became known as the Pantheon. Thomas
Abthorpe Cooper made his New York ddbut on the opening night
as Pierre, in "Venice Preserved." In 1841 he was appointed mili-
tary storekeeper to the arsenal at Frankfort, Pa. He was after-
wards appointed Surveyor of the Ports of Philadelphia and New
York, which place he held nearly until the time of his death, which
occurred at Bristol, Pa., April 21, 1849.

"TB«D

THE PARK THEATRE

I 1

THE PARK THEATRE

THE Park Theatre was situated in Park Row, about two hundred
feet north of Ann Street, on the lots numbered 21, 23, and
25, and recently occupied by the Mail and Express oewtpaptt
building. It had a frontage of 80 feet, and a depth of 165 feet
The plan for its construction was furnished by the builder and
engineer of the London Thames tunnel — a Frenchman named
Mark Isambard Brunei. Although designed in 1793, the work was
not commenced until 1795. Originally, the property was a stock
concern with a capital of $30,000, divided into eighty shares of
$375 each. The stock was to be increased to one hundred shares,
if necessary. Before the erection of the theatre was half com-
pleted, Hallam and Hodgkinson, lessees and managers, engaged
in a bitter quarrel, which delayed the opening till Jan. 29, 1798.
The theatre was then, though in an unfinished state, thrown open
to the public. The following is a copy of the advertisement :

NEW THEATRE.

The public is respectfully informed the New Theatre will open this evening,

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1798,

with an OCCASIONAL ADDRESS, to be delivered by

MR. HODGKINSON,

and a prelude written by Mr. Milne, and called

"ALL IN A BUSTLE, OR THE NEW HOUSL "

The diameters by the company. After which will be presented Shakespeare's
comedy of

"AS VOU LIKE IT."

Jacques Mr. Hodgkinson

Touchstone .... Mr. Halhim

Orlando Mr. Martin

Banished Duke .... Mr. Tyler
Usurping Duke . . . Mr. Fawcctt

Adam Mr. Johnson

Amicus Mr. i'rigmore

Oliver Mr. Hogg

Charles Mr. Lee

Le Beau .... Mr. Hallam, Jr.

C'oriii Mr. Simpson

William Mr. Jefferson

Sylvius Mr. M.IUi

Jacques dc Bois . . . Mr. Seymour

Rosalind Mrs. Johnson

Cciia Miss Broadhurst

Phoebe Mrs. Collins

Audrey Mrs. Brett

To which will be added a musical entertainment called

"THE PURSE, OR AMERICAN TAR."

Will Steady . . . Mr. Hodgkinson I Page Mast. Stockwcll

Edmund Mr. Tyler | Sally Mrs. Hodgkinson

Z-Pbces for the boxes will be let every day at the old office in John Street, by
Mr. Falconer, from ten to one, and on the play day from three to four in the
afternoon.

12 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«79»

Tickets are also to be had at the above office, any time previous to Monday,

four o'clock, after which they must b« applied for at the New Theatre.

Ladies and gentlemen will please direct their servants to sit down with their

horses' beads towards the New Brick Meeting, and take up with their horses'

heads towards Broadway.
The future regulations respecting the taking of scats will be placed in the box

office for general information.

The doors will be opened at five, and the curtain drawn at a quarter-past six.
Ladies and gentlemen are requested to be particular in sending servants early

to keep boxes-
Boxes, &*. Prt,6r. Gallery, 4/. Vi vat Republic*.

The nights of performance were, at this period, Monday, Wednes-
day, Friday, and Saturday. Mr. Hodgkinson was stage manager.
The dramatic- company was composed of Messrs. Hallam, Hodg-
kinson, Tyler, Johnson, Jefferson, Martin, Simpson, Chalmers,
Williamson, Fawcctt, Prigmorc, Hallam, Jr., Miller, Seymour,
Lee, Leonard, Master Stockwell, Mcsdamcs Johnson, Mclmoth,
Hodgkinson, Hallam, Brett, Simpson, Seymour, Tyler, and Collins,
and the Misses J. Wcstray, E. Wcstray, Broadhurst, Brett, Hard-
ing, and Hogg. The theatre's actual cost amounted to more than
$179,000. Dun lap states that "the first night receipts were $1,232,
and hundreds were unable to get in. Also many people slipped in

wkhout paying."

The theatre was three stories high, of stone, with about six steps
up to the box entrance, and three green baize doors from the outside
lobby. There was a box office on the right hand as you entered.
In a niche in the centre of the building was, some time after the
house was erected, a statue of Shakespeare on a pedestal. The
extension lobby was wide and carpeted, and in cold weather two
blazing fires were kept up at either end of the lobbies. There was
a box door at each box of the first tier, and a box keeper ever ready
to open to the audience. The interior was tastefully ornamented
in light pink and gold. There were three tiers of boxes, a gallery
and l pit. There were no chairs in cither boxes or pit, but cush-
ioned scats. The proscenium had stage doors and about four or
five private boxes. The stage was at all times well arranged and
provided with most excellent scenery. The prices of admission
were: boxes, gi ; pit, 50 cents; gallery, 25 cents. No lady was ad-
mitted to the first or second tier unless accompanied by a gentle-
man. The theatre held $1,700. Although the house was opened
before it was completed, it was finished and elegantly furnished
during the summer of 1798, by Mr. Dunlap, the manager. Not-
withstanding its popularity, this theatre was subject to all the ups
and downs of financial experience, as may be inferred from the fact
that during its opening season one of the original managers, Mr.
Hallam, withdrew, and at the close of the first season the other
one, John Hodgkinson, also gave up his managerial control. Dur-

«8«3

THE PARK THEATRE

»3

ing the season of 1798 Mrs. John Oldmixon made her first New
York appearance. She played Wowski in "Inkle and Yarico."
She was connected with the New York theatres until 1814, when
she retired, and thereafter kept a seminary for young ladies at
Philadelphia. She died during the winter of 1835-6.
" Hamlet " was acted Feb. 28, 1798, and the cast was:

Hamlet .... Thomas A- Cooper
(First appearance.)

King Fawcctt

:tcs HaHam. Jr.

Horatio Martin

Oaric Jefferson

KosefiCranli Hogg

Ghost Hallani

Polonius Johnson

First Gravedigjcer .... I'rijjmorc

Queen Mrs. Melmoth

Ophelia .... Mrs. Hodgkinson
Actress Mrs. Brett

The salaries paid at this were ridiculously small compared with
those of to-day. Mr. and Mrs. Hallam received $25 each; Hodg-
kinson, $50; Cooper, $32; Jefferson, $25; Martin, S25; Tyler,
$2$; Fox, $18; Hallam, Jr. $18; Hogg, $14; Perkins, $12; Lee,
$12; Seymour $9; Master Stockwcll, $4; Mrs. Hodgkinson, $$0;
Melmoth, $25; Hallam, $25; Seymour, $16; Hogg, $14; Brett,
$14; Miss E. Wcstray, $18; Miss A. Brett, $14; Miss Harding,
$10; Mrs. Perkins, $10; Mrs. King, $6; Miss Hogg, $4; the
orchestra (fourteen performers) received $140. The total weekly
expenses amounted to $1161.

The second season opened Dec 3, 1798. The third season
commenced Nov. 18, 1799, with "The Heir at Law" and the
farce of "The Old Maid," in which Mr. Hodgkinson, the former
manager, and his wife appeared, being engaged by Mr. Dunlap at
$too, the highest salary up to that time ever paid in America.

Gen. George Washington died Dec. 14, 1799. The theatre was
closed on the 20th and was reopened the 30th, draped in black.
A monody was delivered by Mr. Cooper. The performances on
Jan. 10, 1800, were devoted to the memory of Washington, when
"Gustavus Vasa, the Deliverer of his Country" was acted.

The fourth season opened October 20 with about the same com-
pany. On July 1, 1801, the first "star" engagement played in this
city was commenced by Mrs. Merry, who had come from Philadel-
phia. Her terms were $100 per week with "a clear half benefit."
The fifth season opened Nov. 16, 1801, and closed June 18, 1802.
The sixth season began Oct. 11, 1802.

The seventh season commenced Nov. 14, 1803, but did not
prove a prosperous one, on account of yellow fever and intensely
cold weather. John E. Harwood, who afterwards became one of
the most popular actors known to the New York stage, appeared
Nov. 14, 1803, as Trepan tt in "She Would and She Would Not."
He was at one period as popular as Lester Wallack was in our

14 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [mi

own day. He married Miss Bachc, a granddaughter of Benjamin
Franklin. He grew very adipose and played Falstaff with great
success, and retired from the stage and opened a bookstore in
Gcrmantown, Pa., where he died September 21, 1809.

Cooper acted Hamlet April 8, 1804, and Shylock 15. Miss
Gordon made her American de'but 24 as Juliet. Spillcr's de'but in
America was 26 as Frederick in "Lovers' Vows." He died in
this city in 1826. Thomas Burke appeared 29 as Dr. Pangloss in
"The Heir at Law." He died in Baltimore, Md., June 6, 1825.
His wife was formerly Miss Thomas. After the death of Burke
she was married July 27, 1826, to Joseph Jefferson, Jr. She died in
Philadelphia in 1850 of consumption, leaving two sons, Charles
Burke and Joseph Jefferson.

During January, 1805, the theatre was closed, owing to the
financial difficulties of the manager, Mr. Dunlap. After his
retirement the actors of the company formed themselves into a
commonwealth and reopened the theatre on March 4. "The
Honeymoon" was first produced in America May 29, 1805, by this
company.

George Frederick Cooke was the first male star that ever played
in this country. He was brought over by T. A. Cooper at a
salary of twenty-five guineas a week for ten months, and twenty-
five cents a mile for travelling expenses, besides his passage from
England. June 20, 181 1, he married Mrs. Behn in this city, and
his last appearance on the stage was July 31, in Providence, R. I.,
as Sir Giles Overreach. He died in New York City, Sept. 26,
1812, at Bixby's Hotel. His career was cut short hy his passion
for liquor. Cooke's remains were buried in a vault beneath St.
Paul's Church, this city, where they rested nine years. In 1821
Edmund Kcan, who was acting in this country at the time, caused
the remains to be disinterred and laid in a grave in the church-
yard, over which he erected the tomb that marks this storied spot.
It was at that time that Dr. Francis took possession of Cooke's
skull, and Kean secured the bone of his forefinger, — an act of
reverential desecration described by the Doctor himself in his
book about Old New York. In 1846 the tomb of Cooke had fallen
into decay, and Charles Kcan, who had come hither to act, caused
the structure erected by his father to be repaired. Time and
storms have dealt severely with it since then. The last summer
of Edward A. Sothcrn's visit to this country he noticed that it was
again in a dilapidated state, and at his direction and expense the
tomb was once more put in order. The stones are now firmly
cemented, and the whole structure is bound together in the inte-
rior with iron anchors, so that now the tomb is more substantial
than it ever was, and is likely to resist decay and tempest for many
years. The lettering on the tomb has been rccut, and it should

l8l*l

THK PARK THKATRE

•5

be noted, in recognition of the fidelity of a good man, that T. E.
Mills personally attended to the repairs and acted as the Old
Mortality of this proceeding. The inscriptions on Cooke's tomb
are as follows :

[South Side.]
ERECTED TO THE MEMORY

GEORGE FREDERICK COOK!.,

■r

EDMUND KEAN

OF THE

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane,
1821.

Three klngdomi claim hb birth,

Both hemispheres pronounce hi* worth.

[North Side.]
REPAIRED BY CHARLES KEAN.
1846.

[East Side.]
REPAIRED

E. A. SOTHERN.

Theatre Royal, Haytnarfcet,

1874.

Mr. Knox made his American debut Jan. I, 181 1, acting the
Stranger in the play of that name. James Pritchard first appeared
in America Jan. 21, as Frederick in "The Poor Gentleman." He
died in this city Jan. 31, 1823.

John Howard Payne, who appeared here Feb. 26, 1809, as Young
Norval, in "Douglas" reappeared March 1 as Edgar in "King
Lear."

The season of 1811-12 opened Sept. 2 with "Douglas," Cooke
as Glcnalvon, Cooper as Young Norval ; Cooke acted Othello 6, to
Cooper's Iago; King John 9, to Cooper's Falconbridge; Cooper
as Alexander the Great, to Cooke's Clytus 12; Cooper as Beverly
16, to Cooper's Stukeley in " The Gamester ; " " Macbeth " 20, Cooper
in title rdlc, Cooke as Macduff; "Henry VIII." Oct. 2. Mons.
La Bottiere, dancer, appeared Oct. 15. Cooke acted Sir Pertinax
McSycophant in "The Man of the World " Nov. 4.

1 6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1813

Mrs. Young made her d£but here March 20 as Amanthis, in
"A Child of Nature." Mr. Simpson on the same evening acted
the Three Singles in "Three and Deuce," then first played in this
city. "Lost and Found," by M. K. Masters, was first acted in
this city March 29th. Scott's " Lady of the Lake" was done May

8, with this cast: Fitz James, Mr. Pritchard; Roderick Dhu, Mr.
Simpson; Earl Douglas, Mr. Graham; Malcolm, Mr. Carpender;
Lady Margaret, Mrs. Stanley; Ellen, Mrs. Young; Blanche of
~ svon, Mrs. Darley.

"Mr. P., or The Blue Stocking," a musical comedy by Moore,
was first acted in New York, June 12, 1812. Mr. Robertson ap-
peared in "Abaellino" the 17th. His last appearance in New
York was as Sir Pertinax McSycophant. "The Peasant Boy,"
by Diamond, was first acted here 26, cast thus: Duke Albcrti,
Mr. Pritchard; Baron Montaldi, Mr. Simpson; Hypolito, Mr.
Darley; Ludovico, Mr. Hilson; Julian, Mrs. Darley; Duchess
Lcnora, Mrs. Stanley; Olympia, Mrs. Oldmixon; Marinetta, Mrs.
Claude.

W. Robertson first acted in this city June 29, playing Cassandcr
in "Alexander the Great." On Sept. 7, 1812, commenced the
regular season with Dunlap's "Abaellino " and " Lock and Key,"
with Simpson, Pritchard, Hilson, Yates, Darley, Mcsdamcs Darley
and Oldmixon in the cast. "Yankee Chronology " was done the

9. William Warren first appeart-i! Sere, after an absence of fifteen
years, on 16 as Falstaff. He afterwards played Sir Anthony
Absolute, Old Dornton, Sir Peter Teazle, The Miller of Mansfield,
and Major Sturgeon in "The Mayor of Garrett." Mr. Francis,
after an absence of nine years, played Old Sulky 21 in "The Road
to Ruin." Joseph George Holman first acted here 28 as Hamlet.
Agnes Holman (his daughter) made her American debut Oct. 3 as
Lady Townly, to her father's Lord Townly, in "Town and Coun-
try." In 1815 she married Charles Gilferts, who died in 1829, and
the widow retired from the stage, but reappeared at this theatre in
July, 1831. She died in Philadelphia in the most abject poverty.
" 1 lie Lake of Lausanne, or Out of Place," by Reynolds, was first
produced Oct. 9, and " Sons of Erin," Nov. 1 1.

"The Ethiop, or the Child of the Desert" was first acted in
America April 7, 1813: The Ethiop, Mr. Cooper; Almanzar.
Mr. Green; Giafar, Mr. Simpson; Ben Moussaff, Mr. Yates;
Mustapha, Mr. Jones; Alexis, Mr. Wilson; Orasmyn, Mrs.
Dtfley: Ccphanio. Mrs. Stanley; Grimringra, Mrs. Oldmixon;
Grumnilda, Mrs. Hogg; Zoe, Mrs. Claude.

"The Students of Salamanca," by R. W. Jamieson was seen
for the first time July 12. On Sept. 12, 1813, the season opened,
but few notable incidents occurred, although the performances were
of the usual variety and excellence. "The Plaindcalcr," by

«««4]

THE PARK THEATRE

»7

Wycherly, was first acted here Nov. the 5, with Cooper as Cap-
tain Manly, Simpson as Lord Plausible, Ililson as Novel, and
Mrs. Darley as Fidelia. Reynold's translation of the " Virgin of
the Sun" was given 15: Rolla, Cooper; Ataliba, Jones; Cualpro,
Drummond; Xaria, Horton; Tclasco, Yates; Alonzo, Simpson;
Diego, Hilson; Velasques, Carpender; Tuprac, Bancker; High
Priestess, Mrs. Stanley; Cora, Mrs. Darley; Amarilli, Miss
Dcllingcr; Idali, Mrs. Claude; Runa, Mrs. Wbcatley; Zilla, Mrs.
Oldmixon.

Gen. Harrison, afterwards President, attended the theatre Dec. I,
to witness Cooper's Macbeth. Mr. Dunbar made his debut Dec. 9
as Young Norval. Kcnncy's farce "Turn Out" was given the
same evening for the second time in America: Parage, Mr.
Pritchard; Mrs. Ramsay, Mrs. Hogg; Marian Ramsay, Mrs. Dar-
ley; Peggy, Mrs. Claude; Restive, Yates; Gregory Redtail, Hil-
son; Somerville, Darley; Doctor Truckle, Jones. Coleridge's
tragedy "Remorse" 13, Cooper as Don Oidonio; Mrs. Goldson
(afterwards known as Mrs. Groshon) first acted here December 25
as Lady Millwood in "George Barnwell."

Spiilcr acted in " Eight to One " March 2d, 1813, assuming eight
characters. Bray's farce, "Toothache" followed March 31: Car-
pender as Prince, Hilson as Barogo, and Mrs. Claude as Susan.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarke first appeared 28 as Hassan and Alice in
"The Castle Spectre." Their daughter Miss Clarke made her
debut April 1 as one of the "Children in the Wood." On July 5,
1824, she married Mr. Klupfer and retired from the stage. The
" Heir at Law " and "The Spoiled Child " were given April 4 with
Mr. Burke as Zekiel Homespun anil Old Pickle, and Mrs. Burke
as Cicely. Miss Hoim.-in appeared May 9 as Lady Teazle and
acted Portia 23, to Cooper's Shylock. "Music Mad" was first
acted here May 20; Dibdin's opera "Cabinet " was first sung here
25: Darley, as Prince Orlando ; Yates. Peter; Hilson, Whimsicuto;
Mrs. Burke, Eloretta; and Mrs. Claude as Constantia.

Mons. Villulave, tight-rope dancer, was a feature late in May.
"The Widow's Vows" was first acted June 6: Simpson as the
Marquis, Yates, Don Antonio; Drummond, Carlos; Hilson,
Jerome; Mrs. Claude, Countess; Mrs. Stanley, Isabella; and Mrs.
Burke, Flora. Duff acted Richard III. June 15 for Simpson's
benefit. "He's Much to Blame" was done June 20. Pocock's
melodrama, " The Miller and his Men, " was seen July 4 for the first
time in America. " Valentine and Orson " was acted the same night,
with this cast: Hugo, Hilson; Eglantine, Mrs. Goldson; Flora-
munda, Miss Dellinger; Agatha, Mrs. Burke; Valentine, Pritchard;
Orson, Simpson; King Pepio, Clark; Agremimi, Darley.

"Glory of Columbia " and the "Miller and his Men" was the
programmefor the opening of the season Aug. 31, 1814. Simpson,

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [m.

Ililson. 1'ritchard, Spiller, Green, Burke, Darley, Clark, Banckcr
and Carpender, Mesdamcs Darley, Goldson, Burke, Claude, Hogg,
Clark and Wbeatley were in the company.

Warren appeared Sept. 14th. Dibdin's comic opera, "The
Parmer's Wife," was first acted in this city 26, and had this cast :
/Sir Charles Courtly, SimptOO ; Cornflower, Warren ; Captain Helton,
Darley; Farmei Barnard, Pritchard; Williams, Clark ; Dr. Pother,
Ililson; Peter, Spiller; Robin, Burke; Chalk, Banckcr; Stuhblc,
Carpender; Mrs. Cornflower, Mrs. Darley; Miss Courtly, Mrs.
Burke; Jenny, Mrs. Wheat ley; Susan, Mrs. Claude; Fanny, Mrs.
Clark. On Sept. 26 Warren withdrew from the cast and Mr. Green
played Cornflower. On that same evening "Darkness Visible"
was first acted in New York. Cooper reappeared in October in a
round of characters. "The Battle of Hexham" (after twelve
years) was revived Nov. 16; also a new afterpiece called "Who's
to Have Her? or The Doners Outwitted;" DuDlap'l "Count Ben-
jfpwakj." was revived 5. Mr. Bibby acted early in February. 181 5,
for the first time on the stage. He appeared as Sir Archie McSar-
casm, Richard III., Shylock, and Sir Pcrtinax, in "The Man of the
World."

On Feb. 20 the programme was as follows: "The Young
Quaker" was produced, with this cast: Chronicle. Burke; Old
Sadboy, Clark; Young Sadboy, Simpson; Capt Ambush, IViuh-
Spatterda-li, Spiller; Clod, Hilson; Shadrach, Darley; Twig,
BfiDCker; Malachi, Mr. Oliff; Goliah, Miss Clark; l.ady Rouncc-
val, Mrs. Hogg; Araminta, Mrs. Claude; Dinah Primrose, Mrs.
Darley; Mrs. Millcflcur, Mrs. Whcatlcy; Pink, Mrs. Clark; Judith,
Mrs. Spiller.

"The Festival of Peace" was given, and had this cast: Old
Fearnought, Green ; "Young Fearnought, Pritchard; Julius Caesar
Babble. Burke; Columbia, Mrs. Goldson; Genius of Columbia,
Mrs. Darley; Peace, Mrs. Claude; Plenty, Mrs. Spiller; Com-
merce. Mrs. Wheatlcy. Mrs. Williams made her American dlbut
May 17 as Letitia Hardy in "The Belle's Stratagem;" also
Caroline in "The Prize." On May 29 Diamond's "Youth, Love,
and Folly" was first acted, cast thus: Pave, Simpson; Latitat,
Spiller; Sir T. Roundhead, Green; Warford, Pritchard; Hippy,
Hilson; Lady Henrietta, Mrs. Darley. Mrs. Green (Miss Wil-
liams) first acted in New York June 23 as Widow Chccrly in "The
Soldier's Daughter" and Christine in "Tckeli." "The Devil's
Bridge" was first given in America July 4, thus cast: Count
Bellino, Darley; Baron Toraldi, Simpson; Marcelli, Hilson;
Pictro. Mrs. Spiller; Countess Rosalvina, Mrs. Darley; Claudinc,
Claude; Lauretta, Mrs. Burke.

The farce "Intrigue, or Married Yesterday." by Poole, was
played Oct. 7, "Debtor and Creditor" 13th, and "First Impres-

I8l6]

THK PARK THKATRK

sions" 23d. "Aladdin, or the Wonderful Lamp" was first acted in
America Oct. 25th of this year. " The Taming of the Shrew " and
" Don Juan " were seen on Jan. i, 1816, for the first time in New
York; and on the same night " Zembucca," also for the first time.

"Brother and Sister." Diamond's opera, was first sung in this
city on Jan. 5th. "A Bold Stroke for a Husband," by Mrs.
Centlivre, was first seen in this city Feb. 7th. Mrs. Anderson,
a daughter of Joseph Jefferson, first acted in New York Feb. if>tli,
as Moggy McGilpen in the "Highland Reel." "The Forest of
Bnndy"was first played here March 18th. "The Maid and the
Magpie" was first given April 1. John Barnes made his Ameri-
can de"but April 22, 1816. as Sir Peter Teazle He afterwards
became manager of the Richmond Hill Theatre in this city and
introduced Italian opera to America. His last appearance here
was in 184a He died at Halifax, N. S., Aug. the 28th, 1841.
He was known as "Old Barnes," and his appearance on the stage
was ever the sign for a burst of merriment. Mrs. Mary Barnes
made her de"but on April 17th, 1816, as Juliet. She met with
instantaneous success, and for over twenty years was one of the
greatest favorites then known to the American stage

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Baldwin first appeared in America April
17, he as Sam in " Raising the Wind," and she as the Nurse in
"Romeo and Juliet," and Miss Durable in "Raising the Wind."
Thomas Bcttcrton made his American debut April 24th, as Lord
Ogleby in "The Clandestine Marriage." "Living in London"
was given on the 24th.

Mr. Price became sole manager Sept. the 2nd, 1816, and opened
his season with "Smiles and Tears" ami "Aladdin." In the
company were : , Robertson, Pritchard, Hilson, Barnes,

Darlcy, Jones, Baldwin, Anderson, Carpcndcr, Banckcr, Mcsdamcs
Barnes, Darley, S. Whcatlcy, Aldis, Groshon, Baldwin, Anderson,
Whcatlcy, Miss Dcllingcr, and Miss Brundage. "Guy Manncr-
ing " was given on the 18th for the first time in this city and had
this cast: Col. Mannering, Robertson; Henry Bertram, Simpson;
Dominie Sampson, Barnes ; Dandie Dinmont, Pritchard ; j
Mannering, Mrs. S. Wheatlcy; Lucy Bertram, Mrs. Groshon;
M.Candlish, Mrs. Baldwin; and Meg Mcrrilics, Mrs. Aldis.
M Uurin's " Bertram " was first acted here on the 25th: Bertram,
Robertson; Imogcnc, Mrs. Barnes; Clotilda, Mrs. Anderson.
Leigh's " Where To Find A Friend " was seen Oct. «8, and cast
thus:Mordcn, Simpson; Hcartley, Hilson; Timothy, Mr. Barnes;
Barney. Betterton; Lady Morden, Mrs. S. Wheatlcy; and Mrs.
Bustle, Mrs. Baldwin.

After an absence of ten years Mrs. Johnson reappeared Dec.
the 2d as I^idy Randolph in "Douglas." A farce by Dibdin
called "What's Next?" was played on the 13th. Cooper re-

20 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»«7

appeared on the l8th in Hamlet, and 20 for the first time in New
York as Bertram. "Transformation," a musical farce by Ailing-
ton, was given Dec. 30 for the first time. "The Ninth Statue,
or the Irishman in Bagdad," by Dibdin, was acted for the first time
in America Jan. I, 1817. Ellen Augusta Johnson first acted on
Jan. 15th, as Amanthis in "A Child of Nature." "Love in a
Village" was given 18 for the first time in ten years.

West's Equestrian Company from London commenced Jan. 22
in "Timour the Tartar." In the organization were Mrs. West,
dancer and melodramatic artist; Campbell, clown, and Blackmorc,
rope-dancer. "My Wife, What Wife?" was first acted March 12
with this cast: Paddccn, Pritchard; Mrs. Gaylon, Mrs. Groshon;
Constantia, Mrs. Darlcy. Alex Wilson first appeared in New
York March 19th, acting Rolla in " Pizarro." He was manager in
1840 of the National Theatre, Leonard and Church Sts. He mar-
ried Miss Probston of Philadelphia, retired from the stage, and
died in Brooklyn in 1848. Jacob Woodhull made his debut on the
stage of this theatre late in March, acting Jaflier in "Venice
i-rved," and on April 5th, Macbeth. His right name was
Hull. He died August 31st, 1832. "The Guardians, or the
Faro Table," by Tobin, was first played in this city April 9th
with this cast: I.ady Wclgrovc, Mrs. Darlcy; Lady Nightingale.
Mrs. Baldwin; Miss Scdgmorc, Mrs. Groshon; Betty, Miss Del-
linger; Barton, Pritchard; Waverly, Simpson; "The Broken
Sword," by Diamond, was first acted here April 25th: Pablo,
Barnes; Myrtillo, Mrs. Barnes; Rosaro, Mrs. Darley; Col.
Rigolio, Pritchard; Captain Zavier, Hilson; Estevan, Simpson.

"Watchword, or Quito Gate," was first acted here May 14th.
Reynold's "Folly as it Flics" was revived (first time in fourteen
years) 19th. Maturin's tragedy, "Manuel," was played June 2nd;
"Fortune's Fool," by Reynolds, June 6th for Simpson's benefit,
and the same night for the first time Oulton's farce, " Frightened
to Death": Mumps, Hilson; Emily, Mrs. Darley; Phantom, Simp-
son; Sir J. Greybeard, Mr. Barnes. President Monroe visited the
theatre June 1 2th, when Cooper played Macbeth, and Mrs. Groshon
Lady Macbeth. The "Slave," an operatic drama, by Thomas
Morton, was first acted in this city July 4th, the closing night of
the season, and cast thus: Fogrum, Hilson; Stella, Miss Dellingcr;
Mrs. I.imlcnberg, Mrs. Groshon; Miss Von Frump, Mrs. Baldwin;
Zclinda, Mrs. Darlcy. " Laugh When You Can " was the pro-
gramme Sept. 1st, 1817, with the first appearance in New York of
H. A. Williams as Gossamer. Mr. Holland acted Giles in "Maid
of the Mill" on the 8th, and "The Bold Buccaniers, or the Dis-
covery of Robinson Crusoe," was given on the nth for the first
time. The cast was: Diego, Robertson; Nipcheese, Barnes; Inez,
Mrs. Groshon ; Robinson Crusoe, Simpson ; Friday, Bancker. Mrs.

tllS]

THE PARK THEATRE

Charles Young appeared on the 12th (for the first time in eight
years) as Widow Chcerly in "The Soldier's Daughter." The
" Apostate " was first acted in New York September the 22nd,
and had this cast: Pcscara, Pritchard; Hcmeya, Simpson; Ma lee,
Robertson; Alvarez, Jones; Florinda, Mrs. Barnes. "The [no
keeper's Daughter," by Sloane, was given on the 29th: Monckton,
Robertson; Richard, Simpson; Mary, Mrs. Darley; Marianne,
Mrs. Wheatley.

Mrs. H. A. Williams made her debut here on Oct. the 3rd as
Cicely Homespun in "The Heir at Law." Charles Inclcdon, the
famous English tenor singer, first appeared in America on the
20th as Hawthorne in "Love in a Village." He subsequently
appeared as Tom Tug in the "Waterman;" Steady in "The
Quaker; " Giles in "Maid of the Mill;" Macheath in "The
beggar's Opera;" Patrick in "The Poor Soldier;" Harry Blunt
in "The Turnpike Gate;" and Don Ca:sar in "The Castle of
Andalusia." He did not command the applause that had been
anticipated, and on the night that "The Beggar's Opera" was
given, great dissatisfaction was expressed with the piece. The
song of "Black-Eyed Susan" was called for, and a disturbance
ensued in consequence of Mr. Incledon's declining to sin^ it.
He died at Worcester, England, Feb. nth, 1826. T. Phillips
appeared Nov. the 3rd as Count Bcllino in "The Devil's Bridge."
He died in England Oct. the 27th, 1841. The "Conquest of
Taranto" was first acted in November. Cooper appeared Dec.
19, acting Malec in "The Apostate." For his benefit, Jan. 14,
l8l8, he played Mark Antony in "Julius Ca-sar " and Young
Wilding in "The Liar." Henry J. Eiqn, -first acted on the
American stage Jan. the tGth, appearing as Shylock. He was
lost on the steamer I-exington, which was burnt on Long bland
Sound Jan. the 10th, 1840. His last appearance on the stage was
made Jan. the 8th, 1840, in Philadelphia, at the Chestnut St.
Theatre, as Monsieur Jacques, in the farce of that name.

Mr. Hawxhurst made his de"but on Feb. the 21st as Pierre in
"Venice Preserved " to Woodhull's Jafher. Oulton's farce, "My
Landlady's Gown," was first acted March the 2nd, and " Lionel and
Clarissa," Bickerstaff's opera, March the 14th, for the first time:^4""
Lionel, T. Phillips; Col. Oldboy, Barnes; Flowerdale, Robert,
son; Harman, Pritchard; Jcssamy, Simpson; Lady Oldboy, Mrs.
Baldwin; Diana, Mrs. Darley; Clarissa, Miss Johnson; Jenny,
Miss Dcllingcr.

The pantomime ballet "Mother Goose" was given on the
20th, with John Parker as Colin and Mrs. Parker as Colinettc;
"Measure for Measure" was played on the 27th for the first
time in New York: Mr. Pritcbard was the Duke; Robertson,
Angelo; Simpson, Claudio; Barnes, Elbow; and Mrs. Barnes,

2 2 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [«8:b

Isabella. "Frederick the Great" was acted on April ist: Fred-
erick, Pritchard; Charles, Simpson; Governor, Jones; Charlotte,
Mrs. Groshon; Brandt, Robertson; Stork, Barnes; Matilda, Mrs.
Barnes. Arthur Keene made his debut on April the 6th as Henry-
Bertram in "Guy Mannering." He died in Nashville, Tenn., in
[845. "Husbands and Wives" was given for the first time in
America on the 17th: Capt Tickal, Robertson; Humphrey Grub,
Hilson; Farmer Clover, Barnes; Lady S. Pccry, Mrs. Groshon;
Eliza Beaumont, Miss Johnson; Dame Bricrly, Mrs. Baldwin;
Rose Grub, Mrs. Barnes; "The Will for the Deed." by Dibdm,
was first acted here on May the 4th; "The Bride of Abydos " on
May the 23rd, and "Rob Roy," dramatized from Scott's famous
novel, was given for the first time in this city on June the 8th.
The cast was: Rob Roy, Robertson; Fnmcu, Darley; Rashlcigh,
Pritchard; the Bail lie, Hilson; Owen, Jones; Diana Vernon, Mrs.
Dartey, and Helen McGregor, Mrs. Barnes.

"Who's My Father?" was first played on July the 4th. Mrs.
Joseph George Holman first acted on the New York stage on July
the 8th, and sang "The Soldier Tired of War's Alarms." She
was a beautiful woman and one of the most charming singers
heard up to that time on the American stage. She was married
to Isaac Storr Clawson In 1819. He was a member of one of the
principal families of this city, and had acquired some local repu-
tation as a writer of satirical verses. After his union with Mis.
Holman he appeared for one or two seasons in leading characters
at the Park Theatre. The marriage was for the lady a most unfor-
tunate one, for Clawson, though a man of education, taste, and
considerable talent, was dissolute and profligate, and his treatment
of his wife, a gentle and amiable woman, was so intolerable that
she was compelled to sue for a divorce. She employed Gen. Sand-
ford as hrr lawyer. The divorce was obtained, and Clawson went
to London in 1830, where, after a wren-hed career, he and his mis-
tress shut themselves up in a room and put an end to their exist-
ence by inhaling the fumes of lighted charcoal. Mrs. Holman was
formerly Miss Latimer, and was engaged for this country by Mr.
Holman for the Charleston, S. C, Theatre. She married Mr.
Holman two days before his death.

The next season opened Aug. 31, 1818, with "The Soldier's
Daughter": Governor Heartall, Barnes; Frank Heartall (his first
appearance since bis return from Europe), Simpson; Malfort,
Robertson; Malfort, Jr., Pritchard; Captain Woodley (first ap-
pearance in America), Geo. H. Morcland ; Timothy Quaint (first
appearance in nine years), Mr. Dykes; Widow Cheerly (first ap-
rance in six years), Mrs. Entwistlc; also "The Irishman in
London," Mr. Blair acting Murtoch Dclany for his first appearance
in America. In the company were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hartley,

teigj

THE PARK THEATRE

James W. Wallack, R. C. Maywood, Thos. Kilncr, Miss Leesugg
(afterwards Mrs. Hackett), Howard, Morcland, Garner, Blair, Goll,
Mrs. Entwistle (formerly Mrs. Masnn) and Mr. Dykes.

Catherine Leesugg made her dtfbut on Sept. the rst as Jessie
Oatland and Marian Ramsay. James Howard made his American
bow on Sept. 2nd as Henry Bertram in "Guy Manncrin^. " .Mr.
er made his debut on the 3rd as Valvcrdc in " 1'izarro," and
Dermot in "The Poor Soldier": Howard as Patrick; Morcland,
Capt. Fitzroy; Blair, Father Luke; Barnes, Darby; Bancker,
Bagatelle; Miss Johnson, Norah; and Miss Leesugg as Kathleen.
Mr. Goll, the dancer, first appeared here Sept. the 4th as Barebones
in the ballet of the " Miser." James \V. Wallack first appeared in
America Sept. the 7th as Macbeth. He afterwards acted Corio-
lanus, Rolla in "Pizarro," Romeo, Hamlet, and Richard III.
Robert Campbell Maywood first played in America Jan. the 4th,
1 8 19, as Richard III. He died at the Marshall Institute, Troy,
N. Y., of paralysis Dec. i, 1856. "Fire and Water" was first
acted here Jan. the 15th, and "Zuma, or The Tree of Health." svas
first seen on the same date. "The Castle of Paluzzi " was played
Feb. the 15th. The tragedy " Altort " ihrst time on any Bta^e) wis
given Feb. the 19th, Wallack acting the title r61e; "Richard II."
(first time in New York) was played on the 27th: Wallack as
Richard; Pritchard as John of Gaunt; Simpson, Bolingbroke; Mrs.
Barney, the Queen; and Mrs. Holman as the Duchess. " Richard
II." had its first representation in America on Jan. the 22nd, 1819,
at the Chestnut St. Theatre, Philadelphia, with J. W. Wallack
King Richard. " Bcrmccidc " was first acted here March
the 3rd, also " Don Giovanni, or the Spectre on Horseback ; " and
on the 8th Jo_rm Payne produced his own tragedy, "Brutus.

Tt playing the hero himself. RuS it (."amp

or the Fall of Taxquin,
bell May wo

wood acted Hamlet on June the 4th. On the same even-
ing Daniel Reed first played in New York. Price and Simpson
opened the season of 1818-19 on Aug. 30 with "Who Wants a
Guinea?" and "The Review." Simpson, Kilncr, Maywood,
Baldwin, Spillcr, Barnes, Morcland, Mrs. Baldwin, and Miss
Johnson were in the company.

" The Mountain Torrent " was first acted on March the 1 st ;
" Helpless Animals, or Bachelor's Farce" had its initial perl
ance March the 9th. Frederick Brown first appeared in this city
the same night as Hamlet. He was the first manager of the
Theatre Royal. Montreal, Canada, and died in 1838. " The Wa

1" was given on the 16th for the first time, under the
title of "~fjyl anA \Wx\\, or The Orphans of the Rhine."
" Rochester, or the Merry Days of C'h.irle .iven

the 23rd. Mr. Hartley appeared as Hamlet the 29th, and "The
Gnome King" was seen April the 14th <for the first time). Miss

24 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [urn

Denny, afterwards known as Mrs. Drake, first acted in New York
April the 17th, as Helen Worrctt; " She Would bjp a Soldier, or

was given on April the 21st; The Forest
ie Bleeding Nun," was produced for the first
On Sept. the 8th Mr. Wallack was to have

the v,

oTKo

(oscnwald, or tl
time on the 26th.

appeared as Hamlet, but the theatre was closed on account of a
yellow-fever panic. After it was reopened Wallack and Cooper
played together, but either the weather or the health of the com-
munity was bad, for the house was again closed Jan. the 4th, 1820,
and remained so until Feb. the 21st No notable incident occurred
until May to, when the farewell engagement of J. W. Wallack,
who was about returning to England, commenced with his imita-
tions of the celebrated actors of the time. On May 25th, 1820, for
Major Noah's benefit, his drama, "The Siege of Tripoli." was per-
formed tor the third time that season. After the performance had
concluded and the audience had dispersed, the theatre was discov-
ered to be on fire, and in a short time was entirely consumed, the
actors losing all their effects. The proprietors of the theatre were
John Jacob Astor and John K. Beekman, who were not insured.

The season of 1821-2 commenced Sept. the tst, 1821, with the
opening of the New Park Theatre, which had been erected on
the site of the old one. The dimensions of the new house were
80 feet on Park Row and 165 in depth, running through to
Theatre Alley, which still retains its name. It hacf seven doors,
which opened into a commod ious vestibule, and was lighted with
three chandeliers and patent oil lamps, the chandeliers having
thirty-five lights each. Among the scenic artists was Henry
Isherwood, then learning his business. The managers were Price
and Simpson. The performance included a prize poetical address
written by Charles Sprague, and the comedy of " Wives as They
Were, and Maids as They Arc," followed by "Thj^rejejOr Orphan
of Geneva." The first new piece produced was " Damon and
Pythias on Sept. the 10th, 1821, with Mr. Maywood as Damon.
Peter Richings made his American d£but Sept. the 25th as Henry
Bertram in "Guy Mannering. " His real name was Puget, and his
resemblance to George Washington was so remarkable that he sat
to Sully, the painter, when the latter painted the Father of his
Country. His versatility was really remarkable. He remained
at this theatre for thirteen years, and took his farewell of the
stage at the Richmond, Va. , Theatre with the Richings Opera
Company in 1868. He died in Richmond, Jan. the 18th, 1871.

Junius Brutus Booth's New York de'but took place Oct. the
5th as Richard III., followed by Octavian in "The Mountaineers,"
Brutus, Lear, Othello, Hamlet, and Jerry Sneak in "The Wags of
Windsor." His last appearance on the stage was at the St. Charles
Theatre, New Orleans, La., Nov. the 19th, 1852, as Moriimei in

ifaj]

THE PARK THEATRE

"The Iron Chest," and John Lump in "The Mayor of Garrett"
He died on the steamer J. W. Chenoworth during her passage
from New Orleans to Cincinnati, O-, Nov. the 30th, 1852. Joseph
Cowcll made his American dc'but Oct. the 30th as L' Eclair in
"The Foundling of the Forest," and Crack in "The Turnpike
Gate." He visited England with his granddaughter, Kate Bate-
man. where he resided until his death, Nov. the 14th, 1863. "The
Miller's Maid" was given Dec. the 7th. The Misses Durang first
acted in this city Jan. the 7th, 1822, "King Henry IV." was
given Feb. the 4th; "Chances" was first played here Feb. the
18th. "William Pelby " first appeared in this city on the 20th as
Macbeth. He died in Boston, May 28, 185a The season closed
July 6 and reopened Nov. 4, when J. F. Footc first played in this
city in "The Soldier's Daughter." Charles Mathews, the elder,
first acted in New York Nov. the 22nd, playing Goldfinch in "The
Road to Ruin." His next appearance was Oct. the 14th, 1834.
His last appearance here occurred on Feb. the nth, 1835. This
was also his farewell of the stage, for on his voyage to Europe he
was taken ill, and on his arrival in England was conveyed to
Plymouth, where he died June 28th, 1835.

pn Mountain Boys." an American drama, was first

acted fc>h th»» ?mX \ktf UThf> Snp " was nrnrinrfH M.-irrh 1st ;
and "The Irish Tutor" was first seen in America on the 15th.
Labassc, the dancer, first appeared in this city on the t8th, in the
ballet "La Belle Pcruvicnnc." " Adeline, ox the Victim >
tion," was first seen May 1st (first time in America); "Montrose "
THe 13th; "The Antiquary" the 17th; "Expected Collegian " the
24th. Cooper returned on June the 10th in " Alexander the Great "
ami " The Taming of the Shrew. " " Fredolfo " was first acted here
June 14; and "The Grecian Captive" on the 17th. The season
closed July the 6th with the " Battle of Lexington."

Henry Placidc first acted hen: on Sept. the 2nd as Zckiel Home-
spun in "The Heir at Law," and Dr. Dabloncocur in "A Budget of
Blunders." Placide's first appearance in this city was made in
18 13, when only fourteen years of age, at the old Anthony St.
Theatre. He retired from the stage in 1843 and took up his resi-
dence at Babylon, L. I. He returned to the stage in the autumn
of 1856 with Laura Keene's company. He acted at the Winter
Garden Theatre in this city on March 25, 1865, as Corporal
Cartouche in the military drama of that name. He died at Baby-
lon, L. L, Jan. 23, 1870. His first and only appearance in
tragedy was as lago, to jack Reeves' Othello, in June, 1835.

Mrs. Mary Duff first appeared here Sept. the 5th, 1823, as
Hermione in "The Distressed Mother." to J. B. Booth's Orestes.
"Home, Sweet Home" was first sung in this country Nov. 12th.
"Undine, or the Spirits of the Waters" was given for the first

26 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'»»5

time in America Nov. 25th, and "Maid and Marian" Jan. 9th,
1824. William A. Conway made his American debut Jan. 12th as
Hamlet. At the latter end of 1826 he bade farewell to the stage
preparatory to taking holy orders. In the summer of 1827 he
visited Newport, and in a secluded place, adjacent to the ocean,
he shut himself out from the world and confined himself to books.
In 1828 he took passage for Savannah on board the ship Niagara,
and having arrived off the bar of Charleston, he seized an oppor-
tunity when the passengers and captain were at dinner, threw
himself into the tea, IM was drowned. Conway was six feet fur
inches high, well proportioned, and possessed great muscular
power, and a masterly command of his countenance, which seemed
to have been formed to express the passions of his sou] and to de-
'.tc the characters of Shakespeare

"Lafaycf «*. "r for f>a'it1c of Qlrnutz, " was acted on Feb. the 23rd
for the first time; " Little TTncTTTay 3rd, also for the 6rst time;
"Pride Must Have a Fall" 31st; and " Fish Out of Water" was
first acted here June 4th. J. B. Booth played Pescara in "The
Apostate" June 9th, to Conway's Hemeya. Isaac Starr Clason
le his debut on the 18th as Hamlet. The season closed July
the 5th, and reopened Aug. 30th with "The Poor Gentleman"
and "Ella Rosenberg." Woodhull, Bancker, Ncxsen, Kent, John
Clark, Richings, Footc, Henry Placide, Simpson, Wilkinson, Mrs.
Wheatlcy, Miss Johnson, and Mrs. Bancker were in the company.
"The Cataract of the Ganges" had a most successful run herc.
Lydia Kelly first acted in America Sept. 17th, as Lady Teazle in
"The School For Scandal;" "Cherry Bounce" was played on
Oct. 2nd, with Mrs. Wheatlcy as Mrs. Homespun; Bamcs acted
Gregory in "Family Jars " on the 14th; "Charles II." was first
played on the 25th. Major Stevens, a dwan, appeared on this
stage Nov. 12th as Tom Thumb. W. Burroughs first acted in
America Nov. 18, as Romeo; Mrs. Jervis made her debut in
America 22nd in "The Blind Boy;" "Sweethearts and Wives"
was first acted in New York 23rd: Admiral Franklin, Foote;
Charles, Simpson; Billy I^ckaday, Hilson; Laura, Miss Johnson;
Eugenia, Miss Kelly; Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Wheatlcy.

" The Way to Keep Him " was given Dec. 15th, also the "Two
Prisoners of Lyons;" this was a version of "Robert Macaire."
" Alasco " was first acted here on the t6th. Cooper reappeared on
the 20th as Duke Aranza in "The Honeymoon." He played Jafficr
in " Venice Preserved " on the 22nd ; " Frankenstein " was given for
the first time in America Jan. 1st, 1825; "Cherry and Fair Star"
on Jan. 10th; "A Woman Never Vext," 27th; "Ostler "and "The
Robber," Feb. 1st. The English version of Von Weber's "Der
Frcyschutz" was sung for the first time in A: DO March the

12th, and the American di'hut of Lime, Part U Sophia in "The

iSasD

THE PARK THEATRE

Road to Ruin " took place on the 1 7th of the same month. " Cains
Gracchus " was first acted here April 23rd, and T. A. Cooper played
Charles Surface in "The School For Scandal," and Petruchio
in "Taming of the Shrew" on April 25th. George Barrett first
appeared here May 30th, acting Gossamer in "Just My I.uck."
"Phellcs, King of Tyre" was given for the first time June 13th.
Th<TSeaSon closed July 5th and was reopened Aug. 20th, 1825.
Hilson acted Shylock 30th, with Mrs. Battcrsby as Portia. Julia
Wheatlev first appeared on the stage Sept. 14th, dancing a pas
sail. She was fourteen years of age at the time. In 1835 she
appeared as a contralto vocalist in Italian Opera. She was mar-
ried to E. H. Miller on June 1st, 1840, and retired from the stage.

"William Tell " was first seen in this city Sept. 26th : William
Tell, Cooper; Michael, Hilson; Jagheli, Stanley; Albert, Mrs.
Battcrsby; Annclli, Mrs. l)e Luce; Gesler, Woodhull; Struth,
Harncs; Mclctal, Placidc; Waldcmar, Mrs. Barnes, and Agnes,
Mrs. Hilson. "The Vision of the Sun" was given Oct. 3rd,
" 'T would Puzzle a Conjuror" 17th, and Conway acted Jafficr Oct.
24, with Mrs. Barnes as Belvidera in "Venice Preserved." Thomas
& Hamblin first appeared in America Nov. 1st, as Hamlet. Mrs.
T. S. Hamblin was first seen in America Nov. 4th, as Mrs. Haller
in "The Stranger." This lady was the first wife of Mr. Hamblin,
and the mother of Bessie and William Hamblin. After procuring
a divorce from Hamblin, she married a young man named Charles.
She died in New Orleans, La-, May 8th, 1849, of cholera

After an absence of four years, Kdmund Kean reappeared in this
city Nov. 14th, 1825, as Richard III. He had grossly miscon-
ducted himself, and his reception by the audience is thus described
by an eye-witness:

"The house was crowded from pit to the topmost gallery, but
there were only two females in the first, and two in the second
tier of boxes; and these were soon compelled to beat a precipitate
retreat. The curtain rose, and two of the minor characters of the
play appeared and commenced reciting their parts; but the confu-
sion was too great to allow them to be heard. Kean was loudly
called for, and he specdliy appeared, bowed, and prepared to
address the audience. The moment he appeared, however, he
was assailed by such a powerful and unexpected burst of catcalls
and shower of hisses that he for a moment quailed. He attempted
to obtain a hearing, but in vain. After standing upon the stage
fully a quarter of an hour, he was compelled to retire. He soon,
however, made a second attempt, and was again driven indignantly
off. An orange struck him and fell upon the stage. He picked
it up and again came forward, holding it in his hand, and ;it-
tempted to obtain a hearing. But it was again in v;iin, and he
retired. A gentleman — one of his friends — then arose and at-

28 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«*5

tempted to speak a word for him; but nothing could be heard
but ' Hear him I ' ' Kcan forever 1 ' ' Down ! ' ' Down ! ' ' To
Bridewell with him!' 'No little breeches here!' In what was
called ' The Shakespeare ' of the theatre, in a conspicuous posi-
tion, stood a mulatto, straining his voice to its utmost pitch, and
bellowing ' Kean! Kcan I' Beside him, in the 'slips,' was an-
other conspicuous fellow in a conspicuous corner, crying out:
' Hurrah for the Seducer!" ' Hurrah for the Alderman!' says
the mulatto. 'Boston!' cried the white-hatted fellow. 'New
York ! ' responded the negro. ' Boston and Mrs. Cox ! ' exclaimed
the white hat. ' Pork and molasses! ' chimed in the black. ' Put
out that nigger! ' ' Put out that white hat! ' were heard in vari-
ous places. ' Hurrah for Kean! ' vociferated the black again, and
the whole gallery instantly responded to their leader. The pit
was, with one exception, in Kean's favor, and very soon entirely
so. The dress boxes were almost unanimously his friends. The
principal opposition came from the ' slips ' and second tier.

"At length Manager Simpson came forward; but even he could
not be heard. Notwithstanding the uproar, it was decreed in the
green room that the play should go on. And on it went — ' Richard
III." in pantomime. Not a sound from the stage could be heap!.
and, ' ever and anon each dreary pause between.' a not very gentle
salutation of an orange or a rotten apple greeted some part of
Kean's body. Every time he made his appearance the cries were
redoubled ' He, Kean. has insulted our country,' cried one.
' Bravo! that he lias.' cried another. ' Down with the rioters!'
' Send the Hostonians home!' At this moment a noise from with-
out attracted attention. An immense assemblage of the populace
were at the doors and threatened to take the theatre by storm.
Mr. Simpson then appeared and implored the audience to act with
more decorum, and display a little more respect for themselves.
After a short interval the pantomime was resumed. Kcan became
more agitated and angry. A bag of sand with a label struck his
shoulder. His eyes flashed fire and he trembled with rage. At
last, in the dying scene, he was saluted with a shower of tOl
apples. Thus ended Kean's first appearance."

The next day Kean published the following to the public:

"With oppressed feeling*, heart-rending to my friends, and triumphant to my
enemies, I make an appeal to that country famed for its hospitality to the
stringer and mercy to the conquered. Allow me to say, whatever my offences,
I disclaim all. intention of offering anything in the shape of disrespect towards
tin: mh.iliit ints of New York. They received me from the first with an enthu-
siasm, grateful /'* tkosekonrs to my pride, in the pretenl to my memory. I cannot
recall to my mind any act or thought that did not prompt me to an unfeigned
acknowledgment of their favors as a public and profound admiration for the pri-
vate worth of those circles in which I had the honor of moving. That 1 have
committed an error appears too evident from the all-decisive voice of the poblk.

I83S]

THE PARK THEATRE

but surely it is but juxtice to the delinquent, whatever may be hit enormities, to
make reparation where the offences were committed. My misunderstanding took
place in I'.oston — to Boston ! shall assuredly go to apologize for my indis-
cretions. I visit this country now, under different feelings and auspices than
on a former occasion. Then I was an ambitious man, and the proud representa-
tive of Shakespeare's heroes ; the spark of ambition is extinct, and I merely ask a
shelter in which to close my professional and mortal career. I give the weapon
into the hands of my enemies ; if they are brave they will not turn it against the
defenceless. Edmund Kh.

Mr. Kcan then proceeded to Host on, and was announced to
appear at the Federal Street Theatre Dec. 29 as Richard. Pre-
vious to appearing, Kcan published the following card in the
morning papers:

" I would take the liberty of informing the citizens of Boston of my arrival, in
confidence that liberality and forbearance will gain the ascendancy over prejudice
and cruelty. That I have erred, I acknowledge ; that I have suffered for my
errors, my loss of fame and fortune is too melancholy an illustration. Acting
from the impulse 01 ■■■ I was disrespectful to the Boston public ; calm

deliberation convinces me T was wrong. The first step toward* the Throne of
Mercy is confession — the hope we are taught, forgiveness. Man must not ex-
pect more than those attributes which wc offer our God. EMRJXD Ki an."

The house was filled immediately after the doors were opened.
Kcan made his appearance, bowing and scraping, and attempted to
speak, but was compelled to retire without 1 hearing. As he was
passing off at the stage door two or three apples and an egg were
thrown upon the stage. Mr. Kilner then entered, dressed for the
part of King Henry; he, too, was assailed with hisses and cries
of " Off ! " " Off ! " He, however, was heard to say that Mr. Kean
wished to make an apology; to which some one in the gallery
replied: "Damn his hypocritical heart, let him be gone!"

Kcan at length appeared a second time, led on by Mr. Kilner,
and, after waiting several minutes for silence, was compelled to
retire unheard. When Mr. Finn appeared at the commencement
of the second act, the uproar increased, and to the calls for Kean,
Mr. Finn replied that Kean had left the theatre. He again at-
tempted to proceed with his part, but without success. He went
off, the curtain was dropped, and the lamps in front of the stage
were let down. Soon after the performance stopped, the crowd,
which had been gathering the whole evening in the vicinity of the
theatre, had become immense, and, pressing upon the door opening
on Federal Street, overpowered the doorkeeper and rushed upon
the lobby and stairs. The pit was soon cleared, and benches,
lamps, and almost everything that could be moved were thrown
into the pit. Many of the windows were destroyed, the doors
broken, the front of the gallery and boxes were much injured, and
the chandeliers broken to atoms. A large number of the audience

30 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i«*

retreated to the stage, and kept possession of it, preserving the
scenery from destruction. The riot act was read by Justice Whit-
man. The amount of damage done was considerable. There were
no females in the house.

Jan. 4, 1826, Kean appeared at the Park theatre as King Lear
for Mrs. Hilson's benefit. He was loudly and flatteringly received
by every part of the house, with cries of " Bravo, Kean 1 ' He was
called for at the close and made an address to the audience, thank-
ing them. It was said, as a compliment to Edmund Kean, that
the mantle of George Cooke had fallen upon him. But, as has
been the case with so many men of genius, "the drink" was his
relentless and conquering foe.

Mrs. Sharpe (Miss Lcesugg) first appeared in America as I.ady
Teazle on Nov. 15th. She took her final leave of the stage May 5th,
1840, in Philadelphia. James Kirby's American de"but was made
Nov. 24th as Scaramouch in " Don Juan."

— 4««lian Opera was first introduced to America Nov. 29th, 182s.
"Barbiere di Seviglia" was the first opera given, with this cast:
\A'maviva, Sig. Garcia; Bartolo, Sig. Rosich; Basilo, Sig. Angris.mi ;
Florelli, Sig. Crevelli ; Figaro, Sig. Garcia, Jr. ; Rosina, Marie Felicia
Garcia ; Beta, Marie Felicia Garcia, Signor Garcia's daughter. The
orchestra consisted of twenty-five instruments, viz., seven violins,
two tenors, two basses, three clarionets, two horns, two trumpets,
a bassoon, kettle-drum, and a piano. De Lace was the leader, and
the prices of admission were advanced to $2.00 for a scat in the
boxes, and {1.00 in the pit. The receipts were $2980. On Dec.
1 2th " Fatal Dowry " was acted, and " L'Amante Asm to " was sung
on the 17th by the Garcia Company. The ballet "American Tars"
was done the 26th, and the opera of " Tancredi " was sung for the
first time in America 31st, and cast as follows: Tancredi, Sig.
Garcia; Orbazzano, Angrisani; Amcnide, Mme. Barbiere; Orgivio,
Garcia, Jr.; Ruggiero, Crevelli.

" Paul Pry " was first played in America Jan. nth, 1826. Hilson
was Paul Pry. Cooper and Conway opened Jan. 16th as Orsini and
Qcsario in " Alfonso " and Hotspur and Prince of Wales in " Henry
IV." Conway played Romeo to Cooper's Mercutio on the 27th.
Edmund Kean put in an appearance Feb. 6th ; " Otello " was sung
on the 7th for the first time in America, Garcia as Otello, Signorina
Garcia as Desdemona. Marie Felicia Garcia while in New York
married a French merchant named Malibran, more than double
her own age, but who was reputed to be rich. The prima donna
was sadly disappointed in her expectations, deserted her husband,
and returned to France Nov. 1st, 1827. Having been divorced from
Malibran in January. 1832, she was again married in March, 1X36,10
M. Dc Beriot, a musician. She met a violent death in Manchester,
England, by being thrown from her horse, on Sept. 23rd, 1836.

>s;r,|

THE PARK THEATRE

3«

James Henry Hackctt first acted at this theatre March ist,
1826. as Justice Woodcock in " Love in a Village." He had previ-
ously appeared with a small company at Newark, N. J., in 1816. At
19 years of age he was married to (Catherine Leesugg. He visited
Europe in 1828, being the first American to appear as a star on the
London stage. His reception was of a doubtful character, but he
was more successful in his trips in 1832-1845 and 1851. He man-
aged the old Chatham, Bowery, National (Leonard and Church Sts.),
Niblo's, and Astor Place Opera House at various times from 1825 to
1855. He died at his country seat in Jamaica, L I., Dec. 28th, 1871.
His dialect mimicry was remarkable; he spoke and wrote several
languages and Indian dialects, and had frequently preached in
French, German, etc. He was probably the best Sir John Falstaff
that ever enacted the character. He was a great student of Shakes-
peare and the projector of the Shakespearian Statue in Central
l'ark. As Marbleau in " Monsieur Tonson," Q'Callaghan in " Hj«_
Jast Legs," Sir Pertinax Mac Sycophant in "The Man of the World,"
and Rip Van Winkle he was unapproachable.

"Semiramide" was first heard in America April 25th, 1826.
Edwin Forrest first acted in this theatre June 23rd for WoodhulPs
benefit. He had appeared at the Bowery Theatre Jan. 17th. 1825.
Mrs. Mangeon made her American debut Sept. 28th as Floretta in
the opera, " The Cabinet." Mrs. Mangeon had a son whom she
forced upon the stage as a youthful prodigy, June 7th, 1832, at the
Bowery Theatre. She returned to England Jan. 20, 1832, and left
the stage. She opened a cigar store on Regent St. London, and
afterwards kept a millinery shop.

Charles William Macrcady first appeared in America Oct. 2nd,
1826, as Virginius. The house was topfull. Mr. Macrcady was
welcomed at his entrance with loud, long, and enthusiastic applause,
which was renewed at his every appearance throughout the whole
performance. The receipts were $1,680. He acted William Tell on
the 13th, and in this play Master William Wheatley made his debut
as Albert. He afterwards became one of the best light comedians
on the American stage. He was the first person to raise the Ameri-
can Flag on the soil of Nicaragua. From Aug. 1853 to 1858.be
was manager of the Arch St. Theatre, Philadelphia. In 1862, he
was one of the Wallack-Davcnport Company. He became lessee of
Niblo's Garden. New York, July 21, 1862; retired from the stage
Aug. 31st. 1868, and died in this city Nov. 3rd, 1876. "The
Comedy of Errors" was given on Oct. 25th, with this cast : Anti-
pholus of Syracuse, Mr. Lee; Antipholus of Ephesus, Woodhull;
Dromio of Ephesus, Hackctt : Dromio of Syracuse, Barnes ; Solinus,
Jones; Angelo, Denman ; Adriana, Mrs. Hackett; Pigeon, Foote;
Abbess, Mrs. Stickney; Luciana, Mrs. Sharpe. J. J. Adams reap-
peared Nov. 6th, as Hamlet. " A Midsummer Night's Dream" was

32 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'»»7

first acted in America Nov. 9th, and thus cast : Theseus, Lee ; Bot-
tom, Hilson ; Snout, Placidc ; Oberon, Richings ; Puck, Mrs. Hilson ;
Titania, Mrs. Sharpe; Hypolita, Mrs. Stickncy; and Hermia, Mrs.
Hackett. Kean reappeared on the 13th as Richard, to Mrs. Barnes'
Queen Elizabeth. "Teasing made Easy" was given for the first
time on the 23rd. Mrs. Edward Knight made her American debut
on the 30th, as Floretta in the " Cabinet."

Macready returned Dec. nth as Macbeth, " Virginius " the 13th.
"Henry IV." the 29th, appearing as the King. Thomas Barry
made his American debut Dec. 16th, acting the " Stranger." He
soon after became stage manager of this theatre, which position he
filled until 1833. After a visit to Boston, he appeared at the
Bowery Theatre July 15th, 1839, as William Tell. He reappeared
at this theatre as stage-manager in 1841, which position he held
until June 5th, 1848. He married Clara S. Biddies May 31st, 1856.
His last appearance was in 1870 at Selwyn's Globe Theatre, Boston,
as the Duke in " Lady Clara." He died in Boston Feb. nth, 1876.
" Native I-and " was first acted in America Jan. 12th, 1827, with this
cast: Guiseppe, Barnes; Tancredi, Barry; Marcello, Richings;
Peregrino, Hilson: Zaneini, Mrs. Wheatley ; Aurelio, Mrs. Hackett;
Coelio, Mrs. Knight; Clymantc, Mrs, Sharpe; and Lavini, Mrs.
Brundage.

" Thirteen to the Dozen," was first played 22nd. Mrs. Thomas
Barry made her American debut on the 29th as Juliet in " Romeo
and Juliet." Sbc died in this city Feb. 20, 1854. " Cinderella " was
presented Feb. 1st, with E. II. Conway as the Prince, and Placidc as
Pedro. " The Conquest of Taranlo" was first acted here on the 5th.
Macready reappeared on the 7th as Pierre in " Venice Preserved,"
and afterwards acted Ramont, and in " King John " " Henry IV.,"
"Taming of the Shrew," and Cassius in "Julius Caesar." "White
Lies" was given for the first time on the 14th, " Luke the Laborer"
the 17th: Hilson as Luke; Woodhull, Squire Chase; Footc, Wake-
field; Simpson, Charles Maydcw ; Placidc, Bobby ; Barry, Phillips;
Mrs. Wheatley. The Dame; Mrs. Sharpe, Clara ; and Mrs. Smith as
Jenny. " The Two Houses of Granada," an opera, was sung March
1st. with Mrs. Knight as Julia. "Giovanni in London" was first
acted in America on the 9th, with Hackett as Giovanni. " Twixt the
Cup and the Lip " was done on the 13th for the first time. " School
for Grown Children" was seen on the 20lh, for the first time in this
city. " Foscari " was given on the 23rd, with Conway as Foscari,
Barry the Doge, and Mrs. Barnes as Camilla. " Quadrupeds " was
played on the 31st for first time here. '•The Plying Dutchman"
was given on April 10th, with Barry as Vandcrdccken, and Placidc
as Von Brum m ell.

Macready reappeared on the 16th in " Caius Gracchus." "The
Dead Shot" was first acted on the 23rd, with Placidc as Timid, and

i$17D

THE PARK THEATRE

Mrs. Whcatley as Chatter. Macready was again seen on the 30th
as Cardinal Wolsey and Rob Roy. Moses S. Phillips first appeared
May 2nd as Mawworm in "The Hypocrite" and Old Hrummagcm.
"The Englishman in India" was seen for the first time on
May 4th. John Povey made his American debut on the 7th. He
died in London, Eng , May 2nd. 1867. John Green first acted in
this city May 19th as Dennis Bulgruddcry in "John Bull." Mrs.
P. K. Moran made her debut on the 31st as Julia Mannering, in
" Guy Mannering" Macrcady was again seen as Macbeth on June 4th,
and "Julius Carsar" 12th. "The Eleventh Hour," " Burning of the
Kent," and " The East Indiaman " were acted for the first time 15th.
Mr. Williamson and Win. E. Dinneford made their debut here on
the 20th as Count Bellino in " The Devil's Bridge," and Tom in
"Tom and Jerry." The season closed July 4th and reopened on the
13th with a French opera company consisting of Mons. and Mine.
Alexandre Theodore. Richard Notairc, and Mmc. Paradol. They
sang twice each week. "La Ccncrcntola" was the only opera
given. "Paul Pry" opened the dramatic season Sept. 3rd, 1827.
Barry. Simpson, Woodhull, Hilson. Rces, Placidc, Howard, Boyle,
Foot. W. Jones, H. Williams. H. Knight, Jcrvis, T. Placide, Povey,
Mesdames Hilson, Hackett, Stickney. Sharpe, Wheatley, Barry,
Godey. Danie, Moreland, Benjamin, Misses Hrumlagc, Bland, and
Julia Wheatley were of the company.

jjlara Fisher made her American debut Sept. nth as Albina
Manrteviltc in " The Will." and also in the " Four Mowbrays."
Her singing of " Hurrah for the Bonnets of Blue " (the first time
it was heard in America) was received with thunders of applause.
She became a great favorite with the audience here. She after-
wards appeared as Goldfinch, Maria in "The Actress of All Work,"
Helen Worrett, Letitia Hardy, Crack, Little Pickle, Young \orval,
Harriet in "Is He Jealous?" Priscilbl Tomboy, Lydia languish,
Cherubino. and .Clan. In "Little I'iekle " she danced the sailor's
hornpipe. She played Ophelia to Charles Kcmblc's Hamlet, when
he first appeared in America. She delighted every one with
comedy, farce, and song. Thoroughly educated in music, she had
a most winning soprano voice, and her songs made glad the hearts
of her audiences. She was a genteel, genuine, elegant, and refined
lady on the stage, in the higher walks of comedy; and in the line
of broad farce as a rollicking, romping, giddy, active, and humorous
girl, she could not be surpassed. Her sailor's hornpipe in " Little
Pickle " probably gave more real pleasure than any fantastic fas
ever executed by a French dancer. Her best character in tragedy
was Ophelia, which she played with touching grace and winning
simplicity. She was married to James G. Macdcr. the vocal preceptor
of Charlotte Cushman and others, on Dec. 6th, 1834. On Sept.
28th. 1841, she was the recipient of a benefit. The receipts

34 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [u*8

reached {1,960. Her farewell of this house occurred Nov. 6th, 1844.
when she played Lydia Languish in " The Rivals " for the benefit
of Mr*. Vernon, her sister. She reappeared in this city after a long
absence during the season of 1851-2 at Brougham's Lyceum. She
afterwards appeared in opera at Niblo's Garden, with Mmc. Thillon.
Much of the ample fortune she acquired in her earlier years was
lost by the failure of the United States Bank. Her last appearance
on the stage was New Year's week of 1889 in " TJuLJJaliErv of
Love " in Baltimore, Md. (at 78 years of age). She died in
Metiichen. N. J., Nov. 12th, 1898. She was born in Eng. July 14th,
181 1. At the time of her death she was the oldest actress in
America.

Mr. Rccs made his American debut Sept. 15th as Justice
Woodcock in " Love in a Village." He died in Cork, Ireland.
Oct. 1843. Henry Knight first acted in America Oct. 9th as Tom
in " Intrigue." He married Miss Kent, who afterwards became Mrs.
Dc Costa. He died Dec. nth, 1839. "Faustus" was given
Oct. nth. Charles E. Horn first sang in America on the 17th as
Seraskier in "The Siege of Belgrade." He retired from the stage
and opened a music store in New York. He died in Boston, Oct.
21st, 1849. Cooper acted Virginius, and Mrs. Barnes was the
Virginia on Nov. 9th; "Hears not Beasts" was played the 12th,
" The Gambler's Fate " the 1 5th, " Bricrcliff " the 26th, •' Vcshcr of
I'alcrmo" the 30th. " Cornish Miners " Dec. the 3. and on the
same night James Hackctt played Tristram Fickle in the "Weather-
cock" for the first time. William S. Forrest, brother of Edwin
Forrest, first acted here on the 14th as Harry Dornton in "The
Road to Pviin." He died in Philadelphia, Feb., 1833. He was
born in that city and learned the printer's trade. On Feb. 2nd,
1828, he made his first appearance on the stage, at the Walnut
Street Theatre, as Zaphna in " Mahomet."

Mrs. Elizabeth Austin first acted in this city Jan. 2nd, 1828, as
Rosetta in " Love in a Village " ; " Sleeping Beauty " was given on
the 8th; "Amphitryon, or the Two Sosias," the 17th. A brief
opera season commenced on the 18th with " Marriage of Figaro."
followed by "Der Freyschutz." "Castle of Andalusia." "Claxul'
" Abon Hassan," " No Song, No Supper," and " Midas." Tntbc
organization were Mrs. Austin, Chas. E. Horn. I.ydia Kelly, and Mrs.
Knight (Eliza Povey"). " Artaxerxes" was given on the 31st. Mrs.
John Sloman (Miss Whittaker) first acted here Feb. 4th as Isabella
in the " Fatal Marriage." She was formerly known as Mrs. Dowton.
She retired from the stage and took up her residence in Charleston,
S. C. where she died Feb. 7, 1858. John Sloman first appeared at
this theatre 18 as Sam Savory. " Alfred the Great " was acted 13th.
" The Goldsmith " 27th, " The Courier of Naples " March 6th, " For-
get and Forgive " 17th, " Knights of the Cross " 24th, and *' Haunted

|M ]

THE PARK THEATRE

Inn" April 1st. T. A. Cooper acted Macbeth April 2nd. — his first
appearance since his European tour. The opera of " Dido " was
sung on the 9th. Miss Hamilton made her American de"but 15th as
Virginia, to Cooper's Virginius, and Cooper was seen as Othello 21st,
2 and in " RfidJlover" May 1st. Hackett first played Falstaff on the
1 sth. " An Aunt m Virginia " was played on the 14th, with Mrs.
Maywoon as Mrs. Clatter-pony. " Paris and London " was given
on the 16th, "The Somnambulist " the 22nd, with Mrs. Hilson as
Ernestine. Charles E. Muzzy first appeared on the 24th, as Rolla in
•• Pizarro." He died at Auburn, N. Y.. Jan. 9th. 1852. " Invinci-
ble" was given 26th, with Clara Fisher as Victoire.

Louisa Lane (afterwards Mrs. John Drew) first appeared at this
theatre June 3rd, 1828. as Little Pickle. Her first appearance in
New York was at the old Bowery Theatre, March 6th. 1828. Born
in England, Jan. 10. 1818, she appeared on the stage when only nine
months old. Her American de"but was "Sept. 26th. 1827. at the
Walnut St. Theatre, Philadelphia, Pa., as the Duke of York, to J. B.
Booth's Richard III. In 1836 she was married to Henry B. Hunt,
who died in New York Feb. nth, 1854. In 1848 she was married to
George Mossop. an Irish comedian, having been divorced from Hunt,
who died suddenly in Albany, N. Y., Oct. 8th. 1S49. On July 27th,
1850, she was married to John Drew, the famous Irish comedian,
who died in Philadelphia. May 21, 1862. Mrs. Drew was connected
with the stage for over seventy-five years. Her reading was fault-
less, her voice was of great compass and musical in tone, her enun-
ciation so clear and distinct that you lost no word or syllable of the
text in her most impassioned utterance. For over thirty years she
wa9 manager of the Arch St. Theatre. Philadelphia, retiring May 7th,
1892. She played the part of Mrs. Malaprop in "The Rivals" for
the first time on Feb. 22nd. 1879, when Joseph Jefferson revived the
comedy at the Arch St. Theatre. This is the character with which
Mrs. Drew is more closely identified in the minds of the present
generation of theatre-goers. A benefit was tendered to Mrs. Drew
at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, in 1880. She afterwards
travelled with Joseph Jefferson, and acted Mrs. Malaprop, to Jeff e:
as Bob Acres, and William Florence as Sir Lucius. Her last engage-
ment was in the title role of "Th» Sporting Duchess." Her last
appearance on the stage was May 13, 1897, for the benefit of Edwin
Knowlcs at the Montauk Theatre, Brooklyn, when she acted in a.
little sketch arranged by Mary Shaw, entitled " TJic_FJrst_Jury__of *-
Women." She died in New York Aug. 31, 1897.
"Tttrw Wells appeared June 7th. In 1S31 she was married to John
Sefton. The opera " Isidore de Merida " was sung June 9th.
" John Rock " was first acted in America on the 10th, when Mile.
Constance, dancer, first appeared; Mile. Rosalie, French dansrust,
was seen on the 14th. " The Apostate " was acted the 28th, with J,

36 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»

B. Booth, as Pcscara, Maywood as Malec, and Mrs. Duff as Florinda.
For his benefit. July 2nd, Booth acted Macbeth, and John R. Scott
made his first appearance on the stage as Malcolm, and Mrs. Charles
Gilfert was the Lady Macbeth. Mrs. Gilfert was the first actress
to command £200 a night, salary, which she did in this city in 1814.
She came to this country in 1812 as Agnes Holman. In 1815 she
was married to Charles Gilfert, who died in 1829. Her last appear-
ance on the stage was July 26th, 1831, at this theatre, as Lady
Constance in " King John.' She afterwards visited Philadelphia,
where she died in the most abject poverty, and was buried by
subscription.

The season closed July 5th, when Master Mercer first appeared
on the stage as a vocalist. A summer season followed, with Louisa
Lane as the star on the 16th, playing Albert in "William Tell."
She followed this with the" Actress of All Work," Goldfinch, Doctor
Pangloss in " The Heir at law," Prince Anthony, and Amelia
Wildlovc. " Valentine and Orson " was given the 29th, with Mmc.
Celeste as Valentine. The season closed Aug. 2nd, and reopened
Sept. 1st, 1828. with the "Rivals" and "Twaa L" James H.
Caldwell first acted in this city on the 2nd, as Belcour"in " The West
Indian," and the " Three Singles " in " Three and Deuce." His last
appearance on the stage was Jan. 14th, 1843, as Vapid in " The
Dramatist."

Mary Ann Russell (afterwards Mrs. M. A. Farren) first appeared
at this theatre Sept. 1 ith as Young Norval and Little Pickle. She
died in this city Sept. 24th, 1 894. A French ballet company con-
sisting of Rcnoni, Duruisscll, St. Clair, Fcllman, Miles. Estelle,
Adrie Ravcnot, Louise, and Hyacinth, opened Sept. 13th. " Ups
and Downs " was acted the 16th.

James W. Wallack appeared as Rolla in "Pizarro"on the 17th,
Mrs. Drake being the Elvira. Mrs. Barnes appeared on the 26th as
Juliet, to James Wallack's Romeo. Emma Wheatley made her first
appearance Sept. 26th as one of the " Children in the Wood." Before
she was thirteen years of age she acted Julia in " The Hunchback "
June 25, 1834, for her mother's benefit. On Sept. 9, 1837, she
married James Mason (a son of the president of the Chemical Hank),
and left the stage; but, owing to her husband having lost his means,
she, after an absence of nine years, reappeared at this theatre
Jan. It, 1847, as Juliet. She appeared for the last time on the stage
in the spring of that year, as Julia in " The Hunchback." She died
on Long Island, July 16, 1854.

Clara Fisher appeared as Albina Manderville in " The Will " on
Oct. 8th, and "Oberon, or The Charmed Horn" was given for
the first time in America on the 9th. " Lear of Private Life " was
played the 17th. "-QiurdajioJ' was given for the first time on the
stage Nov. 13th. Mmc. Feron made her American debut on the

itajG

THE PARK THEATRE

27th, acting Floretta in the " Cabinet." Fearon was the lady's right
name. She was married to Mr. Glassop, and died in London, Eng-
land in May, 1853. " Who wants a Guinea ? " svas given Dec. 3rd.
"John of Paris" the 15th. also for the first time. " Knights of the
Cross," and Byron's " Werner " were given here the rfith, with Harry
as Werner; "Temple of Death" Jan. the 1st, 1829; "Ricnzi"
the 8th, with Wallack as the hero.

"The Merry Wives of Windsor" was produced on the 1 5th with
this cast: Ford, Wallack; Falstaff, Hilson ; Caius. Placide; Anne
Page. Mrs. Pcarman; Mrs. Ford, Mme. Feron ; Mrs. Page, Mrs.
Hackett; Fenton, Pcarman.

" Green Eyed Monster " was acted Feb. 14th ; " Youthful Queen "
the 19th ; " The Foulah Slave " the 23rd ; " King Charles XI." March
the 9th. Mme. Celeste appeared on the 13th", in ''The Dumb Girl
of Genoa." On April 9th Julius Caisar was given with Hamblin
as Antony, J. W. Wallack, Brutus; and Henry Wallack as Cassius.
" Caswallan " was played the 15th. and Sam Cowcll first acted in this
city on the 21st as Crack in "The Turnpike Gate." Charles R.
Thornc made his first appearance on the stage the 23rd as Octa-
vian in "The Mountaineers." "Home, Sweet Home, or Rant
des Vaches," a musical comedy, was given May 22nd. Clara Fisher
took a benefit June 1. " ManhaitogSj" an Indian drama, was first
seen here July 4th. "Ambrose Gwynette" was played the 21st.
The opera " Tancredi " was revived 22nd, with Mme. Brichta as Tan-
credi ; Sig. Ferri as Argivio ; Sig. Angrisani, Abizzano ; and Mme.
Fcron as Amenide. " Bombastes Furioso," the 25th, introduced
Masters Mercer and the Misses Jane and M. Mercer, whose ages
ranged from six to thirteen.

Mr. Wilmarth's American debut was made July 29th as Octavian
in " The Mountaineers." Pelby reappeared Aug. 4th, as Charles de
Moor in Schiller's " Robbers ; " and " Almachilde, or the Lombards"
was given on the 11th. The season closed on the 17th, and re-
opened Sept. 2 with " Every One Has His Faults." Chapman,
Woodhull, Simpson, Barry, Barnes, Placide, Miss Parker, Mrs.
Sharpe, Mrs. Hackett, Mrs. Hilson, and Mrs. Wheat ley were in the
cast. " Thir-no-oge " was acted the same night, with Thos. Placide,
Mercer, Povcy, and others in the cast. Mons. and Mme. Rcnzi Vcs-
tris took a farewell benefit Oct. 3rd, when Cooper acted " Alexander
the Great" " My Old Woman " was given the 5th, with Clara Fisher
as Countess Xenia ; and "The Caliph of Bagdad " the 14th. Edwin
Forrest commenced Oct. 17 his first engagement here in " Damon
and Pythias " and successfully appeared as Hamlet, Lear, Iago, to
Cooper's Othello, Macbeth, Brutus, and William Tell on the 24th.

On Nov. 15 Forrest took his first benefit, when, for the first time
on any stage, was presented John A. Stone's tragedy of " Mcta-
mora " with this cast: Mctamora, Edwin Forrest; Sir Arthur, Wm

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [tejo

Chapman ; Horatio, Thos. Barry ; Lord Fitzarnold, Peter Richings ;
Guy of Godalman, Woodhull ; Errington, Langton ; Tramp, Povey ;
Kaushene, Blakely ; Oceana, Mrs. Hilson ; Wolfe, Nexsen; Holyoke,
\Vm. Wheatley ; Child, Miss Parker; Nameokee, Mrs. Sharpe.
"Masaniello" was first acted in this city Nov. 7th, with Barry in
title role ; Peter Richings, Alphonso ; Mrs. Sharpe, Elvira ; and Mrs.
Barnes. Fcnclia. " Happiest Day of my Life" was given Dec. 2ist,7
" l.conidas the Spartan" the 25th, and " Antotnc the Savage" on
the same date. James Roberts first actccPrTCTTTSnTSffi. 1830, in
"Secrets Worth Knowing." He died in Charleston, S. C, April
27th, 1833. " Narramattah " was seen the 15th; "Snakes in the
Grass " the 26th ; " Shakespeare's Early Days " March the 3rd ;
" Brigands" the 10th ; "William Thompson, or Which is He?" the
nth; " Lady Restless" and "Bold Dragoons" the 25th ; and "First
n! M.iy in New Voik " or. the ?6tb< Giulia Daponta Brat rapeati'il
in this city on the 31st. " Rip Van Winkle" was first acted in New
York April 22nd. 1830, witn"Haclcctt in the title role. The season
closed Aug. 30, when Joseph M. Field made his New York debut.

The season reopened Sept. 1st with the American debut of
Charles Kean in " Richard III.": Richard III.. C. Kean ; Henry VI.,
Footc ; Richmond, Simpson; Buckingham, Woodhull; Norfolk,
Nexsen ; Catesby, T. Placidc ; Tressel, Peter Richings ; Lord Stan-
lev, Blakeley ; Lord Mayor, Wheatley; Prince of Wales, Miss
Wheatlcy ; Duke of York, Miss C. Wheatley ; Queen Elisabeth,
Mrs. Barnes ; Lady Anne, Mrs. Blakely ; and Duchess of York,
Mrs. Wheatley. Charles Kean's second visit to America was in
September, 1839, when he opened at the National Theatre, Church
Street. In the summer of 1845, accompanied by his wife (Ellen
Tree), he again visited America. They returned to Europe in the
Summer of 1847. They reappeared in New York at the Broadway
Theatre (corner Broome Street), April 26, 1865. in " Henry VIII.
After several months' sojourn here, they returned to England. He
died at Salt Hill, Eng.. Jan. 22, 1868.

Joseph Burke made his American d£but here Nov. 22, 1830, as
Young Norval, led the orchestra in the overture to " Guy Manner-
ing," and concluded by acting Dr. O'Toole in "The Irish Tutor."
He was called " The Irish Roscius." During his engagement he
played Sir Abel Handy, Richard III., Shylock, Master Socrates, Dr.
Pangloss, I-ooney McTwottcr, Dennis Bulgruddcry, and Jobson. In
addition to leading various overtures, he often played solos on the
violin and sang humorous descriptive songs. He played nine nights,
and the receipts averaged over $1,000 nightly. He retired from the
stage, but soon reappeared in the concert room as a violinist. He
died in this city January 19, 1902, at the Park Avenue Hotel, aged
87 years.

" France and Liberty " was played Sept. 7th. " Perfection " was

:S,0

THE PARK THEATRE

seen (or the first time here on the 8th, with Henry Placidc as Sir
I.awrence Paragon, Thomas Placide as Sam. and Clara Fisher as Kate
O'Brien. Edwin Forrest played Macbeth on the 22nd, and Clara
Fisher appeared on the 23rd as Lady Teazle. " Pop, or Sparrow
Shooting " was given on the 24th. Charles T. Parsloe first acted in
America Oct. the 2nd as the Nondescript in " Peter Wilkins."
" My Wife's Husband" was given on the 7th, and " Valmoridi " on
the nth. Mr. Wynne first appeared in America on the 15th as
Rtiver in " Wild Oats." James Thome's American debut took place
Nov. 8th as Count Bellino in the " Devil's Bridge." In 1843 he died
at sea while returning to England. Charles Kcan reappeared Nov.
12 in '• Richard III." " First of April " was seen for the first time
on the 15th.

Miss Emery, afterwards known as Mrs. Burroughs, made her
d£but in this city as Portia, in "The Merchant of Venice." The
English press pronounced her " the actress of the day." For a
while she attracted crowded houses, and her acting elicited the
warmest encomiums. In a short time her popularity began to wane,
until finally she could get no engagements. Her home was taken
from her, the furniture sold at auction, and she was obliged to part
with her valuable wardrobe and leave the stage. She was, indeed,
so poor that she was compelled to hire a garret room in the house of
a poor family in Anthony Street, and was frequently found in Theatre
Alley, back of the old Park Theatre, begging a few shillings from
the actors. At last (1832) she took up her lodgings at the Five
Points. One day she had a quarrel with a drunken neighbor, and
was brutally assaulted. Forced into the street, she staggered towards
the Market House, where she died. A cart was procured, and she
was carried off to Bellevue Hospital. She was the largest woman
ever seen on the American stage.

" Charles the Terrible " was given for the first time Nov. the 25th.
also " Three Days in Paris." Charles Kean acted Sir Giles Overreach
in " A New Way to Pay Old Debts, " on Dec. the 14th. Mrs. George
Vernon (Jane Marchant Fisher) first appeared here Dec. 21st, acting
Winnette in *' A Bold Stroke for a Husband." Her American debut
was made on Sept. nth. 1827. at the Bowery Theatre as Ciceley
Homespun in " The Heir at Law." She was married to George
Vernon on Oct. 6th of the same year. Her last appearance at the
Park Theatre was Dec. 17th, 1847, and her final appearance was April
5th, 1869, at Wallack's Theatre (Broadway and Thirteenth Street)
as Mrs. Sutcliffc in •'School.*' She died in this city June 4th, 1869,
and was interred in Greenwood Cemetery. As a representative of
the " grand-dames " she had no equal on the American stage, but in
old or young characters, the antiquated spinster, the pert chamber-
maid, or the lady of fashion, she was equally at home.

" Rhyme without Reason " was seen for the first time Dec. the

40 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i8j.

22nd. Mr. Hazard first acted here on the 23rd, as Othello for Peter
Richings's benefit, and the same evening Henry Tuthill played Thady
O'Grady in "The Irish Patriot." He died in Dublin, Ireland, April
14th, 1863. **. Pocahontas," a romantic drama by Curtis, was first
acted Dec. 28th ; Chas. Kean appeared as Lucius Brutus in " Brutus,
111 :;,.■ Fall n! I'iri|i:in" JItt, fov the first lime here. Edwin Forrest

acted Metamora again on Jan. 1, 1831 ; the same night the farce the
" Durm5Tady"Trwas first seen, and " The Field of the Cloth of Gold "
the 8th, also for the first time in America. It was thus cast : Fran-
cis. Barry; Damlcy, Richings; Derby, Thome; Sir Caesar, T. Pla-
cidc; Sir Pagan, Field; Richard Harlcy, Woodhull ; Richard
Harlcy, Jr., Whcatlcy; Cardinal Wolscy, Hilson; Jokin Groby, Nix-
sen ; Wilson, H. Placide; Bcrtrand, Blakcley; Scrapcfacc, Povcy;
Queen Katherine, Miss Jessop; Queen of France, Miss Rogers;
Lady Constance, Mrs. Blake; Lady Kathcrinc, Mrs. Wallack ; Mar-
garet, Mrs. Whcatlcy ; Dame Hartley, Mrs. Durie; Madelette, Mrs.
ley. " Turning the Tables " was played for the first time 13th. and
'• The Wreck Ashore " on the 18th. The opera of " Cinderella " was
sung for the first time here the 24th, cast as follows: Prince Felix,
Jones; Alidero, Mr. Richings; Pedro, T. Placide; Cinderella, Mrs.
Austin; Thisbc, Mrs. Vernon; Pompolino, H. Placide; Dandini,
Thome; First Hunter. Povcy ; Clorinda, Mrs. Blake; Fairy Queen,
Mrs. Wallack.

Barton made his American debut March 9th as Hamlet, and the
same evening " Short Stages." afterwards called " The Omnibus,"
was played ; " Tjajcrcdi '* and " King of Sicily " the 16 ; " Jenkinses,"
the 24; " Deuce is in Her" the 25th; " Modcrns^or A Trip to the
Springs" on May 18th for the first time: ~' I Jftn~9T7he_We»t " was
given the 25th. On the same night Hackett acted Nimrod Wildfire
in "The Kentuckian." Kdwin Forrest appeared on the 27th as Mcta-
mora, and as Cams Marcius Coriolanus May 9th. " Comrades and
Friends" had its first representation in America on the 13th.
" Tuckitomba, or the Obi Sorceress " was played on the 16th. Pelby
appeared as Lucius Brutus June the 1 ith ; also on the same night,
for the first time, " Chrononhotonthologos " was seen. " Highways
and Byways" was acted the 16th for the first time, and Alexina
Fisher first played here the 23rd, as Clari in the opera " The Maid
of Milan," with Mrs. Asbury (Kliza Placide) as Vespina. On July
26th Agnes Holman (Mrs. Charles Gilfcrt) appeared in this theatre
as Lady Constance in " King John." She died in Philadelphia in the
most abject poverty. A French opera company commenced Aug.
2nd in " La Faussc Agnes."

The season of 1 83 1 -2 commenced Aug. 29th with "Cinderella"
and the " Dumb Savoyard and the Monkey." John Sinclair, a
famous English tenor, made his American debut Sept. 24th, 1831,
as Prince Orlando in " The Cabinet." His eldest daughter, Cat he-

rinc, married Edwin Forrest. He returned to England and died at
Margate, Sept. 22nd, 1857.

Edwin Forrest acted Spartacus in "The Gladiator " Sept. 26th,
with Barry as Phasarius ; Peter Richings, Crassus; Tnornc, Bracchus ;
T. Placide as Thorless ; and Julia Turn bull as the boy.

Joshua R. Anderson was announced to appear for the first time in
America October 13th, as Harry Bertram in "Guy Mannering."
Owing to a private quarrel and some indiscreet remarks made on his
voyage from England, his appearance on the stage was the signal
for another such scene as Edmund Kean had passed through a few
years previously. Mr. Anderson was hooted at and pelted with
every kind of imaginable missile. Manager Simpson came upon the
stage, and, after waiting about twenty minutes, announced the with-
drawal of Mr. Anderson. Master Burke then appeared, and, with
his violin, succeeded in calming and diverting the still excited passions
of the audience.

Udernar " was acted Nov. 1st, for the first time, with Charles
Kean in the Title rfilc. " Napoleon Bonaparte " was played Dec.
15th ; " Martha Willis " the 26th ; " Female Brigand " the 28th ; " It
is The Devil " Jan. 2nd, 1832; "The Locksmith of Stockholm M the
24th; " Victorine, or I'll Sleep on It," Feb. the 14th, with Peter
Richings as Chanteloupe ; the opera of " The Maid of Judah," 24th,
for the first time in America; the " Bride of Ludgatc" March the
6th; "Lords and Commons" 15th; and the operetta "National
Guard" 30th. Edwin Forrest appeared again as Metamora, April
nth; "Wcrdenbcrg, or the Forest League," was given the 24th;
the opera "White Lady." May 21st. "The Hunchback," by
Knowles, was acted for the first time here June 18th, thus cast:
Master Walter, Barry; Thomas Clifford, Simpson; I-ord Tinsel,
Richings; Hcartwell, Blakeley ; Wilfred, Woodhull ; Modus, Thome ;
Gaylovc, Placide ; Julia, Mrs. Sharpe ; and Helen, Mrs. Wallack.
This powerful play was given at the Richmond Hill Theatre, this city,
the same night, with Hilson as Master Walter, Mrs. Barnes as Julia,
and Mrs. Hilson as Helen. Miss Courtney (afterwards Mrs. H. J.
Conway) made her American debut June 30th, as Lady Teazle.

The Ravel Family first appeared in America July 16th. They
consisted of ten performers: Jean, his wife, and little daughter;
Dominique, eldest child of Mme. Lonati, a widow whom Gabriel
Ravel married in Boston ; Gabriel, Antoine, and Jerome ; Fmily
Payne, whom Jean Ravel married some years later ; Louis Narzctti,
then only nine years of age; and Jean Pebernard, a juvenile prodigy,
who was disabled by an accident to his foot. He went to Cin-
cinnati afterwards and became a shoemaker. Their performances
consisted of rope dancing, herculean feats, and pantomimic ballets
in four parts, in which the young Gabriel Ravel sustained the prin-
cipal characters. After a brief tour, they returned to England, but

42 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci*t

reappeared here from October, 1836, until July, 1837. They then
paid another visit to Fluropc, returning here in 1842. At the de-
struction of Niblo's Garden in September, 1846, they lost $5,000.
They again visited America in 1848, w th Francois and the Marti-
netti Family. In 1849 Antoinc and Jerome returned to America.
Paul Brillant, Josephine Berlin, and the Lchmanns were in the troupe.
Gabriel joined the company here in 1S51. Francois and Gabriel
returned to Europe in October, i860. Jerome Ravel died at Tou-
louse, France, Aug. 7th, 1890, aged 80 years. The List engagement
in this country of the Ravels was at Niblo's Garden, this city, in
1866. Angeliquc Ravel, mother of Marietta Ravel, now Mrs. Martin
Hanlcy, died in New York, Dec. 15th, 1898, aged 85 years.

The season of 1832-3 opened Aug. 13th with the Ravel Family.
John Fisher first acted here the 29th, as Cardinal Rcnard in " The
National Guard." James P. Wilkinson made his American dlbut the
30th, as Geoffrey Muffineop in "Amateurs and Actors." Charles
Kemble made his debut in America Sept. 17th, as Hamlet. The
cast of the tragedy was as follows :

Hamlet Charles Kemble

(First appearance ia America.)

King John H. Clarke

Laertes Peicr Riching*

1'olonius Henry Placide

Horatio Edward Simpson

Oiric Thomas Flynn

Ghost Thomas Ban-y

First Gravcdiggcr . . . Wilkinson

Queen Mm. Sharpe

Ophelia .... Miss Clara Fisher

Fanny Kemble appeared for the first time in America Sept. i8th,
as Hianca in " Fazio," with V\r. H. Kippel as Fazio, his first appear-
ance here; as Juliet on the 19th, to her brother's Romeo; Lady
Teazle 21st, Charles Kemble being the Joseph Surface; Bclvidcra
24th, to Kemblc's Pierre in " Venice Preserved." " Much Ado about
Nothing " was played 25th, Fanny as Beatrice. Charles as Benedick ;
" The Stranger " 27th, the Kcm bles as Mrs. I laller and the Stranger ;
"The Hunchback" 28th, the Kembles as Julia and Sir Thomas
Clifford ; " King John " Oct. 1st ; and " The Inconstant " 2nd. Fanny
Kemble was married to Pierce Butler, June 17th, 1834. He was a
planter of South Carolina, with whom she did not live happily, and
she obtained a divorce from him in 1849. He died in 1867. Fanny
Kemble, after her retirement from the stage, lived for many years at
Lenox, Mass. She appeared as a platform reader from the plays of
Shakespeare in 1848. In 1851 she went to England, but returned to
America in 1856, and continued her public career as a reader until
18C9. She returned to Europe for four years, and again revisited
America in 1873, but returned to England in the autumn of that
year, and died in Ijondon, Jan. 16, 1893, aged 84 years.

W. H. Simon's American debut occurred Sept. 26th, as Richard
III.; "The Golden Calf" was acted for the first time Oct. 17th,

" My Own Lover" 29th. The Kcmbles reappeared Nov. 8th in
•• Fazio," and George H. (Yankee) Hill opened an engagement Nov.
14th.

John Howard Payne, having returned from Europe, was given a
benefit on Nov. 30th. The programme was " Jkutut," with this
cast: Brutus, Forrest; Titus, J. R. Scott; Collatinus, G. Barrett;
Tarquin, Clarke; Aruns, Barry; Horatius, Richings; Valerius,
Biakeley ; Lucretius, Mr. Nexsen ; Tullia. Mrs. Barnes; Tarquina,
Mrs. Sharpe ; Lucretia, Miss Waring; Priestess, Miss Smith; La-
vinia, Mrs. Durie. The play was followed by an address from Mrs.
Sharpe, the song of " Home, Sweet Home," by Mr. Jones, and
"Taming of the Shrew," cast thus: Pctruchio, Kemble; Grumio,
Placide; Tailor, Fisher; Music Master, Povey ; Katherine, Miss
Kemble; Curtis, Mrs. Wheatley; this immense programme con-
cluding with " Charles the Second : " Charles, G. Barrett ; Rochester,
Richings; Capt. Copp, Wallack; Edward, Jones ; Lady Clara, Mrs.
Sharpe ; Mary Copp, Miss Hughes.

John R. Scott appeared Dec. 4th as Sir Giles Overreach, and on
the 7th " Qialoosa " was produced, with Edwin Forrest in the title
role. Forrest played another engagement here Sept. 15th, 1836, to
enormous audiences. He received $500 per night during this en-
gagement, the last prior to his visit to England. He bade farewell
to his countrymen in " Othello." Some of the tickets were sold at
auction and brought £25 each. Forrest appeared in London Oct. 16,
1836. On his return to America, he reappeared at this theatre in
Aug., 1837.

The plays " Nadir " and " Zulica '.' were given on the 27th, and
Charles Kean played "Richard 111." Dec. 28th. Mrs. Mangcon
reappeared Jan. 10th, 1833. Chas. Kean acted Hamlet 14th. fol-
lowed by Shylock and Sir Giles Overreach. Master David P. Bow-
ers first appeared in this city the 1 7th as Young Norval in " Douglas,"
and Cooper was seen the 29th as Iago to Edwin Forrest's Othello.
The Kemblcs acted in " Romeo and Juliet " Feb. 7th, and " Petti-
coat Government " bad its first representation on the 1 ith.

J. T. Rcynoldson, the baritone singer, made his American debut
March 1 ith as Figaro in the " Barber of Seville." Yankee Hill came
on the 19th for the first time, in the ".Green Mountain Boy." Sig-
nora Adelaide Ferrero, dancer, made her American debut April
3rd. Fanny Kemble acted Lady Townley the same date to C.
Kemble's Lord Townley in " The Provoked Husband. " She played
Portia in " The Merchant of Venice " and Mary Copp in " Charles
II." on the 4th. Mozart's " Magic Flute" was heard for the first
time in America on the 1 ith. Julia Wheatley made her operatic debut
May 6 as Scmira in " Artaxerxes." " Fra Diavolo" was sung June
20th, this being the first production of the opera in America. It
was cast thus: Fra Diavolo, Sinclair; Giacomo, Blakclcy; Mattco,

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [18*3

Hayden; Zcrlina. Mrs. Austin; Lady Allcash, Mrs. Sharpe;
Lorenzo, Jones ; Bcppo, Richings ; and Lord Allcash. Reynoldson.
Mr. and Mrs. Harrison first appeared in America June 25th, as
Othello and Desdemona, and Josephine Clifton made her debut at
this theatre July 1st as Bianca in " Fazio."

Tyrone Power made his 6rst appearance in America Aug. 28, 1833,
as Sir Patrick O'Plenipo in " The Irish Ambassador " and Teddy the
Tiler in the farce of that name. His next appearance was in 1836
and in 1839, 1840, he played return engagements.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wood commenced their American engage-
ment here Sept. 9, 1833, in "Cinderella." After a successful star-
ring tour, they were announced at this theatre May 30, 1836.
During the day the public mind was thrown into a great deal of
excitement in consequence of a recommendation of the editor of
The Courier and Inquirer that the public should repair to the Park
Theatre, to " put down " Mr. Wood. It appears that a newspaper
quarrel had arisen between the editor and the actor. Handbills
were put forth in the streets, calling on the friends of Mr. Wood to
come out and sustain him. For an hour before the curtain rose
it was " Three cheers for Webb the editor ! " and " Three cheers for
Wood!" and "Groans for Webb !" and "Groans for Wood!" cat-
calls, cheers, and all sorts of noises. The manager, it appears, had
determined to go on with the piece. The curtain rose and when
Mrs. Wood appeared there were cheers from all parts of the house,
mingled with hisses. She was so overcome with fright that her
voice entirely failed her. Mr. Wood soon appeared, and this was the
signal for the beginning of a renl row. The cheers and hisses were
prodigious. A copper coin struck Mrs. Wood on the face, and a piece
of a bench, six feet long, was thrown from the second tier, which
Wood fortunately caught. The front doors of the house were soon
forced, and the crowd outside rushed in. The manager then changed
the play; actors came on and attempted to proceed, but it was all
pantomime.

The real cause of this outbreak was the following: Mr. Wood had
announced a concert, and on the same evening Mrs. Conduit was to
have a benefit, and play " Guy Mannering." Mr. Wood, not know-
ing that Mrs. Conduit had chosen that opera, announced it for his
concert, and it was for this that the editor of The Courier published a
card, saying that Wood had grossly insulted a lady, and should be
driven from the stage. That Mr. Wood intended injuring Mrs. Con-
duit, no sensible person would for a moment think possible, for when
in England Mrs. Wood met Mrs. Conduit (then Miss Ribbon), and,
believing that she possessed merit, took pleasure in aiding her efforts,
as she was always doing with any professional she knew. In 1836 the
Woods returned to England, but, prior to their leaving, a public
dinner was offered them by the citizens of New York, which they

«M]

THE PARK THEATRE

were obliged to decline. On June S, 1836, they sailed for England,
after having fulfilled one of the most successful engagements ever
known on the American stage. A short time before leaving our
shores, Mrs. Wood gave her gratuitous services to a religious Catho-
lic society in Boston, and afterwards had a small testimonial pre-
sented to her, singularly and beautifully written on tinted paper.
In 1840 they once more appeared at this theatre. Their engage-
ment was successful and terminated Dec. 4 in " The Beggar's
Opera." They sailed for England Feb. 8. 1841. In February, 1843,
Mrs. Wood entered the convent at Mick legate-bar. York. She was
received into the Catholic Church at Wakefield. Sunday. Feb. 5,
1843. In a short time she quitted the convent's walls, returned
to her domestic duties, and later, with her husband, accepted a
professional engagement. She finally retired from the stage and
took up her residence at Wakefield, where she lived several years,
teaching music. She afterwards removed her residence to Rutcliffe
Hall, Brit ton West, near Wakefield, Eng., where she died July 21,
1864. Mrs. Wood's maiden name was Mary Anne Paton, and at
the age of twenty she married Lord William Lennox. She obtained
a divorce from him in 1828, and married Joseph Wood, with whom
she always lived happily.

"Jonathan Donbikins" was presented for the first time Sept.
18th; the Kembles reappeared the 30th. " Mons. Mallet, or
My Daughter's Letter," was given its first hearing in America
Oct. 16th, with J. H. Hackett as Mallet. Tyrone Power came Che
29th, as Sir Patrick O'Plcnipo. Placidc appeared Dec. 18th, as
Ijord Oglcby in "The Clandestine Marriage," and in the trial scene
from " The Merchant of Venice," playing Shylock. " The Eig "
January/' was acted Jan. 8th. 1834, for the first time ; " Hign, Low,
jack, and the Game." alsu a new play, was given 00 the 10th.
"Uncle John" was played the 16th, and C. B. Parsons appeared
as Virginius on the 22nd.

Charlotte Mary Sanford Barnes first acted in this city March 29th,
as Angela in " The Castle Spectre." She was married on Dec. 29th,
1847, to Edmon S. Conner. This lady was the author of the play
'•i-itiuc," ami the tragedj wQrh*"ftl BQgBfelt" lnC opw "'

'• Ruber: the Devil" was sun- April ;th. for the first time; ftta) the
farce " P. 1'.. or the Man and the Tiger." "The Wag of Maine"
was given the 16th. The regular season closed July 4th, and a
summer season commenced the 7th, with the Ravel Family as the
attraction.

Charles Eaton first acted in New York July 8th, in " Richard III."
" Gustavus I.." was given on the Mth. " The Masked Ball " the 21st,
and "Knight of the Golden Fleece" Sept. 10th. Lydia Phillips
first played in America on the I5trl7 acting Juliet, to Wallack's Mcr-
cutio. James Sheridan Knowlcs, the actor and dramatist, made his

46 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C»»u

American debut the 29th, appearing as Master Walter in his own
play " The Hunchback." " Love Laughs at Bailiff " was given
Oct. 22nd, its first hearing in America. Charlotte Watson first ap-
peared here the 23rd, as Cherubino in " Deep, Deep Seas." Charles
Kcmble Mason first played here Dec. 3rd, acting Beverly in "The
Gamester." During the summer of 1834 the theatre was entirely
renovated, and reopened Sept. 1st. In the company were H, Placide,
Isherwood, Peter Richings, Mason, Harrison, J. Clarke, Jones,
Latham, John Fisher, Blakeley, Whcatlcy, T. Placide, Nexsen, Fovey,
Russell, and Hayden, Mesdamcs Harrison, Vernon, Archer, and
Durie, and the two Misses Turnbull. " Hamlet," with Wallack as
the Prince, was the opening bill.

W. H. Latham first appeared in America Sept. 3rd, as Figaro in
" The Barber of Seville." Mrs. Garner's American debut, as Sophia
in the " Rendetvous," occurred on the 4th. " The Beggar of Bethnal
Green" was produced Dec. 15th, for the first time. Fanny Jarman
(Mrs. Ternan) first played in this city the 17th, as Juliet ; " Secret
Service" was given for the first time the 20th; "Esmeralda, or
the Hunchback of Notre Dame," also for the first time in America,
Jan. 1st, 1835, with Mrs. S. Chapman in the title role. Buckstone's
" Married Life " was played Feb. 2nd, for first time in New York.
J. W. S. Hows acted Shylock i6th for his debut. "TcrcsaCon-
tarini" was given March 19th, for the first time. Augustus~A.
"Attdams made his debut April 2nd, as Damon in " Damon and
Pythias," and afterwards played " Othello "on the 4th, and " Macbeth "
on the 7th. " Alfred the Great " was given the 8th for Knowles'
benefit, with Miss Elphinstone in the part of Iria. A portion of
" Virginius," scenes from " The Hunchback" and other of Knowles*
plays filled up the bill. "The Busybody" was played May 8;
" Mountain Sylph" 11 ; " Pet of the Petticoats" 21 ; and the season
closed July 4. Mrs. Harry Lewis, maiden name Harvey, made her
American debut at this house July 16, 1835, as Imogcnc in " Ber-
tram." Henry Lewis made his American debut the same date in
" The Two Grcgorics." Mrs. Lewis was born in London, Eng., and
began her career as a child in the ballet of the Italian Opera. She
was a great favorite with the patrons of the Pavilion Theatre. Lon-
don, and while there as leading lady (1830) she was married to
Henry Lewis, then the stage manager of that theatre. From the
Park Theatre, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis went to the Trcmont Theatre,
Boston, Mass., for the season of 1836, then to the National Theatre
of the same city. After this they went on a starring tour. In 1849
Mrs. Ixwis was divorced from Mr. Lewis. She drifted South and
died in San Antonio. Texas, August 10, 1855. There were five
children: Bertha, Joel, Ettie, Abraham, and Fanny. Bertha died
Dec. 23, 1872. Ettie (Mrs. Henderson) and Finny (Mrs. Burt)
are still living. Harry Lewis died in Philadelphia, Nov. 23, 1892,

•«3«]

THE PARK THEATRE

aged 90 years. Mrs. Lewis' Emilia in ■ Othello," with the elder
Booth as Iago, Charles Webb as Othello, and Edwin Booth as Cas-
sio, was highly praised. She made the " French Spy " a specialty
before Mine. Celeste came to America. She was one of the first
women who acted Richard III. in America. There was considerable
jealousy in Cincinnati, Ohio, between this lady and Charlotte
Crampton, which was accentuated by their appearance together as
the " Rival Queens." Mrs. Lewis starred as Shylock, Othello.
William Tell, Virginius, Romeo, and Richard III. She was an
excellent actress and a very beautiful woman.

Miss Vos first acted in this city Aug. 4th, as Julia in " The Hunch-
back." The next season opened Aug. 31, 1835. Mf- and Mrs,
Wood made their reappearance Sept. 4th, in " Cinderella," — W. F.
Brough making his American debut as Dandini ; Sol Smith acted
Mawworm in the " Hypocrite." Sept. 5th ; William Abbott's Ameri-
can debut took place the 28th, as Beverly in the " Gamester."
" The King's. Fool, or A Father's Curse," was played for the first
tirnc-OcTT 5 th. ■ —

J. S. Ball made his American bow 15th, as Vapid in •• The Drama-
tist." "• Brothers, or Cavaliers and Roundheads," was presented for
the first time on the 31st; " Married Rake " was played Nov. 12th;
" La Sonnambula" was sung the 13th, for the first time in America:
W. F. Brough. as the Count ; Wood, Elvino; Richings, Alcssio ; Mrs.
Conduit, Liza; Mrs. Vernon. Teresa; and Mrs. Wood, Amina.
" Caspar Hauser" was given for the first time 27th; John A. Reeve
made his American debut Nov. 30th, as Marmaduke Magog, in
"The Wreck Ashore; " " The Rivals" was given here for the first
time Dec. 9th; also the same night the first time here of "The
Golden Farmer," with Barnes as Jemmy Twitcher. Mrs. James
Mason first acted in America Jan. 26th. 1836; she afterwards mar-
ried a Mr. Hyllier and retired from the stage. " Rural Felicity,"
was done Jan. 30th, for the first time; Wallack appeared as Rienzi
the 1 2th; "Court of Intrigue" was seen 23rd; "The Widow's
Victim" was played March nth, and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wood
reappeared in May.

William Dowton first appeared in America June 2nd, as Falstaff;
Emily Mcstayer acted Little Pickle July 22nd; Mrs. Shaw (Miss
var) made her American debut July 25th, as Mariana in " The
Wife; " John Oxlcy first played in this city Aug. 16th, as Hamlet.
Kme. Augusta made her debut Sept. 16th as a dancer. She visited
Europe in 1839, and in 1845 returned to America, and for a season
managed Palmo's Opera House in this city. In 1848 she appeared
at Ni bio's Garden, and the following year was at the Astor Place
Opera House with Anna Bishop. She then went to Havana,
Mexico, and South America. She retired from the stage in 1853,
and her husband died in 1855. Becoming destitute, she was ten-

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [is36

dcrcd a benefit at the Metropolitan Theatre, which netted her
$3.O00. This was her final appearance on the stage. She shortly
afterwards opened a dancing academy in this city. Her first hus-
band was the Count de St. James, and she was known as Caroline
Augusta Josephine Therese Fuchs, Comtesse de St. James. The
Count died in 1845. She died in this city, Feb. 17, 1901, aged 84
years. She was born in Munich, Sept. 17, 1806. Mme. Augusta's
costume was after the style adopted by the great Taglioni. The
skirts fell below the knee in fleecy, classic folds, and the shoulders
rose out of a cloud of lace which completely hid her bust.

The next season commenced Aug. 29th, 1836. with Tyrone Power
as Sir Patrick O'Plenipo and Teddy The Tiler. Edwin Forrest
began an engagement in "Damon and Pythias" 31st, and Sept.
15th played "Othello." William Chippendale made his debut in
America Sept. 1st, as Sir Mark Chase in " A Roland for an Oliver."
Miss Horton first acted in America the i6th. She was afterwards
known as Mrs. C. E. Horn, and returned to Europe in i860. Mr.
and Mrs. Robert Kcclcy made their American debut 19th, in " The
Loan of a Lover" and "My Master's Rival." Mr. Kccley's last
appearance in public was in 1867, at the Dramatic College Fete in
London, Eng. He died in Brompton, England. Feb. 3, 1869. Mrs.
Kcclcy made her last appearance on the stage May 15, 1878, on the
occasion of a testimonial benefit to Mrs. Alfred Mellon. On Nov.
22, 1895, she was tendered a testimonial in honor of the ninetieth
anniversary of her birth. Few players of her day were better
known on the English stage than Mrs. Kceley. She was a comedi-
enne of rare ability. She died in London, England, March 12, 1899,
aged 94 years. Her maiden name was Goward.

-jicillct or a Story of the Heart." was played on the 22nd.
William" S. Fredericks made his American debut 24th as Virginius.
lie retired from the stage March 22nd, 1872, appearing as Master
Walter in "The Hunchback." He spent his later years at Long
Branch, N. 1, and died in Philadelphia, Feb. 13th. 1878. He took
a farewell of the stage May 7th, 1873. at the Academy of Music,
Philadelphia. " The Farmer's Story " was given the 28th, for the
first time in this country. Miss Nelson (afterwards Mrs. John
Brougham) made her debut in New York, Oct. 1st. as the Fairy
Queen in " Cinderella." Mr. Dcnvil first acted in America on the
10th as Shylock. He afterwards played Byron's " Manfred," which
had its first performance in America on the 20th. Miss Grove,
(afterwards Mrs. Yarnold) first acted in America Nov. 5th, playing
Juliet. Mr. Edwin's American d6but took place the 19th as Tom
Tug in " The Waterman." He died in this city in June, 1842. Mis.
Gibbs first played in New York on the 30th, appearing as Cinder-
ella. The "Housekeeper" was given Dec. 1st, and the opera " La
Bayadere " had its first hearing in this theatre on the 3rd.

1837]

THE PARK THEATRE

Ellen Tree made her American debut Dec. 12th, as Rosalind in
•• As You Like It," and Pauline in " The Ransom "(its first perform-
ance in America). This actress was excellent in many parts. No
female star from abroad ever had more distinguished success than
Ellen Tree. She is remembered as a graceful representative of a
long list of dramatic characters to whom justice rarely has been
done. Before she came to this country her salary never exceeded
£il per week; on her return to England she was engaged at £25
per night. She returned to America with her husband, Charles
Kean, in 1845, and again in 1865, when the two distinguished
artists bade farewell to America.

"Old Heads on Young Shoulders" was given its first hearing
Jan. 6th. 1837 ; " O' Flanagan and the Fairies" was acted the yth,
for the first time in America, with Tyrone Power as Phclim O'Flana-
nn. " Ion." by Talfourd, was seen Feb. 2nd, with Ellen Tree in the
title r61e. " The Wrecker's Daughter " was done 6th, " Julie or the
Forced Marriage" May 1st; " Duchesse de la Valliere " 13th, for
the first time in America, Ellen Tree in the title rdle. Clara Fisher
came Aug. 8, as The Four Mowbray* and Paul the Pet in " Love 's
Blind," — its first presentation here.

Sarah Hildreth made her debut toth as Mariana in " The Wife."
She shortly after married Benjamin F. Butler and retired from the
stage. She died in the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston,
April 8. 1876. The season closed Aug. 12th and reopened Aug. 21st
with "The Wonder" and " Secret Service." In the company were
Mason, Clarke, William Fredericks. Peter Richings. Henry Placidc,
Chippendale, Jones, Fisher, Isherwood, Wheatley, Corey, Ncxsen,
Master Henry Wells, Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. Wheatley, Mrs. Vernon,
Charlotte Cushman, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Durie, Mrs. Archer. Mrs. C.
Pritchard, Harriet Wells, Mrs. Kneass, Julia and E. Turnbull,
Josephine Clifton appeared 25th in " Bianoa Visconti," a play written
expressly for her, and Master Charles Mcsfaycr supported her as
Giulio.

Charlotte Cushman's first appearance here was on the 26th, as
Patrick in " The Poor Soldier." " A Peculiar Position *' was first
acted in America the 31st; Edwin Forrest was seen Sept. 18th as
Othello: Clarke, the lago; Mason, Cassio; Richings, Rodcrigo;
Mrs. Sharpe, Emilia ; and Elizabeth Richardson, Desdemona. The
receipts for the first night exceeded four thousand dollars. Char-
lotte Cushman played Cordelia, to Edwin Forrest's Lear, the 19th,
and on Oct. 6th she acted Goneril, to Forrest's Lear. Mmc. Caradori
Allan, vocalist, made her American debut 30th, as Rosina in "The
Barber of Seville." She died in England, Oct. 15th, 1865. Amelia
Verity first acted here Nov. 15 as Clorinda in " Cinderella." " The
Bride of Genoa " had its first hearing 18th. Mmc. Lecomtc. dancer,
first appeared in America Nov. 23rd, as Helen in " Robert Lc

50 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DC*

Diable." "Kentucky Heroes" was done 29th. Edwin Forrest
acted Coriofanus lor tlieTirst time at this theatre Jan. 10th, 1838,
with Charlotte Cushman as Volumnia. " The Love Chase " was
first seen here 13th, with this cast: Widow Green. Mrs. Wheatlcy;
Constance. Mrs. Shaw ; Sir Wm. Fondlovc, Placidc ; Wildrakc, Rich-
ings; Lydia, Mrs. Richardson ; Alice, Mrs. Duric; Waller, Wheat-
Icy; Trucworth, Fredericks.

*" Patrician^ and Parvcnue, or Confusion Worse Confounded "
was hTsf given Feb. 1st, and on the 8th the tragedy of " Pocahontas,".
with Emma Wheatley as the heroine. Augusta May wood Williams,
rr known as I-a Petite Augusta, made her debut Sept. 12th as a
dancer in " I-a Bayadere." This lady first appeared in a speaking
character on Jan. 15th. 1838, in Philadelphia. She crossed the
Atlantic in 1839, and was the first American admitted to the
Academy of dancing at Paris. In that city she appeared in
the •' Tarantula " with Fanny Ellsler on Dec. 25th, 1839. In Nov.,
1840, she eloped with Sydney Wilkins, an English author. "Sam
Wellcr, or The Pickwickian* " was acted March 16th, for the first
time, with William Rufus Blake as Sam ; Balfe's opera " Siege of
Rochclle " was sung April 9th. C. W. Clarke, also known as Wei-
mouth Welton, acted the 9th in " A Pleasant Neighbor." He died
in London, England, July 19th, 1847. Mrs. H. Cramer (M. E.
Poole) first appeared in this city June 3rd, as Julia in the " Hunch-
lark " She made her last appearance in 1852 at Wallack's old
theatre, Broome St. and Broadway, and died in Morrisania, N. Y.,"
May 30th. 1868.

Bulwcr's " Lady of Lyons " had its first representation in America
May 14th, 1838, with this remarkable cast :

Claude Melnotte . - Edwin I'orrest
BoUSMOt .... I'eter RicliiiiRs

Drschaprlles Clarke

Pauline .... Mrs. Richardson

Claris Wm. Wheatlcy

Col. Damas Placide

Mme. Deschappelle* Mm. Wheatleti
Widow Melnotte Charlotte Cushmay

James K. Murdoch made his ddbut in this theatre June 4th as
Benedick in " Much Ado About Nothing," with Ellen Tree as
Beatrice. He appeared the 8th as Wildrake in " The Love Chase,"
with Ellen Tree as Constance; he acted Charles Surface 13th,
Charlotte Cushman being Lady Teazle, and Claude Melnotte 15th,
to Ellen Tree's Pauline. In 1842 he was married to Eliza Middle-
cott, the daughter of a London silversmith. After a retirement of
about three years from the stage he returned here Oct. 29, 1845,
as Hamlet. He visited Europe in 1856, and appeared at the Hay-
market Theatre, London, Sept. 22, as Young Mirabel in "The
He remained there one hundred nights, playing
Charles Surface fifty times. He returned to America in 1861.
With the outbreak of the rebellion he withdrew from the stage, and

m* i

THE PARK THEATRE

devoted his time and talents to the benevolent and sanitiry enter-
prises set afoot by the people for the soldiers and their Hjunilij
When he svent to the bloody field of Chickamauga to recover the
body of his son who fell there, he put aside his own feelings, and
devoted himself entirely to assuaging the grief of others. He re-
appeared on the stage Oct. 23rd, 1865. at Pike's Opera House,
Cincinnati, as Rover in " Wild Oats." For his return to the
footlights he selected a number of sterling comedies, such as
" School for Scandal." " Wine Works Wonders." and " Much Ado
About Nothing." For fifteen years he led a quiet life on his farm
at Lebanon, Ohio, anil occasionally taught elocution. In 1879 (the
semi-centennial of his first professional appearance as an actor) he
visited Philadelphia for a farewell of the stage. In 1883 he acted
at the dramatic festival in Cincinnati, Ohio, playing Marc Antony
in "Julius Caesar" April 13th, with Louis James as Cesar; John E.
McCullough, Brutus; Lawrence P. Barrett, Cassius; and Marie
Wainwright, Calpurnia. On May 4th he acted Hamlet, with John
E. McCullough as the Ghost ; John Ellsler, Polonius ; I-ouis James,
Laertes; Lawrence P. Barrett, Horatio; and Marie Wainwright,
Ophelia. On Dec. 7th, 1886, Mr. Murdoch played "The Stranger"
at an amateur performance in Cincinnati. With the exception of
Mr. Murdoch himself, the cast was entirely non-professional. His
performance is said to have been marvellous. He disguised his per-
sonality skilfully. He dressed the part in the same manner in
which he had done forty-five years before. He took his farewell
of the Philadelphia stage at the Academy of Music, May 22, t88o,
with this programme :

THE STRANGER.

Altered and compressed into four acts, by J. E. Murdoch.

The Stranger . . James E. Murdoch I Countess Wintcrsen . Emmi Marlcle
Baron Steinfoct . . . S. C. Dubois Mrs. Haller . . . Mrs. I). J». I lower
Francis Henry Aveling I

THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL.

Arranged especially for this occasion in three part*, by J. E- Murdoch
omitting the scandal scenes, and concluding with the '• Screen Scene."

James E. Murdoch Moses Harry Hawk

Joseph Surface . . . S. C. Dubois
Sir Peter Teazle . . George Holland
Sir Oliver Surface Henry Aveling

Rowley George IScclts

Lady Teazle . . . Mrs. John Drew

Mr. Murdoch always ranked with the foremost artists the country
ever produced. He had the admiration of all playgoers, as the
most scholarly, graceful, and polished of American actors. He was
the first Claude Mclnotte in Philadelphia, and the second represen-

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1838

tative of that character in America. For a long time Mr. Murdoch
was considered the best Hamlet of the American stage, and was
the true representative of comedy. His Rover, Young Mirabel,
and Evelyn were never equalled on the American stage. Mr.
Murdoch died at his home, Murdoch, Ohio, May 19th, 1893. He
was born at Philadelphia Jan. 25th, 18 1 1. and first appeared on the
stage Oct. 13th, 1829, at the Arch St. Theatre, Philadelphia, as
Frederick in " Lover's Vows."

Cecelia McBnde maaeThcr New York debut June 8th, as Emma
in " The Youthful Queen." The opera, " The Elixir of Love," was
j for the first time in America on the 18th. Charlotte Cushman
acted Claude Melnotte June 26th. The season closed July 4th, and
reopened the 9th for a summer term, with Edmond S. Conner as
Claude Melnotte; Margaret Jean Davenport played Young Norval
the 18. and Dan Marble first acted here July 26th, as William in
" Black- Eyed Susan." The regular season opened Aug. 27th, 1838,
with Tyrone Power in the " Irish Lion ; " and the same comedian
played in " Rory O'Moore" Sept. 6th.

Charles Mathews and his wife (formerly Mmc. Vcstris) com-
menced their first engagement in this country Sept. 17, 1838, in
an interlude called " Introduction," and in the farces, " One Hour,
or The Carnival Ball," and " The Loan of a Lover." Mathews
acted Chas. Swiftly in " One Hour." and Peter Spyk in "The I-oan
of a Ix>ver," and his wife played Praise in " Introduction," and
Gertrude in the farce. After a brief tour they reappeared at this
theatre Oct. 22nd. Mr. Mathews returned in 1857, and opened
Sept. 14th. at the Broadway Theatre (corner of Broome Street), as
Mopus in " Married for Money." He then made a starring tour.
Feb. 16, 1858, he married Lizzie Weston Jackson Davenport,
who had been divorced from A. H. (" Dolly ") Davenport a short
lime previously. His popularity in this country ended when A- H.
enport, whom he slandered by accusing him of having sold his
wife, horsewhipped him in presence of an applauding crowd on
Broadway. Mr. Mathews and his wife returned to England in 1858.
They reappeared in this city April 10th, 1871, at the Fifth Avenue
(now Madison Square) Theatre, in "Married for Money" and
"Patter vs. Clatter;" on May 29th Mrs. Mathews was seen as
Medea in the burlesque " The Golden, Fleece." Mr. Mathews
appearing as " The "Chorus." Their^ engagement closed June 3.
On Oct. 16th he appeared at Wallack's Theatre, in " A Curious
Case," and commenced his farewell engagement at Wallack's April
18th, 1872, in " London Assurance." His last appearance in America
was on June 1, in "The Captain of the Watch " and "Not Such a
Fool as He Looks." lie died at Manchester, Eng., June 24, 1878.
As an artist he was without the power of expressing deep or even
warm emotion. He was not a high comedian. He could not

'839]

THE PARK THEATRE

play Charles Surface, but he was excellent in Sir Charles Cold-
stream, because it adapted the part to his personality. This was
demonstrated in the "Game of Speculation," in which he was
eminently successful and where he displayed a portion of his own
individuality as Affable Hawk. In the play of "The Critic"
he exhibited the talent of his father for quick and astonishing
changes, alternating from Puff to Sir Fretful Blagiary almost in a
twinkling. He despised all the theatrical traditions, and gave on
the stage a transcript of himself in various plays. He was always
Charles Mathews.

Kllen Tree acted Mariana in "The Wife" Oct. 3rd, with John R.
Scott as St. Pierre ; " Woman's Wit " was given on the t2th ; " White
Horse of the Peppers" the 22nd, with Tyrone Power as Gerald
Pepper; and " A Dream of the Future" was given Nov. 3rd. In
the farce "Brothers," Charlotte Cushman acted the twins Gossamer
and Edwin on the 17th. William Hield first appeared at this theatre
26th as Hotspur, to James Hackett's Falstaff in " Henry IV." " The
Maid of Mariendorpt " was acted Dec. 28th for the first time in
America, Mrs. Shaw being the Melta and Charlotte Cushman the
Mmc. Roseheim. Master Hutchings first acted in this city Jan.

Jth. 1839, as General Hombastcs in " Bombastcs Furioso." Andrew
ackson Neafic made his first appearance on the stage February 10,
as Othello, and was so successful that he played a star engagement
here. He was of large stature, and possessed a powerful voice. I Ic
visited Europe in 1861. retired from the stage in 1867, and died
in this city April 1st, 1892. jy years of years. Mr. Neafic was noted
for his quick "study." While playing at the Astor Place Opera
House with Jean Davenport, "The Duke's Wager" was to be acted.
It was a manuscript entirely new to a\\ except Miss Davenport, tdd
at the first rehearsal the written parts were distributed. The rdle
of Richelieu, allotted to Mr. Neafic, was thirty-one lengths (a length
is forty-two lines), making in all thirteen hundred and two lines of
entirely new matter. The whole was read at rehearsal. By seven
o'clock that same evening Mr. Neafic was "dead-letter" perfect 1
He also studied Virginius in one day — blank verse, and very diffi-
cult to commit to memory.

The opera "The Thieving Magpie" was first sung in America
Jan. it. "Guy Mannering" was repeated on the 25th, with
Brough as Henry Bertram ; and Charlotte Cushman, Meg Merrilies.
"NirMag Nickjeby" was done 30th, Charlotte Cushman acting
Fanny Squecri ; "Mrs. Pritchard was the Miss Price, and Mrs. Rich-
ardson the Smikc. " Oliver Twist " was played Feb. 7th ; Charlotte
Cushman was Nancy Sykes, Peter Richings Bill Sykcs, and Sam
Johnson the Artful Dodger.

"Lasl_Davs. of Pompeii "was produced March 2nd, for the first time
here, with Hambhn asArbaces and Charlotte Cushman as lone.

54 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«»

" Lord of the Isles " was played the 29th ; " Anne Holey n " May 14th,
for the first time, with Josephine Clifton as the heroine ; Mons. and
Mine. Paul Taglioni first appeared in America 21st, in the ballet
" La Sylphidc." Mmc. Taglioni died in Bohemia Aug. 28th, 1891.
Bertha Lewis made her debut 18th as Christine in "The Youthful
Queen ; " she died Dec. 23rd, 1872 ; " QyjtajnKyd " was given for
the first time on the 23rd, with Charlotte CusTfTnan as Elspy, and
" The Maid of Orleans " was seen Aug. 3rd, with Cushman as Joan
of Arc.

The season of 1839-40 opened Aug. 22nd, with "The Lady of
Lyons." In the company were Henry Placidc, E. J. Shaw, I'ctcr
Richings, William Hield, Mr. and Mrs. William Chippendale, John
Fisher. William and Sarah Whcatlcy, Gann, John Nickcnson, Nix-
sen, John Povcy, Sam Johnson, Mrs. Richardson, Charlotte Cush-
man, Mrs. Vernon, Fanny Pritchard, and Mrs. Durie. Fanny
Pritchard was afterwards married to Hamilton Hosack, who died in
Vicksburg, Min., in 1837, of yellow fever. Fanny Pritchard died in
Ciarksville, Texas, in 1842, leaving one son and a daughter. The
son, J. A. Hosack, is now (1901), living in San Antonio, Texas.
E. Shaw appeared in America for the first time Aug. 26th, acting
Teaguc in " Honest Thieves," and W. Ranger made his bow the
27th, as Marquis St. Croix in "The Romantic Widow." Mary
Elizabeth Maywood first played in New York 28th, acting Bianca
in " Fazio; " Mrs. Crcswick (Miss Paget) made her debut Aug. 30,
as Emily Wilton in "Bachelor's Buttons." Wm. Crcswick's Ameri-
can debut was on the 31st, as Claude Melnotte. After a visit to
England he reappeared here April nth, 1871, at the Fourteenth
St. Theatre, New York.

Beethoven's " Fidclio" was sung Sept. 9th for the first time in
America, when the following artists made their American debut :
Giubilci, Manvcrs, Martyn, Edwin, Mrs. Martyn (Miss Invcriarity),
and Miss Poole. Giubilci died in Naples in 1845. Mmc. Prosch
Giubilci made her American debut Sept. 12th in a pas de deux with
Mons Taglioni. "The Village Doctor" was given the 12th for the
first time. Fanny Fitzwilliams had her first American appearance
Oct. 14th, in the " Country Girl." She died in London England
Sept. 1 ith, 1854. Huckstone's " Single Life" was played Oct. 21st,
and Alexander Valtemare first appeared in America the 28th in a
ventriloquial sketch. William Adams Chapman made his American
debut Nov. 8th as Skirts in the " Man About Town." In Sept.,
1858, he married the widow of Josh Silsbcc, and in October of that
year took his farewell of the stage, but reappeared in 1860. He
died March 10th, 1891, on his farm near Haddonfield, N. J., at
the age of 86.

Mme. Celeste appeared Dec. 10th, for the first time in ten years,
in " The Child of the Wreck." John M. Vandenhoffaiid his daughter,

•8«0]

THE PARK THEATRE

Charlotte, first acted at this theatre Jan. 6th, 1840, as Master Walter
and Julia in " The Hunchback." Vandenhoff died in London, Eng-
land, Oct. 4th, 1861. and Charlotte died in England. Aug. ist, i860.
•• Richelieu " was first acted in this theatre Jan. 7, 184a It was
supposed that John M. Vandenhoff would have been the original
in this country, but his performance was anticipated by Edwin For-
rest at another theatre. The cast at this house was:

Richelieu Vandenhoff

Joseph Chippendale

Julie Mi*» Vandenhoff

De Mauprat Creswick

Marion I'ritchard

Louis XIII Ncxseo

Dc Haradas . - . Peter Richinn

Dc lleringhcn HieTd

Francoi* Wheatley

Mrs. Elizabeth Richardson, who had been living in retirement for
nearly a year, reappeared as a member of the company during the
season (1837-8). Her final appearance was on March 4, 1840. as
Lady Charlotte in "' The Artist's Wife." She was the daughter of
Joseph Jefferson, was married to Samuel Chapman in 1829, and
within a year was a widow. Her performance of Julia in "The
Hunchback " stamped her as an artist of the highest rank. In 183s
she married Mr. Richardson, and retired from the stage. About
1845 she was married to Charles J. B. Fisher, a brother of Mrs.
Clara Fisher Miieder and Mrs. Vernon.

" Mary Stuart " was played March 23rd ; " The Postilion of Long-
jemcau," an opera, was sung for the first time here on the 30th, with
Wilson and Miss Sheriff (their first appearance) in the cast. Char-
lotte Cushman acted Ophelia to Charles Kcan's Hamlet April
20th. Stephen Price died 20th. Count Fitzgerald Tasistro made
his debut 28th, as Zanga in " The Revenge."

Fanny Ellsler, the dancer, made her first appearance in America
May 14, 1840, in a pas sail called " La Cracovicnne," and in a bal-
let " I .a Tarcntule," in which she took the town by storm. The
receipts were $1447.75, and for her benefit, May 25, jl.226.25.
Nightly the largest theatres of our principal cities were crowded
to study every attitude, watch every motion, and applaud to the echo
every exertion of " the Ellsler." When she danced in America at the
Park, all other theatres in the city were deserted. Her reception
was something never before or since equalled in this country. The
whole house rose and gave a shout such as is seldom heard in a
theatre. Parsons preached, old maids talked, moralists shook their
heads, but nothing would abate the excitement of the public.

"The Ellsler," as she was called, reappeared here August 12th,
1840; she opened in Boston, Mass., Mar. 7th, 1840, and her engage-
ment continued thirteen nights, and the receipts were $14,259.50.
It was during this engagement that she contributed her share of a
benefit to complete the Hunker Hill monument, adding $569.50 to
the monument fund. She appeared in Baltimore at the Holliday

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««4o

Street Theatre. The scats were sold at an advance, many of them
bringing $3.50 each. The people there danced into the traces of
her carriage, proud of the honor of dragging " the immortal Fanny "
frnm the theatre to the hotel. On alighting from the train in Rich-
mond, Va.,she was met by many prominent citizens, and a procession
was formed, headed by a brass band. In New Orleans she appeared
at the St. Charles Theatre, her average receipts being $2,587.50,
and her benefit drew $3,844. At the French Theatre her engage-
ment yielded $8,000. She opened in Havana, Cuba, at the Tacon
Theatre. Jan. 22, 1841. The prices of admission were $12 for the
first and second tier boxes, each box containing five seats ; $2 ad-
ditional for the entrance into the theatre of each person, equal to
$4.50 a ticket; $10 each for the third tier of boxes, entrance $2;
fourth tier, 75 cents entrance ; fifth tier, 50 cents for a seat and fifty
cents entrance; the pit, $2 entrance and $1 for each seat, being for
the boxes nearly three times the usual price, and for the pit and
other parts of the house about double. The house was capable of
holding about 8,000 people. Ellsler reappeared in New York June
19, 1841, and her reception was most enthusiastic. She commenced
another engagement here Oct. 2, which continued one week; reap-
peared here June 8, 1842, for two weeks ; and made her last appear-
ance in America July 1. 1842. She took her farewell of the stage
June 21, 1862, at Vienna, Aus., where she had resided since 1854.
She realized from her American engagements over $85,000. She
purchased a villa in the suburbs of Hamburg and lived very quietly
until the date of her death, Nov. 27, 1876, aged 66 years. Fanny had
two children, one of them a daughter, married to a French mer-
chant, and the other a son, an officer in the Austrian cavalry. She
had the reputation of being very generous to all her relatives, and
of doing much good in her declining years without the least
ostentation.

John Charles Freer first acted in this city May 18th, as Richard
III. He returned to England and died there in December, 1887.
The next season opened August 17th with the American debut of
John B. Buckstone in his own comedy, "Single Life." Amelia
Fisher was seen as Kitty Skylark the 17th. Tyrone Power reap-
peared the 31st as O'Callaghan in " His Last Legs." for the first
time in this city. Power acted O'Callaghan again Sept. 1st. Mr.
and Mrs. Charles Hill's American debut was made on October 2nd,
in " Capers and Coronets." Power appeared as Morgan Rattler in
"How to Pay the Rent." the 20th, for the first time in America.
Adam Lcfflcr first acted in America the 28th, as Count Rodolpho
in " La Sonnambula." " Touch and Take, or the Law of the Kiss,"
was given Nov. toth, for the first time in America: " Faint Heart
Never Won Fair Lady" was done the 1 2th ; " The Beggar's Opera "
was revived on the 27th.

«840

THE PARK THEATRE

John Braham, the eminent English tenor, made his American
debut here Dec. 21st, in "The Siege of Belgrade." The season
closed Jan. 8th, 1841, and tbc company went to the Franklin Theatre
for a few weeks. Concerts were given at the Park at 25 cents
admission. " Money " was acted for the first time in America at
the Franklin by the Park Theatre Company. The Park Theatre was
reopened Feb. 17th, 1841, with the prices of admission reduced to:
boxes 75 cents, and pit 37^ cts. ; but they were raised in two
weeks to $1.00 and $.50. "Norma" was sung Feb. 25th, for the
first time in America. Tyrone Power's last appearance was on
March gth, 1841, as Gerald Pepper In "The White Horse of the
Peppers," and Morgan Rattler in " How to Pay the Rent." He was
lost at sea on the steamship President, which sailed from this city
March 24, 1841. He was about five feet eight inches in height, with
light hair and complexion, blue eyes, and a compact figure, inclining
to stoutness. If Mr. Power has ever been equalled on our stage in
the character of the Irish gentleman, he unquestionably never had
a rival, or a competitor in parts of lower grade. His voice was of
the finest quality as regards the clearness and melodious softness of
its tones.

The revolutionary drama "Horseshoe Robinson " saw the light
here March the 19th, James Ilackctt playing Galbraith Robinson ;
" Schoolfellows " was given April 3rd ; Julia Wallack first appeared
here 13th, as Donna Elvira in Mozart's opera " Don Giovanni."
Miss Clarendon made her debut on the stage April 17th, 1841, as
Mariana in " The Wife ; " " The Gipsy Warning " was given the 20th,
for the first time; " The White Milliner" the 27. Edwin Forrest
opened May 3rd as Richelieu ; Clara Fisher was Julie, and James E.
Murdoch, De Mauprat.

Dr. Bird's tragedy, " jack.. Cade," (originally called " Aylrocrc, of
th£j£cnlish Rebellion "), was produced for the first timcMay 24th,
with this cast:

Jack Cade .... Edwin Forrest

Clifford Jax. Murdoch

Kate Miss McBride

Lord Say W. Wheatley

Buckingham A. Andrews

Wat Worthy .... Chippendale
Courtney - . . W. A- Cnai

Dick Pembroke .... KMier

Marlamne . - Mrs. Ceo- W. Jones
Friar Lacy ..... Nickenson

Mowbry C. W. Clarke

Jack Straw Bellamy

Archbishop Bedford

Widow Cade . . . Mis Wheatley

The season closed May 31st, when Edwin Forrest, for his benefit,
repeated Jack Cade and also played Carwin in " The Orphan of

Geneva."

<)n June 1 a sale took place "j ill the KeBery, dfesMt, teeoi»

tions, etc., under a landlord's warrant for arrears of rent due to John
Jacob Astor and Henry Bcckman, amounting to $18, COO.

Mrs. William Abbott, formerly Elizabeth Bradshaw (maiden name

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C*«4«

Buloid), joined the company June 5. She died at Chester, Orange
County, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1858. Her last appearance in this city
was at the Metropolitan Theatre in January, 1856. Fanny Ellsler
opened a summer season June 14th. Mr. Simpson now secured the
Park for one year, the new lease to expire June 8, 1842. He re-
opened June 19. 1841, for a summer season, with Fanny Ellsler as
the star. On July 10 a benefit was given to William E. Burton.
The programme was "My Neighbor's Wife," cast thus:

Mr. Smith Mr. Mitchell

Mrs. Somerton . . . lira, Maeder
Mr*. Smith Mrs. Vernon

.Mr. Brown .
Mr. Somenon
Mrs. Brown

\V. E. Burton
Wra. Wheatley
Mrs. Wheailey

Fanny Ellsler followed in the " Cracovienne," and there was a solo
on the violin, by M. Chatel ; Pas de Matelot by M. Sylvain ; Cava-
tinas, from " I-a Gun Ladra," by Mr. Bailey ; poetical address by
Miss Clifton; the farce "Turning the Tables," with J. S. Browne
as Jeremiah, Burton as Jack, and Mrs. Vernon as Patty. The
entertainment commenced with a " national dance," by Ellsler,
which was announced as "The divine Fanny's" last appearance
in New York. The prices of admission were: boxes and pit, $t ;
gallery, 25 cents.

Mrs. Seymour's American debut was made Sept. 15th as Juliet.
Clara Fisher took a benefit 281I1, when, in addition to a miscellaneous
programme of recitations, songs, and dances, "Town and Country"
was given, with this cast : Reuben Glenroy, T. S. Hamblin ; Capt.
Glcnroy, Wm. R. Blake ; Rev. Owen, Barry ; Hawbuck, Latham ;
Hon. Mrs. Glenroy, Charlotte Cushman ; Rosalie Somcrs. Mrs. Sey-
mour; Goody Hawbuck. Mrs. Barry; Plastic, Fredericks; Coscy,
Wm. E. Burton ; Trott. W. II. Williams ; Mrs. Trott. Mrs. Vernon ;
Mrs. Moreen, Mrs. Wheatley ; Taffinc, Mary Taylor. " The Bee
Hive" was the afterpiece on this occasion, with Burton as Rattan ;
Charlotte Cushman, Emily; Mrs. Knight, Cicely; and Mrs. Wheat-
ley, Mrs. Mingle. Clara Fisher delivered a poetical address. The
prices of admission were: boxes $2.00, pit, $1.00.

■' London Assurance" was first produced at this theatre Monday,
October it, 1841, with this fine cast of characters :

Dazzle James Browne

Dolly Spanker Williams

Mart Meddll Latham

Max Harkaway Fisher

Charles Courtly Wheatley

Sir Harcourt Courtly . .Mr. Placide
Lady Gay Spanker . . C. Cushman
Grace Harkaway . . Miss Clarendon

Pert Mrs. Vernon

Cool A. Andrews

Miss Clarendon was expressly engaged for the character of Grace
Harkaway, but failed to give satisfaction, and after a few nights she
was withdrawn, and Miss Buloid was substituted. S. Butler made
his American d6but here Nov. the 4th, as Hamlet. He died in Man-

IS**]

THE PARK THEATRE

Chester. England, July 17th, 1845; "Walder the Avenger" was
seen the 9th ; •' The Old Maid " 15th, for the first time in this city ;
".Oliver Cromwell" Dec. 9th ; "What will the World say? "Jan.
5th7l842. A ball was given Feb. 16th in honor of Charles Dickens.
ina Sforza" was acted the 22nd. for the first time; "The Fiscal
Agent" 28th. also for the first time; and "Charles O'Malley," in
which George Mossop acted Mickey Free — making his first appear-
ance here. " Gwynnettc Vaughan, the Village Coquette," March
4th was seen for the first time ; and " West End, or the Heiress "
first saw the light here April 7th with the following cast : Earl
Stnnmore, C. W. Clarke; Sir Wm. Daventry, Placide; Bellamy
Fuss, Chippendale; Lady Daventry, Charlotte Cushman ; Norah
O'Conner, Susan Cushman ; Mrs. Comfort, Mrs. Vernon ; Percy
Ardent, A. Andrews; Supple, Barry; Lenoir, Fisher. "The Pris-
oners of War " was done 18th, and " Norma " was sung on the 25th,
with Mr. and Mrs. Scguin and Manvcrs in the cast ; " The Woman
Hater" was given the 30th. and "The Bronze Horse," an opera, was
sung on May 9. with this distribution of characters : Lang, Man-
vcrs ; Tchin. Seguin ; Peki, Mrs. Seguin; Tao-jan, Mrs. Knight;
Ping Sing, A. Andrews ; Yankoo, S. Pearson ; Stella, Mary Taylor;
Lo Mango, Miss Buloid.

"The Maid of Saxony " was first sung here on the 23rd, and Miss
Manvers first appeared in this city June 6th, as Zerlina in " Fra
Diavolo." Fanny Ellslcr made her last appearance in America
July 1st, in " La Cracoviennc." " Making your Wills" was played
July 4th, and the season closed July 13th and reopened with "The
Poor Gentleman" with William E. Burton, Barry, Placide, S. Browne,
A. Andrews, Bellamy, Fisher, W. H. Williams, Mrs. Whcatlcy, and
Miss S. Hildreth in the cast. "Paul Pry" was also acted, with
Burton as Paul, Mrs. Vernon as Phoebe, and Miss Buloid as Eliza.
"Such as It Is" was seen Sept. 4th, for the first time; and " Der
Nachtwttchter, or The Prince's Frolic " 9th. This play was origi-
nally entitled "The Buckle of Brilliants; " George Vandenhoff made
his American debut 21st, as Hamlet, Thos. Barry as Horatio, H.
Placide as Polonius, and Sarah Hildreth as Ophelia. " The Rose of
Aragon " was sung 26th for the first time.

John Brougham appeared Oct. 4th as O'Callaghan in "His Last
legs," and Mrs. Brougham (Emma Williams) made her debut as
I-ady Teazle. William Hoskin's American debut was made 21st, as
Don Felix in " The Wonder." Mrs. Hoskins (Julia Wallack) reap-
peared on the same date as Gertrude in " The Loan of a Lover ; "
"Love's Sacrifice" had its first hearing in America the 24th.
The play was thus cast : Matthew Elmore, Barry ; Eugene Dclormc,
C. W. Clarke; Friar Dominic, Bellamy; Du Viray, S. Pearson;
Margaret Elmore. Mrs. Brougham ; Manon, Mrs. Whcatlcy ; Paul
Lafont. Abbott; St. Lo. Brougham; Jean Ruse. Fisher; Morluc,

6o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [*«,

Frceland ; Hcrminic, Miss Buloid ; Jenny, Mrs. Vernon. The
oratorio "Israel in Egypt"* was sung the 31st. for the first time in
America, — Scguin, Sh rival, his American debut, and Mrs. Seguin
appearing in it. " Acis and Galatea." Handel's Cantata, was
sung Nov. 21st, also for the first time in America. The parts
were thus assigned: Acis, Shrival; Damon, Andrews; Faunces,
Archer ; Polyphemus, Seguin ; Ulysses, C. W. Clarke ; Galatea,
Mrs. Scguin; Eudora, Mrs. Bailey ; Doris. Mrs. Barry.

Annie Walters made her American debut the 29 as a dancer.
She was married to George Jordan, from whom she shortly afterward
was divorced . " Alma Mater, or Life in Oxford " was done Dec.
5th, for the first 'time in America. Mrs. Henry Hunt, afterwards
Mrs. John Drew, acted Lady Contest. " Blanche Heriot, or The
Chertscy Curfew" was given on the same date. *' The People!*
Lawyer " was heard the 17th for the first time in New York, with
this Cast :

Solon Shingle, Hill ; Robert Howard. C. W. Clarke ; Charles
Otis, Lowell : John Ellsley, A. Andrews ; Winslow, Bellamy ; Tup-
per, Fisher; Mrs. Otis. Mrs. Wbcatley; Grace Otis, Miss Buloid.

"Broken Hearts" was done the 26th, with Burton as Twccdle.
The season closed Jan. 2nd, 1843. when Mrs. Wheatley took her
farewell of the stage. The house reopened March 13, with ■ Mothers
and Daughters," for the first time in America, with Mrs. Henry
Hum as Mabel Trevor. " Pretty Girls of Slctburg " was played the
20th ; " Recruiting Officer " the 24th ; and " A Thumping Legacy "
the 31st, for the first time in America.

Junius Brutus Booth reappeared after an absence of fourteen years
and acted Richard III. April 3rd; King Lear the 4; Richard the
5th; Lucius Junius Brutus and John Lump, in "The Review"
the 6th, and Hamlet the 8th. " The New Yctrk—Ajcrchant and jus
.Clerks " was played the 1 ith for the first time. Wimam warren, as
Gregory Grizzle in " My Young Wife and Old Umbrella," was seen
the 14th ; " Grandfather Whitehead." the 24th, its first hearing in
this theatre ; Placide acted the title rdlc with Gcorgiana Kinloch as
Edward. The American debut of Henry P. (".rattan was made May
1 ith as Hamlet. Junius B. Booth returned 24th as Richard, and
also played Pescara in " The Apostate." Mrs. H. Hunt had a benefit
June 10th and acted Vincent in " John of Paris ; " and Mrs. John
Brougham played Hamlet in a sketch called " Shakespeare's Dream."
The season closed June 28th, and the next season commenced Sept.
I Ith, 1843, with " Pizarro" and this cast: Rolla, Wallack; Pizarro,
Barry; Las Casas, W. A. Vachc; Almayn, Toomer; High Priest.
H. Hunt; Elvira, Mrs. Sloman ; Peruvian Boy, Miss G Kinloch;
Oroscmbo. Chippendale ; Alonzo, Wheatley; Blind Man, Bridges;
Atalba, Lovcl; Valverdc, John Crocker; Sentinel. Fisher; Cora,
Mrs. H. Hunt. This was the first appearance here of Vachc,

1&44D

THE PARK THEATRE

Bridges, and Toomcr. Julia Turnbull executed a Spanish dance
after the tragedy. The price* of admission were: Boxes, $1.00, Pit,
$.50, Gallery, 25 cis.

Charles William Macready, after an absence of sixteen years, reap-
peared Sept. 25 as Macbeth, W. H. Ryder being his principal sup-
port. He acted Macbeth Oct. 2-9-20-23^ and Nov. 6th ; Hamlet
Sept. 27th, Oct. 6, 16, 24; Richelieu Sept. 29, Oct. 5-17-28 and
Nov. 2nd ; Werner, for the first time in America. Oct. 4-12-19,
and Nov. 4th Hamlet again; Virginius he gave Oct. nth and
Nov. 3rd; "The Lady of Lyons "Oct. 13; Othello Oct. 18 and Nov.
1st. He played Iago Nov. 7th, to Ryder's Othello, and closed his
engagement 8th with Macbeth, with Charlotte Cushman as Lady
Macbeth. Edwin Forrest acted Richelieu Oct. 30th, and during his
engagement was also seen as Claude Melnotte, Othello, Hamlet,
Macbeth. Metamora, Spartacus, and Lear. J. H. Booth reappeared
Nov. nth as Richard III. and in "Julius Carsar " on the 13th. he
played Cassius, with Barry as Julius Carsar; Whcatlcy, Marc
Antony; Wallack. Brutus ; and Mrs. Slocum as Portia. "Othello"
was given the 14th, Booth as Iago and Wallack as the Moor.
"Douglas" the 16th with Booth as Glenalvon, Wallack as Young
Norval; and on the 17th he was seen as Sir Giles Overreach.

Ole Bull, the world-famous violinist, made his American debut here
Nov. 25th. Macready reappeared in "The Bridal" Dec. 6th, in
" Werner" 7th-i2th ; Benedick 8th ; " Richelieu " 13th. Macready
acted Benedick for the first time in New York, with Charlotte Cush-
man as Beatrice; "Marino Faliero" was done here 15th, for the
first time in New York ; " The Man of the World " was given 20th,
and Gen. Tom Thumb appeared in living statuary. Mons. Vicux-
temps the violoncellist first appeared here 27th; "Old Parr" was
acted 28th, and J. B. Booth repeated his Sir Giles Overreach Jan.
1st, 1844. The theatre then closed until March 6, when "The
Bohemians, or The Mysteries of Crime," was presented. Booth
reappeared March nth as Reuben Glenroy in "Town and Country,"
and during his stay acted Richard III. and Sir Giles Overreach.
" Fortunio and His Seven Gifted Servants" was given for the first
time in America April 16th, with Mrs. H. Hunt as Fortunio. "The
Olympia Revels " was done 29th; "The Young Scamp" May 2nd,
with Sirs. Hunt as Joseph. The opera of " Anne Boleyn " was sung
in New York May 6th. Miss Coad as Mark Smeyton, and Scguin
as Henry VIII. Macready acted Hamlet 13th, and Shylock 21st, for
the first time in New York. He closed with " The Bridal " Nov. 3rd.
" Fair One with the Golden Locks " was presented May 22nd, 1844,
for the first time. Macready acted Iago 31, first time in this city,
to Ryder's Othello. " City Wives " was given the same date, for
the first time in America.

James R. Anderson made his American debut here Sept. 2nd, as

62 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [««44

Othello; on the 3rd he was seen as Hamlet, with Miss Maywood as
Ophelia, and John Dyott as the Ghost; Anderson acted Benedick
4th, with Clara Ellis as Beatrice. He afterwards played Richard III.,
Claude Melnotte, Coriolanus, The Stranger, and Macbeth. " Gis-
sippus, or the Heart's Sacrifice " was given here for the first time
in America Sept. :3th. by Anderson for his benefit, and on that
occasion he also played Delaval in the farce of " Matrimony." Mr.
Anderson revisited this country in 1848, and appeared at the old
Broadway Theatre, March 20th, as Othello. His third visit here
was in 1853, and he opened at the Broadway. Oct. 24th. He came
again in 1856, when he played in November at Wallack's at Broad-
way and Broome St., supported by Agnes Ellsworthy. His last
vitlt to this country was in 1858. He arrived here in October, and
opened in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 20, for two weeks. He then made a
starring tour through the South and West He played in San
Erancisco, Cal.. for four weeks, opening March 23, 1859. He sailed
for England April nth, i860, and died in London, England,
March 3rd, 1895.

Clara Ellis first acted in this city Sept. 2nd as Desdemona to
Anderson's Othello. After long and arduous struggles in Philadel-
phia and Boston, Miss Ellis found an engagement at the Richmond
Hill Theatre in this city. In 1848, after a final engagement at
Castle Garden, she returned to England in 1848, and died there
in 1850.

John Dyott was brought to this country by Edmund Simpson to
fill the place left vacant by the death of Mr. Abbott. He made his
debut September 2nd, 1844, as Iago. to James Anderson's Othello.
He was the original American representative of Clarence in " Wine
Works Wonders." When " Antony and Cleopatra " was first pro-
duced in this country Dyott acted Octavius Caesar, to the Marc
Antony of George Vandenhoff and the Octavia of Miss Elizabeth
Crocker, afterwards Mrs. D. P. Bowers. Dyott played Proteus in
" The Two Gentlemen of Verona," to the Valentine of Charles
Kean, and the Julia of Mrs. Charles Kean. In June, 1846, he
played Richmond for three weeks, to the Richard of Charles Kean.
In the summer of 1847, he appeared at the Bowery Theatre. Dec.
17, 1847, he appeared at Palmo's Opera House and remained there
three weeks. He played Iago to Forrest's Othello at the Broadway
Theatre in August, 1848, and at this house he was one of the
Macduffs on the night of the Astor Place Opera House riot. He
made his final appearance on the stage at Pike's (now the Grand)
Opera House, this city, May 26, 1868. He died at New Rochelle,
N. Y., Nov. 22, 1876.

Mrs. Emma Skcrrett made her American bow Sept. 13th as
Clara in " Matrimony ; " " Dominique the Deserter " was seen for the
first time in America on the 14th, with George Skcrrett (his Amcri-

'^1

THE PARK THEATRE

can debut) in the title rdle. Macready reappeared 16th in " Ham-
let , " - Werner " 19th j " Richard III." 20th ; " The Bridal" 23rd ;
"Othello" 24th; "The Stranger" 26th; and for his last appear-
ance, 27th, in " King Lear." Charlotte Cushman was in the sup-
port. Mrs. J. B. Booth, Jr., known then as Clementina De-Bar,
acted the Fool in " King Lear." Macready's last appearance in
America was at the Astor Place Opera House in 1849. For par-
ticulars of this engagement sec the history of the Astor Place
Opera House. His last appearance on the stage was Feb. 26th,
1851, at Drury Lane Theatre. London, England. He died at
Cheltenham, England, April 27, 1873.

Henrietta Dyott, wife of John Dyott, made her American debut
Sept. 14th, 1844, as Rose in " Is He Jealous ? " She was the orig-
inal Lady Clutterbuck in "Used Up" in America, Jan. 9th, 1845.
When Thomas S. Hamblin opened this theatre in 1848, Mrs. Dyott
was one of the company. She retired from the stage in 1853, and
died at New Rochelle, N. Y., Oct. 17, 1876. A spectacle called
" The Engh.gn^ed Horpe " was presented for the first time on any
stage Sept 30th , \Y 11 Crisp's American d£but occurred the 30th.
when he appeared as Jeremy Diddlcr in " Raising the Wind." The
burlesque " A^_ Lad in the Wonderful Lamp" was given for the first
time Oct. 7thT "UriSt to~thc Mill " 18th ; also a new play, " Million-
airej__or the Scottish Gold Mines," 22nd, for the first time ; "TJ>e
Rjghls of Woman " 29th, first time ; " Tarn O'Shantcr, or Alloway
Kirkj" Hov. 4th, first time in America; and "Inheritance, or
the Heir of Rossvillc " 8th, for the first time. Anderson reappeared
nth, as Hamlet ; 15th in the " Patrician's Daughter," and 22nd in
" The Elder Brother."

"The Bohemian Girl " was first heard in America, Nov. 25, 1844.
and with this cast :

Thaddeus, Frazcr ; Count Arnheim, A. Andrews; Florestien, S.
Pearson ; Arline, Mrs. Seguin ; Dcvilshoof, Seguin ; Gypsy Queen,
Mrs. Knight. The principal dancers were Julia Turnbull, Mons.
Martin, Miss St. Clair, and Miss Cohen. Andrews' real name was
Isaacs ; he became a landscape painter and returned to Europe.

"Don Caesar De Bazan" was first seen here (and at the old
Bowery Theatre the same night) Dec. 16th, 1844. The cast at the
Park 1 hcatrc was this : Crocker, Don Caesar ; John Dyott, Don Jose ;
W. H. Crisp, Charles II.; Fisher, the Marquis; Mrs. Skerrett,
Lazarillo ; Clara Ellis, Maritana ; and Mrs. Barry as the Countess.
Thomas Dc Waldcn's American debut was made Dec. 20th as Bel-
mow in ■ Is He Jealous? " James Anderson acted Claude Mclnotte
24'h and "The Elder Brother" 27th ; "The Christmas Carol " was
seen 25th ; " Wilful Murder " 30th. " George Barnwell " was revived
Jan. 1st, 1845, and, for the first time here, the military drama
"AusterliU, or Love and Honor."

64 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [.*«

Boucicault's comedy " Old Heads and Young Hearts " bad its
first representation in America aTthis theatre "Jan. 5th", 1845, and at
the Bowery Theatre on the same night, there being a great rivalry
between the two houses. They were both very anxious to give the
first representation of the piece. The cast at the Park Theatre was :

Earl of Pompion - .
Lord Charles Roebuck
Colonel Rocket . .
Littleton Coke . . .
Tom Coke ....
Jesse Rural ....

Dc Walricn
. Mr. Dyott
. Mr. Flatter
W. H

. Mr. Barry
Chippendale

Bob Mr. Skerrett

Stripe Mr. Anderson

Countess Mrs. Barry

Lady Alice Hawthorne . . Clara Ellis
Kate Rockett .... Mrs. Abbott

The comedy of " Used Up" was played here for the first time in
America on Jan. 9, with W. H. Crisp as Sir Charles Coldstream.

The Theatre closed Jan. 18th, and reopened March 12th with
Buckstonc's melodrama " Green Bushes," given for the first time in
America, with this admirable cast: Conner O'Kennedy, Dyott; Geo.
O'Kennedy, Barry ; Wild Muriagh, Fisher; Jack Gong, Chippendale ;
Geraldine, Mrs. Abbott; Nelly O'Neill, Mrs. Knight; D'Artm's,
Crocker; Grinnidge, Skerrett; Dennis, Dc Waldcn; Miami, Miss
C. Ellis; Tigcrtail, Mrs. Davcnall; Meg, Mrs. Barry. On March
24 " .Fashion^" by Anna Cora Mowatt, was presented for the first
time on any stage, with this cast:

Adam Trucman . . . Chippendale

Snob*on Fisher

Mr. Tiffany Barry

Twinkle DeWalden

Zeke Skerrett

Mrs. Tiffany Mrs. Barry

Millincttc Mrs Dyott

Prudence Mrs. Kniyln

Count Crisp

Col. Howard Dvott

Seraphina Kate Horn

This comedy was played to crowded houses for three weeks. On
June 13 of the same year. Anna Cora Mowatt made her debut as an
actress at this theatre, as Pauline in " The Lady of Lyons." She took
her final leave of the stage at Niblo's Garden June 3, 1854, in the
same character. The receipts that night were $6,000. On June 7,
1854, she was married to William F. Ritchie She died at Twicken-
ham, near London, Eng., July 29, 1870.

James Anderson acted Coriolanus April 14th, Macbeth 19th, Shy-
lock 30th, and in " Elder Brother" 31st. "Time Works Wonders"
had its first production in America, and the following was the cast :
thumb, Placidc; Sir Oliver Norman, Harry; Clarence Norman,
Dyott; Felix Goldthumb, Crisp; Florentine. Mrs. Abbott; Bessy
Tulip, Mrs. Skerrett; Mrs. Goldthumb, Mrs. Barry; Truffles,
Fisher; Bantom. Skerrett; Olive, Fleming; Jugby, De Walden ;
Miss Tucker, Miss Vernon ; Chicken, Mrs. Knight. The season
closed June 14th and reopened Aug. 14th with "The Lady of
Lyons" and "A Roland for an Oliver." Miss Mowatt was the

iM]

THE PARK THEATRE

Pauline, and Charles Bass, his American d<Sbut. the Col. Damas.
Fanny Gordon made her American debut 21 as Mrs. Trictrac, and
Mrs. Emily Bland made her first appearance in America 30th as
Pauline. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kean were seen in " The Game-
ster " Sept. 1st ; George H. Andrews first acted in New York as
Luke in " Luke the Laborer." He died in this city April 7th, 1866.
The Keans appeared again Oct. 17th in " Follies of a Night." James
E. Murdoch came 21st, as Hamlet; "The Sheriff of the County"
had its first hearing here Nov. 3rd ; " The" Bride "ol XaWnWflJoor "
was seen for the first time in America Nov. 17th, with this cast:
Col. Ashton, Brough ; Edgar, Gardner ; Arthur, S. Pearson ; Nor-
man. J. Pearson; Raymond. Miss Uclcy; Lucy, Miss VVilkins.

Miss Elizabeth Crocker, afterwards Mrs. D. P. Bowers, first ap-
peared on the stage Dec. 3rd, as Amanthis in " The Child of Nature."
In March, 1847. she was married to David P. Bowers, an actor, who
died in 1857. She shortly after married Dr. Brown. She visited
Europe in 1861, and appeared in September at Sadler* Wells Theatre.
London, as Julia in "The Hunchback." She soon afterwards became
leading lady at the Lyceum Theatre. London. She returned to
America in 1863, and died in Washington, D. C. Nov. 6th, 1895.
" Amilic," music by W. Rooke, Libretto by J. Haines, was first sung
at this theatre Dec. 29th; "Remorse, or the Paternal Malediction,"
was played Jan. 1st, 1846; the Keans reappeared in ■ Richard III."
on the 7th ; " Griselle, or The Willies " was seen Feb. and ; " Violet."
for the first time here, 5th. " The Cricket on the Hearth " was seen
21st, and " Every Man in His Humor" March 6th, for the first time
in America, cast in part thus: Kitely, G. Vandenhoff ; Rainworm,
Charles Bass ; Young Knowell, John Dyott.

The opera of " Don Pasqualc"was given here, for the first time in
English 9th. On the same date Dan Marble acted " Sam Patch in
France : " " Hue and Cry " was the bill the 1 ith ; " The Backwoods-
man, or The Gamecock of the Wilderness " was seen, for the first
time here, 12th; and "The Brewer of Preston," also a play new
to America, was produced April 23rd. " Antony and Cleopatra "
was presented, for the first time in America, April 27th, with this
distribution of parts: Marc Antony, Geo. Vandenhoff; Octavius
Caesar, Dyott ; Enoharbus, Bland ; Agrippa, Anderson ; Mardian,
De Waldcn; Iras, Flynn ; Cleopatra, Mrs. Bland; Ventidius, Barry ;
Scaurus, Povcy ; Dolabclla. Crocker; Alcxus, Vachc; High Priest,
Boulard ; Octavia, Miss Crocker ; Charmian, Gordon. Anna Cora
Mowatt appeared May 4th as King Charles in " Faint Heart Never
Won Fair Lady." This was the lady's first appearance in male attire.
The Keans began another engagement May 25th and closed June 9th.
Mrs. Henry Hunt, afterwards Mrs. John Drew, during the same month
acted Constance in " The Love Chase," and Joseph in "The Young
Scamp." The season closed July 4th and the theatre reopened Aug.

66 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1I47

17th, j 846, with the American debut of John Collins, the Irish come-
dian and vocalist, in " The Nervous Man " and " Teddy the Tiler."

James Stark and Mrs. Sutnerland made their debut here 1 8th ; the
Kcans played the " Gamester " the 30th ; Anna Cora Mowatt acted
Juliet, to E. L. Davenport's Romeo, the 26th. This was Davenport's
first appearance at this theatre. The Keans returned Oct. 5th, in
" The Jealous Wife." "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" was done,
for the first time in America, on the 6th. This is a selection from
the cast: Valentine. C. Kcan ; Duke of Milan, Stark; Thurio, A.
Andrews; Sylvia, Mrs. Abbott; Proteus, Dyott ; Antonio, D. Ander-
son; Speed, Fisher; Launcc, Bass; Julia, Mrs. C. Kcan; Lucctta,
Mrs. Dyott. The Kcans produced " The Wife's Secret." for the
first time in America, the I2th. J. R. Anderson acted " King of
the Commons" 19th, for first time here. F. S. Chanfrau played
Laertes, to Anderson's Hamlet, on the 24th. "The Robbers " was
given the 26th, Anderson acting Charles de Moor. Susan and Kate
Denin appeared the 27th in " The Wanflcrinp Boys." The Keans
returned Nov. 9th, and produced " King John " with this distribu-
tion of parts: King John, C. Kean; Falconbridge, G. Vandenhoff ;
King Philip, Barry ; Lewis the Dauphin, Stark ; Archduke of Aus-
tria, S. Pearson ; Robert Falconbridge, Fisher ; Cardinal, C. Bass ;
Hubert, Dyott; Earl of Salisbury, F. S. Chanfrau; Prince Arthur,
Susan Denin; Prince Henry, Mrs. Sutherland; Lady Constance,
Mrs. C. Kean; Queen Elinor, Mrs. Abbott; Lady Falconbridge,
Miss Gordon ; Blanche of Castile, Miss Horn.

The Viennoise dancers made their American debut Dec. 4th.
Ada Stetson first appeared in America Jan. 26th, 1847, acting Juliet
to Mrs. Henry Hunt's Romeo. Ciocca, Mantin, and Morra, dancers,
were seen for the first time in America Feb. 1st ; "Look Before
You Leap " had its first hearing here 3rd ; Edwin Forrest returned
March 22nd, as Richelieu and Othello 23rd, with Geo. J. Jamieson
as lago. "Ernestine" was produced for the first time April 7th;
ismulh & Co., or The Nuble. and the Merchant," also a play
new to the stage, wm given the 13th. Italian opera was heard 15th.
when " Ernani " had its first representation in this city. Mile.
Blangy. the dancer, first appeared here 20th. The season closed
June 7th, and the theatre reopened Aug. 4th, with Donizetti's " Lin-
da di Chamounix," sung in English, with Mme. Anna Bishop, her
American debut, as Linda; Antonio, Brough ; Vicomte di Sirval,
Frazcr; Magdalene, Mrs. Knight; Paola, Barry; Pierrot, Mrs.
Bailey ; and Franchette, Miss Flynn. James R. Anderson reap-
peared 18th in "Hamlet." The cast was:

Hamlet .... Jamc* R. Anderson

King James Stark

Laertes F. S. Chanfrau

Polonius Charles Hass

Gho&t John Dyott

Oaric A. Andrew*

First Gravedigger. . George Andrews

gueen Mrs. Abbott
phella . . Mrs. Hunt (Mrs. Drew)

'Ml

THE PARK THEATRE

He acted Macbeth 19, with Mrs. W. G. Jones as Lady Macbeth ;
John Dyott, Macduff. Edwin Forrest opened 31 in " King Lear ;"
Anna Cora Mowatt appeared, supported by E. L. Davenport, Sept.
23rd, in " Love ; " " Armand, "r thcQ|ild oj the People." was acted
27th, for the first time at this theatre, with the following cast:
Armand, E. L. Davenport; Due dc Richelieu, Harry; Dame Bab-
ette, Mrs. Vernon ; King Louis XIII., Hield; Victor, Susan Denin;
Jacqueline, Kate Horn ; Blanche. Anna Cora Mowatt. This play
was originally produced in England by Miss Mowatt, Jan. 18th,
1849, but the title was changed to " Armand., pr Veer and Peasant."
Eliza Bricnti first appeared here Oct. 4th, as Leonora in an English
version of Donizetti's " La Favorita."

J. H. Hackett's last appearance at this house was on Oct. 16th, as
Mons. Mallet in the farce of that name, and O'Callaghan in " .fcfis
LaM 1 1*6*" Edwin Forrest acted "Jtfi»tamCjj» " 27th. His last
appearance at this house occurred the 28th, when he appeared as
Spartacus in "Th« Qjfdiatnr." Mine. G. A. Macfarren made her
American debut Oct. 30, as Maffio Orsini in Donizetti's opera,
" Lucrezia Borgia." " The Maid of Artois " was sung, for the first
time in America. Nov. 5th, with this cast : Chateaux Vieux, A.
Giubiler ; Jules de Montagnon, Reeves ; Isolinc, Anna Bishop ;
Coralic, Mrs. Frary ; Ninka, Mme. Boulard. Charles Dibdin Pitt
made his American debut Nov. 8th, as Hamlet ; " Cavalier, or
England in 1640," was seen the 10th, for the first time ; " The
Bottle" was produced 15th; and the season closed Dec. 17th.

Rufus Welch opened a circus season here Feb. 1st, 1848. In the
organization were E. M. Dickenson, Master W. Kingcadc, McFarland,
Mme. Louisa Howard, John Nathans, G. Hoyt, E. Woods, J. Glenroy,
Chas. J. Rogers, Mme. Hazard, T. V. Turner, the three Misses Wells,
and J. G. Cady. After being closed for a few weeks, the theatre was
reopened March 1st, with J. B. Booth as Richard III. and the farce
"The Irish Lion," with Mr. and Mrs. John Brougham in the latter.
The prices of admission were 50 cts. to all parts of the house. The
" Apostate," and. for the first time at this house, a burlesque on
•■•MfittDJora," on March 6th. Booth acted Lear 8th, MnTw. G.
Jones being the Cordelia ; Mrs. John Dyott, Regan ; John Dyott,
Edgar; James Stark, Edmund; and Mrs. Abbott, Goneril. For
Forbes' benefit. Booth acted Jerry Sneak in the farce " The Mayor
of Garrett." Booth's last appearance was as Bertram, on the 9th.
The prices were again reduced on the loth, pit tickets being 25 cts.
" Asmodeus, or Le Diable Boiteux," a ballet, was presented for the
first time 15th. The theatre was closed March 16th, but the doors
were thrown open again May 22nd. when the Viennoise children
reappeared. The season again closed June 5th. Thos. S. Hamblin
next essayed the management of the Park, but unsuccessfully. He
remodelled it at a cost of about 530.000, and opened, with " Hamlet,' '

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DM

Sept. 4th, 1848: Hamlet, T. S. Hamblin; Polonius, Bellamy;
Horatio, A. Andrews ; Rosencrantz, W. H. Hamilton ; First Grave-
digger, W. B. Chapman; Ophelia, Mary Taylor; King, E. L.
Tilton ; Liertes, C. Walcot ; Ghost, Hicld ; Queen, Miss Winstanley.
Rose Telbin made her dc*but in America the same evening, as Ma-
tilda in the comedietta " Ladies Beware." Charles Moorhouse first
appeared in this city Sept. 5th, as Numitorius in "Virginius."
Another reduction in the prices of admission occurred Sept. nth:
boxes, 75 cts. ; second tier. 50 cts. ; third tier, 25 cts. ; pit, 37^ cts. ;
gallery. I2# ct».

Mons. and Mme. Monplaisir first appeared here 18th; Mr. and
Mrs. John Gilbert made their debut 30th, in " The Rivals ; " Maurice
Power, son of Tyrone Power, first appeared in America Oct 30th, as
Sir Patrick O'Plenipo in " The Irish Ambassador," and "' Teddy the
Tiler." He died at Bath, England, Sept. 21st, 1849. " E^ijik.pj-
Dealings with the Firm of Dombey & Son," was played Nov. 13th,
for the first time on any stage. Mrs. Shaw acted Constance in
" The Love Chase," 24th. During Simpson's long management of
this house he introduced nearly all the European stars to this coun-
try. While playing Faustus, in 1828, he broke one of his legs. At
the same time Mr. Barry broke an arm, and Mrs. Barry a leg. Simp-
son's first appearance in America was at this house, as Harry Dornton
in " The Road to Ruin," Oct. 22, 1809. In 1833 he retired from the
stage direction and confined himself to management, although he
would occasionally appear for a benefit. He had one himself Sept.
27, 1838, when the receipts were $3,371.50. He had as volunteers,
Mme. Vestris, Mme. Caradori Allan, Ellen Tree, Josephine Clifton,
Charles Mathews, Thomas Barry, Tyrone Power, William Brough,
J. S. Browne, Mrs. Richardson, T. Placide, Peter Richings, J. Fisher,
Chippendale, William Whcatley. and Mrs. Wheatlcy. He had the
best benefits ever realized at this theatre. His last appearance as
an actor was as Dazzle in "London Assurance," in 1841. He died
in this city, July 31, 1848. A benefit was given for his widow and
family Dec. 7, 1848, and the amount cleared was $4,739-75. The
performance consisted of " The School for Scandal " :

Maria Mary Taylor

Oliver W. E. Hurton

Charles C. H. Barrett

Crabtree W R. Wake

Mrs. Candour . . . Mrs. Winstanley
Lady Sneerwcll . . . Mrs. Gilbert

Sir Peter Thos. Placide

Joseph Thos. Barry

Careless (with song) . . C Walcot
Sir Benjamin . . . Peter Richings

Snak« Morehouse

Moses Povey

Lady Tcaxle Mrs. Shaw

Walter Sconcia then gave several musical pieces, Mme. and Mons.
Monplaisir danced, and W. B. Chapman sang a comic song.

Mr. Hamblin presented "Richard III." Dec. u, that play being
the last Shakesperian drama performed here, as on Dec 16, 1848,

■M I

THE PARK THKATKK

the theatre was destroyed by fire^J M. Monplaisir took his benefit
on the night of the 15th, and his wife's benefit was to have followed
on the evening of the 16th ; but just before opening the doors to the
public, a file of playbills hanging at the prompter's entrance to the
stage was accidentally blown or brushed against a burning gas jet
and in an instant the entire wing was in a blaze. In a little
over an hour afterward the interior of the theatre was reduced to
ashes. Mr. Hamblin's loss was about $25,000.

Thus passed away the most celebrated of the early American
theatres, the only remembrance of its former position being the
name of Theatre Alley, which still attaches to the narrow lane
between Ann and Beckman Streets. This theatre received a death
blow in the erection of the Broadway Theatre in 1846, under the
auspices of Col. Mann; and Mr. Simpson was left, in his old age,
to see all his efforts eclipsed by the enterprise of a single
individual, who was totally unacquainted with the drama and the
stage. Many years before the Park ceased to exist, it became the
property of John Jacob Astor and Mr. Beckman. Simpson & Price,
and Kdmund Simpson, had paid an aggregate rent of upwards of
$500,000. For a long time they paid an annual rental of $22,000 ;
and were obliged to keep in one of the banks a certified deposit to
that amount, by way of security.

While workmen were engaged in clearing away the ruins of this
theatre in 1852, they found, on removing the superstructure, the
foundation stone of the old house. It was a plain brown stone
slab, bearing the following inscription :

The Cok.vek Stone of this

TIIKATllK

Was laid on tht $tk day of May,
'79S-
Jacob Martin, William Henderson, Carlilc Pollock, Commltshntn ,■ Lewis
Hallam. John Hodgkinson, Mana^tn.

The stone was presented to Edward Windust, proprietor of a
restaurant a few doors west of the site on which the Old Park
stood, who inserted it in the wall of bis establishment as a monu-
ment of the past and a memento for the future chronologist to
ponder over. In one end of the slab Mr. Windust has inserted
the following inscription:

TAKEN MOM THE KUINS OF THE

PARK THEATRE

Which was destroyed by lire
Dec 18, >M

JO A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i*m

MOUNT VERNON GARDENS

ALMOST the first summer theatre in this city was the Mount
Vernon Garden Theatre. For some years previous to the
opening of this place there was a favorite resort, called the Mount
Vernon Gardens, at the northwest corner of Broadway and Leonard
Street. The proprietor was Joseph Corrie, who had formerly been
a French cook to an officer in the British army. The Park Theatre
being closed during a greater portion of the summer, and the
public being deprived of theatrical representation, he concluded that
there was money in a summer theatre, and fitted up a small stage
in the gardens, engaged a portion of the Park Theatre company, and
opened July 19, 1800, with " Miss in her Teens, or the Medley of
Lovers": Capt. Flash, Mr. Jefferson; Captain Lovelit, Mr. Hallam ;
Puff, Mr. Hogg; Jasper, Mr. Fox; Fribble, Mr. Martin; Tag,
(with a song), Mrs. Seymour; Biddy Bellair (with a song), Miss
Brett. Tickets of admission were 4*. and performance commenced at
9 P. m. precisely.

THE GROVE THEATRE

A SMALL house situated in Bedloe Street (now Madison
Street, cast of Catharine), called "The Grove Theatre," was
opened March 9, 1804. Among the members of the nimpany were
Frederick Whcatlcy and his wife (the parents of William Wheat-
ley), Messrs. McGinnis, Parsons, Bates, Bland, Burrows, and Burd,
Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. McGinnis, and Miss White. Mrs. Wheatley,
then known as Miss Ross, here made her first appearance. She
afterward became a favorite actress. The Grove Theatre deserved
and received little encouragement, and remained open only a short
time. After being closed for several months, it was reopened on
the evening of Dec. 4, 1804, and among its performers was Mr.
Turnbull, who had made his debut at the Park in 1802. The com-
pany was considered a pretty good one in its time, yet not one
member of it is remembered to-day.

T. Abthorpe Cooper acted Pierre in " Venice Preserved " on
Feb. I, 1805; "The Honeymoon" was first acted in America at
this house May 29th. William Twaits first played in this city
at the Grove Theatre June 21st, as Caleb Quotem in "The
Review." This ill-fated house closed shortly afterwards.

I*B I

SCUDDKR'S ft BARNUM'S MUSKUMS

SCLDDER'S & BARNUM'S MUSEUMS.

SCUDDER'S Museum was in an old two-story building, once
the Almshouse of the city. It was of brick, painted yellow,
with wooden portico, and was situated on the south side of Cham-
bers Street, the site now occupied by what is called the " New
Court House." Dr. Scuddcr opened it as the American Museum
in 1810. There were on exhibition Rlass cases of stuffed animals,
a live anaconda, a tame alligator, and a gallery of paintings, said
to be national portraits. There was also a small room where lec-
tures on various subjects were given. John Scudder devoted his
life to the Museum, and acquired a competency from it

On Dec. 27, 1841, the contents of the Museum were purchased by
P. T. Barnum, who removed them to the building at the corner of
Broadway and Ann Street. Barnum agreed to pay £12,000 in seven
equal instalments, and so economical was he that in less than
one year he paid every cent of the sum. One of his first successes
was the " Fejce Mermaid," in August, 1842. Jan. 2. 1843, he pur-
chased the collection of the New York (known as Peale's) Museum,
which he removed to his establishment. He introduced to the
public in December, 1842, Charles S. Stratton, the dwarf, after-
wards known as General Tom Thumb. Stratton was a native of
Bridgeport, Ct., and at the time Mr. Barnum found him he was
five years of age. Mr. Barnum secured him for four weeks at a
salary of $3 and board for himself and mother. He was advertised
as eleven years of age. At the end of four weeks he was paid $y
a week. Barnum had what was termed a " Moral Lecture Room,"
where dramatic performances were given. In 1844, the company
consisted of Caroline Chapman, Mrs. Phillips, George Chapman,
Maria Barton, Great Western (father of Lucille and Helen Wes-
tern), John Dunn, Barney Williams, Billy Whitlock, Luke West,
the Martinctti Family, and others. Wm. B. Harrison, the ex-
temporaneous singer, appeared during this season. In 1848 Mr.
Barnum bought the collection of the Chinese Museum, Philadel-
phia, and added it to his attractions.

William R. Goodall made his first appearance in New York at
this house in June, 1850, as Edward Middleton in " The Drunkard-"
He was one of the most brilliant and natural actors Amer i
saw. He was of medium height, athletic mould, with a head and
face of classical beauty. His voice was singularly powerful, and at
the same time one of the most musical ever given to man. He had
too many friends, however, and gave himself up to dissipation,
ceased to study, depended solely upon his fine instincts to produce
those effects which, in men less prodigally gifted, can only be

72 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«53

attained by days and nights of toil. He died in Philadelphia
Jan. 13, 1856.

Emily Mcstaycr was leading lady during the seasons of 1851-2-3.
When "The Old Folks at Home" was produced, she made a hit

by her singing of the song of that name.
"Major tones' Courtship" was produced
fsyf. This same play was presented at the Museum 537 Broad-

was produced here during the season

(occupied by Mr. Barnum after the destruction of the Broadway
and Ann Street establishment), under the title of "Jdaior lones'
rhr'etTtng_ Present." The season of 1852-3 commenced Aug. 30,
with John Greenwood as assistant manager ami C. W. Clarke
director of amusements. The "local, moral prize drama," entitled
"_Thc Orphan's Dream," was presented. Emily Mcstaycr deliv-
ered an opening address. The company was as follows: C. W.
Clarke, T. Hadaway, J. Hcnkins, A. Andrews, Sefton Parry,
Chas. Warwick, Sylvester Bleeckcr, Martin G. Clark. Jas. Conner,
Charles Van Klccker, Livingston, Picrrepont, Wm. Marden, Whit-
man, Simpson, Thomason, the Misses E. Mestayer, M. Augustin,
Mortimer (now Mrs. Louisa KMridge), Granice, Gladstone, Alder-
man, Marshall, Morton, Goldthwaite, Colevolini, Jackson, Kate
and Ellen Adair, Dodge, and La Petite Taglioni.

April 25 H. F. Daly made his first appearance in his native

city, for the benefit of C. W. Clarke. He acted Master Walter in

be Hunchback." Emily Mcstaycr acted Julia for the first

time; Kate Horn Buckland played Helen, and T. Hadaway,

Fathom,

HL J. Conway's version of " Uncle Tom,'* £ah'n " was produced
here~i\ov. 7, 1853, with this cast :

Mr. Slmlby .... Sylves'r Bleeker

hclhy (ut act) . Sallie Bishop

Geo. Shelby (5th act) Geo. C. ChaflM

Tom Looker . . . , Mr. Charles

reter Master Smith

Uncle Tom J. L. Munroc

Drover John . . . K. A. Munroe

Sam . Thompson

Legre* H. K. Daly

Penetrate Partysides . Thos. Hadaway

Pompcy W. Cunningham

Augustine St. Clair . . C. W. Clarke

lilira Emily Mestayer

Aunt Vermont . . . Rowena Granice
Topsy .... Mary Ann Charles

Dinah Miss Burroughs

Rose Miss Flynn

The gentleman billed as " Simpson," and who played Wilson,
afterwards became famous as Dan Setchcll. After Howard retired
from the cast, Corson W. Clarke "doubled" George Harris with

Manning Miss Brown

l.otty Miss Wilson

Haey Wealworth

Sambo G. Clarke

W.IIiam Jenkins

Adolph A. Andrews

Marks .... Harry Cunningham
Mrs. Shelby . . Mrs. J. L. Munroe

Wilson Mr. Simpson

Landlord Mr. Ceorgc

Andy Geo- Clark

Skcggs Mr. Henry

GeoTHarris .... G. C. Howard
Aunt Cnloe .... Mrs. Burroughs

Eva MissChlarinl

Clan Miss Hall

M0 I

BARNUM'S MUSEUM

St Clair until relieved by Milnes Levick, Dec. 6, 1853. '\Kjity,
\h$ Hot Com Gii ':, in Life Scenes in New York," was produced at
the matinee Feb. 27th, 1854, for the first time. Adjoining the
Museum was the building recently occupied by the Chemical
Bank. On the site of this, Barnum built a Lecture Hall.

The season of 1855-6 commenced Sept. 3rd : C. W. Clarke,
Thos. A. Hadaway, Milnes Levick, James W. Lingard, Cunning-
ham, G. Clarke, J. J. McClosky, Sylvester Blceckcr, Emily Mcs-
tayer, Miss Jackson, Mrs. Radinski, Miss Wilson, Misses
Alderman, Orient, Hardcastle, Watson, Cristine, Everett, Winter;
Mcsdames Lingard, R. G. France, Burroughs, Parry, Palmer,
Britman, Martin, and Bruce; Messrs. Bridgeman, E. L. Taylor,
Whitmorc, Warner, Stcrncs, Harris, France, Geo. Lingard, James
Conner, Knowlton, St. John, Gladstone, and Gates were of the
company. The opening plays were "Quite at Home" and "The
Wandering Minstrel" for the afternoon, and "Wild Oats" for
the night. Tom Taylor's "Still Waters Run Deep" had its first
representation in America here Sept. 10th. This was the cast:
John Mildmay, C. W. Clarke; Mrs. Mildmay, Emily Mestayer;
Mrs. Sternhold, Mrs. France; Capt. Hawksley, E. F. Taylor;
Potter, Bridgeman. "Too Much for Good Nature," for the first
time in America, was given the afternoon of Sept. 17th; "Only a
Ha'penny" afternoon 24th, also for the first time in America;
",Mary_Mrirt>:i, 1 1 The Shirt Sewers" (a prize drama) was given
for the first time Oct nth; and "Mrs. Frank Drew appeared Jan.
28th, 1856, in "Satan in Paris." "Twenty Minutes with a Tiger"
was offered Feb. 18th for the first time; Mrs. Milnes Levick made
her first appearance on any stage Feb. 25th in " Who Speaks First ? "
" Foundling of the Forest " was done March 10th, and Thomas
Hadaway and Mrs. Radinski sang duets and several comic songs.
"Aladdin" was the bill March 17th, Mrs. Frank Drew being the
hero; " Fashion and Famine " was played April 14th, with
Cordelia Howard as Julia. ~i ne daily entrance of Mile. Eloisc and
Mr. White into a den of performing lions was one of the gTcat
attractions of the season.

"Uncle Tom'i Cabin " was repeated April Slat, with Mr. add
Mis. (".. ( II v, n I and Cordelia Howard in the cast; C. W.
Clarke took a benefit May 12th. Kate Saxon made her bow 19th
in " A Morning Call " and " Good for Nothing ; " ■ The Lamplighter "
was presented May 26th for the first time; and the military drama
"Ncwjfprk Patriots, or the Battle of Jjatatoga," with Continental
uniforms and a considerable outlay for scenery, was produced on
June 2nd. The Season 1856-7 opened Sept. 1st. Lionel Gold-
schmid appeared at the matinees in his entertainment "At Home
and Abroad;" "Money" was acted in the evening with C. W.
Clarke as Evelyn ; Emily Mestayer, Clara; Thos. Hadaway, Graves;

74 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [185*

Bridgeman, Sir John Vescy ; Milnes Levick, Sir Frederick Blount;
and Mrs. France as Lady Franklin; "Jessie Vere, or the Return
of the Wanderer " was produced Sept. 29th for the first time here;
General Tom Thumb reappeared Oct. 6th; " Drcd, or The Dismal
Swamp," dramatized from Mrs. Stowc's novel, w.is presented on
OctTSotn ; " Camille " Nov. 24th ; " Retribution " Dec 1 5th ; " Cin-
derella" 22nd, with C. W. Clarke as the Prince; Thos. Hadaway,
Pedro; Milnes Levick, Dandini; Emily Meatayer, Cinderella; and
Mrs. Radinski as Thisbe.

A new season opened Jan. 12, 1857, with C. W. Clarke, T. Had-
away, Bridgman, Levick, Geo. and James W. Lingard, W. J.
Herbert, E. F. Taylor, Mcsdamcs Palmer, Lingard, Radinski,
France, and Louisa Eldridgc, Misses Burroughs, Mawl, Wilson,
Pclham, Orton, and Emily Mestayer. Sylvester Blccckcr was
prompter; C. W. Clarke director of amusements. "The Bear
Hunters " was Riven for the first time 19th; "Gotham, or Daylight
and Gaslight," also a new play, was acted Feb. 2nd ; " Ruth Oakley "
had its first hearing in America March 2nd; and "Double Faced
People," also for the first time in this country, March 23rd. Mr. and
Mrs. E. L. Davenport appeared as Master Walter and Julia in
"The Hunchback" April 6th; "The Wicked Wife," another new
play, was given for the first time April 13 ; " Neighbor Jackwood."
May 13, was presented for the first time; " Fraud and its Victims "
was seen June 8th; "Sybil's Cave" was played tor the first time
in America June 22nd, and White's "Serenadcrs" came July 13th.
Miss Williams, styling herself the " Welsh Nightingale," first
appeared in America Sept. 14th in a monologue entertainment, in
which she acted twelve different characters and sang seventeen
songs. The Carri Family of gymnasts were seen here Oct. 12th.

The regular season opened Nov. 2nd with Mcsdames Charles
Howard (afterwards Mrs. Harry Watkins), H. Grattan, H. Ryner,
and Fitzgerald, Misses Melissa, Sallie Partington, Kate Conner,
E. Robinson, Milly Sackctt, Messrs. Harry Watkins, Frank Har-
denbergh, Harry Ryner. E. T. Taylor, James Conner, Bridgman,
J. R. Spackman. Harry Watkins was director of amusements.

'A Mother's Prayer" was acted on the opening night; " The Rich
~~;w York" was given for the first time Dec. 14th; "Valentine
and Orson, or The Wild Man of the Woods " the 28th, and ran for
two weeks; " T_he__Pioneer JPitriot, " a border drama by Harry Wat-
kios, was given Jan. i8th, J 858, for the first time on any sfagc.
This drama was i prodigious success, and was the first ever acted
twice daily. Harry Watkins played Godfrey each evening and
1 Wednesday and Saturday matinees. The other afternoons Frank

"Liken made his first appearance in this city and played the part.

The piece ran for six weeks.
"The Broken Sword" was played at the matinees week of i8th.

I8J8T

BARNUM'S MUSEUM

except Wednesday and Saturday; "The; Death pf Eva." a conden-
sation of "Uncle Tom's Cabin, ' was seen at the matinee 23rd, and
"The Page of History" the afternoon of March 3rd. Charles
Carroll first acted in this city March 8th, appearing as Sir Thomas
Clifford in "The Hunchback." "Joan of Arc" was given at the
matinee April 5th, with Mrs. Chas. Howard as Joan; "XlieHfiUj

ril 1 2th; "The

:.t the World," by Hany Watjrfni, saw the light April lata; "The

Bride Of an Evening-**" was played April 26th, with S.illu- St. (.'lair
as Honora, and " Her Faith, Hope, and Trials" was played in the
afternoon. "Clari, or tho Maid q£ Milan," was given 17th; '"_The
Baltic of Buena Vista " for the afternoons; "JRosaljna Hubert, or
I iljside Tragedy," by John F. Poole, was seen 24th with Susan
Den in in the leading rAle.

Susan Denin appeared May 3, as Young Norval in " Douglas,"
and, for the first time, in "Too Late for the Train." Kate Denin
first acted here June 7 in "Two Loves and a Life" In the after-
noons James Conner was seen as Jemmy Twitchcr in "The Golden
Farmer;" " Jessie Wharton, the Traitor's Daughter, or The Boy
.Martyrs nf ifti^, was given on June 14; Edwin Blanchard and his
dogs commenced 14 for the tfter&oeni ; " Nick of the Woods" was
acted July 6, with Harry Watkins as Roaring Ralph, and Kate
Denin as Tillie Doe. The season closed July 10.

During this season Louisa Eldridge appeared, acting Nancy
Strap in "The Pleasant Neighbor." She was here three seasons.
She then went to Cincinnati, and for the season of 1866 was in
Memphis; reappeared in this city in February, 1867, atthcOlvmpic
(Laura Kccne's), as Mrs. Fairwcather in "The Struts of New
York," and remained there up to the termination of Leonard
Grover's lease. Mrs. Eldridge was born in Philadelphia; her
maiden name being Harwood. Her first appearance on the stage
was at the Old Chestnut Street Theatre (Sixth and Chestnut
Streets), Philadelphia, as Clementine in "Robert Macairc" The
season of 1848-9 she was engaged at Pcalc's Museum, Philadel-
phia, after which she came to Uarnum's Museum. She was cast
for the character of Crazy Agnes in "The Drunkard." Inconse-
quence of the opposition of her father to using the family name,
"Aunt Louisa" took that of Mortimer, although she had previously
been known as Miss Jefferson. After a connection with the Phil-
adelphia theatres of three seasons, she married D. W. Eldridge, a
shipping merchant, and lived in retirement for five years. She
returned to the stage and played at the New Bowery Theatre the
season of 1859. Since that time she has been identified with the
principal theatres of this city, including the Union Square, Madi-
son Square, and Wallack's. In eccentric old women and character
business, Mrs. Eldridge is "at home." Those who, like me, h?.vc
had the pleasure of being on terms of intimacy with " Aunt Louisa "

76 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««»

— as her friends call her — will corroborate my testimony in assert-
ing that, in addition to her many other good qualities, she pos-
sesses a heart susceptible of the most tender and humane emotions,
called into instant action by the least appearance of misery or
distress.

The opening of the season was not very auspicious, for the great
financial panic of 1857 was then at its height. Barnum despaired.
He was then in the midst of his clock and bank troubles, and could
take no open part in business matters. John Greenwood, Jr., and
H. D. Butler were announced as proprietors of the Museum, while
Mr. Barnum was compelled to be in daily attendance at the courts.
Indeed, his appearance at these places occupied so much of his
time that, in answer to the judges' question as to what business
he was then engaged in, he replied: "I am 'tending bar."

The Wren Juvenile Comedians appeared here in December, and
the Holman Family on Jan. 24th, 1859, in an instrumental and
vocal concert. The next dramatic season opened Feb. 28th, with
K. P. Taylor, Chas. Hale, John Bridgman, J. W. Jamicson, J.
M. Craig, Wm. O'Neill, Shirley France, L. Stevens, R. S. Mcl-
drum, J. S. Thompson, J. C. De Forrest, Henry Stapleton, Percy
Skcrrctt. Baker Crone, Banks Garrett, Miss C. Alford, Mesdamcs
R. G. France, Harry Ryner, Sallie Partington, and the Misses
Cobum, L. Stevens, Hattie Arnold, Julia Walby, Mary Eillert,
Sarah Weinlich, Letitia George, Lydia Knight, Josephine Clarke,
and Irene Acton. Billy O'Neill appeared the first week at the
matinees. "Gwyncttc Vaughan " was done March 21st; "Our
Irish Cousin" 28th; *' Fashion and Famine" April 2!st; and
"Little Katvthe Hot Corn Girl" 23rdT J. L. Wallis first acted
here June 13th in " BarncyTh'e Baron. " The regular season closed
July 5th and a summer season began Aug. 8th, with Mesdames J.
J. Prior and R. G. France, the Misses A. Hampton, H. Walby,
Sallie Partington, Hannah and Adeona Gale, E. F. Taylor, Tom
Hampton, Shirley France, John Bridgman, Harry Cunningham,
and Geo. A. Beane in the farces.

Anna K. Dillingham's dgbut was made on the opening night as
Thcrcsc in "The Maid of Croissy. " George F. MacDonald first
appeared here Sept. 5th as Harry Mcndon in " Rosina Meadows. "
" Out of the Depths " was given for the first time Oct. 3rd ; " Wills
and Ways, or to Make and Break" was given 24th, for the first
time. Thomas H. Hadaway, who had been living in retirement
for some time on his farm at Long Island, reappeared Oct. 31st
(afternoon) as Paul Pry, and in the evening as Marmaduke Magog
in "The Wreck Ashore." Dclmon Grace began an engagement
Nov. 14th as Claude Melnottc to Mrs. J. J. Prior's Pauline.
"The pppm of DeviHe^or-Thi* Maj^en'" V""," a dramatization
by GqoL. Aiken, was done for the tirst time, Nov. 28th. Mr.

Mi 1

BARNUM'S MUSEUM

Aiken

i the "stock dramatist " for this house. He died in Jer-
sey LityTw. J, May 13th, 1876. Boucicault's "The Octoroon"
was first given here Feb. 6th, i860, and ran for six weeks. The
season closed March 24th and reopened March 31st, with John
Greenwood, Jr., acting manager, Dclmon Grace, T. Hadaway, and
the company about the same as in the previous season. J. B.
Fcrndon's dc"but was made the afternoon of the 31st, as Don Jose
in "Don Cscsar dc Bazan." "Jyanic Deans." dramatized from
Scott's "Heart of Midlothian," wis first acted here April 2nd,
with Delmon Grace as David Deans. Prof. Hutchings. the " Light-
ning Calculator," opened April 30th; "Dot, or the Cricket on the
Hearth," was played May 7th; "Charlotte Temple" 28th; and
Harry Pearson appeared June 18th in "Old Honesty."

The season of 1860-1 began Sept. 10th. E. A. Taylor was stage
manager, and in the company were Joseph E. Naglc, Geo. H.
Clarke, W. L. Jamieson, E. Hayland, Messrs. Bridgman, Brown,
Geo. Brookes, Hadaway, Chapman, De Forrest, Mrs. R. France,
Mrs. J. J. Prior, and the Misses Agnes St. Clair, F. France, and
H. Alford. The opening production was "Joseph and his
Brethren," followed by "Rose Elmer," "Masaniello," "The
Magic Well," "Smiles and Tears, or the Lear of Private Life,"
"The Isle of St. Tropez," "Love and Elopement," "The Woman
in White," "Gitanclli," and "The Patriots Dream." The
season closed with a benefit to E. A. Taylor, July 8, 1861. The
season of 1 861-2 opened Oct. 7 with E. A. Taylor as stage man-
ager. In the company were J. E. Nagle, Hadaway, Bridgman,
W. L. Jamieson, George Brookes, E. Haviland, G. H. Clarke, H.
Cunningham, H. E. Chapman, Thomas, Dubois, Mrs. J. J. Prior,
Mrs. R. France, Mrs. I-e Brun, and the Misses C. Alford, Le
Brun, Jenny Walters, Rosa France, Addic I.c Brun and Harriet
Walby. The initial production was "Cm^f E.jnyc.fatjo.ns/'Hrgma-
tized from Dickens' novel of the same name by Geo. L. Aiken.
This play ran until Oct. 12, when it gave way to "TnTTfthgcl of
Midnight." Dec. 3 "The Earl's Daughter," a new romantic
drama, was presented Dec 24 a spectacle called "Undine, or
the Spirit of the Waters," another version of "The Naiad Queen,"
took its place, and was followed in turn by "Sadak and Kalasrade,"
"Hop o' My Thumb," and "Adelaide of Dresden." The season
closed on July 5, and on the 7th a Summer season of light operas
by the Hoi man Opera Troupe was given for four weeks.

The next season opened Sept. 8 with " The Phantom. " " Charles
the Second," "Young America." " Raoul7?~?rFreaeiTck the Great,"
" TheTJruflcard." "Tbe American Sailor." "Giles, the Miller's
Man,'"* Uncle Foogle?' " PeriecfionT^The Dark Cloud," "The
Wreck Ashore," "The Old House at Home, I'he Sister's Sacri-
fice," "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady, Twas I," "The

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'Ws

Haunted House," "The Nervous Man," and " The Duke's Device "
were played during this season. Samuel A. Emery, the Tinglish
character actor, made his American ddbut March 30 in "The
Shadow on the Wall." Failing to meet with the success he
anticipated, he returned to England the following September.
His daughter, E. Winifred Emery, was here with Henry Irving.
The season closed July 4.

A summer season opened Aug 3, 1863, with Corson W. Clarke
as director, and Sylvester Bleecker as stage manager. In the com-
pany were Milncs Lcvick, T. J. Hcrndon, J. Bridgman, R. G.
France, Harry Cunningham, W. Daly, W. M. Holland, J. Fctrie,
J. Henry, ana S. Jcffard, Mrs. J. J. Prior, Mrs. R. G. France, the
Misses Jenny Walters, Louise Carman, and Mile. Louise, dancer.
The principal productions of the season were " Raffaelc, the Rep-
robate," "Still Waters Run Deep." "Diamond Cut Diamond,"
"Away with Melancholy," "The Haunted Chamber," "Quite at
Home." "A Wife for Half an Hour," and "Only a Penny." The
season closed Sept. 12 with "The Drunkard" for C. W. Clarke's
benefit.

The regular season began Sept. 14, with E. F. Taylor, stage
manager and Robt. Cutler, "property man." J. E. N3glc, W. L.
Jamicson, T. Hadaway, Louis J. Mcstayer (first appearance here),

E. Haviland, W. Holland, H. Cunningham, Hughes, Frank S.
Finn (first appearance here), F. Wood, John Bridgman, John Flood,
and W. H. Daly, Mrs. J. J. Prior, Mrs. France, and the Misses C.
Alford, J. Flood, Olive Priestly, Carrie Monell, Harriet Walby,
and Addie Le Brun comprised the company. Oct. 5 D. L. Morris
commenced an engagement and was followed in succession by Mr.
and Mrs. Wm. Gomcrsal, English comedians, and Major Pauline
Cushman June 4, 1864. The season closed July g, and was fol-
lowed by a season of pantomime, in which Tony Denier, C. K.
Fox, G. C. Davenport, and M. A. Grossi appeared, lasting until
Sept. 10, 1864.

The last season of this house commenced Sept. 12, 1864, with E.

F. Taylor stage manager, and R. Cutler property man. Milnes
Levick, Louis Mcstayer, W. L. Jamicson, J. Delmon Grace, F.
Bridgman, E. Haviland, T. Hadaway, B. C. Porter, Tony Denier,
R. J. France, Harry Cunningham, Mrs. J. J. Prior, Mrs. J. D.
Grace, Mrs. Kook, Mrs. France, Mrs. Carrie Jamicson (formerly
Miss C. Alford), and the Misses J. Cleaver, H. Walby, and Carrie
Monell composed the company. C. W. Taylor's "JTbX-iiifiaet
Ring of King Solomon " was the operMrrg"~production, and "Wait-
ingfor the Verdict 'Hollowed. On Dec. 26 "The Ring of Fate"
was seen. Jan. 23, 1865, ",Thc Union Prift""^ 01 the Patriot's
Daughter" was played, and on Feb. 6 " Azuccna, or the Gipsy's
Oath." Feb. 20 Laura Kccnc's " Workingmen of New York " was

mil i

NEW YORK'S FIRST CIRCUS

presented, and March 20 J. B. Studley appeared in "William Tell."
" Maremma of Madrid " followed April 3. Henry Leslie's drama,
"Tin: orange Girl," was first played tn this dtj ftpffl 3a Early

in MaytncHoonc Family were engaged for the matinees, and on
the 22d Kmilic Melville was seen in "The Heiress of the Hidden
House" She afterwards appeared in "-DoL^oUhc Cricket on the
Hearth," "The Daughter of the Regiment," "Jenny Lind at
Last," and other plays. The last week of the season commenced
on July 3 and terminated July 8, closing with " Eustachejkudin,"
which had the following cast :

Eustachc Raudin . . . . M. I.cvick
Alphonsc Lamberti ... U. Porter

Moris. Manchee Vifjotty

Serjeant Pomponneau . . Anderson
Marcel Poulet Hadaway

Louise Mrs. J. J. Prior

Manou . . . Mrs. \V. L. Jamlcson
Countexs D'Alberto . . Mrx. France

Louixe Mix* J. Elmer

Madame Poulet Mrs. \V. L. Jamieson

From April 16 until the 26th, in common with the other places
of amusement, the dramatic performances were suspended on
account of the assassination of President Lincoln.

Among the curiosities in the building were a portion of the
historical Charter Oak of Connecticut, a horse and rider turned
into stone, Prof. Hutchings, the lightning calculator, Woodroffe's
Troupe of glass-blowers, the fat woman, Rosina Richardson,
Anna Lcvan, the giantess, Prof. Livingston, and Mme. Lacompte,
astrologer.

The house was reopened July jo for a summer season, with a
pantomime company, consisting of C. K. Fox, Tony Denier, Mas-
ter Timony, M. Leon Chcnat, M. Grossi, and Mile. Auriol (after-
wards Mrs. Tony Denier). "The Green Monster, or the White
Knight and the Giant Warrior," was the initial pantomime, which
continued until noon of Thursday July 13, when the building was
entirely destroyed by fire. The alarm was given about a quarter
before one o'clock, and the conflagration spread with great rapidity.
The flames were first discovered in the basement of the establish-
ment, and, owing to the combustible nature of its contents, the
building was soon wrapped in flames. In three quarters of an
hour the Ann Street wall fell outwardly, and half an hour later
the Broadway end came down with a sound like the roar of distant
artillery. At 2. 30 the last of the walls fell in.

NEW YORK'S FIRST CIRCUS

THK first circus performance given in this city was at what was
then called "The Collect," located in Broome Street, just
on the outskirts of the city, in 18 n. A stage was built in the
open air; it was merely a platform about six feet high, ten or

80 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i»t»

twelve feet wide, and about sixty feet long. There was no ring
for the display of horsemanship, nor any charge for beholding the
performance; the company relied on the generosity of the specta-
tors for remuneration, a lady handing round the tambourine.
They soon afterwards removed to the lot at Prince Street and
Broadway. A ring was formed, and the performance commenced
every day (except Sunday) at about 4 o'clock, and was kept up till
dark.

THE BROADWAY CIRCUS

THKHroadway Circus was in a building on the castsidcof Broad-
way and the corner of White Street. At one end of it was
a bar where thirsty souls might indulge their bibulous inclinations
in the intervals of the performance. The tambourine that at first
had served in the double duty of orchestra and collection-box had
now grown up into a band, consisting of three drums (one bass), a
trumpet, and two fifes. The circus was afterwards leased by Dwyer
and McKcnzie, who with Mons. Breschard, the equestrian director,
presented a mixed entertainment. The dramatic company con-
sisted of Dwyer, Tyler, Collins, Hogg, Foster, Allen, McKcnzic,
Fisher, Southey, Horton, Drummond, Mrs. Wilmot, Mrs. Bray,
Mrs. McKcnzie, Mrs. Allfort, Miss ISrobston, Miss Ellis, and
Mrs. Melmoth. On May 20, 1812, the circus took the imposing
name of "The New Olympic," and the dramatic bill for that
occasion was as follows:

THE WAY TO GET MARRIED.

Tangent Mr. Dywcr Dick Dashall .... Mr. Foster

C.i|iiain Falkner . . Mr. McKcniic I-sdy Sorrcll .... Mr*. Allford

Tony Allspice Mr. Fisher Julia Falkner .... Mm. Wilmot

Caustic Mr. Southey | Clementina Mr*. Bray

This was followed by a pas scut executed by a Master Whale.
The performance concluded with equestrian acts by the circus com-
ptaVa under M. Breschard's direction.

Mr. Hogg made his first appearance here May 29th as Sir Abel
Handy, in "Speed the Plough," and Mrs. McKcnzie, her first
appearance in New York, as Amanthis in "The Child of Nature "
on the 30th.

Mr. Robertson, of the Park Theatre, opened here July 24 as
Reuben Glenroy in "Town and Country." On Aug. 3rd, 1812, a
performance was given for the benefit of the widow and six children
of Mons. Placide, the father of the afterwards celebrated comedians.
Mr. and Mrs. Twaits appeared as Grumio and Katharine in
"Taming of the Shrew." Aug. 12th, Mrs. Melmoth took her
benefit and acted Fiammctta, in "The Talc of Mystery."

lBl6]

THE BROADWAY CIRCUS

On Sept. 1 2th "Timour the Tartar" was presented, with Mr.
Robertson as Timour and Mrs. T waits as Zorilda. The house was
closed for a few weeks, and was reopened on Nov. 4th, 1813, as
'"The Commonwealth Theatre," under the direction of Twaits,
Gilfert & Holland. Among the actors who appeared were Mrs.
Cornelia Francis Burke, widow of Charles Burke, who married
Mr. Jefferson's father on July 27, 182& She died in Philadelphia
in 1850 of consumption, leaving two sons, Charles Burke, and
Joseph Jefferson the fourth, the present famous comedian. Also
in the company were Holman, Dwycr, Waring, Burke, Robertson,
Cauldficld, Fisher, Clarke, Anderson, Jacobs, Hathwell, Ring-
wood, Fcnncll, Jr., Miss Holman, and Mcsdamcs Twaits, Burke,
Clarke, Goldson, Horton, and Bates. Mrs. Belinda Goldson, a
member of the company, was married to Mr. Groshon in 1816;
retired in 1819, died Jan. 31, 1822, and her remains were interred
in the old First Presbyterian Church ground, Main and Fourth
Streets, Cincinnati, Ohio. When Spring Grove Cemetery was
established in the same city a number of her old friends had her
remains conveyed there, where a monument of white marble was
erected over them.

Mr. John Bernard first appeared here Nov. 29th as Sir Peter
Teazle with Mr. and Mrs. Holman as Charles Surface and Lady
Teazle. The comedy "Know Your Own Mind" was presented,
followed by the farce of "The Lying Valet." The season ter-
minated Jan. 10, 1814. When the Anthony Street Theatre
closed, July 4, 1814, the company came here for one month.

In 1815 this theatre was again opened for a short season, which
proved disastrous. The father of Emily Mestayer was a member
of the company.

On Jan. tst, 1816, "Taming of the Shrew " and " Don Juan"
were performed; also, for the first time in New York, the melo-
drama of " Zcmbuca." Mrs. Anderson, a daughter of the comedian
Jefferson, made her first appearance in New York as Moggy McGH-
pen in "The Highland Reel;" and on the 24th her husband
appeared for the first time as Robert in "The Curfew."

"The Forest of Bondy" was first seen in New York March 18th
with this cast : Macaire, Mr. Simpson; Gontram, Pritchard; Blaize,
Spillcr; Florio, Mrs. Anderson; Lucille, Mrs. Darley; Dame
Gertrude, Mrs. Whcatlcy. "Maid and Magpie" was first played
here April tst with the cast: Henry, Mr. Simpson; Evcrard,
Anderson; Dame Gerald, Mrs. Whcatlcy, and Annette, Mrs.
Darley. John Barnes made his first bow in America April 22ml,
as Sir Peter Teazle and Lingo in "An Agreeable Surprise." "Ac-
cusation," by John Howard, Payne, was first acted May 10th. It
was an adaptation from the French. For Simpson's benefit, June
loth, "Smiles and Tears," by Mrs. Charles Kemble, was pro-

82 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i8j«

duccd. For Falconer's (the box book-keeper) benefit, June 24th,
" Which is the Man ? " by Mrs. Cowley, was played for the first time
in twelve years: Simpson was the I.ord Sparkle and Mrs. S.
Wheatley, Lady Bell Bloomer. On her benefit night, June 26th,
the name of "Mrs. Groshon " was first used in public by Mrs.
Goldson. The season terminated July 27 with " I'izarro " and
"The Highland Reel."

The yellow fever prevailing during the summer of 1822, the
Park Theatre did not open at the usual time and its company came
to this house, and appeared Sept. 9, 1822, with " The Spy " and
" The Turnpike Gate." They continued until Nov. "5! During the
summer of 1825 "Tom and Jerry " had a long and successful run.
This house became known as the Marine Theatre, and was aftcr-
is occupied as a stable and known as Tattcrsall's. Equestrian
performances were given during the winter of 181 1-12. This part
of the city was considered in those days almost out of town.

THE CHATHAM MUSEUM

THE Chatham Museum was located in Chatham Street, just
above Pearl, and was occupied by P, T. Barnum in April,
1841, just before he purchased Scudder's Museum. It had a brief
and uninteresting existence.

THE ANTHONY STREET THEATRE

THE Anthony Street Theatre was situated on Anthony (now
Worth) Street, near Broadway, and on the ground where
Christ Church afterwards stood. Twaits & Holland were the
managers. They opened a season April i?th, 1813, with "The
Midnight Hour." "The Weathercock," and "Three Weeks After
Marriage." A large and excellent dramatic company was engaged.

Henry Placide, then only fourteen years of age, appeared here,
this being his first appearance in this city, early in 1813, and
remained for about one year. Shortly afterwards Jane rlacide
made her dfbut as a dancer. Mrs. Beaumont first appeared in
New York April 25th, 1814, as Euphrasia in "The Grecian Daugh-
ter " and Roxalana in "The Sultan."

W. Robertson acted Michael Ducas on May 9; Mr. Entwistle
first appeared in this city May 13th as Tyke in "The School For
Reform." and Crack in "The Turnpike Gate." On May 20th " A
Sicilian Romance " was presented, and Burgoyne's comedy, " Maid
of the Oaks," was also given. Mr. Southey joined the company
the 25th, as Sir Anthony Absolute in "The Rivals" and Jerry
Sneak in "The Mayor of Garrett." Mr. and Miss Holman ap-

u*0

THE ANTHONY STREET THEATRE

peared June 1st as Lord and Lady Townly, in "The Provoked Hus-
band." Beaumont played Rolla in " Pizarro" June 15th; "Know
Your Own Mind " was done 22nd; and "The Tale of a Mystery"
was also acted, with Twaits as Francisco, — his last appearance on
the stage. He died Aug. 22nd, 1814. " Which is the Man? '* was
acted 29th, with Miss Cordcll as Sophy Pendragon (her first ap-
pearance in this city). The first season closed July 4th, 1814,
and the company moved to the circus, remaining there until Au£.
20th, when that institution closed. It was reopened Aug. 29th,
1814. with "Bunker Hill" and "New York Volunteers." Mr.
Doyle appeared as Gen. Putnam in the former piny, Mr. Usher
first appeared in New York Sept. 22nd as Richard III. The man-
agers of the Park Theatre, immediately after the dest ruction of
their own place, secured this house, which was opened by the I'ark
company on May 29 with the drama of " Man and Wife " and the
farce of "Too Late for Dinner." Mile. Adolphc, afterwards Mme.
Blanchard, also appeared as a tight-rope dancer, and is said to have
been the first woman to give such performances in America.

The season of 1819 opened July 12, when Wm. Lcggett m;ul>
his dfbut as Charles Ratcliffe in "The Jew." The house was
closed July 4th and reopened Sept. 2nd, 1820, as "The Pavilion
Theatre."

The opening bill consisted of "Wives as they Were, and Maids
as they Are." H. J. Finn acted "Hamlet" 12. "Virginius, or
the Liberation of Rome," was seen for the first time in this city on
the 25, with Maywood in the title rdlc ; Simpson as Icilius ; Wood-
hull. Appius Claudius; Mrs. Barnes, Virginia; and Miss Denny,
Scrvia. " Henry Quatre " was seen for the first time in America
Oct. 9; T. A. Cooper came Nov. 4, as Virginius. Mrs. Alftop'fl
American debut was made the 20 as Violante in "The Wonder;"
"The Vampire" was acted for the first time in New York, 22.
Edmund Kean first played in America 29 at this house as Ri<
HI. During his engagement the receipts averaged £1000 a night,
a large sum at that time. George F. Smith made his dlbut Jan.
5th, 1821, as Young Norval in "Douglas." Jefferson appeared
Feb. 4th as Bob Acres in "The Rivals." Mrs, Battcrsby made her
debut 28th as Julianna in "The Honeymoon." Mrs. Battcrsby
became Mrs. J. Stickney in 1826, and afterwards returned to Eng-
land, where she died. Edmund Kean reappeared March 13th, as
Hamlet.

"The Jew of Malta" was presented for the first time in America
March 26th, with Kean as Barabhas. Kean acted Lear 27th, and
Jaffier in "Venice Preserved" April 6th. "The Warlock of the
Glen" was played, for the first time in New York, gth; "Miran-
dola" was given 25th; "TJieresc, the Orphan of Geneva," was first
presented in New York at this theatre on April ~3ofh, and here

84 A HISTORY OF THE NEW VOKK STAGE D"M

in
"The
18th.

Henry Wallaek, brother of James W. Wallack, made his initial
bow to an American audience, appearing as Young Norval
"Douglas" and Master Walter in "The Hunchback."
I Kir of Avcncl, or Maty of Scotland," was played May .
The last performance in this theatre was given on July 6th, 1821.
The building was torn down and Christ Episcopal Church erected
on its site.

PEALE'S MUSEUM

THE house known as Pcalc's Museum was located on Broad-
way, opposite the City Hall. After Mr. Peak had retired
from the management, George H. ("Yankee") Hill became its
lessee, and in a short time he was succeeded by Henry Bennett,
whose proprietorship ceased on Jan. 2nd, 1843, when Barnum
ed the house. This was clone sub rasa, and Mr. Barnum, hir-
ing Mr. Bennett and assigning to him the management, ran the
upper Museum as a rival to his lower one.

CHATHAM GARDEN AND THEATRE

THE Chatham Garden and Theatre was located on the north
side of Chatham Street between Duanc and Pearl Streets,
running through to Augustus St (now known as City Hall Place).
The entrance was through private buildings on the west side of
Chatham Street, somewhere between the present Nos. 80 and 90,
but the grounds extended to City Hall Place.

During the summer of 1822 H. Barricre gave musical entertain-
ments here. The place was the resort of the beauty and fashion of
New York, and as highly esteemed as Niblo's Garden subsequently
was in the zenith of its popularity. It had a rural saloon, used for
concerts and light dramatic pieces. During the summer of 1823 it
was known as the Pavilion Theatre. Arthur Kccne first acted
here July 10th, 1823, in the "Wedding Day" and "The Poor Sol-
dier." The cast of the former play is here given :

Lord Rakchnd
Sit Adam Contest
Mr. Milden . . .
Lady Contest . .

Mr. Nicbolls Lady Autumn Mrs. Allen

. Mr. Phillips
Mr. Monlcr
Mrs. Robertson I

Mrs. Hamford . . . Mrs. Brum!
Hannah Miss E. PUclde

After the comedy a hornpipe was danced by Mr. Durang, and a
comic song was sung by Mr. Hyatt. In "The Poor Soldier " Mr.
Keene played Patrick and sang "The Troubadour," and "Cush la
?.I.u:hrce." The admission was 25 cts. to all parts of the house.
So great was the success of this place that a permanent theatre was
erected, which opened May 17, 1824, called the Chatham Garden

«««!

CHATHAM GARDEN AND THEATRE

Theatre. "The Soldier's Daughter" and "Raising the Wind"
• the opening bill. Thomas Kilner, Henry Wallack, Geo.
Barrett, Spiller, Alex. Simpson, Thomas Burke, W. Robertson,
Morcland, Stone, Somerville, Allen, Anderson, Williamson, J.
Jefferson, Jr. (the father of "Rip Van Winkle" Jefferson), C-
Durang, Mmcs. Entwistlc, Henry, Waring, Walstcin, and the
Misses P. M. Clarke and Olliff formed the compiny. The dedi-
catory bill included an opening address, delivered by Mrs. En-
twistlc, formerly Mrs. Mason of the Park Theatre.

THE SOLDIER'S DAUGHTER.

Got. Heartall Mr. Kilner

Frank Heartall . . . . G. Barrett

Malfort Sr Mr. Allen

Malfort Jr. Mr. Moreland

Woodlcy .... J. Jefferson, Jr.

Ferret . . .
Widow Cbeerly
Mrs. .Malfort .
Mrs. Fidget

. . Mr. Stone
Mrs. Entwistlc

. Mrs. Dmai
. Mrs. Walsteln

Mrs. Henry Wallack made her first appearance in this city M:iy
25th in "Town and Country." Mrs. Alex. Drake, formerly Miss
Denny, made her debut here June 25th, and William Rufus Blake
made his bow at this theatre July 8th as Frederick in the " Poor
Gentleman. "

Mary Ann Russell first appeared on any stage July 5th as the
Page in "The Purse." She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in
1818. "JJie Venetian." "Harvest Home," "Rebel of •98," and
" M;ir;, Tudor" were plays written expressly for her, and up to the
present date have never been acted by any one else. She married
George Percy Farrcn, who died in this city in Aug., 1861. As
Mrs. M. A. Farrcn, she became one of the most popular actresses
of the day. She was one of the projectors and members of the
J. W. Wallack-E. L. Davenport and Farrcn combination who
toured this country for many years. She was playing Mother
Frochard in "The Two Orphans" at the Brooklyn Theatre at the
time of the destruction of that house by fire Dec. 5th, 1876. She
died in New York April 27th, 1894, aged 76 years.

"Twelfth Night " was done Aug. 10th, for the first time in this
city in many years. On the occasion of Gen. I-afayctte's visit to
America he honored this theatre with his presence Sept. 1st Mr.
and Mrs. Palmer Fisher and their daughter Alcxina were added to
the company on Sept 6th. Francis Courtney Wcmyss made his
New York debut here Sept. 20, 1824, appearing as Marplot in
"The Busy Body." Thomas Burke played Sir Francis Gripe,
James W. Wallack was Sir George Airy, and Mrs. Hughes,
Miranda. During the season Mr. Wemyss played Mathew Sharp-
set in "The Slave," Vapid in "The Dramatist," Rover in "Wild
Oats," Florian in "The Foundling of the Forest," Young Rapid
in "A Cure for the Heartache," Tom Shufflcton in "John Bull."

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE 0**

Belmour in "Is He Jealous?" Wildlove in "The Lady and the
Devil," Belcour in "The West Indian," and Corinthian Tom in
"Tom and Jerry." Mr. Wemyss afterwards became a manager
of Pittsburg and Philadelphia theatres. He wrote a book called
"Twenty-six Years of the Life of an Actor and Manager," and also
compiled a " Chronology of the American Stage." He died in New
York Jan. 5, 1859. lie was one of the prime movers in establish-
ing the American Dramatic Fund Association, of which he was
secretary for a long time. His last "act " for the drama was on
the occasion of the Mt. Vernon testimonial in this city, just prior
to his death, when he officiated as stage manager. He was a gay,
dishing, and spirited actor, with all the attributes of a polished
and gentlemanly deportment, of what may be called the drawing-
room light comedian style of the old English day.

"Married and Single" was seen for the first time in New York
Oct. 18th. "Retribution, or The Diamond Cross," was given
Nov. 4th. The opera of "The Sawmill " was first sung in this city
on Nov. 29th, and a comedy called "Woman's Will a Riddle" was
produced Dec. 17th.

The first season terminated Feb. 28. The next season opened
May 9th, 1825, with the New York de"but of James M. Scott as
Rolla in "Pizarro," Mrs. Hughes being the Cora, and Mrs. En-
twistlc, Elvira; Messrs. Wallack, Burroughs, Scott, Young, Duff,
Roberts, Thayer, Conway, Simpson, Robertson, Stevenson, Wal-
stcin, Anderson, Carr, Durang, Somcrville. Pctric, Allen, Blake,
Byers, Mcsdames Entwistle, Duff, Waring. Wallack, Walstein,
Hughes, Roberts, Conway, Fisher, Stevenson, Allen, and the
Misses Fisher forming the company.

Oceana Fisher appeared here 28th, and Mrs. Frederick Brown,
formerly Miss De Camp, was seen 30th as Paul in "The Wander-
ing Boys." She died in Mobile, Ala., in October, 1841. Miss
Riddle first played in this city Sept. 13th as Emily Worthington
in "The Poor Gentleman." As Mrs. W. H. Smith, this lady took
her farewell of the stage Feb. 1st, 1861. in Boston, and died in
this city Sept. 25th, 1861. Her daughter is now known in the
profession as Mrs. Sol Smith.
f" This house now became a formidable rival to the Park Theatre.
1 The character of " Brother Jonathan " was first introduced in a
drama called "The Forest Rose, or the American Farmer,"
brought out here Oct (5th, 1825. KoberrMaywoocT first appeared
here Oct. 10th as Shylock. The season closed Feb. 18th. 1826.
Mr. Barrierc, the proprietor, died Feb. 21st. The theatre was
sold at auction March 15th, 1826, and realized £4,500. After
the death of Mr. Barrierc the lease was transferred to Henry
Wallack, who reopened the house March 20th, 1826. "Castle of
Andalusia" was a notable production on April 14th; "Love and

i8a6l

CHATHAM GARDKN AND THEATRE

Gout" was given for the first time May 17th; Mr. and Mrs. Duff
appeared in "The Foundling of the Forest" and "Three Singles "
on the 23rd, and the opera of " Don Giovanni " was sung on the
29th. H. J. Conway first acted here June 5th as Beverly in "The
Gamester," with Henry Wallack as Lcwson and Mrs. Duff as Mrs.
Beverly. "Brier Cliff. A Tulitjif rh» R^nlntion " was a drama
first seen on any stage J une 1 5 ; " J ul ius Caisar " was played the 26th,
with Henry Wallack as Marc Antony; Conway, Brutus; Duff,
ius; Mrs. Duff, Portia; Mrs. Wallack, Calphurnia, and James
M. Scott as Cajsar. John Bernard made his New Yorkdlbut July
1st in " Too I,atc for Dinner. " Joseph M. Field appeared as Young
Norval in " Douglas" the 15th. He married Eliza Riddle in 1836.

Thomas Placidc first appeared in this theatre July 15, as Andrew
Bang in "Love, Law, and Physic," for Mr. Thayer's benefit. A
few seasons later he played at the Park, but only in subordinate
parts. His first hit there was Pedro as "Cinderella," Jan. 24,
1831. He reappeared at the Park in 1834, after having been in
Philadelphia one season. He remained at the Park two years,
and, after an absence of twelve years, reappeared there Nov. 6,
1848, as Dromio of Ephesus, to his brother's Dromio of Syracuse
in "The Comedy of Errors." He was manager of the Varieties
Theatre in New Orleans for several years. The season of 1855-6
he was at Wallack's Theatre, and the following season at the
Broadway. Placidc, with his elder brother, Henry, advanced
rapidly to fame. He was known as a prince of good fellows,
and a man of honor. At the age of sixty he married Mrs. Davis,
who was seventy-two, and who, as Mary Ann McKnight, had re-
jected him in his youthful days. He withdrew from the stage and
made his home at Toms River, New Jersey. Here he seems to
have led a happy life until a cancer developed in his mouth, a
disease from which his brother Henry had died. He suffered
untold agony, and at last planned suicide. His wife's daughter,
Mrs. Bliss, and her husband were living with him. He persuaded
his wife and Mrs. Bliss to go to New York to attend to some busi-
ness July 20th, 1877. Just as Mrs. Bliss drove off, an old friend of
the actor called at the house. Placide greeted him cordially, but
asked to be excused for a moment. His friend saw him go to the
carriage house, where he threw himself on a plank, covered his
face with a carpet, and shot himself through the right temple.
Mrs. Placidc lived nearly a year longer, dying April 19 in her 83d
year. On June 2, 1899, the old Placide property was sold.

The season at this house closed July 17th, and, after being
refurnished and redecorated, the theatre was opened Oct. 9, 1826,
with Henry Wallack as manager and J. B. Booth as stage manager.
"S]>«cd the Plough" was the feature of the opening bill, with J.
M Scott, Herbert H. Wallack, Roberts, Blake, Turnbull, Mrs.

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE lit**

Lacombe, W. R. Blake. Mrs. Jones, Mrs. H. Wallack, T. Placide,
A. Phillips, and A. Simpson in the company. J. B. Booth acted
Richard III. the 16th, and Thomas Hamblin appeared as Hamlet
Nov. 2nd; Booth was also seen as Othello and Cass i us in "Julius
Caesar," to Hamblin's Iago and Brutus. Dwycr played Goldfinch
in "The Road to Ruin " Dec. 13th, and " Rob Roy " was given 14th,
with J. B. Booth in the title rfilc. J. J. Adams appeared Dec. 28th
as Othello; " Botheration," a farce, was done the 29th. "Scylla"
was given Jan 15th, 1827, with J. B. Booth as the hero. "Brian
Boroihme," was acted Jan. 22nd; "Flora's Birthday" March 7th;
"The London Hermit" ifith. together with "The Battle of Both-
well Brig." "The Pilot" was given 2-tst, J. M. Scott appen

Long Tom Coffin. The season closed abruptly in April, 1827,
and Wallack found himself a bankrupt. That was the last fashion-
able season at the Chatham Theatre. It passed rapidly through
the hands of many succeeding managers, most of whom lost money
or credit in trying to revive its ancient fortune.

Mr. Mcgary was the next lessee, opening the house for a brief
season June r6th, 1827. William Conway appeared July 8th as
Lord Duberly in "The Heir at Law." J. J. Adams was seen the
1 2th as Hamlet. Frederick Brown played Macbeth and many
other leading characters with considerable success during this
season. The house was reopened by Mr. Mcgary Dec. 3rd, 1827,
with Robert Maywood as stage manager. Charles Weston Taylor
first appeared in this city the 22nd, as Somcrvillc in "Turn Out."
Thomas Flynn first acted in this city Jan. 31st, 1828, playing
Dick Dowlas in "The Heir at Law." Thomas Walton first acted
here June 10th, playing Zekiel Homespun in "The Heir at Law."
"The Prodigal Son" was given July 8th; William Duffy made
his debut in this city the 9th as Colonna in "Evadne." While
manager of the Albany, N. Y., Theatre he was fatally stabbed by
John Hamilton, and died March 12th, 1836. " Charlotte Temple *'
was first seen here July nth, and Henry Wallack played Macbeth,
with Miss Emery as I.ady Macbeth, on the 16th. The season
closed in August, but was resumed March 17th, 1828, when Miss
Emery, afterwards Mrs. Burroughs, acted Bianca to Crooke's
" Fazio. " " Crazy Jane " was given the first time the 28th. Eliza
Kin lock, mother of Miss Lane, afterwards Mrs. John Drew, first
acted in New York April 17th as Diana Vernon in "Rob Roy."
She died at Long Branch, N. J., August II, 1887, in her ninety-
first year.

The next managers of the house were Kilncr and Maywood, who
opened June 9th, with J. M. Scott, Blake, Roberts, Herbert,
George Andrews, Thos. Walton, Crookc, Vernon, Stevenson,
Charnock, John Fisher, CollinRbourne, Quinn, Mcsdamcs Blake,
Hughes, Vernon, Turner, Kinlock, Roberts, Amelia Fisher, and

18*9]

CHATHAM GARDEN AND THEATRE

Mi»s Kent. T. Abthorpc Cooper, whose popularity was now
waning, assumed the management of this theatre Sept. is, 1828,
opening with "The Honeymoon." Charles -Booth-Parsons- first
appeared in New York at this theatre September.. .2fitb_as_ Paul
Jorres-in ~The Piloj^and also in "Valentine and Orson."
— "Ann Duff Waring made her first appearance upon the stage
Sept. 27, 1828, as Amanthis in "The Child of Nature," for the
benefit of Mr. and Mrs. William Rufus Blake. March 10, 1837,
she married William Sefton, brother of John Scfton. She was
the original Mrs. Pontifcx in " Naval Engagements " at the National
Theatre, Oct. 19, 1838. On Dec. 5 she sang the r61e of Lady
Allcash in " Fra Diavolo," with Seguin, Horncastle, Wilson, and
Miss Shirreff in the other parts. She was also the original Smike
in "Nicholas Nicklebv." first produced at the National, Jan. 25,
1839, nve days before its first production at the Park Theatre.
Later she sang Zoe in the opera of " Conrad and Mcdora," Clorinda
in "Cinderella," and Julia in "Guy Manncring. " Her husband
died in New Orleans about 1839, and two years later she married
James W. Wallack, Jr., a son of Henry Wallack and nephew of
James W. Wallack, father of Lester Wallack. On the occasion of
the 278th anniversary of Shakespeare's birthday, in 1842, she
played Romeo, to Melinda Jones' Juliet, in Philadelphia. She
went to Europe in May, 1851, and returned to this country in
1855. She retired from the stage and resided with her mother ;it
Long Branch, N. J., where she died Feb. II, 1879.

Mrs. Charles F. McClure appeared Oct. 8th as Lady Amaranth
in "Wild Oats." Mr. Cooper's management and season termi-
nated Nov. 1st, 1828. In the company was Julia Turnbull, who had
made her professional dSbut in 1826 at the Lafayette Theatre.
At six years of age she appeared as the Duke of York in " Rich-
ard III." When Edwin Forrest produced "The Gladiator" at the
Park Theatre, Miss Turnbull was the boy." For several years,
from the season of 1828-9, sne was at tne r^ar'c Theatre, where she
acted Oberon when Tyrone Power produced "O'Flanagan and the
Fairies." When Fanny Kllslcr appeared at the Park Theatre,
Miss Turnbull was one of the principal dancers. She was at the
Bowery in 1847 and visited Paris in 1850. Her last appearance in
this city was Aug. 2, 1858, in "The Dumb Girl of Genoa," for the
benefit of the American Dramatic Fund. She died in Brooklyn,
N. Y., Sept. nth, 1887.

J. H. Hackett was the next manager
tened it "The American Opera House."
May 20th, 1829, with "The Rivals"
Agreeable Surprise." In the company
low, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Blake, and other popular players. The
season closed July 4th and was resumed July 1 5th, to close again

of the theatre and chris-

His first season opened

and a farce called "The

were Mr. and Mrs. Lud-

90 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1845

Sept. 1 st- George Barrett and C. Young assumed the management
Dec 24, and their season lasted about a fortnight. It was reopened,
under the name of Hlanchard's Amphitheatre, Jan. 18, 183a

Maria Ann Mcstaycr was a member of the company. Eques-
trian and dramatic performances were given. Mr. S. i'hillips was
the next manager, opening March nth, 1831, with "Damon and
Pythias," Aug. A. Addaras being the Damon and VV. R. Blake
the Pythias. Dan Marble made his first appearance on the stage
at this house April nth, as Robin Roughhead in "Fortune's
Frolic," but was obliged to pay 520 for the privilege of playing.

Charles R. Thome became manager May 4th, with Wm. Rufus
Blake, E. N. Thayer, McKinney, Foot, Hyatt, Mcsdames Wal-
stein, Phillips, French, Emily Mestaycr, and Ann Waring in his
company. William Pel by opened May 9th as Brutus in Payne's
tragedy of that name. John J. Adams came the 18th as Hamlet ;
and "Oswal of Athens" was given June 13th. Thomas Hamblin
was the next lessee, and John R. Scott, W. J. Walton, Roberts,
Dean, J. Woodhull, Sowerby, Mesdames Stone and Dean and
Miss Searle were in the company. John Augustus Stone made
his debut in New York at this theatre July 6th, as Old Hardy in
" The Belle's Stratagem." Mr. Stone wrote " Mctamora " expressly
for Edwin Forrest in 1829. He committed suicide by throwing
himself from Spruce Street wharf, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia,
May 28th, 1834. Forrest, who paid him $500 for writing " Mcta-
mora," caused to be erected over his grave a neat monument.
Alexander Simpson first acted in New York at this theatre July
26th, as Darby in "The Poor Soldier." Soon afterwards the house
closed its career as a theatre, anil was converted into a free Presby-
terian chapel.

CITY THEATRE

THE "Tcmph- ..f the Drama" known as the "City Theatre"
had its home in the second story of 15 Warren Street, and
was opened by Mrs. Baldwin July 2, 1822. It had no boxes, but a
parquet or pit, as it was then called. The stairway and the street
entrance were decorated with life-size statues of the muses. The
manageress had formerly been a member of the Park Theatre
company. The house had a brief and uneventful career and left
no mark on the pages of dramatic history.

CASTLE GARDEN

CASTLE GARDEN'S connection with the stage practically
began in 1845, when at band of Ethiopian singers appeared
there, headed by Charles White, afterwards famous as a minstrel

t?s°l

CASTLE GARDEN

9»

and manager; and associated with him were Billy Whittock, Dan.
Gardner, and Barney Williams, famous and fortunate as an Irish
comedian. French and Hciser opened the Garden as a regular
theatre June 28th, with a company which included George Hol-
land. Chas. M. Walcot, Herr John Clinc, Miss Clarke, Mrs. W.
Ishcrwood, and others. Herr Cline was a daring and skilful per-
former on the slack wire, and was a perfect picture of grace and
beauty. He died at the Forrest Home, Holmesburg, Pa., Dec. 3,
1886. On Aug. 8, the Havana Opera Company, under the direc-
tion of F. Badiali, with I.. Arditi as conductor, and Signorina
Tcdcsco as prima donna, began a season which ended on Sept. 17.
They alternated with other entertainments, and during that time
produced "Ernani," "Norma," "La Sonnambula," and other
operas. The season closed Sept. 26, with a benefit to the Roman
Catholic Orphan Asylum. Another season began June 5, 1848,
with Geo. Holland as the director, and the company included
John Nickinson, Baker, Roehr, G. Clark, W. B. Conover, Mrs.
Vernon, Miss Pray, Charlotte Nickinson, Mrs. Phillips and the
dancers, Mme. Augusta, and Mons. Bouxary. The Havana Opera
Troupe began a season June 8, 1850, which lasted until Sept. 7.
The company — one of the strongest that had appeared in this city
up to that time — included MM. Marini, Salvi, Lorini, Victt, C.
Badiali, Luigi. Collctti, F. Badiali, Mesdamcs Bosio, Stcffanonc,
Tcdcsco, Caroline Vietta, and Elisa Costini, with Arditi and
Botesini as conductors.

On Sept. 11, 1850, Jenny Lind gave her first concert in Amer-
ica, under the management of P. T. Barnum. The sale of tickets
took place on Saturday, Sept. 7, 1850. Genin, the hatter, pur-
chased the first ticket at $225. The proprietors of the Garden saw
fit to make the usual charge of one shilling to all persons who
enteral the premises. Yet 3,000 persons were curious enough
to pay that sum for the privilege of seeing a sale by auction. One
thousand tickets were sold on the first day and realized 510,141.
On the night of the concert the doors were opened at five o'clock.
Five thousand persons were present. As Julius Benedict, the
conductor, led Jenny Lind towards the footlights, the entire
audience rose to their feet and welcomed her with three cheers.
The gross receipts from the first concert amounted to $17,864.05,
and for the second concert $ 14, 203. 03. The third concert took
place Sept. 17, and the receipts were $1 2, 519.20. The orchestra
consisted of sixty musicians. Of Jenny Lind's half receipts of the
first two concerts, she devoted $10,000 to charity in New York,
the Widow and Orphans Fund of the Fire Department receiving
the largest share, viz., $3,000. The firemen, therefore, to evince
their gratitude, held a public meeting, and in a gold box, purch;
by subscription for the purpo.se, conveyed to the singer the rcsolu-

92 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Z"v

tions passed at the meeting; and also a rosewood bookcase, con-
taining Audubon's "Birds and Quadrupeds of America." These
testimonials of gratitude were presented to Jenny Lind by \V.
Mills, president of the Fire Department Fund. The gold box
was said then to be the largest ever made in America, and a
splendid specimen of workmanship. The dimensions were:
length, 7 inches; width, 3 inches; depth, 1 inch. In the centre
of the lid was a scroll bearing the following inscription:

The Firemen op New York
to

MISS JENNY LIND

Sept. 13th, 1 8 jo.

The receipts for her fourth concert were $14,266.09; fifth con-
cert, 512,174.74; sixth concert, $16,028.39. She then made a
tour of the country, and after ninety-three concerts, under Bar-
num's direction, she sang under her own management. She
opened in Boston, Sept. 27, at the Tremont Temple, and the re-
ceipts were $19,000. Ossian E. Dodge, a vocalist, paid $62$ for
the first ticket. She first appeared in Philadelphia Oct. 16, at
the Chestnut Street Theatre, and the first ticket was purchased
by M. A. Root, daguerreotypist, for 5625. The tickets were sold
at auction, and $12,000 was the amount realized. Jenny Lind was
married in Boston, Feb. 5, 1852, to Otto Goldschmidt, a musician.
She died in Malvern, England, Nov. 2, 1887, when sixty-seven
years of age On April 20, 1894, Princess Christian, the third
daughter of the late Queen Victoria, unveiled a tablet in West-
minster Abbey to the memory of the great singer.

Jenny Lind was the first person to enjoy the privilege of a spe-
cial car when travelling through the United States. Her manager
hired an ordinary car and had it furnished and decorated to suit
the taste and convenience of his star. Mme. Modjeska, by the
way, was the first actress to travel by a special car. Ticket spec-
ulation was never known in New York until Jenny Lind came here.
She was innocently responsible for its introduction to this city.

Max Maretzek commenced a summer season of Italian opera in
June, 1851, with the artists who had been giving Italian opera at
Astor Place Opera House. Season tickets were issued for the
summer at $15 each, which admitted to all representations, benefit
nights alone excepted. The ordinary admission was 50 cents.
The season commenced June 23, with "Marino Falicro." On
July 10, Sig. Badiali made his dc'but in "Lucia di Lammcrmoor."
On June 24, a benefit was given to Thomas I lamblin, and the pro-
gramme consisted of the third act of "Lucia di Lammcrmoor":

'850

CASTLE GARDEN

Signora Bosio as Lucia; Colletti as Raymond; Bettini as Edganln;
Bcneventano as Ashton ; and Barattini as Arturo. A musical selec-
tion followed, after which "The Honeymoon " was played with this
cast:

Duke A ran id Hamblin

Rolando Frederick*

Count Montalban ... Mr. Palmer

Jacques John E. Owens

LampcUo Mr. Davidge

I-opec Mr. Chippendale

Juliana .... Charlotte Cushman

Volante Julia Bennett

Zamora Susan Dcohl

Hoitess Kate Horn

A complimentary benefit was tendered to Ethclbcrt A. Marshall
Aug. 12, 1851. Mr. Marshall was manager of the Broadway
Theatre, this city, and the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia.
The following was the programme: The third act of " Rob Roy,"
with John Henry Anderson, the famous magician known as "The
Wizard of the North," in the hero's part; Baillic Nicol Jarvie, W.
H. Chippendale; Capt. Thornton, George Jordan; Francis, W.
II. Hamilton; Helen McGregor, Mmc. Ponisi; and Diana Vernon,
Mrs. F. B. Conway. At twenty minutes before eleven a. m. a
fxis dt deux was danced by Mile Adeline and Sig. Ncri. At eleven
o'clock, "How to Pay the Rent " came, with John Collins as Rat-
tler; David Whiting, Mr. Miller; Haines as Swell Billy; Mrs.
Vernon as Mrs. Conscience; and Josie Gougenheim as Kitty. At
11.45 a P<** st"l> Polka Mazourka, by Julia Turnbull. At 12
o'clock, an act from "Kean," by Alexandre Dumas, with the
principal parts in the hands of Robert Kemp and Mile. D'Amrant,
in the French language. At. 12.25 came the Martinetti Family.
At 12.50 the company of the German National Theatre, from the
Olympic, Manager C. Burgthal, was announced to perform with its
full strength "Die Weibliche Schildwache" ("The Female Sen-
tinel"), with Hctt Otto Von Hoym in a leading rdlc. At 2 o'clock
the Grand Italian Opera Company, under the direction of Max
Maretzek, gave the first act of "Ernani." This was followed by
the third act of "Romeo and Julietta," with Caroline Viett as
Romeo, and Virginia Whiting as Juliet; the second act of " Lucia
di Lammcrmoor," with Caesar Badiali, Bettini, and Bosio in the
cast; and the fourth act of "La Favorita," sung by Lorini,
Colletti, and Truffl-Bencdetti. The operatic part of the entertain-
ment occupied some four hours. After the intermission, at 6l30
I'. M., was presented the "School for Scandal," with this cast:

Sir Peter .... Peter RichinRS
Sir Oliver . . . . C. W. Couldock

Joseph A. J. Neafie

Charles .... Me Kean Buchanan
Backbite .... John Brougham

Crabtree D. Whiting

Moses W. B. Chapman

Trip C. W. Clarke

Snake Charles Pope

Lady Teazle .... Mmc. Ponisi
Ladjr Sneer well . . . Mrs. Ahbott

Mrs, Candour Kate Horn

Maria . - - Mist A. Gougenheim

94 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D"5«

At a quarter after g o'clock Mr. Kichings made an address on
behalf of the beneficiary. At 9. 30 there was a " Grand Divertisse-
ment " by the Rousset Family. At 10 o'clock the entertainments
in the Garden concluded with the "varied performances of the
Ravel Family," "Classic Scenes," by Francois, Antoine, and
Jerome, and feats on the tight-rope by Blondin; and at 11 p. m. a
display of fireworks was given.

On Aug. 29, Signora C. Viett took a benefit, when " I.ucrczia
Borgia " was sung, with Sig. Hcttini as Gennaro, for the first time
in New York. On Sept. I, "Norma," — Mmc. Rose Dc Vrics
making her ddbut as the heroine. Max Marctzck took a benefit
Sept. 4. The performance commenced at 3 p. m. and concluded
at 11. The programme was a long and attractive one, and began
with the opera of "Norma." Then followed a ballet entertainment
by the Rousset Family, the farce, "My Friend Jack," with John
Brougham as Nonpareil, Mr. Lynne as Col. Detonator, H. B.
Phillips as Sir Jacob Lukewarm, Mr. Palmer as Chas. Mowbray,
Fletcher as John, and Miss Tayleurc as Emily Lukewarm. After
this came the second act of "I.ucrczia Borgia," in which Sig.
Benedetti made his first appearance in three years. The fifth part
of the programme was a miscellaneous concert, in which Bcrtucca
Marctzck. Sig. Arditi, Sig. Lorini, Miss Whiting, and Sig. Col-
letti appeared. This was followed by the entire opera of " I l'uri-
tani," with Angelina Bosioas Elvira; L. Salvi, Arturo; C. Badiali,
Riccardo; and Marini, Geonglo. The tickets were $1 each, ad-
mitting to all performances, afternoon and evening. The receipts
were about $5,000. The season closed Sept. 19.

Jenny Lind's farewell concert in America took place here May
24, 1852. She had the assistance of Otto Goldschmidt, her hus-
band, Sig. C. Badiali, Rictzcl Sicdlcr, Theo. Eisfeld, and Joseph
Barkc. The doors were opened at 6.30 o'clock, and the concert
commenced at 8. There were 7,000 persons present. Jenny Lind
sang "Casta Diva," from " Norma," a duet with Badiali, and "Per
Piacere," from "II Turco," in Italian, and "Camp of Silesia," ac-
companied on the flutes by Rietzel and Siedler, "Comin' Thro' the
Rye," am! the " Echo Song," a Swedish melody. She also sang a
"Farewell to America" from the same spot upon which she sang
her greeting. The words of the " Farewell " were natural, simple,
and a beautiful expression of regretful leave-taking. She was re-
called after retiring, and advancing with her husband to the front,
she bowed for the last time where she had bowed for the first, in
America.

On June 7, the Rousset Family commenced a summer season.
The nights of the performances were Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
ami Friday. July 26, French and Hesser opened the house with
a miscellaneous entertainment. Prof. Henry and son, acrobats,

«»53]

CASTLE GARDEN

and Hcrr Cline, rope-walker, were the chief attractions. July 30
the four Sisters Roussct took a benefit. The programme was
"London Assurance " (last three acts): Sir Harcourt, Wm. Flem-

ng; Charles Courtly, (.". W. Clarke; Dasxle, John Brougham;
Max llarkaway, Mr. Lynnc; Dolly Spanker, John Sef ton ; Meddle,

ohn Drew; Cool, McDouall; Lady Gay Spanker, Mrs. John
Drew; Grace Harkaway, Georgiana Kinlock (her first appearance
in New York). This was followed by a ballet divertissement by
the Rousset Sisters, and the French vaudeville entitled " I .a
Mcunicrc dc Marley." July 30 there was a benefit performance
for the Montreal fire sufferers. French opera comiquc, vaudeville,
and ballet made up the programme. Mmc. Hilarious, from the
Paris Opera Mouse, made her first appearance in America. Mcs-
dames Flcury-Jolly, Darmout, Diguct, Cecilc, Messrs. Menehand,
Gratt, Dcbrinay, and Montclar were heard in the comic opera of
"Cadi." Aug. 4 the French Opera Comique Co. sang "Les
Diamants de la Couronne," and the four Rousset Sisters appeared
in a ballet divertissement. Aug. 20, the new opera " Ne Toucher,
pas la Reinc" was presented, with Mmc. Fleury-Jolly as the
Queen; M. Dcbrinay, Don Aquilar; Mmc. Pillot, Estrclla. On
the 21st "Croquc Foulc;" and the farce "Jocrissc's Sister" was
the programme 23; "Zampa" 24; " Lc Mattrc dc Chapclle" and
"Jocrissc's Sister" 25; "Zampa" 30, 31. Sept. I, 2, the Ravel
Family appeared. The performance Aug. 30 was for the benefit
of the sufferers by the Montreal fire. Sept. 2 the Ravels took a
benefit. On the 4th a military musical festival took place, after-
noon and evening, in aid of the Musical Fund Society of New
York, when the military bands of New York, Brooklyn, Philadel-
phia, and Troy appeared.

What was called a "grand dramatic festival in commemoration
of the introduction of the drama to America, in 1752," was given
here in aid of the American Dramatic Fund, Sept. 6, 1852.
Among those who appeared were Lola .Montez, the Montplaisir
Troupe, Mrs. Vickers, Miss Richardson, Carrie Hiffert, Mrs. Ber-
nard, Miss Francis, Mile. Bulan, Senorita Sarsin, William E.
Burton, Augustus Rraham, John Braham, Chas. W. Couldock,
A. J. Ncafie, M. Corby, John Sefton, T. Hadaway, Geo. L. Fox,
C. W. Taylor, M. Wiethoff, and others. The entertainment con-
sisted of "The Merchant of Venice," "Lethe," a ballet divertisse-
ment, solos, vocal and instrumental. Signorina A. Bosio took a
benefit 9, and appeared as Elvira in "I Puritani." The National
Guard Band gave a series of promenade concerts, commencing
June 15, 1853. The seventy-seventh anniversary of our independ-
ence was made a gala day July 4. Likeoon's Tung Hook Tong
Chinese company appeared for this night only. They played in
"The Coronation of the Emperor," and gave exhibitions as

96 A HISTORY OF THE NKW YORK STAGE C1853

Japanese tumblers and Chinese Tartars. July it a brief season
of Italian opera began, with Max Maretzek as conductor. The
organization was composed of Mmcs. Henrietta Sontag, Steffanoni,
Giunto Bcncvcntano, Rocco, Rosi, Revere, J. Marini, Amalia
Patti Strakosch, Signora Bcrtucca Marctzck, and a ballet. The
opera nights were Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On Tuesday
and Thursday evenings popular concerts were given. " Lucia di
Lammermoor" was the initial opera. One dollar was charged to
all parts of the garden. July 13 Signora Steffanoni made her first
appearance here since her return from Mexico, in " Norma." Salvi
sang Pollio for the first time. July 15 the President of the United
States (Franklin Pierce) attended a performance of "Robert le
Diable," on which occasion Mmcs. Sontag and Steffanoni appeared
the same night for the first time. Sontag was the Isabella and
Steffanoni Alice. July 16, a benefit performance took place for
the relief of the unfortunate Chinese Dramatic Company, and July
21 a second benefit entertainment in their aid was given. On
25, Signora Blandini made her dfbut as Lisa in "La Sonnam-
bula. " Mme. Sontag was the Amina; Salvi, Elvino; and Badiali,
Rodolfo. "La Favorita" was sung for the first time 29, and 30
" Don Giovanni " was rendered when three great singers appeared,
— Sontag as Zerlina, Steffanoni as Donna Anna, and Amalia Patti
Strakosch as Donna Elvira. Aug. t, a L'Elisirc d* Amorc " was
given, with Sontag as Adina, Salvi as Ncmorino, Badiali as Bel-
core, and Revere as Dulcamara; 3, " Lucrczia Borgia" was sung;
5, "The Child of the Regiment," with Sontag as Marie. On 9,
William Fleming had a benefit, and the entertainment consisted
of "Evadne" (fifth act), with Ellen Gray as Evadne, Davenport
as Colonna, G. Harrison as Lodovico, and F. Rea as the King;
"The Good for Nothing," with Annie Lonsdale as Nan, and T. B.
Johnston as Tom Dribbles; "Othello" (third act): Othello, E.
Eddy; Iago, A. J. Ncafic; dance, Julia Turnbull; sailor's horn-
pipe, H. W. Robinson; "The School for Scandal " (screen scene) :
G. H. Barrett, Sir Peter Teazle; William Norton, Chas. Sur-
face; Wm. R. Fleming, Joseph; Lizzie Weston, Lady Teazle;
"The Widow's Victim," with W. R. Goodall as Jerry Clip; Mr.
Goodall gave imitations of Forrest, Hamblin, Kean, and J. B.
Booth; the sketch entitled "Dutch Reminiscences," by J. T.
Perry; and the entertainment closed with a pantomime by Leon
Javelli, Chas. Winter, and the Ravel Family. The admission to
the whole was fifty cents.

The sixth annual benefit for the American Dramatic Fund Asso-
ciation took place Aug. it, and the programme consisted of "The
Young Widow," with Chas. Burke, A. H. Davenport, Lizzie
Weston, and Mrs. John Scfton; "The Lady of Lyons" (fourth
act): Geo. Barrett as Col. Damas; Wm. Fleming as Claude; C.

l»54]

CASTLE GARDEN

Pope as Bcauseant ; J. Byrne as Dcchapcllcs: and Eliza Logan as
Pauline; "A Morning Call," interpreted by Laura Kccnc and G.
F. Marchant; "Julius Ca:sar" (tent scene), by A. J. Neafic and E.
Eddy; dance, by Mile. Frances and M. Wiethoff; "The Irish
Lion," by Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams, and others; imitations
of actors, by F. S. Chanfrau; "In and Out of Place," by Mrs.
Barney Williams; pas sen/, by Julia Turnbull; comic song, John
Winans; " Lon;jon Assurance " (third act), by C. Walcot, John
Brougham, "WTHamilton, Bellamy, Dawson, Scfton, Mmc. Ponisi.
and Mr. Warren. The whole concluded with a display of fire-
works. Harrv Watkins was the stage director. On Aug. t2 the
opera company appeared in "The Barber of Seville," with Sontag
as Kosina, and the first appearance this season of Sig. Pozzolini
as Almaviva. Sig. Marini made his debut 1 5 as Sylva in " Ernani."
Max Marctzck took a benefit Aug. 23, when " Lucrezia Borgia "
was sung at 4 o'clock. An intermission of one and one-half
hours took place for promenade and refreshments, and at eight
o'clock "Lucia di Lammcrmoor" was given. M. Jullien com-
menced a series of concerts Aug. 29, assisted by Anna Zcrr and
others. The opera season closed Sept. 19, with " Lucia di Lam-
mcrmoor" for the benefit of Sig. Salvi. Jullien's eighty-second
concert in New York and two hundred and ninth in America took
place here May 19. June 2, 1854, a fancy and full dress ball was
given under the direction of M. Jullien. The whole of Jullien's
concert orchestra and soloists appeared in the ball room. Single
tickets of admission, admitting lady or gentleman, cost $3 each ;
family tickets, admitting gentleman and two ladies, £5. The
balcony was reserved for those who did not wish to participate
in the dancing, and the tickets were $3. Another season fol-
lowed of Italian opera, under the baton of Max Maretzck, with
the following artists: Signora G. Brambrilla, Donna Valerei
Gomez, A. Artollni, Mme. Bertucca Maretzek, Signora Martini,
D. Ormy, Rosa Marra, G. Galvarti, Neri Beraldi, Mazzoleni
Graziani, Giraldoni, Andragi Marini, Colletti, Ortolani, and
Robert Stoepel. " Lucia di Lammerrnoor " was sung June 30; July
I, 2, 6, "Maria di Rohan;" "La Sonnambula " 10. Mme. D.
Ormy, the contralto, made her American debut 12 in " Maria di
Rohan." Verdi's opera, "Louisa Mullcr," was given for the
first time in America 20, cast as follows:

Louisa Mullcr .... Donna Gomez I Krederica

Count Colletti Miller .

Rodolph B«raldll

. D. Ormy
. Graziani

"Masaniello" was given 31. Grisi and Mario were brought to
this country by Jas. H. Hackett, and they made their American
debut Sept. 4, 1854. An auction .sale of tickets took place it

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1855

Castle Garden for their opening night on Sept. I. No charge
was made for admission to the garden during the sale, as was
done when the Jenny Lind sale took place. At least 15,000
persons were present. The first ticket was purchased by Miss
(now the Baroness) Burdett Coutts, a wealthy lady from Eng-
land, for $250. It was said at the time that this lady was a great
admirer of Mario, and had followed him to this country. The sate
tinued for two hours, the tickets going at rates varying from
fifty cents to $2. 50. A great many at $1.50 to $1.75 premium
were sold to music stores, speculators, and others, in lots of twenty
to one hundred, while the average to private individuals was from
two to six tickets. The initial opera was " Lucrczia Borgia," with
Griai as I.ucrczia, Mario as Gcnarro, and Susini as Duke Alfonso,
— their first appearance in America. The company consisted
of Donovan!, ' Susini, Fabricatore, Patti Strakosch, M. Morra,
Amati Dcbrenl (Mage manager), Candi, Patti, Mora, Parozzi,
Brindi, and Sig. Arditi (musical director). An auction sale for
the second representation took place at the garden Sept. 5. The
attendance was meagre, and the bidding slow. Tsvoor three seats
were sold for premiums, realizing from $5 to $7. 50, and the bid-
ding fell off to a dollar, and from that to a shilling. After the
second night it was discovered that the public would not pay the
prices of admission, and on Sept. 8, the third opera night, it was
announced that the uniform price would be $3, and that there
would be no auction sale of seats and no premiums charged on
scats. The promenade tickets were J5i. "Nonna" was sung
Sept. 11, with Grisi as Norma, Mario as Pollio, and Signorina
Donovan i as Adelgisa, — her first appearance in America.
" Norma" was a great success, and was repeated several evenings.
The season closed Sept. 29 with " I Puritani," as the autumn was
too far advanced to admit of performances in the exposed area of
Castle Garden. The company then went to the Academy of Music,
under Mr. Hackett's management.

A season of equestrian performances was opened Oct. 23, 1854,
with J. Vanderbilt as manager and James M. Nixon as equestrian
director. In the company were Mme. Marin, Mrs. Smith, Mrs.
Robert Ellingham, Misses Cline and Cook, Hank Madigan, Chas.
Davis, A. Sylvester, Harry Whitby, Jas. Nixon, Fred Sylvester,
Wm. I.era, Tom Kin*;, Felix Carlo (trick clown), Jas. Myers
(clown), Hiram Day, Mike I.ipman, Master Carlo, Charles and
James Madigan, and Geo. and Wm. Nixon. Two performances
were given daily. The season terminated Nov. 25, 1854.

In May, 1855, Castle Garden was closed as a place of amuse-
ment, and was taken possession of by the Commissioners of Emi-
gration as an emigrant depot. On May 23, 1870, it had a narrow
escape from destruction by fire, and suffered damage to the extent

,M]

THE LAFAYETTE THEATRE

of $3,000. It was finally destroyed by fire Monday afternoon, July
9, 1876. The fire began about 5.30 o'clock, and in less than half
an hour it was a heap of charred ruins. The walls alone were left
standing. It had just received one hundred and twenty emigrants,
most of whom could neither speak nor understand a word ai Eng-
lish. The fire started in the wooden covering of the balcony which
skirted the top of the building and overlooked the circular enclos-
ure. The loss on building, baggage, and other goods, amounted
to about $45,800. In December, 1891, it served as a drill hall for
the Naval Reserve Battalion. By an act of the Legislature the
sum of $150,000 was appropriated to restore the existing portion of
the building and transform it into a public aquarium.

THE LAFAYETTE THEATRE

THE house known as the Lafayette theatre was situated on the
west side of Laurens Street, one hundred feet north of Canal
Street, extending from Laurens St. (now West Broadway) to Thomp-
son St. It was opened July 4th, 1825. The design was attractive,
but it had an unfinished and cheap appearance. The performances
consisted of the customary exercises of the circus, equestrian dramas,
farces, and ballets. In the company were Lawson, Mcstaycr,
Thompson, Hand, D. liberie, Morrison, Stickncy, Richings, Madden,
Tatnall, Richards, A. Herbert, Harrington; Mesdamcs Tatnall,
Pclby, and Godcy ; Misses Monicr, Edstrom, Ann Maria Mcstaycr,
and Ophelia Pelby. The house was opened as a regular theatre on
July 4th, 1826. with " The Three Hunchbacks," and, for the first time
in America, *' The Dumb Girl of Genoa," with Jones, Fisher, Blake,
Bernard, Hyatt. Mrs. Fisher. Mrs. Jones, and Miss Tilden, Mrs.
Godey, dancer, Burroughs, Thompson, Dinneford, Stickncy, Mrs.
Dinneford, Sophia, and H. Ebcrlc in the company. The farce of
" The Two Grcgorics " was given, first time in this city, Aug. 7th ;
"The Avenger, or The Moor of Sicily " the 21st ; "The Idiot Wit-
ness" Sept. 6; "The Troubadours" Oct. 3. The farce "Three
Deep" was given 19th ; Alex Wilson acted Bertram the 26; "The
Banker of Rouen" Nov. 2nd ; "Old Oak Chest" Nov. 21st. The
opera "Lodoiska" was sung for the first time here Dec. 4th.
" Joan of Arc" was produced Dec. 1 ith. Peter Richings appeared
Jan. nth. 1828, as Sir Rowland in "The Blood Red Knight," then
acted here for the first time ; " Sons of Erin " was given March 20.
Mr. Kinlock was first seen in this city May 5th, as Napoleon IJona-
partc in the "Battle of Waterloo" for Mrs. Gilfert's benefit, and
Edwin Forrest played Pythias, to the Damon of Mr. Cooper, June
7th. John Scfton made his first appearance in New York here
June 20th, and W. Jackson's debut in New York, as Fribble in
" Miss in Her Teens," occurred the same night. Mrs. John Green,

I0O A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dtag

formerly Anne Nuskay, made her bow to New York in this theatre
June 23rd, as Elvira in " Pizarro." In the early days of the civil
war she resided in Nashville, Tcnn., where she lost her husband and
all of her property. She died in that city Jan. 19, 1862, and was
interred in the same grave with her husband in Mount Olivet
Cemetery. The dramatic season closed early in December, and the
theatre was rented to Mons. Villalave, a rope-dancer, who opened it
on the 1 8th. During the following summer it was entirely rebuilt
by Mr. Sandford, and was acknowledged to be the largest and finest
theatre in the country. The stage was 120 feet deep, and, in part,
ico wide, being larger than any then existing in England or
America, and could be transformed into a tank of real water during
any performance. It was considered a vast improvement that the
lighting was from above, and that the stage machinery was also
managed from the same elevated position. The season opened Sept.
29, 1827, with an address written by Prosper M. Wctmorc, and
" The Honeymoon " and " XhcWandcrJng_Boys." July 19th George
\V. Dixon made bis first appearance in New York here as a singer
of comic songs. He attained considerable popularity with his " Coal
Black Rose" and other negro ditties before T. D. Rice and his "Jim
Crow " electrified the public. The season closed in August. The
theatre was reopened Dec. 24, 1828, under the stage management
of James M. Scott. Mrs. Preston made her debut in New York here
Dec. 31st as Young Norval in " Douglas." The season ended about
the middle of March, 1829, and recommenced April 6th. The ballet
"The Marriage" was first seen here July 7th when Miles. Estclle,
Adrie, Ravenot, Clara, Louise, Esther, and Hyacinth, Messrs. Felt-
man, Duruissell, and Benoi made their American debut. On the
muniing of the nth, before daybreak, a fire originating in a
neighboring building spread to the theatre, and in a short time
caused its total destruction. The fire was believed to have been
the work of an incendiary. The house was never rebuilt.

THE BOWERY THEATRE

A COMPANY was formed for the purpose of erecting a theatre
in the Bowery on the site of the old tavern and cattle market
known as the Bull's Head, then belonging to George Astor. Messrs.
Gouverneur, Graham, Jas. A. Hamilton, Geo. W. Brown, P. M. Wet-
more, T. S. Smith, and Gilfert were the projectors of this enterprise,
and in process of time a very handsome structure was completed,
having externally the appearance of white marble, with a spacious
portico, lofty columns supporting an entablature, and pediment. The
size, both of stage and auditorium, was greater than any theatre in
the country, and the seating capacity about three thousand persons ;
and in point of decoration it was unsurpassed. It was hoped by its

iS^

THE BOWERY THEATRE

IOI

proprietors that it would prove to be the favorite dramatic temple of
New York. Although known as the Bull's Head Theatre, it was
determined to give it the more comprehensive title of the New York
Theatre, a name which it retained until it came into the hands of
Hackett and Hamblin, who -called it the Bowery Theatre, though the
latter, in a fit of patriomm-.on the occasion of the Anderson riot
at the Park, in 1831, proclaimed a change, and announced it as
the American Theatre, by which its bills were headed for a year
or two.

The management of the Theatre was intrusted to Charles Gilfert.
There were four tiers of boxes, and the lobbies were extremely spa-
cious and convenient- George Barrett was engaged as stage
manager, Mr. Taylor, from the Park, as leader of orchestra. The
prices of admission were at first fixed at fifty cents for the boxes and
pit, and twenty-five cents for the gallery ; but a few nights' experi-
ence proved that it would be necessary lo discriminate between the
boxes and the pit, and the admission was raised to seventy-five cents
for the former, and reduced to thirty-seven and a half for the latter,
which soon produced the desired effect. The company consisted of
Mr. and Mrs. Duff, Mr. and Mrs. Young, Mr. and Mrs. George Bar-
rett, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Messrs. Edwin Forrest, Faulkner, Hyatt,
Stone, Bernard, Lamb (the singer). C. Durang. Login, J. Scott,
Hamilton. Kenyon, Esscndcn. Laws, Read, and Bcckwcll, Mrs. (iil
bert, Mrs. Hughes, old Mrs. Barrett, Mrs. Brazier, Miss Devlin,
little Miss Kent, the " infant phenomenon " of the period, and others.
The theatre was opened Monday evening, Oct. 23, 1826, and the
experiment of lighting the house with gas, then first attempted, was
hailed with the greatest satisfaction by an audience which crowded
the building in every part.

The first performance consisted of an opening address, written by
Grevillc Mcllcn and recited by George Barrett ; the comedy "The
Road to Ruin ; " a second address written by Dr. Farmer and spoken
by Mrs. Young; and the farce of "Raising the Wind." Nov. 6th
Edwin Forrest made his first appearance here, acting Othello;
" Damon and Pythias " 8th ; and Jaffier in " Venice Preserved " 14th.
The farce called " Dog Days in Bond Street" was done 17th ; Mr.
I-eggctt appeared as Bertram 18th; Edwin Forrest played the Indian
Chief in " ShgWould Be A Soldjej " 25th; and 30th the title rdle
in "William Tell ; " he was seen as Marc Antony Dec. 1, in
"Julius Caisar," with Conway as Brutus and George Barrett as
Cassius.

Thomas S. Hamblin first appeared here 13th, as Virginius ; Edwin
Forrest was seen as King Lear 27th for the first time, with Hamblin
as Edgar; Duff. Edmund; and Mrs. Duff as Cordelia. On Jan. 15,
1827, Marie Felicia Garcia (Mme. Malibran) first attempted a charac-
ter in English opera, that of Count Bellino in " The Devil's Bridge,"

102 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE L«"*7

from which all the music was cut save the songs incidental to her
part. Edwin Forrest played Rolla in " Pizarro " 25th. Mmc. Fran-
cisquy Hutin made her first appearance in America Feb. 7th. and
introduced the modern French school of dancing on the American
stage. During her first dance every lady- in the lower tier of boxes
left the house. When she sprang upon- the stage in her abbreviated
skirts a storm of hisses greeted her, and the curtain was rung
down on the trembling, affrighted Frenchwoman, and she was never
allowed to appear again. Mr. Sarzeaas made his New York debut
9th as Young Norval; " El Hyder," with a large stud of horses,
was given the 15th. Blake appeared in "The Wonder" 20th;
Mons. and Mmc. Achillc made their American dehut March 1st as
dancers: a drama called " Returned Killed " was given 5th ; Henry
Wallack appeared as Rob Roy nth. with Mrs. Duff as Helen Mac-
grcgor; Alex Wilson came 20th as Reuben Glenroy in "Town and
Country; " Edw in- Forrest played Damon April 5th; King Lear
May 2nd, and Virginius 20th. " Before Breakfast " was given 21st ;
" Venice Preserved " 22nd ; and " The Flying Dutchman " 24th.

Wijliam Osborne made his Americandebut June 1st, as Glenalvon,
to Edwin Forrest's Young Norval in " Douglas." Osborne came
here from England in 1825, appeared throughout the country, and
at various times supported Edmund Kcan, Macrcady, and Hamblin.
lie was once manager of the Richmond, Va., Theatre. He had a
daughter named Fanny Osborne, who was for a long time connected
with Wallack's Theatre (Broadway and Broome Street). She died
in this city Aug. 17, 1855. Shortly after this Mr. Osborne was lost
sight of to the profession, and Jan. 13, 1879, he died in this city, in
abject poverty. He had four sons, John, George, Theodore, and
Victor.

In a small, squalid room about ten feet square, on the top story of
No. 5 Centre Market Place, between Grand and Broome Streets,
the remains of the old actor, William E. Osborne, the friend of
Forrest, the elder Wallack, and of Manager Simpson of the old Park
Theatre, were laid out without a shroud or coffin to cover them.
Two of his sons, pale, careworn young men, and their wives, sat
in the room on rickety chairs, which, along with a stove, a dilapi-
dated mahogany bureau, a cheap pine table, and a child's cradle,
constituted all the furniture of the chamber. A poor, pale-faced
baby occupied the crib, and a hungry-looking boy of six years
watched with eager eyes a pot boiling on the stove, with a broken
plate for a cover. The corpse of the dead actor lay on the floor,
under the shelf of the window, with an old counterpane thrown over
it. and no preparations of any kind appeared to have been made for
its decent removal and interment. The reason of this was easy to
discover in the air of abject poverty presented by the room and the
persons who occupied it. The elder of the two young men, with a

.817D

THE BOWERY THEATRE

103

famished look in his eyes, said that he had supported his father for
sixteen years.

"The Wife's Stratagem " was presented June 8th; Henry Wat-
lack appeared as Octavian in "The Mountaineers " 9th ; Mrs. H
Wallack played Agnes in "The Deserter " the same night. Mine.
Celeste made her American debut here 27th, and the same night
T. H. Quin first appeared in New York. acting Moses in the "School
for Scandal." Mmc. Heloisc, dancer, made her debut July 7th;
Edwin Forrest appeared as Shylock 23rd for the first time; Thomas
Archer made his American bow Sept. 1st as Richard III. He died
in London, England, in May, 1848. "The Caliph of Bagdad," a
ballet, was first seen in America at this house 3rd; Edwin Forrest
was seen 7th as Jafficr in " Venice Preserved." Thomas Comer made
his American debut 7th as Forage in "Turn Out." He died in
Boston July 27th, 1862, and was buried at Mount Auburn. Edwin
Forrest was seen as Rolla in " Fizarro " toth ; John and Jane Mar-
chant Fisher and George Vernon made their American debut nth
as Zekicl, Cicclcy. and Lord Dubcrly in "The Heir at Law." Jane
Fisher was the sister of Clara Fisher. In Oct., 1827, she married
George Vernon. In 1830 she was at the Park Theatre, and in ilie
season of 1844-5 sne was m New Orleans and Mobile. Probably
no actress ever seen on the American stage was a greater favorite.
She closed at the Park Dec. 17, 1847, and went to the old Broad-
way, and afterwards to Burton's Chambers Street Theatre. Sept 12,
1855. she opened at Wallack's (Broadway and Broome Street), and
she continued under Mr. Wallack's management until the time of
her death, June 4, 1869. She was buried in Greenwood Cemetery.

George Holland made his American debut here Sept. 12th, as
Jerry in " The Day after the Fair ; " De Camp first appeared here
17th, as GossameP IB "LakJgTTVVhen you Can;'' Mons. Barbierre,
dancer, made his American dtfbut iSth; "Peter Wilkins, or The
Flying Islanders," was presented 22nd. Mme. Malibran made her
last appearance in America here Oct. 28th, 1827, as the Princess of
Navarre in "John of Paris." Her American debut was made at the
Park Theatre Nov. 29th, 1825, as Rosina in "The Barber of
Seville." Amelia Fisher first appeared in America here Nov. 6th.
She retired from the stage in 1S41. and taught dancing in Boston.
For fifty years prior to her death she was mistress of an old-
fashioned boarding house at No. 2 Bulfinch Place, Boston, where
she died Feb. 23rd, 1893. The famous comedian William Warren
made his home there from 1844 until the time of his death, Sept.
2t, 1888. Edwin Booth, Joseph Jefferson, and other noted artists
made Miss Fisher's house their resting-place when in that city.
She was second cousin to William Warren, and her brother married
Mr. Jefferson's aunt.

The comedy "Spring and Autumn" was seen here Nov. 7th.

104 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»««

Miss Rock first acted in this city 19th, as Letitia Hardy in "The
Belle's Stratagem," and Jenny Transit in "The Winning Husband."
" The Freebooters " a comic opera was given for the first time here
Dec. 24th ; *' Alfred the Great " was presented for the first time in
America at this house Jan. 5th, 1828; Edwin Forrest appeared as
Macbeth 30th ; " The Bride of Lammermoor " was given Feb. 20th ;
and " Thirty Years, or the Life <■■: nesler," was done on the

same night Mme. Celeste had a benelit March 4th, when she
acted Julio in " Deaf and Dumb," and also, for the first time in
America, were given the farce " Laurels " and a travesty on " Ham
let." with George Holland as Ophelia and the Gravcdiggcr.

Louisa Lane (afterwards Mrs. John Drew) first appeared in New
York at this theatre March 28th, as Little Pickle in " The Spoiled
Child." Cooper and Edwin Forrest played together during the
month of May : Forrest as Jaffier in " Venice Preserved," Iago,
Marc Antony, and Othello ; Cooper as Pierre in " Venice Preserved,"
Othello, Brutus, and Iago; also as Damon, to Forrest's Pythias.
Herr John Cline, tight-rope performer, made his American debut
here May 12th. For over thirty years he travelled about the coun-
try. Rose Cline, his niece, made considerable reputation as Topsy
in " ]Jnc\c Tom's < i in." Cline was at Castle Garden in the
summer of 1847 as one of the managers. He died at the Edwin
Forrest Home. Holmesburg, Pa., Dec. 3rd, 1886.

On May 26, 1828, this theatre was destroyed by fire. Flames
were discovered at 6.30 o'clock in the evening, in a livery stable in
Bayard Street, next door to the corner of the Bowery, and in an hour
they spread to the theatre. The building was insured for £60.000,
but the scenery, wardrobe, and properties were only partly covered.
When the fire broke out the players were all in their rooms, dressing
for the drama of "The Gambler's Fate," for the benefit of Mrs.
Gilfert, but happily no lives were lost. Charles Gilfert had the
ground cleared in twenty-four hours after the fire was extinguished,
and in the remarkable short space of ninety days from the date of
the destruction of the old house the doors of the new one were opened
to the public. The new building was very beautiful and commodi-
ous. The front was of white stucco, made to resemble marble,
and had six columns to support the roof, the entire front being
OJ Doric architecture. The curtain, instead of rolling up, divided
in the centre, and was drawn up into festoons. During the rebuild-
ing Gilfeit lies patched agents to Europe for 3ttistes of every descrip-
tion, and to him belongs the credit of bringing to this country the
first good theatrical orchestra.

The " Dramatist " was the opening programme of the new house
on Aug. 20th, 1828. and George Barrett, Henry Wallack. W. 15.
Chapman, Mrs. May wood, and Mrs. Geo. Barrett were in the cast.
Edwin Forrest appeared as Damon 22nd ; Mons. and Mme. Charles

1*0]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

I05

Ronzi Vcstris first appeared in America at this house 30th ; Wm. B.
Chapman's debut was made Sept. 13th. His last appearance on the
stage was at San Francisco, Cal., Oct- nth, 1857, as Alphonso in
"Delicate Ground" and O'Smirk in "The Dumb Belle." He died
in San Francisco, Nov. 8th, 1857. Junius Brutus Booth appeared

here Oct.
Feb. 2 1 st.

Iiuck, or Not Guilty"
The house again closed

The house closed Jan. 15th, 1829, but reopened

was given March 10th.
May 1st and reopened June 4 at reduced
prices of admission. One of the interesting characters of the
Bowery Theatre of that day was Andrew Jackson Allen who was the
costumcr as well as an actor in the company. Being deaf, he was
christened " Dummy Allen."' He had been callboy at the Park
Theatre, was formerly in the circus, had walked the wire and stood
on his head, went to England with Edwin Forrest as costumer,
was manager of the Providence (R. I.) Theatre, opened a
costume store in this city at the corner of Mulberry and Chatham
Streets, had kept public houses at 280 Broadway, 37 Bowery and
261 Bowery, had been associated with CoL AJyah Mann in the Broad-
way Theatre, and in 1815, at Pcnsacola, Fla." bad personated General
Jackson, on horseback, in a piece of his own called " Columbia and
jlcr Heroes." lie died in this city at 39 Howard Street. Oct. .30.
r8"$J. '.The theatre was closed July 24, 1829. Gilfcrt died in this
city July 30, 1829. He maybe said to have invented the " Press
Agent," as he was the first manager who employed a person to
" write up " the merits of the theatre and such members of the com-
pany as he thought it his interest to have advanced. The house
next passed under the control of the management of the Park
Theatre, and so continued until Aug. 2, 1830, when James H.
Hackctt and Thomas S. Hamblin assumed the direction, and opened
with "The School for Scandal." During the first month crowded
houses were the rule, but business shortly afterwards fell off, and
Hackctt was induced to retire, leaving Hamblin sole proprietor from
Sept. 1st. Augustus A. Addams appeared Oct. 26th, 1830. During/
the season of 1835 BT?;_Addams was in the company at the Walnut
Street Theatre, Philadelphia He was a very promising and popular
tragedian, and Wemyss, the manager, thought him as good an actor
as Edwin Forrest ; in fact, Addams had appeared in this city at the
Park, and gained great popularity in several Shakespearian rAles.
Wemyss consulted Robert T. Conrad in reference to writing a play
for Addams. The KentisK~Rcbcllion of 1450 was suggested as the
subject. Conrad agreed to write the play for $300 for the manu-
script copy, and a benefit on the third night of its representation.
The play was called " The Noble Yeoman." but. at the suggestion of
Mr. Wemyss, the name of "JNick Cade " was adopted. Addams was
delighted with the play; it was accepted, and L. A. Godey and
Morton McMicbael witnessed and signed a contract between

io6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««*9

Werayss and Conrad, Oct. 2, 1835. Its first representation was
announced for Nov. 16, 1835. but was postponed to Dec. 7, as
Addams was not " up in the part." At the last rehearsal (Dec. 7)
Mary Duff, who was cast for Helen Mortimer, was too ill to appear,
and Ann Waring (afterwards Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr.) agreed to
play the rdle. This being settled satisfactorily, it was discovered
that Addams was not at rehearsal. After diligent search he was
found seated in an arm-chair, just recovering from a severe attack
of mania-a-petu, but he promised to be " all right " at night. The
theatre opened, the company dressed, the scenes were set, and over
$800 in the house ; but Addams was not in a fit condition to play.
Another drama was, in consequence, acted. C. J. Ingcrsoll was
then given the rdle of Jack Cade, and he played it at the Walnut
Dec. 9, 1835. Mr. Addams first played the character Feb. 1, 1836.
and made a failure. It was then reconstructed for Edwin Forrest.
It was much modified in its general dialogue and in many incidents,
and was produced by Forrest under the title of " Aylmere, or The
Kentish Rebellion" at the Park Theatre, May 24, 1840. It was
shortly afterwards called "Jack Cade."

Addams was gifted by nature with a commanding person, not
only a handsome but an expressive countenance, a voice capable of
being modulated to the tones of the softest flute, yet powerful
enough to out-rant the loudest lungs of any actor who ever tore
passion to rags. He is the only one who ever had a chance of
shaking Forrest in his position and making him tremble for his title
of the American tragedian. He had married Mary Duff in 1834,
but she got a divorce from him soon afterwards, on the ground of
ill treatment. Had he been temperate he would undoubtedly h;ive
become one of the greatest actors seen in this country. He died in
Cincinnati, March 21. 1851.

George Percy Farren made his American ddbut at this theatre
Nov. 7th, as Sir Anthony Absolute in " The Rivals," and, although
only twenty-two years of age, he was an excellent actor in high-
comedy old men. In a short time he was made stage manager.
In July, 1834, a difference rose between Mr. Farren as stage
manager and Mr. McKinney, a discharged actor, who, as he was
powerless on the stage, summoned to his aid the patriotism of the
pit and upper boxes, haranguing them from an upper gallery,
declaring that Mr. Farren had insulted the American flag, and that
he himself would not act in the theatre " so long as that English-
man was a member of the company." Strictly, Mr. Farren, though
not an American, was not an Englishman in that sense which
alone would have justified the Bowery boys in lifting the patriotic
cudgel in McKinney's behalf. The stage manager was born in the
same country that in all probability gave birth to McKinney's
parents, if not to McKinney himself, viz., Ireland. It was a troub-

•a*:

THE BOVVKRY THEATRE

107

lous night for the Bowery Theatre, but its walls have since seen
times more terrible, and its pit benches have known greater
wreck. Thomas Hamblin, the lessee, twice appeared as a pacifica-
tor ; he sent others forward on the same mission, and at last the
performance was allowed to proceed, victory being presumptively
with McKinney. His dismissal from the theatre continued in force,
however. The close of the season of 1834 was the end of Mr.
Farren's connection with the Bowery Theatre, and he went South,
and for many years was identified with Ludlow & Smith's theatres;
his reappearance in New York being on April 13, 1859, as Goodwill
in " The Mesalliance," at Burton's New Theatre (afterward Winter
Garden). He died in this city Aug. 18, 1861. Mrs. Gaspard
Macdcr (formerly Fanny Fitz Farrcn) is his daughter.

Charles R. Tnorne first appeared at this house Dec. 9th, as
Pythias; " Toinohcka " was played 24th; and "Barmecide" 29th.
De Jack, a performing elephant, made his debut here Jan. 10th, 183 1 ;
" Henry IV." was played Feb. 12th. when George fones. afterwards
known as Count Joannes, played the Prince ol Wales for his New
York debut, with ThoTfias Hamblin as Hotspur and Kilner as Fal-
staff. Mr. Jones was born in London, Eng., May 10th, 1810, and at
six years of age was brought to Boston, Mass, where he made his
first appearance on the stage in 1828 at the Federal Street Theatre.
William Rufus Blake having retired from the Bowery, Mr. Jones
was given his position. Jones remained here for three seasons.
One of his original characters was Tom Tiller in " The Water
Witch." He wrote " EvilEyc" in conjunction with Jonalf Phillips,
anil Jones acted DcmetrT He was the original Advocate Carwin in
"Thercse, or The Orphan of Geneva." On one New Year's
evening. " Richard II acted : J. B. Booth as Richard, George

Jones as Richmond. Booth had been drinking very heavily the
early part of the evening, and by the time the tragedy commenced
he was very hilarious. The following account of the incidents of
that night was given to me by the Count Joannes a few years prior
to his death. "Just as the fifth act commenced and as the future
Henry VII. sauntered upon the stage, amid the applause I saw
Jemmic Anderson, the prompter, endeavoring to restrain Booth, who
had but one thought, one idea, and that was to kill me as the Earl
of Richmond; Richard III., 1. c. Mr. Booth, brought all his tiger
energy against me, and there was reality in his words in the
tragedy, — 'Of one, or both of us, the time is come!' Never in
the history of the stage was there such a real combat as that which
followed, and had I not been one of the most calm and skilful of
swordsmen, I should have been cut to pieces and died upon the
field, instead of Richard III As it was, I merely defended myself
from his furious attacks, and as he could not touch me he became more
enraged and frantic; foam at his mouth, and curses upon his lips.

io8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE r_ia19

The audience, 2,000 persons, ' applauded to the very echo, that
should applaud again,' all believing that there never was such
a simulated combat as that before them ; but it was, in fact, a
reality they applauded. At last becoming exhausted from holding
Richard III. by main force, to prevent him rushing upon the stage
at once, to kill, as he said, ' that infernal Earl of Richmond,'
the prompter suddenly released him, and Richard III. rushed upon
the Duke of Norfolk, and with one blow of his sword cut his
knightly plume in two pieces, saying, at the same time, 'Take
that ! I told you to saddle White Surrey for the field to-morrow,
and you did not do it. Remember! I made you the first Duke of
Norfolk!' This was an historical fact, and Mr. Booth was a good
historian. He continued cursing the Earl of Richmond off the
scenes, was wild with rage, and actually considered himself Richard
III. Finally the last scene of the tragedy was reached, and he
entered upon it foaming at the mouth. Not one incident of the
rehearsed combat did he remember ; all had been forgotten in his
inebriate brain, his maniac attempts to kill me. I thought it was
time for me (professionally) to return the compliment, and con-
sequently 1 gave him the coup dt gr&ct, or blow of death, as I
thought. Believing that he would tall, ' 1 took the stage," when,
quick as a flash, he followed mc, and aimed a blow at my head. I
suddenly turned and disarmed him, seized him by the throat, threw
him, and held the madman down, at the same time saying to him :
'Richard III, are you dead?' 'Dead?' he replied. 'No! you
infernal Earl of Richmond. Down ! down! to hell, and say I sent
you there! ' I gave a signal to the prompter to drop the curtain,
and Mr. Hamblin, Mr. Anderson, and myself lifted the exhausted
body of the dead king and took him to his room, and an hour
elapsed before ' Richard was himself again.' "

In 1839 Jones was manager of the Marshall Theatre, Richmond,
Va.. and he built and managed the Avon Theatre, Norfolk, Va. He
delivered five orations at Fancuil Hall, Boston. He wrote the
History of Ancient America, and, visited Europe and delivered lectures
upon the Bible. In 1865 or 66, after an elaborate public examina-
tion he was admitted to practise as an attorney and counsellor-at-
law in the Supreme Court and all other Judicial Courts of the State
of New York. In 1833 he was installed Count of Sertorii of
the Holy Roman Kmpire of the First Commander of the Imperial
order of Golden Knight and Count Palatine. He was never seen in
public without his insignia of knighthood. He wore the jewel and
pendant upon a dark black scarf that was in harmony with the
general sombrencss of his attire. He was of medium height, fine
figure with an animated countenance, high forehead, expressive dark
eyes, resolute chin, and fine, white, even teeth; he wore a heavy
moustache, with a fresh and ruddy complexion; he did not smoke

«8y>]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

109

or drink intoxicating liquors. He was of a nervous, sanguine
temperament, had a resolute purpose, was persevering, energetic, and
untiring. Mr. Jones was not appreciated as he deserved, for he was
a gentleman and was noted for his uniform kindliness of heart to his
employes. He died Sept. 30th, 1879, in a little room in the West
Side Hotel, 15th St. and Sixth Avenue, New York, without a
single dollar in his possession. His remains were interred in
Maple Grove Cemetery, L. I.

Emily Mcstaycr first appeared at this theatre, March 14th as
Prince John in "Henry IV." In 1834 she was known as Mrs.
Houpt at the little Warren Theatre, Boston. In 1840 she was at the
Chatham Theatre this city ; in 1842 at Vauxhall Garden, New York;
1845-6-7, at the Boston Museum ; and on July 3rd, 1 848, reappeared
in this city at the Chatham Theatre, as Rosetta in " The Alpine
Maid " and I.ize in "A GlanceSn New York." Her last appearance
in this city was Dec. 18, 1873, at theUnibn Square Theatre, as the
Baroness in '■ Led ytray." Her last appearance on the stage was
Aug. 8, 1878, at the California Theatre, San Francisco, Cal., in
" Diplomacy." She died in New York April 25, 1882, aged 68 years.
Through her family connections, she was related to Mrs. Barney
Williams (who married her brother Charles), Mrs. W. J. Florence,
and George Jordan. She was the sister-in-law of Charles R. Thornc,
and the aunt of Charles R. Thome, Jr., Edwin F. Thornc, William
Thorne, and Mrs. John Chamberlin. She was married to Daniel
Reed, an equestrian actor, who was shortly after found dead in bed.
Her second husband was Dr. Charles Houpt, an actor, afterwards a
dentist, who died in California about 1851.

" The Water Witch " was given here March 2! ; " The Evil Eye "
April 4th ; " Demoniac " the 1 ith. Alexina Fisher first acted here
25 th, as Young Norval in " Douglas." " Cagliostro "was played 30th.
J. B. Booth acted Hamlet June 14th, and Mrs. Dean, mother of
Julia Dean, was the Ophelia. " Julius Carsar " was given 16th. with
Cooper as Marc Antony ; Hamblin, Brutus. F. Cooper appeared as
Falstaff i8th,to Hamblin's Hotspur in " Henry IV.," and J.B. Booth
was seen as Gloster 22nd, in "Jane Shore." T. A. Cooper first
played Sir Peter Teazle here 27th. Hamblin opened his next season
Aug. 18th with " Julius Caesar." Henry G. Pearson made his
debut in New York at this theatre 30th, as William Tell. Josephine
Clifton made her bow here Sept. 21st as Bclvidera in "Venice
Preserved." On Feb. 13, 1837, she produced in Boston "The
Bride of Genoa," in which she acted the male character of Montaldo.
She married Robert L. Place in July, 1846, then manager of the
American Theatre, New Orleans. In the spring of 1847 she came
to New York on a visit to her friends, and early in the autumn left
for New Orleans. In twenty-four hours after she landed there,
Nov. 22nd, she was a corpse. Her remains were conveyed to Phila-

IIO A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««3»

delphia and placed in the same grave with her sister, Louisa Mis-
souri, in Ronaldson's Cemetery.

Mary Ann Russell, afterwards Mrs. M. A. Farren, made her
debut here Sept. 28th as Jenny Transit in " Winning a Husband ; "
"The Demon of the Desert" was produced Oct. 10th. Thomas
H. Hadaway made his American debut here Nov. 10, 1831, as
Dominic Sampson in " Guy Manncring," and Robin in " No Song,
No Supper." His wife made her American debut as Lucy Bertram
and Margucretta in the same pieces. Mrs. Hadaway's last appear-
ance on the stage was at this theatre Aug. 22. 1832, as Norma in
" The Ice Witch." On the following day she died of cholera. She
left one child, who, ten years later, appeared in Philadelphia for her
father's benefit, but did not remain in the profession. Thomas
Hadaway was married three times. His first wife was Miss Hallande,
who died of cholera. His second was the daughter of a Long
Island farmer, who bore him eight children. His third wife was
seventeen years his junior and the daughter of Col. Hawkins, of
Stony Brook, L. I. He died Sept. 7, 1892, aged 91 years, at
Montgomery, N. Y., of valvular disease of the heart, and his remains
were interred at St. James. L. I.

W. H. Keppell made his first appearance here 14th, as Hamlet.
"The Polish Wife" was seen 25th. Mrs. Anderson, formerly Jose-
phine BartoloKi, made her debut Dec. 8, as Rosina, in the " Barber
of Seville." John Fletcher first acted in New York at this house,
Dec. 13th, in the " Venetian Statues." On the same date Mons.
Gouflee acted in the " Island Ape." Samuel Butler made his d6but
here 14th, as Coriolanus. He was a grandson of the first Joseph
Jefferson, and nephew of the second. He subsequently played Vir-
ginius and other parts. On Nov. 4, 1841. he appeared at the Park
Theatre as Hamlet, and on Nov. 9th in " Waldec the Avenger."
William Blanchard made his American debut at this house 26th,
as Sir Abel Handy, in " Speed the Plough." Mrs. Mangeon came
Jan. 4th, 1832, and acted Floretta. The house was closed for one
month. The " Ice Witch " was given April 2nd. Naomi Vincent
made her New York debut April 9th. Her person was small ; her
features not remarkable for beauty, but bore the stamp of intel-
lect, which, when lighted up by the enthusiasm of her assumed
character, captivated the hearts of the audience. She was the sec-
ond wife of Thomas Hamblin, and died in this city in 1833.

" Victorine, or the Seamstress of Paris," was produced 25th.
" Rent Day," by Douglas Jerrold, was seen for the first time in New
York, May 5th. Frederick S. Hill made his debut in New York at
this house 26th, as Frederick in "The Poor Gentleman." "Eugene
Aram " was seen here June 19th. The next season opened Aug.
20th, 1832, with " The School for Scandal." Henry Wallack played
Rolla in " Pizarro " 31st. " Old Jonathan and his Apprentices " was

«»J4]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

1 I I

done Sept. 12, and " Kabri the Modern Shoemaker," 26th. "The
Hunchback " was first given here Oct. 15th, with Hamblin as Sir
Thomas Clifford, and Naomi Vincent as Julia. "The French Spy"
was first presented in America 20th, with Ann Waring as Matilda.
" Catharine of Clcves " was seen Nov. 8th ; " The Fire Raiser," 10th ;
also on the same date was given "Casco." T. D. Rice sang "Jim
Crow " here 12th. " Oroonoko " was played, for the first time in
New York. 29th, with J. B. Booth in the title rflle. T. A. Cooper
came in January, 1833, as Marc Antony, to J. B. Booth's Cassius.
" The Tower of Nesle " was given for the first time in February ;
"<£lue_Laws " was done March 15th. Edmon S. Conner first
acted inthis city April 19, as Scamper in " The Promissory Note."

" Thalaba the Dcstrover" was first played in America May 13.
T. A. Cooper appeared June 7th, as Master Walter in "The Hunch-
back," for the first time; " The Warden of Galway " was given 10th ;
"Winkcy the Witch" was done 7th; "Black Beard" the 14th;
"Mazeppa" the 22nd, with George Gale in the title r61e; "The
Wife" Sept. 4th ; " Jonathan Bradford, or the Roadside Inn," 23rd;
and T. A. Cooper took a benefit Nov. 7th, in " The Honeymoon,"
with this cast: Duke Aranza, Hamblin; Count Montalban, Geo.
Jones; Julianna, Josephine Clifton ; Zamora, Mrs. Flynn ; Rolando,
H. Wallack; and Volantc, Mrs. McClure. "The Irish Tutor." fol-
lowed, with Tyrone Power as Terry, William Whcatley as Charles,
and Collins as Tillcvcll. J. B. Booth played "Richard III." 13th.
Mrs. Herring, mother of Fanny Herring, made her American debut
18th, as Queen Elizabeth in "Richard III.," with Booth as Richard
and Henry Wallack as Richmond. Edwin Forrest appeared in
" Damon and Pythias " 27th, followed by " Macbeth," " Virginius,"
Rolla in " Pizarro," " Metamora," "Gladiator," •■Othello," " Ora-
]<>osa," ,iii<1 as Carwin in " There>e, or The Orphan of Geneva." Fur
Forrest's benefit and last night, Dec. 23," Whistler, or the Fate of
the Lily of St. I-eonard," was given here for the first time.

David Ingcrsoll made his New York debut 27th, as William Tell.
" Wacousta, or thc_Cjirsc." was given 30th, for the first time on any
staged Louise Medina was the author, and Ingcrsoll played the
hero. " Lion Doomed," a spectacular play, had its first hearing
Jan. 8th, i$34,andon the same night Edwin Forrest produced " The
.Broker of Bogota," with this cast:

Baptist* Edwin KotTcst

Marquis de Palmcra . . . H. Gale

Fernando Geo. Jones

Ramon D. Ingcrsoll

Pablo McCIurc

Leonora Mrs. Flynn

Francisco E. Conner

Meudoxa Farren

Julianna Mrs. McClure

"Julius Ca:sar" was given Jan. 15th, with Edwin Forrest as Marc
Antony ; Geo. Jones, Julius Carsar ; Conner, Octavius ; Hamblin,

112 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»M

Brutus ; Cooper, Cassius ; Henry Wallack, Casca ; Mrs. Flynn,
Portia; Mrs. Fanny J. Herring, Calphurnia.

Friscilla Cooper made her debut 17th, as Virginia; Hamblin,
Icilius ; Cooper, Virginius ; and Forrest in the small part of Denta-
tus. "The Forty Thieves" was seen here 24th; "Metamora." Feb.
5th. On Feb. 8th Edwin Forrest acted Jafficr, to Cooper's Pierre, in
"Venice Preserved," with Mrs. McClurc as Bclvidera. Mrs. Mc-
Clure's maiden name was Mary Ann Meek. Her first husband died
in 1841. She shortly afterwards married W. G. Noah, a wealthy
manufacturer of Buffalo, N. Y., and intended to retire permanently
from the stage. But the panic of 1842 swept away most of her
husband's wealth, and she returned to her profession, acting under
Mr. Dean's management, until 1845, when, her husband having re-
trieved his fortune, she retired to private life for some nine years.
Owing to further business troubles, Mrs. Noah again returned to the
stage in 1854, playing the part of Julia in " The Hunchback." After
travelling a year, she again forsook the boards, and, after the spring
of 1855, resided in Rochester, N. Y. She was the mother of Rachel
Noah, the wife of Henry Shirley France, who died in Atlantic, near
Boston, Mass., Aug. 14, 1879. Mrs. Noah died in Rochester, N. Y.,
April 25, 1888, aged eighty-eight. Feb. nth Forrest played Pythias
to Cooper's Damon; 12, Marc Antony, to T. A. Cooper's Cassius;
17, for Cooper's benefit, Forrest played Dentatus again; Hamblin,
Icilius ; Cooper, Virginius ; and Priscilla Elizabeth Cooper, Virginia.

" Anne of Gierstcin," was given March 3 ; " Grace Huntley," 15 ;
".Six Degrees of Crime" was seen, for the first in this city, 19th,
with F. S. Hill as Julio Dormilly. Charles Booth Parsons first ap-
peared here 24th, as Othello. He retired from the stage in 1831, and
became a minister of the gospel, but returned to the stage in October
of the following year. " Revolt of Ghent " had a hearing here March
24th ; " Schinderhannes, the Robber of the Rhine " was given April
llth; "Mfff '" ttgw_v™if" 15th; "The Golden Farmer," May
18th, for the first time in New York, with William Gates as Jemmy
Twitcher. Alex Pickering first played in New York at this house,
20th, acting Rob Roy. He married the daughter of Caleb Wood-
hull, who died of yellow fever in New Orleans, in 1837. The season
closed July 15th, the 9th having been devoted to the benefit of G.
Percy Farren, when Edwin Forrest appeared as Metamora. Aug.
llth, 1834, was the opening night of a new season, and J. R. Scott
made his first appearance at this theatre, acting Virginius. Mrs.
Ingersoll made her d£but in New York at this house, 14th, as Lucille,
in " The Forest of Bondy." " Ugolino" was seen for the first time
in this city, Sept. 17th. " Ontafissi " was given 29th, with John R.
Scott as the hero ; " Luke the Laborer " was done Oct. 17th. " Beu-
lah Spa, or Two of the B'hoys," was given 18th; " QLdipus," 20th.
Mine. Celeste returned to America from Europe, 1834, after an

t»#]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

•13

absence of five years, and produced, for the first time in this coun-
try, on Nov. 17, " The French Spy,'' which was originally written
for her, under the title of " L'Espionne Francais. or La Prise
d'Alger." "The Wizard Skiff" was acted 24th, with Celeste as
Alexa. "Iflfcpt of ch« Wish-ton- Wish " was seen Dec. 1st. " Marie
dc Montcvillc. or spc of Charles the Second," was presented

Sth. " Seven Clerks, or the Denouncer," had a hearing Jan. 26th,
1835. John R. Scott appeared as Napoleon Feb. 2nd. " 'Chc_Last
Daya oj R^T*"" "** pw '.''•'1 • " Mtaflried Ufa," March tod;
'' Spectre King and His Phantom Steed," 10th; and "Spirit Bride,
or the Major's Daughter," April 6, with Celeste as Zella. " The
Death Plank" was done 23rd; "The Tempest," May 4th; fod
"OJNcil the Rebel." nth.

The" dog drama " was introduced to America May rSth. by Bark-
ham Cony and William Blanchard and their dogs, and " The Forest
of Bondy " was the vehicle they chose. Mary Gannon, who after-
ward became such a favorite at Wallack's Theatre, appeared in this
and other " dog dramas," being then only six years of age.

James Sheridan Knowles first appeared at this theatre June 13th,
as Pierre to Hamblin's Jaffier in " Venice Preserved." E. T. Park-
inson made his debut 27th, as George Barnwell in the play of that
name. As manager of this theatre, Thomas Hamblin had struggled
alone and incurred many debts until the summer of 1835, when the
engagements of Forrest and Celeste, and the production of several
spectacles, among which were " The Earthquake " (which yielded
(8.0O0 the first week), " The Last Days of Pompeii " (by which was
cleared $10,000), and " "faorman Leslie." which also added $6,000
to the treasury, enabled Kim to rid himself of his embarrassments,
ami he purchased the theatre, the ground being mortgaged to
Henry Astor. It reopened Aug. 10, 1835, with the following peo-
ple: Blakelcy, Jackson. Woodhull. Gates, Gilbert, Germon, Mc-
Closkey, Misses Nelson, Johnson, Mcsdamcs Fanny Jcssel Hen
Fletcher, and Pcrcival in the company.

" Ycsnassc, a Talc of Carolina," was first seen here 17th ; " A Moth-
er's Dream, or the Two Sons." 20th ; and " Luke Evelyn, or The
Shadow on the Wall," Sept. 3rd. I iamblin played Othello to Cooper's
Iago, Ingersoll being Cassio, and Priscilla Cooper Desdemona, 14th.
On the same date was acted " Moonshine, or Lunar Discoveries "
" The Sledge Driver" was done here 15th ; " Li Tentation, or The
Devil's Daughter " was first presented Oct. 5th. " Victpire, or a
Tale of the American Camp," was acted 13th ; " Bone Squash
Diavolo," 14th; "Infernal Machine, or The Death of Marshal
MorTler," 17th ; and " The Maid of Croissy, or Theresa's Vow," was
seen, for the first time in this city, Dec. 7th. Mr. Andcrton'B Amer-
ican debut was made nth. as Jeremy Diddlcr, in "Raising the
Wind" "Norman Leslie" was done Jan. nth. 1836; " A Vision

114 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«i37

of the Dead, or a Dream at Sea." was seen here Feb. 8th ; " Isa-
bella, or Woman's Life," March 3rd ; and in September Charlotte
Cushman applied to Hamblin for an engagement. Hamblin ex-
pressed a desire to see her rehearse, notwithstanding that she came
well recommended by his friend Barton of New Orleans. Hamblin
entered into a contract with her for three years at a salary of $25 a
week for the first year, to increase $10 a week each year, the engage-
ment to begin as soon as she could get a wardrobe lor the characters
she had rehearsed. Arrangements were soon made by which a
wardrobe was to be furnished her, Mr. Hamblin becoming respon-
sible for the debt and deducting £5 a week from her salary to pay it.
She made her debut Sept. 12th, 1836, as Lady Macbeth, to the Mac-
beth of Hamblin. She appeared 13, as Helen McGregor in " Rob
Roy," and for ber benefit, 17th, as Alicia, in " Jane Shore ; " she
afterwards sang the song of " The Sea," and was seen as Patrick in
" The Poor Soldier." After a few appearances, she was obliged to
retire, and for three weeks was laid up with rheumatic fever. "La
Jittc" was played here Sept. 19.

Mrs. Mclinda Jones made her debut here Feb. 22nd, as Bianca in
"Fazio," for her husband, George Jones' benefit. Her success was
great and she adopted the stage as a profession. Her maiden name
was Topping. In male characters she was very good, and she won
considerable reputation as Romeo. She resided in Boston for some
time, where her last regular engagement occurred. She appeared
there during the season of 1870-1, at the Globe Theatre. For a
season she travelled with a company, after which she retired from
the stage and kept a boarding house in this city. She was the
mother of Avonia Jones, who married G. V. Brooke. She died in
Boston, Dec. 12, 1875. She had a tall, commanding figure, a majestic
presence, and a voice of much sweetness and power.

On the morning of Sept. 22nd, 1836, the theatre was again in
ruins. The flames were discovered bursting from the rear of the
building at 5.30 o'clock. The building (owned by Hamblin), in-
cluding all the scenery, music, and properties, and tbc wardrobe of
the Italian Opera Company, was valued at 530,000. There was no
insurance, tbc policy having expired a few days before. The total
loss was $100,000.

Undaunted, however, the Bowery again rose like a Phoenix
W. E Dinncford became lessee, and on Jan. 3, 1837, the theatre
was opened with " Rent Day," " The Waterman," and " CJiajles II ."
Dan Marble made his first appearance as a star here May 1st, as
Sam Patch in the farce of that name. His last appearance on the
stage occurred May 5th, 1849, as Hopkins Waddlcbottom in " How
Ihcr Do It At AV|ih"^pn j" also as Jonathan Ploughboy in ".Forest
Rose," and Diggory in "All The World's a Stage." He died at
•lay 13th. 1849. William HicW made his New York

i«MG

THE BOWERY THEATRE

debut July I2th.as Rolla in " Pizarro." William Hicld, Jr., made his
bow j 8th. as Young Norval in " Douglas." He died Aug. 28th. 1858.
The season closed July 4th, reopened July 10, but closed again during
the same month; and was reopened again Aug. 14th, 1837, by Mr.
Dintieford. "The Bronze Horse" was given here Oct. 23rd, with
Williamson as Zamna, his first appearance in this city, "jiickoi
the Woods ; or. The Jibbenainosay " was done here Feb. 5th, 1838,
with Charles S. Porter as Roaring Ralph and Mrs. Flynn as Tillie
Doe.

The house was again destroyed by fire Monday morning, Feb. 18,
1838. About 2 o'clock flames were seen issuing from the rear of the
theatre, in that portion of the building occupied by the carpenter.
In two hours the house was in ashes. The performance waB over at
12 o'clock, and, although the last piece was a nautical melodrama,
very little gunpowder was in requisition during its progress. The
building belonged to a joint stock company. Booth was to have
begun an engagement the same night, as Richard, with a reduction
in the prices to fifty and twenty-five cents. The building was in-
sured for $35,000. The scenery, dresses, and properties were totally
uninsured, and were valued at £60,000. The fire was supposed to
be the work of an incendiary.

For nearly a year after, the Bowery was supposed to be a thing of
the past, but it was rebuilt and opened May 6. 1839, by Thos. Ham-
blin, as manager and proprietor. J. S. Jones was stage manager,
and the following were in the company : Messrs. Hicld, Gates, Mc-
Cutcheon, Foster, Rafille, N. Lewis, Thompson, Sowerby, Milncr,
Dennison, Freeland, Burns, McCloskey, Price, Mrs. Shaw, Hicld,
sop, Hunt, Stickney, Misses Lee, Clarke, Wallis, Bell, King,
Mrs. Signe, Foster, Price, McCloskey, and Asten.

On May 6, 1839, Joseph Proctor first appeared in New York and
acted Nathan Slaughter in " Nick of the Woods, or The Renegade's
Daughter." Mrs. Shaw, who had become a great favorite at
Park theatre m secured by Har.iblin and m.v.ie her diblll M.iv i^tli
as Alice Darvil in " Ernest Maltravers." John Gilbert made his bow
June 1 3th as Sir Edward Mortimer in " The Iron Chest." The farce,
" Victoria, or The Lion and the Kiss," was also presented the same
night, when J. M. Field appeared as Mr, Bennett, with Mrs. W. H.
Smith as Victoria, Mary Ann Lee made her New York ctebut June
12th. Julia Turnbull first appeared here 25th ; " Lion King " was
done July ist; Thomas Barry played William Tell 15th; " A Male-
detto " was seen 22nd ; " Gentlemen of the Old School " 29th ; and
" Charles Tyrrell, or the Bitter Blood," Aug. 5th.

Mmc. Celeste returned here Sept. 9th. After making a tour in
this country, she returned to England and appeared in Liverpool as
Fenella, in " Masaniello." During her American tour in 1828 she
was married to Henry Elliott of Baltimore, Md. Elliott sat in a

Il6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [.839

private box with a party of friends the night Celeste appeared at this
theatre, and seemed to be captivated by the actress. He spoke his
admiration and was bantered by his friends on his hopeless passion.
'• Hopeless passion, indeed ! " said Elliott. " I '11 bet $5000 that I 11
wed her in a month." The bet was taken. Elliott secured an intro-
duction, gave a great banquet in Celeste's honor, proposed and was
accepted on that occasion, and was actually married within the
month, thus winning both bride and bet. He drank and gambled
to excess afterward, however, and the lovely Celeste lived to regret
ever having seen him- They left one daughter, now a happy wife
and mother in Baltimore. Mme. Celeste's sister Thcresc con-
tracted a morganatic marriage with Prince Adalbert of Prussia, who
died in 1873.

Celeste returned to America in 1834, and appeared at the Bowery
Nov. 17, in " The French Spy." For her benefit on the 24th, " The
Wizard Skiff" was acted. On July 4th, 1835, srlc commenced a
second engagement at this house. She reappeared here June 19,
1837. After a trip to England she once more reappeared in this
city Sept. 27. 1838, at the National Theatre, and again at that house
in 1839. After playing at the Bowery in 1839, she went to the Park,
where she was seen Dec. 16 of the same year, and in May, 1840. she
was at the New Chatham Theatre. She returned to England in 1841,
but reappeared in America the next year at the Bowery, Sept. 26.
She returned to England in two months. After an absence of tea
years, she reappeared in this city at the old Broadway Theatre Oct. 13,
1851, in -The Green Bushes." After a trip through the English
provinces she reappeared in this city Sept. 25, 1865, at the Broad'
way (corner of Broome Street) in "The Woman in Red." Her last
appearance in this city was June 8th, 1866, at the New Bowery theatre,
when she acted Manrico in the "Child of the Wreck " and Miami in
" Green Bushes." She returned to England in 1868, retired from the
stage in 1874, and died in Paris, Feb. 19, 1882. She was a great
artiste when she first came to the Bowery. She had a faultless form,
a handsome face, sparkling black eyes, and features that possessed
more mobility than usually falls to the lot <>i mortals. She excelled
in the portrayal of male characters. The pose of Celeste in a beauti-
ful picturesque scene, where, at the rising of the curtain, she is seen
in the scantiest of costumes, standing upon the turrctcd wall, with
bow and arrow in her hands, was most exquisite. She was, indeed,
a model for any painter or sculptor. Her diction was very interest-
ing and attractive, as she spoke with a great deal of naivctf in Eng-
lish, broken by her French accent and intonation. She was an
excellent dancer. She combined power with grace, and dignity with
ease, to which was added the effect of a right royal queenly bearing.
" Blanche of Navarre," by <i. I'. K. James was seen here Sept. 30th,
1839, for the first time in America. " The Bronze Horse, or the

1*0 I

THK BOWERY THKATKK

Spell of the Cloud King," was given Oct. 7th. Hdwin Forrest
opened Dec. 9 in ■ Virginius," with Mrs. Shaw as Virginia; he ap-
peared 10 as Claude Melnotte: 11, Othello; 12, Sparlacus ; 13, in
" Damon and Pythias " ; 16 and 17, " Metamora ; " and 18. " William
Tell." Charles Kean made his first appearance here Dec. 19, as
Richard III.; 20 as Sir Giles O.'crre.ich ; 21, Richard III., 23 and
26. "Othello." with Kean as lago. Hamblin as Othello, and Mrs.
Shaw as Dcsdcmona 25; 24, Hamlet; 27, Julius Cicsar; 28 in
"The Iron Chest " and "The Lady ol Lyons," Kean playing Claude
Melnotte.

"Jack Shcppard" was first played in America at this theatre Dec.
30, the cast as follows :

Jack Shcppard .
Jonathan Wild
Blueskin . .
Quilt Arnold .
Thames Damll

Mrs Shaw
Mr. Harry
Mr. Gates

Mr ll.,ll
Mr. Foster

Sir Rowland Trcochard Joseph Proctor
Mr. Kaeebonc . . . W. H. Bellamy

Owen Wood . . .
Ryhart Von Galgbrok
Landlord ...

Lady Trafford • . .
Mrs. Shcppard . .
\\ unifr en Wood . .

Mr. Blakcly
. Mr. Tavlor
Mr. Beckwell
Mrs. Herring

ili.1,1
Mrs. Proctor

Mrs Wood Mrs. Stickney

William E. Burton first appeared at this theatre Jan. t$, 1840. as
Billy Lackaday, in " Sweethearts and Wives." and Guy Goodluck in
" John Jones.' The spectacle of " The Fairy Spell *' was produced
Jan. 20th. Sig- Ilcrvio Nano. called " The Gnome Fly," first appeared
in America Jan. 27. "Hamlet" was given Feb. 17, for Hamblin's
benefit. " Pizarro" was also acted on the same night. Mrs. Shaw
played Hamlet for the first time to the Ghost of Mr. Hamblin.
21 and 24 she played I.ady Macbeth for the first time, and
29, Angela in " The Castle Spectre," also for the first time. March
7, John R. Scott made his first appearance at this theatre, acting-
Julian St. Pierre in " The Wife." On that occasion, George Jamie-
son also made his debut.

Edwin Forrest appeared here as Metamora, March 16th ; " Faint
Heart Never Won Fair Lady " was seen for the first time in this
city 27th. "The Artist's Wife" was acted April 20, with Mr.
Ranger as Clermont, and Susan Cushman as Lady Charlotte —
their first appearance at this house. Kdwin Forrest appeared for
one night — April 20 — as Othello, to Hamblin's lago. On April
2t the historical and military melodramatic romance, " Attila,"
was played. April 27 Mons. Klishnig was seen in " Gig Gig,
or the Frog, the Tiger, and the Sapajon," appearing as a frog, a
tiger, and a monkey. "JJopccanoc " was given May 8th ; " Statue
Fiend." 18th; and Edwin Forrest played Metamora 28th.

T. D- Rice opened June 15th in " lira Crow." " Ion " was given
June 22, with Mrs. Shaw as Ion Mrs. Shaw also played Harriet
in " Is He Jealous I" For T. D. Rice's benefit, June 27, Mr. Mos-
sop played O'Callaghan in " His Last Legs; " for Hamblin's benefit,

l 1 8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE ["40

June 29, J. H. Hackett made his first appearance in New York in
ten years as Colonel Nimrod Wildfire in " The Kentuckian " and as
Mons. Mallet in the farce of that name.

July 4 the aquatic drama, " The Pirates' Signal," was produced.
This was the first " water drama " ever presented in this country.
A large body of water covered the whole of this immense stage dur-
ing the last act, upon which was a full-rigged ship, that came on at
the upper entrance, sailed down to the footlights, turned and went
up the stage and off at the upper entrance. Upon this ship the
•' business " of the scene took place. July 20 another aquatic drama,
called " Yankees in China." was produced. Two full-rigged frigates,
American and English, with their yards and decks crowded with
men battering a fort, were the great features of the play. " Grcys-
lacr " was seen here August 3, with A. J. Ncafic as Joseph Brandt.

" Jane Shore " was produced here Aug. 10, with Mrs. Sloman,
her first appearance at this theatre, as the heroine, Mrs. Shaw as
Alicia, and Hamblin as Hastings. On Aug. 17, Mrs. Shaw played
Romeo for Hamblin's benefit, and for her own benefit, on the 2 1st,
she appeared as Hamlet, and 22 as Romeo. Edwin Forrest acted,
Sept. 7, in " Metamora;" 8, "Damon and Pythias;" 9 and 12,
he Gladiatot ." 10, " Metamora ; " 11 and 15, "Richard HI.;"
14, " Macbeth ; " 16 and 1T~" The Broker of Bogota; " and for his
benefit and last appearance, 18, "Richelieu " and " Thcrcsc." For-
rest played Carwin to the Therese of Charlotte Barnes. The season
closed Oct. 2. with " Richelieu " and " The Wonder." Miss Rock
played Julie de Mortimer and Donna Violantc. Miss Rock was
brought to this country by William Pelby, for the Federal Street
Theatre, Boston, and became a great favorite. She was a versatile
actress, equally at home in farce, comedy, tragedy, and opera. She
owned a cottage at Harlem, N. Y., and George Holland, Edwin
Forrest, G^JlMorris, and N. P. Willis, the poet, were among her
friends. TlerlasTTippearance in New York was at this theatre Oct.
2. 1840, when she played Julie de Mortimer to Forrest's Richelieu.
She shortly afterwards married Sir John Murray, a captain in the
British army, and left the stage. Her husband, seven years later,
deserted her. and she taught music in this city, being proficient on
the harp and an excellent vocalist. She died in Albany, N. Y.,
May, 1883.

On Oct. 5 a benefit was given to Hamblin, with John R. Scott as
Virginius. The entertainment consisted of the third act of " Ham-
let," second act of " The Iron Chest," fourth act of " Virginius,"
third act of "The Mountaineers," "The Review," with W. H.
Williams as John Lump, and " The Adopted Child," with John R.
Scott as Michael were also played. After extensive alterations in
the house, the next season opened Nov. 9, 1840, for melodramatic
and equestrian spectacles, under the direction of Mr. Cadwalladcr.

ii40

THE BOWERY THEATRE

Il9

After the equestrian performances the melodramatic spectacle,
" The Battle of Waterloo," was given, introducing fifty horses, two
hundred •' supers," clothed in new and handsome uniforms, cannons,
artillery, baggage-wagons, and moving magazines, making an excit-
ing scene. This play had a great run in London, England. Charles
Mason played Napoleon Bonaparte here. On Nov. 23 Levi J. North,
the equestrian, appeared. On Dec. 4 the fifth act of " Richard III.,"
with a stud of horses, and C. Mason mounted on horseback as
Richard, was seen. The pant if " The Harlequin's Holiday,

or All Alive in New York," was presented Dec. 25, for the first time
in this city. J. Davis, of Astley's theatre, London, played the Har-
lequin, Mulligan was the Pantaloon, and Wells of London the
Clown.

On Jan 11, 1841, Welsh, Bartlctt & Co. opened the house with
ring performances exclusively. April 12 Hamblin & Barry resumed
the management, retaining the circus company. " The Marble
Heart, or Raphael's Dream" was given, with Thos. McCutcheon as
Raphael — his first appearance here. " Wat Tyler " was acted, with
Hamblin as Wat, and Mrs. Anderson, her first appearance here, as
Effie. In the organization were Foster, Dennison, McCutcheon,
Rockwell, Browne, J. B. Addis, Perrett, McCluskey, Nccdham,
Gates, Sowerby, Barry, Barnes. Jackson, Mrs. (iossin, Mrs. Lansing,
from the Southern theatres, and Mrs. Herring. April 26. the prices
of admission were reduced to: boxes, 50 cents; pit, 25; gallery,
I2J4. Master Runnclls made his first appearance in a new eques-
trian Scotch act, called " Hamish. the Son of Rob Roy MacGregor."
Dale appeared in a vaulting act; Alex. Downie was the Clown.
Mrs. Gullen made her debut in an equestrian act ; the Swiss Bros,
appeared in classic tableaux; and the equestrian drama, " The Con-
quest of Mexico," was also given. " Timour, the Tartar," was seen,
for the first time in this theatre, May 2.

On May 18 the theatre was closed by an order from the Court of
Chancery, the manager not having paid the license fee of $500.
The money was afterwards raised and the house reopened on 24th.
The season, which proved one of the most unproductive on record,
closed July 12. Hamblin reopened the theatre Aug. 16. 1841, with
a new melodrama, entitled " The Surgeon of Paris." "The Carpen-
ter of Rouen" was given August 20. Sept. 20, 1841. Mrs. Shaw
took a farewell benefit, when she appeared, for the first time in
America, as Rosalind, with Hamblin as Jacques, in " As You Like
It." On Sept. 21, Mile. Romanine, announced as Sylphide Aenenne,
made her first appearance here in grand ballet. The drama of " Die
Dccrslaycr" was produced Sept. 13, After the first piece, ind prc-
DMing the farce. Mr. MoaOp Bang an Irish Mng, Mrs. Hunsian exe-
cuted a dance. Mr. Williamson sang, and Miss Si. A. Lee also did a
dance. Edwin Forrest opened Oct. 4 in " Jack Cade," which was

120 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1*0

played all the week, followed by " Metaroora " 1 1 and 14, "Damon
and Pythias" 12. and "The Gladiator" 13. "Moll Pitcher " was
produced Oct. 18. and for~~Nov. 4 and 5 Edwin Forrest appeared in
" Iack_Cad.g" and "Richelieu." Nov. 8 Ben Caunt, the London
pugilist, commenced a brief engagement in a sparring scene with
Geo. Owens, who was advertised as " The Manchester Pet," in the
farce " Tom and Jerry." The military drama in five acts. " The
Exile and Death of Napoleon, the Great," was produced Dec. 21,
with C. Mason as Napoleon.

On May t6, 1842, was seen a grand production of " London As-
I surance." It was magnificently appointed, the scenery and lurni-
ture surpassing anything ever before seen in the United States. It
took three hundred yards of Brussels carpet to cover the stage, and
the whole extent of it was occupied by the garden scene. The
cast was:

Sir Harcouit . . . . W. R. Blake

Chas- Courtly Alibott

Max John Gilbert

Dolly Spanker . - . W. A. Chapman
Lady Gay Mrs. Shaw-

Cool Foster

Daxile Haroblln

Meddle Gates

(.r.ice Mr*. Herring;

Perl Constantia Clarke

The season closed in February, 1842. and was resumed March 15.

For Hamblin's benefit June 27, "Julius Cassar" was played: J. W.
Wallack, Gissius; James Scott, Marc Antony. Mme. Celeste was
seen Sept. 26 in "Marie du Congue; " "Foreign Affairs, or The
Court of Queen Anne," was given Oct. 3: Celeste as St. Louis,
Mrs. T. Kcmblc as I.ady Grace, and Mrs. J. Herbert as Lady Bell.
" The World of Wonders " was done 10, Celeste as Violcttc. " The
Orphan of China" came 17, Mrs. W. G. Jones as Henry Hamet.
George Vandcnhoff first acted here Nov. 7 in " Macbeth." Mrs.
Charles Hill first played here afternoon Dec. 26, as Amelia, in the
" Young Widow." In the evening the " Collegians" was acted for
the first time. On Dec. 8 the prices of a< were lowered to:

boxes, 25 cents, and pit I2# cents

Charles John Hill (father of C. Barton Hill) was stage manager.
Mr. Hill came to America in 1840. and made his debut at the old
Park Theatre Sept. 2, acting in " Capers and Coronets." He died
at Jersey City Heights, N. J.. Sept. 23, 1874, in the sixty-ninth year
of his age. On account of increasing age, he had retired from pub-
lic life ten years previously. He had been a member of the Amer-
ican Dramatic Fund for nineteen years, and an annuitant eight
years. His remains were buried at New York Bay Cemetery, in the
plot belonging to the Fund.

I ■rier Cljff " was seen here March 27th, with J. B. Booth, Jr., and
Charles Hill in the cast. " The l-ast of the Barons" was produced
April 3rd, with John R. Scott as Robin Hillyard; James Scott,

'Wl

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121

Adam; Mrs. J. B. Booth, Jr., Graul; Mrs. Preston. Sybil; C. W.
Clarke as Edward IV. ; and J. W. Wallack. Jr., as Warwick. J. B.
Booth, Sen., appeared as Richard III. April 27th; "Henri Quatre"
was given May 8th ; " The Secretary," was seen for the first time in
New York, 19th; "Grandfather Whitehead" was played June 2nd,
with John R. Scott in the title role; and "Manassah" was seen
here 22nd. ~~~

The next season opened Aug. 14th, 1843, with Ben dc Bar. Gates,
T. Kemblc, N. Johnson, G. C. Howard, C. H. Saunders and wife,
John R. Scott. C. W. Clarke. W. H. Brunton, Mrs. Hicld, and Mr.
and Mrs. Sutherland in the company. "The Mysteries of Paris"
was produced here Oct. 27th. Hamblin took another benefit Jan.
1.1th, 1844, when " Brutus, or the Fall of Tarquin," was given, E.
L. Davenport coming on from Philadelphia expressly to play Titus.
Davenport also sang a nautical song. Thus. Hadaway reappeared
22nd as Marmaduke Magog ; " Putnam, or The Iron gon of '76 "
was presented here Aug. 5th, and ran for seventy-eight consecutive
nights; " Don Cassar de Bazan " was first acted in America at this
house Dec. 16th, and was played at the Park Theatre on the same
night. This was the cast: Charles, E. L. Davenport ; Don Cicsar,
John R. Scott; Lazarillo, Rosina Shaw; Countess. Mrs. Stickney ;
Don Jose, C. W. Clarke; Marquis. T. Vache; and Maritana, Mrs.
Phillips.

" Old Heads and Young_ Hearts" was first seen in America at
this house, and at ieatre the same night, Jan. f">th. 1845.

The cast here was: Jesse Rural, John R. Scott; Littleton Coke,
E. L. Davenport ; Earl Pompion, T. Vache ; Lord Chas. Roebuck.
C. W. Clarke ; Tom Coke, J. B. Booth. Jr. ; Lady Alice. Mrs. Phillips ;
Countess Pompion. Mrs. Stickney; Kate Rockett. Rosina Shaw.

E. L Davenport's benefit was announced for April 25th, but the
theatre took fire early in the evening, before the doors were opened,
and was for the fourth time entirely destroyed. The fire originated
in the carpenter shop. The flames spread with such rapidity that
nothing was saved, the actors losing their wardrobe. The theatre
was rebuilt, leased to A. W. Jackson, and was opened Aug. 4, 1845,
with -The Sleeping Beauty" and "Charles U" John R. Scott.
Vache, Clark. Geo. Brookes, Hadaway, Rose! Johnson. Milner,
Stone. McKccn. Ixwis, Davenport, Hcnkins, Carey, Blanchard,
Phillimore, Sutherland, Mrs. Phillips, Madison, Sutherland, Stick-
ney. Scott, E. Bell. Huntley. Iff. Bell. Plummcr. and Barber. J.
Andrews, stage manager, and Yeoman, prompter, formed the com-
pany. E. L Davenport played Sir Aldebart in "The Sleeping
Beauty." "The Wizard of the Wave" was presented Jan. 19th,
1846, with E. L. Davenport as Tom Tuck; John R. Scott. Charles
Ealkncr; and Trios. Hadaway as Treacle. " Ivanhoe" was produced
here with great splendor: E. L. Davenport in title role; F. S.

122 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci*b

Chanfrau, Cedric; John R. Scott, Isaac of York ; Mrs. W. G. Jones,
Rebecca. "El Hyder"was given April 30th, with Mr. and Mrs.
C. R. Thome in the cast.

Julia Dean first played in New York May i8th, as Julia in " The
Hunchback," and for thirteen nights filled this theatre to repletion.

"Last of the Thousand and One Nights" was presented here
June 15th. The season closed July oth with a benefit to E. L.
Davenport when Mrs. Henry Hunt, afterwards Mrs. John Drew,
appeared as Constance, to Davenport's Wildrake in, "The Love
Chase." A. W. Jackson was again the manager and F. C. Wemyss
acting manager when the season opened July 20, with " The Yew
Tree." and Charles M. Walcot, F. C. Wemyss, T. Vache, A. J. Neafie,
J. B. Booth, Jr., F. S. Chanfrau, C. W. Clarke, N. C. Forrester,
Milncr, Collins, Mesdames Phillips, Booth, Madison, Deering,
Broadley, and Miss Bell formed the company. " J-Ioboken " was
produced Aug. 3rd. John R. Scott acted Richelieu 13th, and* " Bar-
barossa" was given 24th. Julia Dean reappeared 31st as Julia in
"The Hunchback." A. A. Addams was seen Sept. 15th and dur-
ing his engagement appeared as Hamlet, Virginius, Macbeth, Damon,
and Lear, with Julia Dean as bis support.

James Murdoch came here Oct. 14th in " Hamlet," and 15th ap-
peared as Claude Mclnottc. Ben De Bar was seen here Nov. 2 in
" The Dumb Girl of Genoa." Mrs. Coleman Pope made her Amer-
ican dlbut the same night. Harry Chapman and Julia Drake,
afterwards Mrs. H. Chapman, first acted here Jan. 4, 1847. Mary
Taylor opened a star engagement 18th in " Brother and Sister." and
as Rosetta in " The Alpine Maid." The prices of admission were
25 cts. and 12J-J cts. "The Monterey, or The Triumphs

of thc_Rough and Ready, was given 27th; "Murrell The Land
Pirate, or the Yankee in Mississippi." was seen Oct. 2Sth ; Charles
Rurke acted Tago ; Blakeley, Othello ; and Mrs. Stickney, Des-
demona, Nov. 6th, in a travesty of—" Othello." " Revolution " was
given Nov. 15th; Julia Turn bull was seen 29th in "The Naiad
Queen;" and "King Henry VIII." was presented Feb. 2ist, 1848.
Thomas S. Hamblin resumed the management March 6th, when the
" Jjattle of M " Taming of the Shrew," and "Bamboozling"

were played ; '• Charlotte Temple" was played 8; Dan Marble came
13, in " Sam Patch in France. '

John Dyoff and Mrs. Abbott were seen as Iago and Desdemona,
their first appearance here, April 3rd, and as Claude Mclnottc and
Pauline 4th. C. W. Clarke took a benefit 5th. when "iiaiKkj»_of
[Uwk Hollow,* and ••Dun Juan" were played The theatre closed
duringTTTc nights of 7th-8th— 10th— 1 ith-i2th, and reopened 13th
with the first appearance of the Seguin English Opera Company in
" Nathalie." followed by " The Bohemian Girl " 14 ; " Fra Diavolo "
I7th-i8th; " Cinderella" I9th-20th; "The Bayadere" 2 tst-2 2nd;

iMD

THE BOWERY THEATRE

123

"Guy Mannering" 25th; "Esmeralda" 26th; "Der Freyschutz "
and " Sonnambula " 29th ; " Gisclila " May j ; " La Fleur des Champs "
3rd ; and " Maritana," for the first time in America, 4th, with the
following cast: Charles the Second, Mr. Saure; Don Jose, Scguin ;
Lazarillo, Miss Lichtcnstcin ; Marchioness, Mrs. Stickncy; Marquis,
Edward Warden; Don Caesar, Gardner ; and Maritana, Mrs. Scguin.
The Seguins closed May 6th, with " Maritana " and " Masaniello."

James E. Murdoch commenced 8th, as Jacob in " Jacob Leislejc,
nr New York in 1690." for !;■...■ first tiOM here. " F.hreii S'.r.i; " v, 1-,
given i;th; Mr. I.vntK- tppeftMd MOd in " A Wv. \V.iv in PU OW
Debt**" John R. Scott, having returned from Europe, opened 29th
in " Macbeth ; " 30th he appeared in •• Damon and Pythias ; " June 1st
in "The Stranger." Owing to " indisposition" Scott did not play
2nd~3rd. Mary Taylor appeared 12th in " Cherry and Fair Star."
" Feudal Times *' was presented 19th, with John R. Scott as Walter.
Mrs. M. A.Tyrrell made her debut in America at this house 24th, as
Lady Macbeth. This lady was afterwards known as Mmc. Ivan
Michcls, and died in the Edwin Forrest Home, Holmesburg, Pa.,
July 22nd, 1892. Susan and Kate Denin appeared here Aug. 9th
in "The Whistler." Hamblin secured Signora Ciocca, who bad
been seen at the Park, to appear here Aug. 14 in a ballet with Julia
Turnbull. It made but little difference with audiences at that period
what the trouble was if a native artist, or a long established favorite
caused it to be known that his or her domain was in danger of
encroachment by a foreigner. The audience at the Bowery was
with " Julc " Turnbull. and they began to smash things that night,
after having driven Mr. Smith from the stage and shown that they
would not tolerate Ciocca's appearance. It became necessary for
the police to appear in sufficient force to clear the building in
order to save it from being a complete wreck. A truce was patched
Dp between the two dancers and they resumed their engagements,
but the American suddenly closed hers at the outset of the next
season, in the first week of September, while Ciocca kept on, and
Hamblin afterward transferred her to the Park Theatre then under
his management.

Thomas Duff and John Winans first appeared here Aug. 7th, in
"Nick of the Woods,' the former as Jibbenainosay, the latter as
Ralph ~SYackpote. Thomas Duff was a celebrated actor in his day,
and was connected with this theatre from August, 1848, until the
Fall of 1849. He was the youngest son of Mary Duff, and was born
in Boston Dec. 27, 1823, and made his first appearance on the stage
in Pittsburg. Pa., in 1841. He was afterwards connected with the
Walnut, the Arch, and the Chestnut Street Theatres, Philadelphia.
In 1850 he was manager of the Richmond, Va., Theatre. From the
time of his settling in Quincy, 111., where he practised law in 1851,
until 1878 he occasionally appeared on the stage, and for two sea-

124 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [««49

sons was manager of the theatre in that city. His last appearance
was in 1878 in Quincy, as Roderick Dhu in "The Lady of the Lake."
He died at Quincy, 111.. June 14th, 1892; "The Morning of Life*
was first given here Aug. 30th; "The Bohemians of Paris" Sept.
4th; "Destruction of the Bast ile," for the first time, nth. N. B.
Clarke made his debut here 1 2th, as Quasimodo in " Esmeralda,"
with Julia Turnbull in the title role. Clarke remained playing the
leading business. Some time afterwards he became stage manager
of the theatre, and held that position for 3cvcral years. When the
New Bowery was opened he was engaged there in a like position,
and after that edifice was destroyed by fire, Dec. 18, 1866, he returned
to the Old Bowery as stage manager, which position he held at the
time of his death in this city, April 13, 1872. He was at one time
agent for Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams. His right name was
Nathaniel H. Bclden.

John Ryder came to this country in 1848 with Macrcady.and was
loaned by him to Hamblin to play Macduff, to Hamblin's Macbeth,
on the night of the Astor Place Opera House riot. Corson W.
Clarke, a member of the Bowery stock, had been loaned to Macrcady
to play Macduff, to Macrcady 's Macbeth, at the Astor Place Opera
House.- The idea of this exchange was to placate the offended
American clement. Ryder came to America with Macrcady on the
occasion of his first visit here, in 1843. and appeared at the Park as
Macduff. He died in London, Eng., March 29, 1885. Charles Bass
appeared here May 11. Master T. Hamblin, son of Thomas Ham-
blin, made his debut 14th in •• King John ; " the tragedy was thus
cast:

John Mr. Hnmltlin

Prince Arthur . Master T. S. Hamblin

Prince Hear Denin

Bui of BaM»y . . . N. P.. Clarke
Hubert John Gilbert

Faulconbrid({e Ryder

Eueen Klcinor . . . Mrs. Jordan
ulv Constance .... Mrs. Shaw
Lady Faulcon bridge - Mrs. Sutherland

Hamblin appeared 25th in Hamlet ; 26, Virginius; 27, Macbeth ;
28. Othello; Oct. 2. Coriolanus; 3rd, "The Iron Chest; " and 5th,
" Rule a Wife and Have a Wife."

George F. Browne, with his trained horse, commenced 9th in

■od." playing Dick Turpin. "TJicJjwamp 1 •■; :.-■■■. Marion

Men," was first seen here 23rd. Catherine Wcmyss. after-

/Irs. S. Dnrficld. made her debut Nov. 4th, as Cora in

1 The New Orleans Serenaders came 30th and Herr

Dec. 4th. Mr. and Mrs. John Gilbert appeared here

Genevieve," " Dr. Dilworth," and "The Gold Seekers."

Lavatcr Lee and his pupil Henry, gymnasts, were seen

th. 1849; "The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain "

.-d 29th, with Mr. and Mrs. John Gilbert as the Phantom

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THE BOWERY THEATRE

125

and Miss Tatterby. " The Locksmith of Stockholm " was presented
here, for the first time, Feb. 12th. " Last Days oi Pompeii " was
given 19th. Tom Hyer the pugilist came 29th in "Tom and Jerry; "
" Eagle Eye " was offered, for the first time here. March 12th ; " Jane
Eyre'* was presented, for the first time in America, here, 26th, with
John Gilbert as Rochester and Miss VVcmyss in the title r&lc. Van
Amburgh and his menagerie came April 2nd. J. W. Wallack, Jr.,
and wife appeared 16th in "Macbeth;" 17th. in " The Lady of
Lyons;" 18th, in "Othello;" 19th, in "Money;" and 23rd,
'• Richard III." They closed May 5th. On May 7, T. S. Hamblin,
Mrs. Shaw, John Ryder, and Rcdmund Ryan, who made his Ameri-
can debut, acted together in " Macbeth." Ryan also played Terry
0"Rourkc in "The Irish Tutor."

William Derr came here June 4th in " Mike Martin." The season
closed June 23rd. and was resumed Sept. 13th with " Macbeth." Joba
Letter : Lester Wallack) began an engagement here 17th, as •' Don
Caesar de Bazan." " Warwick the King Maker " (previously acted as
• The Last of the Barons ") was seen here Oct. 1st, with John Lester
as Edward IV.. and J. W. Wallack, Jr., as the Earl of Warwick.
'• Hearts are Trumps " was first seen here 8th ; " Straihmorc " 15th;

rbrcc Guardsmen " Nov. 1 2th ; and " The_F_our Musketeers, or Ten
Years Alter," was presented Dec. 24th. "The Wandering Jew"
was given Jan. 14th, 1850, when Bowes and Trurin made their
American debut; "The Siege of Comorn " was done 28th. W. R.
Den appeared Feb. nth in "1'iitnam; " " R.QoJjwood " was given
18th; and " Kit Carson" 20th. Eaton Stone the equestrian came
here March 1st; "Tha Oyh of Office" was seen 18th. C. F.
Adams first acted in this city 29th, as Rolla, and his wife as Cora
in " Pizarro." Mr. Adams died in Washington, D. C, Feb. 9, 1854.
"The Merchant Steed of Syracuse" was first seen April 1. Mrs.
Thomas Hamblin played here in " Love" May 13th. This was the
first time Mrs. Shaw was announced as Mrs. Hamblin.

The theatre closed June 22nd, and reopened July 1st with the
runkard," Mr. Moorhouse appearing as Kdward Middlcton.

The Felon's Last Dream, or Jack Shcppard in France" was given
Aug. 12, with Susan Dcnin as Jack. The regular season opened
Sept. 2nd. and J. W. Wallack. Jr.. John Gilbert, McDougal, Stevens,
Wm. McFarland. John Winans. Jordan. M. Smith. Moore, Martin,
Mesdamcs J. W. Wallack. Jr., Gilbert, Jordan, Herbert, Walcot. Broad-
ley, and Ncedham, Misses C, C. W«myss, Susan and Kate Denin,
were in the company, and the opening bill was " Macbeth." Richard
L. Graham appeared here. 28th, in " Virginius," and during his en-
gagement he acted Hamlet, Othello, The Stranger, Brutus, Julius
Caesar, and Richelieu. " The Chevalier of the Red House " was

Even Nov. nth. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr., appeared
cc. 2nd in '• The Avenger." and during four weeks acted in " The

126 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»S'

Bridal." " Gisippus," " Pirate of the Isles," " Richard III.," " Hamlet,"

" Romeo and Juliet, I*bc Stranger," " Othello," with John R. Scott

in the cast, " Pizarro," and " Macbeth." "_David Coppcrficld " was
seen here Jan. 6th, 1851, with Susan DcninlTtJavid in the first act,
and Charles Pope as David in the second act. John R. Scott played
Peggotty. and Augustus Fenno. his first appearance here, was seen
as Micawber. " The Templar " was done 27th.

" Masaniello" was given Feb. 3rd. " The Noble Heart." ".Cbarjes,
II.." and " Ibe-Cj-eofe Maiden " were played for John R. Scott's
T>enefit, 5th, and " Washington, or the Path to Fame and Glory,"
was done 17th.

Edward Eddy made his first appearance here March 13th in
" Richelieu; " 14th, in "The Lady of Lyons ; " and as Othello 15th.
He was the original representative of the twins Dei Franchi, in
" The Corsican Brothers," when it was first acted in America at this
hou3£ His last appearance on the New York stage was at Niblo's
Garden during the season of 1874-5, when he was managing that
house with Chas. R. Thorne. His last appearance in America was
at Elizabeth, N. J., in October. 1874. He died of disease of the heart,
at Kingston, Jamaica, Dec. 18, 1875. He was an actor of universal
talent, there being no passion of which he was not a master, and no
style of acting in which he was not successful. Constance Hamblin,
then five years of age, made her debut May 12th, as the Duke of
York, to her father's " Richard III." " Raffacle " was seen here for
the first time i6lh ; J. M. Cooke with hisTiorscs came 30th in "_Pu.t-
nara ; " " Azacl the Prodigal " was seen July 21st, with Annie Wai-
ters^ afterwards Mrs- tieo. Jordan, as Lia, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Stone,
afterwards Mrs. Frank Drew, as Hocharis and Nefti, Miss Anderton
as Jephtele, John Gilbert as Reuben, and E. Eddy as the prodigal
son.

Mark Smith first appeared in New York at this house Aug. 1 ith
in "Tb»-Tbrcc Gjjiidsmen." Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams came
18th in " Ireland as It Is ;" " Shandy Maguirc." for the first time,
25th ; " Paddy the Piper " 29th ; " Emerald Isle." and " Born to Good
Luck," Sept. 2nd. George H. Griffiths made his debut in New York
at this house 27th, as Sir Arthur Lascelles in " All that Glitters is
not Gold," and continued in the stock company for four seasons.
He died in Philadelphia, April toth, 1888. Cony, Taylor and Son.
the successors of Cony and Blanchard, and their dogs opened here
Oct. 6th in " The Forest of Uondy ; " yth they gave " The Butcher's
Dog of Ghent;" and 13th "The Bloodhounds." On the 22nd
'• Napoleon " was seen ; 27th, " The Cross of Death," " The Gondolier
of Milan ; " March 3rd, " The Carrier and his Dog," and the " Sledge
Driver;" 5th, " Richard of the Lion Heart;" and "Monkeyland"

12th; and "The Scalp Hunters" and "The Old Toll House," 17th.
Miss Amelia Parker made her debut in New York at this house Nov.

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127

4th, as Lucrezia Borgia. " My Poor Dog Tray" was seen Dec 51b,
and "Jack Robinson and his Monkey," 17th. The pantomime
" Queen of the Coral Cave" was given here for the first time 22nd;
"Raymond and Agnes," " Q>ttlq Stealers," and "Hide and Seek"
was the generous bill for New Year's attcrnoon, Jan. 1st, 1852, and
for the evening " Pizarro," * The Forest of Bondy," and " Your Life 's
in Danger." " The Dumb Man of Manchester" came 19th ; " Paul
Clifford, or the Highwayman of 1 770," 26th ; and William R.
Goodall acted Claude Mclnotte Feb. nth.
"Romeo and Juliet " was played 16, Fanny Wallack as Juliet,
Eddy as Romeo; 17, "The Stranger," Fanny Wallack as Mrs.
Haller; 18. "Hamlet," Eddy as the Dane, Fanny Wallack as
Ophelia; 19, "Romeo and Juliet;" 20, "The Hunchback:" Eddy
as Master Walter, Fanny Wallack as Julia, Amelia Parker as
Helen; 21, "Hamlet" and "Lady of the Lake;" 23, "Richard
III.," Eddy as Gloster, Fanny Wallack as Elizabeth; and 28, Fanny
Wallack as Nancy Sykcs, Maggie Mitchell as Oliver, and W. R.
Goodall as Bill Sykes. "Green Bushes" was clone March 8, with
Edward Tilton, Goodall, Eddy, and Fanny Wallack in the cast ;
April 18, "Masanicllo," Gertrude Dawes as Fenella, and Goodall
as Alfonzo; 21, "Corsican Brothers:"

l^eftS^f **»«*" Edward Eddy

Orlando . . . . " M. W. Uflinrwell

Colonna Ceo. H. Griffith*

Chilean Rcnaud Goodall

Monteirnn Hamilton

Alfred tic Meynard . Sam W. Glenn

M.dei Franchi. . . . Mrs Jordan
Kmilic dc I.c*parre . Mrs. Yeoman*

Maria Carrie MifTcrt

Curalic Maggie Mitchell

This was the debut at this theatre of Sam Glenn. G. V. Brooke
acted in a different version of "The Corsican Brothers" at the
Astor Place Opera House. It was announced as being the original
edition of the same play, and Mr. Brooke as the original represen-
tative of the twin brothers. June 7 " Coriolanus " was produced,
with T. S. Hamblin in the title rfllc, and Eddy as Tullus Aufid-
ius; "Julius Cxsar" was given June 12:

Brutus . .
Marc Antony

T. S. Hamblin 1 Caaalus E. Eddy

Wm. Goodall Portia Mrs. G rattan

June 19, Susan Denin as Jack Sheppard The theatre was closed
week of June 21, and reopened 28, with Lola Montcz as the star
in the drama " I-ola Montcz in Bavaria."

July 7th Lola Montcz published a card in the newspapers of the
day to the effect that the first real benefit given to her since she
reached the United States was to take place at this theatre July 8,
as all those so-called benefits during her engagement, and while
performing at the theatres in New York. Philadelphia, and Wash-

128 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [«8sj

ington under the control of E. A. Marshall, were humbugs, and
she had received no more benefit from them than for any other
night of her performances. July 26 Prof. Macallistcr, the wizard,
commenced an engagement of several weeks. The winter season
opened August 22 with Matilda Heron, her first appearance in New
York, as Lady Macbeth, Eddy as the Thane She afterwards
played Juliet, Pauline, Ophelia, and Mrs. Mailer. She was en-
gaged as the leading lady, and remained here until January, 1853.
The fifth annual benefit of the American Dramatic Fund took
place here Dec. 1 5, when " Macbeth " was acted : Macbeth, Thos.
Hamblin; Banquo, II. Stephens; Macduff, Edward Eddy; Lady
Macbeth, Miss Wcmyss (Mrs. Dufficld). Dances were given by
Caroline and Adelaide Rousset, Miss Bulan, and Mons. Cornet,
Mile. Frances, and Mons. Wiethoff, Frances, Henry, and Mons.
Corby; and " Perfection " and "LolaMontez" were also played.
"Manuel" was played Nov. 8th, with E. Eddy in the title
rOle, Robert Johnston as Dezclos, and Matilda Heron as Victoria.
"TJie I on" I>cc. 17, with Carrie Hiffert, Sam Johnston,

James Dunn, and Stevens in the cast

I.otty Hough made her dc'but in New York at this house 24 as
Charlotte in "The Stranger." In January, 1862, she was acting at
Drury Lane Theatre, London, and retired from the stage in 1863,
having married a Mr. Gregory, a non-professional. In 1872 she
made a lecturing tour, and died in New York January 17, 1896,
aged 62 years. On Christmas afternoon and evening the pro-
line was: " La Bayadere," "Robert Macaire," and "Blue
Board," "Piano," "The Bohemian Girl," and "The Mystery."

Thotn ln S I Lnnblin died at his residence, 416 Broome Street,
this city, on Jan. 8, 1853, aged fifty-three. The theatre was
closed until Jan. 14. Mr. Hamblin was noted for his correct
business habits, promptitude, and open-hcartedncss. The calls of
the needy never passed him unheard or unheeded. During his
managerial career he gave the total nightly receipts of his theatre
over 160 times for the benefit of charities. To the Bowery Theatre
he devoted his best energies, and perhaps, as far as the introduc-
tion of .1 tare variety of entertainments is concerned, he accom-
plished more than any other man in America. A singular fatality
led, however, to pursue him through life; that was the loss
of his theatres by fire no fewer than four times. But he was a man
of extraordinary abilities and indomitable perseverance. He did
not make those accidents an excuse for the nonpayment of a single
obligation which he had incurred. As an actor, he possessed the
valuable accessories of a fine person, a good voice, and careful
ucation. Probably a great share of the sense of the heroic which
* class of his admirers felt for Mr. Hamblin resulted from
ing into the office of The New York Herald, a few

Has]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

129

years prior to his death, and giving James Gordon Bennett a most
unmerciful horsewhipping by way of reply to certain attacks made
in that paper. I claim for Thomas Hamblin that he did more for
the elevation of the drama in this country than any other man of his
time. In person he was tall and commanding, but so admirably
proportioned as in a measure to conceal his almost towering height.
Deep set eyes black as jet were surmounted by a lofty brow,
crowned by clusters of curling dark hair in such rich profusion
as is seldom seen, except in some of the models which have been
handed down to us from remote antiquity. To see him dressed
for Brutus, Coriolanus, or Virginius was a study for a painter. No
mm better knew than he the difficulties, trials, and struggles of
his profession, and no man more sincerely sympathized with them.
At his death he left eight heirs, each of whom received $10,000.
His remains lie on Ocean Hill, Greenwood. Mrs. Hamblin,
formerly Mrs. Mary Shaw, and whose maiden name was Eliza
Mary Ann Trewar, was the mother of Alia, Constance, Edith,
and Wm. Snowdon Hamblin. The latter died in London, Eng-
land, and was a non-professional. William and Elizabeth were the
children of Hamblin's first wife.

During the seasons of 1849-50-1-2, Hamblin made little money.
In fact I doubt if he cleared more than $100 his weekly expense
account. I have before me his treasurer's book containing the
receipts and expenses from March 6th, 1848, to his last season.
During one of these seasons I find that his total weekly expenses,
with a salary list of $666 and rent $200, reached £1500, while his
receipts seldom averaged over $125 each night. There were no
Saturday matinees then. For several weeks that year his loss
averaged $300 a week. Some weeks with a great attraction,
including holidays, he would make a little; but altogether the
season was a bad one The following season his weekly salary
list was $830, while his total expenses averaged $1600. A
great many nights the receipts did not reach $225. For the season
of 1850 the salary list was $707, and the total expenses £1800.
The receipts frequently fell to $120 nightly, and the loss some
weeks was $540, J185, and $960. The profit of weeks was
5798, 528.84, 5100.80, SlO.02, 592.95. In July, 1850, the salary
list was 5506. The first week, that of Sept. 2, 1850, when J. W.
Wallack appeared there, a profit of 5369 was shown; his second
week a profit of 581.52, and the third week a loss of $143,59; and
the fourth week showed another loss of 5253.33. John R. Scott's
engagement made a profit of 5238 on his first week and his second
week cleared $676.21. W. R. Dcrr made a profit for the house
of $262.62. Hamblin's week beginning March 3, 1851, cleared
$11.94, the total receipts being $1482.98. He made $62.31 his
second week. The salaries for the season of 1851-2 were 5780.

130 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'«54

The " Count _flf .Monte

" made $641.43 the first week; the
second week of its run lh"ere was a loss of $70.52, rod the third
week a loss of $126. Mr. and Mrs. Harney Williams cleared for
the manager $872.12 the week of Aug. 18, 1851. Their second
week gave Hamblin $438.52; third week $182.87; and their fourth
and -k $364. 4a

Miss Woodward made her de'but Dec. 19th, as Parthenia in
"Ingomar."

The Boone children, Isabella and Charlotte, opened here Jan.
2nd, 1854, in "Julius Caesar." In 1859 they went to England,
and reappeared in this city April, 1868. They returned to Eng-
land where they married John Burr and Abraham Bishop Smith.

" Putpam " was acted here Jan. 8, 1854: W. R. Derr as Putnam,
Robert Johnston as Washington, and Eddy as Oncactach; "Xhe
. Shoemaker— oX_TguJqusc " was played Fcd. 19; " Uncle Tc
£gbin"Jan. 16, 1854. The dramatization was by Henry E.
F/CT Wcmyss was stage manager, and J. P. Waldron manager.

Uncle Tom T. D. Rice

Van Kroat Sam Glenn

Drover John .... John Winan»

Ellia Mrs. Woodward

Cassy Mrs. Howard

Aunt Chloe .... Wm. Hamilton

Ceo. Harris . . . Kobt. Johnston
Mr. Shelby. . . Win II. M.mblin

Eva Caroline Whitlock

Topsy Gertruilt Dawes

St. Clair Jas. Dunn

Henry Edmund Stevens died in this city Feb. 9, 1854, from
injuries received while wrestling with William Hamilton at the
foot of Grand street on the previous Sunday. Hoth of these gen-
tlemen had been to Williamsburg, and on their return seme dis-
cussion ruse between them about wrestling, Stevens boasting that
Hamilton could not throw him. They wrestled for some little
time on the boat, and immediately after landing they renewed the
spurt upon the sidewalk, and Stevens, being thrown, fell in a
sitting posture, with great violence struck the curbstone, and
immediately fell back insensible. His neck was broken. The
spinal cord being nearly severed, all the portions of the body below
the neck were paralyzed. He was carried to his residence, where
he remained in the full possession of his senses until he died.
He made his American de'but at the Chatham Theatre as Judas
Iscariot in "The Destruction of Jerusalem."

On March 17 "The Stranger" was played, with Mrs. T. S.
Hamblin (Mrs. Shaw) as Mrs. Haller, Miss C. Hiffert as Annette,
Edward Kddy, the Stranger, and Robert Johnston as Baron Stein-
fort. " l'izarro " was also played, with John R. Scott as Rolla,
Mrs. Howard, Elvira, R. Johnston, Alonzo; 18th, "Jane Shore" and
"Jack Shcppard " were given: Mrs. Hamblin as Alicia; Mrs. Yeo-
mans (now Mrs. C. J. Edmunds) as Jack Shcppard; 20, "Evadne,"

••sO

THK BOWERY THEATRE

'3'

" The Rough Diamond," and "The Husband's Secret," Scott u In
dovico, Eddy as Colonna and John Winans in the last two men-
tioned plays; 21, "Romeo and Juliet," Mrs. Hamblin 3s Juliet,
Eddy as Romeo. 22nd, benefit of Mrs. Hamblin, when she appeared
as Bianca in "Fazio "and l'aulinc in "The Lady of Lyons;" 23,
"The Hunchback" and "Putnam," were seen, W. R. Derr as Put-
nam; 24. "Love's Sacrifice;" 25, "Douglas; " 27, "King Henry
VII.; " 28, "Love;" 29, "The Gamester," with the farce, "My
Sister Kate," James Dunn as Charles Unet; 31, Mrs. Hamblin as
..let. R. Johnston the Ghost; April i, "Brutus;" 3rd, "Little
Katy, the Hot Corn Girl " was produced wtth"tnc follow.

Solon Stone

Kcv. Mr. Pease .... Ed. Lamb

Jim Regan R. Johnston

Tom Tupman .... John Wlnans
Walter Morgan .... Jas. Dunn
Mr. Morgan .... Wm. Hamblin

Katy A. Walters

Wild Maggie . . . Fanny Herring
Athalia Lovetree Miss A. Gray

Madaline .... Gertrude Dawes

Mr». Regan Mrs. I i madly

Eliza Morgan .... Miss Cliir

It was during this season that " Toodlcs " was produced with the
following cast:

Claries Fentoa .... Mr. Stone

Farmer Acorn S. Glenn

George Acorn .... R. Johnston
Mr. Timothy Toodles Chas- Burlce

Lawyer Glib Edward I -amb

Farmer Fcnton .... Mr. Byrne

i»t Farmer Mr. Rodger*

2d Farmer Mr. Armand

3d Farmer Mr. Reed

Landlord Mr. Callahan

M ary Acorn . . . Fanny Herring
Mrs. Tabiiha Toodles . Mrs. Yconuat

During the season Fanny Herring played Mose in " A Glance at
New York." The cast included Edward Lamb as George Parsells^
BeTTamyTs Major Gates, Post as Sykesy, Mrs. Place as Lize, and
Miss Melville as Jenny Bryant. Fanny Herring also appeared in
the drama as Lin It the National Theatre two years later — 1857.
" Hcrnc the Hunter" was produced in Jan., 1856. Rachel Denvil
wasthe~fjuecn Catherine, and K. Lamb enacted Shorcditch. The
play was withdrawn June 30 of the same year. March 6, 1856,
the theatre was closed by an injunction, and remained dark until
April 7, when Mr. Waldron resumed the management, which he
continued until the middle of June I first saw Fanny Herring as
Jack Sheppard, and when I last spoke to her, she told me she had
played the part three thousand times. She was the only woman
who seemed to me to look and act a boy on the stage.

On April 10, 1854, "Pizanro" was given, with Mrs. H. I.. Clark
as Elvira, Eddy as Rolla; 11, "Othello," "La Tour dc Ncslc;"
13, for the benefit of Edward Eddy, " Bclphegor," "The Ragpicker
of Paris," and "The Irish Lion,' with Eddy as Belphegor, lean,
and Tim Moore. April 14. " Rob Roy " and " Katy, the Hot Corn
." 15, " Richard III.," Eddy as Duke of Gloster, Mrs II. L.

132 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [iaM

Clark as Queen Elizabeth ; 17, " The Jealous Wife; " 20, ■ Werner : "
benefit Of Mrs. Yeomans, when "The Corsican Brothers"
was acted; 28, Robert Johnston appeared as Proteus in "The Two
ilemen of Verona," Eddy as Valentine, and Mrs. H. L- Clark,
Julia, for the benefit of Mr. Johnston; 29, "T^p Hftr*p Thi' f "
was given, Kanny Herring acting Margaret Catchpolc; Mrs.
Broadly, Dame Catchpolc; John Winans, Gooseberry Pip.
May 8 " Uncle Tom's Cabin " was revived, with James I.ingard
as Uncle Tom and Mrs. li.'C. Howard as Topsy ; " The Lady of
the Lake " and " ToPargtf£_and Guardians " were played in con-
nection with " Uncle Tonu." 9. "Uncle Tom." "The Corsican
Brothers," and the farce "Taken In and Done For" were-;'
May 15 "Salvator Rosa, Poet, Painter, and Musician" was pre-
sented, with E. Eddy i" the title rflle; 29, "Fazio," with Ellen
Gray as Bianca; and May 31 Eddy, for a benefit, acted in ".The
Bull ringer of Boston.' June 5 "Faustus" Nl given, with this
cast :

FtOMoa G. H. Griffiths

Mephistopheles .... E. Eddy
Count di Ca*anova . . . S. Glenn
Count Oraiui Jas. Dunn

Brevkle h". Lanfa

Wagner Mis* HUftrl

I.ucetta Fanny Herring

Rosolio Mrs. Yeomans

June 19 " The Naiad Queen " was given, and thus cast :

Sir Rupeit .... Root- Johnston I Lady Una .
Raptista John Winans I Mrs. Bridget

Fanny Herring
Mrs- Itroadlcy

June 21 the old prices were resumed, viz. : boxes, 25 cents; pit
and gallery, I2^< cents. June 26, Mrs. Macready, who. by the
way. was no relation to the English tragedian, opened in "Love."
followed 27 with "The Lady of Lyons," Wm. R. Goodall being
the Claude Melnotte, Mrs. Macready as Pauline; 28, "The Hunch-
"The Wandering Minstrel," and the third act of "Jack
ppard" were given for John Winans' benefit 29; July 1, "Guy
Manncring," Mrs. Macready as Meg Mcrrilics, Winans as Dominic
Sampson; " Venice Preserved " and "The Honeymoon " July 3, for
the benefit of Mrs. Macready; July 10. "Richard III.." J. B. Strong
as Richard, Mrs. Bellamy as Queen Elizabeth; 15, "White Horse
of the Peppers," Collins as Gerald Pepper, Mrs. Place as Agatha.
On July 19, for the benefit of Mr. Byrne, Harry Watkins played
Edward MlddletOO in "The Drunkard;" 24 Edward Eddy acted
Damon to Miss Woodward s Calanthe: Aug 5 Marie Durct acted
Jack Shcppard; 6 Marie Durct played Miami in "Green Bushi
Aug. 21 "Love's Sacrifice" was the bill, with Susan Dcnin as
Margaret Elmore. Robert Johnston, Mathcw Elmore, James Dunn,
St. Lo, and Edward Lamb in the cast. On 22 Susan Denin was
Romeo, to Miss Woodward's Juliet; 26, "Fazio," with Susan

*gT\

THE BOWERY THEATRE

•33

Denin as Bianca. Sept. 4, " Sardanapalus " was produced in grand
style, with Mrs. T. S. Hamblin in the title rdlc; Charles Pope
acted Salacncs, Ellen Gray, Myrrha; Sept. 14, Susan Dcnin acted
Romeo; 18, W. R. Dcrr as Mazcppa; 21, "Othello," Charles
Boniface as Iago, G. J. Arnold as Othello.

Louisa Reedcr opened Oct. 2, as Bianca in " Fazio ; " G. J.
Arnold was the Fazio. "_RookiKpod" was acted 16, with William
R. Derr as Dick Turpin and Ellen Gray as Sybil. John K. Scott
bad • benefit here Nov. 2, when "Othello," "The Soldier's
D igbter," and "The Review" were done. Nov. 4 Mr. Scott
commenced an engagement, opening as Damon. On 27 "The
Cataract of the Ganges" was revived. Jan. 29, 1855, Geo. and
Miss Charles commenced an engagement, and during the week
appeared in " Irxlandand_Aancrica, ' "The Irish Know Nothing."
'^Oyj_Gal," and "Paddy Miles' Boy." George Lea, a well-kn
manager, but not connected with this house, took a benefit Feb.
16, 1855. Admission was 25 and 12% cents. The crowd was so
great that the cars on the Bowery stopped running for a long time,
and all the other theatres down to the Chatham were crowded to
overflowing. So fierce was the crush that the audience invaded
the stage, and were let out after the performance by the stage door.
Rachel Dcnvil (whose right name was Rachel Finney) made her
first profcssionil appearance (having previously been a successful
amateur) at this theatre March 1, 1855, as Julia in "The Hunch-
back." One year afterwards she was playing a star engagement
here. She was a lady of large and commanding appearance, with
a deep and impressive voice. In 1858 she became attached to
Purdy's National Theatre, where she was the leading heavy actress.
She died of cancer of the stomach in Brooklyn, N. Y., July 17,
1885. Her last appearance on the stage was during the season of
1883-4, at the Academy of Music, Brooklyn, N. Y., for the Jerome
Society benefit. She was a sister-in-law of ex-Judge Troy of
Brooklyn.

The house reopened Aug. 7th, 1856, with G. H. Griffiths as
business manager, "All that Glitters is Not Gold," "Bambooz-
ling," and " Brian Boroihmc" being the bill, with Mr. and Mrs. J.
J. Prior in the first play. Sam Glenn began an engagement 14th
in "Th,c Du^ch, Actor." Louisa Wells took a benefit iSth. when
" KnoJuvood" was acted, with Rachel Dcnvil as Dick Turpin.

Jark Days of the Revolution" came 2ist, also M. V. Lingham,
as D'Artagnan in "TJi£_TJtfee Guardsmen." E. Eddy ap|>eared
26th in "Richard III.." with Rachel Denvil as the Queen; Eddy
played Hamlet 30th. May j ".The Last Days of himjjcii " was
done, J. J. Prior being Arbaccs. Fletchc: :1 as Othello 6th.

Mrs. T. S. Hamblin was seen gth as Hamlet; Kate Saxon t2th as
Celeste in "Love and Mystery;" also Malonc Raymond in "The

134 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [is*

Irish Attorney." For the benefit, May 12th, of Manager Waldron,
"The Rivals,'" "Kate Kearney," and "Robert Macaire" were
played. The prices of admission were advanced. Malone Ray-
mond acted Sir Lucius in "The Rivals," with G. Griffiths as Sir
Anthony; M. V. Lingham, Capt. Absolute; James Dunn, Bob
Acres; Kate Saxon, Lydia Languish; and Mrs. H. F. Grattan,
Mrs. Malaprop. Fanny Dcnham came May 16 as Nan in "Good
For Nothing;" William R. Denham, her brother, acted Tom
Dribbles. Harry Perry appeared as Othello, and J. J. Prior as
. June 17; Perry appeared as Octavian 3rd, and Julia Milts
played Maria in "A Glorious Minority." Perry was seen as
" Ingomar *' Mar. 5th, with Rachel Denvil as Parthenia; also Miss
Dcnvil in "Jane Eyre." Perry was seen as Edward Middleton in
"Thc_l)runkard " 7th. G. J. Arnold played Armand, to Susan
Denin Cam i lie, oth. F. s. Chanfrau and Mile Albeitine wen- seen
16th in "The Stage Struck Harbcr " and "Toodlc

The house closed abruptly 17, but re-opcnwTjufic 30 with " Mac-
beth," and with John Brougham as the manager, and this com-
pany: Mr. and Mrs. John Brougham, Chas. Fisher, Canoll,
Whiting, W. H. Bellamy, James Dunn, Mr. and Mrs. T. Seymour,
■venor, Ben Yates, Wra, Lingard, Haviland, T. Price, Car-
ter, Dinharn, Madame Ponisi, Kate Reignolds, Emma Rei-
gnolds, Kate Duckworth, Mrs, Lingard, and Miss Macdonald.
Charles Dodworth was the musical director. Fisher played
Macbeth. Canoll, Macduff; and Mme. Ponisi as Lady Macbeth.
Brougham's dramatization of *' Dred, or the Dismal Swamp " was
done Sept. 29th, Kate Reignolds playingthc leading part.
" Broadway anil the Bowery,** was given Nov. loth, with John E.
iflcTJonough as Dick Turner.

It was on Thursday evening, Nov. 13, 1856, that Brougham
played in this citv and Philadelphia the same night. He played
"My Fellow Clerk," which he called "The Stage Struck Irish-
man," at the Old Bowery, commencing at 7 o'clock and terminat-
ing at jVi p. m. He, with a portion of his company and invited
guests, then took stages for Jersey ferry, and started from Jersey
for Philadelphia at 7.52, arriving at the Kensington depot
at 10 o'clock precisely. The party then took stages to the National
Theatre, Walnut Street, above Eighth, arriving there at 10.30.
The performances at the National, consisting of an equestrian and
a dramatic company, commenced at 7#, and terminated at io#
with "The Maniac Lover." John Brougham played Powhattan in
'^Pocahontas," and the curtain rose for that performance at 10.30
fell it 1 2 o'clock. The invited guests, who occupied the seats
in the circus ring, then, with the performers, took supper at the
Girard House, after which they returned to New York by special
train. The Bowery company, who appeared this memorable night,

THE BOWERY THEATRE

'35

consisted of James Dunn, Dcnham, Baker, Barry, Hughes, Jackson,
Burke, Carpenter, Duncan, Post, Fanny Dcnham (Mrs. \V. A.
Rouse), Sal lie Partington, Miss McDonough, Mrs. Scott, Miss
Salome, afterwards Mrs. Samuel Dufficld, Emma Rcignolds,
and others. " New York by Gaslight " was given Nov. 20th. Mr.
and Mrs. E. L. Davenport came December I. William Whcatlcy
appeared 25 in "The Dramatist"
"King John " was revived Dec 29, with this cast:

King John . . . . E. I.. Davenport

Arthur Kate ReignoMs

i'liilip Conrad Clarke

Archduke Mr. Flood

Queen Elinor . . ■ Mr*. J. R. Scott
UUnehc Miss Ingersoll

Hubert J. B. Howe

Philip Win. Wheailey

Lewis J.i.v Dunn

Cardinal D. Whiting

Chatillon Mr. Barry

Lady Constance Mrs. E. L Davenport

Wm. Whcatlcy took a benefit Jan. 14, 1857, and in addition to
"King John," Miles. Ernestine and Annie Henrarde danced a pas
de deux, C. Simpson sang a song, J. E. Johnson sang the comic
song of "Mental Debility," and Wm. Wheatlcy played Vapid in
"The Dramatist." This was announced as J. E. Johnson's first
appearance in New York. E. L. Davenport appeared as Hamlet
1 5. F. S. Chanfrau opened May 25, and closed June 20. Brougham
retired from the management 29th. Mr. Brougham christened the
house Brougham's Bowery Theatre. F. S. Chanfrau assumed the
management in the spring of 1857, and closed it June 20.

Edward E:ldy opened the house as manager July t8, 1857. The
next season commenced Sept. 2, 1857, and terminated in July,

1858. Aug. 7 of that year George L. Fox and James W. I.ingard
became the lessees and managers, and so continued until Aug. 6,

1859. T. W. Newton took a benefit July 10, 1858, when Maggie
Mitchell acted Cleopatra, to James W. Collier's Antony. Robert
Johnston acted Petruchio the same night in "Taming of the
Shrew." The next season found George C. Boniface and J. II.
Allen managers. Both were good actors, and tried hard to retain
the patronage which was leaving the old for the new Bowery, which
Fox & Lingard were managing in the Fall of 1859. The aea
opened Aug. 8, 1859. Jan. 9, i860, the managers introduced the
Webb Sisters. Geo. Boniface withdrew, and Mr. Allen continued
the management until June 1, i860.

Robert Johnston and W. E. Briggs were managers June 18, i860,
but did not continue long. George Wood was the next manager,
who opened the house Nov. 30, i860, with the following company :
Henry Ashley, business manager; Ed. Tilton, stage manager;
W. H. Leighton, W. M. Ward, Sam Ryan, S. W. Glenn, Harry
Jordan, J. W. Collier, C. W. Harrison, Sidney Wilkins, Edwin
imer, W. H. Stephens, Chas. Foster, W. Holland, R. Quin
Ian, D. Walter, Kate Dcnin Ryan, Mrs. W. H. Leighton, Christine

136 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [.wo

Zavistowski, Mrs. H. Jordan, Mis. H. A. Perry, Hattie Arnold,
Mrs. M. K. Hurroughs, Miss M. Newton, Kmma Smith, Kate
Archer, Frankic Moncll, Carrie Moncll, A. Drew, S. Walters. M.
Parker, C. Lcroy, and John Walsh. The opening bill was "An
Object of Interest," "The Lady of Lyons," dancing by Christine
Zavistowski, and the farce of "P. P., or The Man and the Tiger."
Charles Foster's first appearance was made on the opening night,
aiTGaspard in "The Lady of Lyons," E. L. Tilton playing Claude
Melnottc. Mr. Foster continued here for a long time, and, after
the death of_£L B- Clarke, he became the stage manager. Mr.
Foster was first known as a dramatic author by first producing
"Actors Out of Place," in 1869. This W3s followed May 8, 1870,
by "Twenty Years Dead:" Sept. 25. 1870, "The New \
;'nr: ,.irs. .1 Al.;i,!.. ■,■: iiy Moonlight :" Oct 9, a local drama called
" Ihe Old Straw Man;" Nov. 27, " Neck and Neck, or the Hang-
man's Noose; ""May 14. 1871. "The Gold Belt;"' and Aug. 7.
7871, "flerfnj. wing Machine Girl." Then came "_Ib_e

Rebel'8_TattSli 1." uXJp» and Down." and "The

Swamp Angers.""
•- M*rrand~Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr., opened Sept 3 in "Macbeth,"

and played during their engagement: "(>uy Manncring, Ihe

Bridal," "Werner," "The Stranger," "Richard III.," "Michael
Krlc, or The Maniac Lover," and "The Man with the Iron
Mask."

The supplementary pieces comprised English and Irish farces for
Mrs. Leighton and Mr. Ryan, and Dutch dialect plays for S. W.
Glenn. Sept. 10 "The Winter's Tale " was produced, with J. W.
Wallack as Leontes and Mrs. Wallack as Hermione. For Mr.
Walliik's benefit, on Sept. 14, "Black Eyed Susan," "Oliver
Twist," and "The Fool of the Family" were given. 17 the spec-
tacular drama "Satan on Earth, or the Demon Page," was given.

F. S. Chanfrau made his first appearance in three years 24th,
playing during his engagement in "The Hidden Hand, ' "O" Flan-
agan and the Fairies." "The First Night," "The Widow's Victim,"
" A Glance at New York." "Linda. The Cigar Girl," "The Irish
Tiger," "Mose in California," "New York An It Is," rod "Hub
Nettles." tiuring Mr. t^nanfrau's engagement the company
played "Richard III, in Patch," "The_Persceutrd Dutchman."
"The Lady of the Lake," "The Warlock of the Glen," "Jack
Sheppard," "TheCarpt Rouen," "My Cousin Tom," and

" The Ocean Child?* "Oct Grattan's play, adapted from

Harrison Ainsworth's story, and entti Id St. Paul's, or The

Fire and Plague of London," was presented with this cast:

Charles Harry Jordan I Solomon K.iglc ... F. I- Tilton

Karl of Rochester . Jame* W. Collier Annabel Kate Drain

Leonard Holt .... R. Johnston I Judith .... Mrs. Harry Jordan

•MO

THE BOWERY THEATRE

'37

mafd 3 the

S. W. Glenn had a benefit 12th, presenting
Family," "White Horse of the Peppers," and "Wizard
Wave. " Mr. Chanfrau returned, and played % round of his favorite
parts. James W. Collier had a benefit 15th, and on the following
evening Mrs. W. H. I.eighton had her farewell benefit. Mr. and
Mrs. Ryan next appealed to their friends, when the following pro-
gramme was offered: "Linda," "Jack Shcppard," "The Fall of
Robespierre," singing by G. W. Anderson, dancing by the Misses
Gilbert and Ann Stevens, and Ethiopian eccentricities by Billy
Birch and Charley Backus. Mr. Chanfrau had another benefit 26,
and on the 27 Harry Jordan presented for his benefit " Dreams of
Delusion," with George Jordan as Sir Bernard; "A fflaPcc nt
Mew York." with Frank ChanfifW U Mom-: "The Old Guard."
Mirk Smith as Haversack; "The Spectre Bridegroom," with
Harry Jordan as Diggory, Mr. Ferguson as Nicodemus, and
G. Brookes as Aldwinklc, and "Rob Roy" by the regular
company. This performance brought to a termination Mr. Wood's
management.

The house was next occupied as a circus by Dr. Spaulding &
Chas. Rogers of New Orleans. The season closed Jan. 28, 1861,
with a benefit to E. L. Tilton. Prof. Anderson, the "Wizard of
the North," then took possession of the theatre, and gave his magi-
cal entertainments from Feb. 9 until March 2. April 8 the circus
troupe returned for one week, closing on the 13th, and the house
was not reopened that season. In July, 1861, the theatre was in a
very dilapidated state, for during its occupancy by the military it
received rough treatment, and in consequence of its insecure state
evil-disposed persons made free with the property, destroying M)d
stealing where they could. During the summer of this year
Henry Ashley managed the house with an equestrian entertain-
ment. In October Gil Eaton and Sam Stickney put a circus
company in, and continued it until March, 1862. George L. Fox
next leased this house, and, giving it a complete overhauling,
reopened it May 17, iHGz. He closed his first season July 9. After
:ng been entirely altered and redecorated, it was reopened July
14, 1862, with G. L. Fox as manager, G. C. Howard as acting
manager, and W. Tryon, treasurer. The company included Fanny
Herring. Rachel Denvil, Gillctc, Emma Temple. Isabella Preston,
Iiuma Le Brun. Chas. T. Nichols, Sam Bradshaw, Mitchell, J. J.
Prior, G. W. Thompson, Harry Chapman, T. H. Munroe, Harry
Hotto, M. B. Pike, Harry Langdon, and Geo. I., and C K. Pox
The opening bill was "Rattlin the K "How to Avoid

Drafting," and "The Robber Knight." On July 21st "Macarthy,
or Pcepo' Day," was presented, and Sept. 15, G. L Fox appeared
in various dramas, farces, and pantomimes for a period of over one
hundred and fifty consecutive nights. During the season Joseph

138 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [»M4

Proctor appeared in "Hamlet," "King Lear," and other plays,
and Robert Johnston appeared for the first time in this theatre in
over two years, acting in the play of " Den Lcil."

On June 12, 1863, G. L. Fox took a benefit, when the following
programme was presented: "The Rent Day," with Fox as Bull
Frog, followed by the pantomime of " Frisky Cobbler," with Fox
as Snoozle, Bradshaw as Old Stubbing, C. K. Fox as Sam Wax,
Louisa Browneas Emma, and Mr. Mitchell as Mrs. Stubbins. The
spectacular play, "The Devil's Ring," closed the entertainment:
G. L. Fox as Franco; J. J. McCloskey, Arnulph; J. Flood, the
Black Chief; J. B. Studlcy, Herbert; Fanny Herring, Leila;
Georgiana Kcignolds, Princess Eveline; Emma Rcignolds, Spirit
of the Devil's Ring; and Millie Sackctt (Mrs. M. B. Pike), Spirit
of the Waters. Numerous dramas and pantomimes were produced
during the season, which terminated July 6, with a benefit to Geo.
C. Howard. Fox made pantomime a great success. He reopened
for the season of 1863-4 Aug. 6. Besides undergoing a thorough
cleaning, a new dome was erected over the house. In the company
were G. L. ami C. K. Fox, J. B. Studlcy, G. W. Thompson, Mr.
and Mrs. Harry Chapman, Chas. T. Nichols, John Herbert, J. J.
McCloskey, Tony Denier, S. Btadshaw, H. Holt, M. B. Pike and
wife (Millie Sackctt), G. C. Davenport, Coburn, Mitchell, John-
son, Lewis, Mrs. S. Wilkins, Rachel Denvil, Fanny Herring,
Miss G. Reignolds, the Misses Henry, Wilder, Fenton, Johnson,
Gilmore, Hathaway, and Louisa Browne.

"The Hunchback of Lambythe" was produced Aug. 10; Aug.
15, "The Ghost of Altenburg," with spectral illusions; Sept. 14,
the ghost drama, "The Mistletoe Bough;" Sept. 28, "Midnight,
or the Ghost at the Ferry;" Oct. 12, "Old Adam, or the Father's
Curse;" Oct. 19, "The Charmed Ruby;" Nov. 3, CJilt.OiL-W.
Taylcurc's farce, "Giles Scroggin's _Gh.ost; " Nov. 9, "Lady
kudlcy s Secret ; " Nov. 16, " Lilly Dawson, or the History of a
Night;" Dec. 5. "Jack Shcppard and his Dog;" Dec. 21, "Daft
Han, the Cripple of the Dry Dock;" Jan. 4. 1864, Mrs. C. K.
Fox appeared in "Vamp, the Fireman's Dog;" Jan. it, "The Rag
Woman and her Dogs; " Jan. i£, " .Lord Lovel and Ye Fair Nancy

:11," a burlesque by Mj^JDjylcure ; Jan. 25, the pantomime of

"T« House that Jack BuiU?*""Feb. 22, " Holly Bush Hall ; " Feb.
29, "The Gray Man of the Seven Trees; " March 28, "The Ticket
of Leave Woman ; " April 9, " Pomp of Cudjoj. Cave, or the Battle
Cry of Freedom;" and June I £7** Upper Ten and Lower Twenty."
The season, which had been prosperous, terminated July 4, with
a benefit to G. C. Howard, the acting manager.

Fox commenced his next season Aug. 6, 1864, with the follow-
ing company: J. B. Studley, J. Flood, Chas. Nichols, Harry
Chapman, Chas. Foster, C. K. Fox, J. J. McCloskey, Mrs. Harry

THE BOWERY THEATRE

«39

Chapman, Mrs. J. Flood, Mrs. S. Wilkins, Rachel Denvil, Fanny
Herring, and others. Mile. Marti netti and Mons. Baptiston
superintended the ballet. "Ruy Bias," "An April Fool," and
"The Mason of Abbcyville" were the opening plays. Aug. 13,
"Don't Be Choked Off," a farce, was produced. Aug. 15, "The
Fisherman of Lisbon " and "Jones' Baby " were presented, and on
the 29th the Masomc drama, by C. VV. Taylcurc. called "The
S i gn ct of _ K i ng Solomon, 01 the Templar's Daughter." was gi<
I he Tarce of ,J The Area Belle was played for the first time in New
York Aug. 29, witb G. L. Fox as Pitcher, C. K. Fox as Bouncer,
and Mrs. Harry Chapman as Penelope. A benefit was given to
the Masonic Mission Sept. 9; the farce "Going to the Races" was
seen on the I2th; on the 19th "The Knights of St. John, or the
Banner of Eire," was given; with the drama, "The Bull Fighter,"
Oct. 3rd; Eanny Herring appeared as the heroine in a version of
"Leah the Forsaken," called ".Lvsiah the Abandoned, " the 10th.
The house was closed on Oct. 28, while "the company played in
Brooklyn; and 31, anew drama, called "The Peddler Boy." was
offered. The next novelty was "The Night Owls m France,"
acted Nov. 14; Dec. 5 William St. Maur mad< carancc

in America, as Buridan in " La Tour De Nesle," afterward remain-
ing a member of the stock company. Jan. 13, 1865, Fanny Herring
had a farewell benefit. Fox presented "Old Dame Trot and Her
Comical Cat" 30, which ran for seven weeks, and was succeeded
March 2t by "The White Earm." On the 27th Laura Keene's
drama, "The Workjngmcp of Paris," was presented, and April 2
"Uncle Tom's Cabin '** was revived, with Mrs. G. C. Howard as
The original dramatization (in six acts) was played, and
was the only piece on the bill. This ran until April 15, after
which the theatre was closed until April 26, out of respect for the
memory of the martyred President Lincoln. On the reopening the
run of "JIncje_TomJ' was continued. Fanny Herring reappeared
May 15 in "Taming a Tartar," and on the 22d the dogs Lafayette
and Thunder were introduced in "The Rag Woman and Her Dogs."
May 26th, for her benefit, Eanny Herring appeared in a new play
called "The Female Detective, and in June J. B. Studley reap-
peared for a few days. G. C. Howard had a benefit July 5. W.
B. Freligh, janitor of this house for twenty-odd years, took a
benefit, and the house closed July 8th.

George Christy's Minstrels took possession of this theatre July
10, and continued until Aug. 1 1. Mr. Fox opened his next season
Aug. 12, with W. H. Whalley, Wm. Mardcn, H. D. Guion, Wm.
St. Maur, J. J. McCloskey, Louis Mcstaycr, W. T. Purcell, S.
Bradshaw, E. Ashbury, Charles Eostcr, G. L. and C. K. Fox, Ml*.
S. Wilkins, Mrs. Welsh Edwards, Rachel Denvil, Eily Mnorc,
J. Williams, Sarah Steele and Mile. Martinetti, dancer. G. C.

140 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [«u«

Howard was acting manager; C. K. Fox, stage manager. The
ing hill was " Damon and Pythias," " Fortune's Frolic," and
"The Exile's Daughter," W. H. Whalley and Kily Moore making
their first appearances in New York, as Damon and Hcrmionc in
the first-named play, and Sarah Steele made her ddbut, as Dolly in
"Fortune's Frolic"

The following are the dates of the new productions: Sept. 4,
"The Mysteries of Carrow Abbey;" 11, "The Griffin of the
Thames;" 18, "Cruve Dha Rhuy," 24. " The Dykes of France;"
Oct 2, "The Avalanche:" 9, "Three Red Men" and "Golden
Axe," pantomime; 16, " Rappelkerff, the Spirit King," and the
pantomime of "Mother Goose;" 23, " Life for Life" and " Raoul,
the Magic Star." On Oct. 30 Fanny Herring was seen in "The
Female Detective ; " "Sinhad the Sailor" was produced Nov. 27,
and held the stage until Dec. 18, when "The Woman of the
World " was given. Whalley took his first benefit Dec. 29, and the
bill consisted of "Connor the Rash." "The Cabin Boy." "The
Frisky Cobbler." and "The Griffin of the Thames." On Jan. 1st,
1866, began a brief season of "dog drama." Fanny Herring took
a benefit Feb. 16. Fox's pantomime of "Jack and Gill" was
produced Feb. 19: G. L. Fox as the Clown; C. K. Fox, Panta-
loon; Master Timony, Harlequin ; and Martinctti, Columbine. It
ran for ten weeks. May 7th Fanny Herring reappeared in "The
Dcvilkin," Kmma Reignolds as Nellie; 14, " Rosina Meadows."
"Camillc" (burlesque), and "The Dutch Statue." Fanny Her-
ring's benefit occurred June 15. The season closed July 5 with a
benefit to G. C. Howard and W. Tryon, the treasurer,

On July 6 S. S. Sanford's Minstrels opened. M. B. Pike had
B hem lit Aug, 1, when Edward Limb. G. C. Davenport, Jas. H.
Budworth, Wm. H. Leake, E. N. Haviland, and Millie Sackett
appeared. Wm. B. Freligh took a benefit Aug. 3; 4 the Nicolo
company of gymnasts opened, and continued until 21. Mr. Fox's
last season at this house began Sept. t, 1866, with "Six Years
After, or Three Green Men." C. K. Fox, Harry Ryner, W. K.
I niyard, J. J. McCloskey, Wm. Marden, Chas. Foster, Geo. Lin-
i. Francis, Master Timothy. Harry Cunningham, Mrs. W. K.
I.itiyard (Emma Reignolds), Mrs. H. Ryner, Fanny Herring,
Gcorgiana Reignolds, little Lulu Prior, and others formed the
company. On Nov. 2 Jacob Boyce, who had served for over fifty
years in the militia of the State, took a benefit under the auspices
of Company E, Eighth Regiment, N. Y. S. N. G., and the receipts
were nearly $r,ooo. Fanny Herring produced " Adricnne^px the
Secret of a Life" Dec. 3. It was announced as ""a dramatization

"peine

The T. P. Cooke's

the French by Fann\ I 1
drama," "True to the Core." was presented Dec. 17. ~ James W.
Lingard, manager of the New Bowery Theatre, took a benefit Jan.

mfl

THE BOWERY THEATRE

I4I

2, 1867, when, in addition to the regular company, the volunteers
were Kate Newton, Geo. C. Boniface, J. J. Prior, J. B> Nagle,
Brooks, T. L_ Donnelly, F. Evans, Little Mac, and the
Eighth Regiment Drum Corps. N. B. Clarke assumed the stage
management Jan. 14, and J. L. Bridgman joined the company. VV.
II. Whallcy appeared 21st, playing "Macbeth;" and Feb. 15 he
had a benefit, when James W. Lingard appeared; 22d. Wm.
Harden had a benefit, and on the following Monday G. L. Fox
reappeared in "O'Neil the Great." On March 8 Mrs. H. C
Ryncr put forth her claims; 15, Fanny Herring took a benefit; 18,
• in" was revived, with Mrs. G. C. Howard as
Topsy. It ran two weeks. Mrs. Howard having a benefit on the
28th, when J. VV. Lingard played Uncle Tom instead of J. J.
McCloskcy. April 1st Mr. Fox produced "Little Boy Blue,"
which ran until May 11, when that gentleman's managerial con-
nection with the theatre ended. On the closing day and evening
"grand farewell " performances were given for the benefit of G. L.
Fox; "Little Boy Blue" was played in the afternoon, and the
same piece, with the addition of "The Spitfire," in the evening.
G. C. Howard had his annual tribute 13th, when Mr. Fox and the
entire company assisted; 14 Harry Cunningham had a benefit,
and on 15 G. Malmsberg had a similar compliment.

William B. Freligh was the next manager. He opened May 18
with "A Vision of the Dead," "Jack Sheppard," the farce of "The
Dutch Tiger," and a gymnastic performance by the infant Siegrist.
Joseph Proctor appeared here May 20 in "Macbeth," Mrs. W. G.
Jones being the I.ady Macbeth. James Nunan, W. K. Linyard,
W. Jamicson, Wm. Mardcn, Chas. K. Fox, Emma Rcignolds, and
Mrs. W. Jamicson were in the company. J. B. Studley appeared
June 3 in "The Three Guardsmen" and E. W. Marston then made
his bow as the low comedian of the company. Jas. H. Budworth
opened June 10 in " DjJtchFarce. " Mr. and Mrs. Seldcn Irwin
appeared 17 in "The Marble Heart " and "The Fool of the
Family." Kate Fisher came here 24, as did Annetta Zanfretta and
Rosenberg, dancers. July 12 J. B. Studley and W. H. Whalley
bad a joint benefit. Geo. C. Davenport and F. Connelly became
members of the company 15th. On 19 a benefit was given to W.
B. Freligh. On the 29th the Carlo Family, Eveline Lehman, Ida
Dcvcre, Frank Gibbons, the Barlow Brothers, Sig. Constantinc,
W. A. Martin, and others appeared in ballet, gymnastic acts, and
pantomime. Aug. 1 John J. Jones, treasurer, had his first benefit.
Aug. 5 Stuart Robson appeared in the "Camille" and "Hamlet "
burlesques. Sig. Monteverde, contortionist, also appeared. On
the 12th Wm. Whalley returned; and on 16 P. Connelly had a
benefit, assisted by many volunteers. On the 19 Leo Hudson and
George Clare began an engagement in equestrian drama. Benefits

142 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE fj»7

were then given as follows : 26, Joe Coburn and " Rockcy " Moore,
pugilists; 27, Frank Evans and J. M. Ward; 28, Harry Pearson,
when J. Mortimer Murdoch made his dc'but in America, as Richard
in "^anct Pride." and E. L. Til ton appeared (or the first time in
several years! The summer season closed August 29.

Shortly afterwards this theatre was sold at auction to satisfy a
mortgage given by Thomas Hamblin to John S. Giles, as trustee
for certain stockholders of the theatre, to secure payment of a
number of shares of the stock valued at $500 each. Subsequently
a suit was commenced to recover the sura of $57,631. 95, claimed
to be due to the family of Mr. Hamblin. The mortgage became
due in 1856, when Mrs. Shaw, widow of Hamblin, claimed for her
portion $10,826.38, and the court appointed a referee to decide
whether the property mortgaged could be sold in parcels without
doing injury to the interest of any of the parties concerned, and
he decided that it could not, and it was ordered to be sold at
public auction, subject to a prior incumbrance of $40,000 on the
same, held by Wm. B. Astor by way of mortgage. In pursuance
of these instructions the sale was ordered. The original mortgage
n by Mr. Hamblin was only for $8,503.04. The auctioneer
offered eight-ninths of the property, the owner of the other
ninth consenting to sell at the same rate as the rest, and subject
also to the mortgages. J. D. Phillips bid $60,900, at which sum
it was knocked down; but there appeared to have been some mis-
understanding in the matter, and the entire propcity was then
offered free from all incumbrances except the lease. It was started
at $75,000 and $80,000; $90,000 and $91,000 were offered, and
the bids then increased by $500, until the amount reached $100,000,
and finally the property was knocked down for $100,700 to a J. W.
Dimmick. About six months afterwards the theatre was sold
in at auction. The property consisted of the theatre building,
said to be worth about $40,000, with all the wardrobe, properties,
machinery, scenery, and fixtures, and six fine lots of land. The
estate was sold under a decree of the Supreme Court. There were
two mortgages on the property, one of $40,000 to W. B. Astor, and
one of $7,000 to J. L. Giles. $80,000 was first offered, and $1,000
bids ran up the price to $104,000. The property was finally
knncked down at $106,000, the purchaser being Leopold
Bampeimcr.

Wm. B. Frcligh reopened the house for the next season Sept. 9,
1867. N. B. Clarke was stage manager, and the company included
K. W. Marston, J. B. Studley, Frank A. Doud (brother of Oliver
Doud Byron), Geo. W. Thompson, W. K. Linyard, Joseph Winter,
J. C. Edmonds, Mrs. W. G. Jones, and Nellie Taylor. Watts
Phillips' drama, "Time and Tide," was first given in New York
;ii 1 hi- theatre. On the 16, "The Sea of Ice;" 23, Lizetle

i*M]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

'43

Bernard, played "Oriana;" 30, Marietta Ravel, in "The French
Spy," came; Oct. 7, Mortimer Murdoch in "Louis XI." He
remained two weeks, also appearing in " Ruy Bias," "Black Eyed
Susan," "rizarro," and "Sweeney Todd," T. W. Bolas, Master
Martin, and Charles Wright, variety performers, being also
engaged. S. W. Glenn then played for a week in Dutch specialty
dramas, and Kate Fisher followed for two weeks in horse pieces.
On Nov. 1 1 Fanny Morgan Phelps commenced a two weeks' engage-
ment in "An Actress by Daylight," "Susan Hoplcy," and other
dramas. Prof. Eugene Dicbiin, magician, Frank A. Gibbons,
trapeze performer, Nelly Howard, and Annie Gibbons also ap-
peared. On Dec. and James W. Lingard appeared, playing
"Blucskin," and Jenny Adams appeared as Nan in "Good
for Nothing." At his benefit, on the 6th, he was assisted by
Charley White, Sam Sharpley, and others. On the 9th Robert
Johnston appeared in a ngwjdrama, by Thad R C,\nver called
"The Heart ot the Great City," Mr. Johnston as Boyle, a;i idiotic
beggar, and with such success that the piece drew crowded houses
for two weeks. Dick Sands, jig dancer, and John Englcr, skater,
were also among the attractions at this time.

Watts Phillips' drama, "Nobody's Child," was seen for the first
time in America Dec. 23, Ida Leslie making her first appearance;
and the following week Robert Johnston and Nelly Germon played
in "Thfi Rjver Pirates." Wm. Ashcroft, song and dance man. also
appearing. George C Boniface reappeared Jan. 6, 1868, and
Jeveni, the "flying man," was added to the variety corps. Mr.
Boniface remained for two weeks, and was followed by Mr. and
Mrs. Kdwin Blanchard in dog dramas. Master Foley and Hen
i smith, variety artists, were also engaged.
Kdward Eddy commenced Feb. 3, followed on the 10 by Julia
Daly, in " Our American Female Cousin." Mortjpier Murdoch
came the 24. in his own drama. lJ 'I'M Romany," followed by "The
iir.rn Hills o| the Far West."' Kate Fiihei returned March 9,
nchito Ronzani appeared on the tight-rope. Fanny Her-
ring was seen April 6, Geo C. Boniface April 20, and May II; W.
H. Whallcy became the leading man. On 25 "Oliver Twist" was
given, with Whallcy as Fagin, Mardcn as Bill Sykcs, [Ylarston as
Humble, Mrs. W. G. Jones as Nancy Sykes, and Fanny Davenport
as Rose Maylie. Stock pieces were then played until June 8, when
G. C. Boniface, R. Johnston, Nelly Germon, and the company
appeared in a new Irish drama, "The Song of Liberty." Marietta
Ravel 22, supported by E Coleman and P. Connelly. On the 29
Frank Mordaunt and Fanny Herring appeared; July 6 Ella Chap-
man joined, giving banjo solos and dances. Mr. Freligh had his
annual benefit on the roth, and the season closed on the following
evening. A summer season was opened 13, with Butler's Panto-

144 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'«*

mime Troupe, comprising Robert Butler, Tom Vance, Amelia
Wells, Viro Ferrand, Carrie Edgar, Tom Kolas, Sallie Swift,
Billy Reeve, Joe Buckley, C. E. Dobson, Frank Gibbons, and
C. A. Gardiner. To these were added, on the 27th, the Buislcy
Family of gymnasts, and on Aug. 3 R. M. Carroll and sons, jig
dancers. Mr. Whallcy had a benefit on Aug. 2a The season
closed Aug. 22.

For the next season Mr. Freligh made many alterations in the
house. The pit was transformed into a parquet, the second and
third circles enlarged, and the house opened Aug. 31, 1868, with
" Life in the Streets " and the nautical play, " False Colors." W.
H. Whalley, Harry Clifford, C. F. Seabert, J. McCarthy, Sam
Drake, J. H. Bowes, J. J. McCloskcy, Wm. Marden, Mrs. W. (i
Jones, Jenny Clifford, H. Coleman, and Anna Newman wore in
the company. Alex. Fitzgerald appeared Sept. 21 as George
Truchcart, in the play of that name. " The Crimson Shield, or the
Nymphs of the Rainbow," was given Oct. 5, with a ballet under
the direction of John E. McDonough. It enjoyed one month's
run. Boucicault's ".After Dark " bad its first performance in this
city Nov. 2. George Atkins, Alfred Stewart, Master Martin, rod
Tom Bolas were in the cast Jarrctt & Palmer obtained a tem-
porary injunction restraining Mr. Freligh from playing "After
Dark." This was served on Nov. 12, 1868, but was vacatcifon
the following Saturday, and on 16 "-Aflcr__Dark " was again
announced.

"NccL-Scarlet," by J^Fjjster; "Jhe Red Scarf." by August in
Daly: "O'Ncil the Great," and other pieces in which Sallie Par-
tington appeared, were next given. " After D;uk " was again pro-
duced Dec. 7, and Harry Macarthy, Lottie Estelle, and the Butler
Pantomime Troupe appeared. Fanny Herring came 14 in "Alad-
din," and Jan. 4, 1869, J. C. Foster's spectacle, "The Fighting
Brothers of Rome." was presented. On Jan. ti " Blucskin; 18,
"Revolution in Spain;" 25, "Bridge of Notre Dame," "The
Ethiop," and the 30th, "The Lancashire Lass." On Feb. 22
Marietta Zanfrctta appeared in a tight-rope act, and March 8 LC,
Foster's pantomime. "The Seven ," was seen, with Robert

BuTTc"r as the Clown f James Sanford, Harlequin; John Foster,
Pantaloon; J. Burke, Sprite, and Mile. Eugenia Oberti, Colum-
bine, and the Miles. Jovctti, Vidal, and Evalinc Constantine at the
head of the ballet.

"The Fairy Spell" was seen May 3rd, also "The Soapfat Man,"
in which Rachel Dcnvil, Mrs. Holmes, the Misses Cassic Troy
and Collins, and W. H. Whallcy, J. P. Bowers, J. S. Rooney, J.
C Edmonds, Seabert. Kirk, and Archer appeared. Oliver Doud
Byron joined May 10. when "Who's to Win?" and "El Hyder"
were played, and Mr. and Mrs. E. Blancliard, with their dogs,

.970]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

«45

were seen. J. C. Stewart, negro comedian, came 17th. Kate
Fisher appeared 24, and Amy Fitzgerald and Susan Hudson joined
31. Fanny Herring opened in the burlesque of " Ixion " June 7th ;
the Zanfrctta and Caron Troupe 14. Mr. Krcligh had his annual
benefit 18; N. B. Clarke followed 25, and Whalley and the regular
company played in stock pieces until July 12, when Robert rate-
man came in "The Dumb Man of Manchester" and "The Spitals-
ficlds Weavers; " Hawley and Miaco, gymnasts, appeared July 19.
James Smith, pedestrian. Marietta Ravel, and P. E. Connelly
were seen in "The French Spy" Aug. 15. Mr. and Mrs. J. W.
Albaugh then appeared for twelve nights, the season closing Sept.
4, 1869. The house was reopened Sept. 6. Wm. H. Whalley. K.
Mardcn, J. H. Bowers, C. F. Scabcrt, Charles Foster, C. J.
Edmonds, J. J. McCloskey, T. A. Dow, W. H. Crompton, John
C. Walsh, William Murray, S. Charles. H. Atkins, Mrs. W. G.
Jones, Mrs. E. B. Holmes, Mrs. Newman, May Estelle, Bella
Wallace, Anne Newman, E. Blake, Fenton, F. and N. Davenport,
M. Crompton, Little Alice, and Florence were in the com;
"The Scottish Chiefs" was the initial performance On Oct. 4
Leo Hudson appeared for two weeks in horse drama; 18 the
Robert Butler Pantomime Troupe, was seen with Mile. Dc Rosa and
Young Martinctti; and on 25 " Formosa " was produced; Nov. 8,
Watts Phillips' "Not Guilty" was given, and Harry Courtainc,
comic singer, made his first appearance. This gentleman was not
our present Harry Courtaine, but someone who assumed the name.
Edwin Blanchard, with his trained dogs, began an engagement
15th. The Torres Brothers, trapeze performers, arrived 22, and
Edward Firth, comic vocalist, Dec 20. Jim and Poolcy M
English pugilists, appeared Jan. to, 1870, in a sparring act, and a
new pantomime called " Buck, Buck, How Many Horns?" was no-
duccd 17 by the Butler Troupe. Jim Mace took a benefit Fob.
1 1, when John C. Hccnan appeared in conjunction with him in a
sparring act. Mace was presented with a silver belt by Charles
White.

Polly Booth first appeared in America Feb. 14 as Sally Scraggs
in "Sketches in India." Polly Booth became the soubrette of the
company. In March, 1870, she obtained a divorce from Philip
Vanderwcrkcn, and July 31 following she became Mrs. Frank R.
Foster. She died in this city Sept. 7, 1887, after a long and
painful illness.

Kate Fisher was the next star, playing in horse pieces from 28
to March 12. James W. Lingartl had a benefit on 11, and a new
drama, called "The Castle of Lorrcmar," was seen 14. Mile.
Rosetta and George Derious, gymnasts, appeared March 21, and
on 18 Harry Gurr, champion swimmer, M. Scnyah, and the Miles.
Gcraldinc and Bastian, trapczists, and M. Leon Giavclli, with a

146 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»to

troupe of trained dogs, were seen. J. B. Howland and Thos. E.
Jackson were added to the company. The Clodochc troupe of
dancers opened April 11. On 18 "New York in 1840-1870" was
produced. Mile. Lawrence's band of tableau artists appeared 19,
as did Lucy Adams, comic singer. Oliver Doud Byron was the
next attraction. Jem Mace took a benefit June 8. Marion Taylor,
from London, appeared in the burlesque of " Prince Amabel " 27,
and O. B. Collins and Kate Raymond were the next stars, opening
July 4th. A summer season was commenced It, melodrama, farce
and variety performances constituting the programmes. Geo. C.
Davenport, Gus Williams, Viola Howard, and the Lawrence Troupe-
joined Aug. 1. The season closed Aug. 19, but extra perform-
ances were given evenings of 21, 22, 23, for the benefit of W. H.
Whalley, J. H. Bowers, and of the Lingard Memorial Fund.

The season of 1870-71 opened Sept. 3 with the following com-
pany: William Mardcn, George France, J. F. Winter, Charles
tcri I- L-McCloskcy. Maurice B. Pike, T. Barry, P. Connelly,
J. Douglas, W. Forrest, W. Murray, S. France, M. Horlc, N. B.
Clarke, Mrs. W. G. Jones. Polly Booth, Millie Sackctt, Mrs. E.
B. Holmes, Marian Somers. Mrs G. France, Mrs. P. Connelly,
Miss S. Fenton, Henrietta Marke, Clara Douglas, Carrie Lee,
Susan Carroll, Elise Davis, Sarah Martin, and E. T. Stetson. The
opening bill was "Macbeth," with E. T. Stetson as Macbeth,
Mrs. W. G. Jones as Lady Macbeth, William Mardcn as Macduff,
and N. B. Clarke as Banquo. J. J. McCloskey's drama " Daring
Dick" was seen for the first time Sept. 5. On 12 John Murray
made his New York debut as Jotham Hook in "Moll Pitcher, the
!• irtune Idler of Lynn." Mr. Murray appeared 13 as Peter
Probity in "The Chimney Corner," and Pat RjOOMV in "The
Omnibus;" 15. John Smidt in "The Unfortunate Dutchman,
and Robert Brierly in "The Ticket of Leave Man ; " 16, in " Lost
at Sea," with Murray as Jim Smyley ; and for his closing night, 17,
was seen in "Jack Long, or Shot in the Eye," "Solon Shingle,"
and "The punmakcr of Moscow." Sept. 19, McCloskey's drama,
" Rory of the Hills, or Dhoud Dhu," was given for tEe first time.
Sept. 26 came jCharlcs Foster's drama, "New York Burglars, or
Wedded by Moonlight." Marietta Ravel commenced Oct. 3 in
"Jargtinc, 01^ the Pride of the 14th." "The Old Straw Man of
York " "was first acted 10; "Through By Daylight," by JJ.
McCloskey, was seen for the first time 17, with this cast:

Clara Coimtock . Mr*. W. G. Jones

Ceo. Glenroy . - - . E. T. Stetson
Rufus Appleton .... J. Winter

Johnny Geo. France

Fleisman Maurice Pike

Han Bordieswinkle .... Fisher

GUrnroy Cha*. Foster

Van Dunn T BarTy

Mm. Mickey Com'gan . Millie Sackett
Arthur Comstock ... \V. Mardcn

Johnny Geo. France

Archy White .... P. Connelly
Mickey J. McCloskey

••70

THE BOWERY THEATRE

•47

On Oct. 24 Marion Fiske and Moses W. Fiske appeared in
" Little Dick, the New York Boot Black. " Marion Fiske played
Dick; and Moses Fiske. Teddy. " The_Buckle uf Brilliants " was
acted the same night. The burlesque of "The_Grao:l Duch
was seen 28, with Marion and Moses Fiske as the Grand Duel
and Fritz. For Marion's farewell benefit, 29, "The Golden
Fanner," with E. T. Stetson as the Farmer, and George France
as Jemmy Twitcher; "The Grand Duchess," the musical sketch
of "Molly Dear," and " Mosc, or A Glance at N'cw York," were
played.

"Duty, or the Mariner's Compass," by Henry wtt first

acted Oct. 31. "Jiahianjhe Serf " was seen for the~fu Nov.

7. "Far West, or the Bounding Fawn of the Prairies," a new
drama by J. J, fJcCloskev. was first acted 14. There was a lengthy
bill 17, consisting of "The Carpenter of Rouen," K. T. Stetson as
Marteau; "Nick of the Woods," Stetson as Bloody Nathan; and
ise, or a Glance at New York. " " Brian Boroihme," " The N'cw
York Fireman," and "Dick Turpin" were done 19. "The Life
ami Adventures of Vidocq, the Thief Taker of Paris," byN
CI irkcLwas seen 21. " La Tour dc Nesle," " The Forty thieves,"
and " i'hc- PfiHJ uf the Ocean" were given 26, and " Neck ami Neck,
or the Hangman's Noose," was first seen here Nov. 28,
cast:

Walter Wllmarth . . . E. T. Stetson
Jim Johnson .... W. Mardcn

Adolphus M. U. Pike

Peg Polly Booth

Carrol Denman .... J. Winter

Curtis Pumpkin
Simon Pumpkin
Caroline Freeland and

Chas. Foster
Geo. France

Crazy Jenny

Mrs. W. G. Jones

•' Jack Sheppard " was the afterpiece. Between the dramas Frank
Melville sang comic songs, and Bobby Farrell did a song and dance
Harry Seymour's spectacle, " Sunburst, or the O'Ruarc's Bride,'
was seen for the first time Dec. 19. Blanche and Geo. Leopold,
athletes, opened 27. For his benefit, 30, Mr. Stetson acted Hamlet.

Frank Drew made his first appearance in New York since his
tour around the world Jan. 2, 1871, at the matinee, as Jeremiah Clip
in " The Widow's Victim," and in the evening as Count de Brissac
in " Our Wife." Mr. Drew also played Gil in " The Invisible Hus-
band," and Tim O'Brien in " The Irish Emigrants." On Jany. 7th
"John di Procida, or The Sicilian Avenger" was given. " Ould
IreTantTand Young America," Blanche and Geo. Leopold with gym-
nastic performances, " Out _°n a Spree," Chas. Foster as Cotton,
Frank Drew as Bolt, and " The Free Trader." formed the Saturday
night bill. Jan. 9, " The Dog of the Old Toll House, or The Vil-
lage Blacksmith," and, for trie first time in America, was seen " A
Golden Fetter," with Frank Drew as Tom Tit. Edwin Blanchanl's

148 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [»»7«

two act drama, " The Galley Slave, or the Blind Boy and His Dog,"
was seen here, for the first time, nth.

A matinee performance took place 19th, for the George Holland
Testimonial Fund. The programme was : " TJoc. Watch Dog^. or
the Lost Casket," " RjjhsrlJEmjneU." and " TJjfi_Icrnblc Tinker."
Edwin Blanchard, E. T. Stetson, Chas. Foster, Joseph Winter, JTJ.
McCloskey, W. C. Raymond, William B. Murray, M. Oliver, Emma
Wheeler, N. B. Clarke, Mrs. W. G. Jones, Millie Sackett, Polly
Booth, Mrs. E. B. Holmes, Kate France, Mrs. P. Connelly, Mary
Fcnton, Mi9S A. Wheeler, Sidney C. France, William Maiden, Geo.
France, M. B. Pike, P. Connelly, H. Fisher, T. Barry, Laura Page,
Irene Lofty, and Miss H. Mealy appeared.

" Richard III." was played Jan. 24, with E. T. Stetson as Richard,
William Marden as Richmond, Charles Foster as Henry VI., Polly
Booth as Lady Anne, and Mrs. W. G. Jones as the Queen. "See-
Saw," a pantomime by Hernandez Foster, was first produced JantzJ:
"Clown, Hernandez Foster; Harlequin, Frank Foster; Pantaloon,
Jos. M. Sloan ; Columbine, Polly Booth. For Mrs. W. G. Jones'
benefit, Feb. io, the bill was, 'LSccpnd I-ove," " Sec-Saw," and " The
Brigands," with an olio in which Rollin Howard, Charles Sturgcss,
John P. Obcrist, and Calixa Lavallc appeared. J. C. Campbell be-
gan an engagement 13, in McCloskcy's "Pomp, or 'Way Down
South." E. T. Stetson retired from the theatre Feb. 27, and E. R.
Dalton took his place as leading man. Johnny Thompson opened
March 13 in MxCloskey's drama " On Hand, or True to the last "
Johnny Allen made his dramatic debut April 24, in " Schneider, or
Dot Home Von Dgr Rhine." Edmund R. Dalton was seen May 8
as Richelieu ; 9 as Claude Duval ; 10 as William Elwood in "New
rk Burglars ; " 1 1, Jasper Roscbladc in " Waiting for the Verdict-"
John Jones, the treasurer of the house, took a benefit and'offcrcd
"The Soldier's Progress" (for the first time in America), Coleman's
drama, " The Mountaineers," and "Who 's Who? " W. H. Whalley

•ppetred [5>u Leonard Batndoo in Charles Foster's drama, "The
Gold Belt." On Oct. 30th, for N."B7T7lark"e"s benefit, " The Oc-
toroon" was given, with William H. Whalley as Wah-no-tee, and
George France as Salem Scudder. June 1," Green Bushes, 01
Huntress of the Mississippi," with Millie Sackett as Nellie O'Ncil,
Thco. Hamilton as Conner O'Kcnncdy, and George Davenport
as Murtogh. A recitation of " Shamus O'Brien," by Edwin F.
Thorne, " The Female— Barber," and "The Two Buzzards " was the
bill for Millie Sackett's benefit, June 2 "The Jewess," with
Whalley as Eleazer, Junes. "The Wandering Harper and His Dog
Tray " was acted the same night, with Edwin Blanchard in the lead-
ing character. The Irish comedian, James Maguire, made his debut
here 19, in " Over the Falls, or a Leap for Life." Jennie Morton
appeared 26 in a new play called " I.ovc." Brougham's burlesque,

" Pocahontas " was given 30th, with Millie Sackett as Captain John
Smith, and Jennie Morton as Pocahontas. "Cool as a Cucumber"
and " The Irish Tutor " were also given, with Thomas L. Donnelly as
Dr. OToolc. The Hernandez Foster Pantomime Co. commenced July
10 in " llumpty Dumpty." Hernandez Foster was Clown, Jos.
M. Sloan Pantaloon, Frank Foster Harlequin, and Nellie Wall
Columbine.

W. B. Freligh took a benefit July 14th, when this liberal bill
was presented: " Lord Barnc Castle," with Thos. Grattan Riggs as
Lord Harnc; the thlrJact of^ttamlct,'" J. B. Studlcy as the Dane;
J. Winter, King; Chas. Foster, Polonius; N. B. Clark, Ghost;
Mrs. E. B. Holmes, Queen; Mrs. W. G. Jones, Ophelia: Dutch
songs by Tom Bolas. followed by "The Fighting Yankee." E. W.
Marston as Elam Pancake, and Harry Cunningham as Capt. Oak-
ley; the first act of "P_ojnp." J- C. Campbell as Pomp, Mrs. W. G.
Jones as Attakkapas Sue; double song and dance by Lord and
Waldron ; after which came " Robert Macairc," Geo. C. Boniface,
as Robert Macairc, and Chas. H. Morton as Jacques Strop;
and also the second act of " Humpty Dumpty." The summer
season began July 17, when the Hernandez Foster Troupe, Tom
Bolas with Dutch songs, and Edwin Blanchard in "The White
■Sl-ive/fl Revenge " were given. "The Dumb Man of Manchester,
with Edwin' Blanchard as Tom; " Xhfi_toachers ; " John Clark
with clog dance, and Tom Bolas in Dutch songs were given for
Mr. Blanchard"* benefit 21. "Through by Daylight," by I. I. Mc_-
Closkey, its first performance, 24, when Jamcs M- Ward appeared
in the leading part. "Bertha, the Sewing Machine Girl," a
dramatization by Charles Foster of a JVew York Weekly story, had
its first performance Aug. 7. The afterpiece was "The Jolly
Cobbler," with Geo. France as Chris. The play did a large busi-
ness for two weeks, and was followed Aug. 21 by Thomas G.
Riggs, in 1 i : l 1 irama, "Shin Fane, or The Sham-

I'ireenT" This closed the summer season.

The fall and winter season opened Aug. 28, 1871, when G.
Swainc Buckley, the old minstrel performer, made bis d£but on
the dramatic stage in "On the Track." Mr. Buckley continued
two weeks. D. L. Morris, the Dutch comedian, came 25 in Shan-
non and McLean's "Dollaxa." Kate Fisher opened Oct. 2 in
"Mazeppa." On Oct." 5th "The Cataract of the Ganges, or the
Rajah's Daughter." was given, with Kate Fisher as Zamine. On
6 "The Three Fast Men, or New York by Daylight and Gas-
light" was seen. Kate Fisher closed 7 with "The French Spy,"
on horseback, and "Jack Shcppard," also on horseback. J. B.
Studlcy was seen 9 in "The Dream of Destiny." "El Hydcr"
was done 1 ith ; " Money an3 Misery " and " The Irish Outlaw,' 12th.
For Mr. Studley's benefit, 13, "William Tell," Studley in the title

150 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [«»7*

rfile; the female minstrel scene in "X_he_Ihree Fast Men," and
" The Rag Picker of Paris," with Studley as the Chiffonier, " Nick
and "The Gamecock of the Wilderness." Joseph
"Murphy came 14th in Fred GJiagder's play, " Help; " 16, a matinee
benefit was given in aid of the sufferers by the Chicago fire;
Lucille Western, James A. J^cme, W. H. Whallcy, and the com-
pany appeared. For Mr. Murphy^s benefit. 27. " The Robbers of the
Jtisatb," "Larry Hoolagan," the concert scene from *7Hclp," the
farce, "Joe, or the Nigger Busybody," with Murphy as Joe,
the Nigger. Charlotte Stanley opened Oct. 30, in Stanley Mc-
K_enna's drama, "Cj-imc," acted for the first time here. A benefit
was given Nov. 3 in aid of the Industrial School attached to the
St. James R. C. Church. The entertainment consisted of Nj_B-
"Tlarke's Irish drama. "The Irishman's Home, or the Dark Days of
tnc Green _Isje" Then followed an olio: Peter Cannon in Irish
songs, Tommy Sully'i Ethiopian sketch, Hoghej Dougherty with
a stump speech, Frank Kerns and Johnny Queen with song and
dance, Sam Dcverc, banjo solo, James Clarke, Irish song and
dance, and Larry Toolcy, with Dutch songs. The performance
concluded with "Cavaliers and Roundheads."

"Searching the Depths " was presented here for the first time by

Lewfi St.: 35 10 Bee 4th. Fear the fint and hist time, "A Terrible
Temptation " was given. It was a dramatization by ^Tw. M id-
dlcton ofCharles Reade's story of the same name. " The
Aggress, or the Horrors of War," first saw the light Dec. 7. Lucy
Rushtorr appeared 11 in ,J Red Hands," then acted for the first time
in this city. Agnes was played by Little Lillie Sackctt — her
first appearance on the stage. Dick Ralph, who had left the min-
strel stage, made his d6but 18 in "Fate, or the New York_NejKS-
boy. " Kate Fisher commenced another six nights' engagement at
the Christmas matinee in " Life for Life. " "Dick Turpin," "Joan
re." and " A Christmas Spree" was the matinee bill; ariofor
the evening " Maze] 1 •' Cmlc Breerely." Jan. t, 1872,

Charles Petrie made his New York debut in a drama written for
him by J. W. Mcath, entitled " Pcdestin, or Cute the Reliable"
Kate Raymond (Mrs. O. B. Collins) opened here Jan. & in a drama
by Thad^ W. Meighan. called " Jhc Waifs of New York. " For her
bencht, J9, " JaclTSneppard " was added to the bill, and O. B.
Collins appeared as Blueskin to the b/ti/ficiairt s Jack. G. Swaine
Buckley reappeared Jan. 22 in "_Zjp " James M. Ward began
igement 29, in " Through. Jjy Daylight." Feb. 1 he
played Badger in "The Streets of New York, ' and for his benefit,
Zt gave, for the first time in this city, 'Xlajfcna-Gael, or The
Outlaw of "98," and acted William in "Black Eyed" Susan."

Kate and Susan Dcnin, after an extended Australian tour,
appeared here Feb. 5 in the romantic drama, "Will Hatley, or

•«7»D

THE BOWERY THEATRE

>5>

Faithful to the Last. " Emily Young was specially engaged for the
role oT'Avefiir "At the matinee Feb. 10, for their benefit, "East
IcXjjne" was played. Master Percy Roselle began an engagement
Feb. 12 in "The Boy Detective." J. B. Studley returned 19th
in "Hujlalo-Bill" After the piece had run four weeks with Mr.
Studley as the her.,, Wm. ft Whalley tUCCecdcd him March [ft
"Ten Nights in a Bar-room," with Whalley as Joe Morgan, came
March 20. "Out of the Fire," by W. S- Higgins. was seen April
1. "The Beautiful Shocbindcr ofl. New York in 1850,"

by P. Connelly and E. Barry, was first done here 8 when E. W.
Marston made his first appearance as Billy Wiggins. Sunday
evening, 7, was the first "sacred concert," with full orchestra of
the R. Rosinsky's Vaudeville and Operatic Troupe. The bill
was: "The Love Drink," an opera in one act; the two-act farce,
Porter," and the one act vaudeville, "Singing
Birds." These concerts had previously been given on Sunday-
evenings at the Stadt Theatre, on the other side of the Bowery.
Lost Life" was first presented here April 22. Lizzie Safford
(Mrs. Dan Myron) began here May 6, in " Woodleigh." Albert
W. Aiken appeared 13, in his own play, "The Witches of New
Y'irk - " Fanny Herring was seen 20th, in " The Female Detective."
and "Jaajah_Xibbs." a new farce, was also done, with E. W.
Marston, E. Barry, Charles Foster, Millie Sackett, and Miss
Oliver in the cast. " Dodgjng for a Wife," "The Floating Beacon,"
and "The P'rench -Spy"** were given May 21st. Charles Foster
took a benefit 22, in "liertha, the Sewing Machine Girl " and
"The Old Straw Man of :k." On -•;, J. P. Winter had a

benefit, and the bill was "The Ticket of Leave Man" and " Dcr
Froyschutz." For Mrs. W. G. Jones' benefit, 24, " HcapingCoals
of£ire" and "Unlucky Friday" were played. On 25 Fanny
Herring played "Lysi.ih. the Abandoned " for the matinee, and her
engagement closed that evening, when she played Sally Scraggs
in "Stage Struck," Jack Sheppard and Sloppy Sam in the drama
of that name "California, or the Heathen Chinee," by J. tj.
Warwick, was first seen here May 27, with O. B. Collins as Long
Tom, ~C. Warwick as the Chinaman, Emma Wheeler as Nop-
King, and Nellie Davenport as Pecn-Sing. " The JJwamp Angels,"
by Charles Foster, was first acted June 10. For John Jones the
treasurer's benefit, 19, "The Swamp Angels," "Othello," and "The
Pride of the Ocean " were given. On June 28, Millie Sackett
took a benefit and played Topsy in "Uncle Tom's Cabin,"
to the Geo. Harris of Wm. Whalley, and Matilda J. Chummy to
LcffingwcU's Romeo, Jafficr Jenkins in "Too Much for Good
Nature" "The Rogues of New York, or the Rival Cousins," was
presented here for the first time July 8.

W. B. Freligh took a benefit 11, when the programme was: fifth

152 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1*71

act of "Richard III.;" Dan Waldron in a song and dance; "The

n.Nh Moinion/'wi'.h Hurry Bid M:irii'i: M;u-;iilr.\ at Brian O' Lynn
and Sheelah ; Alice and Flora Newman, Highland Fling; Charles
Foster's "Actors on a Strike," in which Mr. Frcligh made his first
appearance on any stage as the Manager. M. B. Pike and John
C. Walsh then sang the duet of "The Two Gendarmes;" Charles
Lord danced a jig, and was followed by the trial scene from "The
Merchant of Venice," with Alfred Ayres as Shylock, O. B. Collins
as Antonio, and Effie Johns as Portia. The bill concluded with
" rhe Irish EmigranjL" J. Z. Little began bii Brat engagement
at this theatre 15, in "Woman's Will," Chas. F. Seabert making
his first appearance as Devereux Power, "potty Gooft " (Gus
Phillips) appeared July 22, in " Yacup." In addition up,"

"The Rival Dutchmen" was acted, with Geo. W. Thompson as
Jacob Wamshcll and "Oofty Gooft " as Diedrich Bimmelbcck.

Wash Norton, the minstrel performer, having returned to this
city after an absence of six years (during which time he made a tour
(if the world), appeared on the dramatic stage Aug. 5 in the drama
bv Harry Gwypette. entitled "F.rom Abroad." Harry Gwynette,
Fannie Bland, Julia Bland, and Wash Norton were in the cast
Fannie and Julia Bland were the grand-daughters of Mrs. Glover,
the famous English actress. Aug. 12, Fred Maeder's dramatiza-
tion of E. Z. C. Judson's (Ned Buntline) story. "Hazel Eve
the Girl Trapper," was first seen, with Fanny Herring as Hazel

Fy<--, w. I. Street (his first appearance hen.) as Cak Dnrg, Thomas

J. Martin (first appearance here) as Capt. Robert Norcross, and
Harry Gale (first appearance here) as Rupert Norcross. "The
Polish Jew, or the Bells," was Brat played here 19, with J. B.
Studley as Mathias. T. G. Riggs reappeared 26 with his "Shin
Jane. " Yankee Locke opened Sept. 2 in Fred Marsdcn's "The
Hush Rangers." Yankee Locke remained two weeks, and for
hi:- second week he played "Trumps."

The fall and winter season of 1872-3 commenced Sept. 16.
The company consisted of Wm. Marden, W. L. Street. Thos. J.
Martin, E. Vv. Marston, Geo. France, John Weaver, Harry Holmes,
Chas. Manley, Lew R. Willard, B. Hamilton, Thos. Graham,
Harry Gale, W. Murray, Jerome Stansil, Mrs. W. G. Jones, Made-
lame Hardy, Polly Booth, Mrs. R. G. France, Annie Mortimer,
Miss E Oliver, Emma Wheeler, Miss E. Glcnwood, Bella Adams,
Ada St. Clair, Theresa St. Clair, Ida Fricdcnburg, R. Percy, W.
Horle, Charles Foster, stage manager: John C. Walsh, prompter
and assistant stage manager; Benj. J. Dean, leader of the orchestra.
".The Death Trap, or a Cat's Paw" and the comedy "The Ser-
ig^ formt'i! the first bill. Zoe, styling herself
"The Cuban Sylph," appeared 23 in "The French Spy," supported
by S. C. France (his first appearance) as Mahommcd. " Flowers

:*73j

THE BOWERY THEATRE

>53

of the Forest " 26, with Zoe as Cynthia, and 28 she played Myrtilio
in " The Broken Sword " and Esmeralda in the drama of that name.
J. H. O'Ncil, Maggie Dclmar, Annie Delmar, Little Delmar, and
L. W. Harlcigh appeared Sept. 30, in " Eph, or Hcforc the Amend-
ment." Mr. O'Ncil danced the "Quintessence of Old Virginia,"
amThis song and dance. " Ginger Blur ' j 1 ; ro " was acted
Oct. 7. with C. Harry Frank in the title rdlc. The next star
Ed. P. Wilks, who opened 21 in "Breakers, or a Summer at Cape
May." On 26 Russell and Emil Girard appeared in their dancing
act ".Auramauia," Johanna Pritchard's drama, was first acted
here 28, with Miss Pritchard as Evangeline.

Neil Warner and Grace Rawlinson began an engagement Nov.
4. in "A New Way to Pay Old Debts," with Warner as Sir Giles
Overreach, and Grace Rawlinson as Margaret Overreach. On 6
they appeared in "Macbeth;" 7. "The Corsican Brothers" and
"The Honeymoon," Warner as the Twins and Duke Aranza, Grace
Rawlinson as Juliana; 8, Warner as Claude Mclnottc in "The Lady
of Lyons," and Sir Edward Mortimer in "The Iron Chest;" 9,
"Richard III.," Warner as Richard, and Grace Rawlinson as
Lady Anne. "Counterfeit " was seen here Nov. 1 1, with the first
appearance of Spencer Pritchard as Geo. Hilton and Harry Amlar
as Peter G. Washington Green. J. Holmes Grovcr appeared 18 in
'JJ;_a_lJ." "The Lottery of Life" was given for the first time
here DecT 2, with this cast :

Terry Win. Marden

Mwdic Solomon* Allcroft W. I_ Street

Sir Wilton Oil*. Foster

Robert T. J. Martin

Coal Oil Tommy . ■ • Geo. France
Dodger Chaa. Manlcy

Rob Mawley . . . E. W. Maraton
Emily Summers . . Mrs. R. C. Jonea
Mis* Tartar . . Mrs- W. C. France

Mary Anna Mortimer

Polly Madelaine Hardy

In the concert saloon scene: Susie Goodwin, with songs and
dances, Charles Lord, in songs and dances, and Prof. Hounc, one-
legged tight-ropc walker, were seen. Kate Fisher appeared 23 as
Heme the Hunter. Wm. R. Derr made his first appearance here
in eight years 25, as Putnam in the drama of that name. On 28
"-MikS-Martin, the Terror oTthe Highways" was given, with Kate
Fisher as Lighttoot. "The Swamp Angels," by Charles Foster,
was seen here 3a Mrs. W. G. Jones played Madge Tn TJ7Tfnc"
Jan. 6, 1873.

"The Twelve Temptations, or the Lost Soul," by Joseph C.
Foster, was first played 13, and the following is a portion of the
cast:

L'rlic I. B. Studley I Gnomdob H. Holme*

Rodolph W. H. Meeker Jancttc .... Mrs. W. C. Jonea

Eblii T. Hamilton Niocellc Polly Booth

Kalig Chaa. Manlev Prince** Odyle . . Mi** E. Oliver

154 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1873

Prof. Rosinsky acted John Schmitt in "The Dutchman's
Trouble*." 12, 13; the pantomime "Will o' the Wisp" was done
Feb. 17th. wiili Abbott as Clown, J. M. Freeman as Pantaloon, Ed.
Valardias as Harlequin, and Mile. P. Barretta as Columbine. G. W.
Jester, ventriloquist, surnameJ " The Man with the Talking Hand,"
also appeared. James Robertson made his first appearance here,
as the hero in "_Mje_hacl Eric. 01 liac Lover," March 14th.

" Destiny," a new drama by .Barrett. Sylvester, was seen 17, also
an Irish comedy, ^nd the Holdings appeared in a musical sketch
called "The Emerald Isle." "Hamlet" was played 19 for the
benefit c-T Win. Marden, when C. V. Lyons made his first appearance
on any stage as Hamlet ;" Jack Harkaway," came 24 with Hernandez
Foster as Monday. Frank A. Gibbons, trapezist, commenced here
31. "The Rebel's Last Shot," by C'liarlc* Foster, was seen for the
first time April 7. " Jack Sheppard." 12: Pol fy Booth played Jack
in the first act ; Mrs. W. G. Jones was Jack in the second act, and
William Marden played the rdle in the third act. W. H. Meeker
was the Jonathan Wild and E. W. Marston, Blucskin.

"Obliging a Friend" was offered for the first time in America
14, on which date E. T. Stetson returned in "The Fastest Boy in
New York." Charles .Foster's dramatization of "A Bad Lot" was
. ■ 1 t . • . 1 21. "WTld Cat Ned" was a dramatization from The New
York Weekly's story, by Barrett Sylvester, and first acted 23.
"Held ill Cheek," b^^jjfaryjyktftoji, wax ttrxt seen May 5, with J.
H. O'Neil as Comcy Dugan. and Jake Berry appeared 12

in " Rip Van Winkle," Mr. Berry playing Rip, and Belle Berry,
Minnie. On 16, for the benefit of the officers, doorkeepers, and
ushers, the Bcrrys appeared in a musical act, Alice Bennett sang
a ballad, the Eighth Regiment Drum Corps appeared, and the
dramas played were " The Soldier's Progress " and "The Miller
and His Men." Mr. Berry is now known aTj. S. Berger. "Cuba
r O'Kelly's Mission," by HanxJagyrnour, was done 19.
ft was founded on events enacted in Cuba, and Hie adventures of
J. J. O' Kelly, The New York Herald's correspondent. "The Boy
Burglar," by Sjanley McKenna, was seen for the first time 26th.

The benefit of FreTigh occurred May 30, and the pro-

gramme was: "Uncle Tom's Cabin," Laura Alberta as Topsy,
Chas. Foster as Uncle Tom, Susie Goodwin as Eva, Geo. France
as Marks, and "The Boy Burglar." James M.Ward was seen June
2 in ''Tl^WinriinEHanoV™ The contortionist, Young America,
appeared between the pieces. James J. Bartlett first appeared
here 9 in ".Sun and Shadow;" it, 12, in "The DeviTsCrag;" 13,
as Captain SwyndTeton WTIde in " Hazard "and Hugh De Brass in
"A Regular Fix." "Uanna, the Working Girl," was first played
16, when J. H. Rowe, his first appearance, played Alvin Dumont.
Ala, the European gymnast, appeared for the first time in this

■ma

THE BOWERY THEATRE

'55

city 16, in his feat of bounding into space from the stage to the
trapeze, a distance of thirty-five feet.

I .aura Alberta and G. W. Harrison, father and daughter, began
an engagement 23 in "Out at Sea." Charles Foster's benefit took
place 26th, with "The Death Trap," Foster acting De Plarkcn,
Tilly Malvern, daughter of Chas. Foster, made her first appearance
as Gertrude, and Chas. F. Seabert as the Baron. Jake Smith did
a bone solo, and Chas. S. Newton's drama "Out at Sea" was
given. "Wedded, Y< ife, was another of tkt New Voii

Wtekly stories, dramatized and acted for the first time 30. For
George France's , July 2. Harry Clifford played Sam

Shoclcaf in " The Man with the Whjte [. Sandbrook sang a

ballad, song and dance by Bobby Newcomb; Chas. E. Dobson,
banjo solo, and the comic drama " Sloppy Sam." "Jack and the
Beanstalk" was first given here 7, with Hernandez Foster as the
Clown. The pantomime of "The? Magir Trumpet " t8, J. C.
Franklin and Geo. Murray, Nellie Wall and Hernandez Foster as
the pantomime four. John Pendy gave his imitations of the
London Comique; the Girards, Russell, Julicn, and Emil,
appeared in their eccentric dancing. Little Frankic did a serio-
comic song, and Master Cawthornc gave his German eccentricities.
Marius Turck made his di-but here 21, as Bob Flash in J£lgd
Maeder'sjlrama. "Lightning Bob." J. P. Winter made his first
appearance this season as Graham Vanstone, J. Sambrook (his first
appearance) as Charley Mason, D. Kelly (first appearance) as Mat
Radley, and J. Mason (first appearance) as Superintendent, and
W. A. Gregston acted Manchester Bill, all in the same play. On
31 "Tht- Idjot's Revenge, or the Millionaire's Daughter," was
given, with Will C. Burton as Sancho, and Minnie Rainforth
as Susan Gaylove. "The Cigar Girl of Cuba," hy ^<\m Hemple.
was produced for the first time here on Aug. 4, with Hemple as
Seth Swap. Bobby Ncwcomb's specialty company commenced
11 : Billy West, banjo; James Cronin, jig dancer; Harry D. Mann,
character artist ; G. K. Fortescue, burlesque comedian ; Smith and
Waldron, Adolph Kemp, gymnast ; Lulu Delmay, John Morris,
change artist, and Bobby Newcornb were in the company.
A spectacular extravaganza, entitled "Mazeppa," was seen 15,
when Helene Smith was the Mazeppa; Marie Le Brun, Olinska;
and G. K. Fortescue, Zemila. Geo. C. Charles opened in "The
Skeleton Hand" 18, and Sig. Canita made his first appearance at
this theatre in fifteen scars as the Monkey in "The Monkey Hoy."

Buffalo Bill (Wtn. P. Cody) commenced an engagement Aug. 25
I red G. Mackr's play, "Buffalo Bill," with this cast:

Huflalo Bill By Himself

Texas Jack . .

Col. Jake McKandlass W. H. Gregston

Mrs Fielding .
Lillie Fielding .
M.ili-no-tci-

Mrs. R. G. France

Mrs. W. G Jones

Emma Wheeler

156 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE c<»»

The next star was George France, in ".Marked forXife." Sept. 8.
The fall and winter season opened Sept. 22, 1873, Ettic
Henderson appearing in "_Li_ltlcJ5unshine, " preceded by a farce
called "Curiosity." The stock company was as follows: Joseph
P. Winter, Chas. Foster, George Archer, E. W. Marston, John
Ferris, P. C. Connelly, J. L. Mason, J. Sambrook, Jake Berry,
Thomas Graham, W. A. Gregston, George Hamilton, William
Murray, George Semblar, E. Howard, J. Stansil, Mrs. W. G.
Jones, Mrs. R. G. France, Mrs. P. C. Connelly, Polly Booth,
Belle Berry, Nellie Meeker, Til lie Malvern, Phoebe Malvern (daugh-
ters of Chas. Foster), Grey, Walker, Annie Norrie, Allie St. Clair
and E. Wilmott. HarryJigymour, stage manager; Charles Foster,
dramatiati and B. J. Deanc (husband of Mrs. W. G. Jones), musi-
cal director.

On the 29 "Life, its Morn and Sunset," was played for the
first time, preceded by "Fritz's Perplexities," and was acted until
Oct. 3, when it was much abridged, and, with "The Jewess," was
performed the rest of the week. Mile. Zoe came 6th and 7th in
"Hans Snyder;" Nitaf""The French Spy," and "The Flying
DillcJiinaiO' 8, 9; " Burjcd_AJive," "NoJreJ}ame," "and "'lTic
Broken Sword," 10; "The Irish Emigrai it," "The French Spy," and
"Jack Shcppard " it. On the 13th, E. T. Stetson appeared in
"Macbeth," "Richelieu" 14, "The Robbers" 15, "Othello" 16,
"Hamlet" 17, "Richard III." 18. " Irish_Loyc " commenced the
performances until Saturday, when it gave place to "The Bear
Hunters." John and Maggie Fielding appeared 27 in Chas.
Foster's drama. "The Turf Digger's Doom." It was preceded
until Thursday by ".Snaer Snaps," which gave place to "Black-
Eyed Susan," and on Friday and Saturday to "Notre Dame."
" Washed Ashoxc" 27 and 28, preceded by "A Kiss in the Dark."
Trie Fielding* continued their engagement, appearing between
the pieces in the musical sketches. 29, 30, 31, " Susan Hoplcy "
and 'jSaJan " " The Blacksmith of Antwerp " and " Captain Spruce
the Highwayman" were given Nov. t. "Daniel Boone was
produced 3, preceded by "The German Donation." On the JO
Goshen, the giant, began in ,rThe Giant's Causeway " for one week.
Up to Saturday "Daniel was acted with" it, and then " Nick

of the Woods." "A G New York," and " Der Freyschutz "

wen performed. On the 17 Kate Raymond (Mrs. O. B. Collins)
began in "-Ojir^CJiy, " then presented for the first time on any
stage. It was preceded by "Heaven Defend the Right " and sup-
plemented by " Mosc in the Bowery," which bill continued until
Friday; and on that and the following evening "Our City" and
"Jack Shcppard "(on horseback) formed the bill. On the 24th
[se Sylvester began in "Nip," which was preceded by " 1,000
Young Ladies for Cuba. " At the Thanksgiving matinee, 27, " The

"874]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

lS7

Brigands of Spain." " Solon Shingle, " "Toodles," and " Irishman's
Jloroe^" formed the bill, and in the evening, " Katy Did. " German
Donation," and "Irishman's Home," which were repeated 28, and
the two latter pieces were acted with "Scarecrow" 29. "The
Skeleton Hand." in which Louise Sylvester and G. C. Charles
appeared, and the Siegrists continued their performances during
the week. On the 15th Louise Sylvester was seen in "Nan the
Good-for-Nothing " and "Hazel Eve." which ran the week, "The
Fortv Thieves " being added 19, 2a Louise Sylvester ictunud
in "the Pearl of Savoy " 22, " Fanchon " 23, " UucJcJTom's Cabin"
24, all of which were preceded by "A Kiss in the Dark." The
Hernandez Foster Pantomime Troupe began at the Christmas
matinee, 25, when " Mother Goose " was produced, with the Jec
Children and W. Allen in his Indian Box Trick as the incidental
attractions. "The Irish Tutor" preceded the pantomime.

On Jan. 3, 1874, the pantomime was withdrawn. An extra
matinee was given Jan 1. On the 12th Marius Turck began in
"I ightning Rfih," preceded by "Thr Rnhher's-Wifc." 19, Frank
Fraync, Clara Butler, and Little Frankie in "The Scouts of the
Sierra Nevada," which, preceded by "A Pleasant Neighbor," ran
during the week. On the 26th "The Man from America," with J.
J. Wallace in a chief character, and the last act of "The Scouts of
Sierra Nevada" were given, and ran the rest of the week. Feb.
2. Laura Alberta and her father, G. W. Harrison, began in
i, or the Sister's Avenger," which ran during the week,
preceded by "The Siamese Twins" until Saturday, and then sup-
plemented by "The Forty Thieves." On the 6th the house was
sold at private sale to William Kracmcr.

Harry Clifford appeared in " Life and Death," 9 which ran until
the 12, when" Pomp " was revived for the rest of the week. "Lend
Mc Your Lover " began the performance during the week. Louise
Sylvester and S. C. France came the 16th, the former acting in
"Tjy Maid wirh th<- Milking Pail," and the latter in "M^arkedjar
1 ;fff,"_ Between the pieces a variety olio was given by the
Brothers Johanoff, "ceiling walkers;" Dunbar, Donaldson, Sicgrist,
and Antonio, acrobats, and George Dunbar, juggler. A matinee
was given 23, when "A Steamboat Trip to New Jersey," feats
by the Brothers Johanoff and George Dunbar, " Horseshoe Robin-
son," and "TjHnCringle's Log "were performed. In the evening
Louise Sylvester played In ""Sunlight Through the Mist," which
was preceded until Friday evenuigDy feats by the Brothers Johanoff
and George Dunbar, character songs by Ella Wesner, who appeared
on Monday night only, and "A Steamboat Trip to New Jersey."
During the remainder of the week the bill was "Sunlight Through
the Mist," a variety olio, and "The French Spy." E. H. Lay
began on March 2 in "White Hair, or the I.ast of the Modocs," for

158 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE £.874

one week, preceded by "The Swiss Swains," with Louise Sylvester
as Rosctta; Little Delmar in her specialties; Harry Wilcox and
Rudolph Mcttc in acrobatic (eats; and Miles Morris in Irish songs
and dances. " Over the Plains " was produced on the 9th and ran
until the 13th.

On the 16th E. T. Stetson began in Sjaalgy McKcnna's dramas
" Revenge, or the Midnight Mask," then performed for the first
time 1; ran one week, and was |ire:-c<l<-:] by " i lu- Itjscjrf&DJIl
Nigger^" with Charley White in the chief character ;~WiITis^obb's
troupe of performing dogs and a monkey and a goat; "!:.' Mali-
ciousTresiKiss," acted by Charles White, Robert Hill, and Thomas
Graham ; and "The McFadden Family from the Sixth Ward," in
winch R. M. Carroll and his three sons performed. On the
afternoon of the 19th a benefit was given for the poor of the Tenth
Ward, under the direction of Capt. John Ward, when Charles V.
Lyons made his second appearance on any stage, and acted Hamlet
in the first act of that tragedy; A. H. Searles performed a trapeze
act, John Pendy sang character songs, Master Frank danced a jig,
and the drama of " Brian Horoihmc" closed the entertainment. J.
H. Budworth appeared 23 in a variety olio, to which the Carroll
Family. Charley White, and Bob Hall contributed. " Revenge-!'
was performed until the 26, when " Nrrk and Nflfk " was substi-
tuted, and acted the rest of the week. J. B. Studlcy began on the
30 in "TJjfcioTjshJfiW,'' preceded by "The Happy Family," with
Charley White in a chief character; Tom Granger in a song and
dance; Mile. Bertha (Mrs. John Wild) in a Hungarian polka, and
R. M. Carroll and his three sons in "TafiJMcFaddens; " and sup-
plemented by "Life ia the Backwoods," ran the entire week.
Louise Sylvester m the attraction during the week commencing
April 13 in "Xhc _Littlc Detective," preceded by "The Bogus
Indian" and Emmctt & Ripley s Georgia Minstrels, and supple-
mented by "The Red Gnome." Joseph P. Winter received a
benefit 17, and made his last appearance on the 18. J. Z. Little
and Lizzie Campbell began 20, acting during the week in "O'd
Sleuth, the Detective," which was preceded by "A Night in a
Strange Hotel

I". Eddy began an engagement 27, and W. L. Street was added
to the company. "Macbeth" was given 27, "Jean Reroy " 28,
" Metamora " and " Robert Macaire" SO, "The CoiMcan Brothers ""
and "The Broken Sword" 50, all preceded by "The Fellow that
LqokiJJke Me." May 1, "Richard III.," and" 2, "LuTccTlTe
Sorer." On the 7th j! A Lord Joined the company. 7, s. "ui,;
"Phil'* Hi'+hday," "Jenny Lind," the Wilson Brothers' feats, and
"The Flying Dutchman" were given. On the 9th, "WJioDied
"Jenny Lind," the Wilson Brothers, and " QliverTwisT; "
11, Harry Lee joined the company; it, 12, 13, 14, "Nick Whiffles,"

I»74]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

»59

" In and Out of Place," Prof. Fox's imitations of birds .and animals,
and the Wilson Brothers' feats. On the 15th, for the benefit of
Mrs. W. G. Jones, "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady," "The
French Spy." " lonathaiLBradford." "Handsome Jack," Prof. Fox,
tin- Wilson Brothers, Alice Daly, and the Grinnell Children in
their specialties made up the programme. On the 16th, the same
bill was repeated for the benefit of the Wilson Brothers. On the
iSth Millie Sackett, Jenny Wolz, M. B. Pike, and Wash T. Mel-
ville joined the company; 18, 19, 20 "(~'agr Upon the World " and
"Pocahontas" were given; 21, for the benefit of Charles Easter,
vamp Angels," "The Man About Town." acted under the
tftTc of "Tom Collins." a song by Charles Kanollman, the special-
ties of the dflnneirChildren, and " Pocahontas " formed the bill.
On the 22nd, for the benefit of E. W. Marston, Harry Cunningham,
George France, and Tom Bolas volunteered; "Xaukfie Jack," the
minstrel scene from " The Three Fast Men," "Solon Shingle," and
" Pocahontas " composed" the programme.

Charles Foster retired from the stage management, giving place
to J. A Lord. G. W. Middleton began an engagement 25, acting
in "JJridJnthc Bone," in which F. J. Post made his first appear-
ance. The dramTwas preceded by the sketch of " The McFaddens, "
by the Carrolls, and "Naval Engagements," in which Mis. Sylves-
ter Post made her first appearance. June 1 Louie Lord made her
metropolitan debut, acting in "Lady Audlcy's Secret," which was
preceded by the Carroll Family in " H"'^"d on a Bust" and "I
Couldn't Stay Awav." and "The Dutr-fr flr-tnr" in which S. W7
Glenn made his first appearance this season. William B. Frcligh
had a benefit 2, when the performances commenced at 3 km.
and continued without cessation until midnight. The entertain-
ments were as follows: E. Eddy and the stock company performed

" The Irish Lion ; " the Carrolls performed "

IXouidjrVtSUy

and on a Bust; '

Away,"

Ami R. M. Carroll and Little Dick, "Holland on a Bust; ""Frank
Jones and James Roome were seen in " A Bad Man from Texas
Harry Seymour, W. H. Thome, and members of the regular com-
pany in the last act of "Richard III. ;" Billy Pastor sang comic
songs; Frank Jones gave his specialty of "The LivelvMoki-. "
playing upon a number of musical instruments; Clark ancTEdwards
gave Dutch songs and dances; A. W. Mafflin did a spade dance;
Saidee O'Neill, a straight jig; J. C. Walsh and W. L Street sang
"Larboard Watch;" Ari Holston gave his lightning change act;
Charley White appeared in an Etjhjopian sketch; Rogers and
Whitney gave songs and dances; James Roome, Charles Lord, C.
F. Seabcrt, Harry Richardson, and Mclinda Naglc played the
sketch of "Americans in Paris;" Marion Requa sang ballads; the
Gorman Brothers danced a double jig; Prof. Fox gave his imita-
tions of birds and animals; Parker and Fagin were seen in a double

160 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [j»74

jig; Win. Marden, J. C. Walsh, Louise Sylvester, and members of
the stock company gave "My Fellow Clerk;" Marius Turck, sup-
ported by the regular company, played the fourth act of " Enoch
Ardeq; " the Carroll* gave "The McFaddfins;" Kynock and~
"Smith, skating specialties; Prof. Warie Allen, in his magical
trick called "Chained to the Cross;" Ari Holston and others per-
formed " KnfPVg'nff a Vnr!MiSr : " S. W. Glenn and the stock, "The
Dutch. _AjCtor;" Thos. W. Kccnc, K. W. Marston, and others
were seen in "Robert Macaire," and Louie Lord and the company
in " Lady Audley's Secret. " The season closed June 6th, 1874.

Mrs. Mary Shaw, fourth wife of Thomas S. Hamblin, died in
this city July 4, 1873, at her residence, 146 West Twenty-fourth
Street. Her maiden name was Eliza Mary Anne Trewar. She
was born in Cornwall, Kng., in 1817. While almost a child she
was married to a doctor of the name of Shaw. She arrived in this
country in 1835, and her American debut was made at the St.
Charles Theatre, New Orleans, as a star, under Mr. Caldwell's
management She first appeared at the Park Theatre, this city,
July 25, 1836. After a brief stay there she became a member of
the Bowery Theatre company, under Thomas Hamblin's manage-
ment. She obtained a divorce from Dr. Shaw, still retaining his
name, as by that she was best known to the public. For over
twenty-five years Mrs. Shaw was the idol of the playgoers of New
York. She was the original heroine in this country in most of the
great plays that had been written during that century, among which
maybe enumerated "Evadnc," Constance in "The Love Chase"
(notwithstanding the fact that Mrs. Jean Davenport Lander claims
to have been the original representative of that r61e in America),
the Countess in "Love," and all the heroines of the great dramas
which sustained the reputation of the Old Bowery through a series
of years, despite national financial disaster and the fierce visita-
tions of the fire fiend. As the blind flower girl in "TheJLast
Days of Pompeii," Albert in "William Tell," the heroines of
" Rienzi " and " Eugene Aram," and in the whole round of Shakes-
poarian characters, among which she stood beyond all riw.ls.
might be enumerated Queen Kathcrinc in " Henry VIII.," Imogen
in "Cymbeline," Rosalind in*' As You Like it," Lady Macbeth,
Viola in "The Twelfth Night." and Beatrice in "Much Ado About
Nothing;" to which may be added, as laurels in her chaplet of
dramatic triumph, Lord Byron's Sardanapalus and Margaret
Elmore in "Love's Sacrifice," and last, though not least, her
grand rendering of Talfourd's Ion, which, under her treatment,
became a classic of the English stage. For distinct articulation
and clear, bell-like elocution, Mrs. Shaw was the model. Her
face, from a front view, presented almost a perfect oval ; the eyes
large, dark, and capable of every expression, from languishing

«»74]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

l6l

endearment to fiercest hate, defiance, and withering scorn. When
to all these gifts was added a voice like the music of silver bells,
and modulated "from the lowest note to the top of the compass,"
we have a combination of gifts and acquirements seldom concen-
trated in one individual. Mrs. Shaw left three daughters, —
Edith, Ada, and Constance. The last-mentioned lady is acknowl-
edged to be one of the cleverest Shakespearian actresses in the
profession. She was named after her mother's favorite character
— Constance, in "The Love Chase."

"The Seven Dwarfs " was a pantomime done June 8, 1874- Kate
Fisher commenced June 29 in " Mazeppa" for three nights. She
appeared July 2 in "The Cataract of the GttBgM ; " July 3, for her
benefit, "The Three Fffi Men" and other entertainments were
given : July 4, in " The Cataract of the Ganges " for the matinee,
and " Putnam " the night of July 4. Kor the week of July 6 there
was a dramatic and variety entertainment. George Darrcll opened
here July 13 in "Trump Cards; " July 20 "Bertha, the Sewing
Machine Girl" and-" Robert Macaire formed the bill; July 27
" Wal]acct_xhe Hero of Scotland " was seen.

The season closed August 1 and reopened Aug. 22, with
" Rosina Meadows," "The Wreck Ashore," and "Rear Hunter."
Marietta Ravel began here Aug. 31 in "The French Spy." W. H.
Fayette played the same'night in " Tracked jo Death, or The Boy
AvcngCl," Sept. 7 the drama " Passion's Pcrjia " was given, and
Joignerg and William Dclavc, gymnasts, were seen. On Sept. 14
Mile. Sanyeah came in "Mazcppa;" Sept. 21 W. G. Cogswell
played Macbeth; Sept. 28 Louise Sylvester was seen in "Jjjp;"
for her benefit, Oct. 2, she acted in "Sunbeam" and " Aunt Char-

in " Hand and. Glove "

lottc's Maid." C P>. Bishop opened Oct
and " Wanted, One 1 is. "

Donald McKay, with his Warm Spring Indians, appeared in
"Kit Carson " Oct. 12, and gave "The Broken Sword" Oct. 19;
Billy Edward's, Arthur Chambers, Homer Lane, and Mr. McMahon,
pugilists, were seen in "Just in Time, or Lite in .New York," also
"Raymond and Agnes" Oct. 26; Wm. Cody, in "Buffalo Bill,"
came Nov. 2; William A. Mcstaycr Nov. 9 in "Hoodlum, 'or Life
in San Francisco;" Fanny Herring came Nov. 16 in "The
of the West," also "The Flying Dutchman;" Charlotte" Stanley
came Nov. 23 in " Crimes and Mysteries of Paris; " Jenny Morton
Nov. 30, in " Idlcg«d." also c night Donald McKay with

his Indians, in the burlesque of " Pocahontas ; " J. J. McCloskcy
came Dec 7 in " Smoke. " and Maude Gray fn her sensatiorP'The
St»tjM "• the Period " Louise Sylvester was Men DOC 14. in "The
Pearl of Savoy;" Dec. 21 J. B. Studley came in "Wandering
Steeiiie." also Fred Percy's drama " To the Death ; " Dec. 28, the
pantomime " The Three~"Dwarfs " and " Wajting for the Verdict."

1 62 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««7«

Jan. 4, 1875, Frank Jones in " TJic Blark, Hand : " Jan. 1 1, Mari-
etta Ravel in " The French Spy, and J. B. Studley in "iiuLoao i "
E. T. Stetson Jan. 18 in " Qjaiiccs ; " S. C. France Jan. 25 in
" fclarJceiUar Life;" J. B. Studley Feb. 1 in "R_o£ues of New
York;" "Blood Stained Hand" Feb. 8; A. H. Sheldon Feb. 15,
Wealth and Crime;" Marie Zoe Feb. 22 in " Angel oLMidnighL; "
and John Allen March 1 in "Schneider." Sophie Miles came
March 8 as Marie Stuart, also the Japanese performers Satsuma
and Little All Right; Milton Nobles appeared March 20 as Jim
Bludsoc; March 22, " Adventures of Vidocq; " March 29, "Around
thr Wnr]f[ in 80 Days." adapted Trom Jules Verne's story of that
name by l'illetl and J. Connelly. Edwin F. Thome acted John
Archibald, and E. W. Marsfon, Mrs. W. G. Jones, Millie Sackett,
and Saidee Montgomery were in the Cttt

A matinee performance was given April 29 for the benefit of the
family of Dan Bryant. The programme was:

Mrs. Foster Mrs. Barry

Jenny Foster . . Mm. \V. CI. Jones
Bessie Bluebell . . . Millie Sackett

THE SNOW BIRD

Hen ....... W. J. Fleming

SternhoM Neil Gray

Sloppy Sam ... E. W. Mansion

Followed by a scene from

THE WIFE, OR A TALE OF MANTUA.

Julian St. Pierre . . . . F. Bcatty | Ferrado J. B. Browne

After which, the pantomime of

ROBERT MACAIRE.

The next manager was W. A. Robbins, who gave the house a
complete overhauling, and the opening occurred Aug. 28, 1875,
with Jas. W. Meath as business manager and Milnes Levick stage
manager. After the overture the company sang "The Star
Spangled Banner." This was followed by "The Lady of Lyons,"
with the following cast: Claude Melnottc, Milnes Levick; Beau-
seant, F. A. Tanmhill, Sen. ; Col. Damns, W. H. Partcllo; Glavis,
Louis Meredith ; Dcschappellcs, Charles Manley; Gaspard, J. B.
Browne; Landlord, W. A. Rouse; Pauline, Laura Linden; Mme.
Dcschappellcs, Fanny Dcnham Rouse; and Widow Melnottc, Mary
Hill. "The Rough Diamond" closed the performances, intro-
ducing E. W. Marston as Cousin Joe, W. H. Partcllo as Lord Plato,
Nellie Young as Margery, and Ida Raymond as Lady Plato.

The season closed July 15, 1876. Mr. Robbins retained posses-
sion until May, 1878, when he retired. He died in this city
suddenly May 15, 1896.

Fred Hofelc was the next manager, who opened June 29, 1878,
with H. W. Mitchell, F. M. Welles, Frank E. Jamison, Edward

.K/H |

THE BOWERY THEATRE

163

Brown, G. P. James, Zoe Gaynor, Nellie Wright, Ada Foster,
Chas. Foster, M. B. Pike, Joseph P. Winter, J. B. Browne, G. W.
Harrison, Mrs. W. G. Jones, Millie Sackctt, Tillic Malvern, Neil
Grey, E. Brown, W. B. Murray, Jos. Warner, W. H. Sweeney, J.
Henry, N. W. Stall, Louise Fox, Marian Oswold, Naomi Lester,
Marie Moulton, and Ellen Wade. Mr. Hofelc did not continue
long in the management

Benjamin J. Deane, the musical director, died in this city April
3, 18791 He was one of the oldest orchestra leaders of the country.
He came to America from England in 1850, and was engaged at
this theatre as second leader under W. T. Peterschen, father of F.
W. Peterschen. In i860 he became the leader. He was also
leader at the Chatham, Comique (under James Lingard), and the
New Bowery. When Jullicn gave concerts at Castle Garden, he
was in the orchestra. John P. Cooke was an excellent leader in
old times. Burton imported him from Europe, and from Burton
he went to the old Broadway Theatre. lie was afterwards at
Niblo's, under Mr. Whcatley's management. Richard Stoepel
was another old-time leader of deserved eminence, and a well
educated musician. He subsequently married Matilda Heron, and
died in this city Oct. 1, 1887. Bijou Heron (Mrs. Henry Miller)
is his daughter.

After Thomas Baker left Jullicn's orchestra he led English opera
at Niblo's, and was for years at Wallack's Theatre. Baker was
succeeded at Niblo's by Harvey B. Dodworth. George Loder
was a very clever musician, who came here from England
with the Lystcr Opera Co., led orchestras here for a time, and
then went to California. Thence he sailed for Australia, where he
died in 1867. George F. Bristow was once in a theatrical orches-
tra. He has written symphonies worthy to be played by Jullicn's
orchestra, as they were here and in Europe. It is said that Jullien
remarked : " Beethoven has written good music, but no better. "
Henry J. Tissington was another of the old-time leaders. He
came here with the Worrell Sisters from California about 1866.
For fourteen years he was at the Union Square Theatre. He died
in this city April 16, 1886.

The entertainment July 4, 1878, consisted of a matinee and
evening performance. In the afternoon "The Widow's Victim,"
followed by "The Two Convicts," otherwise " Robert Macaire."

Robert Chav Foster I Marl* .... Mrs. W. G. Jones

Uertraixi . . . Geo. C. Davenport I

"The Gunmaker of Moscow " was next acted, with Jos. P.
Winter as Ruric, Fthel Allan as Rosalind, and Ethel Gray as
Hilda, "The Floating Beacon " closed the entertainment The
evening's bill consisted of "Three Fingered Jack," "The Robber's

1 64 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [iMo

Wife," "Shot in the Rye." and "The Two Drovers." Edwin
Brink was in the last two mentioned.

July 7 a benefit was given to Manager F. W. Hofcle. Rose and .
Harry Watkins took a benefit Oct. 4, when "Trnridrn Dnwq, or
_UJTde£_lB£_FJags,'' was played with this cast:

is McCarthy >
Tlic Elrconoch )
Robert O'Hara
Lord Desmond
Lanty O'Keaxdon .
Halo'ran ....

Harry Watkins

. Maurice Pike

Chaa. Foster

. . Neil Grey

. Edwin Geary

Mary Rose Watkins

lie Amy Lee

1 1. -moke Wolfe . . . J. P. Winter
Lady Desmond . . May Edmondson
Nellie Kricry . . . Millie Sacked

Also the jpcal_drama by Harry Watkins,
the Streets," ca9t as follows:

'Dick Drift, or A Son of

Dick Drift .... Harry Watkins

Kve Walton Amy Lee

llecky Eikkle .... Rose Walking
Jud^e Sturner .... Chas- FoMH
Gilbert Blotter . J. Winston Murray
Julian Sturner .... J. 1'. Winter

Miles Henley
London Bill
Tim Swipes
Capt. M.tiiton
Alice Sturner
Mad Castile

. . Edwin Barry
. . . Neil Grey
. . [ohn Walsh
. . Edwin Geary
. Katie Glaasfora
Mrs. J. H. Burnett

Mrs. W. G. Jones, who had been the leading lady from 1867,
severed her connection with this house at the close of Mr. Hofclc's
management.

The house was opened as a German theatre Thursday, Sept. 1 1,
1879, with William Kramer as proprietor, Mathilde Cottrelly
directress, and Gustav Amberg business manager. It was now called
the Thalia Theatre. At the opening performance Mathilde Cot-
trelly, in the character of Thalia, delivered a prologue. Various
characters passed before the audience during the recital, represen-
tative of the poetry, heroism, and sentiment of different ages, and
subsequently they were grouped in a striking and effective tableau.
This was followed by " Kabale und Liebe " (" Intrigue and Love "),
the management having selected it as a fit successor of "William
Tell," another of Schiller's works, which was played in English
July 7. The company consisted of Mmes. Cottrelly, Von Traut-
mann, Fmbach, Kelly, Krauft, Liebe, Horn, Ahl, Schlarg, Telle,
Weiss, Spitzncr, Grothuscn, Arnold, Camara, Gruncwald, Swartz,
Conricd, Adolfi, Dombronsky, Luke, Schoenfcld, Schucllc,
Schmitz, Puis, Mauser, Rohbeck, Wagner, Loe, Lenoir, Jurgcns,
Wcinacht, Schlieman, Kreutzberg, Peze, Rothschild, Schneider,
and Grunewald. Henry Greiner was musical conductor. The
comic opera, "Der See cadet," was performed Oct. 27. After an
absence of ten years from the New York stage. Magda Irschik
acted Medea Nov. 3. Gcncc's opera, "Nisida," was sung for the
first time here in German Dec. 3, 1880. Marie Geistinger was
one of the most popular German actresses that ever appealed in

««♦]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

,65

this country. Her American debut was at this theatre Jan. 5,
1881, in "The Grand Duchess," and as Mmc. Favart she appeared
Jan. 10, ii, 12. Although the German stage in this country has
been rich in popular soubrcttes, such as, for instance, Mmc.
L'Arronge, of the old Stadt, and, more lately, Fraulcin Hevnold,
M ithilde Cottrelly, and Fraulcin Januschowsky, Geistinger was
superior to all, and her fame as a soubrettc had long been estab-
lished throughout Germany and Austria. She did for Germany
what Schneider did for the opera bouffe stage in France. In 1888,
she went to Switzerland to be treated for a cancer of the eyelid.
The growth was successfully removed, but the operation left her in
a weakened condition. She had been off the stage for several
years, having retired in 1884- She had a career of over thirty years
on the stage, and when she retired, purchased a magnificent estate
in South Germany.

Jenny Stubcl's dSbut here was Sept. 19, 1881, and Sept. 27 Marie
Geistinger reappeared. "The Haunted Castle," a comic opera
in German, was first produced Nov. 3. "Die Niihcrinn " ("The
Sttmftras ") was acted Nov. 20. "The Mascot" was heard in
German Dec. 5, with Jenny Stubcl as Bcttina. " Dcr Chevalier
von San Marco," an operetta, was first presented in German Jan.
30, 1882. "Apajune"was produced in German Jan. 13. "Nin-
iche,"a musical farce in German, was given Oct 31, with William
Knaach in the cast. Ludwig Barnay made his American debut as
Coriolanus January 3, 1883. Mr. Barnay, who had not acted since
his opening night, reappeared Jan. 12 as William Tell. On
Jan. 19 Mr. Barnay acted Uriel Acosta, injured his hand, and
again suspended his engagement. On Jan. 26 Mr. Barnay reap-
peared, acting Narcissc. Feb. 10 Barnay played King Lear; Feb.
16, Lord Essex; Feb. 23, Wallenstein. On Feb. 26, Josephine
Gallmcycr appeared. March 19 Barnay acted Antony in "Julius
Caesar" (matinee) for the first time in America. He sailed for
Europe May 5.

Ludwig Englander's comic opera, "The Prince Consort," was
sung April 11. " Dcr Bettelstudent " was given for the first time
Oct. j 9. "Die Afrikarcise" ("A Trip to Africa"), an operetta
by Von Suppc, was sung for the first time here Dec. 27. Mmc.
Janisch made her American ddbut here March 10, 1884, as Kate in
" Hcilbrnn." March 17 D. E. Bandmann appeared as Narcisse.
Oct. 1 Herr Pategg. Frau Schambcrg. Fraulein Hiller, Herr Wal-
ter, and Fraulein Randow made their American debuts in " Die
Karlischuler. " The German comedy, " Reif Reiflinger" was first
acted here Oct. 4, when Friiulcin Von Hahn and Herr Stoeckcl
made their American debuts. " Gemachtcr Mann" had its first
American performance Oct. 8. " Der Huettcn Bcsftzcr," Oscar
Blumcnthal's German version of " Lc Maftre des Forges," was first

1 66 A HISTORY OK THE NEW YORK STAGE [i«5

acted in America Oct 17. On Oct. 24 "Das Volk, Wic cs Wcint
und Lacht," a German musical farce, was played for the first time in
America. Oct. 30, Sophie Janauschek made her d£but as Vatcsha in
"Der Veilchenfresser." On Oct. 31, American d^-but of Herr Otto-
meyer as Hamlet, in German. " In Damen Stift " was acted Nov.
(x The first American performance of " Der Bibliothekar," the Ger-
man comedy from which three "Private Secretaries" have been
adapted, was first acted Nov. 13. "Das Welt in der Mann Sich
I^angweilt," the German version of " Lc Monde, ou l'On s'Ennuic,"
was first seen in America Nov. 19. Jan. 2, 1885, the comic opera,
"Nanon,"was sung in the original German. Millockcr's "Gas-
paronc" was sung Feb. 21. Adolph Sonnentahl made his Ameri-
can dfbut March 9, as Uriel Acosta; March 10 and 11 he played
Graf de la Rivenniere in "Vater und Sohn;" March 12, 13,
"Tochter des Fabricus;" mat i ne'e March 14, "Ein Attache;"
March 14, "Kean." which was repeated March 16; " Fromont, Jr.
and Rieslcr, Sr." March 17, 18; "Hamlet" March 19, 20; matinee
March 21, " Tochter des Fabricus;" evening, " Lorbccrbaum und
Bcttelstab;" matine'e March 23, "Kean;" evening March 23,
"Lorbccrbaum und Bcttelstab; " matinee March 24, "Hamlet;"
evening, "Marquis V. Villemer," which terminated his engage-
ment, and he sailed for Europe March 25.

On April 6 the musical farce " Die Schoene Ungarin " was sung
for the first time in this city. April 1 r Pauline Hall made her
d£but in German opera in "Die Flcdcrmaus." "Der Nihilist"
(" Fedora ") was acted for the first time in America April 28.
May I "Der Fcldpredigcr," by Millockcr, was sung for the first
time here. This opera was anglicized by Sydney Roscnfcld and
done at Wallack's Theatre as "The Black Hussar." Adelaide
Ristori made her farewell appearance in America May 12, as
Marie Stuart (in English); Aug. 24, "Siberia;" Aug. 31. "Shadows
of a Great City ; " Oct. 1 Hannah Nobert-Hagen made her American
dc'but as Marie in "Czar und Zimmerman." Otto Ratjens, Ludwig
Ziehmann, Walter Hoffman, and Franz Wackwitz also made their
American debuts on that occasion. " Der Weg zum Herzcn " (" The
Way to the Heart "Y a comedy by A. L'Arronge, was played for
the first time in America Oct. 5, when Emil Becker, August
Walter, Hugo Hasskcri and Edouard Possanki made their Amer-
ican ddbuts. Hcrminie Fanto first appeared in America Oct. 9 as
Maria in "Maria und Magdalena. " Selma Kronold made her
American ddbut Oct. 13, as Agatha in "Der Freyschutz." "Der
Bcttelstudcnt " was given Oct. 14, 16, 17, "Postillion von Lonju-
meau," in which Ferd. Wachtel, tenor, made his first appearance
in America; Oct. 23, "Der Raubder Sabinerinncn " was acted for
the first time in America. It was from this play that Aug. Daly
adapted "A Night Off." " Glockchcn des Ercmitcn" was done

THE BOWERY THEATRE

167

Oct. 24. for the first time in this country. It was a version of " Lcs
Dragons des Villars." Jan. 2, 1886, "Der Trompeter von Sack-
ingen," an opera by Herr Kaiser, was sung for the first time.
" Frau Director Striese," a sequel to " Der Raub dcr Sabinerinnen,"
w;>.s given Jul i i for the first time. On Feb. 27 the musical farce
" Pcchschulner " was sung for the first time. May 6 the comic
opera "The Maid of Belleville" was sung in German for the first
time. Sept. 30 Lucia Colmar and Carola Rcnnon first appeared
in this country in " Undine."

Mr. Amberg began the season of 1S86-7 Oct. i, with the follow-
ing company: Fraulein Sophie Offeney. operatic soubrette, from
the Walhalla Theatre in Berlin; Friiulein Ada Bergen, the new
leading dramatic lady from the Residenz Theatre in the same city;
Herr Ferdinand Rucdinger, tenor, from the Theatre an der Wcin,
and late director of the Stadt Theatre in Bremen ; Conductors A.
Reese, from Berlin, and E. Stcindorf, from Bremen ; Herr Walter
Hasskcrl, who was in the company last season, and twelve of the
female chorus. Of the twenty-three members of the company
originally on the Lessing, Herr Otto Ratjens and Fraulein Selma
Kronold, who were members of last year's company, Fraulein
Elsa Colmar, operatic soubrette from the Berlin Walhalla Theatre,
and Herr Adolph Jaeger from Kroll's Opera House, in Berlin.
Lortzing's comic opera, "Undine," was the initial performance.
This opera had not been heard here for over twenty-five years.
' 1 1 L-r Zigcuncrbaron " ("The Gypsy Baron ") was sung for the first
time in German at this theatre Oct 5, and Max Schncllc made his
debut in the title rdlc. "Don Caesar" was heard Oct. 7, when
Sophie Offeney, Paula Varndal. Rudolf Swinhold and Alex. Rucd-
inger made their American debuts. "Hundert Jungfrauen," a
German version of " Les Cent Vierges," was sung Oct. 29. "Von
Schrot und Korn " was seen for the first time in America March
io, 1887, when Emil Thomas made his American debut. "Dcr
Vatcr dcr Debutantin " was acted in German March 16, also for the
first time. Betty Damhoffcr (Mrs. Emil Thomas) made her Amer-
ican ddbut April 11 in " Sc Sind Sic Alle. "

The next season opened Oct. 1. 1S87. with the American debuts
of Jennie Bohner and Carl Muehc. " Ein Tropfen Gift," Oscar
Blumenthal's prize comedy, was acted for the first time Oct. 3,
and "Famille Buchholz," a musical comedy by Leon Treptow, had
its initial performance here Oct. 7. August Junkermann no
his American debut Oct. 15 as Zacharius Bracsig in "Inspector
Bracsig." Hcinrich Boctcl's American de"but was made Oct. 17.
"Dorchlauchtig" ("Your Highness") was acted Oct. 27 for the
first time in this country. Marie Hock first appeared on any stage
at this house, during the fall of 18S7, in "A Drop of Poison."
She made a wonderful success, and when an offer came to her from

1 68 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CtS»

the Court Theatre, Berlin, to appear there, Mr. Ambcrg cancelled
her contract with him and she sailed for Europe in March, 1888.
She died in Berlin Sept. 21, 1890. On Nov. 4, Junkermann played
"Hanna Nute " for the first time in America; Nov. 15 Helene
Livingstone made her American debut in " Alessandro Stradella. "
Ernst Possart made his American debut Dec, 2 in "Die Bluthoch-
zeit " (" Bartholomew's Night "). Emanuel Lederer, Adolph
Werter, and Mmc. Emily Von Aichsberg also made their American
debuts on this occasion. Margaret Fish made her American
debut as a German-speaking star Dec. 6 in " Dcr Gluckscngcl "
("The Lucky Angel"). This lady was formerly well known as
"Baby Benson," daughter of Jenny Benson, and as an infant prodigy
earned a great reputation in England. She married Charles Fish,
a variety actor. Mathilde Cottrclly played a brief engagement
here, commencing Dec. 15. On Dec. 19 she was seen in "Die
Fledermaus," and her engagement terminated Dec 22.

On the morning of Dec. 31 Herr Possart crossed over to Brook-
lyn, and at the City Hall there was united in marriage by Mayor
Whitney to Anna Deinct, whom he wedded years ago in Germany,
but from whom he separated in 1883. On the night of Jan. 4,
1888, for the first time in this country, "Ein Fallisscmcnt,'" by
B. Bjornson, a four-act drama once adapted, under the title of
" B .-inkruptcy," for Lawrence Barrett, but never done by him, was
played. Richard III." was acted Jan. 7 for Possart's benefit.
1 )m log the performance he was presented with a gold watch. On
Feb. 2i, he appeared as Lear for the first time in America
"Othello" was acted Feb. 27, as a benefit to Oscar Krncgcr,
when Possart played Iago for the first time here. "King Lear"
was given Feb. 28. At the close of the performance Possart left
on the midnight train for Washington. On the following day he
was presented to President Cleveland, and returned to this city
that night. March 3, Byron's tragedy of " Manfred " was given,
when Schumann's music was sung in its entirety for the first
time in America. On the same night Gertrude Giers made her
American debut, playing the title r61e in "Marie Stuart." She
achieved a distinct success.

" Richard III." was done March 7 for Possart's benefit. Owing
to the death of the German Emperor, Herr Possart did not appear
on March 9, as announced. Afternoon of March lo Gertrude Giers
repeated her performance of "Marie Stuart," and night of March
7 she was seen for the first time here as Deborah (Leah). The
week was brought to a close by Herr Possart's appearance, night of
March 10. in "Die Bluthochzeit." On the 16th. "Don Carlos,"
with Girtnule Giers as Prinzessin Von Eboli, Possart as Philip II. ;
March 17, Possart as Mcphistnpheles in "Faust," first time in
America; March 19, "Manfred." "Faust" was repeated March

M*]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

169

20-24; March 21 a matinee performance was given in memory of the
late Emperor William ; March 22, " Kahalc und Liebe;" March 23,
"Jungfrau Von Orleans," for the benefit of Gertrude Gicrs, with
Possart as Raoul; March 26, "Die Schocne Helena" ("La Belle
Hclene"), for the benefit of Fcrd. Schutz. On this evening Herr
Possart appeared at the Metropolitan Opera House in "Die Rao-
bcr,"forthe benefit of the German Poliklinik. Ludwig Barnay,
Ernst Possart. and Gertrude Gicrs — a strong combination of tal-
ent— gave a fine performance of "Othello" April 2. "Uriel
Acosta " was rendered April 3. On April 4, the four-act farce,
"Die Journal istcn : " Herr Barnay as Conrad, Herr Possart as
Schmock; April 5, "Hamlet," Barnay as the hero and Possart as
Polonius. On AprilQ"Kcan" was given. Barnay and Possart
appeared in it at the Thalia. April 10 " Hamlet" was repeated ;
April 11, "Die Mcmoircn des Tcufcls," Barnay as Robert. Possart
as Jean Gautier; April 19 "Faust" was repeated, with Possart as
Mcphistopheles. Barnay (first time here) as Faust, and FrauKin
Rcichenbach as Margarethe; April 25 Possart and Barnay appeared
in Blumenthal's " Der Probepfeil " ("The Trial Shaft"), with Pos-
sart as Rittmeistcr A. D. von Dcdenroth, and Barnay as Bogumil
Krasinski, the pianist. Barnay played the piano with much
facility. He took a benefit April 27, in "William Tell." May 7
Emil Hahn, stage manager, benefited, when Possart and Barnay
appeared in "Der Probepfeil." On May 8 was the last joint ap-
pearance of Barnay and Possart, in "Uriel Acosta." Herr Barnay
sailed for Europe the next morning. Gertrude Gicrs appeared for
the last time May 9. " Narcisse " was given May 10. for the benefit
of Frieze anil Raub. On May tl "Dr. Klaus" was seen, with
Possart in the title rfllc; May 12, Possart appeared as Napoleon;
May 14 he played Dr. Klaus, and for his farewell appearance,
May 15, "Die Bluthochzcit." For the benefit of Manager Amberg
and the last night of the season (May 19), the programme consisted
of "Chefrcnden," a comic opera, then heard for the first time here;
the operetta by Zeig, entitled "All On Board," and "Revue." by
Max Lube. The season was beyond doubt one of the most brilliant
and interesting that has ever been witnessed in this city.
Three of Germany's greatest artists appeared. First there was
Pzni Niemann- Raabc, one of the best of German ingenue actresses.
Then Herr Possart, who is considered master of his art in the
Fatherland. Herr Barnay ranks scarcely below his confrere.
The appearance of these bright stars on the New York stage was
attended by one particularly gratifying circumstance: their sup-
port was fully worthy of them. Such an array of German artists as
Hcinrich Conried had organized for the support of hi sUi> had
never before appeared on any German stage in this country, and
could hardly be surpassed. Possart is one of Germany's very

170 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«m»

best actors. He is five feet nine inches high, with a sturdy
frame, strong face, and intellectual head He has dark curly hair,
is careful and correct in his dress, and courtly in his manner.

This house was next sub-leased from Mr. Amberg, and reopened
May 21 by H. R. Jacobs, manager of the Third Avenue Theatre,
that establishment having been closed by the authorities, who
deemed it unsafe. The tearing down of the building adjoining had
weakened the walls. Mr. Jacobs commenced with Lottie Church,
in " ir"knqVf" " Cheap prices prevailed, viz., ten, twenty, thirty,
and fifty cents. Matinees were given Monday, Wednesday, and
Saturday. Lottie Church (formerly Mrs. John A. Stevens) played
one week, and was followed May 28 by Dan McCarthy in " True
Ifoh Hearts " June 4, Arizona Joe was the star; June u, Ada
Gray ; June 18, Corinnc, who, on June 25, closed the season of
the house.

The theatre reopened Aug. 6, 1888, as Jacob's Thalia Theatre:
G, Amberg, lessee, II. R. Jacobs, manager. The prices were 10,
20, 30, and 50 cents. "The Black Flag " was the first attraction,
followed Aug. 13 by a Vaudeville company. Edwin Arden was
seen in "Eagle's Nest" Aug. 20; Frank Frayne Aug. 27 in
"Mardo.;"'TrM~y Partner" was done Sept. 3; "Hoodman Blind,"
Sept. 10; "Kindergarten," Sept. 17; " Passion's SJave." Sept. 24;
" Ov_cr_the_C arden Wall." Oct. 1 ; Chas. T. Ellis came Oct. 8, in
".Caspar thc_Yfldicr; " " Wagcs_oLSin," Oct. 15;" Romany Rye,"
Oct. 22; Edwin Arden Oct. 29, in " Barred Ojit ; " "We, lis, and
_CoV Nov. 5. Fanny Louise Buckingham appeared Nov. 12 in
"Mazeppa;" "Zitka' was done Nov. 19; Mrs, McKee Rankin
came Nov. 26-Tn~" Golden Giant Mine; " C. W. Couldock was
seen Dec. 3 in "Hazel Kirke:" "Monte Cristo" was done Dec.
10; Geo. C- Boniface came Dec. 17 in "\TntTc-r Cover:" Walter
Sanford was seen Dec. 24 in " Under the, I .ash :" J. B. Folk Dec.
31, in "Mi$cd_Picklcs;" "Hoodman Blind" came Jan. 7, 1889;
"Uncle Turn's C.l.uii," Jan. 14; "True Irish 1 [au ts." Jan. 21 J
Edwin Mayo Jan. 28, in "Silv.cx.Agc;" "Beacon Lights" was seen
Feb. 4; Joseph Dowling in " Nubodxs Claim," Feb. n; "TJie
" rests of New York," Feb. 18; NTsTWood Feb. 25. in "W

o£

fork;" March 4 Florence Bindley was seen in "Dot;'

"The Lights 0' London " was played March 11 ; "Romany Rye,"
March t8. Martin Hayden came March 25 in "Boy Hero ;'" April

1 Pat and Kate Rooney were seen in " Pat's Wardrobe ; " Bartley
Campbell's play, "Fate," April 8; James M. Hardic and Sarah
VonEecr in "On the Frontier," April 15; Kate Purscll April 22,
in "Queen o( the Plains;" n"SkJppcd-by_the Light of the Moon,"
April 20; "Peck's Bag Boy." May 6; JamcT'HrWaTiTck week of
May 13, in "ClHTe King " and ".Bandit King; " "Boy Tramp," May
20; Gray and Stephens May 27, in "The Old Oaken Bucket."

189=.]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

I7I

The season closed June 1, and soon afterwards H. R. Jacobs
was dispossessed. It appears that the theatre was leased from
Mr. Kramer in July, 1886, to G. Ambcrg for a term of five
years. The lease contained the usual provision that he was not
to assign the same or underlet the theatre to any other person.
In May, 1888, when Mr. Ambcrg had completed his new theatre in
Irving Place, he made an arrangement with Mr. Jacobs to give him
the use of the Thalia Theatre. To overcome the covenant against
assigning or subletting, they made an agreement of copartnership,
by the terms of which Mr. Amberg was to receive a fixed sum,
amounting to £25.000 per year, to bear none of the losses, and to
receive five per cent of the profits. Mr. Jacobs was to retain
ninety-five per cent, but at the same time Mr. Ambcrg executed a
release to Mr. Jacobs of his profits, leaving him to receive a fixed
sum of £25,000. As part of the agreement, Mr. Jacobs deposited
$4, 166.66 with Mr. Amberg. as security for the last two months of
the term. Thereupon, Mr. Kramer commenced proceedings against
Gustav Amberg, for a violation of the Kramer lease, prohibiting
a subletting of the theatre. Those proceedings resulted in a war-
rant of dispossession, and Mr. Jacobs was evicted. Kramer re-took
possession of the theatre until about six months afterwards, when,
through a decision of the Court of Appeals, Mr. Amberg was
reinstated.

The next managers of the house were Messrs. Levy and Heine,
who gave performances for several months in the Hebrew language.
In June, 1891, the Roscnfcld Brothers leased the house. Many
alterations were made, and it reopened Sept. 4, 1891, with The
I.iliputians in "The Pupil in Magic." "The Dwarfs Wedding"
followed Oct. 6. H. R. Jacobs, on Oct. 19, commenced suit to
recover the money deposited by him with Ambcrg as security for
the rent. He was awarded $4,889. After Jacobs had been evicted,
Mr. Kramer was placed in possession of the theatre, but Mr.
Ambcrg was reinstated by the Court of Appeals. The Meiningcn
Company made their American dibut Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1891, in
"Julius Ocsar. " With the exception of Herr Knorr, who had been
seen here before in German theatres, all the actors were strangers.
" Die Hermannchlacht " (" The Battle of the Tcuthary Forest ") was
given Dec. 7. The Meiningens closed Dec 19. The theatre was
dark until Christmas Day, when it was reopened with "Around the
World in Eighty Days," in German. "Vor Sonncntaufgang "
(" Before Sunrise ") was given for the first time in America, Jan.
11. 1892. Joseph Kainz, who had been at Ambcrg's theatre and
was enjoined from acting here, appeared Jan. 14 in "Der Traume
in Leben." "Mary Stuart " was given Jan. 18; "Die Rauber,"
Jan. 21 ; " Hamlet Jan. 26. with Herr Joseph Kainz as the melan-
choly Dane

172 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [it*

On Feb. 4 Kainz appeared as Leon in " Wch dem dcr Lugt "
("Let Him Beware Who Lies"). He was unable to act " Uriel
Acosta" Feb. 8, owing to illness; "The Drover," with Herr
Friese in the leading roie, was given instead. " Nathan der Weise "
was seen Feb. 10; Kainz as Hamlet Feb. 17, for his benefit. He
closed Feb. 18. Carl Weiser made his American debut Feb.
19 in "Napoleon's end": Napoleon. Carl Weiser; Countess, Frl.
Griebe. Marie Harkany first appeared here Feb. 24, as the heroine
in " Die Waisc aus Lowood," a dramatization of " Jane Eyre," with
Herr Weiser as Lord Rochester; " 1'rcciosa," Feb. 25; "Der
Registrater auf Rcisen." Feb. 26, with the American debut of Emil
Thomas as Casar Wichtig. Frl. Harkany was prevented from act-
ing Feb. 27, in consequence of an injunction served at the instance
of the managers of the Ambcrg Theatre. "Merchant of Venice "
was seen March I ; Mathilde Cottrelly came March 8 in " Kin
Lcitchc Person;" "Der Goldonkel " March II, Cottrelly closed
March 26. A conglomeration of dramatic and equestrian perform-
ances was given March 28, in a hybrid drama called " The Circus,"
by Edgar Smith, with this cast: Alec Smart, Kd. J. Connelly;
Guy Ham fat Mofakc, Geo. D. Melville; Romeo, Frank Melville;
Sig. Lambago, George Caron; Jimmic, Master Colin Melville;
Birdie. Louise Boshell; Lulu Flynn, Ada Boshell; Jerome Sykes
was also in the cast

On March 30 Levy and Heine opened the house as managers,
and again with Hebrew performances. " Othello " was given June
6, when Maurice Morrison, from the Meiningen Court Theatre,
acted the title riJle for the first and only time: Dcsdcmona, Fru.
Werner; lago, Herr Stcingade. "Two Dead Men" was acted
Saturday night, July 15. It was 12 o'clock when the fifth act was
readied, and the management, fearing the revoking of their license
if they continued on Sunday morning, stopped the play. Pande-
monium ensued. "Five acts or our money back I" was the cry.
The COItain was rung down, but not before, in lieu of bouquets, an
assortment of apples, eggs, and broken seats were cast upon the
.e at the actors. The manager of the company, fearing for its
safety, sent word to the station house, and the police soon cleared
the house. Hebrew performances opened the next season on Aug.
5, and have since continued thcie.

VAUXHALL GARDEN THEATRE

THE place of amusement known as the Vauxhall Garden and
Theatre was situated on the west side of Fourth Avenue,
opposite Coopei Institute Park. It ran through to Broadway, as
far up as Astor Place, including what is now called the Astor
Library and Lafayette Place. It was opened by Mr. Delacroix

■■•-M]

VAUXHAI.L GARDEN THEATRE

173

May io, 1806. He engaged a portion of the Park Theatre company
(as they were idle during the summer), and gave an entertainment
called "Animal Magnetism " and a concert. Among the members
of the company was Mr. Poe, father of Edgar Allan Poe, who made
his first appearance in New York July 18, 1806, with his wife. It
is said that neither Mr. Poe nor his wife possessed a very large
amount of dramatic talent, although Mrs. Poe (formerly Miss
Arnold), who had performed at the John Street Theatre, became a
favorite with the audiences. Vauxhall was an extensive plot of
land, created apparently in imitation of The Vauxhall of London.
As a garden, it presented a handsome area of open ground in its
centre, surrounded with the remnant of once luxuriant forest trees.
There were long avenues of dimly obscured paintings, set in green
frames, illuminated after nightfall with lamps. An aeronaut used
to make daily ascensions. It was first destroyed by fire Aug. 30,
1807. The premises were soon rebuilt and again resumed their
position as a popular resort. In the summer of 1838, Gates, the
comedian, appeared as manager. He was a great favorite on
the Bowery, and, with the idea that he would succeed in a
summer theatre, he gathered an excellent company and opened the
theatre June 1 3, 1838. At the close of this season, 1837-38, not
less than ten different places of amusement were open for the benefit
of the citizens of New York.

In the spring of 1840 P. T. Harnum hired this place from Brad-
ford Jones, and opened it with a variety of performances, including
singing, dancing, Yankee stories, etc. It was here that Mary
Taylor, afterwards known as "Our Mary," made her first appear-
ance on the stage. Mr. Barnum relinquished the management in
August, but resumed the lease June 14, 1841, and put his brother-
in-law, John Hallett, in charge as manager. The season closed
Sept. 25. In 1842 this theatre was again opened, and among the
members of the company was William B- Burton.

In the summer of 1843, Charley White, in conjunction with
William Whitlock, Tom Booth, and Barney Williams, opened here
with a minstrel company. It was a commonwealth organization.
This was the first time that Charley White associated himself
with negro minstrelsy. Among the acts and songs on the pro-
gramme were "Dandy Jim from Caroline," "Get Along, John,"
"New York Gals," " Lucy Ncal," "Old Aunt Sally," and a cotton
plantation jig by Barney Williams and T. G. Booth. The com-
pany was called the Kentucky Minstrels.

During the season of 1844-5 the Chapman Family appeared.
They consisted of William A. Chapman, low comedian; Mr. and
Mrs. Hamilton, old men and old women; Miss Greenwood, niece
of Wm. Hamilton, walking ladies; Harry Chapman, low comedy;
Julia Drake (Mrs. Harry Chapman and mother of Blanche and Ella),

174 A HISTORY OF THE HEW YORK STAGE [i8SS

soubrettc; Caroline Chapman, leading; Sylvester Bleccker, light
comedy, and George Clarke walking gentleman. In July, 1845,
this place was reopened, with Barney Williams as manager and
Dan Gardner (the circus clown) as stage manager. In the com-
pany were Rosina Gascon, Barney Williams, Billy Whitlock, Miss
Emmet, Dan Gardner, Chas. T. White, and Mons. Maillard
(pianist). The last season of note was in June, 1846, when an
unusually brilliant company was engaged, including Benj. A.
Baker (stage manager), Emily Mcstaycr, Frank Chanfrau. A. W.
Fenno, John N'ickinson, Mrs. II. Isherwood, Mr. and Mrs. James
Dunn, and Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Hamilton. Mr. and Mrs. Harry-
Chapman (Julia Drake) joined later. For Harry Chapman's
benefit " The Poor Soldier " and the farce of "Antony and Clco-
p:i: ra " were played, and for Bcnj. A. Baker's benefit the musical
cCmedy "John of Paris " was givcrT Quite a number of volunteers
from Mitchell's Olympic appeared.

Bradford Jones was the lessee for the season of 1846. In the
latter portion of that season Malvina Pray (afterward Mrs. W. J.
Florence) also appeared. Pierce's Minstrels opened here April 8,
1850, and this marked Eph Horn's first appearance in New York.
June 7, 1852, this place, after having been closed some months,
was reopened by William Odell, with a band of minstrels, who
performed in the open air. The price of admission was 12# cents.
Aug. 6 Anthony gave a soiree, with a ball, fireworks, and an illu-
mination. Harry Macarthy, an Irish comedian, gave entertain-
ments here, consisting of a species of monologue. On the night
of the Astor Place Opera House riot the confusion broke up the
performance, and Vauxhall was used as a receiving house for those
killed and injured in the riot. During the summer of 1853, Geo.
Lea purchased the lease and fixtures from a Mr. Cooper (or Hooper),
who kept a hotel at Babylon, L. I. Lea used the premises during
the summer as an ice-cream garden, with illuminated colored
globes and other attractions. There was a separate entrance to
the Garden from the rear street. In the winter the front portion
was used for the dispensation of liquors, refreshments, and also as
a billiard saloon. A ball was given in the Garden once each week,
and the place was a great resort. On Sunday evenings no enter-
tainment of any nature took place during Lea's management, which
continued until 1855, when the buildings were torn down for the
purpose of rebuilding upon the site.

MOUNT PITT CIRCUS

THE next place of amusement opened in this city was called
Mount Pitt Circus, and was situated in Broome Street, be-
tween Anthony and Ridge streets. Making a sort of parallelo-

tmc

NIBLO'S GARDEN

'75

gram from the present Grand Street Ferry on the East River
straight down Division Street to Chatham Square, then across the
square one block to Henry Street, and up Henry Street in a straight
line to the East River again, we have a small district or territory
which discloses many curious relics of character and incident, not
the least interesting of which is the Mount Pitt Circus near the
site of the present Grand Street ferry to Williamsburg, and man-
aged by C. M. Sandford. It was, of course, a great novelty in that
section of the town, and was for a time quite successful.' It was
opened Nov. 8, 1826, was built of wood, with a brick front, and
was one of the largest places of amusement in America, capable of
seating 3500 persons. It was there, on the original sand banks
of the site of the circus, that Richard, or, as he was familiarly
known, Dick Sands, threw his first "flip-flaps." Mr. Sands was
in his day one of the most famous of our circus men. Dan Gard-
ner was assistant property man, and Charley White, the " old-time "
minstrel, helped him to trim the lamps two or three times, in order
to get free admission to the show at night. This place was the
beginning of Dan Gardner's circus career, as well as that of
Archie Madden, the clown. Sam Tatnall was ringmaster, Charles
La Forrest, principal rider, without saddle or bridle; John Whit-
taker, pad rider; Pat Whittakcr, rider and tumbler; Yeamans,
rider and rope dancer; Risher, "drunken hussar and dying Moor
rider;" Blithe, two-horse rider; Walter Williams, clown; Archie
Madden, clown; Mrs. Williams, principal female rider and wire
dancer; Mrs. Kent, leading woman; Mrs. La Forrest, chamber-
maid; Mrs. Yeamans, singer and actress; old Mr. Whittakcr, back-
door keeper; Mrs. Tatnall, dancer and actress, and Billy Kelly,
boss property man. The circus was destroyed by fire Aug. 5, 1829.
It had not been occupied for some time previous, indeed since the
passage of the law requiring the payment of 5250 as a license fee.

NIBLO'S GARDEN

IN early years, say 1800, a circus and training ground for race
horses, called the Stadium, was established on the northeast
corner of Broadway and Prince Street. The site was a portion of
the old Bayard farm, and was purchased by S. Van Rensaelaer for
515.000. Shortly after the war of 18 1 2 the inclosure was used as
a drill ground for militia officers. Early in 1823 the Columbian
Gardens, devoted to summer-night entertainments, occupied the
site, and many singers, dancers, and specialists of that day appeared
there. William Niblo took a lease of it, and resolved to convert it
into an ornamental garden for the public. Large trees were trans-
planted from distant woods; choice flowers and plants mingled
with rarest erotics; fountains gushed and threw their spray into

176 A HISTORY OF THK NEW YORK STAGE OB*

the sunbeams. In the centre of this garden a neat temple was
erected and dedicated to music. The entertainments given con-
sisted of instrumental music and a display of fireworks each
evening. On July 4, 1827, the Sans Souci Theatre came into
existence on this spot, the manager and proprietor being Mr.
(iilfert, and the opening performance consisting of "The Hundred
Found Note." The Bowery Theatre burning down, Mr. Niblo
commenced the erection of a theatre, and in fifteen days from the
time the foundation was laid a commanding and handsome theatre
was actually completed — comprising a spacious stage, a parquet,
and two circles of boxes, capable of holding 1,2c© persons. In
the dramatic company were W. B. Chapman, Anderson, Stone,
Geo. Barrett, and Mrs. Jones; Herr Cline the tight-rope dancer
also appeared. Mr. and Mrs. Blake acted in the opera " ResilM "
mi Aug. 6. The .season terminated on Aug. 19, 1827. George
Holland appeared in "Whims of a Comedy."
The following is a copy ol one orflTc programmes of the day:

THEATRE SANS SOUCI.

Last Night. Great Attraction.

Mr. Walton. Howard, Chapman, Mrs. Lacombe, Mrs. Wake, Mons. Matin.,
Herr Clinc, and the Parisian dancer*. Tuesday evening, Aug. 19, 1S2S, will lie
presented the opera of •• Kosina." This is probably the only opportunity which
will ever occur of presenting this popular and admired opera, with decidedly the
strongest cast ever offered in America :

Capt. Bclvillc ... Jas. Howard Irishman Allen

Mr. Helvil .... Thomas Walton Roslna Mrs. Lacombe

William W. It. Chapman Phoebe .... Mrs. W. K. Blake

Song by Mr. Walton, after wliich Mons. Matins will, for (he first time.
astonish the audience by his surprising and peculiar feats of strength and ng
and now, for the first time in New York, give his imitations of the celebrated
Sena Sama. He will also appear as the trench Hercules and perform his won-
derful feats. Celebrated Indian War Dance by Mr. Schinotti ; song, Mr.
Howard; Herr Clinc on the elastic cord; duet by Howard and Walton; the
Parisian Dancers, Mons. Uarbicre, Mme. Labassc. and Mile. Rosalie, who
appear in Trojan Pas dc Trois ; the whole to conclude with Mons. Mathis in
the comic scene " The Cobbler upon Stills Five Kcet High/' Prices of admis-
sion ; Boxes. 50 cts. ; pit, s$ cts. The entrance to the theatre is by the north gate
on Broadway.

On May 18, 1829, the "Sans Souci" was converted into a free
concert saloon, and opened with a musical festival. Mr. Niblo
soon erected a larger and more perfect theatre which he called
Niblo's Garden. The stage was 75 ft. wide, 67 ft. deep, and
44 ft high.

A programme of Niblo's in 1830 shows that the price of admis-
sion had been slightly increased. A ticket admitting a gentleman
and lady was sold for $1, but single tickets cost 75 cents. Mr.

*»»J

NIULO'S GARDEN

177

William Mitchell opened here June 3, 1834, with a large and tal-
ented company. Among the productions was "The Revolt of the
Harem," with Mmes. Dejardin and Vallec, Miss Partington,
Korpony, Mons. Marten, and Mr. Wells in the principal rdlcs.
Mitchell was not successful. During the summer of 1837 a series
of concerts were given under the direction of a Mr. Watson, in
addition to which the Ravels appeared. This induced the forma-
tion of a vaudeville company by Joseph Jefferson and John SeftOD,
The Campagnologian Bcllringers first appeared in America Sept.
12 at this house. The entrance from Broadway to the saloon was
covered and the Garden enclosed and made comfortable, and in
consequence there was no postponement on account of bad weather.
Sept. 14 Clementine De Bar — afterwards Mrs. J. B. Booth, Jr. —
made her first appearance in New York on the occasion of Mrs.
Knight's benefit, playing Rosa in "John of Paris." The season
closed in the Garden on Sept. 23 with a benefit to Gabriel Ravel.
The dramatic season closed Oct. 7. Among that company were
J. Jefferson, Thayer, Thomas, Lewellen. Plainer, T Bishop, Henry
J. Scfton, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Macdcr,
and Alexina Fisher. During that season J. W. Wallack, Jr.,
appeared.

The house was reopened in the spring of 1838 with concerts,
under the direction of Mr. Watson, and a dramatic season was
commenced June 1 r, under the management of John Scfton. The
Ravel Family alternated their performances with the dramatic
company. The season ended Sept. 21. It was resumed June 5,
1839, with concerts by Mr. and Mrs. Seguin, Mr. and Mrs. C. K.
Horn (formerly Miss Morton), T. Bishop, and Mr. Maynard as
principals. These concerts were alternated with the performances
of the Ravel Family. The dramatic season commenced June 25,
with W. K. Burton as the star. Aug. 28 the Ravel Family pro-
duced the pantomime of " The Green Monster " for the first time in
America. The dramatic season closed Sept. 12, and the Ravels
continued their performances somewhat later in the month. Sept.
23, 1839, the National Theatre burning down, the lessee and man-
ager, James W. Wallack, leased Niblo's Garden, and removed his
entire company there, opening Oct. 1 with Charles Kcan as
Richard III., and "Yankee" Hill made his first appearance after
his return from Kurope. The company engaged was without doubt
one of the very best ever seen at that time in America, and con-
sisted of Jas. Browne, Lambert Jamison, Horncastle, Henry
Wallack, W. H. Williams, Slater, J. W. Wallack, Jr., A. J.
Ncafic, Andrews, Powell, Walton, Gilbert, Rogers, Baldock,
Bunncr, Newton, Bennett, Stuart (call boy), Ferrers (prompter) ;
William Mitchell, stage manager; James Smith, treasurer; J.i
W. Wallack, Sen., manager; Mines. II. Wallack, Planer, Bailey,

178 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DV

Scfton, Russell, Rogers, Misses Monier and Ayres. The chorus
consisted of Thornton, Kavanagh, R. Duggan, Furncll, Soloman,
Coad, Williams, Meyers, Mrs. Coad, Ferrers, Baldock, Evcrard,
Thornton, Burnett, Taylor, Singleton, and Gault. Mcintosh was
musical director. John Vandcnhoff was the next star. He
opened as Hamlet to the Queen of Mrs. Wm. Sefton (afterwards
Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr.) Oct. 2. Charlotte Vandenhoff made her
American de"but, playing Julia in "The Hunchback." The opera
of "Gustavus" was produced here in magnificent style, with
Sheriff, Wilson, and Seguin in the cast. Kdwin Forrest closed
the season Nov. 18 with Macbeth. June 1, 1840, the theatre
reopened with the Ravels and a dramatic company under the super-
vision of W. Chippendale, W. K. Burton, J. S. Browne, Mrs.
Fitzwilliam, and Sidney Ranger playing star engagements, and the
season closed Oct 7. May 31, 1841, a dramatic term, under the
management of W. H. Chippendale, was commenced.

Mr. Chippendale's American debut occurred Sept. I, 1836, at
the old Park Theatre, as Sir Mark Chase in "A Roland for an
Oliver." For many years he remained at the Park, playing an
extensive round of important characters. In 1842 he managed
Niblo's Garden; in 1850 he was at Brougham's Lyceum (Broadway
and Broome Street). He returned to England in 1853. At the
beginning of Mr. Irving's season, 1878-9, at the Lyceum Theatre.
London, Eng., Mr. Chippendale played Polonius in the revival of
" Hamlet." Feb. 24, 1879, he took his farewell of the stage at the
same theatre in the same character (Irving acting Hamlet), the
total receipts of the evening's performance, through Mr. Irving's
generosity, being reserved to the veteran actor, who spoke a few
words of farewell at the end of the play. It may be interesting to
note that in the course of his long career Mr. Chippendale had, in
the character of Polonius, supported Edmund Kean, Charles
Kemble, Charles Young, Harry Johnson, Macready, John Vanden-
hoff, Charles Kean, Barry Sullivan, Edwin Forrest, Booth, Cres-
wick and Henry Irving. While at the Haymarket Mr. Chippendale
married Miss Snowdon, a member of the company. She afterwards
starred in England and Australia, and came to America with
Henry Irving's company for the "first old woman." Mr. Chippen-
dale died in England Jan. 5, 1888, at the age of eighty-seven.
Herr Cline, tight-rope performer, began an engagement July 3,
1841. Jane Sloman first appeared in a series of piano-forte
recitals July 14.

John Baldwin Buckstone and Mrs. Fitzwilliam made their joint
debut Sept. 15. Mr. Buckstone's first appearance in America was
Dec. 8, 1840, at the National, Leonard and Church streets, he
having been especially engaged by Manager Alex. Wilson to play
in farces. After a starring tour, Buckstone and Mrs. Fitzwilliam

NIBLO'S GARDEN

179

reappeared in this city in July. 1842, at the Park Theatre. In
September, 1842, they returned to Europe. Mr. Buckstone died
in London, Oct. 31, 1879, at tne aKe of seventy-seven. He had
many serious reverses the last years of his life, and appeals were
made several times on his behalf for aid to him and his family.
He was a prolific dramatic writer and was the author of many of
the best dramas, comedies, and farces in the English language.
Two of his sons, John C. and Rowland Buckstone, have acted
in this country.

The Ravels did not appear again until Sept. 20, and the season
closed Oct. 27, a step that was rendered necessary by the airy
state of the saloon and the increasing coolness of the weather.
June I, 1842, the Ravels opened the season, playing four nights
per week, and a dramatic company under W. Chippendale's man-
agement acted on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Aug. t
"Mazulm, or the Night Owl," was produced. The dramatic
season closed Sept. 28, but the Ravels continued until Oct. 29.
Niblo's Theatre — disconnected from the gardens — was opened
May 19, 1843, by a company of P'rench comedians and vocalists
from New Orleans, La. The gardens were thrown open on June
6, with John Sefton as director of entertainments. The French
and English companies played on alternate nights. Mr. Burton
and CharlcsM. Walcot were in the company. It will doubtless
surprise many enthusiastic attendants of the Italian opera to learn
that in the summer of 1843 " Mmc. Calve, a very delightful canta-
tricc and a bewitching actress, appeared in the opera of ' L'Ambas-
satricc. ' " July 6 the Ravels appeared, and thereafter played four
nights a week, the others being occupied by the French company.
Aug. 9 the English performances were resumed. The farces of
" The Blue Domino " and " He 's Not a Miss " constituted the bill,
and in the latter E. L. Davenport made his first appearance in
New York, playing Frederick Fitzallcn. Sept. 15 a brief season
of Italian opera was begun, and the season ended Sept. 23. June
3. 1844, Mr. Mitchell transferred his entire company, Mr. Walcot
and Mrs. Timm excepted, from the Olympic to Niblo's Garden,
opening with an English version of "The Child of the Regiment,"
then sung for the first time. Mary Taylor was the Marie.

The polka was first danced in New York at this house by Mary
Taylor and H. Wells, June 17, 1844, in a sketch called " Polka-
mania." On June 21 Wardlc Corbyn reopened it, with John
Brougham as the stellar attraction, and John Dunn (Rascal Jack)
made his debut in America. John Dunn died in Australia, sud-
denly, Aug. 17, 1875, as he was proceeding to the Opera House to
play in the farce "The Fool of th«J Family," with Mr. and Mrs.
James C. Williamson. He was seen suddenly to fall, and was
immediately conveyed in a cab to the hospital, where, upon being

180 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'830

examined, life was pronounced to be extinct. Mr. Dunn was a
general favorite. He was buried OB Aug. 18 in the Melbourne
Cemetery. His real name was Donohue.

The summer season commenced June 4, W. Chippendale and
John Scfton managers. The company consisted of Henry and
Thomas Placidc, Matthews (father of Julia Matthews), Mr. and
Mis. Chippendale, Wm. E. Burton, John Brougham, John Sefton,
Mrs. Watts. E. L. Davenport, Anna Cora Mowatt, W. H. Crisp,
Sylvester Bleecker, Brookes (who afterwards opened a dancing

lemy in Broome Street), Mrs. Vernon, Julia Matthews ami
Hildrcth (afterwards Mrs. W. E. Burton). In August "The
Poor Gentleman '" was played, with Henry Placidc as Dr. Ollapod,
Burton as Bramble, Brougham as Frederic, Chippendale as Hum-
phrey and Scfton as Stephen. June 16 Mr. Roberts, a light
comedian, made his American de"but. The French troupe began
Aug. 25 and played until Sept. 22. Oct. 13 Mrs. Crisp made her
American debut. The season closed Oct 18. The theatre
reopened June 8, 1846, with the Ravels, their first appearance in
two years. The dramatic performances commenced June ia
July 7 Mile. Blangy, danseuse, made her first appearance in
America. Sept. 12 J. H. Hackctt made his first appearance at
this theatre, playing Falstaff in "The Merry Wives of Windsor."
The Ravels performed on the evening of Sept 17, and on the
morning of Sept. 18 the theatre was entirely destroyed by fire.

The fire was discovered at 4.30 o'clock in the morning. The
flames spread with such rapidity that in a very short time the
whole block bounded by Broadway, Prince Street, Crosby Street
and the new club-house, was consumed. The fire was supposed to
have originated under the stage. The Ravel Family were heavy
losers. Three years later, July 30, 1849, the summer theatre in
Niblo's Garden — rebuilt and surpassing in elegance all its prede-
cessors — was thrown open under the general management of Mr.
Chippendale, and with John Scfton as the stage director. The
Ravels, who had returned from Europe, were the opening attrac-
tion. Aug. i, a dramatic company, the principal members of
which were Charles Burke, W. Chippendale, John Sefton, A.
Andrews, I>awison, Mrs. Charles Howard, Mrs. Watts, Mrs. Henry,
and Mrs. Roberts, commenced a series of performances, alternating
with the Ravels. Aug. 13, Paul Brilliant and Josephine Bcrton
made their American debut. The dramatic season closed Nov. 24,
but the Ravels continued, producing Dee 20 " Raoul. or the
Magic Star," for the first time. Their season terminated Jan. 8,
185a May 13 it was reopened, with John Brougham and W.
Chippendale as the dramatic managers. Charlotte Cushman, who
had been ;t member of the stock company here some seasons previ-
ously, played Meg Merrilies June 10 for that night only, prior to

•«5«3

NIBLO'S GARDEN

181

visiting Europe, where she remained a very hrief time, arriving in
New York on the morning of Aug. 30, and commencing an engage-
ment that evening, playing Meg Mcrrilics, and closing the season,
Aug. 31, as Mrs. Hallcr in "The Stranger." Sept. 2 the Ravels
returned and gave a long season, closing on Dec. 31, on which date
Adelaide Lehman, a member of that troupe, died from injuries
received by her clothes taking fire a few nights befon- Jan, 23,
1851, Mr. Brougham took a benefit, when Miss Watson (Mrs.
Thomas Bailey) appeared and sang a ballad. Miss Watson had
been in retirement since 1847. She was married in this city in
February, 1837, to Thomas Bailey. Her last appearance was at
the Park Theatre during the season of 1846-47, with Mmc. Anna
Bishop.

On Feb. 3. 1851, Mons. Jean Roussct opened the theatre with
his ballet troupe. After a slight recess, occasioned by the death
of Mrs. Niblo, the wife of the proprietor, they continued until
March 21. Welch's Circus succeeded them, and continued until
April 29, when the Rousset ballet troupe returned, and a dramatic
company appeared in English farces. The Ravels, with Gabriel,
who made his first appearance in two years, and Blondin, who made
his first appearance in America, began June 2. W. E. Burton and
his company from the Chambers Street Theatre appeared on June
3, these artists, combined with those previously engaged, forming
one of the most powerful companies ever seen in this city. The
principal members were: Henry Placide, W. E. Burton. W. R,
Blake, J. Lester (Wallack). John Dunn, John Sefton, Skerrett,
Humphrey Bland, J. Delmon Grace, John Moore, George Holman,
Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr., Mrs. Emma Skerrett, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs.
John Sefton, Lizzie Weston, Mrs. Hill, and Mrs. George Holman.
Anna Cora Mowatt, who had returned from a foreign tour, appeared
Aug. 19. John Dyott was seen as Armand in Mrs. Mowatt's plav
of that name. " Armand " was originally produced at the Park
Theatre, Sept. 27, 1847, with E. V Davenport as Armand.

Fanny Wallack appeared in Conjunction with Mrs. Mowatt,
Aug. 28 and Sept, 2. Mrs. Mowatt closed Sept. 2. Hudson,
the Irish comedian, reappeared Sept. to, after two years' abs« •:,
and alternated with the Ravels. Mmc. Anna Thillon made her
appearance Sept. 18, in the opera of " The Crown Diamonds " — its
first English performance in America. Oct. 12 a season of Italian
opera was commenced. The fourth annual benefit of the American
Dramatic Fund took place Dec. 3, and on this occasion a very
remarkable child, eight years of age, made her appearance. Her
name was Adelina Patli. and her voice and execution astonished
the audience. "The Widow's Victim" and "Mazulm" were the
other features of the bill. On Dec. 20 the gross receipts were
given in aid of the Kossuth Fund. Gen. Louis Kossuth attended

182 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'»s»

the theatre. "The Rivals" was acted, and, that nothing should
interfere with the fulness and perfection of the cast, Burton's
Chambers Street Theatre was closed for that evening. Burton
played Bob Acres; Wm. Rufus Blake, Sir Anthony Absolute; Miss
Wallack, Lydia; and Mary Taylor, Lucy.

The Artists' Union inaugurated a season of Italian opera Jan.
16, 1852, with "Don Pasquale." Bosio, Badiali, I.orini, San-
quirica, and Biondi were in the cast. The opera nights were
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In consequence of the prepara-
tions for "The Corsicaa_Jirothers," there was no performance
June 5, but June 8 saw its initial production, with Mrs. Vickcry
as Mme. Savilla, and the company lately playing at the Astor
Place Opera House. G. V. Brooke played the two heroes. On
June 14, Mr. and Mrs. John Drew opened as Mr. Mouser and Betsy
in the farce of "Betsy Baker."

The opera comiquc, called "A Midsummer Night's Dream,"
was given for the first time in America. Elizabeth, Mme. Fleury
Jolly; Olivia, Mme. l'illot; Nelly, Mme. Diguct; Jeremy, Mon-
telat; Shakespeare, Mr. Diguct; Falstaff. Graat. This was fol-
lowed, June 30, by the French comic opera " Le Caid, or Amours
Among Moors." Aug. 14 W. E. Burton took a benefit, and made
his last appearance here as Toodles and The Mummy; Aug. 28
Ada Harcourt made her American dlhut, and Aug. 30 Emma Fitz-
patrick and Charles Whcatlcigh made their first appearance in
America as Lctitia Hardy and IJoricourt in "The Belle's Strata-
gem," Mrs. Sloan as Mrs. Rackett, and Wm. Fleming as Sir
George Touchwood On Aug. 31 the French Ballet Troupe and
French Comic Opera Co. began a season in " Zampa. " Sept- 1
Mile. Demelisse made her American debut; Sept. 2 was the first
night of "The Barber of Seville," a ballet divertissement with
Scftorita Soto as Figaro, Mile. Pougaud as Rosina; on Sept 6 "The
Hunchback" was given, with Mrs. John Drew as Julia, Miss Fitz-
patrick as Helen, and Wm. Fleming as Sir Thomas Clifford; Sept.
8 Mme. Anna Thillon, Clara Fisher, and Mr. Hudson commenced
in "The Daughter of the Regiment." On Sept. 15 J. Browne
made his first appearance here in ten years. Mme. Fleury-Jolly,
with a ballet troupe, continued to alternate their performances.
Mme. Anna Thillon closed Sept. 16, with "The Enchantress."
On Oct. 9 H. I.ynne took a benefit, when the following volunteers
appeared: Jas. Browne, Mile. Ducy, Spanish dancer (first appear-
ance), W. Davidge, Wells, Schmidt, Mile. TheVese, I .con Javelli,
Chas. Winthcr, Master Jerome, I .a Petite Winthcr, T. D. Rice,
A. Sedgwick, S. Leach, Mr. and Mrs. Sloan, Chas. Whcatlcigh,
Ada Harcourt, and Mrs. Hield.

On Oct. 25, Amy Fitzpatrick played Constance in "The Love
Chase;" Oct. 29 " London Assurance^" was done with James

»»*33

NIBLO'S GARDEN

«83

Browne as Sir Harcourt Court lev, Emma Fitzpatrick as Lady Gay,
Chas. Wheatleigh as Dazzle, Mrs. Sloan as Grace; Oct. 30 M.
Mcge made his first appearance in America. Mme. Anna Bishop
began a brief season of English opera, and played Monday, Wednes-
day, and Friday nights. In the company were Rosa Jacques,
Augustus Braham, Mrs. C. Barton Hill (Miss Olivia), Mr. Guidi,
Stein, Stephen Leach, M. Rudolph, Anna Bishop, M. Bochsa ("con-
ductor), and Sig. La Manna. The initial performance was "Mar-
tha, "for the first time in America, with Anna Bishop as Lady
Harriet. Augustus Braham, a son of the English singer, made his
firs: nee in America Nov. 19, singing Edgar in "Lucia di

Lammcrmoor; " Nov. 22. "La Somnambula; " Nov. 30, " Linda di
Chamouni; " Dec. 2, "Martha; " Dec. 6, "The Crown Diamonds;"
Dec. 7, first night of Caroline Rousact and her three sisters. Dec.
17 was the first representation in America of the comic opera, "The
Basket Maker's Wife," with Anna Thillon, Mr. Hudson, Mrs.
Clara Fishcr-Macder. Lystcr, and G. Bcrron in the cast; Dec. 27
"Mazeppa" was acted with Mr. Harris in the title rdle. Mrs.
Kate Horn Buckland as Olinska. and Mrs. Conover as O'Neiza.

Henrietta Sontag made her first appearance in Italian opera in
America January 10, 1853. The prices, which had hitherto been
fifty cents throughout the house, Manager John Sefton for the first
time advanced to $2 and Si, according to location. Mme. Sontag
sang Maria in "La Figlia del Rcjjimcnto," Sig. Ccsarc Badiali
was the Sergeant, and Sig. Pozzolini, Tonio. On Jan. 17, "The
Barber of Seville;" Jan. 21. " Lucrczia Borgia." On Feb. 17 L
M. Gottschalk gave a concert. William Vincent Wallace was the
director. March 21 Mme. Sontag gave her thirteenth and last
operatic performance, when " La Somnambula " was heard. Le
Grand Smith's Italian Opera Troupe commenced a season March
28, Mme. Alboni bcint: the chief artist, and Max Marctzck and Sig.
Arditi conductors. The initial opera was "Don l'asqualc," with
Marini, Salvi, Bcncvcnto, and Signora Alboni in the cast. The
opera nights were Monday. Wednesday. Thursday, and Saturday.
April 2, "La Figlia del Rcgimento;" April 4. "II Barbiere de
Seviglia;" April 5, "La Cenerentola." April 8, "La Favorita."
June 10 was the benefit of C. W. Clarke, when "The Serious
Family" was played, with W. E Burton, John Brougham, C. W.
Clarke, Mrs. Hughes, Mme. Ponisi and Lizzie Weston in the cast
Gertrude Dawes followed in a dance, with Carrie HifTcrt in a song.
"A Morning Call." with the last appearance in America of Miss
Fitzpatrick as Mrs. Chillin^ton; M. W. Leffingwell sang a song,
and "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady" was acted, with Mrs.
McCready (her first appearance in New York) as Duchess de
Torrenueva.

On June 20 Wm. E. Burton opened as Job Thornberry in "John

184 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [««54

Bull," supported by the Chambers Street Theatre company. The
Ravel Family followed with "The Green Monster" and "The
White Knight" Mons. Antoinc Ravel, Jerome Ravel, Fran-
cois Ravel, Marzctti, Paul Brilliant, Dc Mclisse, Mmc. Alex,
M. Blondin and the Martinctti Family were in the organization.
This was the first appearance in New York of the Ravels in two
years. July 6 was the first appearance of Mme. Anna Thillon
and Mr. Hudson, in "The Daughter of the Regiment." Mme.
Thillon's nights were Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The
Ravels' nights were Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Harry
Eytinge, Martin, Julia Miles, Mrs. Maedcr, and Leach were in
Mmc. Thillon's company. "The Bohemian Girl" was sung July
20 for the first time in six years. Mmc. Anna Thillon (first time)
was the Arlinc, Mrs. Maedcr the Gipsy Queen, Fritter (first
appearance) Thaddcus, and Hudson Dcvilshoof; on July 23 the
comic pantomime "Nicodemus;" Aug. 17, first night in thirteen
years, W. Rooke's opera of " Amilie, or the Love Test ": Amilie,
Anna Thillon; Jose", Frazer; Pierre, Hudson; Count De Teimer,
Mr. Leach; Sept. t, benefit of Mme. Thillon, when "The Daugh-
ter of the Regiment " was played; Sept. 3 M. Blondin took a bene-
fit; Sept. 5, operatic performance for the benefit of the sufferers by
the epidemic in New Orleans, La.,— "La Favorita," selections
from several operas, and the second act of " La Figlia del Rcgi-
mento;" Sept. 13, first time in America of the fairy pantomime,
"Medina, or Dream and Reality," by the Ravels; Sept. 19. "I
Puritani;" Sept. 26, first time in America of Constanza Manzini
as Lucia in "Lucia di Lammermoor;" Oct. 2, "Masaniello," with
Salvi in the title role, SteffUMMM M Elvira; Oct. 3, first appear-
ance in two years of Signora Bertucca Marctzek, when she sang
Rosina in "The Harber of Seville;" Oct. 4, first appearance of
Yrca Mathias in the ballet " Paquita."

The Ravels closed Oct. 20, with the pantomimes " Robert
Macairc " and "Medina." Nov. 4, the dancers Mile. Christine
Leeder, Mile. MclanieDroud, and M. Dumar made their American
debut; on Nov. 2$, for the first time in America, "The Prophet."
The opera season closed Dec 16. M. Jullien gave a concert Jan.
18, 1854. The summer season of 1854 commenced May 8, with
the Ravels, minus Gabriel. " Paquita " and " Medina " were given,
with Yrca Mathias and Antoinc Ravel in the chief roles. On
May 16 Anna Cora Mowatt appeared for three nights, and opened
in "Ingomar," with C. Barton Hill as Ingomar, W. H. Bellamy,
Polydor, and Mrs. Mowatt as Parthcnia; on May 18, "Adrienne,
the Actress": Adrienne, Mrs. Mowatt; Maurice dc Saxc, Barton
Hill; Abbe. Thos. B. De Walde. May 20. "King Rene's Daugh-
ter," with Mrs. Mowatt as Iolanthe, and Barton Hill, Count Tris-
tan; also "The Honeymoon ": Juliana, Mrs, Mowatt; Duke Aranza,

iAm i

NIBLO'S GARDEN

.85

Barton Hill; Zamora, Maggie Mitchell. At the close of this
engagement Mrs. Mowatt went to Boston to play a farewell engage-
ment at the Museum, where she took her leave of the public June
2, in "Ingomar." She then returned to this city, and took her
farewell of the stage June 3, in " The Lady of Lyons. " The cast :

Pauline Mr*. Mowatt I Glavis T. B. DcWaldeo

Col. Damas .... Ceo. Andrews Beauscant Foster

Claude Melnotte • • Walter Keeblc I Mme. De*chapclles . . .Mrs Mann

The receipts were £6,000. She was married to Wm. F. Ritchie
Tuesday, June 7, at her father's home in Ravenswood, L. I.
Her marital relations did not prove pleasant, and she went abroad.
She died at Twickenham, Kng., July 29, 1870, of bronchial con-
sumption. Anna Cora Mowatt, whose maiden name was Ogden,
married her first husband when she was fifteen years of age. As
" Mrs. Helen Berkley " she wrote a series of articles which were
popular from one end of the Union to the other, and were trans-
lated into German and reprinted in London. In the spring of
1845 she wrote her first comedy, called "Fashion," which was
offered to the manager of the Park Theatre, New York, and was
no sooner read than accepted, and splendidly produced. Her first
appearance on the stage as an actress was in June 13, 1845, at the
Park Theatre, as Pauline, in "The Lady of Lyons."

Mme. Anna Thillon reappeared in English opera July 4, 1854,
supported by Frazcr, Reynolds, Meyer, Lystcr, A. Andrews, and
Mrs. Clara Fisher Maedcr. They opened in "The Enchantress."
"The Bohemian Girl" was sung July II. There was a combina-
tion of talent July 14, consisting of' English opera and French
drama. Mr. and Mme. Mennice appeared in the vaudeville, " Bru-
tus Lache COMr,1 md the musical farce, "The Waterman," was
given, Mr. Fraier acting Tom Tug. On July 18 Mme. Thillon
took her benefit, and appeared as Arlinc in "The Bohemian Girl."
This was announced as her last appearance on the stage, but she
appeared Aug. 8 as Zcrlina in " Fra Diavolo" (first and second
acts), Marie in "The Daughter of the Regiment" (second act),
and Stella in a scene from "The Enchantress." This was her
actual farewell of the stage. Aug. 10 Wm. E. Burton and his
company commenced in "Poor Pillicoddy." Mrs. Maedcr, Mrs.
Stephens, and T. B. Johnston were of the company. "The Breach
of Promise" and "Crimson Crimes" were acted Aug. 15; on Aug.
19 a benefit was given to Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence, when the
attractions presented were "Jumbo Jum " (T. D. Rice in the title
role). "The Irish Lion," " Mis hisjtOUaJUnie" and "Charles II."
John R. Scott was the Captain'Copp and Harry Perry, CharW s 1 1
Burton took a benefit Aug. 31, when "The Serious Family" was
acted with this cast:

1 86 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i»s*

Aminidab Sleek
Murphy Maguire

. . Burton
Geo. Jordan

Cnas. Torrens .
Lady Creamley

. C. Finhcr
Mrs Macder

Mr. Burton also appeared as Jem Baggs in "The Wandering
Minstrel," and in "Wanted, One Thousand Milliners." He
closed Sept. 3, with "Poor Pillicoddy " and "Tooilles." The
Ravels then reappeared, and on Sept. [8 produced their new pan-
tomime, by Jerome Ravel, entitled "Asphodel, or the Magic Pen."
On Oct. 14 Francois Ravel took a benefit, when he appeared in
five speaking characters in the French vaudeville, "The Three
Paced Frenchman." The Ravels closed Oct. 21, with "Robert
Macaire." "Jocko." "La Perle d'Andalousic" and "Asphodel."
Jerome and Francois returned to France. Antoine and other mem-
bers of the company made a tour through the Southern States.

The Batcman Children, Kate and Ellen, were the next attrac-
tion, commencing Oct. 23, in "The Young Couple" and "The
Spoiled Child;" Oct. 25, "Paul Pry;" Oct. 26, "Hamlet," Ellen
Batcman as the Dane. On Oct. 27 the Roussct Sisters appeared,
in conjunction with the Batcmans. Nov. 7, the farce, "The
Grandmother's Pet, or the Young Scamp," was acted, with the
first appearance of Kate Bateman as Joseph. Kate had a benefit
Nov. 11, and made her farewell appearance. Owing to illness,
Ellen Batcman did not appear. The first regularly organized com-
pany for the production of Italian open was that of Nau and St.
Albyn, brought to this country by William Niblo. They consisted
of Dolores Nau, soprano; A. St. Albyn, tenor; A. Irving, basso;
Geo. Harrison, H. Horncastlc, baritone; Miss Brienti, Frank
Boudinet. Thos. Baker, conductor, and Hcrr Hcrwig, leader. Al-
though they kept the boards from Nov. 20 to Jan. 3, 1855, the
experiment was a failure. The company closed with a benefit for
the poor of this city. The third act of "The Bohemian Girl,"
third act of " Lucia " and "TJie-Savage and the Maiden " were sung.

A German opera company played througn the month of March,
and the regular season began May 23, with the Pync and Harrison
English Opera Company. July 17 Mr. Burton and company com-
menced and alternated with the opera people until Sept I, but the
latter continued until Nov. 3, having played one hundred and
twenty-five nights. Nov. 12 Mile. Rachel, the French tragedienne,
commenced an engagement which terminated Nov. 17.

John Milton Hengler. tight-rope performer, made his first ap-
pearance in New York May 12, 1856. Mr. Burton and company
acted on the alternate nights during the month of August. Oct.
23 Mmc. Schecrcr Johannscn made her first appearance in con-
junction with a German opsra company that performed during
that month. Dec. 1 " Young America." a youth four years of age,
made his first appearance, performing on the tight rope. Dec.
15. the Pyneand Harrison Opera Company reappeared, and Charles

O01

NIBLO'S GARDEN

«87

Guilmette made a first appearance. They continued until January,
1857. April 13, Maretzek commenced a season of Italian opera,
with Mrac. Gazzaniga as the chief artist. May 29, a dramatic
company playing light pieces began and alternated with the Ravels
during the summer. On that date Signorina Theresa Kolla made
her debut in the ballet of " Paquita." The Ravels continued until
January, 1858, when they gave place to Dan Rice's Equestn m
company, which closed March 23, 1858. In the company were
Dan Rice, Jake Showles, Miles. Elvira and Estelle, Armstrong,
Rivers, King, Kingcade, Jackson, Herr Beach, Mons. La Thome,
Harry Whitby, C. Noyes, B. Stevens. C. Reed, W. H. Green, (',.
Dunbar, Henry Magilton, F. Davidson, and Jimmy Reynolds.
Among the acts announced were "An Elephant Walks a Rope."
"A Rhinoceros Acts as a Gymnast," "A Camel Waltzes," "A
Horse Ascends a Flight of Stairs."

Charlotte Cushman began an engagement June 21, supported by
E. L. Davenport and appeared in "Henry VIII." John Gilbert
was in the cast, his first appearance in New York in eight years.
" London Assurance" was played June 28. with this cast: Lady
Gay7 Charlotte Cushman ; Grace, Mary Devlin; Pert, Ida Vernon;
Sir Harcourt, H. Placidc; Max, John Gilbert; Dazzle, Wm. R.
Blake; Meddle, John Brougham; and Charles Courtlcy, E. L.
Davenport.

Jane Coombs made her appearance here in August, 1858, as
Lady Gay Spanker in " London Assurance," with Wm. R. Blake
as Meddle, and Mr. Duncan as tool. "Miss Coombs was a hand-
some blonde, with wonderful eyes and excellent elocution; she
read well and played naturally.

On Sept. 6, 1858, Dion Boucicault and Agnes Robertson com-
menced an cngagemenira"mT~on~ t)ctribBT 4 they appeared in " Pau-
vrcttc," supported by George Jordan and Mrs. Coleman Pope. On
this occasion the price of admission was reduced to fifty cents.
On Oct. 27 they produced a comedy called "The Pppc_of Rome"
with this cast: Cardinal, C. Fisher; Hugo, "Boucicault . Fabio,
A. H. Davenport; Carlo Baker; Julio, Vincent; Antonio, Thomp-
son; Countess, Mrs. Coleman Pope; Count, Maddocks; Adrian,
Geo. Jordan; Matteo, D. Whiting; and Bianca, Agnes Robertson.
This was the first appearance of Charles Fisher at this house; also
the dc'but of W. H. Maddocks. "Jessie Brown, or thc-Rclici of
Lucknow. " was acted Nov. 7, when George Paunccfort first ap-
1 11 red in New York as Randall McGregor; "The Phantom" and
the "Young 3," Dion Boucicault in the first drama, and

Agnes KObertson in the latter, it being the fifty-fifth night of that
actress.

Nov. 22 Gabriel and Francois Ras-el reappeared with a company,
and played until Dec. 18. The house was then closed until James

188 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci*°

M. Nixon and company appeared January 27, 1859, and remained
until April 12. Dan Rice was one of the attractions. The theatre
reopened April 18, when E. Eddy transferred his company from the
Broadway Theatre, and his season lasted until November. William
Niblo's lease expired May 1, 1859, and it was arranged that Mr.
A. T. Stewart, the owner of the property, should pay Mr. Niblo
the price of the buildings at a regular valuation. The sum was
agreed upon, and a check was to be given on the above-named day.
The matter being thus arranged, it was supposed that Niblo's
Garden was to be no more; but Mr. Stewart said to Mr. Niblo:
" Tin' public cannot afford to lose you, sir, and I should be sorry
to take upon myself the responsibility of depriving them of
Niblo's Garden. Retain possession of it, and, as for the rent,
you shall have it at $5,000 per annum less than I would rent it to
any other man." Mr. Stewart's liberality was duly appreciated,
and the papers were signed and delivered.

Julia Dean Haync was Eddy's first star, who opened April 18 as
Neal Caverly in "ScRor VaUcjitc." with Eddy in the title rdlej
April 25 " Antony and Cleopatra " was given. Julia Dean Hayne
as Cleopatra; May 2, "The Bride of Lammermoor," Julia Dean
Hayne as Lucy Ashton, and Eddy as Edgar; May 9, " Rob Roy,"
Mme. Ponisi as Helen, Eddy as Rob Roy, Harry Pearson as the
Bailie; May 23 the ballet " I.a Bayadere " and "Two Buzzards"
were seen; June 3 Lucy Kscott appeared as Diana Vernon in
" Rob Roy;" June 6 Miranda the tenor sang Thaddcus, and Lucy
Escott. Arlinc in "The Bohemian Girl;" June 13 "Taming of the
Shrew " was given ; June 23 The Keller Troupe were seen ; July
4 the first act of "JDojibey and Son/' "Robert Macaire" and
"Pizarro" formed the bill. July 11 vVm. E. Burton appeared in
"The Breach of Promise "and " Toodles ; " July 15 A. H. Daven-
port took a benefit, when Maggie Mircnell, F. B. Conway, Eph
Horn, Eddy, and many others volunteered. Maggie Mitchell
played Katty O'Shcal in the drama of that name July 16. Wm. E.
Burton acted Capt. Cuttlo in " Dombey and Son" July 18; Edwin
Booth played Iago to Chas. Pope's OthcTTcTand Sara Stevens'
Desdemona July 30. Francois and Gabriel Ravel appeared
August 1.

Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams reappeared Oct. 17, after a four
years' absence in Europe, and played thirty-six nights. Matilda
Heron began an engagement Nov. 28, 1859. She played " Camillc "
at every performance, with Charles Fisher as Armand. Gabriel
and Francois Ravel reappeared Dec. 17, and played until Jan. 7,
i860, when James M. Nixon took the managerial reins and intro-
duced Cook's English Circus. March 5. Mr. and Mrs. Barney
Williams reappeared. In August, Gabriel Ravel and company
took possession and gave a season of pantomime.

NIBLO'S GARDEN

189

James W. Collier's first appearance in New York was at this
house during Charlotte Cushman's engagement in Oct., 1859, as
Rolando in "The Honeymoon," and for five seasons he continued
in the stock as leading juvenile man. For many years afterwards
he travelled through the country with his sister-in-law, Maggie
Mitchell, whom he supported in all her plays. He died in this
city May 13, 1898.

Edwin Forrest, who was under a one hundred nights' contract
with James M. Nixon to perform in the principal cities and to
receive one half of the nightly gross receipts, appeared here Sept.
17, i860. The scats for the initial performance were sold at
auction. The company engaged to support Mr. Forrest comprised
I). H. Harkins, Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Conway, Charles Fisher, A.
W. Fenno, James Canoll, T. E. Morris, Andrews, Cooke, James
Martin, James Taylor, Donaldson, Ellis, Jordan, Leigh, Harrison,
Mmc. Ponisi, Mrs. Le Brun, Miss Athena, Kate Fisher, Miss
Pine, Miss Wright, and Julia Melville. Forrest appeared on Mon-
day, Wednesday, and Friday evenings of each week, and on the
other nights Cortesi's Italian Opera company were heard.

The Cortesi company opened in "La Traviata" Sept. 18, with
Cortesi as Violetta, Sig. Musiani as Alfredo, Sig. Amodio as Ger-
mont. Piccini's opera "Medea" was sung Sept. 27 for the first
time in America: Medea, Mile. Cortesi: Creonte, Sig. Ardivani ;
Jason, Sig. Musiani ; Chalcante, Sig. Nanni. On Oct. 2 F. B.
Conway, CharlcsFisher, A. W. Fenno, J. Canoll, and Mrs. F. B.
Conway appeared in "The Marble Heart."

William E Burton appeared Oct 3. On the occasion of his
benefit six hundred persons, who had paid for admission and could
not obtain places, received back their money from the box office.
Oct. 9 "All that Glitters Is Not Gold" and " Black Eyed Susan "
formed the bill, and John Chester, an English comedian, made bis
American debut as Toby Twinkle. " Still Waters Run Deep " was

fiven Oct. 13, with Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Conway as Mr. and Mrs.
ohn Mildmay. Charles Fisher played Triplet in "Masks and
Faces " Oct. 18. The theatre was closed Oct. 23, in order to give
"The Dead Heart," Watts Phillips' drama, a dress rehearsal, and
it was produced, for the first time on the American stage, Oct. 25,
with this cast:

The Count dc Valerie D. H. Harkins
Abbe" Lntour . . . Charles Fisher
Robert Landry ... F. B. lonway

Jacques Legrand . . ■ Jame* Canon
icboul Mr. Martin

Toupe Chester

Jocriue T. F. Mottis

Catharine Du»al . Mrs. F. B. Conway
Ccriscttc Kate Fisher

Edwin Forrest played "Othello" Oct. 30, with F. B. Conway as
Iago, Chas. Fisher as Cassio, Chester as Rodcrigo, Mrs. F. B.
Conway as Desdemona, and Mme. I'onisi as Emclia. A benefit

190 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [t*t

was given Oct. 31, in aid of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund of the
New York Fire Department. The entertainment consisted of a
concert by Mrs. J. M. Mozart, Mrs. H. L. Wcstfcildt, D. Miranda,
F. Rudolphsen, Geo. Simpson, G. W. Morgan, Jerome Hopkins,
T. A. Hogan ami Dr. C. A. Guilmette; the farce of "Sudden
Thoughts; " and "All That Glitters Is Not Gold."

Nov. j 5 "The Wreck Ashore," was played under the title of
"The Pirate Lover. " "Louise de Ligncrollcs, or A Woman's
Devotion" was played Nov. ti, witn tins cast : Louise dc Ligne-
rollcs, Mrs. F. B. Conway; Colonel dc Givry, F. H. Conway;
Henri de Lignerolles, D. H. Harkins; Cccilc de Givry, Miss
Athena. The farce of "A Regular Fix" was also presented.
"The Prodigal Son" was produced Nov. 29. Forrest played
"Macbeth" Dec. 3, 5, 7, to, 12, and 14, with Mme. Ponisi as
Lady Macbeth, F. B. Conway as Macduff. "Richard HI." was
Forrest's next assumption, Dec. 17, 19, 21, and 24.

Dec 22 a company of French Zouaves, whi istinguished

themselves during the Crimean War, made their debut in America.
Their entertainment consisted of pantomime, ballet, and military
drill. On Christmas night, " Eugenia, or the New Found Home, '
was played, and on Dec. 26 Forrest acted Spartacus in "The
Gladiat.

Jan. 5, 1861, Mr. Rarey, the horse-tamer, commenced a se:
of lectures, which were repeatt d during Mr. Forrest's off nights.
Jan. 9, the fiftieth night of Mr. Forrest's engagement, he played
Damon in " Da moil and Pythias." On Jan. 12 Blond in appeared,
ami on Jan. 19 the trotting mare, Flora Temple, was exhibited.
On Jan. 27 Prof. Anderson, "The Wizard of the North," was seen
in "Rob Roy."

Anna Bishop opened in English opera Feb. 12, when " Linda di
Chamounix " was given, as follows :

Linda Anna Bishop Antonio Aynsley Cooke

Viscount Sirval . Brookhauxc Howler I Fanchetta Kate Fisher

Pierorto . . . Anna Kemp Bowler ' Conductor .... Carl AnacbtltS

Forrest played "Jack_jCacie_!' Feb. 18, and Balfe's opera, "The
Bohemian Girl," Feb. 19: Mme. Bishop as Arline, Miranda as
Thaddeus, Gonzales as the Count, Bowler as Florestein, and Cooke
as Devilshoof. On March 2 Eleanor Watson made her dlbut as
Zerlina in "Fra Diavolo." Sig. Tophoff and Annctta Galctti
danced in the opera. March 5, for the benefit of Aynslcy Cooke,
and last night of the opera season, "The Bohemian Girl" was
given, and the following volunteers appeared: Mme. Theleure,
Mons. Wiethoff, Ben Yates, Sig. Tophoff and Mile. Galctti.

Frank Chanfrau began an engagement March 7, in "The
Willow's Victim " and " Toodlcs. " On March 9 the Ronzani Ballet
Troupe gave an entertainment. "La Bayadere " was rendered

J86a]

NIBLO'S GARDEN

I9I

March 19, with the following cast: The Unknown, Brookhousc
Bowler; Otifour, Aynslcy Cooke; the Chapdhour, W. Cooke; and
Fatima, Harriet Payne (Mrs. Aynsley Cooke).

On March 28 James Nixon commenced, on the alternate nights
for the balance of Forrest's season, with a circus company. Forrest
terminated his engagement of ninety performances on March 29
with Damon, for a benefit to the families of the New York Fire
Department of Volunteers.

From April 29 to Dec. 23 of the same year (1861) the house
remained closed. Prof. Herrmann began an engagement Dec. 23
under the management of Bernard Ullman. William Niblo retired
from the lessccship in May, 1861.

A. T. Stewart had the house improved in August, 1861. The
parquet benches were taken out and movable chairs substituted.

A season was begun Jan. 7, 1862, by the Wallack-Jarrett- Daven-
port company, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr.,
E. L. Davenport, Wm. Whcatlcy, Thomas Flacidc, Geo. W. Rycr,
Mark Smith, Lewis Baker, Harry I-angdon, Walter Lennox, Sevan,
W. Blaisdcll, Charles Hale, Chas. Barron, R. Gcrmon, Kingsland,
Barrett, Ferguson, Mrs. W. R. Blake, Julia Bennett Barrow, Julia
Irving and Josephine Henry. They opened in "The School for
Scandal," with Mark Smith as Sir Peter, Geo. Ryer as Sir Oliver,
William Whcatley as Charles, Jas. W. Wallack as Joseph, E. L.
Davenport as Sir Benjamin, Thomas Placidc as Crabtrcc, Julia
Bennett Barrow as Lady Teazle and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr., as
Mrs. Candour. On Jan. 8 "Hamlet" was given with Davenport
as the hero, Wheatley as Laertes, W:illack as the Ghost, Geo.
Ryer as Claudius, Langdon as Horatio, T. Placide as First Grave-
digger, J«l»a Bennett Barrow as Ophelia, and Mrs. Wallack as
Eucen; Jan. n, "Othello," Davenport as the Moor; Wallack,
go. On Jan. 13, " King of the Commons;" on Jan. 15 "Julius
ir" was produced: Julius Ca-sar. Geo. Ryer; Cassius, Jas. W.
Wallack, Jr.; Brutus, E. L. Davenport; Mark Antony, Wm.
Wheatley; Casca. Mark Smith ; Portia. Julia Bennett Barrow. On
Jan. 22 James Hackett joined the combination, and appeared as
Falstaff in "King Henry IV.," supported by Wheatley, Ryer,
Mark Smith, and others. On Jan. 23, "The Stranger" and "The
Honeymoon" were given. On Jan. 31 "The Merry Wives of
Windsor" was done with this cast:

Kalstafl Mr. Hackett

Mr. Kord Mr. WaJIacb

Sir Hugh Evans - - Walter Lennox
Shallow Mark Smith

Mrs. Ford . . Julia Bennett R.irrow
Mrs. Page Mrs. Jame» \V. Wallack, Jr.
Anne I'agc . . . Josephine Hcory

On Feb. 6, for the benefit of Mr. Hackett, " IJisLast Leg
"A Post Office Mistake," "A Yankee i" England/' and "A Kcn-
tuckian in New York" wen- ,mmn.

192 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'»»

On Feb. i ! Hackctt reappeared ; on Feb. 14, for Davenport's

benefit. "The Wife " and " Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady"

were given, when Fanny Davenport appeared as Charles I. This

was Miss Davenport's first appearance in this city as an actress.

On Feb. 15, the Wallack-Davenport Company closed with "The

^trangcr" and "The Honeymoon;" and "The Collfen Bawn "

; was given Feb. 17 with this cast :

Eitv O'Connor . . Mm. John Wood

Sadat Mai; Wells

Mr>. Cretan .... Mrs. Vinlng
Ducie Blcnnerhasset Josephine Henry
Anne Chute . . . Hmraj Taylor

Mjrles na Coppalleen . . John Collins
Hardres* Cregan . . L. R. Shewed
Danny Mann .... Wm. Scallan
Father Tom Geo. Ryer

On March 31 the Wallack-Davenport company returned,
strengthened by the acquisition of John Gilbert, Mary Gladstane,
and Mrs. Skerrett. "The Dramatist" was given, with Mr. Wheat-
ley as Vapid, and Mrs. Emma Skerrett as Marianne, followed by
"Damon and Pythias."

Oa April 1. "Wild Oats "and "Black Eyed Susan;" April 2,
"The Hunchback": Master Walter, hum-., W, Wallack, Jr.; Sir
Thomas Clifford, Wheat ley ; Modus, Davenport: ami Julia, Mis.
Mary Gladstane, her first appearance here. On April 7 "The
Rivals" was presented with this memorable cast:

'■.nthony Absolute . John Gilbert
Sir Lucius O'Trigger E. L. Davenport
Captain Absolute . . Wm. Wheatlev

Hob Acres T. Placldc

Faulkland . . . J. W. Wallack Jr.

David Wm. Scallan

Lydia Languish . . Mrs. (.l.nNt.inc

tuh.i Emma Taylor
frs. Malaprop . . . Mary Wells
Lucy Mrs. Skerrett

April 8, for the benefit of Wm. Wheatlev. " Pizarro " and " Wine
Works Wonders " were given, the comedy having this cast : Young
Mirabel. Wm. Wheatley; Old Mirabel, John Gilbert; Duretete,
L. R. Shewell; Oriana, Mrs. Gladstane. In "Pizarro" E. L.
Duvcnport acted Rolla, J. W. Wallack Pizarro, and Mrs. Wallack
Elvira, April to was devoted to the benefit of James W. Wallack,
Jr.. when "Money" was acted. The theatre was closed April 11
for rehearsal, and April 14 witnessed a revival of "The Enchan-
tress," thus cast:

Ramir E. L. Davenport

Forte Brachio . . . Frank Boudinot
Nugu.es James Dunn

Slio George Ryer
etro . . . . D. B. Van Dercn
Don Sylvio .... Wm. Wheatlev

Dr. Mathanasius
Duke D"Aquila
Mumba Jurnba
Page ... .
Stella ....
Spirit of Good .

. Peter Richlngs
James Collier
. Walter Lennox
. Fanny Denham
Caroline Richlngs
. Annetta Galctti

This ran until June 9, when Auber's opera, "The Syren,"
arranged by Caroline Kichings, was produced and cast as follows:
Scopetto, E. L. Davenport ; Duke de Popoli, John Gilbert ; Bol-

l86»]

NIBLO'S GARDEN

193

baya, Peter Kichings; Scipia, L. R. ShcwcM ; Pecchionc, Frank
Boudinot; Pictro, James Dunn, Grand Judge, Aug. S. Pcnnoycr;
Captain of Chasseurs, Mr. Macder; Officer, Mr. Gcrmon; Mathia,
Clara Fisher Macder; Zerlina, Caroline Richings.

On June 23 the bill was "The Daughter of the Regiment," with

this cast

Cartouche .... Peter Richings

Toolo L. R. Shewell

Hortensius . . . John T. Raymond
Louix Mr. Macder

Notary .... Aug. S. Pcnnoycr

Maria Caroline Richings

.Marchioness . Clara Fisher Macder

On July 3 "The National Guard" was produced, in which
appeared John T Raymond, L. R. Shewell, James Dunn, Peter
and Caroline Richings, and Clara Fisher Macder. Peter Richings
appeared as George Washington, and Caroline Richings as the
Goddess of Liberty in an allegory called "JuTasjiingtun." "The
Night Dancers" was done July 7, and the season closed July 14.

The house reopened July 21, with William Wheatlcy as sole
lessee and manager. The first attraction was the Irish comedian
John Collins in "The Colleen Bawn," with this cast: Myles,
John Collins; Danny Mann, Wm. bcallan ; Hardress Cregan, L. R.
Shewell; Father Tom, J. G. Burnett. Mary Wells, Kate Denin
Ryan, and Emma Taylor were also in the cast. On Aug. 4 Gabriel
Ravel and company opened in "The Four Lovers,'* in which
Gabriel Ravel, Marzctti, Axtcl, Tophoff, Henry, Toledo, and
Madame Marzctti appeared; a fas de ittiixhy Mmc. Marzetti ;mil
Sig. Tophoff; a triple trapeze act by Young America; and the
farce of "The Whites and the Browns," the chiractcrs in which
were sustained by J. G. Burnett, L. R. Shewell, Tom Placide, Mary
Wells, and Emma Taylor constituted the bill. On Sept. 13 Gabriel
Ravel had a benefit, when he played speaking parts in the French
vaudeville of "The Three-Faced Frenchman. "

The regular season opened Sept. 15 with the engagement of
Edwin Forrest and the following company: John E. McCulImi^h,
L R. Shewell, J. G. Burnett, James Canoll, Edward Lamb, J. W.
Collier, James Martin, George Becks. C. Kingsland, T. E. Morris,
James Ward, Wheatley. Mrs. Mary Gladstane, Mme. Ponisi, Mrs.
J. R. Scott, Mary Wells, Josephine Henry, and Harvey B. Dod-
worth as musical director. Forrest played for eight weeks, ap-
pearing on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of each
week. He produced " Hamlet," " Richelieu," "Othello," " Damon
and Pythias," "Virginius," "King Lear," " Pi/arro," "Richard
111.," "The Gladiator," "The Lady of Lyons," and "Jack Cade"
James pT. HacJcctt appeared Tuesday and Saturday, froth the o:
ingot the season until Oct. 28. Mis impersonations were F.ilstaff,
in "King Henry IV." and in "The Merry Wives of Windsor;"

194 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i«g

Sir Pcrtinax McSycophant, in "The Man of the World ;" Rip, in
" KirjVan_WjnkJc;" Felix O'Callaghan, in "His Last Legs." and
.stew Mallet in the farce of "A Post Office Mistake." On
Oct. 25 a benefit was given in aid of the Widows' and Orphans'
Fund. On Nov. 1, and subsequent Tuesdays and Saturdays,
Matilda Heron appeared in " Camille," supported by L. R. Shewed
as Armand, J. G. Burnett as Duval and Mary Wells as Prudence.
Gabriel Ravel and the Marzettis returned Nov. 10, and presented
ballet and pantomime until Nov. 22, Mr. Forrest reappearing
Nov. 24 as Macbeth. He remained four weeks, playing in " Mac-
beth," "The Gladiator/' " Metamora^' '^Jack Cade." and "Riche-
lieu," and on Dec. 12, for the first time in eigbT years, in "£hc
l. k r of Bogota." Matilda Heron appeared as Camille on Mr.
FoiTest"s_6ff nights until Dec. g, when she produced a dramatiza-
tion of Mrs. Henry Wood's novel, "J-jlsI Lynne," entitled " Edith,
or the Earl's Daughter," cast as follows :

Edith Matilda Heron

Fanchette . . . Josephine llcnrv
Mabel Kelt* . . Mrs. I. H. Allen
Mba Sempronia Morleigb Mary Wells
Justice Obadiab Grout Thos- Placlde

James James T. Ward

Alfred Morlcigh John McCullough

Sir Mortimer Raxhton L R She "ill
Champinais . . . George Becks
Richard Keith . . . . J. W. Collier

The dramatization was by JL-£»«J4
Dec. 15, and Miss Heron on Dec. 20.

Mr. Forrest closed

James B. Roberts and the
stock company gave " Faust and Marguerite" Dec 22. with this
cast:

Emily Thorne

. Marv Wells

Mrs. Mark Smith

Mcphisto .... James B. Roberts Marguerite .

Pull L. R. Shewell Martha . .

Brander A. W. Fcnoo Hdene . .

Valentine . . . - J. W. Lanergan

Mr. Roberts had a benefit Jan. 13, 1863, Miss Thorne following
Jan. 14, when she presented "Faust" and "A Loan of a Lover."
On Jan. 15, 16, ij Daniel K. Bandmann acted Shylock in "The
Merchant of Venice," in English. On Jan. 19 Kate Bateman bc-
,gan an engagement in a play adapted from Mosenthal's "Deborah "
and then acted for the first time in English under the title of
" Leah the Forsaken. " This was the e

I.eah Bateman Nathan . . . Jas. W. Wallack Jr.

Maddclcna . . Mrs. F. S-Chanfrau Father I.orenz . . . J. G. Burnett

LameGroschcn Mrs. Emma Skerrett Father Hermann . • J. W. Lanergan

Sarah . Mrs. H. P. Grattan Ludwig Edward Lamb

I Rudolph Edwin Adams

It proved a great success and continued until March 16, when "The
ncbantress " was revived.
1 March 20 Matilda Heron came in "Edith." On April 13,

NIBLO'S GARDEN

'95

"Camille;" on April 20 Miss Heron presented "Aurora Flovd.'
dramatized by Qjarlcs_Gayler, from Miss Braddon's novel, with
this cast :

Steve HargTcavcs

John Mcllish

J as. Conyers . .

George Jamison
. L. R. Shcwell
Frank Mordaunt

Aurora Floyd - - . Matilda Heron
Lucy Floyd . . Mr*. Geo- C. Jordan

Mrs. I'owcll Mary Well*

Mrs Alexander Floyd Mrs J. K.Scott

Kate Bateman returned May 4 in " Leah, " and continued it

until M*y 25, when she acted Tulia in " The Hunchback." On

27, 28 "Geraldinc" was played, with II. L. B.itcman (her

father) in the cast. Miss Batcman acted Bianca in "Fazio" for

her last performances, May 29 and 30.

A summer season opened June 1, with the production of "The
kc's Motto." Mr. Collins, who had returned from London,
made his reappearance in this play, introducing two new songs, —
"The Amber Tide of Usquebagh " and "While There's Life
There 's Hope/' — words by John, Brougham, music by H. B.

: s Motto " 1

w.is tini.-, cast:

Lemuel ....
Malioomc . . -
Duchess Dc Never*
M.inche ....
Zillah

J. G. Burnett

Mr. Simpson

Madame J'onisi

Mr*. J. H- Allen

Mrs. Geo Jordan

Dodworth. " The Duke _

Carrickfergas . . . . Fohn Collins
Capt Henri de Lagardere Wnt-Whcatley
1'rince l)e Gonzagues . L. R. Shewed
Hector Pcyrolles . . Edward Ijmh
Regent Orleans ... J. W. Collier
Duke De Ncvcrs . Frank Mordaunt

Owing to the illness of Mr. Wheatley, the run of " The Duke's
MoJJo" was brought to a sudden termination with the performance
of Aug. 24, and the theatre was closed until Aug. 29, when it was re-
opened with Daniel E. Bandmann as Shylock in " The Merchant of
Venice," supported by L. R. She well, John McCullough, J. G.
Burnett. B. T. Ringgold, W. H. Leak. E. Lamb, E. B. Holmes,
J. Martin, J. W. Blaisdcll, C. Kingsland, J. T. Ward, Mmc. Ponisi,
Mrs. Emma Skcrrett, Mrs. Reeves, Mrs. J. H. Allen, and Mrs. H.
P. Grattan. L. J. Vincent was the stage manager. On Aug. 31,
Edwin Forrest reappeared on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, ami
Fridays, while Mr. Bandmann occupied the Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Forrest opened in " Richelieu," Sept. 2, 3, 4, and Oct. t. The cast
was as follows :

Adrien de Mauprat John McCullough
De Beringhen . . B. T. Ringgold

Joseph J- G. Burnett
iuguet J- Martin

Marion Mrs. Reeves

Baradas L R. Shcwcll

W. H. Leak

On Sept. I, 1863, for the first time in New York, John Guido
Methua's adaptation from the German of Brachvogcl, entitled
" isarcisse, or the 1-ast of the Pompadours." was given with this

196 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'**

Narciss« Kameau
Duke dc Choiscul
Crimm . . . .

, D. E. Bandmann

Jobs McCullough

. \V. H.Lcalc

Marquise de Pompadour M me. Ponisi
Marquise D'Epinay Mrs. Emma Skerrelt
Mile. Doris Quinault Mr«. J. H Allen

This play was repeated Sept. 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 23. Mr. Band-
mann's engagement terminated Sept. 26 with " Hamlet." Mr.
McCullough played the Ghost, L. R. Shcwcll Laertes, Mine. Ponisi
the Queen, and Mrs. Allen Ophelia.

Mr. Forrest played "Hamlet," Sept. 7, 9, 10, It; "_J3rutus "
Sept. 14, 16, 17; "Othello" Sept, 18,21; '• Virginius" Sept. 22,
24 ; and " King Lear " Sept. 23, 28.

Felicita Vestvali made her first appearance in English drama
Sept 29, in a new play, adapted by Matilda Heron, with music by
Robert Stocpcl, entitled " (iamca, or the Jewish Mother": Gamea,
Felicita Vestvali; Bianca, Mrs. Hrougham-Robcrtson ; Silvia, Mrs.
J. H. Allen ; Martha, Mrs. H. I'. Grattan ; Theresa, Mrs. Emma Skcr-
rctt ; Rutchioni, L. R. Shcwcll ; Oclavio, J. VV. Collier. The play was
repeated Oct. 3, 6, 10, 13, 20, 23, and 24. Mr. Forrest reappeared
Sept. 30 and Oct. 19 as Damon 5 Oct. 2, 5, 7, and 12 as Spartacus
in " Thft fijr**^0/ ; " Oct- 8. 9. as Macbeth, when John Nunan of
the NcwBowery Theatre made his first appearance here, acting
Banquo; Oct. 14, 15, and 16, as Jack Cade; Oct. 21, 22, as Meta-
mora. Forrest was announced to repeat the latter Oct. 23, but the
sickness and subsequent death of his sister, in Philadelphia, caused
him to break his engagement for a few days, and his place was taken
by Vestvali as Gamea. On Oct. 26 and 27 Matilda Heron appeared
as Camillc. Mary Wells and John S. Hall now joined the company.
On Oct. 28 Forrest reappeared as Febro in " The Broker of

played Medea ir. the tragedy ot that name Oct. 3 1
On Nov. 2 " Coriolanus " was acted for the first time in Nil>lu's
Garden. Mr. Forrest was the Coriolanus ; Shcwell, Tullus Aufidius ;
J. G. Burnett, Mencnius Agrippa; McCullough, Comnius; Mme.
Ponisi, Volumnia; and Mrs. Allen, Virgilia. This tragedy was re-
peated Nov. 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12. 13. and 20, the latter being the benefit
and last appearance of Mr. Forrest.

This was Mr. Forrest's first appearance in that character in seven
years. Mr. Wheatley eclipsed all his former efforts in the produc-
tion of " Coriolanus." There were one hundred and fifty-four
persons on the stage in the last scene of the first act. Mr. Forrest
acted " Richard III." Nov. 19. Matilda Heron appeared in "Edith,
the Kail's Daughter," Nov. 4. This was followed by Thomas B. be
VValdcn's version of " Adjicnnc. the Actress." Ada" Clifton; who
had now become a member of the companyT acted in it.

An Italian opera company, under the management of Jacob Grau.
opened Nov. 11 in "La Favorila." The company consisted of

IMO

NIBLO'S GARDEN

197

Miles. Vera Lorini, Pauline Castri. and Morensi, and Signors Luigi
Stefani, Morelli, Barili, and Madame Ficher. The cast of " La
Favorita " was: Leonora, Mile. Vera Lorini (first appearance in
America); Inei, Mme. Ficher; Fernando, Sig. Luigi Stefani;
Alfonso, Sig. Morelli ; Balthasar, Sig. Barili. The musical con-
ductor was Sig. Muzio. Pauline Castri made her American debut
Nov. 14 as Lucia; Nov. 18 Matilda Heron acted Camillc. and for her
last appearance. Nov. 21, Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams be-
gan Nov. 23 in •' The Fairy Circle." " Customs of the Country," and
"Pat's Blunders;" Nov. 30. "The Lakes of Killarncy;" Dec. 7,
"Irish Assurance " and " The Irish Boy ai.il Van kec Girl," for one
week, "followed Dec. 14 by "The Magic Joke" and "The I
Circle." W. A. Chapman, Harry Pearson, and Mr. and Mrs. C Waf-
cot, Jr. were now engaged. " All Hallow Eve " and " Yankee Court-
ship." were given week commencing Do:. 21. ami Shandy
Maguire," " In and Out of Place." and "The Happy Man " Dec. 28.
" Shandy Maguirc," " Law for Ladies," " The Irish Tutor." and
kindred pieces filled up the time until Jan. 11, 1864, when Charles v
Ggylcr's Irish drama. "The Connie Soogah," was produced for the
first time on any stage, with this cast:

Tim Rejjan . . . . J. W. Blaisdell
Mr*. O'Corman . Mrs. H. P. (".rattan
Eileen O'Corman . . . Ada Clifton
Nelly Nolan . Mrs. Barney Williams
Elsie of the Glen . . . Mary Wells
Holmes I Mary Regan .... Mrs. Reeves

Lord Berrysford • • • • I- Nunan
Hon. Redmond O'Connor B. T. Ringgold
Laccy O'Connor . . . J.W.Collier
Comey McGrath . Barney Williams
Jeffrey Trickett , .J.G.Burnett

Squire Maltland . . E. B.

"Connie Soogah " ran for five weeks; after that "JTJtc Duke's
Motto " was revived Jan. 22, for one week. On Feb. 29 the Caro-
iinc Richings English Opera company in " The Postilion of Long-
jumcau," with Caroline Richings as Madelainc, Peter Richings as
the Marquis de Courcy, W- J. Hill as Chapelon, Edward Seguin as
Bijou, and Henry Peakes as Bourdon. Mrs. E. D. Hardy and
Walter Birch were also with the company. March 3, "Linda di
Chamouuix ; " March 7, "The Daughter of the Regiment;" March
10, " I jx Somnambula." March 1 1 " The Bohemian Girl " was given
for Miss Richings' benefit, and S. C Campbell appeared. "The
Enchantress" was done March 14, with Mile. Hlisc (Mrs. Jacques
Kruger) and Lina Windcl in the ballet. Edwin Booth began an
engagement March 28, with "The Fool's Revenge." for the first
time in New York, with this cast:

Bertuccio Edwin Booth Bernardo Ascoltl - . C. De Forrest

Galcotti Manfredi .... J. Nunan Kmnccsca Ada Clifton

Guido Malatexti . . E B. Holmes Kiordelsia (first appearance)

Serafino Del Aquila ■ .J. W. Collier Rose Eytlnge

Baldassarc Farelli . B. T. Ringgold Brigltta Mary Wells

Glau Maria Ordelalfi J. W. lila Udell

198 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«4

A benefit was given to the Sanitary Commission April 16,
afternoon and evening. " Cinderella " was acted at the matinee
April 17 by children, and in the evening Edwin Booth appeared
in "The Iron Chest" and "Taming of the Shrew." For the
succeeding week, Mr. Booth played Raphael in "The Marble
Heart." On April 23 Jas. H. Hackctt came as Falstaff in " Henry
IV." for the benefit of the Central Park statue of Shakespeare
Fund. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams returned April 25 in "The
Connie Soogah " for two weeks, and for the next fortnight of their
engagement a variety of their dramas were done. On May 17
"Bel Dcmonio" was first presented. The Tarantella ballet was
composed by Sig. Ronzani, and was executed by Miles. Katarina,
Ella. Elise, Rosina, and a large corps dc ballet. The cast of " Ikl
Demonio" was this:

Rannuccio J- C. Burnett

Anjrclo FeliciU Vcstvali

Count Campcrali .... J. Nunan
Fabio Camperali . . J. VV. Collier

Cardinal Montalt . . . J. F. Hagan

I.cna Rose Eytinge

Countess Camperali . . Mary Wells
Abbes* De Castro . . Mrs. Moore
Margarita . . Mrs. Emma Sketrilt

" Bel Demonio " continued the attraction until July 2, when
■'.''lie Duke's Motto" was revived foi OOe v.ta-k, with Willi. mi
Wncatley as I.agardcre.

Lucille Western appeared July 1 1 in " The Sea of Ice," which kept
the stage four weeks, and was followed Aug. 8 by "East Lynne."
On Aug. 27 she terminated her engagement, and was followed Aug.
29 by Matilda Heron in " Camillc." Barney Macaulcy appearing as
Armand. The season closed Sept. 3, 1864, but the house was re-
opened Sept. 5 with the following company: John E. McCullough,
J. G. Burnett, James W. Collier, James F. Hagan, George Recks,
J. E. Nunan, James Seymour. E. B. Holmes, Mrs. George Farren,
Isabella Freeman, and Mrs. Emma Skerrett. This was Miss Free-
man's first appearance in this city. She was one of Charlotte
Crampton's pupils, and is at present residing in retirement in this
city, the wife of Capt. Geo. Norton, the editor of the " Marine
Journal." Edwin Forrest was the first star of this season, appearing
on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. He played "Corio-
lanus" the first eight nights, "Richelieu" the next four evenings
"Othello" two nights, "Virginius" one night, and closed with
"King Lear." "The Dyke's Motto" was given Wednesday and
Saturday evenings. Oct. 3 Forrest played " Hamlet," with Mme.
Methua Scheller as Ophelia. " Damon and Pythias," " Macbeth,"
"Jack Cade" and " Mctamora " were also given, and Forrest closed
this engagement with " Coriolanus."

William Whcatlcy played Claude to Mme. Methua-Schellcr's
Pauline in " The Lady of Lyons " Oct. 21. Maggie Mitchell opened

NIBLO'S GARDEN

Oct. 24 in "Janghon," with J. W. Collier as Landry. " The Corsican
Brothers" was given Nov. 21, Wm. Wheatley playing as the twin
heroes, and Charles Pope as Chateau Renaud. This play had a
two weeks' run. The next stars were Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams,
who continued until Feb. 4, 1865. During their stay they presented
"The Conn,ic, Spngah-" and the rest of their familiar plays. The
newTrish play. "The Shamrock,"' written for them by J. Burdette
Howe, was first acted here Jiff". 3. 1865.

Jean Davenport made her first appearance since her marriage to
Gen. Lander, Feb. 6, in " Mesalliance, or Faith and Falsehood," with
this cast :

Ferdinand D'Orby . . Charles Pope

Count D'Orby . . . J. W. Blaladcll

Marquis de Brevennes . J. F. Hagan

Master Goodwill . . . J. C. Burnett

Finesse Ceo. Becks

Countess D'Orby . - - Mary Wells
Lconic Amanld • Mrs. F. B. Lander

Mrs. Lander afterwards appeared in "Adricnnc the Actre;
"The Lady of Lyons," "Love." "The BcuTi Stratagem." •The
Hunchback," and " Much Ado About Nothing." A benefit to the
Shakespeare Statue Fund was given Feb. 23, when " Camillc" and
" Much Ado About Nothing," were played. Jean Davenport Lander
sed March 4. On March 6 D. E. Bandmann opened in "The

eauforts." This was an adaptation in German, from the English,
Lord Lyt ton's novel, " Night and Morning," by Charlotte Birch-
pfciffer, and especially rc-translated for Mr. Bandmann into English by
Alfred Ayres. During; this engagement, Bandmann acted Shylock
RSI KarcIsM. Lucille Western reappeared March _'o in " East
Lynnc," and continued up to April 1. Edwin Forrest was again
the attraction from April 3. He played " Richelieu." " King Lear."
and "The Corsican Brothers" on Wednesday and Saturday until
Friday. April 14. when the theatre was closed in consequence of the
assassination of President Lincoln. The house reopened April 26,
with " The Corsican Brothers." Forrest played " Jack Cade " April
28 and " The Gladiator " April 29, and his engagement was brought
to an abrupt Termination by his illness. Maggie Mitchell came May
1 in " Fanchon." followed by "The Pearl of Savoy," which kept the
stage until June 5. It was during~TvTTss Mitchell's engagement that a
fire broke out in the property room, and Wm. Wheatley's entire
wardrobe was destroyed. On June 10 Lucille Western made her
farewell appearance at a matinee prior to her departure for Europe,
and on June 21 Maggie Mitchell produced, for the first time in this
city, " Little Barefoot." July 3 " Fanchon " was revived, Maggie
MitchclFmaking her last appearance July 8.

The theatre was closed July 10 and 11. and July 12 Boucicault'i
drama. " Arrah na Poguc, or the Wicklow Wedding," was presented
for the first time in Amerii

200 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [.see

Shaun the Port . . T. H.GIenney

(His first appearance in America.)
Col. Bagcoa] O Grady . J. G. Burnett
Beamish McCoul . . W. Ii. Sheridan
Major Coffin ... J. W. Blaisdell
Lord Lieutenant . . \V. H. Norton
Sergeant W. L. Jamison

Wmtcrbottom
Michael Fccny
Tim Coogan
Andy Regan
Arral. Mellisb
Fanny Power
Katty . .

i . Charles Peters

. . Wm. Scallan

. . C. T. Parsloc

. . E. B. Holmes

. . . Josie Orton
Mrs. Marie Maeder

. . Mary Wells

This play ran until Sept. 16, and was succeeded Sept. 18 by the
Ravels, comprising Gabriel and Antoinc Ravel, Young America,
Mathieu, Vandris, Garcia, Schmidt, and the Miles. Vandris, Marzetti,
and Dcsircc. and the Marzetti family. The ballet of "The Alche-
mist" was given. They were followed Nov. to by Mr. and Mrs.
Gomersall in musical farces. This closed the season. The house
reopened Nov. 13 with Edwin Forrest as the star. John E. McCul-
lough, J. G. Burnett, J. W. Collier. D. E. Ralton, J. Nunan, George
Becks, William Scallan. J. W. Blaisdell. W. H. Danvers, E. B.
Holmes, Mrs. Agnes Terry (now Agnes Booth Schocffel), Mrs.
Farren, Marie Maeder, C. Hurkc, and Miss Everett formed the
company. Mr. Forrest played on Mondays. Tuesdays. Thursdays,
and Fridays until Dec. 22 in " Richelieu." " King Lear." " Othello,"
"Virginius." "Hamlet." ".Lick Cade." "Damon." "Mctamora."
" Spartacus." and Febro in " Thr Bml«>r n{ Rngnra " «■ Arrah na
t'ogiie T was acted on the other evenings of the week, Forrest's
ott nights.

Lucille Western appeared Dec. 25. for the first time in New York,
as Miami in " The Green Hushes." "East Lynne " was substituted
Jan. 8, 1866, and she closed Jan. 13. Kate Bateman opened Jan 15.
She had just returned from her London engagement, and was sup-
ported by John C. Cowper (his first appearance in America). She
played ;'Lcah." "Fazio." and "The Lady of Lyons." Chas. H.
Morton, Dan Ralton, Gonzallcs. and Miss A. Chapman were in all
her productions. On Jan. 19 Maggie Mitchell returned in " Fan-
chon," which continued the bill fur four weeks. March 12. "T/he
Pearl oL-Savoy " was presented, and held the stage until March 26,
wTTen "Li^e Barefoot " was played. " Margot " ami " Pet of the
Petticoats" were given April 6, 7. " Hcrmance, the Child of For-
tune" was acted for the first time in this city April 14: Hermance,
Maggie Mitchell; Dame Catbon, Mary Weds; Duchess, Mrs. Geo.
Farren; Anatolc. J. W. Collier. It was a failure, and was quickly
followed by " Fanchon." Miss Mitchell's engagement terminated
April 16. Kate Bateman and Mr. Cowper returned, and the com-
pany was strengthened by the addition of Ida Vernon and Charles
Pope. The play was " The Hunchback," Kate Bateman playing
Julia; Ida Vernon, Helen; Mr. Cowper, Master Walter ; ai
Pope, Sir Thomas Clifford. The play ran all the week, and was
followed April 23 by " Ingomar," Kate Bateman as Parthenia,
and Cowper as the Barbarian. This play ran for two weeks.

IW6]

NIBLO'S GARDEN

201

There was a matinee of " I-eah" April 28, and of "Ingomar"
May 5. -

May 7, " Romeo and Juliet '* with Ida Vernon as Juliet. Kate
Bateman was prevented from appearing as Juliet, in consequence of
illness. " Romeo and Juliet " was repeated May 9. and 1 1 . On the
remaining nights of the week Ida Vernon played Kate Bateman's rfile
in "Leah/' May 14 Ida Vernon and Mr. Cowper played Pauline
and Claude Melnotte in " The Lftdj of Lyons."

Charles Dillon made his first appearance in New York in five
years May 16 as Belphegor, with Ida Vernon as Madeline and
Ella Chapman as the boy Henri. This was played until June 4,
when the Ravels — Gabriel, Francois (his first appearance in
several years), Antoine, Young America, the Martincttis, Senorita
Pepita, M. Von Hammc. and M. komainvillc (the latter leader
of the orchestra) began a summer season, which extended until
July 14, during which they appeared in ballet, pantomime, aerial
acts, and other entertainments. July 16 an Italian opera per-
formance was given to raise a fund for the armies under General
Garibaldi in Italy, and consisted of "Ernani": Mme. Angiolina
Ghioni, Signori Limpeiti, Marra, and Stixini; July 17, "II Tro-
vatorc": Mile. Francisco Tabacchi, Amalia Patti, Signori Mas-
similiani, Bellini, and Colletti; July 18, "Norma": Miles. Ghioni
and Patti, and Signori Tamaro and Antonucchi ; July 20, " Crispino
e la Comarc": Mile. Pauline Canissa and Signori Bellini, Err.mi,
Marra, and Fossati. At a matinee, July 21, "II Trovatore" re-
peated. Signors Muzio and Rossa were the conductors, and
Carlo Patti was heard in violin solos. The house was closed
after July 2t.

The following season witnessed the production ni " The Black
Crook." In consequence of the destruction by fire of the Academy
oi Music, this city, Jarrctt & Palmer, who were to have produced
" La Bichc au Bois" there, had on their hands a number of artists
brought from Europe. They made an arrangement with William
Wheatlcy to utilize the ballet troupe, the chief scenic effects, of which
they had models, and the transformation scene. Mr. Wheatley
arranged with Charles M. Barras, the author of " The Black Crook,"
agreeing to assume all risks and financial responsibility in the
production of the spectacle, and to pay Mr. Barras, the sum
of $ 1500 for the run of the piece, no matter what its duration
might be. If he failed to have it acted one single night (Sun-
day excepted) the contract was at an end. and fresh terms would
have to be made. " The Black Crook " was announced for pro-
duction Sept. 10, 1866, but, owing to the numerous changes in
the piece, the building of a new stage and other delays, it was
not performed until Wednesday, Sept. 12, when it was given with
this cast :

202 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i»m

Count WoJfcnsicIn . J. W. Blaisdcll
Rodolphe .... Ceo C. Boniface
Von 1'uffengruntx . . . J. G. I
HcrUOg .... Chas. H. Morton
Grcppo .... George Atkins

DTagonfin . . . Hernandez Foster

Zamiel E. B. Holmes

Skuldawclp Mr. Rcndle

Red Glare Mr Clark

Wolfgang E. Barry

Bruno Mr. BUM

Casper Mr. Weaver

San Frank I.ir.le

Stalacta . . . Annie Kemp Bowler

Amina Rose Morton

Barbara Mary Well*

Carline .... Milly Cavendish
Rotetu .... Miss C. Whitloclc

The principal danseuses were Marie Bonfanti. Rita Sangalli, Betty
Rigl, and Rose Delval. David Costa was the ballet-master. There
were thirty-five children, a corps de ballet of thirty-nine American
and twenty-three English girls, three premiere and nine solo
danseuses. The music was written by Thomas Baker. It was pro-
duced under the direction of William Whcatleyand Leon J.Vincent.
Harvey J. Dod worth was leader of the orchestra. The performance
commenced at a quarter to eight o'clock, and closed at 1.50 a.m.
The piece went off smoothly until the commencement of the trans-
formation scene, when, owing to some defect in the gas, the curtain
had to be lowered for ten minutes, after which it passed off smoothly.
The roost costly and beautiful stage machinery, scenery, and cos-
tumes ever seen in America were brought out, and a ballet never
before equalled in this country was presented.

The first performance of " The Black Crook " signalized the debut
in America of Geo. Atkins. Rose Noffon, and Milly Cavendish.
The one hundredth performance took place Dec. 19, 1866; the two
hundredth performance May 18,1867; three hundredth July 6; the
four hundred and seventy-fifth Jan. 4, 1868. The spectacle was
revived Dec. 12, 1870, and withdrawn after April 8, 187 1, having
been performed one hundred and two nights and twenty matinees.
A portion of the spectacle was performed a few additional tiroes for
benefits. The third revival occurred Dec. 18, 1871. and it was with-
drawn after the performance of Feb. 24. 1872. having been per-
formed fifty-seven times. Its next revival occurred Aug. 18, 1873.
when it ran until Dec. 6 of the same year, being repeated that time
one hundred and twenty times. A matinee performance took place
March 27 for the benefit of William Stuart, late manager of the
Winter Garden Theatre. Lizzie Wilmore made her American debut
as Carline April 22. Aug. 9 Mile. Saratori, and Aug. 13 Miles.
Cerebelli and Josephine Invernezzi were added to the list of premier
dancers. Oct. 1 1, 1 .a Petite Ravel, M. Von Harome, and Mile. Louise
liillon appeared, and an infant military corps, numbering over one
hundred children, was introduced. The last run of "The Black
Crook" ended Jan. 4, 1868. Miss Lizzie Kclscy was in the ballet,
as was her sister. Harriet. Feb. 23. 1869. she appeared as Stalacta.
She afterwards played soubrcttes, and her last appearance on the
stage was in October, 1887, at Baltimore. Md., in " Lost in the

I«M3

NIRLO'S GARUF.N

203

Snow." She died in this city Feb. 14, 1888. The success of 'Ufce
Black Crook" was at that time unparalleled in our stage annals.
" The Crook " was merely a spectacular sensation with the finest
scenery of its kind ever shown in this country, and the ballet was
the great attraction; for what was called the "play" was only a
thread whereon were strung, like so many clothes-pins, — or pins
without clothes to speak of, — the limbs of about one hundred girls.
This play is said to have brought to the theatre treasury $760,000.

Jarrctt& Palmer can claim the credit of having popularized the
ballet in this country. As long ago as 1827 M. and Mme. Achille
appeared as dancers at the Bowery Theatre, but the first real sensa-
tion was created by the ballet at the Park Theatre in 1829, in which
were M. and Mme. Vestris, M. and Mme. Achille, Mile. HcHoise
and Ravcnot. Vestris afterwards appeared at the Bowery with great
success. The Ravel Family had a ballet corps at the Park in 1832.
In 1836 Mile. Augusta appeared at the Park, and at the same theatre
in 1839. M. and Mme. Taglioni np|>eared in " Ia Sylphidc," with
very great success. Fanny Kllsler came in 1840, appearing in May
at the Park Theatre. Mme. Marzetti danced at the Greenwich
Theatre in February, 1847. In 1850 Franck & Espinosa's Ballet
Troupe appeared at the old Broadway Theatre. In 1854 Wm. E.
Burton brought out the Rabineau Sisters, famous ballet dancers.
The Ronzana Troupe appeared at the Old Bowery in October, 1857,
and Lola Montez created a sensation the same year at the Old Broad-
way. The Nelson Sisters danced at this house (Niblo's) in 1860-61,
but one of the best dancers that America has seen was Isabel Cubas,
a Spanish girl, who appeared at the Winter Garden Theatre in 1863,
and afterwards throughout the country under James M. Nixon's
management, and danced on the nights Forrest did not act. I
accompanied that lady on her tour as her business manager. This
brings me up to Jarrctt& Palmer's tcrpsichorcan importations, which
surpassed all former enterprises of the kind. The next spectacular
sensation was the fairy pantomime extravaganza, in a prologue and
three acts, entitled " The White Fawn." produced for the first time
Jan. 17, 1868. The text of the play was by James Mortimer. It
was thus cast :

King Dingdon
Count Tinculum
Prince Leandcr .
I ord Twaddiedum
Abdalla ...
Queen Sjffronilla
Kitij; Salmon
Princess Graceful

. . Mark Smith

. E H. Holme*

Lucy Egerion

nnj5 Mowers

Hernandez I

. . Mary Well*

. . Mr. Martin

Jenny Delacy

Princess Aika

. . . Lena Montague

Aqualina . .

Fanny Stockton

Clown . .

Harry Hemming*

Harlequin

. . Jas. Hemming*

I'antalnon. .

John U. Hemming*

Columbine

. . Amy Bennett

The premieres danseuses were Marie Bimfanti, Louise Billon,
Augusta Sohlke, and Fontana, the ballets being arranged by MM.

204 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [«■*

Costa and Von Hamme. The Vicnnoise Ballet Troupe, numbering
forty dancers, had been imparted from Europe by Jarrett & Palmer
and introduced the " Can<an " to this city. The curtain rose on the
second act at six minutes to twelve. The acrobatic, gymnastic, and
other feats by the Hemmings Brothers and Amy Bennett were hissed.
Harry Hemmings was also hissed for attempting a little " business"
while in female attire that would not be countenanced. In the midst
of the hissing the curtain was dropped, and Manager Whcatlcy came
forward and announced that for twenty minutes he had, with eighty
carpenters and twenty gas men, been trying to get the transformation
scene ready, but it was impossible, and he therefore dismissed the
audience at seven minutes of two a. m. A second performance was
given the following afternoon, omitting the pantomime of the
Hemmings Brothers and the transformation scene. This scene was
presented Jan. 20. In order to give the carpenters time to set it, the
curtain was dropped on the third act, and, after a wait of twenty-live
minutes, it was revealed, holding the stage for twelve minutes, and
the performance terminated at seven minutes past eleven. April 13,
several novelties were introduced with new music by Howard Glover,
who made his American debut as musical director. In the ballet
Fraulein Schlagcr appeared. The one hundredth performance
occurred April 25. Mile. De Rosa, danseuse. made American debut
May 9. Mrs. Mark Smith appeared May 1 1 as Prince Leandcr,
and Belle I.and on June 1 . The one hundred and fiftieth perform-
ance took place June i). The last performance was given June 20.
E, B. Holmes played Mark Smith's rdle after July 3, and the last
performance.

For the next season Mr. Wheatley secured Batcman's French
Opera Bouffc company, which opened July 20, 1868. in Offenbach's
"Barbe Bleue," its first representation in America, with this cast:

Barbc lllcuc M, Aujac

Count Oscar .... M I-agriffouc
King Ikiliccke . . . . M. Kram is
Princess Hermia . . Mile. Lambe.le
Boulotle Mile, lrma

Prince Saphic .... Dardignac

Popolani M- Duchesne

Alvarei M. Ed

yueen Mile. Duclos

The season closed Aug. 8, and Aug. 31 William Wheatley retired
from the management oithe house.

William Wheatlcy's first appearance at this theatre occurred Jan. 7,
1862. when he formed one of the Davenport Wallack-Whcatley com-
pany. He became lessee July 2 t, 1862, and retired from the manage-
ment with considerable money. He died in this city Nov. 3, 1876.
He was the original in America of Charles Courtley in " London
Assurance." He was one of the best light comedians seen for years.
His style of acting was vivid and original, the product of genius, taste,
and study. The superiority of Mr. Wheatlcy's work consisted in his

NIBLO'S GARDEN

205

correct comprehension of the part assumed, the boldness and original-
ity of his manner, the significance of his gestures, the astonishing
flexibility of his countenance, and the quick and piercing expression
of his eye. In the characters of Jamcr, Bclcour, Young Mirabel.
Rover, Rapid, Charles Surface, Tangent, Captain Absolute, Evelyn.
Bob Handy, Romeo, Dick Dowlas, Claude Melnotte, and Doricoui t.
he had no superior and hardly a rival.

The next managers of Niblo's were Jarrett & Palmer, who began
the first season Oct. 12, with Edwin Forrest. In the company were
Geo. H. Clarke, Frank Mordaunt, Wm. Burroughs, Charles Warwick,
J. Burnett. Owen Marlowe, Newton Russell, Mme. Ponisi, Annie
Deland, Lizzie Mahon, and W. Donaldson. Mr. Forrest's engagement
was for four weeks, during which he played every evening, except
Saturdays, with this repertoire: " King Lear," " Richelieu.'' " Vir-
ginius," " Othello," "lack Cade." " Macbeth," " Damon and Pythias,"
• The Gladiator," and I " Mctaroora," On the Saturday evenings Ma-
tilA FTcron appeared m "I amille." Mrs. D. P. Bowcn 100 J. C,
McCollum began an engagement, Nov. 9, in " Elizabeth," assisted by

F. C. Bangs, Frank Mordaunt, Owen Marlowe, Walter Donaldson,

G. C. Boniface, Sen., Burroughs, Mr. Geo. Stoddard, Mrs. Geo.
Boniface, and Miss Scott.

Boucicault's " After I lark " was given here for the first time, with
this cast :

Gordon Chumley . Owen Marlowe
S5r Georjje MeJliurst McKce R.inkm
Chandos Bellingham Alex. FltM

Old Tom F. C. Bangs

Dicey Morris . . . . E. Coleman

ter Charle* I'dcn

Barjee James Freeman

Area Jack Belvil Ryan I

|>et» .... J- \V. Hrutone I
Elica (first appearance in America)

l-ouisa Moore I
Rose Egcrton (first appearance in Atncr- /
Edilh Challi* I

ica)
Tommy Dodd

Ernee Clark I

On Jan. 30, 1869, the I.ydia Thompson Burlesque Troupe open
in the burlesque of " The Forty Thieves." Lyelia Thompson played
Ganem ; Lisa Weber. Morgiana; Pauline Markham, A bd all ah ;
Emma Grattan, Orchobrand; Harry Beckett, Hassarac; W.J. Hill,
AH Baba; Geo. P. Kctchum, Casim ; J. W. Hrutone, Cogia; Lizzie
Kclscy, Amber; Belle Land, Fairy Queen. In consequence of the
illness of Pauline Markham on Jan. it, Edith Challis played her
rfilc, and continued for several weeks. The burlesque was recon-
structed in April, and Clara Thompson appeared as Amber. Lizzie
Kelsey was the Fairy Queen.

May 19, 1869, John Brougham received a benefit, afternoon and
night, the matinee performance taking place in Niblo's Garden. The
bill comprised " The School for Scandal." with a strong cast, and
the receipts were $3,467. The night performance took place at the
French Theatre (now the Fourteenth Street), and tickets were sold
by speculators for five or-6ix dollars each. Both performances netted

2o6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1869

$6,570. In "The School for Scandal " were John Gilbert, Edwin
Adams, Neil Warner, John Brougham, Harry Beckett, Owen Mar-
lowe. Young. Frank Rac, J. W. Collier, T. J. Hind, J. C. Williamson,
R. Green, J. W. Leonard, Fred Macdcr, Mrs. D. I*. Bowers, Mrs.
John Scfton, Fanny Morant, and Pauline Markham. L. J. Vincent
was stage manager, and M. Connolly musical director.

" The Forty Thieve* " ran until May 28. " Sinbad, the Sailor "
was produced May 29. Lydia and Clara Thompson, Pauline Mark-
ham, Maggie Desmond, Harry Beckett, W. B. Cahill (first appear-
ance), G. F. Ketchum. Ed. Chapman, and J. W. Brutonc appeared.
The Clodochc troupe of French dancers — MM. Clodoche, Flagelot,
Normandic and Ijl Comte — made their d£but in this piece; and
July 5 the Lauri Family and a female drum corps appeared. June 14
Etta Wcathcrsby first appeared in New York as Hafiz, and the fol-
lowing week, Lydia Thompson being ill, she took the part of Sinbad.

" Arrah Na l'ogiie" w;is revived Aug. 2, when Dan Bryant made
his first appearance in this theatre, and it was also the American
debut of Dominick Murray, and the first appearance here of
Josephine Fiddes. This was the cast :

Shaun . .
Michael Fceny
Airah Meelisri
1 may Power
Col. O'Grady

Dan Bryant
Dominick Murray

Josephine Fiddes
Alex. Fitzgerald

Beamish McCoul
Major Coffin
The Sergeant
Wintcrbottom .

x* Dan Bryant took a benefit Sept. 3. " Formosa,
Rujn," by Dion Boucicault, was produced Sept. 6,

Oarlcs R. Thorne

Ada Harland

, . Mr. Johnson

Jenny Boker . . . Kate Newton
Irs.' Boker . . . Annie Lonsdale
Bob Sanders . . . . W. Holston

1 Tom Burroughs
The Karl of Eden

] Sir John Talbot
Jenny Boker

Edith Burroughs
Nellie ....
Mrs. Dudley
Countess . . .
Dr. Dorcmus
Spooner . . .

James Carden
C. 11 Rodnrel

G. F. Ketchum
J. W. Br u tone

or the Railroad to
with this cast:

Patti Mackworth

Isabel Freeman

Emma Skerrett

eggett

run*

H. Kendle

Ida Francis Leg

A. D. Bradley

Lucille Western opened Sept. 18 in ".East Lynne." followed by
" Oliver Twist," Sept. 25. Letts appeared Nov. 1 in " Little Nell
ami nhioticss." Felix A. Vincent played Dick Swivellcr,

Edward Coleman Quilp, and Charles A Hale Sampson Brass. " Fire
Fly" was revived Nov. 22, with J. H. Taylor as Harold. "The
Little Detective" was first produced Dec. 6, and "An Object of
Interest " was given the same night. "Little Em'ly," a dramatiza-
tion of Dickens' " David Copperfield," was dorieTor the first time in
this city Dec. 20, with this cast :

Little Em'ly lone Burke

Rosa Dartle .... Kate Newton
[Mnt. Micawber . . . Mary Maddern

_Dtty Mrs. Healy

ile lay Trot wood . . . Mrs. Bradshaw
r. Micawber . . George Bonilacc

Dan'l Peggotty . . . L. R. Shewcll

Ham Peggotty . . . . F. C. Bangs

Uriah Heep .... F. A. Vincent

Stcerforth F. G. Maeder

David Copperfield . . . Mr. Aiken

1 8?o]

NIBLO'S GARDEN

207

Charles Fcchter and Carlotta Leclercq made their American
debut here Jan. io. 1870, in "Ruy Bias," cast thus: Ruy Bias, Mr.
Fechter ; Don Salluste, L- R. Sbewell ; Don Casar, F. C. Bangs ;
Marquis de Santa Cruz, T. K. Morris ; Don Manuel Arras, Edmund
Collier. On Jan. 26 "The Duke's Motto" was given, with Fechter
in bis original part of Lagardcrc, supported by the stock company
and Miss Leclcrcq. Feb. 21 Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams ap-
peared in " lnnisfallcn. or The Men in the Gap," with this cast:
Tcrrence O'Ryan, B. Williams; Katy Maguire, Mrs. B. Williams;
Gerald O'Brian, C. R. Thorne; Buck Doran, J. B. Studley ; Miss
Delamere, Ida Vernon ; Mary O'Dwyer, lone Burke ; and Norah,
1 //.ie Kelsey.

"Die Emerald Ring" was revived March 16, when John Dunn,
famous as " That Rascal Jack," made his first appearance in this
city in fourteen years. Incidental to the play the panorama of Ire-
land, by Tclbin, was exhibited, and Jenny Hughes sang a ballad.
Wm. A. Moore had a matinee benefit March 23. when Matilda Heron
appeared in the third act of " Camille ; " E. Falconer recited " Anne
Hathaway," Wallack's Company played in the farce of " Forty and
Fifty," Stephen Massett gave recitations, J. H. Hackett was seen as
Mons. Mallet in " A-Eo.tt Office Mistake" (with John Sefton in the
cast), Dan Bryant and Dave Reed danced " Shoo Fly." Harry Jack-
son, Jr., recited " Shamus O'Brien," Mile. Rozc and M. Ajax danced,
and Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams appeared in '• The Latest !
Mew York." Wm. A. Moore was formerly manager for Mr. and
Irs. Barney Williams, also manager for the Broadway Theatre
(Wallack's at Broadway and Broome).

The Lydia Thompson company reappeared April 4 in the bur-
lesque of "Pippin, the King of the Gold Mines," with this cast:

King Oddxandenx
Prince Pippin
Prinee Dollius
Baron Nowitx
Twtgglcttc . .
Ktourimugsen

w. n. ohiii

Lydia Thompson
Una Edwin
. J. VV. 13 ru tone
■ Alice Athenon
. Ed. Chapman

Dame Flourimugsen . Harry Beckett
Princess Opalina . Pauline Markham

Lillikcn

Grandmothtr

Uaroocsg Giggle ■
First Hunter . .

Eliza Weathersby

. . John Dunn

Miw Robinson

Jennie Hughes

This ran until May 2, when " Mosquito," written expressly for
Miss Thompson by Alexandre Dumas, was produced for the first
time on any stage, and had this cast :

Olivia )
Mosquito J
Diana de Mauleoo
Mmc- Dubac
Mine- de Lucenay

. Lydia Thompson

Pauline Markham
Mrs. C. M. Walcot

. . Una Kdwlo

Quintans M. Lancrgan

Valdcrama Neil Warner

Pierre La Rouge . . Harry Jackson
Patti de Velours . . W. H. Ohill
M dc Mauleon . . . . C. Foster

M. Matapas John Dunn

Leon dc llealieu . . McKee Rankin

The burlesque of " La Somnambula " followed the " Forty Thieves,"
and was produced May 23, preceded by the farce " To Oblige

2o8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'»7o

Benson," and this brought the engagement of the Lydia Thompson
company to a close.

On June 6 Watts Phillips' melodrama " Not Guilty " was given
for the first time and with this cast :

Opt . W.lloughby I Q^^ Wll Jr
Sil.is Garrett J *

}ack Snipe
oc Trijtgs
Robert Arnold
Mr. st. dab
Isaac Viddcr

Owen S. Fawoctt

C- H. Bradshaw

, McKee Rankin

i . lames Taylor

K F. Maekay

Polecat C. II. Morion

Sergeant Wattles . . . W. L. Street
Police Sergeant . . . . K, Collier

Baker Mr. F.berle

Margaret Armitage Virginia Biich.m U
Alice Armitage Mrs. C- Wakot. Jr.
Polly I)obl» .... Irene Gay

The season closed June 18, but the house was reopened for a
benefit to J. A. Zimmerman, treasurer of the theatre. Edwin Adams
acted in " The Marble Heart," Annie Ward Tiffany appeared in
" K?ty O'N1*'1 " ar,d Henri Drayton sang. Leon J. Vincent took his
first benefit in eight years June 22. The programme was, " My
Precious Betsey," with Maggie Desmond, Lizzie Mahon, Mrs. Frank
Ren, Claude Burroughs, Eugene Ebcrle. Leon and Felix Vincent
(their first appearance on any stage together) ; " The French Spy "
(second act), with Fanny Herring, McKee Rankin, Alex. Fitzgerald,
James W. Lingard, Harry Everett, Thos. E.Morris, Mile. Amy. and
Mile. Ida ; the farce of "Too Much for Good Nature," with M. W.
Leffingwcll. Mrs. Edward Wright, Irene Gay (Mrs. Fred Maeder),
Li2zic Edwards, Marion Mordaunt, Wood Benson, James Curran,
J. W. Brutone, Mrs. Frank Rca, and Mrs. J. R. Hcaly; the curse
scene from "Xcah," with Ella Burns (her second appearance on any
stage) as Leah, and Charles Walcot, Jr., as Rudolphc ; violin solo
by the infant wonder. James Speight ; Marion Taylor in " Very Little
.F aust ; " Harry Josephs as the Gushing Blonde ; Mile. Idalic and Tito
Cellini in a pas dc {Lux, " The Happy Man," Felix A. Vincent in
the leading rfile.

The season, 187071, opened under Jarrett & Palmer's management.
I.otta appeared in October as Little Nell and the Marchioness in
"J he Old Cuxiosily_Shop." The next attraction was the Parepa
Rosa-Caroline Richings opera companies combined, under the direc-
tion of C. I). Hess. They opened October 24 with " Martha; " Oct.
25, "The Huguenots; " Oct. 26, "The Marriage of Figaro," cast as
follows :

Count Almaviva . . . A. Lawrence 1 Antonio E. Scguin

Figaro . . ■ - S. C. Campbell Countess Rose Hersee

•artolo . . ■ • Arthur Howell Chcrubino Zclda Scguin

Basilio . . • Brookhou.se Bowler | Susanna . Caroline Richings-Bernard

On Oct. 27, " Fra Diavolo," with Rose Hersee as Zcrlina; Camp-
bell, Keppo; Scguin, Lord Allcash; Bowler, Fra Diavolo; Annie
Kemp Bowler, Lady Allcash. Oct. 28, "Trovatorc; " matinee Oct.

I87<]

NIBLO'S GARDEN

209

29, " The Bohemian Girl," Fannie Goodwin (first appearance here)
as the Queen. The second week's repertory was: "The Rose of
Castile," " The Crown Diamonds," " Oberon," and « The Bohemian
Girl," "The Troubadour" and George F. Bristow's opera, "Rip
Van Winkle,*' presented with the following cast:

Act I.

Rip Van Winkle . .
Derrick von Beekman
Nicholas Vcdder . .

Henri Drayton
Warren White
. . Wm. Hill

Dame Van Winkle Mrs. Henri Drayton
Alice Van Winkle . . Fannie Drayton

Acts II and III.

Edward Gardner . .

Frederick VQcttW . . Arthur Howell

Young Rip Van Winkle J. H. Chattcrton

Act IV.

Rip Van Winkle . . Henri Drayton | Dame Van Duzer

Wm. Castle Dame Van Winkle Mrs Henri Drayton
Alice Van Winkle Caroline Richings-

Bernard

Mrs. Mason

The company consisted of Mrs. Caroline Richings-Bernard, Mrs.
E. Seguin, William Castle, S. C. Campbell, E. Seguin, Arthur Howell,
Rose Hersee, Mr. and Mrs. Brookhouse Bowler (Annie Kemp), Fannie
Goodwin, Henri Drayton, Albert I-awrence, John Chattcrton (known
as Perugini), W. Kinross, Zclda Seguin, Mrs. Frank Boudinot, after-
wards Mrs. Joseph W. Shannon. Boucicault's drama, " The_Rap-
paree." followed and proved as great a failure as it had in Ixmdon.
The management followed this with a Shakespearian revival, but it
was not a success. "Hamlet" was the most notable production,
with Walter Montgomery as the Dane, who effected no startling in-
novations, but read the part with superb elocution and gave a vivid
conception of the character. In " As You Like It." Jem Mace, the
English pugilist, appeared as Charles, the wrestler.

Walter Montgomery was a clever actor. I saw him play Macbeth,
Hamlet, and Orlando, and he was picturesque in all. He was charit-
able, kind, and obliging ; was passionately fondof his art, and, like many
an other actor, was self-deluded into the belief that fervid admiration
was a certificate of his genius. He read well and understandingly,
but, after half an hour's exertion, his voice would give way, especially
in tragic roles, and as soon as he lost control of that he would be-
come angered. In August, 1871, he was married to Winnetta
Montague. He committed suicide in London, Eng., Sept. 1, 1871.

Mr. Montgomery was born near Brooklyn, N. Y. in 1827. He re-
paired to England at an early age, and entered a shawl manufactory
at Norwich. He first appeared in London at the Princess' Theatre,
in "Othello." June 20. 1S63, and afterwards played Romeo to the
Juliet of Mile. Stella Collas. His remains were interred in Bromj>-
ton Cemetery. The grave is next the one in which lie the remains
of T. P. Cooke.

21 o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'»7«

" The Black Crook- " was revived Dec. 12, and withdrawn April 8,
1871, having been represented one hundred and twenty-two times.
A matinee performance, Jan. 19, 1871, was for the George Holland
Memorial Fund. The programme was : The San Francisco Min-
strels; Fanny Prestige in song and dance; Dan Bryant, Nclsc
Seymour, and Little Mac, in a sketch called" Daniel in the Bryant*s
-Djjnj " Geo. Vandenhoff, recitation; Lydia Thompson, several
members of " T_hfi JJlack Crook " company, including the grand
ballet; the Majiltons and Moe and Goodrich, skaters, in the ball-
room scene of " The Black Crook." This was the first appearance
in America of H. R.Tcesdalc and Fred Dewar.

"Richard 111.," with Mr. James Bennett as Richard on horseback,
was produced April 10, and cast as follows :

Richard ....
Duke of Clarence .
Son of Clannce
Karl of Richmond .
Thomas Rotheram
Duke of Buckingham
Duke of Norfolk . ,
Earl of Oxford . . .
Lord Hastings . . .
Lord Stanley . . .
Sir Thomas Vaujjhan
Sit William Catesby

James Bennett

Mllnes Levlck

Miss A. Conway

. Neil Warner

J. W. nrutonc

. L. R. Shewell

T. C. Howard

Robert Walton

Thco. Hamilton

. . John Jack

. John Weaver

C. D. Broughton

Sir James Blunt . . . D. Watkins

First Murderer . . Alex. Fitzgerald

Second Murderer - . . H- A. Taylor

Lord Mayor of London . . E. Clifton

Margaret ... . Mint, l'oniii

i'age to Kichard . Miss E Montague

l'rince of Wales • ■ Marie Le Brun

Duke of York .
Elizabeth . .
Duchess of York
Lady Anne . .

. Minnie Maddcm
. Caroline Carson
Mrs. M. A. Farren
Louisa Hawthorne

This was the original text of "The Life and Times of Richard the
Third."

The scenery and accessories were on a scale of unusual magnifi-
cence. The tragedy was reconstructed by Charles Calvert of Eng-
land. All the principal scenery was imported from London. The
great scene was the battlefield, which was the most elaborate
production of the kind ever witnessed here. James Bennett was
brought to this country from England to play Richard. He was
here manv years previously, was then a failure, and was this time a
lamentable fiasco. Mr. Bennett was in person below the medium
height, and in general appearance reminded one of Fcchter. He
bad the ungainly stage walk of Barry Sullivan and Irving. The
following week Neil Warner played Richard, which enjoyed a run of
three weeks. The Collcy Gibber version was used, and Theo.
Hamilton acted Richmond. The only scene retained from the
original version was the dream, with the murder of Clarence, which
had made a hit, and was done by Milnes Ixvick, T. C. Howard, and
Alex. Fitzgerald. May 1 Edward L. Davenport opened as Sir
Giles Overreach in " A New Way to Pay Old Debts." May 2
Davenport appeared as Jacques in " As You Like It," with Rose
Evans (her first appearance in this city) as Rosalind. The engage-

««70

MBLO'S GARDEN

21 I

mcnt was of brief duration, and the lady shortly afterwards sailed for
England, where her last appearance on the stage was made at the
Tyne Theatre, Newcastle on Tync. She died in England, March 8,

1875-

George Jones, better known as Count Joannes, appeared as
Richard III. He was engaged for Saturday night only, and at the
end of the four weeks' run. The house was packed, but he played
Richard so well that the audience, instead of "guying" the perform-
ance, as was expected, applauded it generously. An unfortunate
action of his horse, as Richard appeared at the head of his army,
upset the audience and started them into risibility. It was not until
after this that he gave his later peculiar performances. Frank S.
Chanfrau opened May 8 in De Walden and Spencer's drama, "Kit.
tlic Arkansas Traveller." He played for four weeks to large busi-
John Collins followed June 5 in " Zaui__CJliflai^." "JM.
Colleen Bawn '* was the next attraction, with Emma Ilowson and
Charles Wheatleigh in the cast- This was followed by Oliver Doud
Byron in "Across the Continent." A matinee performance^ July 13,
was 'given for the farewelf benefit of J. C. Williamson. •' David
Coppcrfield " was acted, with thil cut !

Felix Rogers
B. T. Ringgold

MIcMrbtf . . . Johp Brougham 1 Uriah Heep . .
Agnes Wickfield . Pauline Markham David Copperfieid
Pcggotty C. H. Morton |

Other characters were taken by C. H. Rockwell, Marian Mor-
daunt, Fannie Burt, Miss Blaisdell, W. J. Leonard, Nelson Decker,
E. K. Collier, and J. Peck. After the drama, Emma Howson sang
" The Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow," and a new vocal wait* entitled
" The Triumph of Ijovc," by G. Operti. Then came selections from
"The l-ong Strike." with J. H. Stoddart as Moneypenny and Effic
Gcrmon as Jane Leroyd. This was followed by " Qofty Gooft "
(Gus Phillips) in " Dutch-isms." " ThsJrish Emigrant * was the
last piece, with J. C. Williamson, Chas. Fisher, and Edith Challis as
principals.

The next season commenced Aug. 21, 1871, with J. K. Emmett in
"Fritr," supported by A. H. Hastings, C. H. Morton. E. K. Collier,
Rose Evans, Alice Brookes, Minnie Maddern, and Mrs. Julia Bru-
tone and others. On Aug. 18. *' Carithg Fiddler " was produced,
A. H. Davenport, Ida Vernon, Frankic McCTcllan and Lizzie Mad-
dern making their appearance. Oct. 2 Frank Mayo began an
engagement in "The Streets of New York," supported by W. B.
Laurens, Howard, C. T. Parsloe. Harry Pearson, F. Murdoch, and
Master Sniffen. Mrs. E. Wright, Bessie Sudlow, Mary Carr, and
Susan Dennin were also in the cast. On Oct. 23 E. A. Sothern ap-
peared as Lord Dundreary in " Our American Cousin." Amy
Roselle, Nellie Kemp, and Jennie Lee then made their American

212 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [.»7»

debut, and John T. Raymond, H. R. Teesdale, and Mrs. Ivan C.
Michels their first appearance at this house. Dec. 18 "The Black
C|ook" was revived and was withdrawn Feb. 24. 1872, having been
played*"^ times. Kate Santley made her American debut as Stalacta,
and the incidental attractions were the Majiltons, St. Felix Infant
ballet troupe, and Prof. Sarnwcll's trained animals. The following
actors made first appearances: Arthur Matthison, Master Martin,
H. Packard, F. Beresford. J. Riley. A. Fleming, and W. Hennessy.
Jan. 17, 1872. a matinee performance was given for the benefit of
Matilda Heron. The programme was the third and fourth acts of
■ Canaille ; " Edwin Booth and company in " Taming of the Shrew ; "
Aug. Daly's company in the third act of " Divorce ; " Lester Wal-
laces company in "J-Iis Last Legs; " the screen scene from "The
School for Scandal ; ' one scene from " King John ; " Chas. Backus,
in imitations; Sheridan and Mack, sketch artists: Rollin Howard,
the Majiltons. and a scene from " Thc_Black Crook." The perform-
ance lasted over five hours.

" The Naiad Queen " was first produced Nov. 26 when Walter
Lennox and Mile. Venturoli made their first appearance at this
theatre. The special attractions were Kate Santley, Jennie Lee,
the Majiltons, the goat, the clown dog, the infant ballet, the juvenile
athletes, the Spanish Minstrels, the illuminated fountain, the cloud
veil, the ballet troupe, and the Amazonian march. Mrs. John Wood
began an engagement March 4, in "J j B*He Sauvage." a new_y£E&k»a
of '• Pjaabjmgs," preceded by " A Model of a Wife/' Mark Smith
and Annie Tyson made their first appearances. A. W. Young reap-
peared in America after some years' absence in England. Julian
Crosse, Harry Cox, G. W. Anson, and Emily Weston made their
American debuts. On March, 25 " Checkmate " was produced,
prior to the burlesque. April 15 the burlesque entitled " Foil and
Partner Joe " was done, and in it Simmons & Slocum's Minstrels
made their first appearance : April 22 ".Black Friday" was produced,
James W. Collier, C. R. Tbornc. Jr., J. K. Mortimer, T. Owens,
A. H. Davenport, W. H. Pope, J. Anderson, Lizzie Price, Frankie
McCIellan, and Emma Skerrctt making their first appearances ;
April 23 J. K. Mortimer and C R. Thorne, Jr., retired from the
company ; April 24, Vining Bowers and John H. Jack made first
appearances. Shortly after 7 a.m.. May 6, 1872, fire was discovered
ascending from the dome of this theatre. In a little over two hours
nothing remained of the theatre but the rear walls on Crosby Street.
It is estimated that the loss was but little short of $400,000. Jarrctt
ft Palmer suffered a loss over $100,000. while the Messrs. Coffin and
Joseph C. Foster, owners of the scenery of " Lai la Rookh." — which
spectacle was to have been produced on the evening oF May 6, —
lost about $30,000. The costumes and properties of " Lalla Rookh,"
owned by Joseph C. Foster and the brothers Coffin, had not been

I»743

NIBLO'S GARDEN

213

transferred from the Grand Opera Mouse, and consequently were
saved. The house was rebuilt and was opened Nov. 30. 1872.

The initial performance was the spectacle of " Leo and Lotii8r"
with this cast :

Prince Leo of Glut . . Mile. Diani

Kohinoor H. Collard

Minus Mr. Roberts

F.leitra Liuie Kclscy

The Astronomer Royal . Philip Stoner
The I'oet Laureate M. W. Lcffingwell
The Grand Hereditary Muddle

B. Maginley

Kmperor Eagle . . Harry Guynettc

Fidelio i

Gobo Mu-c- \V. Klske

Snowflakc Olivia Rand

SataoaQa Lulu Prior

Babette I jura Joyce

Queen Jewel . Mrs. Edward Wright

This spectacle had 123 representations, and was withdrawn March
29. 1873. "Ned Buntline's" (Edward Z. C. Judson) Texas Jack-
Buffalo Bill company commenced March 31. " Azrael. or The
Magic Charm " was first acted April 28. when Lulu the "boy gym-
nast, dressed in female attire, made his American debut. The regu-
lar season opened August 18 under the continued management of
Henry C. Jarrett and Henry Palmer, L. J. Vincent, stage manager,
and J. A. Zimmerman, treasurer. The company included Harry
Gwyncttc. Edmund K. Collier. J. W. Brutonc, C. H. Morton, George
Atkins, W^MarUn. Mrs. Edward Wright, Pauline Markham, Lizzie
Kclscy.rtJessie Sudlow; and Addic Pearson. " The Black Crook,"
revived >ur_lbx_ -fourth time, was the opening attraction. Miles.
Adele Boni and Emilia Gravasst, premier dancers, who made their
American debut; the Kiralfy Family, dancers; the London Mad-
rigal Boys; the twin sisters Vaidis. gymnasts; Felix Regamy,
instantaneous caricaturist ; E. D. Davies, ventriloquist, and a series
of allegorical pictures by Matt Morgan were the special features.
From the beginning of the season an extra matinee was announced
to be given on Wednesday of each week. C. H. Morton played
Hcrtzog in " The Black Crogk" for the last time Sept. 13, and that
r6le was assumed by Harry Meredith Sept. 15. The last Wednes-
day matinee was given Oct. I. On Oct. 27 "The Black Crook"
was reconstructed, changes being made in the ballet, and three
Swabian vocalists making their first appearance. After Nov. 15
their services were dispensed with. Nov. 29 K. 1). Davies closed.
Dec. 8 "The Black Crook" gave place to "The Children in the
Wood," in which the Vokcs Family and Marie Bonfanti appeared.
It ran until Jan. 3, 1874. when " The Belles of the Kitchen" and
"Romeo Jafficr Jenkins " were produced. On~~Jan. 26, " Naval
EngagemenTs"'*r~ind "Tun in a Fog " formed the bill and ran the
week out. Feb. 2 and during the week " Nan the Good-for-Noth-
ing"and " Ihe Wrong Man in the Right PJace"were performed.
Feb. 9. 10. " Fun in a Fog ; " Feb. 11. 12, " The Wrong Man in the
Right Place," and the balance of the week " The Belles of the Kit-

214 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [.s?*

chen." The entertainments commenced with " More Blunders Than
One." On Feb. 16, "father Stocking, or The Last of the Mohi-
cans." was acted for the first time on any stage, and ran until March
2, when Frank Mayo appeared in " Davy Crockett."

On Thursday afternoon, March 26. charity benefit performance
took place. The idea originated with A. M. Palmer. The captains
and patrolmen of police and the firemen of the city sold tickets, and,
as an incentive for their exertion, prizes, consisting of gold medals,
were promised to those who should sell the greatest number. Enter-
ui omenta were given at the Academy of Music, Niblo's, Booth's,
Lyceum, and Union Square Theatres. The total receipts were
£4-55 5- Everything, save the rent of the Academy of Music and a
few incidental expenses, was gratuitously given, and the amount of
money paid out did not reach $1,800. The fire department sold
5.960. police 1,887 tickets. The following is the programme of the
performance at this house : Mr. Lcffingwcll in " Romeo Jaffier
Jenkins ; " the Bergcr Family and Siegrist's performing dogs ; " Box
and Cox," with Geo. L. Fox as Box, and Chas. K. Fox as Cox;
Eugene Blitz with his wooden Midgets; Betty and Emily Rigl,
Moses and Mme. Martens with Mile. Gretchen in Tyrolienne act ;
the Snow Brothers, acrobats, and the pantomime" Robert Macaire."
'• Davy Crockett " ran until the close of the regular season, — April
18. Schuman's Transatlantiquc company from Europe began
April 20, and continued until May 1, when Jarrett & Palmer's lease
ended, and the house was closed.

A benefit was given under the management of L'Union Francaisc,
Lodge No. 17, F. and A. M.. to send an aged couple in indigent cir-
cumstances home to France. Frank Mayo appeared in "JJavy
Crockett," Cariotta Leclercq acted in the rNscli language n " un
Caprice," by Alfred de Muaeeti and Mona, Baptnoea and Maria

Bonfanti danced ii pas de deux. L. J. Vincent on May 16 took a
matinee benefit; on May 20 Robert W. Butler took a benefit ; May
23 Charles R. Thome was the next lessee of this house. He opened
May 25, 1874, with Edward Eddy as stage manager. "The Lady
4?f the Lake " was the initial performance with this cast :

Roderick Dhu E. Eddy

Y\M James . . . Joseph Wheelock
Earl of Douglas . . . E. K, Collier
Malcolm Graeme .... B. Gale

John of Ttrent . . . . L. Mcstaycr
led Murdock .... Mr. Walton

Malisc C. Rosene

Allan Bane .... James Dunn
Brian Ihe Recluse ... E. S. Tarr

Bertram! J. Brutone

Officer Mr. William*

Donald Mclvor. . . . Mr. Palmer

Clanranald Mr. Janus

Randal Mr- Lewis

Stewart* Mr. Allen

Ellen Douglas .... lone Burke
Blanche of Devon . . Edith Challis
Lady Margaret .... Ida Vernon

Nat. C. Goodwin, Jr., was a member of the stock company, and
was playing utility business. Mr. Thome's management was
pecuniarily a failure.

"»77D

NIBLO-S GARDEN

2I5

"Cxy£togram; or Lost and W'nn," & dramatization of De Mille's
novcTTwas produced June 14 for the first time with Joseph Wheelock,
Rosa St. Clair, lone Burke, James Dunn, and Louis Mestayer in the
cast. " The Two. Sisters, or The Deformed," by RobeO-ifibasiPn.
was first acted June 23 with this cast: Helen, Ida Vernon; Louise,
lone Burke; Jack Bliaker, Jos. Wheelock; Le Clair, James Dunn;
Frank Morton, Collins. Being an infringement on " The Two
Orphans." A. M. Palmer had its performance stopped and " Iyan-
hoe, or Rebecca tfre Jewess." followed July 1, with Wheelock as
Ivanhoe; E. Eddy, Isaac; lone Burke, Rebecca, and Ida Vernon,
Rowena ; "Faustus" was given July 13; "Evangeline," July 27;
with W. H. Crane, W. B. Cahill. and lone Burke in the cast ;
" Griffith Gaunt " was seen Aug. 10, Joseph Wheelock, Henrietta
Irving, Alice Brookes, and Lizzie Safford (Mrs. Dan Myron), since
known as Mrs. Dr. Gillespie, being in the cast. "The Bride of
Abydos" was done Aug. 24.

The Kiralfy Brothers — Imrc and Bolossy — began the season Sept.
7, 1874, with a spectacle called "The Deluge." Lilly MacDonald
made her American debut on this occasion, and Julia Seaman ap-
peared as Deluge. N. D. Roberts began Dec. 21 for two weeks with
a pantomime company in "Jack and Jill;" "Uncle Tom's Cabin "
was revived Jan. 11, 1875, with this cast: Uncle Tom, C L- Far-
well; George Harris. George Hamilton ; Legree, Geo. Middleton ; St.
Clair, J. Bradley ; Phineas Fletcher, Louis Mestayer ; Topsy, Frank
Budworth ; Eliza and Casey, Nellie Meeker ; Marie, Elsie Moore ;
Marks. M. B. Pike; Deacon, C. W. Waiters; Shelby, J. Thoman ;
I-oker, Dclancy Barclay ; Eva, Amy Lee ; Ophelia, Rose Summers ;
Chloe, Ida Vernon. " Trodden Down " was given Jan. 25, with
Rose and Harry Watkins as the stars ; " Tom and Jerry " was done
Feb. t. Kathie Lanner, premiere danseuse, and the Francesco Sisters
appeared in this play. Also James Kelly and Seddon's " Mouse" in
the boxing scene. "The Sea of Ice" was played Feb. 8; "Octo-
roon," Feb. 15 ; " Uncle Toms Cabin, Feb. 22; " £pxd_ and Creese. '
March 1 ; " Paul Jones." March 8, with Edward Eddy as Long Tom
Coffin; Professor Hc>rmann the magician came March 15. and
" Rory O'Moore " was also given. Herrmann continued a second
week. The house closed March 27 and remained dark until Sept.
18, 1876, when it was reopened by John McCoole, although Charles
E. Arnold was announced as the manager. " Babji" was the initial
production, with Eliza Weathersby as Amoret. The season closed
Dec. 9. and the house was reopened Dec. 25 by the Kiralfy
Brothers, with "AjurincJI They continued until March 10. 1877.
when the theatre was again closed, but was reopened April 2 with
Benson Sherwood as manager. " Antony and Cleopatra" was the
first play. Agnes Booth appeared as Cleopatra, Joseph Wheelock,
Antony, and H. B. Phillips, Enobarbus.

2l6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1878

The next manager was William J. Fleming, who commenced June
18, with " Cross and Crescent." In the cast were Frank Roche,
Frank Mordaunt, E. W. Mars ton, E. K. Collier, Henry Colton,
W. M. Ward, R. C. White. Annie Ward Tiffany, Agnes Proctor.
Marion Sackett. and S. B. Brown. It ran for two weeks. " The Three
Guardsmen." July 2, with this OMt! [^Artagnan, E. F. Thorne;
King Louis] W. H. Fitzgerald ; Duke of Buckingham, Harry Col-
ton ; Cardinal Richelieu, E. K. Collier; De Treville, J. V. Daily;
Boniface, E. W. Marston ; Anne of Austria, Agnes Proctor; Lady
de Winter, Annie Ward Tiffany; Constance, Mrs. F. Murdoch;
Aramis, H. B. Bradley; Porthos, W. M. Ward; Athos, Frank
Mordaunt; July 23. " Streets of New York " for six weeks; "The
Jibbanainosay " with Joseph r in^he cast, followed for

foui weeks. Then came " Law ot the I .ami " for two week--;
" Masaniello " for two «»•»£« ; th- ■■ nrgn^at^'a Hern-," three
weeks; "Three Guardsmen" for two weeks; W. J. Fleming, as
D'Artagnan ; " Si reels of New York" for two weeks; "The Duke's
J4oitQ1"five weeks. Mr. Fleming withdrew from the management
in October. A season of Italian opera began Oct. 29, 1877.

Gardner & Bache took a lease of this house, commencing March 18,
1878, at a yearly rental of $22,500, to be paid weekly in instalments
of $562.50, when "JLpvc and Labor " was presented with this cast:

Harry Hinton
Walter Dean
Jonathan Green
Ernes! Arnold
Barkeeper
Mrs. Dean
Mr*. Broadwell

. Edwin F. Knowlcs

. . J. F. Hcrnc

. J. v. Melton

F. A. Tannehill

W. Lamb

Mrs. Sarah Baker

Mrs. J- H. Browne

Allan Dean .
Miln Mom ■

Mr. Broadwell
Annie Dean .
Mr»- Hinton .
Norah . . .

Andrew Glassford

. - J. F. Peters

John F.. Incc

. Marie Prcscott

Marie Chester

. Rachel Noah

June 10 " Ejasj;_Lyjuie " was produced with Ada Gray as Lady
Isabel. June 17. " ,\ l VI. br.iicd Case,'' with Edwin Vatrey as Count
d'Aubctere, Edmund Collier. Jean; Frank Mordaunt, Dennis;
Richard Whiting, the Corporal; Wm. H. Thorne. Seneschal ; Kate
Meek, Madeline; Little Eva French. Adricnnc; Marie Chester,
Martha; Maude Harrison, Adricnnc; Emily Baker, Valentine;
Mary Hill, Duchess; Mary Maddern, Chanoinessc ; and Bessie
Turner, Julie. "The Two Orphans" was produced July 1, with
Kate Claxton and Emily Baker as Louise and Henrtette. Mrs.
Louise F.Idridge played Mme. Frochard; Lizzie Hudson, Florette;
Kate Meek, Marianne; Edmund Collier, Chevalier; Frank Mor-
daunt, Jacques ; Frank Evans, Pierre; and James Pcakcs, Marquis
de Presles. July 8 "East Lynne_" was given with Gussic de Forrest
as I^ady Isabel, and Edwin F. Thorne as Sir Francis ; on July 15 the
farce of " The Man with the White. Hat " and " Aurora Floyd "
formed the bill. "Xbe_ Duke's Motto " was presented July 22, with
Edwin F. Thorne as Lagarderel Harry Dalton, the Regent ; Alex.

•878]

NIBLO'S GARDEN

217

Fitzgerald. Prince Gonzagucs ; Frank Tannchill, Sen., Carrickfcrgus ;
Gussie de Forrest, Blanche de Nevers ; Kitty Glassford. Zillah;
and Lillian Shandley, Madelon. On July 23 Tnorne refused to play
I.agardere, and several changes were made in the cast. Frank
Tannehill became Lagardere, J. V. Melton (who had been playing
the Duke de Nevers) took the rdle of Carrickfergus, and James F.
Ucrnc acted the Duke. T. G. Riggs began for two weeks, July 29,
in "Jshin__Fane." Aug. 12 " The Child Sinlii" was done with
Annie "vVard Tiffany as Jane RuthcrfonT Bache & Gardner were
ejected for nonpayment of rent Aug. 17, and Edward F. Starin was
the next lessee, who used L. J. Vincent's name as manager, for the
one day, as Aug. 19 I find Mr. Starin announced as proprietor and
Mr. Vincent stage manager. " Xiucc— iCgajs in Trap" was

produced with Frank Evans as the star. "The Irish Detective "
was seen Aug. 26. with Thomas Grattan Riggs as the hero. In the
Union Square scene, Frank Bush appeared in his Hebrew imitations;
Christine Percy in ballads, Allie Drayton, songs and dances, and
Gibson and Binney, Irish jigs and clog dance. Sept. 2 Fanny Louise
Buckingham acted Mazeppa. Frank Roche played Abdah-Khan,
and George Mctkiff (his first appearance here) Prcmislaus.

On Sept. 5 a matine'e benefit was given in aid of the yellow-
fever sufferers in the South. "JUJliardt— was performed by Edwin
Thorne and company. Incidental to the drama a match game at
billiards was played by William Sexton and Vank Adams. The
first act of "Rip Van Winkle" followed with Robert McWade as
Rip. Then came the fourth act of " Richelieu," Charles Pope
making his first appearance in this city for several years, as the
Cardinal. The members of the Nonpareil Amateurs appeared in
the third act of "Caste." "Mazeppa" was given, and the enter-
tainment closed with an olio by Robert W. Butler's company.
•• M'liss " was advertised to bfl pmyed Sept. l6, but U injunction
was served on the manager, preventing its production. Fanny
Ionise Buckingham continued as Mazeppa a third week. Florence
Foster played Olinska the last three nights, owing to the illness of
Annie Ward Tiffany. On Sept. 23 "M'liss " was played, as Judge
Lawrence in the Supreme Court decided that Katie Mayhew was
the lawful owner of said play. The cast was as follows:

Wm .Morton J. P. Heme

Yuba Bill C. I. Edmonds

Judge T.G Riggs,

Wong Kcc J. E. IneJ

Oct. 7, " The Corsican Brothers" followed, with Charles Pope as
the twin heroes ; Frank Roche, Chateau Kenaud ; H. Montgomery,
Alfred Maynard (first appearance here) ; Ogdcn Stevens (first ap-
pearance here), Montgiron ; Simcoc Lcc, Orlando ; T. G. Riggs,
Colon na ; J. F. Ucrnc, Giordano; J. E. Incc, Griffo, and Annie

M'liw Kite Mavliew

Mrs. Smith . . . Annie W. Tiffany
CI us. Grc:ithousc - . Frank Roche
Manuel Torre* . . F. A- Tannehill

21 8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i*

Ward Tiffany, Emilie. Owing to the " indisposition " of Frank
Roche, Oct. 13, Frank Tannehill played Chateau Renaud, and con-
tinued in it through the week. In the second act of this play appeared
Siegrist Brothers, Augustc and Louis, as the Roman Gladiators, a
ballet troupe led by Mile. Paglicri. Mons. Zanfretta as Punch
on Stilts, and Master Zanfretta in a bull-frog act. Feb. 10, 1879,
" Pinafore " was sung.

On March 29 J. H. Haverly became associated with Edward Gil-
more in the management. Sept. 4 the Kiralfy Brothers produced
"The Enchantment" with this cast:

Andre C. J. Campbell Maclow Otis A. Skinner

The King S. A. Hemple The Ape .... Young America

Duke Don Luda* George Fdeson Madeloo Amy Lee

Peter .... Wm. Davldee, Jr. I Arbra John B. Studley

Casmagon . . . Matthew Holmes '

Sept. 29 the Davene Family, consisting of three ladies, one gen-
tleman, and Little Bob, comical acrobats and trapeze performers,
made their debut in New York. Dec. 15 was the first representa-
tion on any stage of the historical Irish drama entitled " Hearts of
Steel," cast as follows : —

Terry George Clarke

Dermldo* the Hills Charles WheatleiKh
Shane na Slirad . Gustavus Lcvick
Lieutenant Tom Burke D. E. Ralton
Duke of Sheffield . F. S. Hartshorn
Lo d Walter . . . Andrew Jacques
Sir Francis Mowbray Otis A. Skinner

Phelln William B. Call ill

Father Fitspatrlck . . J. A. Kennedy
General Sarsfield . . . E. Kcarncv
Captain Reinhardt . . J. P. Winter
Sergeant Funkenhausen

Charles A. Gardner
Darby .... Thomas F. Kerrigan
Red Donohue . . . lames Cooke
Adolphc Harry Hogan

Peter Kclley . . . . .Mr. Barron
Andy Shecnan

Blind McGce

Paddy (Jro«an . .

Phil Milligan . .

Johnny O'Reilly

Ould Nan, the Cook

First Assistant Cook

Lady Alice . . Lillian Cleves Clark

Kllie Alice Hasting*

. Andy bin

John J. O'Brien

Frank Norris

Samuel Hart

William Cronin

Mons. Jean Marie

l.ady Pauline
Judy Riley . .
Mary O' Kelly .
Kitty McNamara
Ann Mulcahy
Peggy Duffy
Jenny Boyle

Annie D. Ware
Francis Brown
Rose Slate
Tessie Naylor
. RoscSi.uk
Jessie Lee
Kitty Brennan

During the progress of the play, Harrison Millard sang, '* Oh,
for the Swords of Former Days."

"The Galley Slave " was produced Jan. 5, 1880:

Cicely Blaine . - Maude Granger
Psyche .... Estelle Mortimer
Nichette .... Charlotte Neville

Sidney Frank Evans

Franklin Fltte . . Thos. H, Burns
Carot Chas. Webster

Sentinel Mr. Denny

Francesca . . . Signora Majeroni
Phcebe . . . Mrs. M. B. Snyder
Oliver .... C. A. McManus
Philippe Eugene Klbcrts

The programmes announced Joseph H. Tooker superintendent, and
John Vincent, stage manager. J. H. Haverly was lessee and man-
ager. Jan. 12, 1881, "Black Venus " had its first representation
in America, and ran until Feb. 21, when "TheTourists in a Pull-

IBSJ]

NIBLO'S GARDEN

219

man Palace Car " came. " The Black Crook :' mi revived March 7 ;
"My Partner," April 11; "The Shaughraun," April 18, MajfJ,
" Hazel Kiike ; "' May 9, " Castles in S^aiu, or Castle* in the Air."
The season closed May 21, and a summer term commenced May 30,
with '• AlLtbe-Rage. ; " June 6 Edward .Rice's company was seen in
"Bil]cc Taylor;" June 20, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was given, and
the season closed July .;.

John F. Poole and Edward G. Gilmore were the next managers,
and they opened the season August 15 with Bart lev Cjupphell'a
play " Mjt-Gcrakliae," Emily Rigl as Geraldine ; Sept. 5 "The
World" was given. Oct. 3, "Michael Slrogoff;" Nov. 7, H. B.
Mahn's company in " Donna Juniata ;" Nov. 14 "The Mascot" was
sung; Nov. 21 saw the return of "The World;" the Hanlon
Brothers came Dec. 19 in " Le Voyage en Suisse;" J. K. Emmctt
appeared here Jan. 2, 1882, as Exits.; Jan. 9 Wm. Barry and Hugh
Fay came in "Muldoon's Pic-Nic." A. M. Palmer's Union Square
Theatre company began a season, opening Jan. 30, in "The
Hankers Daughter." Feb. 6 " The Danischeffs ' was given; Feb.
13, "A Celebrated Case," for two weeks; "The Two Orphans,"
Feb. 27; "Little Emily" was seen here March 6; Frank Mayo
appeared March 13 in " The Street n of New York;" M. B. Curtis
came March 20, in " Sam1] of Pofcn : " " The_Black..Craok " was
revived March 27. John McCullough commenced April 15 as
Brutus, and acted April t6 Richard III. ; April 17, Damon ; April
18, Othello, and closed April 81.

The spectacular ballet of" Excelsior " was produced by the Kiralfy
Brothers on April 21. L. Manzotti was the inventor of this ballet.
Sig. Ettore Coppini was brought from Paris to produce it here.
George R. Edcson was stage manager. Mile. Milon, Mons. Arnold
Kiralfy, Haslam. Baldi, Saraco, Mile. Flindt, Hofschuelcr. Mile.
Nani, Sigs. Coppini, Conti, and Brighenti were in the cast. On Dec.
18, 1883, "The Pavements of Paris" was produced, and the distri-
bution of characters was as follows :

Vlcomte de Flachon . Harold F'osberg
Maurice Peronne . . . C. G. Craig

Fusch Felix Morris

M Ilonneau John Jack

Baron de Gerin ... J Marshall

Itoulade O. B. Collins

Loubinot Logan Paul

Dirtv Dan M St. John

Rafllard H. N. Wilson

Beauteous Blackbird . . C. Leighton
Father Fnnck ... A. A. Mellon

1'itwi Waller Reynolds

Inspector of Police A. J. Spencer

Sii)ierintcndent . . . . I. Mortimer

Soldier D. Archibald

Janitor E Barlwur

Peasant . . .
Captain of Police
Paul Merey . .
Mme. de I annas-
Marie ....
Mme. Ilcllcir.cr.tier
Mme. Peronuc .
Mother Black M
Mme. Franck
Mme. Chauffat
Mile. Blanche
Hortense . .
Waiting Maid
Celcstlne . .
Liulc Marie .

. . F. Barker

. . T. Atkins

Master De Forrest

. . Kate Meek

Sallic Williams

Miss L. Daniels

Mrs. F. Williams

me. Ivan C. Michel*

. Mis* G. Hathaway

. . Florence Wood

Miss A. Russell

Miss K. Thome

. . Miss Egerton

. . . Miss Clare

Bijou Fernandez

220 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D"s

Popular prices, as they were now known, were resumed here, and
were as follows: Reserved seats in orchestra circle and balcony, so
cents; orchestra and balcony stalls, 75 cents; orchestra chairs,
$1.00; family circle, 25 cents. Jan. 28, 1884, Thomas W. Kecne
commenced in " Richard III.," cast as follows :

Duke of Gloster . Thos. W. Keene
King Henry VI. . . . Carl Ahrcndt
Richmond . . J. Newton Gotthold
Duke of Buckingham . . P. C- Hagar
Lord Stanley . . . Alex. Corbctt
Tressell .... Chas. 1$. Hanford

Norfolk Jerry Taylor

Catesby Eugene Moore

Ratcliffe AH. Howard

Lord Mayor . . . . W. P. Sheldon

Oxford E. A. Johnson

Blunt O. A. N. ■:

Tyrrell .... Dwight Gavlurd
Prince of Wales . . . Katie Bakl I
Duke of York . Master Harry Taylor
Queen Elizabeth Con»tance Hamnlin
Lady Anne . . Anna Warren Story
Duchess of York . Mrs. S. A. Baker

Lieutenant of Tower . Frank Hcnnig

Feb. 4, Mrs. Langtry appeared as Lady Ormond in " A Wife's
J>rU," April 28 she reappeared here as Galatea in " Pygmalion
and Galatea," and terminated her engagement May 17; and was fol-
lowed May 19 by Shook & Collier's combination in the military
drama, entitled " Blue and Cray," with this cast:

Royal Roche

. . . ' B. Wall

Hi.'.ibcth Hudson

Virginia Buchanan

. . Nettie Gulon

Henrietta Irving

Mm. Clara Thropp

Rosalind .... Blanche Thome

F.dwina Mattie l-'.arlc

Blandine Carrie Wallace

Orte Marion Clifton

Grandfather Stanley D. C. Anderson Sam . . .

Mark Stanley Joseph E. Whiting James . ■ .

Col. Peyton .... Horace Vinton Kuth Peyton

Sergeant Becker Geo. W. Thompson Mrs. Stanley

Corporal Dennis Pagan D. J. Maguinnis Mary Stanley

Squire Griggs . . . John Matthews Amanda . .

Private Smith .... Chas. Kent Mrs. Bloomer
Uncle Josh ... C. H. Bradshaw

This drama was afterwards acted under the title of " Ruttj's De-
( YQtjon." The season of 1884-85 opened Aug. 18, with "The Seven
Ravens," cast thus :

Count Walter . . Gustavus Levick
Grarnstlbos J. w Pigott

Kotto Kred Lotto

Kudcheart .... C. L. Karrell
Lovcsoul Pauline Hall

It was a combination of drama, pantomime, opera, and ballet, and
was produced under the direction of Heinrich Conned. The first
appearances in America were Mile. Theodore de Gillcrt. premiere
danseuse; Mile. Va Lui, Nina Conti, Betti Daube, Mizl Rieder and
the solo dancer and ballet master, Sig. Luigi Mazzantini. Nov. 10
Frank Curtis appeared as Baradas in "The Sea of Ice." Nov. 17
James O'Neill came in " Mopt^ Cri*_lP :" Dec. « Maude Granger was
seen in "L_ynwood." lohn F. Poole and Thomas-Donnelly were now
the managers of~the theatre; Dec. 22 Fanny Davenport played in
" Fedora, " Jan. 5, 1885, Lady " Qan earthy ; •• Jan. 12 Harrison and
Gourlay came in " Skipped bythcLight ofthc Moon ; " Jan. 19, "A,
BunchoJJCevs ; " Jan. 267"ljrcam8 ; Feb. 2, tor two weeks, " May

1885:

NIBLO'S GARDEN

221

Blossoms : " Feb. 16, Thatcher, Primrose & West's Minstrels for
three weeks; March 9 " Shadows of a Great_Cjty " was seen;
March 23. J. H. Wallick in ,rlle_JandjtKipg7" April 6, M. B.
Curtis in " Sam'l of Posen ; " April 20, Hanlon's " Fantasma."

Fantasma Kate Davis

Zamalirl Nat. D. Jones

Pico Louis Pizrarello

Cassander ... . Sig. Am
Arthur .... Gerolomo Psstorfal

Lena Kosina Ma.ichi

Pierrot Joe W. Harris

Farmer Close . . . Lorenzo Cattanio
Farmer Happy .... I'elro Mare

May 4, James O'Neill in
On June I, " A
by the Kiralfy Brothers, with the

Aouda Helen Tracy

Nemea Rose Wilson

Bessie Louise Allen

Nakahira Ricca Allen

I'liiiicas Fogg . - Chas. Chappelle
Miles OTake ... E. J. Buckley

Fix J. F. Peters

Jean Francois Passepartout

Geo. R. Edcson
Mr. Blunt . . . W. H. Bartholomew
Arthur Mayburn ... L. Morton
Sir Roger Shewdryn . Wm. Howard

The next season opened Aug. I
with this cast:
Lucia (Clio) . . . Adele Btjmida

Didi Marion Elmore

Countess Ellico . - May Newman
Duchess dc Montmartre

Mrs. Charles Poole

Fabian Frank Losee

Count Giovannie . . B. T. Ringgold
Pietro Thos. H. Burns

This play was a failure, and Sept. 14
engagement in " Our loan," cast thus:

Madge Fannie L. Knight

ZuriaJ OTeste Birarolli

Hakbar .... Rudoteo Carmini

Frigido Joseph Dexter

Goddess of Liberty . Bertha Lovcjoy

Lichen Ella Langtry

Irate Father ... J. F. McGovera
Unce W. H. Pelton

te Cristo."

in F.ighty Days " was produced
owing cast:

Foster Jones J. Wakefield

F. E- Kille
If. S- Johns

Governor of Sue*
An Aged Parsec
Brahmin Chief .
Phil Tracy . .
Jack Rivers . .
Conductor

A. II. Dcnham
\v. HoUimu

. w. Eastman
Frank Richmond

Chief Scout P.Toole

Damn Aham . . . Jas. Van Pelt
Barkeeper J. A. Cook

Captain Collins . . . Wm. S. Hurd

7 with Bartley Campbell's " ClioJ'

Paulo Harry Rich

Marquis Mattu . . Harold Fosburg
Prince Zellah . . . Harry Carter

King of France Edgar L. Davenport

Phillipaux Jay Hunt

Stono .... James Beckwith
Alsaxage .... F. W. Strong
Spring Tommy Russell

Rose Coghlan began an

Joan ....
Arthur Meredith

( .1 i-.iiii iii tadon

Martin Travcnna
Joe Pengelly . .

Rose Coghlan

Fraxer Coulter

H. R. Graham

C. A. McManus

Luke Martin

George Trarenna
Squire Vernon

William* . . .
Alice Pengelly
Lady Ruth Hiirney

. . George Deyo
Ceo. F. Robinson
C. A. Richard
. . Clara Flagg
Florence Robinson

Thatcher. Primrose & West's Minstrels followed Oct. 5, and were
succeeded, Oct. 26, by the Daly Brothers in " Vacation." The
Thatcher, Primrose & West Minstrels returned Nov." 2, ancTNov. 16
James O'Neill came in "Monte Cristo." " The RajLCaicbxr " was
produced Nov. 30, by the Kiralfy Brothers, witn this cast :

222 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE

Louise Miss Vinton

Hostess Ainsleigh

Roderick Hitter .... H. Leone
John Sauer .... C. Pullman

Lupin F. W. Baldwin

Seltzers H. Williams

Klcine Henry Koch

Powdentcin .... A. Oxenford
Peter . . . Master John Oakley

kj Clara Lipman

Bertha Leooa Clark

Cclla Emily Beaumont

C.racie Miss Knowlton

Singold, the Piper . . Hubert Wilke
Hans von Kronold . . J. F. Hagan
Walter Burghardt . . J. de Bois

Simpliciton Rumple . . Arthur Tains

Fresch Jay Hunt

Philip Strong . . . Walter Owen

Waxman Jax. Otley

Lcechke C. Latona

llippel J. Murphy

Shn Fresco . . Master Cleveland
ilda von Kronold . . Julia Stuart
Martha . . . Mrs. C C. Cermon

Tina Annie Boyd

Dora L. Newman I

Ad. N'cucndorff introduced the story of this spectacle to the Am-
erican stage as early as 1879. when, at the Gcrmania, afterwards
Star Theatre, his German company sang an operatic version for
which he had composed the music, and H. Italiener had arranged the
libretto. " TheBbwjk-CLook " was revived March 29, 1886. Henry
T. Chanfrau opened in "Kit" May 24, followed by Ada Gray in
" Kaat I.ynnc" May 31. " llound to Succeed" was produced June
7, but it did not succeed.

The season of 1886-87 began Aug. 21, 1886. with the Kiralfys"
company in " Ajouod^he World in Eighty Days," cast as follows:

Aouda .... Dora Goldthwaitc

Nemca Rose Chcsneau

Bessie Louise Allen

Nakahira Ricca Allen

Phineas Fogg .... Jos. Slaytor
Miles O'Pake . . Henry W. Mitchell

Fix Claude Brooke

Passepartout . . . Arthur Moulton
Mr. Blunt . . W. H. Bartholomew
Sir Roger Shewdryn . - Mr. Rubcl
Barkeeper .... Frank Moore

Arthur Mayhurn . . Ed. Mortimer
Foster Jones .... J. Wakefield
Governor of. Sues . . . W. J. Mason
An Aged Parsee . . . M. S. John
Brahmin Chief .... Julius Harr

Phil. Tracy L. Reubel

Jack Rivers W. Eastman

Conductor Ed. Prince

Engineer P. Taylor

Chief Scout P. Toole

Governor of Tokio . James van Pelt

Mile. Vivien, premiere danscusc, made her American debut. The
spectacle ran to excellent business, and was followed Sept. 13, for
the first time in America, by Sardou's " Theodora." Cast:

Tribonien .... James Foster

Friscus J. Boyd

Amron .... Chas. Inward

Mundus .... William Bernstein

Andreas .
Justinian ■
Belisarius
Marcellus
Caribert .
Nicephorus
I ,u|>l ratal
Endimon .
Fabcr
Stryax
Tlmocles .
Agalhon .
Calchas .
Lycuatralas

J. H. Gilmour

Hudson Liston

John W. Rennie

Jay Wirt Kail

Edward Poland

. . J. Foster

Thos. Chapman

M. W. Raw lev

WHIIam Gross

Herbert Chcslcy

John M. Moran

Eustice Atwell

Albert Teitjens

John E. Iljncs

Constantiolus .... Thos. Albert

Orythes Chester Hubert

Michel H. Adam

Hypatlua J. Mortimer

Antonina .... Emelie Rickaby
Tamyris . . . : Isabcllc Preston
Callirhoc .... Mrs. Richards

Macedonia May Somen

Iphis Rose Elliott

Theodora Lilian Olcott

m,l

NIRLO'S GARDKN

223

This was the first appearance in this city of Miss Olcott and the
American premier of " Theodora." For weeks the most elaborate
efforts had been expended in its production, and thousands of dollars
were used in the painting of scenery and appointments. The play
remained on the boards many nights. Miss Olcott died in this city
April 8. 1888. A few weeks prior to her death she became involved
in legal proceedings regarding her play, and judgment was taken
against her by default. The suit grew out of a claim of Sarah Rern-
hnrdt, who declared that she owned the copyright of "Theodora"
for both the Continent and the United States. Miss Olcott brought
her engagement in Chicago to an end, cancelled her remaining dates,
discharged her company, and came on to New York to fight the case
in court. The case was pending at the time of her death.

" The Gypsy Raron " was produced here for one week Oct. 10,
under the direction of William H. Fitzgerald. Dec. 6 Mrs.
Langtry produced, for the first time in America, C-hajlg* C«ghjftn'»
play, " Enemies," and it was a failure. It was cast asfollows:

Margaret Glenn . . Mrs. Langlry
Lord Dunderbv . . . G. Raiemond
Hun. Arthur Blake , . S. Herbert
Sir Manvcrs Glenn Frederick A- Evcrill
Colonel Anderson Newton Dam

Captain Percival Glenn . . J. Carne
PetCT Darvel . . . H. A. Weaver
Richard Uarvel . Cha*. f. Coghlan
Mr. Dor n ton ... G. Raiemond
Daft Willie . . . Walter Lennox, Jr.
Shaw E. Mortimer

A Yeoman . . . . G. S. Stevens
Sheriff's Officer ... Mr. Chambers

Waiter Mr. burton

Footman E. Shelly

Joe Heely S. J. lirownc

Coot W. Spencer

Aunt Anne C. Calvert

Mr*. Lawler .... Kate Pattison
Rose Heely .... Miss Calvert
Martha Brunei

I^wrence P. Harrett began an engagement May 2, 1887, in
•• Ricn2i, the Last of the Tribunes," with this cast:

Cola dl Rieorl .
Stephen Colonna
John Ursini . .
Angelo ....
Savelli . . . .

EST1, : :

Leonardo . . .

. Lawrence Barrett
. . ncn G. Rogers
. Chas. M. Collins
. Charles B. Welles
. Frederick V'room
. Kendall Weston
J. W. Albaugh, Jr.
. . W. M. Stuart

Camillo S. E. Springer

Alhcrti Chas. Koehler

Paolo J. M. Sturgeon

Tomaso J. L. Finney

Claudia .... Minna K. Gale
Lady Colonna . . . Minnie Monk
Leila Savelli . . . Miriam O'Leary

" Yorick/s_Love" was revived May 21. The exceedingly warm
weather causccTbusincss to be rather light. The engagement closed
May 28. with ■' Richelieu." On May 30, " TheGold£nGiant " came
with Mr. and Mrs. McKee Rankin in the caiT June 20 anew play
called " Trovers I louse " was presented for the first time on any stage
with this cast:

224 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«w*

Father Antonio . . Howard Covency
Maria .... Elizabeth Andrews

Stella Adele B«l^:ur<ie

Robert Lloyd . . . Chas. B.

Keginafd Tracer* . J. T Sullivan
Elliott Adair . . Forrest Robinson
Mr. Hills Kenneth Lee

The Man of Night Nelson Wheat croft
Lady Gertrude Travers

Adeline Stanhope
Valerie Torlani . . . Allele Belgarde
Mi*. Emery .... Carrie JamUoa
Sarah .Swaggers . Frankic McCicllan

The next season opened Aug. 17 with " Ljjgaidcrc," a n£W_vexsjon
of " The Duke's Motto " under the direction of the Kiralfy

with this cast :

Henri de Lagadcrc Maurice Rarrymore
, Due dc Gontagues . . Joseph Slaytor
" t-trquis de Chavcnney Maurice Drew
Philippe d'Orleans . . G. F. Nash
ronte Maville . W. H. Bartholomew
L'ocardasse ■ - - Harold Fosberg

Bros.,

Paiaepoll ... W. H. Lytell

Staoplu John de Ge*

Blanche de Caylus . . . Helen Tracy
Blanche dc Never* . . Mamie Floyd
Pepita Helen Sedgwick

Robarts Harper made his American dc;but Sunday night, Oct. 16,
and began a series of illustrated lectures here. On Oct. 17 Den-
man Thompson began a month's season in " The Old HomcsU
Joseph Jefferson began a week's engagement Nov. z\. In •' Rir,
iVtokie.' ' She," dramatised by \v. 11. Gillatte fann Rider ria*>
gard s novel, had its first performance Nov. 29. " \ K»p rA l.nrk "
had its Christmas matinee. Dec. 26, and it closed its run Ecb. 4,
1888. The cast was:

Harry Copslcy . .

John Copslcy . .

Squire Sclby . . .

George Sclby . .
Capl. Arthur Trevor

Charley Sandown .

Jim Ladybird . . .

Joe Bunny. . . .

Lawyer Parsons . .

E. T. Chonn . . .

Judge Parks ■ . .

Lord Earlswood . .
Hughey Hawthorne

Mr. Seymour . . .

Station Master . .

Forrest Robinson

W. H Crompton

. . J. F. Dean

. Fred C). Ross

Frank Lo-.ee

D. J. Maguinnis

Frank E. Lamb

. W. J. Wheeler

. C. A. Warde

K. S. Finley
. C. H. Miller
Russell Hunting
. R. C. Varian
(ieorge Grahame
. . W. A. Carl

Captain Stevens . George A. Fisher
Tom Catchpole . . . F. L. Jamison
Telegraph Operator . W. K. Sylvester
Auctioneer . . . S. E. Fredericks

Railway Porter
Daisy Cnusley
Mabel Sclby .
Aunt Mary
Photo Wood
Mr». Willtnori!
Mrs. Seymour .
Maude de Lacy
Parker . . .
Mary .

. . J. W. Taylor
. Minnie Radcliffc
. . Belle Melville

Mrs. W. G. Jones
Marion Elmore
Florence Robinson
. . May Merrick
. . Edith Clinton

Karolinc Beckman
. . Rae Harrison

Lucy Byefield . Grace Thome Coulter

Thatcher, Primrose & West's Minstrels began Feb. 6, and were
followed by W. A- Mestayer's company in " Tobogganing, or
Check 44," with this cast :

SmifT. .... Richard Gamella

Snuff Robert Gamella

Regent W. H. Sloan

Belle Smith . . . . Annie Jar I.
Persia Theresa Vaughn

Plum Smith . . . W. A. Mestayer

Saphoclcs Jos. A. Ott

MUs Creamlaid .... Mary Gray

Toady Goldsmith . . Marion Kuvull

mio Smithcrini . Bernard Dyllyn

[smith • Sol Aiken

NIBLO'S GARDEN

225

The comic opera company known as " The Boston Ideals" began
a season in " Fra Diavolo," Feb. 20. Fra Diavolo, George Appleby ;
Lord Allcash, Clement Bainhridge; Giacomo, J. C. Miron; Beppo,
\V. H. Clark; Zerlina. Mile. Zelie de Lussan. This was the first
time Zelie de Lussan had sung Zerlina in this city. " Alone in Lon-
don," with Cora Tanner, came for one week. March 5 Prof. Herr-
mann (magician) came; March 12, Daniel E. Bandmann in "JJr.
Felfyll and Mr fJ.ydc." In the company were Rose Stahl, ET I'.
SullivanTj. JVT. "Colville, T. J. Herndon, Dorc Davidson, Charles
Tremaine, and Louise Beaudet. Robson and Crane began a week's
visit, March 19, in "The Henrietta." Margaret Mather appeared
for one week, March 26, in " Romeo and Juliet." April 2 " Dolores"
was given with this cast:

Count de Rysoor . Newton Gotthold

Karloo John Malone

Duke of Alva . . J. H. Kitxpatrick
La Tremouillc ■ . . . W. F. Blande

Noircarmes Wtn. Wallis

Jonas Max Kidman

Vargas Edward See

Captain Kincon Frederick DeVere

Miguel Charles Gotthold

Pedro F. A. Montrose

Galena Austin Forbes

Cornellis J. Roberts

Bakerseel G. Norton

Domingo W. Winter

Cortadilia John Hasten

Charld A. Stock-bridge

Ratfaclla .... Charlotte Dean
Sarah Matthesson . . Kicca Allen

Godula Annie Duo

Dolores Eleanor Carey

The premiere danscuse was Franciscina Paris, who made her
New York debut on this occasion. Kate Claxton opened May 14.
for two weeks, in " The World against Her." The Rcdraund-Barry
company began May 28, and were followed by Mallen and Hart for
two weeks. lune 1 1-16. "Uncle Toiq'a Cabin : " June 18-23, the
Lorenao Bros, followed, and the season closed with " Brother against
Brother."

"The next season opened Aug. 18 with the spectacular play
" Matthias Sandorf." thus cast : Count, Wm. S. Harris; Cape Mati-
fo'rm, 1-rca Deverc; Sarcany, Robert Neil; Mmc. Bathory. Cccilc
Rush; Pcpita. Louise Allen; Mitzic, Lillic Vane. Mrae. Cappolini
and Mile. Paris were the danscuscs. The Alexandron Brothers,
musical clowns, made their American debut on this occasion. "The
Stowaway " was given for the first time in this city Sept. 3 ;
"The Paymaster." Oct. 29. Thatcher, Primrose West's Minstrels
came Nov. 5. The theatre was closed Nov. 12 and reopened Nov.
13 with Augustin Daly's *' Undercurrent," its first performance on
any stage. The cast was this : Cipt. Dearban, Wm. Whitccar;
Man of the Smithy, Thos. H. Glenny; Ryvcr, Dominick Murray;
Silcnah, Lizzie St. Quentin ; Lawyer Chantry, John A. Ellsler;
Jenny. Clara Coleman; Mother Hundreds, May Sylvic; Bertie,
Jameson Finney; Bianci, Alice Coleman; Mitts, Chas. Thropp;
Bondi, Geo. Barnum; Alice, Laura Almosino.

226 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C»»9o

".The Two Sisters " began Nov. 26 for a fortnight ; N. C. Good-
win came Dec. 24 in " Turned Up " and " Lend me Five Shillings; "
Margaret Mather, Dec. 31, in the "Honeymoon; " repeated Jan. 5.
She was seen in " Masks and Faces," matinee Jan. 1, 1889, and in
" Romeo and Juliet," evenings of Jan. 1 and Jan. 3, and closed with
•• Macbeth" the night of Jan. 5. John B. Studley was her leading
man. Lew Dockstaders Minstrels came Jan. 7; McKee Rankin,
Jan. 14, in ""Pjc, KVP*^3)1 Wjf^i" " ti"' Kavaur," Jan. 21 was seen ;
"Harbor Lights," Jan. 28; "The Watcr^uccn," Feb. 1 1, with Fred
Dcvcre, Edward Sec, Helen Sedgwick, Rica Allen, and Hattie
Grinncll in the cast. Mile. Paris was premiere danseuse. Maude
Granger came March 4 in " Two Lives ; " Prof, and Mmc. Herr-
mann were seen March 1 1 ; ""f\ l»?rk 'Secxf " was revealed March
18; " Erminie" came April 1, with J. H. Ryley, Mark Smith, Isa-
bella Urquehart and Katie Gilbert in the cast. Mrs. James Brown
Potter, April 8, and April 11, in " Romeo and Juliet; " "£ainille"
night and matinee, April 13; "Lady of Lyons," matinee, April to
and night of April 12; "She Stoops to Conquer," April 10; "Said
Pasha," a comic opera, was sung April 15; "Zig Zag " came April
29, for two weeks. During the first week, performances were given
each afternoon and evening. " A Noble Son " was seen for the first
time in this city. May 6, Edward J. Buckley, Pauline Markham, and
Johnstone Bennett were in the cast ; Pat Rooney came in " Pa^s

.Wardrobe." May 20 ;

was June 3, with Eva Monttord

as Zoe. "Jeannette Fortier by Emjly.Soldenc was seen June 10,
with Frank C. Bangs, Victory Batcman, Lillian Owens. Fred Cor-
bctt, and Emily Soldcne in the cast. Also F. A. Roberts. John
Burke, and Percy Hunting. The season closed July 15 and re-
opened Aug. 17. 1889, with " Antiojc" when Mile. Carmencita,
Spanish danseuse. made her American debut. Although this lady
became a great favorite, she was far inferior to Senorita Isabella
Cubas as a Spanish dancer. Mile. Paris, danseuse, was also in the
piece. It ran to Sept. 30 when " The_Pearl of Pckin " was sung with
Louis Harrison as the star. The house was closed Oct. 7 and re-
opened Oct. 8 with "Roger l.a Hontc" by the Tcrriss-Millward
company, consisting of Jessie Millwa'rd, William Tcrriss, Wilton
Lackaye, J. H. Fitzpatrick, Henrietta Crosman, Hattie Russell, and
Marguerite Fields. It was acted up to and including Nov. 5. "The
Lady of Lyons " was given Nov. 6-7-8-9. The "£iUes " came Nov.
1 1. Adele Bclgarde, Henry Avelingwith Nestor I^ennon and Charles
Bradshaw in the cast. " Kajanka " was seen here Dec. 2.

The burlesque, "-Bluebeard " was produced Jan. 13, 1890. Frank
B. Blair, Edith Murilla, Kate Uart. Edwin Foy, Alice Johnston,
Babctte Rodney, Mattie Hornby, Jennie Reeves, Rose Franck.
Josic Lynne, Arthur Dunn. Topsy Venn, and Homie Weldon were
in the cast. Clara (Jualitz did a skirt dance, night of Feb. 8. The

1*4

NIBLO'S GARDEN

227

Conricd Opera company opened for two weeks on Feb. 17 in
"The King's Fool," which had been put into English by John 1'.
Jackson. The cast was Philip, King of Navarre, J. F. McGovcrn ;
Prince Julius, Helen Bertram ; Yvonne. Delia Fox; Fclisa d'Amores,
Ada Glasca ; Corisanda, Jennie Reiffarth ; Prothonotary, Charles F.
Lang; Carillon, Joseph W. Herbert; Chancellor, Arthur Earle;
Count Rivarol, J. Aldrich Libbey ; Archibald de Zarnoso, Ferris
Hartman. Delia Fox made her first appearance in New York on
this evening. "A Midnight Bell " was acted March 3. " Paul
Kavaur" came March 10 with Joseph Howarth in the title role, and
the supporting cast was Honore Albert Maxime, Charles Vandcn-
hoff; Marquis de Vaux, C. C. Craig; Gen. Dclarochc, Robert W.
Drouct ; Col. La Hoguc, George Conway; Carrac, Joseph Ransomc;
Nanette Potin, Louise Rial; Scarlottc. Mary Timberman. '^Jrittl«
\x>rt] Fauqtlerqy " was seen March 17 ; " Kajanka." March 24; "J3i£
Kmghf* of Tyburn, April :, for (he first time 00 BBV stlge, wii'ii :his
(.-.•: Mis. Shq>|ur.:l. Ji-lTrrys Lewis; Jonathan Wild. A. il. II:iM-

ings; Sir Rowland Trenchard, Charles Chappelle ; BluetlttD, K.J.
Lyons ; Owen Wood, Louis R. Grisel ; Kittleby, Seymour G. Hess;
Mr. Darrcll, Henri Stuart ; Figg, Barry Maxwell; Hogarth, Gilmore
Scott; Mrs. Wood. Louise Sylvester; Winnifrcd, Elsie Sheridan;
Jack Shcppard, Clara Louise Thompson. This play was given for
two weeks, and the theatre closed abruptly. Alex. Salvini com-
menced April 2! in "A Child of Naples," followed by " Don Ca»ar
de Bazan " and " Romeo and Juliet," April 28, " Jim the Penman "
came with J. E. Whiting, John Flood, Edwin Travers, Hardy Ver-
non, W. H. Pope, Nellie Whiting, Mrs. A. R. Cazauran, Pauline
Hardy, Lysandcr Thompson, C. B. Kelly, and Lindsay Hurst in the
cast. " ArouiuLlhc World in Eighty Days" was again seen May 5,
cast thusTAouda. Dorothy Kossmorc ; Nemca, Marguerite St John;
Bessie, Ella Salisbury; Nakahira, Bella Wilson; Phincas Fogg, W.
F. Clifton ; Miles O'Pakc. Maurice Drew; Fix, J. J. Wallace; Passe-
partout, W. H. Lytcll; Mr. Blunt. W. H. Bartholomew. Mile. Paris
led the ballet. Imry and Bolossy Kiralfy, who had been separated
for some time, settled their difficulties and the above-mentioned play
was produced by them.

The next season opened Aug. 16 with " Kajanka ;" Mile. Bertollo,
a transformation dancer, then made her American debut. There
were also, among the first appearances in America, Nellie Scnncttc,
Ada Mencttc, Ada Anson, the Dale Sisters, and Lincoln Sisters, all
dancers. John Sullivan, the prize fighter, was the next star. I Ie made
his first appearance in this city as an "actor," Sept. 1, in "Honest
Hearts," in which he played the role of a blacksmith. Emily Polgns-
lord, Virginia Nelson ; Mrs. Mary Daly, Mary Maddern ; Norah Daly,
Grace Ottillic; Martha O'Neil, Carrie Rose Strong; John Daly,
Duncan B. Harrison and James Daly supported the star. The

228 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [nai

next attraction was the " Lilliputians," who continued up to Oct. 20,
when the house closed for a dress rehearsal of " Nero," which was
.first acted Oct 21. It was dramatized by Max Freeman from Ernest
Erkstein's well-known historical romance "Nero."

I 9

Claudius Nero
Agrippina . .
Nuodemus
Acta, hi» ward
Artcmidorous .
Tiecllinus . .
I'oppxa Sabina

Wilton Lai

Alice Fisher

. George Heath

. Carrie Turner
Willard Newell
Byron Douglas

Blanche Weaver

Acerronla .... Henrietta lender

Lupus Roue Beaudet

Seneca James Lackayc

Loll.irio Franz K

Olodiana .... Frances Herbert
Calba Frederick Daily

Theodora dc Gillctt and Rosita, a Spanish danseuse, appeared, the
latter making her American debut. Prof. Darling with his den of
performing lions (5) and one dog announced* for the first night did
not appear until Oct. 22. Rosita closed Dec. 6. This engagement
was abruptly terminated Dec. 13. Monroe and Rice came Dec 15
for two weeks in "My Aunt Bridget." The spectacle "Babes in the
Wood, and Robin Hood andHis Merry, Merry Men, and Harlequin
who Killed Cock Robin " was the title of an English pantomime fust
seen in this city Thursday night, Dec. 30. The theatre was closed
Monday night, Dec. 29, for rehearsal. The cast of the pantomime
was as follows :

Robin Hood . .
Maid Marion . .
Toxophila . . .
Kobin Redbreast
Wren ....
Sparrow . . .
Queen Eglantine.

. Alda Jcnoure

I.ouisi Beaudet

Barbara Allen

. Edith Cra.ikc

Rose Sutherland

I illn; lording

. Elaine Eilson

Bertie .
The Baron
Clown .
Harlequin

I'. ml. ill mil

Columbine

Ceo. K. Fortcscue
Wm. A. Mcstaycr
Joseph W. Herbert
. Geo. H. Browne
. . I. R. Costello
. . . S. Hcalcy
. Henry W. Dodd

Mons. A. Bcrtrand. ballet master; Adele Cornalba, Edith Craskc.
V. Chitten and C. Chitten, premieres; " The Two Orphans " came
Jan. 9, 1891, with Wilton Lackayc, Kate Claxton, and Kitty
Blanchard in the cast. " Noah's Ark " hy G,rnrgC S^"»r was acted
for the first time, Feb. 16, with this cast :

Joejaggere. . . .
John Martin . . .
Michael McNamara .
Norah McNamara .
Mr. Charles Raymond
Charley Raymond

Mi. M'.ivilrW . . .
Mr. Belmont . . .
Algernon Kitxroy
Walter Herbert . .
Officer Smith .
Alderman McGowan .
Waiter at the Casino
Mans Vousbed . ,
A Terrible Example ,
Mr. Nabob . . .

Willard Newell

Charles SottM

Patrick Muq>hv

. . J. H. Ryan

Vernon Clarjr.es

George Neville

Lewis Shea

George Maddux

WiB K ISurton

Kiank Garland

w. H. Leonard
. T. F. Clark

Edwin Walton
Herman Sheldon

. Mr. G. Lewis
Willi. mi Madden

Diamond Joe . .
Chestnut Vender .
One lung . .

Marcus ....
Ruth Martin . .

Mary

Jacqiiette )
Kitty , ■ • •

Blanche Dudley .
Rosa Sommers
Cora Pearl . . .
Carrie Mastcrson .
Mrs. J aggers . .
Old Daddy Noah

Herr

Mr. !. C. Jacques

By an original

. Marcus Proctor

Loduski Young

. Julia de Grignan

Rachel Booth

. Adele Martinctti

F. S. Hastings

Dolly Colding

. Blanche Waters

. . Lizzie Gale

.1: niuiid Fcinman

1892]

NIBLO'S GARDEN

229

" The Clemenceau Case " March 2, and was cast thus :

Pierre Clemenceau

Omctutfo Riti
Serge Volnoff
Thomas Riu
Cassagnoi .
Theodore
ISertin . .

Wilton Lackaye
Frazer Coulter
. Edson Dixon
N. C Forrester
Wm. H. Pascoc
. James Lark
Clias. Murphy

Countess Dobronowka

Genevieve Reynolds
Madame Clemenceau N.C. Forrester
Madame Lcspcron Vesta Dorc1 Hastings
I.ady Ncidcrheld . . . Harriet Ford
Georgette . . . Hattic Boarriman
Iza, the wife . . Blanche Curtisse

From "^irejc^Son," March 9, with this cast:

Alfred Armltage - - Milton Nobles
Mrs. Waldaur .... May Barclell

Anna Miss Wall

Peter Grimes ... L. F. Howard

Jonas Hardy . . . . D. R. Young
Abe Isaacs .... John II. Ready
Parsons John F. Pike

Hilly Barry and Hugh Fay came March 16 for two weeks in
" MfiKfinna'll Flirmion? " McKee Rankin was seen March 30 in
the " Canuck." " A Lucky Man " was given April G Samuel Blog-
gins, Louis Carpenter; Mrs. Samuel Bloggins. May Wilkes; Mrs.
Samuel Brown, Ruth Hamilton; Samuel Brown, Arthur Giles;
Daniel McGinty, J. H. Ryan; Hans Plunger, Collin Varrcy. Lydia
Thompson was seen, April 13, in " Xhc_ilazilcr ; " " United States
Mail " came April 20. " B*aiitifn| Slayi> " April 27 (this was a
version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin "). The season closed May 2. and
reopened August 27 with the comic opera " Khedive " cast thus:

Janina Lotta Gilman

M.ireeta Bettina Gerard

Sam.irantha . . . Augusta Roche
"Hie Khedive • - . Ferris Hartman

Psamtick ... W. F. Rochester

Cvrus Wallace Macrery

Sultan .... John J. Raffacl
Fadia Minnie Marshall

The house was closed Sept. 5 for five weeks, and reopened Oct. 12
with " ]jfa»aiififiil §tgr" and this cast: The King:, Tully Marshall;
Queen kathcrinc, M". Pike; Fcintisc. Mrs. Cccile Rush; Rouscttc,
Ida Rush; A Fairy Queen, Nina Farrington. her American debut;
Corsair, Harry C. Stanley; Corsinc. Madge Carr; Princess Belle,
Ruth Matthcissen ; Cheri, John Malone. It was one of the
most dismal failures ever seen in New York. The house was closed
Oct 17 and remained dark until Nov. 2, when "A Mile a Minute"
was presented with Marion Elmore as the star. Blanche Oswald
took Miss Elmore's place after Oct. 18; "The Limited Mail " came
Nov. 16; " Patrol," Nov. 23 ; Fred Bryton in " Forgiven." Nov. 30;
Gus Williams, Dec. 7, in " Krnpkr'a fortune." On Dec. 2. Elmer
E. Vance purchased from Ed. Gilmore the lease of this house to
begin Jan. 4. 1892, but fortunately he saw that he had made a mis-
take and. concluding to lose what deposit he had made as a guarantee
of good faith, withdrew. Frank Mayo came, Jan. 14, in his own
dramatization of " Wilkie Collins." hJla.n and Wife." calleTlhe
'iletc," previously produced as "A Bad Man" years before.
Augustin Daly presented an adaptation of this novel at the Fifth

230 A HISTORY OF THE NKW YORK STAGE C»89*

Avenue Theatre as '* Man and Wife." Clara Morris acting Ann Syl-
vester, the heroine. Mayo played ".Qxvy CtackcU " that same week.

Sadie Scanlan first appeared in New York as a star at this house,
Jan. 21, in a play called " Eily ; " •' A Dark Secret " was again re-
vealed Jan. 28 ; " Mjjsj£t-»iid__Mjin " came Jan. 4, 1892; " Hands
Arrow the _Sea " was seen Jan. 1 [, and " Evangeline." Jan. 18, for
two weeks. In the company were Hilda Thomas, Tfuth Davenport.
James S. Maffit. Richard Harlow, Estcllc Clinton, Sadie Stephens,
George A. Schiller, Edwin S. Tarr, Tom Rcilly, and Hen J. Miles.

" Bunch of Keys " was done Feb. 1 ; "past Lynnc," Feb. 8. with
Ada Gray as Lady Isabel ; " Wide. WideWoHcr* came Feb. 15 ;
" Mnne,y Mad." Feb. 22, with Emily Rigl as Kate. Steve Brodie,
who acquired a reputation as a " bridge jumper," made his debut
as an " actor " in ■• Money Mad." He did the leap from the stage
bridge, a distance of ten feet ; but he appeared only five times.
"The Hustler" came Feb. 29 ; the comic opera, " Pearl of Pekin,"
was sung March 7, with Irene Vernona, Ida Stemblcr, Oscar Girard,
and Edwin Chapman in the cast. " A Bad Penny." " Uncle. Dan,"
and " AJfln&.a.Hrae Shop " formed thd programme for flic" week of
March 14. with Lydia Thompson the star. The cast of " A Bad
Penny " was :

Charles Hyde . .
Harry Goodwin

" Uncle Dan " :

Major Talbot . .
Sidney Wimjfield .

Harry Hanscombc I Richard Hyde . . Louis Howard
. . Alf Hampton I Hopkins, a servant G. V. Devcrc

. Alf Hampton I Rose Annie TJarnlry

Louis Howard i Kitty Wingfield . Lydia Thompson

closed with " A Bric-a-Brac Shop " :

Harry Rranscombe
, . . Alf Hampton

LotiN I l.iM .ml
H. W. Montgomery

Wardour Streetor
Banevay Streetor
Frits ...
Chinese Dragon

Heau G. Dcverc

Belle ... . Annie Darnley

Watteau Shepherd . Emmie Kossette
W.ittcau Shepherd . LydU Thompson

" ,U and I," a farce comedy, was seen March 21 ; the " Evangeline"
company returned March 28. and the following week were seen in
Bon Crusoe." The Hi Henry Burlesque company, with
MuldcK>rTTrTe~wrcsTIcr, came March 11, for three weeks. E. G. Gil-
more's lease of this house expi red April 30.

Alex C. Comstock leased the house from the Stewart heirs on
twelve and a half per cent of the gross receipts for the rent. It re-
opened Aug. 9, 1892, with " Around_the World in Eighty Days '
The Henry Burlesque compan 1 ;;> ired Sept 5, commencing
afternoon with a tra««ty on "Th«» T*x anH TV Tartar" called
" Ta-Ra-Ra," also - A_Kjist|cJJ&c£gptton ; " " Uncle _ Tom's Cabin "
came Sept. 12; Lillic Clay^s Burlesque company were seen Sept.
19: "Bottom of the Sea," Sept. 26; "Mr. Potter of Texas." Oct.
3 ; Lillian~Lewis~ presented " Lady Lil," Oct. 10; The May J ioward

18m]

NIKLO'S GARDEN

231

Burlesque company came Oct. 17; and " Current Cash." Oct. 24,
with these players in the cast: Henry Lec.TVl. J. Jordan, L. E. Law-
rence, Charles E. Verner, Maud Hosford, Samuel Edwards. Charles
Burke, Agnes Young. Roderick Meek, Adrienno, R. W. Muir,
Minnie Bowen, and Jennie Lacy in the cast. W. F. Carver came
Nov. 7 in " The Scout ; " Charles L. Davis followed Dec. 5 in " Akin
Joslin ; " " Midnight SBf'1'1 " w^s seen Dec 12; Edwin Mayo
came Dec. 19, for the first time in New York, in " AJifiiJJKCUty
Years : " " Manhood " was presented Dec. 26 for two weeks, with
this cast: George Ashford, Edwin Thome; Derrick Murklcy, James
Tighc ; Captain Sidney Stansfield, Loudon McCormick ; Blue Peter,
James E. Sullivan; Detective Gruddcn, Samuel Edwards; Sandy
Sugnall, James Kearney ; Dennis Raffcrtv. Charles Burke ; Kate
Ashford, Emma Stockman ; Margery, Kate Hughes; Peggy Rafferty.
Mrs. Blanche Sherwood ; Grandmother Ashford, Mrs. James Kearney.

The theatre was closed week of Jan. 9, 189.V and was reopened
Jan. 16 with the military drama ".Shiloh," by $am puhoLs. with
this cast: Colonel Randolph, J. L. Carhart; Percy Randolph, M L
Alsop j Herbert Randolph, Russ Whytal ; Colonel McPherson,
James Tighe; Captain Corson, J. T. Watson; Dr. James Henry
Smith, C. E. Fisher ; James McFatrick, Dan Kelly ; Jake Pctcrman.
Dick Gorman ; Phil Jones. H. G. Carlton ; Gordon Horrocks.
Myron Leffingwcll ; Uncle Ephraim, Lew Simmons ; Judge
Belmont, George Hamilton; Confederate Prisoner, Delancy Bar-
clay; Captain Caldwell, Charles Godfrey; Mrs. Marie Randolph,
Henrietta Osborne; Mrs. Belmont, Uabelle Preston; Alice Bel-
mont. Mary Le Vera ; and Aunt Polly, I.iziie Gale. Ada Gray
ared Feb. 6 in " East Lynne : " " Uncfe Tom's Cabin" came
again Feb. 13 to Feb. 20. On Feb. 15 fifteen young women
acted as ushers. Fourteen of the girls were novices. The fifteenth
was imported from Scotland and was an old hand at the business. The
idea was claimed as something new. but McKcc Rankin introduced
" lady ushers " at the Third Avenue Theatre this city on Aug. 30,
1884. " From Sire to Son " was presented March 6, with Milton
Nobles as the star; the " DJamontl Breaker" came March 13 ; "The
Clemcnceau Case." March 20; ami the theatre was closed March 27.

The next managers were Carl and Theo Rosenfeld. who. after
making many improvements, including lighting with electricity,
opened Tuesday, Sept. 5, with " j\JErip_taMars," the Lilliputians
being the stars. " Olaf " followed on Nov. 6, for the first time on
any stage. Walter Sanford became the next lessee in December,
and after having been closed for two weeks the theatre reopened
Dec. 25 with " ^ Pupil in Mar'"" by the Lilliputian*. On Jan. 1,
1894, " Undef thff Ci^Y L»mp« " an eclectic drama culled from many
previous ones by L. Richardson was done, and a reduction in the
prices of admission was made to 50 and 15 cents on Jan. 8; Bessie

232 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««g5

Bonehill came Jan. 15 in "The P javmatMi ;: " "_S_he," Jan. 22; "A.
if-«»~»i~ f-uJ^' Jan. 29 ; " The Stowaway," Feb. 5 ; " Pulse of New
12; "Soudan," Feb. ig ; "^alvyyn Qim." F«»h- -MS;

. ?rnado." March 5 ; "' Sgojt_NJcAlliilcr," March 12 ; and " Power
n; c , 1 ■ 1 . i _ " March i;; . 1 ' 1 ■ • t - Cromwell commenced a scries of lecffirea
Sunday night, March 25 ; ■ The Ranihler from, filairr " was seen
March 26; "Lost in New York." April 2 ; " Pjay Train," April 9;
" The Hustler?" Aprin^: "555th before the War," April 23 ; " TJje
Worltj Against Hjm." April 30; John" L" Sullivan the pugilist came
again May 7 ; "A Flag of Truce," May 14 ; " The Weiterner." May
21, with Al LipmaTr-aS""rW~sur ; the Georgia (coIoredTMinstrels
came May 11 ; " The Hcar{s of New York," May 18 ; " Maslci_and
Mjn," May 25.

The season closed June 30, and reopened Aug. 11 with Walter
Sanford as manager as well as lessee, who produced " In the Name
ol_thc Czar" with this cast: Hector Dilworth, Edward Brandt ;
Alexis Silvitch, James Wall; Norman Dayrell, Arnold Reeves;
Christoff Kcrovitch. Harry S. Dufficld ; Clara Fcrona, Phosa Mac-
Allister; Lucy Silvitch. Sara Neville. "The Life Guard" was
seen Aug. 20; Milton Nobles came Aug. 27 in "From Sire to
Son;" "Harbor Lights," Sept. 3; " Tennessee's Pardner," Sept. 10.
with Cora Van Tassell as the star : " A nog .o( ,Qj£" Sept. 17;
"The Shaughraun," Sept. 24; cast thus: Captain Mofincux, Harry
: ihaTI ; Robert TfolUott, Frank Lander; Father Dolan, Criptie
Palmoni; Corry Kinchella, George Hoey; Harvey Duff, George
Denham ; Conn, Edward J. Heron ; Sergeant Jones. Nelson Comp-
ton; Sullivan, Charles Ncvins; Doyle, C. J. Vincent; Claire Ffol-
liott, Victory Kateman ; Arte O'Nealc, Annie Barclay ; Mrs. O'Kclly,
Nellie Maskell; and Moya, Lottie Williams. Amy Lee came Oct. 1
in " Pawn Ticket Slaves of Gold " came Oct. 8; " Ticket of

Leave Man,"- Oct. 15, with Harry iviainhall as Bob Brierly, and
Victory Bateman as May Edwards; "Prodigal Qanghter" Oct. 22;
" Country Circus." Oct. 29; "A Tale of Corsica/' Nov. 5, by
George HoeyTTor the first time on any stage, with this cast : Paolo
Rubini, Frank Foster; Angelo Rubini, Harry Mainhall; Mateo
Rubini, Frank Lander; Toraldi, George Hoey; Magistrate, Nelson
Compton ; Stcffana Ferrante, Victory Bateman ; lima, Lisle Leigh ;
Doria, Lottie Williams; Pichu, Edward J. Heron. This playwas
originally called "A Priest's Vow ; " "The White Squadron was
done Nov. 1 2 ; Nelly McHenry cirnc Nov. 19, in "ZVjJght at. the
Circus; " " •JudcLihe^Lash " was seen Nov. 26; " Slawjtway," Dec.
3T"Charles L Davis in "Alvin loslin." Dec. 10; J. B. Mackie, Dec.
17. in "Side Show;" " Yaujh," Dec 24; " ProdjgaLJjAiigfcwr,"
Dec. 31, for two weeks; " Ivy Lxaf," Jan. 14, 1895; " Down in
Dixie." Jan. 2t, for two weeks; Katie Emmett, Feb. 4, in " KjlJar-
ngT" ".McFaddenj Elopement." Feb. 11; "Still Alarm," Febi8;

tags]

THE RICHMOND HILL THEATRE

233

iw\ of ihn Mifjni.T^^.in " Feb. 25 ; " l'owcr of Gold." March 4,
Lusjler," March 15 ; and " My Aunt Bridget." March 18. At the
conclusion of the third act of " My AuolJESgiet " Mr. Monroe made
a speech, and said that it bad accidentally fallen to his company's
lot to be the last to tread the boards of this historic stage. He
thought that it would have been more fitting for some one else to
have made an address, for no doubt there were many in the audience
who had reminiscences and who had seen many of the great produc-
tions, — notably that of the " Black Crook " which had made the
place historic.

The evening performance of " My Aunt Bridget " by George W.
Monroe and his company. March 23, marked the end of the career of
Niblo's Garden. Mr. Monroe said that before many hours every
brick and board of the building would be torn asunder, and before
the last bell was rung he would ask the audience to join his company
and several hundred of the old employees and attaches of the house
in singing " Auld Lang Syne." The large audience took the entire
performance in a jovial mood, and throughout the evening joined
in the choruses of the familiar songs sung on the stage. In the
second act. Nellie Bland, who played the part of Blue Jeans, while
exhibiting her skill as a high kicker, fell on the stage and was
unable to rise. She had to be carried off by two of the actors, and
was not able to appear again. It was stated that she had sprained
her ankle, and was suffering great pain. The cast of" My Aunt
Bridget," with which closed the career of Niblo's Garden, was:
Bridget McVeigh, George W. Monroe; Alton McVeigh, Raymond
Hitchcock; Jack Treyscr, Ben F. Grinncll ; Joe Ncrvcy. Thomas J.
Grady; Tompkins Blazer, Harry McDowell; Boycc Alton, Milo J.
Knill; Dora, Mamie Ryan; Polly, Mabel Florence; Miss Rccalmer,
May Duryea; Nellie, Ella Falk; Roy. Marie Bates; Blue Jeans,
Nellie Bland ; Lelle Butte. Pearl Allen; Peach Blow, Susie Russell.
Many people in leaving the house carried off small relics, such as
leaves of evergreen from a large vase in the lobby.

THE RICHMOND HILL THEATRE

THE place of amusement known as the Richmond Hill Theatre
was originally a family mansion. It had a yellow front, with
a white portico supported by four large wooden pillars. The build-
ing was known as the Morticr House, and stood about the rear of
the lots fronting upon Varick Street, at the southeast corner of
Varick and Charlton Streets- It was a historical house, having been
Aaron Burr's country seat. It was also called the " Richmond Hill
House and Gardens." The surroundings of the place were melan-
choly in the extreme, for the buildings were small, and tall hick-
ory poles were in abundance. It was converted into a theatre, and

234 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i8W

opened Nov. 14, 1831. by Richard Russell, who had the following
company : T. Abthorpe Cooper, Wilson, Finn, Holland, Kilner. Footc,
Langton, Judah, C- Thome, Moreland, Russell, Field, Mestayer,
Mcer, Moses Phillips, Lennox, Lindsley, Kenny, Wray, and Philli-
morc; Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Thorne, Mrs. Meer, Mrs. Read, Mrs. Bcl-
cour, Mrs. Lindsley, and Miss Coleman. An opening address was
written for the occasion by Fitz Greene Hallcck, and the opening
pieces were " The Road to Ruin '" and " The Turnpike Gate." " Last
ollhc Mohicans " was acted Dec. 27 ; " Discarded Daughter," Jan. 17,
1832, Miss Smith, afterwards Mrs. Groves, made her debut Feb. 8
as Rose in " Is He Jealous ?" " Hamlet" was played March 1 with this
cast : Hamlet, A. A Adams ; King, Emanuel Judah ; Laertes, Geo.
Jones ; Horatio, H. E. Willard ; Ghost, J. H. Clarke; Ophelia. Mrs.
Richard Russell; Queen. Mrs. Read. "Victorine" was the after-
piece, cast thus: Felix, George J. Jones; Marquis, l.ennox; Griffcn.
Mestayer; Victorine, Mary Duff; Jean, Farrcn ; Julian, Mrs. Russell ;
Thercsc. Miss Smith.

Fanny Constantia Clarke opened here April 4 in " Children in the
Woods." Miss Clarke afterwards married William Isherwood ; he
died in this city August 17, 1841, and Miss Clarke died in New York
in February 2t, 1853. Mary Duff made her New York debut at this
theatre April 9. as Helen Worrett in " Man and Wife ; " Dan Marble
appeared March 6 as Damon. The season closed April 30; John
Barnes, after altering the house, opened it May 23, 1832, with
an equestrian company, and continued until July 28, but the alarm
caused by the cholera cpedimic caused the temporary closing of the
house. It was reopened Oct 6, with Italian opera, under Sig. Lo-
renzo Dapontc, the early friend of Mozart. He engaged as director
Antonio Bagioli, the father of Teresa Bagioli, who was afterward the
wife of Gen. Daniel E. Sickles. In order to give a proper setting to
the operas, Sig. Brogaldi, the best scenic and decorative artist of the
day, was engaged to paint the scenery. The Montressor company
made its bow Oct. 6, 1832, in the opera " Cenerentola," with this
distribution of parts: Prince, Sig. G. Montressor; Don Magnifico.
Ernest Orlandi; Alidora, Giuliana Place i ; Dandini, L Fornasari ,
Clorinda, Lorcnza Marozzi; Cenerentola, Signora Afina Stella;
Tibbc. Teresa Vcduci ; Sig. Saccamani on Oct. 1 1 in the title
rflle. It had previously been presented at the Park Theatre by
Garcia under the title role of " Cinderella." " Elsie e Claudio " was
sung for the 6rst time in America, Oct. 17, when Signora Ade-
laide Pedrotti made her American debut as Elsie; " L'ltalianna in
Algeri" was given Nov. 17, and "II Pirata," Dec. 5, with Mmc.
Pedrotti as Imogene. The season was a failure.

The dramatic season began Jan. |, 1833. Clara Woodhull made
her debut, Jan. 3, as Amelia in •'Lover's Vows;" Mrs. Barnes
played Romeo, Jan. 7, with Alcxina Fisher as Juliet; and "Cold

i»«fij

THE RICHMOND HIl.L THEATRE

235

Stricken " was given Jan. 22 ; Charles J. Houpt made his American
debut. Jan. 31, as "The Stranger." He married Emily Mestayer,
retired from the stage, and became a dentist. He died in California
in 185 1. William Mestayer, who died in New York. Nov. 21, 1896,
was his son; "Francis I." was played Feb. 11, for the first time
in America; H. J. Riley made his New York debut March 15. He
died in St- Louis, Mo., July 30, 1841. An equestrian company ap-
peared in March. " Mazeppa " had its first American representa-
tion April 18. with Judah in the title rfile. The dramatic season
was resumed June 1, with "The Hellc's Stratagem " and "Nature
and Philosophy." Mr. and Mrs. William Henry first appeared in
New York here. July 2, James S. Charles made his debut on the
stage as Frank Heartall. Caroline Fox. a child of seven years, after-
ward known as Mrs. G. C. Howard, Mr. and Mrs. Preston, and John
R. Scott were added to the company. July 27, James E. Murdoch
made his New York debut as Jafiier in " Venice Preserved," Mr.
Ingcrsoll playing Pierre.

Moses S. Phillips was the manager of the theatre in July. The
season ended Aug. 17. Most of the stock company were of Ameri-
can birth, including Thayer C. Thome, T. Placidc, Hyatt. Virginia
Monicr, and Alcxina Fisher. During the summer of 1833 Charles
R- Thome was the manager. On August 2, Murdoch acted lago
to Ingersoll's Othello. Annette Hawlcy Nelson (Mrs. John
Brougham) leased this house for the summer of 1 836, and called it
Miss Nelson's theatre, and it opened June 13 and closed August 3.
Charles & Teller occupied the theatre during the summer for one
month. It was converted into a saloon, and opened with a concert
June 29, 1840, and as ornamental grounds surrounded it, the place
was called Tivoli Garden. With the usual luck of the place, the con-
certs did not prove attractive. When Tom Klynn leased the theatre
in 1843 he called it the National Theatre. It would hold three thou-
sand persons. This house was rebuilt, and opened, April 3, 1846, as
the New Greenwich Theatre The following is a copy of the open-
ing announcement :

NEW GRICKNWICH THKATRK

Soil proprietor*. Mn««. Mvers & Tomlin.vm: manager. John G. Mycr« ;
acting and stage manager. H. Is. Grattan -. treasurer. O. M. Tomlinson : deputy
treasurer, Warren Dr*p«r.

FK1DAY EVENING. April 3,
with "Romeo and Juliet *'

Romeo, Clara Ellis; Mercutlo, H- P. Grattan ; Juliet, Mrs. W. H.Crisp; Lady
Capulet. Mr*. Hautonvill.

To conclude with " Don Giovanni."

Don Giovanni. Julia Drake; Don Guxman, H. Chapman; Leperello, Mrs. H.
CTiapman; Bride, II. Fallce.

236 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [«8u

An attempt was made to burn this theatre Saturday night, Sept.
19, 1846. After the usual performance, an incendiary secreted him-
self in the building, and placed fire under one of the private boxes.
Fortunately, the smoke issuing from the building gave the alarm,
and the flames were extinguished without much damage. Feb. 8,
1847, 't was reopened, with its name changed to the New York Opera
House. Charles Freer was the manager up to April, 1848, when
the place was abandoned as a dramatic resort. The building was
pulled down in 1849. One of the greatest favorites connected with
this theatre was Annette Hawley Nelson. She married Copleston
Coward Hodges, went South, and retired from the stage. Her hus-
band became a hotel proprietor. She lived in retirement a short
time, for I find her at Wallack's Theatre (Broadway and Broome
Street) where she appeared as Mrs. John Brougham, having been
married to that actor in 1847. She afterwards appeared at Burton's
Chambers Street Theatre. She died in this city May 3, 1870, and
left a daughter (by her first husband), afterwards the widow of
Thos. K. Morris. During the last few years of her life she was so
corpulent that not only was she compelled to retire from the profes-
sion, but it was with the greatest difficulty that she could walk.

THE BOWERY AMPHITHEATRE

THE Bowery Amphitl aire occupied Nos. 37 and 39 Bowery,
was built in in 1833, by the Zoological Institute (or Flat foots),
and was first used as a menagerie. In 1835 it was remodelled into
an amphitheatre, with a stage and ring, and occupied by June, Titus,
Angevine & Co.. for equestrian exhibitions. It was during that
season that Barney Williams appeared in songs and dances on a
springboard, placed in the centre of the sawdust ring. In No-
vember. 1842, this house was known as The Amphitheatre of the
Republic.

In 1843 the building was leased to John Tryon, by whom it was
improved and continued as an amphitheatre until 1848. The first
band of negro minstrels made their second appearance at this place,
for the benefit of John Tryon, February, 1843. A dancing match
between Master Juba and John Diamond took place here July 8,
[844, for 5200. It may be well to state here that, as there have
been three Master Diamonds, so there have been two Jubas. Mas-
ter Diamond No. 2 was really Frank Lynch, and it was because of
him that P. T. Barnum had C- D. Jenkins arrested in Pittsburg, in
March, 1841, for attempting to palm off Lynch as the original John
Diamond, which was what Barnum wished the public to regard him,
while Frank Diamond or Frank Lynch was in his employ, and be-
fore Jenkins enticed the " kid " away from the great showman. Mas-
ter Diamond No. 3 never amounted to anything, and I lose track of

tHU

THE BOWERY AMPHITHEATRE

237

him altogether after his trial jig at Jaync's Hall, Philadelphia, Dec
7, 1857. The original Diamond died in Philadelphia, Oct. 29, 1857.
The original Juba, a negro lad whose name was William Henry
Lane, was subsequently an attraction at Charley White's Melodeon,
in the Bowery. Juba went to England in 1849, where he became a
lion. Success proved too much for him. He married too late (and
a while woman, besides), and died early and miserably.

In 1849 the building was altered back into a menagerie by the
June & Titus party, but. proving a failure after two years' experi-
ment, it was transferred again into a circus, and occupied one
season by Scth B. Howe's company. Nov. 1. 1852, the circus
troupes of Richard Sands 8c Co., and John J. Nathans & Co., com-
menced, with John J. Nathans, Richard Sands, Musters M. and J.
Sands, Antonio ("Tony") Pastor, Wm. Kingcade, W. J.Smith,
William Pastor, Philo Nathans, B. Huntington, J. Hankins, Sam
l.athrop, and John Lovell, clowns.

Richard Sands was announced, Dec. 6, 1852, to perform his anti-
podcal experiment, " walking across the polished surface of an in-
verted platform, with feet up and head down, at an elevation of
twenty-five feet from the ground." It was stated that Mr. Sands
was the only performer that had ever successfully demonstrated the
newly discovered philosophical principle by which the laws of gravi-
tation could be suspended. Mr. Sands, however, was not the first
person to perform the ceiling walking feat, as had been frequently
stated, for I find that it was done at this theatre Feb. 16, 1852, by
Prof. John McCormick, announced as " The Great Philosophical
Antipodean Pedestrian from Ohio, the successful inventor of the
only antipodean apparatus ever completed." The management an-
nounced that the experiment had never been made by any other
man. and The New York Herald of Feb. 18 said: " Prof. McCor-
mick performed the truly astonishing feat of walking head down-
wards on the ceiling of the Amphitheatre again last evening." Jan.
23, 1853, Mons. La Thome opened in his cannon-ball performance.
Among the other acts were Master Jesse Sands (trick equestrian),
Kmma Nathans, Master Frank Pastor, in his back and forward
equestrian somersault act; C. Fisher, on the flying cord; Sam
Lathrop and Hiram Day, clowns; John J. Nathans, equestrian
manager; B. Huntington, ring-master; L. Lipman, in a change-
able act; Frank Pastor, revolving globe act; Charley Sherwood,
Indian act; and a comic ballet called "A Shoemaker's Shop in an
Uproar." In this latter Tony Pastor played a comic lover. Feb.
28, William F. Wallett, the clown, appeared. Mme. Tourniaire, the
equestrienne, with her stud of horses, opened March 1 1. Dan
Kmmct, the old time minstrel performer, appeared April 5, for one
week, in his selection of ncsv songs. Charles Sherwood, the original
"Pete Jenkins," began. The season terminated April 16, but the

238 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««°

house kept open one week longer for benefits. On April 19, John
J. Nathans opened in his equestrian act of carrying Master Philo
Nathans. The house was reopened April 25, under the manage-
ment of Henry P. Madigan and Den W. Stone, with equestrian
performances by Rose Madigan, Hiram Franklin, Den Stone, and
W. B. Carroll. The clowns were Hen Jennings and Alex Rockwell;
John Shay, equestrian director. May 5, Levi J. North commenced
with his trained horse, Tammany. On May 23, Donna Marguerctta,
with her horses, Juliette and Coquette, commenced, as did Henry
Whitney and his troupe of trick horses, and W. J. Smith, in his act
on two horses.

Nov. 7, 1853, this house was opened with Mme. Franconi (her
first appearance in America), Mons. Chiarini, John J. Nathans,
Emma Nathans, Master Philo Nathans, and Sam Lathrop (clown).
During the summer of 1854 the house was leased, rebuilt, and
opened as the Stadt Theatre by Seigrist and Otto Hoym. As
the Stadt Theatre, the old Bowery Amphitheatre was opened Oct. 20,
with Rossini's opera (in German) of " Der Barbicr von Sevilla. "
Mueller as Figaro ; Vinckc, Bassilio ; Quint. Count Almaviva ; Ochr-
lcin. Dr. Bartolo ; and Signora Martini D'Ormy as Roscnc. A benefit
was given Nov. 18 for the sufferers of the stranded ship New Era.
"Wild Oats" was performed in German. July 5, 1858,3 combina-
tion of talent from the Ravel family was secured for one perform-
ance. The artists were Lina Windcl, M. Collet, A. I-ehman, Angelo
and Mme. Chiarini, Sig. Zanfretta. Misses H. and A. Gale, the
Denier Bros. (Tony and John), Ben Yates, and M. Alexander.

The A. H. Davenport Dramatic Association gave " Black-Eyed
Susan," July 28, with Edwin Adams as William, and Miss L. Wat-
son as Susan. " The Idiot Witness " was also acted with Maggie Nel-
son as Dame Tugscutt. " Bombastes Furioso " was the afterpiece.
J. B. Howe leased the house, and opened it Aug. 2 with an Ameri-
can^company. consisting of J. B. Howe, J. H. Allen, Geo. Holland,
Charles Warwick, John Herbert, Rachel Denvil, Mrs. H. P. Grattan,
Geo. Lingard, Sallie Bishop, Kate Pennoycr, and Kate Bennett.
" Wallace." " Wilful Murder," and " Michael Erie" were the opening
plays. This was the first appearance on the dramatic stage of
George Holland, since he put on burnt cork and appeared with
Wood's Minstrels. German operatic performances were commenced
April 4, 1859. " Tan n ha user " was given, and Carl Bergman was
the conductor. A benefit was given to John Cooper Aug. 9. when
Maggie Nelson played Jane Chatterly in " The Widow's Victim."
The house was then closed, but reopened Aug. 25, i860, under the
management of Hoym & Hamann. Sunday night's performances
were discontinued, in consequence of the new law prohibiting enter-
tainments on that night. During the season Adah Isaacs-Menken
appeared as a danscusc. German performances were given by Kril-

tmc

THE BOWKRY AMPHITHEATRE

239

ling. Otto Hoym, Mcaubcrt, Fortncr, Klcur, Knorr, Manvcrs, Conn-
hcim, Schmidt, lsidor, Lehman, Lotti, Hohifcldcr. Klcidhorn,
Wicthoff, and Klein; Mesdames Pelosi, Smitz-Herwegh, Stiglish,
Brun, Schull, Fischer, Becker-Grahn. Berkel.and Carradori ; Misses
Hoym, Meaubert. Meantirz, Scheller, Theleur, and Johanna Wolf.

For the season of 1861-62 Hoym & Hamann were again the
managers. Mme. Marie Scheller, Mmc. Becker-Grann, Mme,
Von Berkel, Mme. Mcrtzke, Mmc. Fredcrickc Walter, Anna
Klein, Cecillia Former, Hcrren Otto Hoym, Lchroann, Schwann,
Niemeyer, Quint, Graff, Fortncr. Klein, Knorr, Carl Mcrbitz,
and Lcwcns formed the company. The important productions
were Scribe's " A Glass of Water ; " Kruger's " Das Macdchcn
von Dorfc " (The Village Maid) ; Kruezer's " Anna Worth-
mann;" Lorzing's "Czar und Zimmerman," "Peter the Gn
"Hamlet," " Der Freischutz," " Der Stumme von Portii,
" Zampa," " The Postillion of Longjumeau." " (iloeckner von Notre
Dame," Toepler's "Der Best Fon," Bendix's " Steifutter," "Der
Major," " George Washington," " Der Maschinenbauer," " Der
Mozartgcigc," " Der Peter Kronau," Schiller's " Kabal und Liebe,"
Charlotte Birchpfciffcr's " Hcrinan nee," " Die Jungfrau von
Orleans," " Narcissc," " The Son of the Jongleur," " Major Schill,"
" Fifteen Years of Prison Life," " Die Zwci-Scrgeantcn," " Adricnnc
Lccouvrieur," "Don Carlos," "Marie Anne," "The Fisherman's
DaughTer," by Messrs. Stalknecht and Dr. Arming, of this city ;
" Romeo and Juliet," " Hinko," " Iamm und Loewe," " Night and
Morning," " Der Waise von Berlin, " Goerner's " Orphan of Berlin,''
" The Maid of Fanoland," Gutzkow's " Ella Rosa," " Eine Reiche
Frau," " Orpheus der Undcrwclt." first time in New York ; " Storen-
freid," " Uriel Acosta," " Memoirs of Satan," " The Devil and the

Tailor, l"hc Englishman in Paris," " Die Liccler des Musikantcr,"

"The Prisoner's Daughter." "Cato von Eisen," "Down with the
Jesuits," " Das Wichtelmaenchen," and " Cora." The season closed
in May, and a series of operatic representations were given, with
Mme. Johanna Rosser, from the Ducal Theatre, Darmstadt, as
prima donna. The dramatic season closed in June.

D. E. Bandmann appeared during the season of 1862-63 M
Hamlet and Shylock. The Ronzani Ballet Troupe opened July 29,
1863. For the season of 1863-64, Otto Hoym continued the
manager, and among the principals who appeared were D. K.
Bandmann. Hcrr Fritzc, Hcrr Rciffahrt, Manager Hoym, Louis
Knorr, Mmc. Mcthua-Schcllcr, Becker-Grahn, Steiglcr-l-uchs, and
Miss Meyer. P. L. Jarvis was the next manager, who opened Aug.
2, 1864, with M. B. Pike as stage manager. The company was an
American one, and consisted of Joseph E. Naglc, George W.
Thompson, S, Bradshaw, Harry Cunningham, Frank Evans, W.
Purcells, E. N. H.iviland, W. Mitchell, J. Coburn, Geo. France,

240 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C"»33

Harry Hotto, Mrs. Marie Lc Brun, Mrs. E. T. Stetson, Millie
Sackett (Mrs. M. B. Pike). Hattie Welby, Davis, Harris, Ransom,
and Jennie Fisher. The opening bill was "The Robbers of the
Keep," " The Veteran's Daughter " and " Love, Law, and Physic."
The season closed Aug. 15, but the house reopened Sept. 3 as a
variety theatre, called The Varieties. John F. Poole and Thomas
Donnelly became the managers Aug. i9r~Y&J3Tr~with George R.
Edcson as stage manager. Kate Pennoyer, in " The French Spy,"
was the star. The house closed in the second week of October, but
was reopened on tbe 21st of the same month as Montpelier's Opera
House, a title which it bore for only a few weeks, the entertainments
being, during that time, mixed varieties and dramatic. Nov. 20,
1865, it was reopened as the New National Circus. A. Montpelier
was proprietor and manager, and A. Covelli the equestrian director.
In six weeks the doors were once more closed. The building was
finally converted into an armory.

THE NATIONAL THEATRE

THE playhouse known as the National Theatre was situated at
the southwest corner of Ixonard and Church Streets. It
was opened as the Italian Opera House by a stock company who
had purchased the site at a low price, Nov. 18, 1833, with the
opera of " La Gazza Ladra " cast as follows :

Fabrizio Sig. Kerrero . Georgio Sig. 1'lacci

Gngoire Sig. Klchaud

Gianetto Sig. Fabj

Fernando Sig- Porto

Magistrate Sig. Oc Rosa

I»aac Sig. Sapignolli

Eft

Nincttt

Signora Maioui
Clemastine Fanli

Rosina Fanti, Louisa Bordagni, and Sig. Ravaglia were also in
the company. The admission was $2 for sofa seats, $1.50 for the
boxes, $1 for the pit, and 75 cents for the gallery. The arrange-
ment of the house was a novelty to this country. What constituted
the parterre in other houses was in this divided into three parts.
The one (parquet) facing the orchestra was occupied by those who
study comfort, and not to be annoyed by the close proximity of the
instruments. This retreat communicated with the first tier of
boxes. The pit was spacious and accommodating. Projecting
from the front boxes was a circle, or amphitheatre. On each side
of the pit were the windows of the bagnoirts, or private boxes, for
the dillclanti. The stage was very large, and afforded every facility
for grand spectacles; the dome was magnificent beyond descrip-
tion. The building cost $110,000, the ground lot costing, besides,
$65,000.

Being situated in an inconvenient and poor neighborhood, the

1836:

THK NATIONAL THEATRE

24l

National Theatre was never a popular resort, and its fortunes were
uniformly disastrous, except with Italian opera. The first season
continued, with several interruptions, until July 21, 1834, the per-
formances being entirely of Italian opera. It held, at the prices
charged, $1,400. Sig. Rivafinoli was the manager, and Sig. Maron-
cclli, the Italian patriot, was the leader. Among the operas pro-
duced were Rossini's " Barbicre di Seviglia," Nov. 25 ; " Donna del
Logo," Nov. 28; Cimarosa's " II Matrimonio Scgreto," Jan. 4, 1834;
Pacini's "Git Arabi Ncllc Gallic," Jan. 20; Rossini's " Mathildc di
Shabran c Coradino." Feb. 19 ; and "La Ccncrcnlola," March 1.
The season was advertised for forty nights, but the large audiences
encouraged the management, and twenty-eight extra nights were
added. A supplemental season followed, beginning Nov. 10, 1834.
A cessation of the season occurred Dec. 23, and, being afterwards
resumed, continued until May 15, 1835, without any memorable
event occurring, save the appearance of Julia Wheatley in the opera
of " Edwardo and Christina." this being, I believe, the first attempt
of an American lady to sing in Italian opera. The house was
crowded at each performance, and the association expected large
returns. Alas for human hopes ! The house had been liberally
" papered," and when the accounts were balanced the gentlemen
who had so freely paid down their money found that their profits
were nil, and that they had to produce even more cash to meet defi-
ciencies. It was a success socially, brilliant — quite overpowering
indeed ; musically, moderate, and not in any way overpowering. The
contralto had made the chief success. She was a very pretty woman,
with a lovely figure and a delicious voice. She was known and
much esteemed as a teacher of music for many years afterward in
New York. She was the wife of Piero Maroncclli, the friend and
fellow-prisoner of Silvio Pcllico. and her husband taught Italian and
music in many of the old New York families. At the conclusion of
the season, the theatre was leased by Henry Willard and Thomas
Flynn, who opened it as the National Theatre. Aug. 29, 1836 (an
address by Jonas B. Phillips being spoken by Mrs. Thomas Flynn),
with "The Merchant of Venice": Shylock, Junius B. Booth ; Bas-
sanio, Andrew Pickering ; I .orenzo. Plumcr (who afterwards became
a negro minstrel) ; Launcelot, Thomas Ptacidc ; Portia, Mrs. Flynn ;
Nerissa, Clara Woodhull ; Jessica, Mrs. Conduit. The afterpiece
was "The Man With the Carpet Bag," in which, as Grimes and
Wrangle, William Mitchell and Charles S. Howard (who became the
brother-in-law of Mrs. John Hoey) respectively made their first
appearances in America-
Charles Saint Thomas Burke made his first appearance in New
York at this house, Sept. 3, 1836, when, in his fifteenth year, he
acted the Prince of Wales in ■ Richard III." The elder Booth
acted Gloster. Later in the season Burke was seen as Prince John,

242 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE f>36

in " Henry IV.," and as Irus, in " Ion." Long before this his
mother (Cornelia Frances Thomas) had married Joseph Jefferson
(the third). Burke went West with his parents, and was not seen in
New York again until July 19, 1847, when he acted Ebenezcr Calf
in"OIc Bull" and Diggory in "The Spectre Bridegroom." The
summer of 1848 he was at the National (Purdy's). with Chanfrau as
acting manager. He appeared at Burton's Chambers Street Theatre
in the spring of 1849, as Billy liowbcll in " The Illustrious Stranger."
but he became so great a favorite that Burton grew jealous, and dis-
missed him, and also succeeded in using his influence in keeping
him out of the Broadway theatres, — so much so that Burke could
never get an engagement in a west side theatre, but continued in the
lknvcry. His last appearance on the stage was Feb. 11, 1854, at
the Chestnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, as Ichabod Crane in
" Murrcll, the Land Pirate." His first wife was Margaret Murcoyne,
wEo died in 1849. HtSlecond was Mrs. Sutherland. She was the
mother of lone Sutherland, who adopted her step-father's name and
became lone Burke. Charles Burke died in Leonard Street, New
York, Nov. 10, 1854, in the thirty-third year of his age, of consump-
tion, and was buried in the grave with his mother, in Ronaldson's
Cemetery, Philadelphia. He was a fine mimic, had a merry eye, a
sweet voice, was a superb dancer, had a pug nose, played the fiddle
" like an angel," and had, probably, the thinnest pair of legs that
ever went on the stage. Burke was Joseph Jefferson's half-brother,
and Jefferson has been heard to say : " We get as near Burke as wc
can, and he who gets nearest succeeds best." Burke was excellent
as Rip Van Winkle. The lines: "Arc we so soon forgot when wc
;«ie gone ? " belong to Burke, not to Boucicault. Burke was not the
original representative of Solon Shingle in " The People's Lawyer."
as has been often said, but he was the first man to make anything
of note out of the character. George G. Spear, who died at the
Forrest Home, was the original Solon. Burke was the original
Caleb Plummer in "The Cricket on the Hearth." Burke gave
Jefferson the play of " Rip Van Winkle," and begged of him not to
drink or gamble

Lydia A. Phillips made her last appearance in New York at this
theatre, Oct. I, 1836, as Lady Macbeth. She married Edward Salz-
bury (Dec. 20, 1836), a gentleman of New Orleans, La., and left the
stage, but only for a few years, as she resumed her profession in
Europe. She was a favorite London actress at the Drury Lane
Theatre. She first visited this country shortly after Fanny Kemble's
great success. Mme. Celeste produced the ballet of " The Maid of
Cashmere, or Le Dieu et la Bayadere " here, for the first time in
America, Oct. 3, 1836. It took the town by storm, and crowded the
theatre for several weeks. Mme. Celeste took a benefit Oct. 17, and
presented "Wept of the Wish-ton- Wish." Nov. 15, 1836, a benefit was

HJ7]

THE NATIONAL THEATRE

243

given to Thomas Hamblin, when " Henry IV." was produced, with
this cast : Hotspur, T Hamblin ; FalstafT, J. H. Hackctt ; Prince of
Wales. G. H. Barrett; Poins, Thos. Flynn ; The Carriers, Mitchell
and Placide ; and Lady Percy. Josephine Clifton. After the play
Charlotte Cushman sang "The Sea," followed by the interlude of
" Twelve Weeks after Marriage." with Dowton as Old Drugget. G.
H. Barrett as Sir Charles Rackett, and Mrs. G. H. Barrett as Lady
Rackett. Thos. Flynn delivered an address written for the occasion
by Jas. Nack. a deaf and dumb man. This was followed by the farce
of " The Irish Tutor," Tyrone Power as Dr. O'Toole; and the c
ing** performance concluded with " The Wept of the Wish-ton '.Y:sh,
Mme. Celeste as Nahramatuh. Trie piicc of tickets was two dollars
each, admitting the bearer to all parts of the house, and the receipts
were upwards of three thousand dollars. " La Tcntation " was first
played here Oct. 26.

This theatre was sold at auction in November, 1836. for £75.000,
and purchased by Mr. Mauran, a merchant of this city, and James H.
Hackctt. and they leased it to James W. Wallack. Mr. Hackett
had a private box therein, to which he gave the Bonapartes a stand-
ing invitation, of which privilege they almost nightly availed them-
selves. Gabriel Ravel took a benefit Dec. 1 7 ; Celeste commenced Dec.
19, in " Maid of Cashmere; " Wm. R. Blake began an engagement,
Dec. 22 ; Celeste, for her benefit, Dec. 24. appeared in " The Devil's
Daughter," and in "The French Spy;" John R.Scott came here
January 4, 1837. in "Virginius; " Jan. 5, as Bcrtulphein "The Rother
of Bruges; " Jan. 6, as St. Pierre in "The Wife ;" Jan. 7, Shylock;
Jan. 11, " Damon ;" and, Jan. 12, " Rob Roy." Pickering appeared
as Richard, Jan. 13; J. W. Wallack, Jr., came Jan. 20, as Corporal,
in " My Husband's Ghost; " Jan. 26, the opera "The Pirate Boy "
was sung with Miss Watson as Francesco ; Feb. 6, Scott was seen
in a mclo-dramatic play called " The S: ,n Spangled Banner ;" Feb.
17. Scott appeared as " Waldcr, the Avenger ; " March 1. the spec-
tacular play, " Lalla Rookh " was offered, and the season closed
March 6, 1837, when Willard & Flynn retired from the management.
The theatre reopened March 20. with J. H. Hackett in "Rip Van
Wink1";" the spectacular play " St. George and the Dragon " was
given March 29; Hackett appeared as Falstaff, April 17 ; and as " Paul
Pry," April 18; Charlotte Cushman was seen as the Count in
" Devil's Bridge," and Tom Tug in ■ The Waterman," April 27,
when the season closed. It reopened May 8, 1837, with ■ Macbeth,"
Walton as the Thane, Charlotte Cushman as Lady Macbeth ; James
Wallack acted Rolla, and Charlotte Cushman, Elvira, in " Pizarro,"
May 9; May 11, Cushman was seen as Romeo; Wallack as Hamlet,
to Cushman's Queen, May 12 ; Cushman as Meg Merrilies in ■ Guy
Mannering." May 17; she did Alicia in "Jane Shore," May 18; John
R.Scott appeared May 23. as Brutus in " Brutus or the Fall of Tar-

244 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DM

quin," to Cushman's Tullia. The season closed May 24, with a benefit
to Hackett ; Mrs. Sharpe played Kate O'Brien in " Perfection-," being
her first appearance since her return from Europe.

J. W. Wallack began his next season Sept. 4, 1837, with "The
Rivals" and '• The Day after the Wedding." and with the following
company: Miss Turpin (first appearance in America), Miss Ay res
(first appearance in this city). Miss Kemblc. Emma Whcatlcy, Mes-
dames Rogers. Carter, Hautonville, Everard, McGuinn.Miss Berrel,
Melville Coffin, Wm. Vandenhoff (first appearance in America), J.
H. Hackett, Henry Horncastle (first appearance in America), Gann,
James S. Browne (first appearance in America), Abbott, VV. H. Wil-
liams. J. W. Wallack, Jr.. Woodhull, Baldock, Ben De Bar, Gilbert,
Pcrcival.Caincs, Hatton, Jones, and Henry Wallack, stage manager.
Vandenhoff appeared Sept. 11, as Coriolanus; Sept. 15, Macbeth;
Sept. 18, Cato. Henry Wallack was seen Sept 19, as Rob Roy ; Sept.
20, as Shylock; Sept. 21, Vandenhoff played Othello to Wallace's
Iago ; Sept. 23. "The Comedy of Errors " was given with Barnes and
Hackett as the Two Dromios ; Sept. 25, "Julius C;csar," Vanden-
hoff as Brutus, Henry Wallack as Cassius; Ben De Bar played Da-
mon to W. H. Williams' Pythias in the farce of " Damon and Pythias,-'
After one season here Mr. De Bar returned to New Orleans. T. D.
Rice was seen Oct. 17, as Ginger Blue in "The Dance."

Mrs. William Scfton (Ann Duff WaringV afterwards Mrs. J. W.
Wallack, Jr.) joined the company Oct. 24, 1837, making her first
appearance as Emilia to Wallack's Othello, and also as Tilburina in
" The Critic." Vandenhoff acted King Lear, Oct. 25, and, for the
first time in America, Virginius , Oct. 27. Oct. 3 1 , Wm. E. Burton first
appeared in this city as Guy Goodluck in " John Jones," for Samuel
Woodhull's benefit. On Dec. 4, the " Two Figaros" (first time in
America) was given. Mile. Augusta appeared Dec. 12, in " La
Bayadere;" Dec. 22, Sarah Hildreth made her d£but as Beatrice
to Wallack's Benedict in " Much Ado About Nothing." She was
shortly afterwards married to Hen Butler, known later as Gen. B. F.
Butler. Arthur B. Salmon acted Shylock, Dec. 29.

Miss Missouri made her first appearance on the stage at this house
in April, 1838, as Alice in ".Ernest Maltravcre." Her full name was
Louisa Missouri Miller, and she was a sister of Josephine Clifton.
The stain of her parentage was not known for years, but when it
transpired, the transgressions of the mother were visited with cruel
promptitude and emphasis upon an innocent child. She had been
placed in the family of Thos. Hamblin. There was great excitement
about the house after she died (in New York, June 16, 1838), and an
inquest resulted in a verdict that she came to her death by inflamma-
tion of the brain, caused by great mental excitement, induced jointly
by the violent conduct of her mother, and the publication of abusive
articles in a scurrilous sheet called The Polyanthus.

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245

Sept. 3, 1838. Edwin Forrest began an engagement in " Damon
and Pythias." Mr. Forties was engaged for Pythias, and the rest of
the cast was: Matthews as Dionysius ; Rogers, Damocles ; Russell,
I.ucullus ; Miss Monier. Calanthe; Mrs. Sefton, Hermion ; and Mrs.
Cantor as Aria. Mr. Barrett also appeared the same night as Jeremy
Diddlcr in " Raising the Wind." On Sept. 4, Forrest acted Claude
Melnottc; ScpL 5, Othello to the Cassio of Barrett, lago of Forbes,
Desdemona nf Miss Monier, and Emilia of Mrs. Sefton ; Sept. 7,
" Macbeth," Mrs. Sefton as Lady Macbeth ; Sept. 8, " Virginius."
Mrs. Barrett as Virginia ; Sept. 10, 12, 14, " Metamora^' J. W. Wal-
lack, Jr., as Fit* Arnold; Sept. 11, "King I-ear." Mr. Oxley (his first
appearance at this theatre) as Edgar; Sept. 13, " Hamlet," Oxley as
the Ghost; Sept. 15, 1 7. " Gladiator." Forrest as Spartacus, Oxley as
l'hasarius; Sept. 18, " Damon and Pythias," Oxley as Pythias. Sig.
Dc Bcgnis made his first appearance in America on the same even-
ing, singing Figaro in "1! Barbicre di Siviglia; "Joseph Duggcn
made his American d6but. On Sept. 19, Forrest acted "William'
Tell." and the opera bouffc, " II Fanatico Per La Musica" was given
for the first time in this country, with Sig. De Bcgnis as Don Febeo.
Mr. Lambert made his American debut Sept. 18, as Griffin Hoffinthe
farce, " Shocking Events ;" Sept 20, Forrest as Brutus, in 'vBrgtu^
or the Fall of Tarquin," Jamison (first appearance at this theatre) as
Sextus Tarquin, Rachel Cantor as Lavinia, Mrs. Baldock as Vestal,
and Mrs. Russell, Priestess; Sept. 21, Forrest acted Claude Mel-
nottc, Mrs. Barrett, Pauline, and Mrs. Rivers (her first appearance
in America), the Widow Melnottc. Forrest closed Sept. 22. with
"Jhc Gladiator," for the benefit of Sir. Dc Bcgnis. James W. Wal-
1 1 • k- Rgan m engagement Sq>t 24, u Rolls in •' Piano," lira,
Sefton acting Elvira; Sept. 25, Wallack acted Massaroni in "The
Brigand ; " Sept. 26. " Macbeth " was given for Wallack's last ap-
pearance. On Sept. 27, Mme. Celeste appeared in "St. Mary's
Eve" (first time in America), in which she performed Madeline, a
speaking character, in French and English, and in the first act exe-
cuted a dance. After the drama. Celeste danced " La Cachuca."
This was followed by " Shocking Events." after which Celeste danced
" LaChatte." J. R. Planches drama. ■ The Child of the Wreck." had
its first American representation Oct. 1.

Edmon Sheppard Conner made his first appearance here Oct. 18,
1838. in "Luke the Laborer." He was born at nine o'clock on the
ninth day of the ninth month of the ninth year of the nineteenth
century. He went on the stage at the age 01 five, acting I jperouse
in the play of that name. He made his debut as a full fledged profes-
sional March 23, 1829, as Young Norval in "Douglas." at the
Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia. His first wife was Mrs.
Amanda Maria Sorber, widow of Dr. Sorbcr of this city, who died a
few years after his marriage. He next married Charlotte Mary

246 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1*1

Sanford Barnes (daughter of John and Mary Barnes), Dec. 29, 1847.
Shedied in this city, April 14. 1863. During the season of 1833-34. he
first appeared at the old Bowery Theatre as Scamper in " A Promis-
sory Note." After an absence from the stage of fourteen years, Mr.
Conner emerged from retirement and gave readings at the Academy
of Music, Philadelphia, April 11, 1874. He played a brief engage-
ment at Wood's Museum. Philadelphia, Nov. 16, 1874. After an ab-
sence from Albany, N. Y., of several years, he reappeared at the Opera
House. March 15. 1875, opening in " Richelieu;" March 19, for the
first time in his life, he acted Falstaff in "The Merry Wives of
Windsor." April 5, 1880, he appeared at Wood's Museum, Phila-
delphia, as Richelieu, which he repeated April 6, and afternoon and
evening of April 7 ; he acted Damon, April 8, 9 ; the following week
he played Falstaff, in " Henry IV.," April 12, 13, 14; and Dr. Pan-
gloss, in "The Heir at Law," April 15, 16, 17. His last appearance
on the stage was at the Opera House, Paterson, N. J., in the spring
of 18S5, when he played " Richelieu" for the M 13th time. He then
informed me that he had never witnessed a performance of this play.
He was the first actor to play Mantilini in " Nicholas Nickjeby."
Angelo in " Tqrtesa," and was the originator of several other char-
acters. He was in* second person to act Bloody Nathan in "The
Jibenainosay," loseph Proctor being the first. He had a house at
Wortendyke, a few miles from Paterson, N. J., where he resided for
several years. He died at Rutherford, N. J., Dec. 15, 1891. in the
ninety-second year of his age. To the last he was full of merry tales
and happy reminiscence. His pleasant and genial ways recalled
" the past, the gilded past," indeed. Edwin Booth was for years Mr.
Conner's best friend. Not long before his death, the tragedian paid
off a Si, 000 mortgage on the actor's old home at Paterson, N. J.
His funeral was at the Little Church Around the Corner, this city,
morning of Dec. 18. The pallbearers were Edwin Booth, J. H,
Stoddart, Charles Foster Harry Watkins, C. Ixslie Allen, J. H.
McGonigle, F. F. Mackay, Frederick Chippendale, Alex. Fisher,
Charles Whcatleigh, F*rank Mayo, John Matthews, J. H. Hagan,
and N. C. Forrester. The interment was in the family plot at
Evergreen Cemetery.

"The Child of the Wreck " was presented Oct. I for the first
time in America, and with this cast :

Maurice Celeste

Martman Matthews

Albert .... J. W. Wallack. Jr.

Greindel Lambert

Mad. Tremens .... Mrs. Russell

Frantz W. H. William*

Christopher lialitock

Karl fcverard

Sophie Miss Ayres

In the course of the drama Celeste gave her exquisite pantomimic
delineation of the storm, the wreck, the beach, and the grave, after
which James Browne acted Jeremy Diddlcr in " Raising the Wind."

«HQ

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247

This was followed by the National Polish Dance of Liberty, for the
first time in America, by Celeste. It was entitled " La Cracovienne."
" St. Mary's Eve " was the afterpiece. The burletta " Bombastes Fu-
rioso" was given Oct. 3. with Browne as Bombastes. "The Child of
the Wreck " was played all the week, and the farce of " The Boarder "
Oct. f>. For Celeste's benefit, Oct. 8. the American traditionary
drama. "The Indian Girl, or a Story of New England." by Bernard,
was done with Celeste as Naramattah. " Suzanne, or the Force of
Love," was also acted, for the first time in America, with Celeste as
Suzanne. " Th.- In/li^r. c,\r\ " was founded on Celeste's favorite piece,
" The Wept of Wish-ton- Wish," and was entirely re-written for the
Drury Lane theatre, London, by VV. H. Bernard. To Celeste belongs
the credit of having first introduced on the British stage"" Amyran
drama written by an American. On Oct. to, Celeste"gavc '• St. Mary's
Eve '' and '* The French Spy." In the latter she executed, for the
first time here, the wild Arab dance and the last Parisian quadrille.
She took a benefit Oct. 12. when, in addition to acting in " St. Mary's
Eve " and " The French Spy," she addressed the audience. This was
her last appearance, as the theatre was closed Oct. 1 3 for a rehearsal
of " Amilie. or the Love Test," which was presented here Oct. 15
with this cast:

Gen. Count dcr Teimcr I-ldwarrl Seguin

Jose Specktucher Wilson

Anilerl Brenner . . . Horneastle

Michael Ame*

Wilhelm Pcrcival

Amilie Mix* Shirrcff

H.irljet Mrs. Cantor

Gervai*e W. M. William*

Jean Piednoir Makely

Haul I'esta Andrews

Hans Meyer Dugpui

Courier Stuart

Ulia Mrs. W. Penson

Horncastlc returned to England, and was attached to the Princess'
Theatre. London, for some time. He retired from the stage, and
was, at the time of his death, an annuitant of the General Theatrical
Fund. He was a musician, actor, author, and composer. He died
at Worcestershire, England, May 6, 1869.

Arthur Edward Sheldon Seguin was born in (.ondon, April 7, 1809.
One of his greatest successes was in Adam's " Postilion of I.ongu-
meau." He died Dec. 13, 1852. Probably no one in this country
had done so much towards diffusing a love of music, and an appre-
ciation of the opera, as Mr. Seguin. In this he was greatly aided by
his wife, whose maiden name was Ann Child, and to whom he was
married June 14. 1832. Oct. 16 Mrs. Hardwick made her American
debut, acting Little Pickle in the farce. " The Spoiled Child." and in
which she sang " Since Then, I 'm Doom'd," " I Am a Brisk and
Sprightly I .ad," and " Poll-Dang-It. How D'ye Do?" She also
danced the sailor's hornpipe. For twelve nights was the house
crowded to sec "Amilie." The dancers. Josephine Stcphan. Mme.
Hazard, Mons. P. H. Hazard. Rosalie and Sophia Mallet, with a

1 ?

248 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««3»

corps de ballet from Europe, made their American debut Oct. 29.
"The Maid of Croisscy," with Browne as Austerlitz, and the farce of
" The Boarder" were also played the same night. Browne acted Rover
in "Wild Oats" Nov. 3. "The Wild Girl, or the Unknown of Ar-
dennes," was given Nov. 5, with P. H. Hazard as Gabriel, and Jose-
phine Stephan as Lilia. Browne played Gregory Grizzle in " My
Young Wife and Old Umbrella." He took a benefit Nov. 8, acting Ros-
trum in " Secrets Worth Knowing," and Jack Phantom in " Fright-
ened to Death." Between the plays Mr. Jamison gave imitations
of Thomas Hamblin as Hamlet, Hilson as Adam Brock, Charles
Kcan as Sir Edward Mortimer, T. D. Rice as Bone Squash. Vandcn-
hoff as Virginius. J. B. Booth as Sir Giles Overreach, Geo. Jones as
Fazio, and Forrest as Spartacus. James Browne's last appearance
here occurred Nov. 10, as Jack Phantom. His first appearance in
America was at this theatre as Bob Acres in "The Rivals."

Edwin Forrest began an engagement Nov. 12, as Spartacus in
"The Gladiator ; " Nov. 13, he appeared as Claude Melnotte; Nov.
i.j, .MctjiiniiJi . Nov. 15, Virginius, Nov. 16, Spartacus, and on the
same nighf the farce, " Modern Antiques," was played. For his
farewell and benefit Nov. 17, Forrest acted " Mcjamora." and Carwin
in " Thcrcsc. or the Orphan of Geneva." Mmc. Celeste reappeared
Nov. 19, in "The Wizard Skiff" and " St. Mary's Eve," and danced
(for the first time in America) Taglioni's favorite pas from " La
Tentation ;" Nov. 20, "The Child of the Wreck ; " Nov. 22, for the
first time on any xtape Sierljpg Coyne's American historical drama,
"The Star of the Forest, or Virginia in the Ulden lime," with
CcIestcTas Wyanokee, the Indian" tj/ueeri.' F6f Ihe benefit ot Celeste,
Nov. 26, " The Mother, or the Gypsy's Revenge," was first acted in
this city, with Celeste in the speaking character of the Mother ; and
the ballet of " The Maid of Cashmere, or Le Dicu et La Bayadere,"
with Celeste as Zclica, was presented Nov. 29. For her farewell
and benefit, Dec. i, she played in " St Mary's Eve" and "The Maid
from Cashmere," and danced a pas scul, a shawl dance, chorus
dance, palanquin dance, and, with Miss Bell, "La Bayadere." The
opera of " Amilie" was revived Dec. 3, with Miss Shirreff, Wilson,
and Seguin in the cast. " Fra Diavolo, or the Inn of Terracina,"
was sung, for the first time at this theatre, Dec. 5, cast as follows:
Fra Diavolo, Wilson; I.ord Allcash, Latham (his first appearance);
Giacomo, Seguin; Lorenzo, Horncastlc ; Matteo, Blakcly: Lady
Allcash. Mrs. Scfton ; Zcrlina. Miss Shirreff: Bcppo. Percival. On
Dec. 10 " La Somnambula" was sung with Wilson as Elvino, Seguin
as Count Rodolpho, Miss Shirreff as Amina.

" Naval Engagements " was acted for the first time in America at
this house, Oct. 19, 183S, with Mrs. Hardwick as Mrs. Mortimer.
James Hiowne as Lieut. Kingston, Mrs. William Sefton as Mrs. Pon-
tifcx, and Blakcly as Short. For his benefit, Dec. 19, Wilson appeared

t$aU

THE NATIONAL THEATRE

249

as James V. in " Cramond Brig, or the Gudeman of Ballengiech."
Miss Shirrcff acted Marian Howison. " Annette, or the Fruit of
Crime," was played Dec. 22. Celeste appeared Dec. 24 in "The
Child of the Wreck" and "St. Mary's Eve." for the benefit of
Mitchell, the stage manager. On Dec. 25 "The Falls of Clyde;"
the farce "Uncle John;" and the pantomime "Don Juan, or the
Spectre on Horseback " made up the bill. " More Secrets than
One, or Man and Wife;" a monologue was given by Mrs. Sefton,
and "The Spitfire" was acted for Lambert's benefit, Dec. 27. For
W. H. Williams' benefit, Dec. 28, " Love's Frailties" was done for
the first time here, with Williams as Lubin. Andrew Jackson Allen,
announced on the bills as " the oldest native actor living," had a
benefit Dec. 29, when he played Atxelinc in the drama of that name,
and Sylvester Daggcrwood, with imitations of Hallam, Hodgkinson,
Bernard, Cook, Twaits, Harwood, Cooper, Kcan, and Macrcady; he
also appeared as Scaramouch in " Don Juan."

Thomas Ilamblin began an engagement Dec. 31, as Hamlet.
Jan. 1, 1839, "Master" Burke made his first appearance at this
theatre, as Terry O'Rourke in " The Irish Tutor." Mile. Stephan
did the shawl dance from " La Bayadere," and a pas de deux with
Mile. Eliza. On Jan. 2 Hamblin acted Macbeth, with Latham as
Hecate, and Mrs. Sefton as Lady Macbeth ; Jan. 4. Hamblin as
Hamlet; Jan. 7, Hamblin as Arbaccs, in "The Last Daya of Pom-
peii; " Jan. to Master Burke played as Sir Patrick () Tlcnipo in
"The Irish Ambassador." Terry O'Rourke in "The Irish Tutor,"
and for the first time at this theatre appeared in " Old Heads on
Young Shoulders, or the House in the Forest." In the latter play
he sustained five characters. On Jan. II, for his benefit, Hamblin
acted Octavian in " The Mountaineers," and Arbaces in "The Last
Pf Y* tf POT*" " Celeste reappeared Jan. 14, as Anglae, in the
fairy spectacle "The Spirit of Air," for the first time here ; Jan. 21,
"The Wept of W'»h-ton-wish." Mr. Hamblin reappeared Jan. 22.
as Arbaces ; Jan. 25 " blicholas_-Nicklcby " was given for the first
time, just five days before its production at the Park Theatre. This
was the cast :

srnike Mrs. Sefton

Ralph Nlcklcby niakely

Newman Noges . . . Lambert
Nicholas ... J. \V. Wallack. Jr.

M.mtiiini Conner

Squeers Mile hell

Lealey Perriv.il

nrotrdie - - . . W. II. Williams
(iuard Ualdock

Miss Squeers .
Mrs. Nicklebv
Kate Nickleby
Mad. Mantilini
Miss Kna» .
Miss Price -
Mr*. Squeers
Miss Jones .

Mrs. Pcnson

Mn. Stiikney

. Miss Monier

. Mrs. Rogers

, Mrs. Cantor

Miss Ayres

Mrs. Russell

Mr. l;.il,!,),k

"■Norman Leslie " was presented for the first time here Jan. 27,
with Hamblin in the title part. Wm. E. Burton began an engage-
ment Feb. 4, as Billy Lackaday in " Sweethearts and Wives," and

250 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE ['«»

Guy Goodluck in " John Jones, or the Most Unfortunate Man in the
World ; " Feb. 5 he acted Sudden in " Breach of Promise," and Toby
Tramp in "Ibe Mummv:" Feb. 6, Samuel Coddle in "Married
Life," and Tobias Shortcut in "The Spitfire," Feb. 7. Billy Lacka-
day, Guy Goodluck. and Tobias Shortcut; Feb. 8, Tom Tape in
'• llnglishman in India," and Mr. Sudden; for his last appearance
he played Old Revel in " Begone, Dull Care, or a School for Grown
Children," and Toby Tramp. Mrs. Seguin made her first appear-
ance in America Feb. u, as Rosina in "The Barber of Seville" with
this cast :

Figaro Sij. De Beenis

Hasilio Latham

liorcllo Andrews

Notary Everard

Rosina Mrs Seguin

Bartolo Mr. Stgttln

Almaviva Horncastle

Ilcrtha Mrs. Pcnson

Mrs. Scguin's greatest success was as Arline in "The Bohemian
Girl." with Mr. Seguin as Devilshoof, on its original production in
this country, at the old Park theatre in 1844. The opera was
beautifully mounted, and the ballet, in the first scene, since
generally omitted, was made specially attractive. It met with
extraordinary success, not only in New York, but throughout the
country. She sang Arline more than 1000 times. Mr. and
Mrs. Seguin were the first to produce Rossini's " Stabat Mater " in
America, at St. Peter's Church, in Barclay Street, Oct. 9, 1842.
In 1852 Edward Seguin died, whereupon Mrs. Seguin left the stage,
took up her residence in this city, and for many years taught sink-
ing. She died in New York Aug. 24, 1888. Mrs. Seguin had a
large family. Her son Edward, who was a singer of repute, and
husband of the contralto. Zclda Harrison Seguin, died in Rochester
in 1879, while travelling with the Emma Abbott Opera Company.
One of her daughters, Julia, was lost in the great Chicago fire.
Mrs. Seguin possessed a soprano voice, light, but very sweet, and
almost faultless in its execution. She had the distinction of singing
with her husband at the coronation of Queen Victoria. This lady's
will was admitted to probate Sept. 13, 1888. It was executed on
Oct. 13, 1879. The estate left was worth about $150,000, and it
was distributed mainly between her daughter, Maria C. Seguin,
Mrs. Zclda Seguin. widow of her late son, Edward S. C. Seguin, and
her grandson, Edward S. R. Seguin. She left to her executors in
trust for her daughter $50,000, in addition to making her the sole
residuary legatee of her estate. To her grandson, Edward S. R.
Seguin, she left the income of $30,000, and to Zelda Seguin the in-
come of $20,000, unless she remarried, in which case the fund
became a part of the residuary estate.

" Conrad and Mcdora, or the Pacha's Bridal," was presented for
the first time in America Feb. 28, 1839, with this cast:

■«-3J

THE NATIONAL THEATRE

25I

Dandini Seguin

Baron Pompolino .... Latham

Paee Mary Ta | k 1

Thtebe Mrs. Slickney

Fairy Queen . . . Mis* Thornton

Conrad Wilson Zellca V In I iiornton

F.paminondas Latham The Pacba S«guin

Medora Miss Shirrcff Gulnarc Mr* Bailey

Zoe Mrs. Sefton Ansclmo Percival

Omrod \V. H. Williams

"Rob Roy" was given March 4. with Wilson as Rob Roy, and
Mrs, Bailey as Diana Vernon. Mrs. Seguin appeared March 5 in
" Cinderella," with this cast:

Prince Felix Wilson

Alidora Andrews

Pedro W H WIlBuna

IcrtBa Mrs. Si

Clorinda Mrs. Selton

First Fairy . . Mrs. Rachel Cantor

Miss Thornton was a pupil of Mr. Horncastlc, and this was her
dc'but. On March 9 Mayer's comic opera, " II Fanatico per la
Musica," was sung with this cast: Don Febeo, Sig. de Begnis;
Biscroma, Seguin ; Carluccio, Latham ; Aristea, Mr*. Seguin.
'• I-afi»e. t,hc P»"^* of the Gulf." wa* presented March 11 ; March
13. "Love in a Village, with Wilson as Hawthorn, Miss Shirreff
as Rosette, and Mrs. Bailey as I.ucinda. During the opera Miss
Shirrcff sang " Meet Me in the Willow Glen," " With Rapture
Dwelling," and the duet " Love Like a Shadow Flics," with Wilson.
Mrs. Bailey sang "Say, My Heart, Why Wildly Beating?" "Even
as the Sun," and with Andrews the duct "Ah! Deign a kind
Reply." "Guy Manncring" was given March 16. with Wilson as
Henry Bertram. Seguin as Gabriel, Miss Shirreff as Lucy Bertram,
and Mrs. Bailey as Julia Mannering. " The Marriage of Figaro "
was sung March 19, with Wilson as Count Almaviva, Mrs. Bailey
as Cherubino, Seguin as Figaro. Mrs. Seguin as Countess Almaviva,
and Miss Shirreff as Susanna. For Wm. Marshall's benefit. March
25, "The Marriage of Figaro;" an instrumental concert by Master
St. Luke, a youthful Paganini. in which he performed Paganini's
last polacca, with a solo on one string; and the farce of "The Poor
Soldier," with Wm. Mitchell as Darby, formed the bill. " Clari, or
the Maid of Milan," was presented March 20, Miss Shirrcff appear-
ing in the title rdlc. and Wilson as Jocosa.

" Nick nf the Womfa." written expressly for this theatre, was pro-
duced April 1 witnthls cast:

Col llruce Lambert Richard Braxly Matthews

Ralph Stackpole Blakely . Edith Mrs.. Sefton

Nathan Slaughter - • - E. S. Conner Till ic Doe Miss Moiucr

Roland Forester . J. W. Wallack, Jr. I

Master Diamond made his first appearance in an Ethiopian dance.
A benefit for the Fire Department Fund of New York took place April
3, when T. S. Hamblin acted Virginius; E. S. Conner, Icilius ; Mrs.

252 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»39

Baldock. the Female Slave; Mrs. Sefton, Scrvia; and Miss Monicr,
Virginia. After the play, J. Smith and Master Diamond, Ethiopian
performers, appeared- J. W. Wallack, Sr., began an engagement
April 8, in " Torteia^ihftJJajjrer.'' The new domestic drama "_A.slarn
Gray " was placed for the first time April 15, with Mitchell as Adam
Gray the Idiot, Conner as Lawrence Mortimer, and Mrs. Russell as
Dame Lyle. On April 16 J. \V. Sweeney, banjo player, made his
first appearance in this city. The operetta of " N.o " was also acted,
with Mrs. Bailey as Maria, and Horncastle as Frederick. "Tortcsa"
was seen for the last time April t8, for the benefit of N. P. Willis,
author of the play. Manager W'allack took a benefit April TQTwhcn
"Amilic" was given, also " Spring and Autumn " : W'allack as Rattle,
W. E. Burton as Simon Slack, and Mrs. Russell as Mrs. Rattle.

W. E. Burton relumed here Saturday, April 20, as Old Revel in
" Begone Dull Care," and Billy Lackaday in " Sweethearts and
Wives;" April 22, for the first time at this theatre. "Peter the
Great" and "The Dutch Burgomaster," were given, with Burton as
Mynheer Van Dundcr, Conner as Peter the Great, J. W. Wallack, Jr.,
as Count de Marvillc. The farce of " The Mummy " was also given,
with Burton as Toby Tramp, and also the farce " John Dibbs, or My
Little Adopted;" April 24, for the first time, "Mj Great Aunt, or
Good Husbands Make Good Wives," with Burton as~WUIiarn Faith-
ful, and, also for the first time, "State Secrets," with Burton as
Gregory Tbimblewell. the bill concluding with " The Waterman."
For Mr. Burton's benefit, April 26, "Jslagfi-JJall " was given for the
first time. Burton as Giles Grizzle ; this was followed by a comic song
called " Miller's Daughter," by Burton, and the farces, " John Jones"
and " X. Y. %r. or the American Manager " (not played in many
years). Burton acting in all three pieces. The opera of " The Moun-
tain Sylph " was first sung here April 29, cast thus:

Fiend Walton

Eolia MitsShirrcrl

Jessie Mrs. Bailey

I>ame Gourlic • . . Mrs. Stickney

Peasant Mrs. Haldock

iia Mary Taylor

Donald Wilson

Hela ScRtiin

Bailie Macwhapple .... Blakely

Christie W. H. William.

Hobbie Haldock

Sandy Bunner

Atorath Rogers

" The Mountain Sylph " kept the stage for one week, and was fol-
lowed, May 6, by " Amilic." " The Middy Ashore " had its first per-
formance May 1 1. The opera of " Cinderella " was presented May 13,
with the first appearance here of Mr. Morley, as Baron Pompolino,
while Miss Shirreff was the Cinderella, for the first time in New York.
The comic opera, " John of Paris " was sung, for the first time here,
May 16 ; the Scottish melodrama " Gilderoy." with Wilson as Jock
Muir. and Miss Shirreff as Lilias Logan, was done May 17; Horn-
castle took a benefit May 22, when was presented a new drama, en-

Mtd

THE NATIONAL THEATRE

253

tilled " The Spaniard's Revenge, or the Bridal Hay," by Joseph F.
Duggan, followed by a concert, in which Mary Taylor sang " Tarry
Not, Dearest," " Farewell to the Mountain ; " song, by Seguin ; bal-
lads by Mrs. Seguin; song by Horncastlc; duel by Horncastle ami
Seguin ; and a laughing trio by Mr. and Mrs. Seguin and Horncastle.
The comic opera " Brother and Sister " was also given. " The Mer-
chant of Venice" was played May 23, for the benefit of W. H. Wil-
liams. Mr. Freer made his second appearance in America, acting
Shylock. James Browne (his first appearance since his return from
the South) was Graiiano, and Mrs. Bailey Jessica. " Robert Macaire '*
was also done, with Browne as Macaire, W. H. Williams as Bertrand,
and Mrs. Russell as Marie. Mr. Dwyer took a benefit May 30, as Sir
John Falstaff in •' The Merry Wives of Windsor."

James Browne was the original Robert Macaire in this country.
A fine, handsome, jovial, and spirited fellow was Browne in the
days of Mitchell's Olympic. He had vitality enough for six men,
a big, warm heart, and was one of the most popular men in his day
upon the stage. Commanding money in abundance, he spent it like
a prince. He rode, he drove, he ate, he drank as one born in the
lap of luxurious fortune, scattering his easily gotten means with a
lavish profusion that surrounded him with all the butterflies of
fashion, and attached to him an army of friends. The women
idolized him. The men copied and envied him. The public he
magnetized, the managers he enslaved. He was one of the best
actors of light and eccentric comedy that ever trod the American
stage. He died in this city Nov. 28. 1869. For some years prior
to his death, he shut himself up in a room, and remained almost
entirely isolated from the world. He grew so corpulent that he
could hardly walk, and remained most of the time in bed. The last
few years of his life were passed in poverty, relieved only by chari-
table contributions from members of his profession.

•• Der Freischiitz" was sung June 19, 1839, with Wilson as
Rodolph, Miss Shirrcff as Agnes and Mrs. Bailey as Ann. The
afterpiece was " Nchcmiah. -Hector,, or the Yankee Duellist," with
Dr. Valentine inTnetitlc rdlc. in which he sang "The Last Will
and Testament of Old Rosin, the Roarer," " Courtship with Sal
Flutter," and " Railroad Adventures." On June 24, Charlotte Mary
S>nio rd Barnes, afterwards wife of BSdmOfl S> Conner, appeared in
the title t-'ilc of her own play, called " Qclavia Bragaldi. or the
Cjmifiaaittu." Harrison, his first appearance in ten years, acted
Franceses. The afterpiece was "Family Jars, or the Mistaken
Fathers," in which Mr. Barnes made his debut as Dclph. On June
25 •' Octavia Bragaldi " was repeated, also "The Comedy of Krrors,"
witrTHarneB as Dromio of Syracuse, Lambert as Dromio of Kphcsus,
J. Wallack as Antipholis of Syracuse, and Harrison as Antipholi.-. of
Ephesus: June 26, Miss Barnes as Bianca, and Harrison as Fazio in

254 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [««*>

the play of that name. The season closed June 28, with a benefit
to Charlotte Barnes, when she appeared in "Qctavia Bragaldi." and
in the farce, " Personation," Harrison acting the dual role of I-ord
Henn and M. Larochc. The farce "Sprigs of Laurel" was also
acted, with Barnes as Nippcrkin.

Edwin Forrest began an engagement and opened the season
Aug. 19, 1839, and during his stay "Macbeth," "Damon and
Pythias," " Virginius," "The Lady of Lyons," and, for the first
time in this city, " Richelieu " were played. Mr. Powell (his first
appearance in America), A- J. Neafie, Mr. Jamison, J. W. Wallack,
Jr., Walton, Rogers, Andrews, Lambert, Mitchell, Williams, Bunner,
Johns, Stuart, Baldock, Barnett, Miss Thornton, Miss Monier, Mrs.
Evcrard, Mrs. Baldock, Mrs. Sefton, Mrs. Coad, Browne, Mrs.
Rogers, and Mrs. Russell were in the company. In " Macbeth "
Forrest was supported by Powell as Duncan ; Neafie, Banquo ;
and Mrs. Wm. Sefton, Lady Macbeth. During the season " XsrJcsaJ'
was repeated, and J. W. Wallack personated the hero, this being
his first appearance on the stage in many months. Charles Kean
was announced to open Sept. 23 as Richard III., but the theatre
was destroyed by fire Monday afternoon, Sept. 23, 1839. The
blaze was first discovered at 4.30 o'clock, in a private entrance lead-
ing under the stage from the main pit entrance, on I-eonard Street.
The theatre was the joint property of Messrs. Washington, Coster,
and Mauran. The fire originated in the gas-room beneath the
stage. The gas-man left a lighted candle in there and the gas escap-
ing, and the door being closed, the result was an explosion. James
W. Wallack immediately engaged Niblo's Garden, and for a short
but unprofitable season gave dramatic performances there, closing
Nov. 18. James Browne was engaged, and he opened June 1 as
Rover, in " Wild Oats," and as Jeremy Diddler; June 3. as Robert
Macaire, preceded by Wallack in " Tortesa,." For Blakely's benefit,
June 5, the operatic drama, " Rosina," with Mrs. Bailey in the title
rdlc; the farce "Love Laughs at Locksmiths," and (first time
here) " Othello Travestic " were acted. The New York Brass Band
appeared in full unilorm. Rossini's " La Gazza Ladra, or the Maid
of Palaiscau," was sung for the first time here, June 6. with this
cast:

Albert Wilson

Manvillc Seguln

Grand Provost Jone*

luac Blakely

Felix Mrs. Bailey

Annette Mrs. Shirred"

Lenoir Morlcy

Marcel Horncostle

Frances Baldock

Claudine Mrs. Stickaejr

In October a new house was built, and opened Oct. 12, 1840,
under Alexander Wilson's management, with the comedietta " Per-
fection," a. pus de deux, and an opera founded on Irving's " Talcs of

I«4«]

THE NATIONAL THEATRE

255

the Alhambra." Had times soon brought its first season to a ter-
mination, and ended Mr. Wilson's connection with the place. W.
E. Burton became the next manager, and opened April 2, 1841, with
" The Naiad Queen." F. C. Wemyss was stage manager. Char-
lotte Cushman played the Queen, and commanded the female war-
riors. The dramatic company was a powerful one, and "The
Naiad Queen " was produced in magnificent style. Burton played
Schnapps, and Harry Lewis the Spirit. Mrs. Russell, sister of Mrs.
Harry Watkins. made her debut as Fluvia, in " The Naiad Queen."
Mrs. Russell was divorced in 1847. While playing at Burton's
Chambers Street Theatre, in 1849, she was married to John Hoey,
and retired from the stage for some time. She rc-appcarcd at Wal-
lack's (Broadway and Broome Street) as leading lady, where she
continued until the summer of 1865, when she retired to private life.
It was this lady who originated the present extravagant style of cos-
tuming, her wardrobe being more gorgeous and expensive than that
of any actress who had preceded her. She displayed exquisite taste
in the selection of her stage apparel, which was composed of the
richest material. It may be remarked here that Mrs. Hoey was not
compelled, like other actresses, to live on her salary, but had in Mr.
John Hoey a rich and extremely liberal husband. Mrs. Hoey was a
most excellent actress. Her peculiar forte lay in rendering that
class of characters in which the manners of the modern lady of
fashion were required. Yet, as the arch and wayward Beatrice, or
the intense and melodramatic Pauline, she also gained the highest
praise. In comedy she was perfectly at home. Whoever has been
fortunate enough to see her in the enchanting character of Rosalind
has beheld a portrayal which, for delicacy, sensibility, and grace,
never, perhaps, had its equal. On April 29 F. C. Wemyss appeared
as Belmour in " Is He Jealous ? " with Charlotte Cushman as Har-
riet, and Eliza Pctric as Rose. " The Naiad Queen " was withdrawn
May 22, in the height of its success, for the purpose of giving
" Othello," with J. B. Booth and Mis* Clarendon, in the cast. Wil-
son played Othello ; Booth, Iago; Charlotte Cushman, Emilia; and
Shaw, Cassio. Scott did not appear as Othello, owing to an " indis
position." At the close of Booth's engagement " The Naiad
Queen " was repeated, and continued until " Scmiramis, the Daughter
of Air," was done, May 24. This was an alteration of a play by
Burton. Ishcrwood painted several scenes. Charlotte Cushman
took the city by surprise in a part which, if it had been written for
her peculiar style, could not have suited her better. " l.ove, Law,
and Physic " was the afterpiece.

During the season of 1835-36, John B. Gough appeared here un-
der the name of Gilbert. His stage career was a brief one, for he
soon afterwards returned to his first trade of book-binding. Ilu
reappeared in 1837 as a low comedian at Providence, R. I., and he

256 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE L'»4«

afterwards acted at the Old Lion Theatre, Boston. He travelled
with a diorama and sang comic songs, and ultimately became famous
as a temperance lecturer. He died at Frankford, Pa., Feb. 15, 1887.

Jacob Wonderly Thoman made his first appearance in thi3 city,
here, July 18, 1836, as Beauchamp in " The Somnambulist." In the
company were Josephine and Elizabeth Anderson. The latter was
an aunt of Effie Germon and a granddaughter of the grandfather of
the present Joseph Jefferson. The next year she became the wife of
Mr. Thoman. He was at Mitchell's Olympic Theatre one season.
His wife was divorced from him in San Francisco, Cal., and became
the wife of Charles Saunders. In July, 1858, Mr. Thoman married
Mrs. J. G. Pearson, formerly Julia Pclby, the daughter of William
Pclby, an old Boston manager, and Rosalie Pclby, formerly Rosalie
French, and afterwards Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Wm. Pclby. Her
mother originally acted under the name of Miss Mortimer. Thoman 's
second wife (Miss Pclby) died at Maiden. Mass., Dec. 8, 1866, from
the effects of an overdose of laudanum, taken to ease the pain occa-
sioned by a fall. In 1868 Thoman was married to Margaret Shales.
He died at the Forrest Home, Jan. 29, 1886. Previous to his death
he expressed the wish that his body be cremated, and the body was
taken to Lancaster, Pa., for that purpose. His ashes were removed
and interred in the Forrest Home's lot in North Cedar Hill Ceme-
tery. His last appearance in this city was at Niblo's Garden in
1874, as the Lone Fisherman in " Evangeline." He was an inmate
of the Forrest Home for seven years.

Joseph Jefferson, our present living representative of "Rip Van
Winkle," made his first appearance on the stage at this theatre
when only eight years of age (Sept. 30, 1837), in a sword combat
with Master Titus, and personated a pirate. This was not actually
the first time Mr. Jefferson had faced the footlights, for at four years
of age he was brought upon the stage by T. D. Rice, at the old
Washington Theatre, for that gentleman's benefit. He introduced
the "kid," blackened and arrayed precisely like himself, into his
performance of "'Jim Crow." and little Joe was carried upon the
scene in a bag by the shambling Ethiopian actor and emptied from
it, with the appropriate couplet :

" Ladles and gentlemen, I 'd have you for to know,
1 *se got a little darkey here to jump Jim Crow."

Mr. Jefferson first appeared in London, Eng., as Rip, Sept. 4,
1865, at the Adclphi Theatre. The first stage representation of
" Rip Yffn Wink-fa " took place during the summer of 1828, at Cin-
cinnati, O., and Charles B. Parsons (afterwards the Rev. Mr. Parsons)
was the Rip. The drama was founded on Washington Irving's
story. A dramatization of it wax produced at the Queen's Theatre,
London, Eng., during the season of 1828-29. Mr. Gates was lUc

««41]

THE FRANKLIN THEATRE

2S7

Rip, and an actor named Carr was the author of the version. James
H. Hackett was the next Rip, and his was an admirable perform-
ance, for he possessed a perfect Dutch dialect. Hackett first played
it April 30, 1830, at the Park Theatre, this city. Joseph Jefferson,
Sr., was the next representative of the character. Charles Burke
essayed the character, and with much success ; yet he gave quite a
different view of it from that of Mr. Hackctt's drawing. Joseph
Jefferson, Jr., followed and combined all the different versions ; but,
being dissatisfied with the drama, he engaged Djon Boucicault to re-
write it, and the result is the drama familiar to the public of to-day.

At the matinee performance July 4, 1836, " Mob, the Outlaw " (a
sequel to " The Golden Farmer"), was produced, as was " The Snow
Storm." In the evening " Damon and Pythias," with David Inger-
soll as Damon, William Sefton as Pythias, Geo. Goodenowas Diony-
sius, and Master William H. Hough as Lucullus, was given.

An attempt was made to destroy this theatre by fire, May 28, 1841 .
It was discovered about six o'clock in the evening. Fire was found in
eight different places, and under such circumstances as to leave no
doubt that the whole was a wicked attempt to destroy this beautiful
edifice. A second and successful attempt was made May 29, 1841.
At the close of the performance of May 28 Mr. Burton, with Mr.
Wemyss and Russell remained on the premises until about half-past
three a.m., and made a thorough search through every part of the
house, and it appeared perfectly safe. Mr. Russell then retired to
his room in the theatre, and went to bed. He rose after six o'clock,
went to the stage door in the rear of the building, and stood in con-
versation with the private watchman of the establishment. While
thus occupied, something was seen to fall from one of the upper
rooms, and in a very few moments flames were issued from several
different parts of the building. The alarm was instantly given, but
so rapid was the progress of the fire that it was with difficulty Mr.
Russell rescued his wife. The whole building was destroyed in less
than one hour, except part of the front wall and the side wall on
Leonard Street. Mr. Burton was a severe sufferer by this calamity.
All his private wardrobe had been brought here from Philadelphia
only two days before. He also lost all the dresses and scenciy
made for " The Naiad Queen " and " Semiramis," besides other
valuable property in the shape of books, MSS., music, etc. Many
of the performers were severe losers, particularly Miss Cushman,
who lost a large part of her valuable wardrobe.

THE FRANKLIN THEATRE

THE playhouse known as the Franklin Theatre was located at
175 Chatham Street, between James and Oliver streets. It
was a little box of a place, only twenty-five feet wide, and had a seat-

•7

258 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE £1835

ing capacity of five hundred and fifty. It opened under the man-
agement of William Dinneford, with "The School of Reform " and
"The Unfinished Gentleman," Sept. 7, 1835. The company con-
sisted of W. Sefton, stage manager; Russell, musical director;
Huntley, prompter; Jefferson, scenic artist; P. C. Palmer, treas-
urer; John Sefton, J. Mills Brown, Thoman, Senior, Goodenow,
Manley, McDonald, Came, Parker, Gilbert, Kirkland, Anderson,
A. J. Phillips, Williams, Burke, Madden, Kent, Parkinson, Everard,
Mrs. Duff, Blake, Kent, Alexina Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson,
Mr. and Mrs. J. Stickney, Mr. and Mrs. Lcwcllcn, Amelia Verity,
Mary Gannon, and Misses E. and J. Anderson. Oct. 5. 183s. " The
Golden Farmer " was produced. John Sefton appeared as Jemmy
Twitcher, and made an instantaneous success, and for the rest of
his life was known as the Jemmy Twitcher of the stage. Mrs. Duff
acted Elizabeth, and in that character and at this house made her
last appearance on the New York stage. She retired and took
up her residence in New Orleans, and in 1850 became a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Mary Duff was called the Siddons of the American stage.
She was among those " bright particular " stars which decked the
dramatic firmament from the year 1810 up to 1835. What had be-
come of this lady after her marriage with J. G. Sevier, of New
Orleans, La., and retirement from the stage, was shrouded in mys-
tery for a long time. It was reported that she died in Baltimore
shortly after her return from New Orleans. Again it was stated
that she had died in New York in 1866. It was also stated
that she died in Philadelphia in 1857. Another story was that
she died in New York, Aug. 31, 1857. On the books in Greenwood
Cemetery, Brooklyn, her death is recorded as occurring Sept. 5,
1857, her burial Sept. 6, her name given as Mary Sevier, and her
place of death as No. 36 West Ninth Street, New York. This is
incontrovertible evidence. Her remains were taken to Greenwood
Cemetery, and reposed for nine months in the receiving vault.
April 15, 1858, they, together with one of her relatives, were interred
in grave No. 805, in Greenwood, lot 8,999. The certificate reads:
" Matilda J. Rillieux & Co." The " & Co." was Mary Sevier (Duff).
The tombstone now bears the simple inscription : " Mother and
Grandmother." It was this " Sevier " that baffled search for so long
a time. In her prime she possessed beauty of a most remarkable
character, and a voice which, for plaintive tenderness and thrilling
expression 1 have never known equalled. As a tragic actress she
had been equalled on the American stage only by Mrs. Merry and
Fanny Kemble, and in some characters she surpassed them both.
Mrs. Duff was not born in Dublin, as all writers on stage matters
have stated for many years. She was Mary Ann Dyke, the poet
Thomas Moore's first love. She rejected him and married John

■'.!- I

THK FRANKLIN THKATRK

259

R. Duff, son of an Englishman in the employ of the East India
Company, and she was born in London, Eng. She came to America
with her husband in iSio, and made her debut in Boston as a
dancer, and her first appearance on the stage as an actress. Her
first appearance in this city took place Sept. 5, 1822, at the Park
Theatre, as Hermion in " The Distressed Mother." Mary Duff had
thirteen children, seven of whom survived her. They were Mary,
James, John, Eliza, Matilda, and Thomas.

After a season as call boy for Mr. Duffy (playing small parts) in
1835-36, Hough retired from the stage in 1837, and for six years
was in the newspaper business. He published the first Rochester
Evening Express. Subsequently he started The Carthagcnian, at
Carthage, N. Y., The Watertovm (N. Y.) Register, and The Blaek
tr Times. He returned to theatrical work in t846 as business
manager or *' bill-writer " for several of the largest organizations in
America. At present he is living in retirement at Detroit, Mich.

John Gibbs Gilbert appeared here July 7, 1836, as William Tell.
It was on the stage of this theatre that many who afterward achieved
fame made their first appearances, including Nathaniel Bannister, who
was at the Chatham Theatre in 183 c that being his first appearance
in this city. His wife was Amelia Green, afterwards Mrs. Legg.
then Mrs. John Augustus Stone, and, in 1835, Mrs. Bannister.
Bannister died in this city Nov. 2, 1847. He wrote the equestrian
drama " Putnam " in 1844.

The season of 1836-37 lasted up to October, 1837, except for two
weeks' intermission. William Rufus Blake was director. Mr. and
Mrs. William Scfton (Ann Duff Waring, afterward Mrs. J. W.
Wallack. Jr.) opened Aug. 7. 1837. The house was now under the
management of Mr. Earlc, from London, who began Nov. 13. 1837,
and after a month's direction resigned the management to Mr. Flynn,
the tragedian, who, six months afterwards, gave the theatre into (he
hands of William Rufus Blake. Mrs. William Sefton reappeared
July 28, 1838, playing Claude Melnotte to Mrs. Geo. Barrett's
Pauline. John Duff, afterwards well known as manager of the
Olympic Theatre, was property boy here under Dinneford's manage-
ment. One day he lost a live goose (one of the " properties "), and
was discharged. 1 believe that was his last appearance behind the
curtain of a theatre. Mary and Rosina Shaw made their first ap-
pearance in New York Dec. 13 in the farce " An Agreeable Sur-
prise " : I jngo, with the songs, " Amoa Mass " and " Such Realities,"
Rosina Shaw ; Cowslip, with songs, " Cross the Field " and " Such
a Charming Fellow," Mary Shaw. This was followed by " The Re-
view, or the Wags of Windsor": Caleb Quotem, with songs, " I 'm
Parish Clerk " and " What 's a Woman Like ? " Rosina Shaw ; after
which, " The Poor Soldier," with Mary Shaw as Nora, and Rosina
Shaw as Patrick, with songs. Mrs. William Rufus Blake was in the

260 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D*»

company at the time, as were Mr. and Mrs. James Charles. The latter
was the first wife of Thomas Hamblin. Rosina Shaw is the sister
of Charlotte, Josephine, and Mary Shaw. Mary and Rosina were
known as the Shaw Sisters in concerts throughout the country.
Gifted with fine, natural soprano and contralto voices, they were
much sought after, being considered among the most attractive

flayers before the public. Rosina Shaw was married to Charles
loward at Albany, N. Y., in June, 1845. He died in 1858, and two
years later she was married to Harry Watkins, who died in New
York, Feb. 5, 1894. In October, i860, she appeared at the Lyceum
Theatre, London, Eng., as Francine in " Grist to the Mill."

" The Earthquake" was played here Nov. 12; J. R. Hall opened
Dec 3 as Christopher Strap; and " Gasparado the Gondolier" was
seen Dec 4; Frank Rea made his debut Dec. 13 as Young Norval
in " Douglas." After the death of her father, Mary Shaw married
Arthur Livcrmorc Fogg of Baltimore, Md., and after his death re-
turned to the stage. Her last appearance on the stage was at the
National Theatre, Cincinnati. Ohio, during the season of 1869-70.
She died in that city Jan. 23, 1894. When the Varieties Theatre,
New Orleans, La., was first opened, Thomas Placide was the
manager, and he selected Mrs. Charles Howard (Rosina Shaw) as
his leading lady. The wisdom of this choice was manifested by the
fact of her maintaining the position for five consecutive years. She
is now in the Forrest Home. Charlotte and Josephine, the elder
sisters, made their first appearance on the stage in 1839 at Peal's
Museum, Baltimore. Md. Charlotte was wedded to Dr. Fred Houck,
of Baltimore, Md., in 1843. He died in 1851. The father, John
Shaw, died at Philadelphia in 1842, and was buried at Laurel Hill
Cemetery in that city.

" Dreams of Fate, or Sarah the Jewess," was presented Nov. 19;
William R. Blake retiring from the management, Wm. Dinneford
took charge. For John Sefton's benefit, Jan. 7th, 1839, "Oliver
Twist " was produced, cast thus : Bumble, John Scfton ; The
Artful Dodger, Mrs. C. R. Thornc; Bill Sykes. C. K. Thome;
Nancy Sykes, Mrs. W. R. Blake; Oliver Twist, his first appearance,
Chas. Mcstaycr. "The Thousand Isles" was produced here on
Feb. 2, with J. P. Adams in title role; "The Main Question" was
given Feb. 19 ; " Timon of Athens," adapted to the modern stage by
N. H. Bannister, was played for the first time in this city April 8 ;
" Hcrg She Goes, and There She Goes" was first given Feb. 25,

l839-

Edward Eddy made his first appearance in public at this theatre,

May 9, 1839, ,or Goodenow's benefit. He gave a recitation of " The
Indian's Lament." Barney Williams, then sixteen years old, made
his debut July 28, 1840. as Pat Rooney. It was a benefit perform-
ance. Barney had been a "super "for some time. Small, agile,

«•<«]

THE FRANKLIN THEATRE

261

quick of apprehension, a fair singer, and a good dancer, his march
was rapid and easy to what was then considered a high position.
After being closed for several months the house was reopened
Oct. 12, 1840, by George Handel Hill (better known as "Yankee"
Hill) as Hill's Theatre. The company from the Park Theatre came
here Jan. II, 1841. " Money" was produced for the first time in
this city Feb. 1, and the theatre was crowded for two weeks to
witness it.

Mrs. Marietta Judah made her New York debut on the night
"Yankee" Hill took possession. During the summer of the same
year she appeared at the Chatham Theatre, and also during the
seasons of 1844-45-46. In 1851 she was married to John Torrence,
the stage carpenter, and in February, 1852, in company with her
husband, she went to California, where she remained till her death,
which occurred in San Francisco, March t, 1883. She was born in
Orange County, N. Y., in 1829, and when quite young married Mr.
Judah, the leader of a Boston orchestra. From the bent of her mind
and her husband's connections, she embraced the stage as a profes-
sion, and with him travelled through the South. From her debut
in San Francisco (April 14, 1852), she continued on the California
stage up to May 4, 1878, being in the stock company of the California
Theatre from Jan. 18, 1869, to 1878. From that period up to within
a short time of her death she appeared but occasionally, and chiefly
for charitable purposes. As an actress. Mrs. Judah's name will be
pre-eminently associated with the character of the Nurse in " Romeo
and Juliet," an impersonation so excellent and unique that Adelaide
Neilson confessed her Juliet was dwarfed beside it.

This theatre suffered badly during the dulncss of 1840-41, and
was frequently closed during those two years. It was opened in
April under the name of " The Little Drury," but with no success.
As the " Little Franklin " it was known Aug. 10, 1841. and in four
days was christened " Old Drury." It was opened by John Morris
in the spring of 1842 as a variety theatre. Master Diamond was
one of the company, and was billed to dance " The Cowchoaker," a
burlesque of Fanny Elssler's " I ja Cachuca." The next manager was
James Kemp, the English clown, who presented pantomime and
specialties. George Lea was the next manager. Thinking to
induce the " moral classes " to visit his exhibition, he changed the
name of the edifice to "The Franklin Museum," in imitation of
Harnum. This was late in 1848. Two performances were given
daily, consisting of a series of tableaux vivants, variety and female
ministrels, which were visited by thousands of persons of both sexes.
During Purdy's run of " Uncle Tom's Cabin " at the Chatham, Ixa
exhibited on the stage magic-lantcin views, and many a " country
cousin " found him or herself here who thought it was Purdy's place
of amusement. A brass band was stationed on the balcony to

262 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««3«

attract the stranger. "Uncle Tom's Cabin " was seen here Sept. 1 2,
1853. The last entertainment ever given in this building occurred
Saturday, April 22, 1854. The following is a copy of the
programme:

FRANKLIN MUSEUM

Price of admission — Seats in Private boxes, to ct». ; orchestra scats, with
cushioned armchairs, 37 % ctt. ; boxes, 25 cts. ; gallery, f z# cts- Exclusive pri-
vate boxes, accommodating four persons, fa.

The Franklin Museum closes forever after to-night.

BENEFIT OF THE PROPRIETOR, GEORGE LEA.
The entertainment will commence with

LEA'S FEMALE MINSTRELS
assisted by John Mulligan, Thos. Donnelly. Spencer. Jones, and Pearson.
Intermission of ten minutes, to obtain " refreshments " at the bar.

Diorama ol - Uncle Tom's Cabin "exhibited in twenty-four tableaux, illustrat-
ing all the events of that play.

Miscellaneous and Terpsichorean DlmctfaMBMat.

Hungarian Warbling Mulligan, Spencer, Jones & Pearson

Fancy Dance Miss Lea

Banjo Solo Jones

Bloomer Dance J. Mulligan. Thos. Donnelly

Spanish Tranca Sig. Bliss

Julius taking lessons on the banjo Mulligan and Jones

Dance Thos. Donnelly

Posturing Sig. Bliss

Fancy Dance Miss I-ca

Ballad Mr. Sanford

Cracovienne T. Donnelly

This will be followed by -'The Barber's Shop in an Uproar." Intermission of
ten minutes to arrange the stage for the Tableaux Vivants, by Lea's Troupe of
Model Artists.

The house was then closed, and afterwards became a furniture
store.

SOME MINOR THEATRES

A LARGE hall at the junction of the Bowery and Division
Street, was occupied by P. T. Barnum in 1836, with his curi-
osity, "Joyce Heth." He remained here for several weeks.

THE LITTLE BROADWAY

The Little Broadway was located on the east side of Broadway
(No. 410), at the corner of Canal Street. It had formerly been
known as The Eutrknan Hall, where miscellaneous entertain-
ments were given, such as lectures and panoramas. The following
is a copy of the opening bill :

«8J7]

THE CITY THEATRE

263

BROADWAY THEATRE.

(LATH KUTEKPIAN HALL)

The manager begs leave to inform the public that this establishment, which
has been fitted up in the most magnificent and costly style, will open for the
season

THIS EVENING, Augurt 18, 1836.

The performance will commence with an Overture by Kupner.

The Prologue, or Opening Address, hy Louise H. Medina,
in the form ota Dramatic Masque.

After which the Comedy,

JOHN BULL. — Hon. Tom Shufflcton, Mr. Flynn; Dennis Bulgruddery, Mr.
Greene; Mary Thornberry, Mrs. Flynn.

To conclude with

THF. FOUR SISTF.RS. — Mr. Deauchamp, Mr. Flynn; Caroline (assuming
four distinct characters), Mrs. Flynn.

Susan, with songs, Mrs. Conduit.

Entrance to the boxes, on Broadway ; to the pit, on Canal Street. Boxes, 75
cents ; pit. 25 cents.

Thomas Jackson was announced as manager, but Thomas S.
Hamblin was the real proprietor. William Mitchell played here
two weeks. It was afterwards converted into the Apollo Saloon,
and as such opened Dec. 7, 1836, under the management of Bra-
«ldi & Palmer, for the performance of Italian Marionettes. " Blue
Beard, or Female Curiosity," and the ballet of " La Sylphidc " com-
posed the bill. The last dramatic performance was given on Sept.
5, 1837. The house remained unused for a long time. Finally it
was refitted and opened as a hall for concerts and light entertain-
ments, Sept. 29, 1852. as The People's Opera House, with Lip-
man's Opera Company as the attraction.

THE CITY THEATRE

This was a small place of amusement opened July 13, 1837, in
the upper part of a building on Broadway, opposite St. Paul's Church,
with John J. Adams as manager. One week sufficed Mr. Adams,
and he resigned the position to his stage manager, Cowell. Two
weeks of management were enough for Cowell, and the season came
to an untimely end Aug. 7. Jacob W. Thoman was in the company.
The theatre was afterwards opened as Miss Mojjikr's Dramatic
Saloon, but the season was a short and disastrous one, and the
theatre soon passed out of existence.

264 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««s»

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

UNDOUBTEDLY the most popular place of amusement ever
known in New York was Mitchell's Olympic Theatre, situ-
ated at 442 Broadway, between Howard and Grand streets, which
was originally built for Henry Willard and William Rufus Blake. The
auditorium was small, the pit being wholly devoted to the male sex,
and was entered by a subterranean passageway running beneath the
boxes and furnished with distinct ticket-venders and doorkeepers.
The first and second tiers of boxes, shut off from the lobby by a
series of doors, were set aside for ladies and the gentlemen who accom-
panied them. A bar-room on the second tier was liberally supplied
with liquors and other refreshments. The property was owned by
Mr. Spofford.of the firm of Spofford, Tilcston & Co. It was opened
Sept. 13, 1837, by Willard & Blake, as the Olympic with "Perfec-
tion," •' The Lady and the Devil," and " Married Life." One of the
leading dramatic critics of the day characterized it as " a parlor of
elegance and beauty." The stage appointments were excellent, and
the scenery was considered to be marvellous. When the house opened
the prices of admission were 75 cents to the boxes, and 37)4 cents to
the pit. Oct. 20 they were reduced to 50 cents to the boxes, and 25
cents to the pit.

The following is the programme for January 1st, 1838:

OLYMPIC

Boxes, 50 cts. J pit, 25 CU.
Stage manager, W. Sefton ; prompter, Mr.

Beckwcll.

RICHARD III.

Richard III C. Eaton

Richmond Wm. Sefton

Buckingham . . . Wm. R. Blake

Queen Mrs Blake

Lady Anne Mrs. Cowcll

King Henrv Beck well

Prince of Wales . . . Kate I.urllow
Duke of York .... Master Blake
Catexby John Nickinson

Trcwell Kirbjr

Ratcliffc JcrTjr Merryncld

Lord Stanley Jones

Lord Mavor A<Ums

Tyrrel. ' Sheriilin

Norfolk Suiton

Lieutenant McDougal

Duchess of York ... Mrs. Jones

To conclude with (for the first time) the Irish drama

ERIN-GO-BRAGH, or A TALE OK MUNSTER.

Duke Dorgan .... Win. Sefton
Lewey Madigan (with song)

John Nickinson

Prince Kinchela Kirb)

Mr. Hammond Adams

Fed Beckwell

Brian Sheridan

Jack Jerry Mcnyfield

Jib Sutton

Sheriff McDougal

Judith Mrs. Jones

Cathleen Mrs Mandeville

Nelly Kate Ludlow

Petuiic McLaughlin . . Mrs. Blake

Tbc curtain will rise at 7 o'clock. Doors open at half-past 6.

MITCHELLS OLYMPIC

265

The earliest successful plays were "The Lady and the Devil,"
"The Barrack Room," "The Dumb Belle,'' "Three Weeks after
Marriage," "The Handsome Husband," "Wool Gathering," and
" Gretna Green." But the real hit of the first season was " A
Dream of the Future," produced, for the first time in America,
Oct. 7, 1837. Mrs. Clara Fisher Macder and Mrs. Hughes were the
features of the production. It held the stage to crowded audiences
until Oct. 18, when " Paul Pry " was acted. " Kate Kearney." was
brought out and took the city by storm, its Irish melodies being
much liked. The elder Booth appeared here about this time as
Richard, with Master Lewis Baker as the Duke of York. W. Sef-
ton also played in " Woman's Wit," and Blake's management ter-
minated in February, 1838.

Very little of importance occurred during the season of 1838-39,
the theatre's fortunes steadily declining, until Dec. 9, 1839, when
William Mitchell first took charge and associated with him in the
direction of affairs Wardle Corbyn. The rental of the house was
twenty-five dollars per week. Mr. Blake had mounted the pieces
produced too expensively for the size of the house, and, after he gave
it up, it was occupied by all sorts of shows at all sorts of prices.
It was under these unfavorable circumstances that Mr. Mitchell
became manager. The burning of the National Theatre threw
Mr. Mitchell out of an engagement, and an entertainment was
given at this house for the benefit of the sufferers by the fire.
Shortly after this Mr. Mitchell took full control of the house,
when it was called " Mitchell's Olympic " for the first time. The
first season's company contained the following names: William
Mitchell, James Browne, Horncastle, Anderson, Powell, Evcrard,
Wilmot, Russell, Baker. Pearson, Mesdames Bailey, Plumer, Jones,
and Johnson, the Misses Singleton and Randolph. " His First
Champagne," the burlesque of " No " and the farce of "High Life
Below Stairs" was the initial programme. The opening was indeed
inauspicious, for it occurred on a rainy evening, and there was a
beggarly array of empty benches. The orchestra consisted of a
piano, double bass, flute, and violin.

The farce, " The First Night," was acted here for the first time in
this country Dec. 11, with James Browne as Pearlbutton and Miss
Randolph as Betty; on the 14th a drama entitled ^^TjJroadway "
was presented, with Browne as Thomas Tomkins and Horncastle as
Charles Crazz.

"The Irish Lion " was first seen here Dec 26, with Mossop as
Tom Moore, Horncastle as Capt. Dixon, Mrs. Sharpc as Miss Kcho,
and Mrs. Jones as Mrs. Cranny. "Yellow Kids" was played the
same evening, with an opcra-ballct burlesque on " La Somnambula,"
entitled "The Roof Scrambler," and the farce, "The Irish Tutor."
"Robert Macaire" was acted for the first time at this theatre Dec.

266 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [««4°

30, with James Browne as Macairc, Mitchell as Strop, Anderson as
Dumont, Evcrard as Ocrmciul, Russell as Charles, Miss Randolph
as Clementine, and Mrs. Plumcr as Marie. Jan. 6, 1840, James
Browne took a benefit and presented "A Nabob for an Hour," a
burlesque «•"! \t \*A " Chrtfflgnhotonthnlngns the Most Tragical
Tragedy that ever was Tragedized," ,TDon Giovanni," and the first
act of "Robert Macaire." "-The Savage and the Maiden." ar- p
ranged from a scene in " NicholasNickleby," by Mr. Horncastle, ,
was first pro<luced Jan. 15 with this cast:

Crummies Mitchell

Nicholas Nicklcby • • Horncastle

Light Comedian Baker

Countryman Everard

Ninetta Crummies . La Petite Celeste
Miss Bclvawny .... Mrs. Johnson
Miss Bravasm .... Miss Randall
Miss I.edbrook . . . Miss Singleton

Smikc Miss Randolph

Folair Harry Russell

I.cuvillc Johnson

Old Man Roberts

Mrs. Crummies . . . Mrs. Plumcr

Gntddtt Mr-., j ■ .in i

Miss Snevcllicci . . . Mrs. Pcnson

" TJaeJllyiB£ic_Revels, or Prometheus and Pandora," a mytho-
logical and allegorical burletta, was first seen Jan. 20, thus cast :

Prometheus Mrs. Penson

iupitcr Horncastle
leptunc Roberts

Bacchus Anderson

Mom us Johnson

Esculapius Raymond

Cupid La Petite CtlttM

Ganymede Mrs. Barnctt

Juno Mrs. Plumcr

Swiss Boy Mr. Mitchell

Pandora Mrs. Bailey

Hercules Holland

Plata Baker

Vulcan Everard

Mars Clarke

iry Miss Conduit

Minerva . . Jones

Hope Miss Singleton

The farce "Christening" was first acted here Jan. 24. The
burlesque " Bjjly Taylor, the Gay Young Fellow," was first done
Jan. 27:

William Taylor .... Mitchell

Capt- Flatbottom Russell

Ben Blockhead Baker

Mary Wagstaff .... Mrs Bailey

Carolus Lantemius ■ ■ Horncastle

Old Nicholas Anderson

Kitty Sligo Mrs. Penson

" Revolt of the Poor House" was a burlesque ballet opera, done
Feb. 3; "A "Husband at Sight " was seen Feb. 5 ; the burletta
" Midas" Feb. to, and the musical and comical burlesque, "Ham-
lot Travesty" Feb. 13, thu- catt;

Hamlet Mitchell

Claudius Anderson

Polonius Johnson

Horatio Edwin

Laertes Russell

Rosencranti Baker

Ghost Everard

r.ravcdiggcr Jackson

Osric Mist Singleton

Ophelia Mrs. Penson

Gertrude Mr*. Plumcr

mo]

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

267

"Manfred," a travesty of lx>rd Byron's play, was given for the
first time Feb. 24, and the cast was:

Man-Fred Mitchell

Sejfuin Everard

Wilson . Edwin

Shirrelt Miss Singleton

City Charley Johnson

Annie Statkie .... Mrs. i'lumer

Hazard Ku&sell

Celeste .... La Petite Celeste

This had a longer run than any piece up to that time in America.
It was written hy G. A' Beckett.

Jane Reynolds, who had appeared successfully at the National
Theatre, opened here March 9, as Mad Galochard in "The King's
Gardener, or Nipped in the Bud," and as Victoria in "Irresistible
Cadets."

The burk-tta of " Blue Jackets, or The Naval Service " was acted
March 16, and "The Man with the Carpet Bag," March 2a The
operetta "The Waterman '' MaTCtT 23, with Edwin as Tom Tug and
Miss Reynolds as Wilhelmina. " Asmodeus in .New Yorkr or the
Devil's Diary," was done April 13. The new comic burlesque
bailee, "Ea Musquitoe," was first seen May 21. The appearance
at the Park Theatre of Fanny Elssler furnished Mitchell food for
a capital burlesque. He appeared in female attire and danced
"La Crack-a-Vicn," a burlesque on her "La Cracovienne." It
was billed as follows: " First time in this or any other country, a
new comic burlesque, entitled, ' La Musquitoe, ' in which Monsieur
Mitchell will make his first appearance as une Premier Danscuse,
and show his agility in a variety of terpsichorean efforts of all
sorts in the genuine Bolcrocachucacacavonicnne style. The ballet
is founded on the well-known properties of the musquito, whose
bite renders the patient exceedingly impatient, and throws him
into a fit of slapping and scratching, and swearing delirium, com-
monly termed the 'Cacocthcs Scralcktntii,' causing the unfortunate
being to cut capers for a considerable number of legs of mutton."

Mitchell took a benefit June 18, when "La Musquitoe," "The
Young Widow," and "The Savant- and the Maiden" were acted.
On June 20 Edwin took it, when "Sea Service on Shore,"

"The Young Widow, l'hc Festival of Apollo," and " The Savage

and the Maiden" were given. "The Spirit of the Rhine," by
Geo. Loder, was first seen here June 22. Mons. Klishnig appeared
June 29, in "Gig Gig, or the Frog, the Tiger, and the Sapajon."
For Mr*. Plumer's benefit, July 1, W. H. Williams acted Strap in
"The Pleasant Neighbor." Mr. Mossop sang two songs. Mrs.
Mossop (formerly Mrs. Knight) appeared for the first time at this
theatre as Kate O'Brien in "Perfection." "Jocko, the Brazilian
Ape," was also presented, with Mons. Klishnig as Jocko.

The next season began Sept. 7, with "The Son of the Sun, or
the Fate of the Phaeton," with this cast:

268 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««*>

Jupiter Cunningham

Apollo Edwin

Phaeton Mr*. Timm

Pan Robert*

Boreas Smith

Eurus Baker

Bacchus Williams

Venus Miss Singleton

Juno Mrs. Watts

Clvmene Mrs. Baldock

This burlctta was founded on the old classical legend of Phaeton
and his chariot

This was the first appearance here of Messrs. Cunningham and
Graham. The burlesque, "Sparring with Specie, or the War of
the Shinplasters," was also given, for the first time on any stage.

SPECIE FORCES.
President Eagle .... Graham

Vice President Dollar . . . Edwin

Shilling Usher Russell

Mrs Half Eagle . . . Mrs. Watts
Mrs. Halt Hollar . . .Mrs. Titnnw

SHINPLASTERS.

Gen. Postnote . . . Wm. Mitchell
Maj. Newark .... Cunningham
Capt. New York .... Roberta
Ghost of Credit , . . . B. Baker

"Mr. and Mrs. Peter White" was also acted the same night.
On the 9th Mr. Mossop of the Bowery Theatre and Mrs. Russell of
the National Theatre, made their first appearance here as O'Cal-
laghan and Mrs. Montague, in "JiULast I-cgs." "Nine Tailors
Make a Man " was done Sept. to; tncTncw drama " The Vagabond "
was first acted Sept. 14, and C. R. Howard made his first appear-
ance here as Frank Popplcton in "Too Late for Dinner." For
Mossop's benefit, Sept. 17, Lambert made his first appearance here
as Griffinhoof in "Shocking Events." " Nicholas, Tflicklchv " had
its first representation here (first act only) Sept. 21, which was
also the first presentation here of " Faint Heart Never Won Fair
I-ady. " The first act of " Robert Macaire " and " A Roland for an
Oliver," were acted for the benefit of Mr. Howard, when James
Browne and W. H. Williams played Robert Macaire and Jacques
Strop in the first piece, and Mr. Chippendale, from Niblo's Gar-
den, was the Sir Mark Chase in the latter play, and Howard the
Highflyer; Sept 25 the ballet interlude "The Savage and the
en, or Crummies and His Daughter," was revived.

The first act of the drama founded on "Nicholas Nickleby" fol-
lowed, with Mr*. Russell as Mrs. Squeers, Mrs. Montgomery as the
Servant, and Mitchell as Squeers. On Sept. 26 the " HamlctTrav-
csty " was revived ; and on Sept. 28, the " comical tragedy ,ToTrt The
Bipeds," with Mitchell as Abraham ides. The new National Opera
Hdtrse not being ready for opening, Mr. Horncastle was secured
for a few nights, and appeared Sept. 30 as Swclvino in the burlesque
ballet of "The Roof Scrambler," and as Scguin the Spirit in a
val of the musical burletta, "Man-Fred." Oct I, 2, 3, Horn-
e acted Steady in the comic opera "The Quaker." On the
5th " The Female Brigands " was given for the first time, with Horn-

1840]

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

269

castle as the Marquis; also the farce "Turned Head, the Quaker,"
and, for the first time this season, " The Revolt of the Poorhousc."
On the 8th a mythological-allegorical burletta from the English
of George Colman the younger, entitled "The Olympic Revels, or
Prometheus and Pandora," was played, cast as follows:

Prometheus Horncastlc

Swiss Boy Mitchell

Pandora Mrs. Timm

Jupiter Edwin

Neptune Robert*

Hercules B. Baker

Momus Shorten

Mars Harnett

Ganymede Mrs. Barnett

Hope Miss Singleton

Plutus Williams

Vulcan Cunningham

Minerva Mrs. Flynn

Cupid La Petite Celeste

"The Savage and the Maiden " had its 70th performance Oct. 9.
Buckstone's iarce, "Damon and Pythias," was acted Oct. 12, with
Edwin as Damon and Homcastlc as Pythias; also the burlesque,
"Billy Taylor.jhe Gay Young Fellow/' Julia TurnbuTTmade her
r£65l MR xii :i Since between the Eircee, On the tsth Alcaan-

il'.r Allan's i:\tt. iva-:in/;i, written expressly fol this liousi.-", called
" 1940, or Crummies in fjeaycfr of Novelty," was given with this
1 1st:

Crummies Mitchell

Allyn Russell

Miss Tliomasina Bella ■ . Graham

Wriggle Edwin

Isaac Walton Robert*

Schniederlcin Barnett

Fancy Mrs. Timm

Alcxina Blade . . Mrs. Montgomery

Melpomene Mrs. Watts

Thalia Julia Turnbull

Clotho Miss Randall

Lackoesi* .... M Us Singleton

The burletta "No" had its first performance here Oct. SI, and
"The Little BacTTTarlor " was first acted Oct. 3a A new and

original burlesque operatic ballet qd "Tin- Bayadere, ortfac Maid
aft^asnnicrc, " by J. Horncastlc, "Buy It, Dear, T is Made of
Cashmere," was proauccd""Nov-. 2d with the 'following "cast""

The Unknown Edwin

Brutus Bumble Graham

Antique Anna .... Mrs. V.

Plumpa Mrs. Baldock

Pooby Pet .... Miss Singleton

Longy Miss Randall

Dumpy Miss Flynn

Chopilda Cunningham

Snivcllum Roberts

M Ik. Tinker .... Mrs. Timm
rile Fatty Ma . . Mr. Russell

Chloe Miss Turnbull

F.itiste .... . Mrs. Barnett

Peeky Mrs. Montgomery

Among the songs introduced were: "Here on the Stoop,"
"Active am I," "Broom, Buy a Broom," "Vait, Sarc, and Hear
Von Little Story," "Charming Little Broom Girl," "This Thimble
Take," "My Heart is Torn Asunder," "Life, Long Life," "When
Chloe Awakens," "I Love Her, I Love Her," 'I Beg Your Par-
don," "Oh. Happy Cat and Bagpipes" and "Kind Wishes Waft
You Ever." "The Widow's Victim" was acted Nov. t8, with

270 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [>m

Graham as Jeremiah Clip. "Like Father, Like Son" was first
seen here Nov. 25, after which came a novel entertainment in the
form of an allegory, entitled " The New World, or the Home of
lerty," illustrative of events "nTti : : ica. The

Xarce, State Secrets," had its first representation here Dec. 9.
The programme of Dec. 1 1 has this announcement :

It has been asserted by some persons who profess to be in the secret, that

FANNY ELSSLER

will not dance again in New York for some months, while by others it is said that
she really

HAS ENTERED INTO AN ENGAGEMENT

at one of the theatres. Now, whichever of these statements is correct, one tiling
Is certain, namely, that she does not intend

TO APPEAR AT THIS THEATRE,

either during her present stay in New York, or at any other time, either subse-
quent or

PREVIOUS TO HER DEPARTURE SOUTH.

Therefore, this point being settled, it would be folly to say that she is engaged

AND WILL MAKE HER FIRST APPEARANCE TO-NIGHT.

But it mav be as well to state that JULIA TURNBULL and MR. RUSSELL

will positively appear in the grand burlesque ballet, called

"BUY-IT-DEAR."

"The King_Incog.," a farce, was given here Dec. 14, followed
by the burlesque"" Stars at. th.c-A.stor, or A Row at Rehearsal,"

acted for the first time on any stage.

Jove Mitchell

Mars Cunningham

Mercury Ldwin

('■anymedc Mrs. Baldock

Apollo Mitchell

Juno Mrs. Timm

Minerva Mrs. Watts

Venus Miss Singleton

Dec. 24 saw the first production of the burlesque on " La Gazza
Ladra, or The Maid of Palaiseau," called, "TheTCats in the Larder,
or The Maid with a Parasol." This was the cast :

1 . n.ando Villycbilly - . . Mitchell

I ::/fnttc Cunningham

William Russell

lkey Ikey Graham

Blazes Roberts

Sam Parr Mitchell

Kilter Horncastle

Besky Millar .... Mrs. Timm

April 15, 1841, Mrs. Timm played Mr. Folairin " The -Savage and
the Maiden." "Slecpirg Beauty" was acted here for the fust time
April 19. Wardlc Corbyn, the treasurer, had a benefit May 5.

Belinda Miss Turubul!

Mrs. FirUcllo Velscorc - Mrs. Watts

iannetu Mrs. Timm
1i»* Hockenisnivy . Miss Turnbull

Mr. Millar B. Baker

Mrs. Kitter .... Miss Singleton
Ghost Mrs. Watts

««4G

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

271

"The Tableaux of the Tyrol " had its first representation May to.
Mitchell took a benefit May 19, when Mr. Ranger appeared as
Clermont, and Mitchell as Andrew, in the drama "The Artist's
Wife." "The Dumb Belle" was first given here May 21, for
Mrs. Watts' benefit. Lodcr took his benefit June 3, when Mr.
Pritchard, of the Park, and Charles Howard, of the National
Theatre, acted Charles II. and Ruv Gomez in "Faint Heart Never
Won Fair Lady." Edwin had a benefit June 4, when Nickinson
appeared as Mons. Jacques, in the burletta of that name, and Mrs.
Pritchard and Mrs. Hautonville played Sophia ana" Rose in "The
Rendezvous." The season closed June 5, 1841.

Mitchell's management of this theatre was so judicious that it
weathered the bad times of 1840-41 triumphantly, attaining a pop.
ularity which kept it in a prosperous condition when other theatres
were causing the bankruptcy of their managers. When Mr.
Mitchell resolved on lowering the prices to a democratic standard,
Corbyn stoutly opposed it, remarking that the weather having been
so foul, the place had not had a fair chance. However, the prices
were reduced from 25 cents to I2>4 cents for admission. On that
night every newsboy in New York was snugly ensconced in the
pit, and the "Little Olympic" was on the top wave. For each
succeeding Saturday the pit was the exclusive property of the news-
boys and the Centre Market butcher boys. Mitchell had them
under excellent control, however, and if they became uproarious,
he would step forward and say, in the blandest tone and manner:
"Boys, if you misbehave yourselves I shall raise the prices."
The house soon became the nightly resort of James T. Brady, the
Belmonts, Fit?. Greene Halleck, J. Prcscott Hall, Dr. Jas. Quinn,
the Costars, Livingstons, Dandy Marks, and many other notables.
Mitchell and Corbyn did not remain long in partnership, as Corbyn
retired to his tavern at Strykcr's Bay, and the theatre continued
in Mitchell's possession.

The next season opened Sept. 13, 1841, with Wm. Mitchell,
Horncastle, Nickinson, B. Baker, Edwin, Graham, Roberts, Clarke,
Barnett, Horton, Mrs. Timm, Lydia Singleton, Miss Randall,
Mrs. Watts, Mrs. Raldock, Mrs. Montgomery, Mrs. Barnett,
Savage, White, H. Wells, Strebor, Wined, Miss Wood, Mrs.
Lansing, La Petite Salter, Mrs. Kvcrard, Miss Jamison, Miss R.
Edwin, Miss Woodcock, and others in the company. Wardlc
Corbyn was treasurer; Bengough, scenic artist; and Geo. Lodcr,
musical conductor. The opening pieces were "Old Olympians,"
a sketch by Horncastle, introducing Mitchell as Crummies, fol-
lowed by, for the first time, an extravaganza called "Bob Bang, or
Qailijil_America," and the new farce, "Out of Luck,"'
the Duke." "A Familiar Friend" was a farce acted fur the first
time Sept. 17. "The Wreck, or the Isle of Beauty," a fairy burletta

272 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DM»

by Horncastlc, was seen Sept. 2a "Aldgatc Pump" was Bfft
played in America Sept. 27. " A I-ady and a Gentleman in a Pe-
culiarly Perplexing Predicament" had its first performance in this
country Oct. 4 :

A Lady
A Landlady

Mrs. Timm
Miss Singleton

A Gentleman Mitchell

The first act of the operatic ballet, " La Bayadere, or the Maid of
Cashmere," had its first representation here Oct. It. H. Wells and
Miss Wells made their dc*but here as Selim and Zoloe. ".The Two
Gj£cns " was also (first time) acted. In announcing the continued
performance of "A Lady and a Gentleman," etc., the management
stated as follow* :

The scene '* covered with paper hangings by Brown of Canal Street; the Im-
perial Hearthrug — real a* Imported; the Statuary by Coffee of Canal Street;
the White Dimity from Vann's Cheap Store; Mr. Mitchell's Costume by Cox of
Fulton Street; Mrs. Timm's Costume by Mrs. Man veils; Miss Singleton's
Apron by Singleton's Aunt; Mrs. Timm's Night Cap by Mrs Timm; The Bed
from the Patent Feather Dressing Co.; The \ard and a Half of Rag Carpel of
American Manufacture; The Second-Hand Fender from O'Doolcy's of Centre
Street ; The Chicken — positively real and roasted — from Fulton Market.

" Mephistophilcs, or the Three Wishes," by Horncastlc, was first
acted Oct. 25. " La Musquitoe " was revived Nov. 8, with Wells
(for the first time) as Low Dickey. The burletta " Cupid " was
given Nov. 15. " Riquet With the Tuft " was a fairy burletta, done
for the first time in America, Nov. 22. "Saratoga Springs, or the
Troubles of an Alias," was first seen here Dec. 2. "Confounded
Poreigtiejs, " anothei new farce, WMMtfld Dec. 6. " I'li/n CIup-
pins, 01 the Hones of the Unburicd One," a drama, was given for
1I1: first time Christmas Eve. " My Wig and My Wife's Shawl, or
the lawyer of Baden," was a farce translated from the French,
and first acted Dec. 27. "Queen's Own, or Women as They
Would Be," a bjtflgsquc_by a local gentleman, was seen Dec. 31.
141 1, nr Crumm Search of Novelty," was revived Jan. 10,

1S4J. ror jKtlicneii 1 benefit, I m. 13, Mr. Ranger acted Clermont
in "The Artist's Wife." "A Hasty Conclusion" was first done
Jan. 17. Wardlc Corbyn took a benefit Jan. 20, when were offered :
"Riquet," Julia Turnbull in a dance, Mr. Timm with piano solo,
accompanied in a fantasia on the flute by Mr. Kyle; Horncastlc
sang "The Pirate's Serenade;" comic song by Everard; Kate
Horn, as Sophia in "The Rendezvous; " and "The Savage and the
Maiden," Graham as Folair. "Asmodcus in New York, or the
Devil's Diary," was given Jan. 24. "Middle Temple, or Which
Is MyrSonT'*^ was seen Jan. 31. The musical burlesque "Richard
No. Ill" was produced Feb. 10, and cast as follows ;

ima]

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

273

Richard Mitchell

Henry King Nickinson

Bucky Gammon ■ . . Horncastle

Richmud Graham

Stand and Lie Edwin

Cutspaw Roberts

Rarcliffc Clarke

Lieut- Jenkins B. Baker

Gnawfork Barnett

Oxliead White

Tarheel Morton

Cuffy Moran

Sally Ann Miss Roberts

Mrs. McKween Singleton

Dutch Bess of New York Mrs. Watt*

" Nothing Superfluous " was given for the first time Feb. 28. On
March 7 a new version of "Cinderella, or the Foreign Prince and
A Large Glass Slipper," was produced with this cast:

Le Prince-de-Joint-<leVcal Horncsstlc

Nidanid Edwin

Alderman Lollipop . . . Nickinson

Peter Prude Graham

Paul Pretty Boy Clarke

Cinderella Mrs, Timra

Bessy Boxer-ears . . Mia* Sir.elcton
Cissy Sycuff .... Mrs. Watts
Biddy Mac Putit-alt-to-rights

Mrs. Mossop
Judy O'Much-to-the-point

Miss Roberts

On March 30 "_One Hundred and Two, or the Veteran and His
Progeny." a dramatic sketch, was given for the first time, cast

thus :

Garbois Mitchell

Jerome Nickinson
'ierre Horucastle

Antoine Clarke

Mme. Leronde .... Mrs. Watts

Theodore Emily Edwin

Isabel Mrs- Mossop

Louise Mrs. Tirem

"Box" was the title of a burlesque first acted April 11 :

Bof Horocaslle I Mrs. Novelgobble . . . Mrs. Watt*

Sam Welter Mitchell Betty Mrs. Mossop

Jooty Green Ferguson | Miss Johnson . . . Miss Singleton

"The Loves of the Angels " was first acted in this country April
27. It had had a run of over one hundred nights at the Strand
Theatre, London, Eng., and here had this cast:

Jap Mitchell

Korah Horncastle

Hanoch Nickinson

Litis Mrs. Mossop

Nama Mr*. Everard

Reuben Edwin

Lea Mrs. Watts

Zarauh Mrs. Timm

Kubf Mis* Singleton

Malech (first appearance) Miss Walters

"All 's Fair in Love, or the Russian Troupe," was a farcctta by
HorncastTc, first acted May 7. For Edwin's benefit, May 1 1, Yankee
iTtll played Major Wheeler in the farce " New Notions; " a ballad
concert followed, introducing Miss Emily and Rosalie Edwin and
Miss Singleton, after which "The Beggar's Opera" was sung for
the first time here; Emily Edwin with a song, and the bill con-
cluded with the farce " Married Bachelor." Nickinson's first bene-
fit occurred May 13, when " Loves of the Angels," "White Horse

274 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i««a

of the Peppers," and "The Man About Town," in which T.
McCutcheon acted Skirts, and gave an imitation of Booth as
Richard. Bengough's benefit was May 18, when was produced for
the first time "Twelve Months," cast thus:

Croaker - .
Mrs. Croaker

. Nickinson I Will .
Mrs. Watt* I

THE MONTHS

Master Robert*

January Moran

February White

March Horni:i»tk'

April Mis* Singleton

May Mr». Tlmm

June Mrs. Baroett

Time llakcr

July . . Graham

August . . . • Mrs. Montgomery

September Horton

October Mitchell

November Clarke

December Evcrard

Nature Mrs. Mossop

"Kate Kearney" was given May 21, with Mr. Mossop as Lanty
0"Lochlin. "The Savage and the Maiden" was also acted, and
Mr. and Master Wood did a Droadswnnl combat

The season closed June 6, 1842, when Mitchell had a benefit.
The following was the announcement :

GRAND COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT

GIVEN BY MK. MITCHELL TO HIMSELF.

The scats of the pit will be covered with people— (Perhaps).

The dress circle will be full if enough tickets are sold to fill it, and the upper
boxes will positively be above the dress circle.

The arrangements will not be under the direction of a committee of gentlemen
at the Astor House.

The prices will be. for this night only (being the last night of the season), the
same as usual.

REGULATIONS.

Observe that all pipe laying is finished opposite the theatre — they will, there-
fore, to prevent contusion, set their company down with the horses' heads in front
and their tails behind.

On arriving at the doors of the theatre the audience will purchase their tickets
(if not provided with them previously), and proceed at once in a grand cavalcade
to the interior, where they will seat themselves aa comfortably as possible, and
laugh and applaud incessantly. It is particularly requested that those who can-
not get front scats will sit on the back ones, and those who cannot get any
will stand at ease and pay attention.

At the conclusion of the performances the audience will retire in the same
order, and drivers are requested to keep their hones tails behind as before.

The entertainment consisted of " Twelve Months ; " " Valet De
Sham " (Miss Ayrcs as Clipper); "John Jones," with John Sefton
as Guy Goldrich; and the burlesque " Richard No. J."

I«4»]

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

275

The next season opened Sept 12, 1824, with this company: Wm.
Mitchell, John Nickinson, Geo. Graham, Charles Walcot, B. A.
Baker, James Dunn, Kverard, McKean, Geo. Clarke, Rosenthal!,
Harnett, Davis, Mrs. Timm, Mrs. Mossop, Mrs. Watts, Miss
Singleton, Mrs. Kverard, Miss Roberts, Constantia Clarke, Matilda
Phillips, Mrs. G. Lodcr, Mrs. Cooper, Mary Taylor, Mrs. Mont-
gomery, and Mrs. Barnctt. Marks was leader of the orchestra.
Bengough, scenic artist; Wardle Corbyn, treasurer; G. Lodcr,
musical conductor; McKean was afterwards known as Thomas
McKeon; his right name was Blackburn. His first appearance on
the American stage was at this house Sept. 26, as Momus in
"Olympic Revels." His name also appeared on the programme
of this house as Blackburn, costumer. Miss Roberts afterwards
became Mrs. Stoncall. Her right name was Seal Ian, and she was
a sister of William Seal Ian, the Irish comedian. Mrs. Clara
Stoncall died at Fordham, N. Y., April 5, 1892, and her remains
were cremated.

Matilda Phillips was a pupil of Bellamy. Her first husband
was Conover, the comedian of this theatre. She was married to
James H. Stoddart Oct. 28. 1855.

"P_ctty Sins and Pretty Sinners" was seen here for the first
, aiuTwith tnis casTl

Reuben Stuffier .... Nickinson
Harry Wilder .... C. Walcot

Sarah ConsUntla Clarke

Miriam Miss Singleton

Lucy Mary Taylor

Jacob Everanl

Ruth Mrs. Mossop

Rachacl Mrs. Timm

Anne Mrs. Loder

Susanna Mrs. Everanl

This was Charles Walcot's first appearance at this house. His
right name was Charles Walcot Melton. Rosenthal's de"but was
made as Gnawfork in "Richard No. 3." James Dunn's first
appearance here was as Blunt in the same burlesque. Mrs.
Cooper's de'hut occurred as Minerva, in "Midas." J. M. Field
first appeared here ScpL 19, as Periginc Milky, in " Ncrvo Vital ics,
or What Next? " then acted for the first time.

"The Olympic Revels" tnu revived Setri :<>, with KvyTayloi
as Prometheus; also "The Lady in Black," with James Dunn as
John Brown. Oct. 3, for the first time in this country, John
Brougham's musical burletta, " Jupiter Jealous, 0£ Life in the

("lir.::ls," .vis gtveD. Field lOOfc ft OMent IVV ~, v.'icti " House

KOjpm "was acted, Field as Major Slender Purse ; "Jupiter Jeaic
was played, followed by a lecture on theatrics, by Dr. II. .
illustrated by a telescopic diorama of the theatric heavens; various
experiments. — pirouetics. theatrical research, etc. ; "Raising the
Wind " was the afteqjiece, with Field as Jeremy Diddlcr.

".Amilic, or the Love Test," had its first representation here
Oct. t2, with this cast:

276 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DNs

Ceil. Count der Teiraer . . Raymond
Jose Speckbacber . . . Miry Taylor

I '.ml Pciti James Dunn

Hans Meyer C. Walcot

Uiihelra Everard

Leila Mr*. Mossop

Gervaue Graham

Anderl Miss Singleton

^in Nickinsoa
ichael Clarke

Amilie Mrs. Timm

Barbet Mrs. Loder

The Mr. Raymond mentioned in the above cast was Stephen C.
Massctt ("Jccms Pipe* of Pipesville "), who had appeared as an
actor the season prior to this in Buffalo, where he joined an
amateur society and made his dlbut as Richard III. He was at
Charleston, S. C, in November, 1841, where he appeared as a
vocalist, under the assumed name of Stephens. He afterwards
appeared in "Rob Roy" and "Era Diavolo." He died at St.
Vincent Hospital, this city, August 20, 1898 in the eighty-first
year of bis age. The farce " A Lover by Proxy " was given :

Harry Lawless .... J. M. Field

Bromley Nickinsoa

Harriet .... Constantia Clarke

Bluahlngtoa C. Waloot

Kate Mrs. Mossop

Servant Mrs. Loder

" Lucky Stars, or the Cobbler of Cripplcgatc" was first acted in
"America at this theatre Oct. 19. "Don Giovanni in Gotham,"
written by CharJesJWalcot, was played for the first lime Nov."7,
with this cast:

Don Giovanni .... Mrs. Timm

Don Guzman C. Walcot

Laporello Graham

Mon*. Kickshaw . . John Nickinson
Nicholas Appolyon . . James Dunn
Gentleman Jack Clarke

Melissa Snorter Constantia Clarke

Count Schnutendeish . . Rosenthal!
Malibran Sweet . . . Mary Taylor

Squire Tim B. Baker

Miss Tlckletoby . . . Mrs. Watts

The farce " Boots at the Swan " was first acted on this date, and
also, for the first time in America, "Ladies and Loco-Focos."
"How to Pay the Rent " was the afterpiece. "Curiosities of
.Literature." a farce by Bourcicault (at this time he spelt his name
with an r), was first acted in America Nov. 30. Master Wood
came here Dec. 5, and did a dance between the plays. "Grand-
father Whitehead " was done for the first time in America Dec. 8,
with Mitchell as Whitehead, and Walcot as Ltnglcy.

" The Captain of the Watch " had its first performance in
America Dec 26, with this cast:

Viscount de Llgney . . . . Walcot 1
Ordolf de Courtnay .... Clarke ]

Officer of the Watch .... Barnett
Kristina Mrs. Mossop

*' Era Diavolo, or the Inn of Terracina," was produced Jan. 4,
1843, with this cast:

Fra Diavolo .... Mrs. Timm Beppo Wro. Mitchell

Lord Allcaah C. Walcot Zerl'na Mary Taylor

Lorcnso James Dunn Lady Allcaah . - . Lydia Singleton

««4j]

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

277

" Beauty and the Beast" was presented here for the first time in
America Jan. 20, cast thus:

Beauty Walcot Black Cupid . . .

Croton Pump Nickinson

John Quill Mitchell

MaryKolden
Queen of Rose*

Master Wood
. Mrs. Mossop
. Miss Clarke

The Olympic novelty called "Mr. Liston." with Mitchell as
Simon Liston, was done Feb. 13 for Wardle Corbyn's benefit.
HBluc_Bcaid_" was another extravaganza, in which Mitchell enacted
the sanguinary wife-killing tyrant. It was produced for the first
time March 1. A dramatic eccentricity called "Antony and Cleo-
patra" was acted for the first time in America March 1. Walcot
played Antony and Mrs. Timm, Cleopatra. "The White Cat " was
a musical extravaganza, first given here March 9. "The Pet of the
Petticoats " had its initial performance March 23. " The Red Man.
or the Bloomingdalc Inn" was first played March 28! Mrs. Mossop
took a benefit April 7, when the bill was ".1040, or Crummies in
Starch of Novelty," dance by Master Wood, the Koof Scrambler,"

an olio in which Mary Iaylor, Mrs. Timm, wd Miss Singleton
sang; the first appearance at this house of the comedian William
Warren, acting Abel Day in " Tho-fcLoacst Thieves," followed by
an olio in which Mrs. Herbert (from the , ) sang and Mrs.

Charles Hill executed a dance. " Antony and Cleopatra" was the
afterpiece.

This was not William Warren's first appearance in this city, as
he had made his New York dc'but in 1841, at the old Park Theatre,
where he played Gregory Grizzle in " My Young Wife and Old
Umbrella." In 1845 he went to England. He made his first
appearance in Boston, Mass., Oct. 5, 1846, at the opening of the
Howard Athenaeum, acting Sir Lucius O'Trigger in "The Rivals."
The following season he went to the Hoston Museum, and, with the
exception of one season (when he travelled with a combination), he
remained there thirty-seven years. He died in Boston Sept. 91,
1888. As an actor, he was a representative of a good old school
that is passing away rapidly. His versatility enabled him to fill a
wide range of characters, and always with fine ability. He had
both humor and pathos in a large degree. His method of art was
so comprehensive that he was able to excel in parts as widely di-
vergent in point of style as Sir Peter Teazle and Nurscy Chickwood.
His Sir Peter Teazle and Jessie Rural in " Old Heads and Young
.Hearts " were charmingly natural and sympathetic assumptions.

Charles Walcot took his first benefit in New York at this theatre
Dec. 11, when the attraction was "Cats in the Larder." "The
Four Sisters." Mitchell as Sara Snafle (his original character in
this country), Miss Rock in the rdle of the four sisters, followed
by the farce "Frank Fox Phipps, Esq.," Harry S. Fytinge and

278 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci&w

Kate Hon volunteering as Frank Fox and Caroline Popkins. The
burlesque " Humpback" was the afterpiece. The travesty "Amy
Lcc, or Who Loves Best ? " by Ben. A. Baker, was first givcn~Dcc.
Tj. Il was a travesty on the opera of " Aroilie." Lydia Singleton
took her farcwcirBchcfit Dec 28. ThisTidy retired from the stage
and married Mr. Johnson, a well-to-do merchant of this city.
The second act of "Guy Mcmnering" was given May 9, for James
Dunn's benefit, for the first time in this theatre. Mr. Dunn acted
Henry Bertram. "Humpback " and "Sam Pan-" were also seen,
anil a concert was given, in which Dunn sang "The Day When
We Went Gypsying," Charles Walcot sang "John Anderson, My
Jo;" Mrs. Timm, "Bounteous Lady," accompanied on the clar-
ionet by George F. Bristow ; James Dunn and Raymond (Stephen
Massett) sang the duct "All 's Well;" Mary Taylor sang "Away
to the Mountain's Brow," and Dunn. Walcot, Rosenthal!, and Ray-
mond sang the glee " Lutzow's Wild Hunt." Miss Grovcr made
her first appearance at this theatre May 11, in the Cachucha
dance. "Cousin Peter" was seen for the first time in America
May 15. Bengough took a benefit May 16, when Mr. Jamison
played Mons. Jacques in the play of that name. Mr. Andrews ap-
peared as Splash in "The Young Widow," and executed the mock
minuet with Mrs. Mossop. The season closed May 23, 1843.

George Holland made his debut here Sept. 4, 1843, in " A Day
After the Fair" and "The Bill of Fare." He continued here
until is.i'.i A remarkable tiling about t his gentleman and tbia
theatre is that he was first engaged for six weeks only, and from
the expiration of that time until his leaving the theatre his engage-
ments were all made for the same term of six weeks. He was so
exceedingly eccentric in his style of acting that it would be impos-
sible to convey to the reader anything like an idea of it. He was
unlike any other comedian I ever saw. His appreciation of a part
had nothing to do with the opportunity it might afford of develop-
ing a passion or an eccentricity of mind, but simply the amount of
practical fun that he could extract from it. An opportunity of
tumbling over a chair, upsetting a table or burning his nose with a
candle, was worth to him more than all the finest sentences of wit
and sentiment. In the overstrained, unnatural, and exaggerated
style of farce incident which characterized the modern school,
George Holland was in many respects unequalled. He was one of
the greatest practical jokers of his day. Sometimes he would fall
down in a fit in Broadway and be carried into a drug store, excit-
ing the sympathy of the crowd, and obtaining the anxious services
of druggist and clerks; and then, when cups and band were ready
to bleed the unfortunate gentleman, he would coolly rise from his
scat, make a profound bow to all present, and solemnly retire,
leaving all astonished at his sudden recovcry-^Hc was a great

l«433

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

279

"worker" for his benefits, and one of the most extraordinary
methods he ever adopted to dispose of tickets was the following:
Being exceedingly fond of oysters, he was in the habit of visiting
Fulton Market. On the day before one of his benefits, and after
taking his oysters, he walked towards the dock, and all at once
his foot apparently slipped, and down he went into the water. A
boat was soon manned, and in a short time the struggling come-
dian was rescued. He was insensible, of course, for as yet he had
not had his cue to recover. His apparently lifeless form was con-
veyed to some place under the market. As he lay there insensible,
the proprietor of the place, anxious to know who the sufferer was,
put his hand into his pocket in search of a card, or papers, which
would give some clue to the identity of the unfortunate man. The
first thing extracted was a bundle of pit tickets for Holland's
benefit. This was not altogether satisfactory, and another pocket
was searched, and another bundle of tickets for Holland's benefit
came to light, and every pocket was searched with like results. It
soon got buzzed through the market that a man had been pulled
out of the water in a state of insensibility, with a lot of tickets
for Holland's benefit in his pocket. Holland rapidly came to
himself, and with a very serious and confounded air asked where he
was. " All right, old boy," was the reply; " you 're among friends,
you arc, and we'll take care of you." He then put his hands into
his pockets, and searching first one, then the other, exclaimed,
"I "vc lost all my tickets!" " No, you haven't, neither; herethey
are, all safe" "Give them to me, I am much obliged; I feel
quite well now." "Look here, old fellow," some one said, "stop
a bit ; your benefit comes off to-morrow night. It ain't worth
while to take these tickets away; I guess we can soon sell them
here around," and away went the speaker. He had not been gone
very long before he returned, with cash in hand for all the tickets
for Holland's benefit; and thus the object was gained for which
Geo. Holland tumbled into the water. His last regular engage-
ment was at Daly's Fifth Avenue Theatre, where he made his
final appearance Jan. 12, 1870, as the Reporter in "Surf.'L On
the t6th of May he received a benefit at the same theatre, and
without taking part in the performance he appeared before the
curtain and made his last speech to an audience. He said, "God
bless you! " and that was all. He died in New York City Dec.
20, 1870, aged seventy-seven years.

As there has always been a great deal of misconception on the
subject of the George Holland funeral at the " Little Church
Around the Corner," and a great deal of injustice done to the Rev.
Dr. Sabine, who did not refuse his church for the funeral. I
would state the following facts: A committee called on Dr.
Sabine, of the Church of the Atonement, Fifth Avenue and

280 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [««4j

Twenty-ninth Street, and solicited his services in the performance
of funeral rites over the remains. It was at once widely stated
that when informed that the deceased had been an actor, Dr.
Sabine refused to officiate, and stated he could not open his
church for the reception of the remains of a mere actor. This
is false. A wedding was to take place there the same day as the
proposed funeral, and Dr. Sabine conducted the committee to his
church, and after showing them the emblems of joy already adorn-
ing the walls, asked whether a funeral would be appropriate. The
committee agreed that a funeral at such a time would be very
much out of place, but added, the ceremony could not be deferred.
"Then,"' said Dr. Sabine, "you might go to the little church round
the corner. " This story was amplified and exaggerated, and thence
came the furore which was created about George Holland's funeral.
It was, however, a fortunate incident, as it was the cause of pro-
ducing an immense benefit for the family. The funeral took place
Thursday morning from the Church of the Transfiguration ("the
Little Church Around the Corner") on the north side of Twenty-
ninth Street, between Fifth Avenue and Madison Square.

William Winter, dramatic critic of the Tribune, called a meeting
of gentlemen connected with the press and the stage Jan. 9, 1871,
for the purpose of discussing a proposed benefit to Holland's
family. The committee of arrangements were Lester Wallack,
John Gilbert. J. R. Thompson, Clifton W. Taylcure, Geo. W.
Hows, John Brougham, Aug. Fenno, Jas. Schonberg, Wm. Davidge,
A. C. Wheeler ("Nym Crinkle"), Wm. Winter and Henry
Scdley (chairman). Thco. Moss and J. H. McGonnigle were the
treasurers. The benefit took place in New York, Brooklyn,
Boston, Baltimore, San Francisco, and Vicksburg. The gross
receipts from these, and by contributions, reached the sum of

515.554-35-

William Rufus Blake, one of the Olympic's greatest favorites,
began his professional career as a light comedian, as in his early
days he was a really handsome man. He excelled in the old com-
edies, atxi his performance of Young Dornton in "The Road to
Ruin " was considered one of the best ever known to the stage.
As his bulk increased with his years, he was compelled to abandon
light-comedy parts and adopt the portraiture of the old-comedy
uncles and fathers, and also some parts purely sentimental. In
the former he was undoubtedly one of the most mirth-provoking
of actors, and his Lord Duberly in "The Heir at Law" always
attracted large audiences to Wallack's, Burton's, and at Latin
Kcene's, where he played the most brilliant engagements of his
life.

Mr. Blake, who was born in Halifax, N. S., in 1805, made
his New York dlbut at the Chatham Theatre during the season

««4S]

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

28l

of 1825-26 as Frederick Bramble, in "The Poor Gentleman."
In 1839 he went to Europe and appeared at the Haymarket
Theatre, London. He made his last appearance at Wallack's
June 9, 1862. His last appearance in New York was April
16, 1S63, as Geoffrey Dale, in "The I-ast Man," at I^ura
Kecnc's Theatre, and, in making a speech of acknowledgment
before the curtain, he gave utterance to the prophetic words: " I
feel serious to-night. Something tells me I may never again
Bppeax before you. His last words on the New York stage were:
"Heaven's blessing on the last manl" His last appearance on
the stage was made April 21, 1863, at the Boston Theatre, as Sir
I'ctcr Teazle. Here is a copy of the programme of that night :

THE SCHOOL

Sir Peter Teade . . . W. R. Blake
Charles Surface . George Vandenhoff
Joseph Surface - . . . F. E- Aiken
Oliver Surface .... Sam Emery

Crablree W. Scallan

Sir Benjamin Backbite ... J Duff

Moses W. H. Curtisa

Careless W. J. LeMoyne

Rowley J. Biddies

FOR SCANDAL.

Trip Mr. Parke*

Snake Mr. Jones

Joseph's Servant Brown

Lidy Snecrwcll's servant Holmes

Lady Teazle .... Mrs. Harrow
Mrs. Candour . . . Rachel Johnson
Lady Sneer well . . . . Mary Carr
Maria Mr*. Scdlcy Brown

After the performance Mr. Blake was taken suddenly ill and
carried to his hotel, where he died during the night. He was the
first actor ever called before the curtain in this country, which
occurred at Boston, Mass., in 1827.

The first encore on record is that given to the nobleman An-
dronicus, a Roman actor, who, according to Valerius Maximus,
was called back so often to repeat his speeches that he, in self-
defence, brought a boy to declaim for him, while he himself sup-
plied the gestures. All artists should stoutly refuse to respond to
encores. I refer more particularly to singers, especially where
this sign of public approval is spontaneous and general and not
the studied freak of an insidious claque, in which all the ushers of
the theatre take part. But encores should be abolished. They
arc both unreasonable and inartistic. Some people encore because
they want the concert prolonged, and to hear a maximum amount
of music for a minimum price. Many encore because others do
so. Numerous people have not yet decided why they encore at
all. Many respectable concert-goers arc not in favor of a
repetition.

From 1841 till 1845 this theatre remained the most popular
resort in the city, where an entertainment, consisting entirely of
light and amusing farces, comedies, and burlesques was performed
by the best comic talent, — Mitchell, Walcot, George Holland,

282 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C"«4»

Mrs. Booth, Miss Taylor, Wm. Conovcr, and John N'ickinson being
among its principal players. Mr. Mitchell was ever on the alert
for young and pretty ladies, those who could act as well as look
charming, and he gathered around him from Dame Nature's con-
servatory a lovely bouquet: Miss Singleton, the pretty young
widow R. Baldock, Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Plumer, and Mrs. W. Pen-
son; Harry Horncastlc, Harry Russell, Janus Kverard, and David
Anderson were also connected with the company. George Lodcr
continued musical director, but Harry Marks was the leader.
Lodcr married Mrs. Baldock. This lady was a great favorite at
the Olympic. Afterwards she went to California, and died in
San Francisco Nov. 2, 1855. The scene painter was Bengough,
who married Mitchell's daughter.

_HV*iiin^*" A Rnkff who died in New York Sept. 6, 1890, was
prompter and actor. He first appeared here Dec. 9, 1839, and
remained eleven years. He rang up the curtain the first and the
last night of Mitchell's management. June 3, 1844, the company
opened at Niblo's Garden in "The Child of the Regiment " for a
brief summer term. During the season of 1845 English opera was
produced by the regular company. "Amilie," " Fra Diavolo"
(played for six weeks), "The Barber of Seville," " National Guard "
and "The Marriage of Figaro" were sung.

In 1845 Mary Taylor created a furor among theatre-goers by her
impersonation of Prince Ahmed in "TJieJlagicArrow." William
Conovcr and Constant i a Clarke were great favorites here. ",Dj.ck
Whittington and His Cat," was one of Miss Clarke's first suc-
cesses. " Don Ciosar de Bazan " was produced here, for the first
time in New York, by Anna Cruise, Julia Barton, Chas. M. Wal-
cot and A. W. Fenno. Mary Cecilia Taylor, familiarly known as
"Our Mary," was one of the most attractive artists known to the
habitues of this house. There was something about "Our Mary "
so arch and winning that a very anchorite would wear a look of
deep delight at her beautiful acting, and still more exquisite
singing.

John Dunn, known as "That Rascal Jack," appeared for Ben.
A. Baker's benefit.

"Used Up" was played here for the first time in this country
during the season of 1846, with Charles M. Walcot as Sir Charles
Coldstream. A novelty in the shape of a panorama representing
scenes on Broadway, from the Battery to Grace Church, was un-
rolled during the winter of 1848. William Conovcr, in the char-
acter of Crummies, was the lecturer. Conover died in this city
in 1851.

'^A_Giancc.at_Ncw York," by Ben A. Baker, was produced for the
first time Feb. 15, 1848, and for the benefit of the author. This
is a copy of the programme:

«M]

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

283

BENEFIT OF MR. BAKER.

when a new local sketch, written expressly for this theatre, entitled

"A GLANCE AT NEW YORK IN 1848"

Will be presented ; also the fairy extravaganza entitled

"KABRI, OR THE WOODEN SHOEMAKER."

Kahri Mr. Holland I Lcstong Bleeckcr

Prince Rudolphc . . . Mr Arnold Madame Kabri .... Mrs. Henry

Nico Mr. Conover Annette Miss Roberts

Jacopa Henry | The Fairy Blanche . . Mis* Phillips

In the course of the piece

A CHARACTERISTIC DANCE

BY MISS PARTINGTON AND MRS. LE BRUN.

To be followed by, first time here, the farce entitled

"MY YOUNG WIFE AND OLD UMBRELLA."

(jregorv
Peter Pri

. . George Arnold
Dinah" Miss Phillips

George Allen

■J

Grizzle . Peter Cunningham
rog .... William Henry
Augustus Tompkins . . . Conover

LA POLKA — MISS MEALING AND MISS M. MEALING.

"A GLANCE AT NEW YORK IN 1848"

New Scenery Mr. Bengough

Machinery Mr. Burns

Mnalc utmni bj E. Woolf

New dresses by Mr. Roberts

Mom Frank Chanfrau

Harry Gordon .... Geo. Arnold
George Parsclls . . . George Clark
Jake W. Conover

Mike Sylvester Bleeckcr

Major Gates Lcvere

Mrs. Morion .... Mrs. Henry

This sketch was performed for four weeks in five scenes, subse-
quently, with the following characters introduced:

Eliza Stubbins .... Mary Taylor

Ben Mr. Seymour

Jenny Miss Barber

Mr. Morton
Sam . .

. . . Mr. Henry
Master Frank Drew

As soon as Mary Taylor recovered from her illness, five more
scenes were introduced and the part of Lire was written for
her. Frank Drew was call boy.

Chanfrau had been a Bowery boy, and there were three or four
strongly cast individualities that had impressed him in his East
Side experiences. He lived near Essex Market with his parents,
•itiil nearly every day on his way to tbe theatre was in the habit of
dropping in at the Broadway House, on the corner of Grand Street,
to get a sixpenny plate of corned beef. One day, while enjoying

284 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [W

(this frugal meal, a fellow with a red shirt and open collar came
in and sat down near him. The swagger, the "soap locks," the
projected chin and the saucy air formed a strong typical picture.

(He called out to one of the waiters:
" Look a heah ! gim me a sixpenny plate ev pork and beans, and
don't stop to count dem beans, d yr heah!" The manner and
language were intensely characteristic of a certain class then known
as the "fire boys." The man himself was Mose Humphreys, a

(printer employed in Beach's S«n office.
JJcmA. Baker, after Chanfrau had created a great deal of mer-
riment" by sUcVessivc imitations of the firemen, suggested to him
that these characterizations might be worked into a local sketch
and put on the stage. Baker wrote it, and called it "_A Glance at
New York." It was submitted to Mitchell, and he condemned U
aTTmCS "The characters arc good," said he, "but what a bad
piece ! " It was laid away, and must have been forgotten had it not
been that, some time after. Baker was to have a benefit, and, being
pushed for a novelty, he thought of this sketch, and proposed to
Chanfrau, who was then playing in subordinate roles, to do it.
Mitchell used to tell how he went on the stage that night just
before the curtain was rung up, and seeing Chanfrau at the back,
dressed for his part, was on the point of ordering him off, suppos-
ing he was one of the "Centre Market loafers." When the play
opened and Chanfrau made his appearance, there was a dead
silence in the house This was remarkable, because the patrons
of the establishment were in the habit of welcoming every well-
known member of the company with applause. But the fact is
they did not recognize Chanfrau. He stood there in his red shirt,
with his fire coat thrown over his arm, the stovepipe hat —
better known then as a "plug" — drawn down over one eye, his
trousers tucked into his boots, a stump of a cigar pointing up from
his lips to his eye, the soap locks plastered flat on his temples,
and his jaw protruded into a half-beastly, half-human expression
of contemptuous ferocity. For a moment the audience eyed him
in silence; not a hand or foot gave him welcome. Taking the
cigar stump from his mouth and turning half-way round to spit, he
said:

" I ain't a goin' to run wid dat mcrchccn no more! "
Instantly there arose such a yell of recognition as had never
been heard in the little house before. Pit and galleries joined in
the outcry. It was renewed several times, and Mose was com-
pelled to stand, shifting his coat from one arm to the other, and
bowing and waiting. Every man, woman, and child recognized in
the character all the distinctive external characteristics of the class.
Syksey, although not in the bill, was in the reconstructed ver-
sion, James Cunningham, father of Willie Seymour, impersonating

!*♦»]

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

285

it. Porgy Joe of Catharine Market was created later by Jack
Winans at the Chatham in " New York As It la."

F. S. Chanfrau died at Taylor's Hotel, Jersey City, N. J., Oct
2, 1884. The chief qualities of his acting were versatility and
imitative power. He played in every dialect known to the stage,
except the Welsh. In broken French his utterances were exceed-
ingly true to the style of speech which marks the Frenchman. In
this Chanfrau derived much aid from the fact that his father was a
Frenchman. His Scotch pronunciation he attained by patient
study and practice. His fine Lancashire was derived from Lysan-
der Thompson. His Bob Bricrly has never been equalled in
America. Off the stage he was bluff, hearty, and earnest in man-
ner. His method of life was simple. Careful of money, yet
generous, exacting yet just, hating all sham, yet sympathizing
with misfortune, and imbued with great pride in his profession,
he was the best friend of its rank and file on the stage.

Mary Gannon appeared here at the opening of the season of
1848-49. Her best rdlcs were Lcandcr in Planchc's burlesque
"Hero and Leandcr," and M argot in "The Poultry Dealer." She
was in those days a beauty, fresh and plump, with a foot that
Titania might have envied, eyes that sparkled like dew-drops in
the early sun, a sweet ever ready laugh, and a vivacious nature
which fitted her admirably for the burlesques and como!i<tt;is
"Our Mary" Taylor and Constantia Clarke contested with her the
palm of popularity. Mary Taylor could outsing her; Clarke could
outact her; yet Mary Gannon could always win the lion's share of
applause. A glance, a peal of laughter, a graceful turn of her head,
and the "Hi! hi I" of the pit was hers for the night At Wal-
lack's later, as at the Olympic, she was the favorite of the town,
of the theatre, and the management. During the fall of 1849,
finding that as Burton's Theatre gained in popularity his declined,
Mitchell brought his management of this place to a close. " Caudle
Lectures," by Ben A. Baker, were quite a feature here. With
Mitchell and George Holland, the audience were treated to a fund
of humor. "Poor Pillicoddy" was played here, for the first time
in New York. Mary Gannon and George Holland had the leading
characters. The season closed March 9, 1850, and Mr. Mitchell
retired from management.

It was a bad custom of Mitchell's to permit outsiders to go
behind the scenes; in fact, any man of prominence, who could first
get an introduction to Mitchell, would at night be found "behind,"
hobnobbing with members of the company. On the occasion of
Charles Dickens' visit to this country, ",B/v,_jjn_ Am^rira " was
played here, with Horncastle as Boz. On the first night of its
presentation Dickens happened to be "behind." He was intro-
duced to his "double," and so much was he struck by Ilorncastlc's

286 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D*»

clever make-up for him, that he sent a messenger to his hotel
and procured the hat and overcoat which he wore when he landed,
and Horncastle wore them during the play. For years this abuse
of going behind the scenes has existed in many theatres; but no
recognized legitimate manager will, I can safely say, permit any
one not directly connected with the stage to enter its portals.
This is not so with those managers who have burlesque or spectacle
as an attraction. Not only are strangers permitted to attend
rehearsals, but to go behind the scenes during performances — a
practice which is fraught with a two-fold evil. Firstly, it lowers
and depreciates the character and effect of the piece about to be
performed, and, secondly, it gives an opportunity or implied license
for the exercise of immorality in different phases. The parties
thus privileged to go behind the scenes generally do so for no
legitimate or honorable purpose — a fact to which many can bear
unequivocal testimony from personal observation and experience.

Now, to prevent all this, there is one, and only one, very simple
course open — to admit no non -professional persons to the stage on
any pretext whatever.

William Mitchell was engaged in England and brought to this
country by Tom Flynn as comedian of the National Theatre
(Leonard and Church streets), this city. He arrived in New
York in July, and made his American debut Aug. 29, 1836, as Jem
Bags in "The Wandering Minstrel." He was received with
enthusiasm, and during his whole career evoked the kindest
treatment from the press. His versatility was well tested during
his connection with the National Theatre, at one time as the first
Witch to Forrest's Macbeth; Tom Hags, in Celeste's "St. Mary's
Eve;" Bcppo, in " Fra Diavolo;" and Pcdrigo I'otts, in "John of
Paris." He was stage manager of the National, and continued
there until it was destroyed by fire, when he leased the Olympic,
where, from the first night, his success was established. For
twelve years the Olympic, under his management, was the most
popular place of amusement in this country. Old New Yorkers
will remember with pleasure the comedies, vaudevilles, burlesques,
and comic operas presented by such actors as Mitchell, John
Nickinson, James H^nry MnrflfatLth' Edwin, Chas. Walcot, W.
Conovcr, Gc6T Holland, Our Mary " Taylor, " little " Constantia
Clarke, Mrs. Timm, Charlotte Nickinson (afterwards Mrs. Morri-
son, a successful manageress in Canada), and many more Olympians
whose efforts will ever be green in their memory. Mitchell pro-
duced a series of English operas in a careful and artistic manner.
His tact as a manager and his merits as an actor ensured his success.
His expenses were only $80 per night. His yearly profits for ten
years were once estimated at from $10,000 to $12,000. lie
achieved greater success in eccentric parts than in broad, low

rt:c]

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

287

comedy. His Crummies was so capital that the name adhered to
him through life. He achieved his triumphs by spurning the con-
ventionalities of ordinary actors, and founding for himself a school
of naturalness and intellectuality which gave a marked degree of
freshness to all his efforts. Great is the artist's triumph! Yet,
at least upon the stage, it is but fleeting and ephemeral, and may be
annihilated by the merest accident. Mitchell could easily coun-
terfeit the exuberance of drollery, and just as easily draw tears by
the pathos and naturalness of his acting in serious drama. He
was a man of strict integrity, though rigidly economical in his
business arrangements. He was exceedingly popular with his
employees and his patrons, and made the Olympic the jolliest
theatre in the city. We have had no New York manager more
able, more vigorous, more capable of catering to the public taste
than William Mitchell. At the close of the season, affected
almost to tears, he bade adieu, forever, to his audience, who had
thronged the theatre to witness his last personation of the well-
known Crummies. Poor Mitchell passed rapidly from the world's
memory, like a bubble on the current of some sunlit stream, which
sparkles gaily for a while, then bursts and is seen no more. He
died in this city May 12, 1856, after a long period of suffering.
His disease was paralysis, which, while it destroyed his physical
powers, left his mind as clear and vigorous as ever. It is said
that he died poor. He did die in poverty, and his friends had
begun the work of getting him a benefit, when they were antici-
pated by his death.

William E. Burton tried to resuscitate the Olympic, opening it
Sept. 9, 1850, and he acted here in "The Serious Family" Sept.
17, and in " Poor Pillicoddy " Sept. 19. Sept. 20 "The Daughter of
the Stars " was the title of a play presented, with Mr. Howard as
rTonTAnthony Hawkstonc, and the extravaganza " Jennyphobia "
with George Skcrrct as Visjuicc and Mr. Conover as Seeds. The
performance closed with "Alccstis." Sept. 21 " Doblfin & Co.,"
"Alccstis," "Actress of Afl Work," and "Jennyphobia " was the
bill. Burton's management closed Sept. 26. lie paid Mitchell
$1,200 for all his possessions in this theatre. During Burton's
lesseeship he called the house "The Olympic Branch of Burton's."

Fellows' Minstrels took possession Sept. 30, and continued five
nights. It was reopened Nov. ti by W. A. Asche & Co., with a
vaudeville company, consisting of W. Copland, Mr. McDougal,
Linden, Miss Shcppard, Joseph Jefferson, and Mrs. Henry. The
programme was : " A Struggle lor_thc^ Pants, " " Peep at 6 1: M. " and
"My Precious Betsy." During the evening the Ethiopian Kabcl
Family gave feats in legerdemain. This management closed Nov.
19. The house whs ,dterw;irds let for various kinds of entertain-
ments, and to .my one who could pay the rent.

288 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1853

" Burgthall's German National Theatre " was what it was called
when it opened June 18, 1851. " Hurmoristiche Studien," a two-
act farce by Lebrun, followed by Herr E. Zwing and wife, acrobats
and magicians, and a Tyrol ienne dance executed by Demoiselle
ThcYese La Touricr formed the programme. June 20 " Die Schulc
dcr Verlietten" ("The Love Chase") was acted; June 24, " Dor
Vater Der Debutantin " (" The Father of the Young Actress "), when
Herr Burgthall made his first appearance here; June 25 was opera
night, when was sung, for the first time in America, the romantic
opera entitled "Preciosa," by Karl Maria Von Weber. The
house was shortly after remodelled into a store and occupied by
the Cheshire Crystal Glass Co. Several other kinds of business
were carried on in the building. It was discovered to be on fire
at 3 o'clock on the morning of Dec. 20, 1854, and the building was
entirely consumed, including the City Assembly Rooms, which
were situated above the theatre

John Nickinson had three daughters: Charlotte, Virginia, and
Isabella Charlotte married Mr. Morrison of the Land Department,
Canada. She was afterwards a successful manageress in Mon-
treal, Canada Mr. Morrison was at one time on the staff of the
New York Times. Virginia was married to Owen Marlowe, the
well-known light comedian, and died in this city March 7, 1899.

HOPE CHAPEL

THE place of amusement, if it could be so called, known as Hope
Chapel, was formerly a church and was let for panoramas,
lectures, and similar entertainments. There were two halls, known
as the upper and lower halls. The building was situated on the
east side of Broadway, just below Eighth Street. For a long time
it failed to prove a paying speculation. A minstrel band called the
Californians appeared here, but their stay was brief. It was occu-
pied on Sunday evenings by the Spiritualists, who retained posses-
sion of it for a number of years. Upon their leaving, it remained
unoccupied for a long time, out was eventually fitted up as a lecture
room, and, not proving a popular place of resort, was soon vacant
again. On March 28, 1853, Dr. Valentine commenced a brief stay
here, assisted by Mme. Lovary, vocalist, and Herr Stoepel, per-
former on wood and straw instruments. In December Dion liourci-
-eault was announced to appear in a course of " literary soirees."
They were in the form of lectures, and were entitled " ^ketches of
European Society," " Woman and Her Rights (?) and HcfWfongs,"
" My Literary Life, or the Vicissitudes of a Man of Letters in
London and Paris," and "The Stoxy_o£ the Stage." Dion Bourci-
1 -an 1 1 was at that time a young, dapper, bald-headed fellow, with lots
of ability and a firm determination to make his way in the world.

Ihf:«j

HOPE CHAPEL

289

He was heralded in his advertisements with a considerable flourish
of trumpets as the successful author of " London Assurance." " Old
Heads and Young Hearts," "The Irish Heiress," and other plays.
Hut W Spite of his success as a dramatic author, the public somehow
could n't be persuaded to accept him as a lecturer, and this in the
face of the fact that he had promised faithfully to initiate them — as
it were — into the mysteries of London fashionable life, and tell them
funny stories about the living originals from whom he drew the
characters of Sir Harcourt Courtly, Dazzle, Dolly Spanker, and Lady
Gay. It was all in vain, however. The public either did n't believe
the bold Bourcicault, or else did n't care to be made a party to those
secrets which he proposed to disclose. So he read his lectures to
empty benches. At first he gave them on Tuesdays and Thursdays;
on Dec. 19 he commenced to give them nightly.

The Boone Children were the first successful attraction that
appeared here. Feb. 6, 1854, they took a benefit, with the balcony
scene from "Romeo and Juliet," and scenes from "Julius Caisar,"
" The School for Scandal," " The Honeymoon," and " The Merchant
of Venice." Hope Chapel then fell into disuse for a time, and was
not opened for regular entertainments until Jan. 15, 1855, when it
was called " Donaldson's Opera House," H. W. Donaldson beginning
his season with a minstrel company. Their stay was a brief one.
" The Academy of Minstrels " was the next name given to this house.
It was opened Aug. 20, 1856, by Frank Hussey and Joe Taylor with
a minstrel troupe, consisting of Hussey, Taylor, P. Sterling, C. F.
Shattuck, S. S. Purdy, Frank Leslie, Walter Fields, D. Dellimore,
J. Childs, Carroll B. Isaacs, H. Heron, Buckley, and Gibson. Sept. 3,
Adolph Nicholls. violinist, and M. J. Solomons, clarionctist, joined,
and a few days later the place was suddenly closed.

The house underwent many changes of management for the next
five years. Lola Monter lectured here on " Beautiful Women " Feb.
3, 1858, and on Feb. 8 her subject was "Wits and Women of Paris."
William Davidge commenced a series of lectures on the works of
Charles Dickens Dec. 8. Mr. and Mrs. Henri Drayton, who had
been giving their drawing-room entertainments at the French
Theatre, 585 Broadway, opened here Nov. 8, 1859. They presented
for the first time in America a new version of " Love's labor's Lost"
They continued for a number of weeks. Catherine Lucette and
Capt. Morton Price opened here March 9, i860, in their drawing-
room entertainments. Gen. Tom Thumb came early in April. On
Jan. 15, 1 861, " Blind Tom " first appeared in this city. Panoramas,
concerts, lectures, continued the attractions presented here for a long
time.

The name of the place was again changed and on May 23, 1864,
Mrs. Harriet Holman opened it as "The Broadway Academy of
Music," with "Cinderella." "The Daughter of the Regiment,"

«9

290 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [imb

"The Bohemian Girl." "Beauty and the Beast." followed. In the
organization were Sallic and Julia Holman, Mrs. Harriet Holman,
Alfred Holman, \V. II. Crane, and others. This house was next
opened as "The Theatre Comique" by Harry Leslie, tight-rope
walker and pantomimist. A variety entertainment was given by
H. Leslie, VV. H. Strntton (banjoist), Harry Merritt, G. Leslie,
Rhody McGuire, Fanny Wilton, Clark Brothers, and Miss Garrett.
David Braham was the musical director. Isabella Solaro, a female
magician, appeared in July, 1864, and was followed by Woodruffe's
Glassblowcrs. Effendi Oscanyan, the Turkish lecturer, took this
place for a few nights, and rcchristciicd it "The Mcddah." Sig.
Blitz, Jr., opened here with his vcntriloquial and magical enter-
tainment Aug. 14, 1865. Mina Geary, J. N. Senia, and Gustave
Geary joined forces with Sig. Blitz in September. He closed Sept.
23, and during his lesseeship he called it " Blitz's New Hall." E,
Byron Christy had a benefit Jan. 25, 1866. D. T. Corrie's Pano-
rama of Scotland commenced Feb. 19, with Corrie as lecturer, Henry
Leslie, P. Rafferty, Scotch tenor; Agnes Sutherland, the Scottish
nightingale, and Maggie McLcod, vocalists. These people remained
four weeks, Mr. Corrie having a benefit March 16, under the patron-
age of the members of the New York Caledonian Club, when James
Cummings. Scotch vocalist, made his first appearance in New York
in five years.

During the remainder of the season up to May, 1866, concerts
were given by the pupils of Sig. Clements, the Hutchinson Family,
Mrs. E. A. Payne, F. W. Mollenhauer, Mrs. Georgia Sheppard, Mrs.
Clinton Price, G. W. Craw, John Prume, H. B. I-asscrne, J. S.
Thompson, F. Bergner, Mary M. Ruton, Mrs. S. P. McDonald,
Hattic M. Gibbs, Mrs. Thcrcsc McKenna, M. Louis Dachaucr, Mrs.
C. E. Whelan, Henry Byron, Stephen Massctt, and George Guy; and
readings, lectures, and literary entertainments by Henry Morford,
Mrs. Prosser, Mr. and Mrs. George Vandenhoff, Mrs. H. C. Watson,
Mrs. E. Van Buck, and Mr. De Cordova.

KELLY & LEON'S

THE house having been without a regular manager for some time,
Kelly & Leon took a lease of the entire building for two years.
They got possession May 1, i860, and completely renovated and
altered the premises, making a billiard saloon out of the lower hall
and converting the upper one into a minstrel hall. They let out
the dwellings over the hall, the stores on cither side of the entrance,
the billiard saloon and basement, receiving therefor, in the shape of
rent, more money than they were actually paying for the entire
premises, and leaving them the minstrel hall free of rent. They
opened Oct. 1. In the company were Edwin Kelly, Francis I-con,

i«S]

KELLY & LEON'S

291

Frank Moran, John Allen, Oberist, E. P. Fairbanks. George and
Willie Guy. G. W. Jackson. George Christy (for a short time), Nelse
Seymour, Dick Sands, Sam Price, William Butler, Sig. Bretano,
Garatagua, and afterward Eph Horn. Frank Moran was on the
bones end, Johnny Allen, tambourine, and Edwin Kelly, interlocu-
tor. In their first part were thirteen performers and a pianist,
besides the three mentioned above. They closed the season, June
22. 1867, and went on a brief travelling tour, returning and opened
their second season July 29. 1867. They now had in their organiza-
tion Dclehanty and Hcnglcr. F. Williams, Add Ryman, Nelse Sey-
mour, Sam Price, Harry Stanwood, Hogan and Hughes, Kelly, Leon,
and others. A. L. Parkes was the business manager.

William Henry Delehanty died in this city May 13, 1880. of hasty
consumption. His last appearance in public was at Harry Miner's
Theatre, this city, April 17, 1884, with his partner, Hengler. He
composed many songs and dances, which became very popular, among
them being " Little Bunch of Roses." " When Flowers Blush and
Bloom," " Pretty Jessie," " Apple of My Eye," " I Hope I Don't In-
trude," " Strawberries and Cream," and " Beautiful Pink and White
Roses." His first appearance in this city was Aug. 12, 1867. with
Hengler at Kelly & Leon's Minstrels. Thomas Michael Hengler
'lied at Greenpoint, L. I., Aug. 2t. 1888.

In consequence of the shooting and killing of Thomas Sharpe
(brother of Sam Sharpley, the well known minstrel performer) by
Edwin Kelly,1 this house was closed for a while, but reopened Dec.
17, when Geo. W. H. Griffin appeared as interlocutor. Rollin How-
ard, Dave Reed, W. H. Brockway, George Guy, Oberist, W. II.
Butler, Hcywood, J. H. Budworth. and G. W. Jackson made up the
company. Leon made his reappearance Feb. 3, 1868. Joseph
Murphy (the present Irish comedian) joined the company April 20.
Mr. Murphy was the champion bone-player. Jas. Blamphin, harpist,
appeared April 27. as did F. B. Naylor, a clever tenor. June 8
Edwin Kelly reappeared. He had been tried for the shooting of
Sharpe at the Fifth Avenue Opera House, and promptly acquitted.
The season terminated June 27, 1868.

The company opened their third season Aug. 31. They charged a
higher price of admission than was ever before demanded by a min-
strel band — $1.50, $1, and 50 cents. They commenced making a
feature of opera burlesque Feb. 3, 1867, when the " Grand Dutch
S " was presented in a manner never before attempted by a minstrel
'Band in this country, and equal in costumes and general appoint-
ments to any production at our theatres. The piece had a great
run, and made many thousands of dollars for the managers. This
was followed in rapid succession by other burlesques. When they
oi>ened their last season they had in their first part thirty-five pco-
it bUtory of Madison Squire Theatre for particular*.

292 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [n

pie, including sixteen musicians, sixteen in the chorus, two end-men
and a pianist, forming two semicircles across the stage. In the
company were W. H. Brockway, S. S. Purdy, G. W. H. Griffin, J. H.
Surridgc, Leslie and Raynor, the Guy Brothers, R. M. Carroll, If.
Schenet, Summers, Grey, Richard Davis, J. C. Campbell, Ed. War-
den, Kelps, Meyer, and others. But the business began to decline,
and on Jan. 9, 1869, they gave their six hundred and twenty-fifth and
last performance here. The hall was next leased to G. T. Rccdcr,
at a rental of $15,000. Mr. Rccdcr was a real estate broker, un-
known in theatrical affairs. It was opened Jany. 17, 1869. as the
Waverley Theatre, with the Elise Holt Burlesque company. Thomas
E~ Morris was manager and Fred W. Zaulig musical director. The
company consisted of Elise Holt, Emily and Mary Pitt, Minnie Jack-
son, Fanny Prestige, Williams, Emma Bell, the Rigl Sisters, James
Lewis, Owen Marlowe, E. Coleman, C. T. Parsloe, Jr., Belvil Ryan,
H. Wall, T. E. Morris, and afterward George Atkins. " A Pretty
Piece of Business " and H. J. Byron's burlesque, " Lucrczia Borgia,
M. D.," were given for the initial performance. Elise Holt made
her first appearance in New York as Genarro, and James Lewis was
Lucrczia. This burlesque had a run of six weeks, during which time
Minnie Jackson assumed Elise Holt's part, that lady having been
taken ill. Byron's burlesque, •' Ivanhoe," was presented March 31,
with Maggie Desmond as Wamba. Elise Holt reappeared April 12.
" Ivanhoe " had this cast:

Wamba Elise Holt

Rebecca James Lewis

Rowcna Emily Pitt

Ivanhoe Minnie Jackson

Prince John Mary Pitt

De Bracy Fanny Prestige

Cedrlc Belrll Ryan

Black Knight . . . . C. T. Parsloe

Isaac E. Coleman

Sir Brian Harry Wall

This ran until April 19, when "Lucrczia Borgia" was revived.
F. C. Burnand's burlesque, "Paris," localizedby C. K. Rattray, was
produced April 28 with this cast :

Pari. Elise Holt

CEnone Jas. Lewis

Venus Viola Crocker

Mercury Emily I'itt

Juno

Jupiter Minnie Jackson

Cupid Belvil Ryan

Castor C. T. Parsloe

Pollux Geo. Middleton

Mary Pitt Orion Harry Wall

On May 8 the Elise Holt company closed, and were followed by the
Wilmore-Rogers London combination, May to, in '•Miriam's Crime,"
with Felix Rogers as Biles, and Lizzie Wilmore as Miriam; "•* The
Middy Ashore," with Jennie Wilmore as Harry Halcyon, and Rogers
as Tom Cringle; and "Ici on Parle Francais," with Jennie Wilmore
as Anna Maria, and Felix Rogers as Mr. Spriggins.

William Brough's burlesque, " Pygmalion and Galatea," was given
May 13, for the first lime in New York. The cast was:

MK]

KELLY & LEON'S

293

The Statue .... Jennie Wilmore

Galatea Liizie Wilmore

Cambysscs Felix Rogers

Pygmalion .... Minnie Jackson
Venus Emily Pitt

Psyche Mary Plu

King Astyages . - - . C. T. Parsloc

Harpagu* J. C. Dunn

Mopsa Anna Campion

" Ixion " was revived May 26, with Lizzie Wilmore as Juno, Jennie
Wilmore as Ixion, and Felix Rogers as Minerva. The season closed
disastrously June 12.

This house was reopened June 1 7, under the management of Thomas
E. Morris. The Elise Holt company returned and opened in " Paris"
and " Jenny Lind." Belle Howitt, Georgie Dickson, Ida Preston, and
George Brookes were additions to the company. They lasted only
three nights. Belle Howitt died in this city April 16, 1886. The
next manager was Charles J. Fyffe, who opened the house June 21
with " The Old Curiosity Shop." The cast was: Coleman as Quilp.
Rosalie Jack as Little Nell, Charles J. Fyffe as Grandfather Trent.
Six nights were enough to satisfy Mr. Fyffe, as business was bad.
and the house closed June 26, to reopen June 28 for a benefit to the
treasurer, T. T. Davis. Asa Cushman was the next manager, and
opened June 28. In the company were: the De Lave Family, gym-
nasts; La Petite Zoe, and Mile. Lolo, trapeze performers; M. Delha,
contortionist; Asa Cushman and Minnie Jackson, in protean
sketches; the Rigl Sisters, dancers, and John Burke, zouave-drill
performer. They gave up the ghost July 5, reopened July 19 with
a burlesque by Edward Warden, entitled "The Mooncharm." and
cloteB quickly July 24. Minnie Jackson Cuban) is at present living
in retirement at Brooklyn, N. Y. John Stetson and Clinton J. Eddy
were the next managers, and Gilbert T. Reeder proprietor. They
began a season Aug. 23, 1869. with Annie Hindle, Eva Brent, Ella
Wcsncr, Adelaide Gonzales, Bertie Maywood, Viro Ferrand. the
Clinetop Sisters. the Wallace Sisters, Eph Horn, Richard M.Carroll,
Sr., Gus Williams, Lew Brimmer, and Sam Ryan. This company
was strengthened as the season proceeded by the addition, at inter-
vals, of Sheridan and Mack, Charley Pettengill, the Delevanti Bros.,
Walter Bray, Polly Daly, Zoel, Johnny Allen, the Brcnnans, Master
Sniffin, Rollin Howard, Louise Boshell, Mile. Dcverc. Billy Carter,
and Susie Palmer. The variety business proved a failure, and Eddy
& Stetson withdrew Sept. 18, but the theatre continued open under
the proprietorship of G. T. Reeder, who, undaunted by previous fail-
ures, continued it as a vaudeville house. The house closed Oct. 9.
Among those who appeared under Reeder's regime were the Zanf retta
Family, Billy Devere, Eph Horn, George Warren, Clifford, the Caron
Family, Mile. Luoo, and Waddleton. Oct. 18 Charles T. White
opened the hall as a variety theatre, but met with no better success
than his predecessors, and it again closed on Nov. 20. Mr. White's
company consisted of Mile. Ricci, Ada Alexander, Jennie Benson,

294 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci»to

Charley White. Harry Bloodgood, J. H. Budworth. Frank Gibbons,
John Burke. Andy Lcaviit, Billy Carter. M. Gallagher. J. S. Forbes.
W. Devere, Thompson. Lane, Parker, and a ballet troupe. To those
were subsequently added M. Wietoff. Mile. Dacoste. Ida Devere,
Cool Burgess, Emily and Betty Rigl, Delevanti Brothers, Geo. C.
Davenport, H. T. Mudge, "Gen. Grant, Jr.," Harry Clifford, Watson,
and Wells. The house was closed only a week, as Charles White
reopened it on Nov. 29. The attraction offered was Allen, Pcttcn-
gill. Delchanty & Hcnglcr's Minstrels, consisting of Johnny Allen,
Chas. Pettengill. Gustavc Bidcaux, Delchanty, T. M. Hcnglcr, Dick
Sands, Master Barney, Henry Saxton. Frank Girard, and Naylor.
Their season closed Dec. 31, 1869. Charles Pettengill died at
Albany, N. Y., Oct. 10, 1870. Gustavc Theodore Bideaux died at
Hatboro, Pa.March 5, 1886. He retired from minstrelsy about 1874
to practise medicine, but returned to the minstrel stage in 1K79,
though he did not long continue before the footlights. Master Bar-
ney (right name, Bernard Scholar) died at Brooklyn, N. Y., Feb. 25,
1886. Frank Gerard's real name was Giraud. He died in Brooklyn,
N. Y., Nov. 1. 1900. James Taylor, a London comic singer, leased
the house and opened Jan. to, 1870, with Prof. Sylvester, magician.
Business was bad. and he closed Jan. 22. Kelly & Leon opened it
Feb. 7 and closed July 16. When they reopened they had just re-
turned from Europe. A first-class company was lecuwl, consisting
of Sam Price, James Clarke, Sig. Brochelli, F. Fraulig, Cool Burgess,
S. S. Purdy, W. H. Brock way, J. R. Clinton, Quilter and Goodrich,
F. Mcycring. J. B. Carter, J. C. Withers, L. W. Ball, G. Field, F.
Lake, Charles Eslingcr, Master K. I-occh, James Martin, Fred
Evans, George Bright, Joe Bright, and J. H. Surridgc. Th..c_bur-
lesoue of " Frow Frow," a travesty on " Frou Frou." was first pro-
duced April i& Francis Leon acted Frow Frow. May 2. " LaBdlc
L. N .," a burlesque on Offenbach's opera, " La Belle Hclcne," was
TirsTTcled. On May 6 "The Black Statue-'' was done, and Gayner,
Clinton, Clarke, and Violo joined the- company- John Hart was the
Jake, and Edwin Kelly the Statue. On May 16 Dave Wilson made
his New York debut on the bones end, and did a bone solo in the
olio. John H. O'Neil, from California, appeared in " Essence of Old
Virginity ; " May 23 Rollin Howard, " wench dancer?' and Cooper
ana Fields, song and dance performers, appeared. Edwin Kelly did
an act of legerdemain for the first time, and Dave Wilson gave " Old
Uncle John." S S. Purdy reappeared May 30; Master Lewis Fink,
the boy soprano, commenced June 6; June 13 Fayette Welch opened,
playing on eight different instruments, and dancing a jig and playing
on a fife at the same time. On June 27 Leon and several members
of the troupe, who had been out on a short tour, reappeared in
"Jrow j^'row." At the close of Kelly & Leon's season Lina Edwin
leased the hall and reopened the house Sept. 12, 1870. It was now

1870

KELLY & LEON'S

295

called " Lina Edwin's Theatre," and the prices were reduced to fifty
cents admission, and one dollar reserved seats. Phillip's comedy,
"A Bird in the Hand Worth Two in the BushV was presented.
Edwin P. Thornc, Walter Grisdale, Harry Jackson, J. H. Broughton,
Miss M. Wood, Eugene Ebcrle. J. H. Chatterton (since known as
Sig. Perugini). Ered Marsden, Amelia Harris, Lillie Eldridge, and
J. B. Donniker (leader) constituted the company. The burlesque
of " RlaykFyV! frying, or ihi9' Lectlc Bill Wich was Taken Hup,"
was the afterpiece; cast thus :

Captain Crosstree . . Stuart Robton | Dame Hatler . . . Harry Josephs

Susan Una Edwin Hatchet Geo. lonlm

William Emma Cline ' High Admiral . . Chav Parsloe, Jr.

Dolly Emily l.*wls i Halter James Collins

Gaatbrain .... Dora Herbert I Doggrasx .... Eugene Ebcrle

On Oct. 8 "ftarqa.by R"dg* " was given ; and on Oct. to. " Major De
Boots." originally called " Everybody's Friend." with Stuart Robson in
the leading character, and the burlesque of " Law-gon-am-blc-ah " for
the first time, Eliza Weathersby making her first appearance at
this theatre. She was married to N. C.Goodwin, Jr., June 24, 1877.
and died in this city March 24, 1887. On Oct. 17 Una Edwin re-
appeared as Cinderella in the burlesque of that name, and also in
the burjesgjyuof " La Somnambula." Oct. 31 Harry Beckett made
his bow as Widow Twankcy in the burlesque " Aladdin," and
Stuart Robson acted Captain Crosstree. On Nov. 28 " Jack
Shcppard " was produced, with Lina Edwin as Wild Jack. Thomas
Whiffin as Blueskin, and John Hall, an Australian comedian, as
Mrs. Shcppard. Marion Taylor and Ada Harland (now Mrs.
Brander Mathews) were in the cast. Myron W. Leffingwell. Sr.,
was the stage manager, and appeared as Romeo Jaflier Jenkins,
in "Too Much For Good Nature," on Nov. 7. John E. McDonough
produced. Nov. 29, an opera boutTc. called " Idle 'Prentice " (" Jack
Shcppard"). A matinee performance was given Jan. 19, 1871, in
aid ot the George Holland Fund. Master Harry Janvier, aged six
years, sang several songs. " Hjg L/«r Legs." the burlesque of
" Mazeppa." a recitation of " Shamus O'Brien " by George Clarke.
Tony Pastor in comic songs, and the following people appeared:
Frank Drew, M. W. Leffingwell, Harry Josephs, Thomas Whiffin,
Welsh Edwards, Fre4_ilarsden, Belle Howitt, Aggie Wood, and
Blanche Gallon.

Laura Kccne appeared here Jan. 25, 1871. in " Hunted Down, or
th** TWO Lives o» Mary Leigh." Laura Kccne, 1-rank Mordaunt,
Hart Conway, George Becks. Milton Rainford, F. Dovey. Emma
Maddcrn. Amelia Harris, Emma Warren, Minnie Maddcrn. and
Charlotte Graves were in the company. Laura Keene closed March
4. and was followed March 6 by Mr. and Mrs. W. Horace Lingard

296 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»7*

(Alice Dunning) in "A Silent Prntrijfnr." Mr. Lingard gave a
number of his sketches, and " Davi J Garrick " finished the en-
tertainment. George C. Boniface was the Garrick. " Pluto, or
the Magic Lyre," was seen April 3, with Alice Dunning as Orpheus,
Lingard as Pluto, Dickie Lingard as Aristanis, and L. Terry (her
first appearance in America) as Queen Prospero. Geo. Clarke
was the next manager of the house. He produced Qe^Leon's
" Plufik." April 17, with Mark Bates, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. C BonTtSW;
Sol Smith, Thos. E. Morris, lone Hurke, Lillic Kldridgc, and Harry
Eytinge in the company. "-Rank." came May 9, 1871, with Lina
Edwin as Doc. Maynard, Edwin Wyndham, E. F. Taylor, Chas.
Hale, T. P. Cooke, Emma Gcrmainc, Kate Mclnottc, and Lucy
Pierce were also in the cast. The season closed June 3.

July 10 the house was reopened by the Berger Family of Bell-
ringers, and their season closed July 29. On July 3 1 Kelly & Leon
began a minstrel season, which closed on Sept. 30. Oct. 9 the Marie
Aimec Opera Bouffe company appeared in " La Perichole." Oct.
23 a benefit for the victims of the Point Pitre fires was given. The
next production was " Flcur de The," made popular in English as
"The Pearl of Pckin." The season closed Feb. 3, 1872. Lina
Edwin died in Melbourne, Australia, in June, 1883. She was
stricken with paralysis on March 26 of that year. She gradually
improved until May 31, when she was again stricken by the same
disease, became insensible, and died soon after. She went to
Australia with her husband, Bland Holt. Harry Beckett came to
this country with the original I.ydta Thompson Burlesque company.
He died in Ixmdon, Eng., Oct. 22, 1880. Aggie Wood died in
St. Luke's Hospital, this city, July 17, 1881. Myron Winslow
Lcffingwcll died in this city June 10, 1879. His last appearance in
New York was Jan. 4, 1879, as Sergt. Lacroix in "The Double
Marriage" at the Lyceum (now Fourteenth Street) Theatre, with
Kate Clax ton's company, and his last appearance on any stage
was in the above-mentioned character at Hooley's Theatre,
Chicago.

Albert W. Aiken commenced a season March 11, which proved
a dire failure and closed March 23. April 1 Henry Greenwall com-
menced a dramatic season, after renovating the premises and making
much needed alterations, but it also proved a failure and closed May
II. Albert Aiken died in Brooklyn, Sept. 4, 1894. The Georgia
Minstrels (colored) made a venture June 10, which, not proving
profitable, they closed July 6. Emerson's California Minstrels,
under the management of Thomas Maguire and Billy Emerson,
began a season Sept. 2, which bade fair to prove successful, as the
company was good, and made an excellent impression at their
opening; but after a few weeks the attendance fell off, and they
closed their season on Nov. t6. •

■ 8.0]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

297

Nov. 25 Kelly & Leon again tempted fortune, and their season
was terminated by the building being entirely destroyed by fire
on the morning 01 Nov. 28, 1872. The writer of this was a heavy
loser by the fire. I occupied one of the three-storied dwellings in
the front part of the theatre, the upper portion as a dwelling and
the first floor as a dramatic agency. A benefit was given me by
Josh Hart, manager of the Theatre Comique which took place at
the Academy of Music, Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 10, under the
auspices of Max Maretzek and Josh Hart. The receipts amounted
to £1,182.50, every dollar of which was handed to me by Josh Hart,
he having in the most generous manner paid for the printing, ad-
vertising, and bill-posting, refusing to retain one dollar of the
receipts. The directors of the Academy tendered the house free
of expense, and all the ladies and gentlemen volunteered their
services.

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

ONE of the most popular of New York's playhouses in its day
was The Chatham Theatre, situated on the East side of
Chatham Street, between Roosevelt and James streets. It was
projected by Thomas Flynn and Henry Willard, who opened it
Sept. 11, 1839, with Flynn as manager. The opening play was
"A New Way to Pay Old Debts," with J. R. Scott as Sir Giles
Overreach and Mrs. Thomas Flynn as Margaret Overreach. The
farce was "Family Jars." In the company were Mrs. C. R.
Thornc, Emily Mcstaycr. Mrs. Judah, Mrs. Blake, J. Hudson,
Kirby, C. R. Thome, Stevens, and C. Mcstaycr. Kirby was a
tragedian whose strong point was his dying scenes. This gave
rise to the saying of the gallery gods, who often slept through the
tame portions of the play: "Wake me up when Kirby dies." On
Nov. 2i "The Happy Man " was played for the first time in Amer-
ica. The first season was rather eventful, though by no means
prosperous to its managers. Numerous comedies and standard
plays were produced, and J. R. Scott, J. II. Booth, James Ander-
son, William Rufus Blake, Mile. Celeste, and other popular actors
played engagements here. In January, 1840, the theatre was
closed, owing to differences between the two managers. Charles
R. Thome bought Mr. Willard's interest in the house, and, in
conjunction with Mr. Flynn (February, (840), managed it for two
weeks to a losing business, when Mr. Flynn, fearing a continued
loss, sold his interest to Mr. Thornc for $500. The latter gentle-
man kept the house open for four years with success. Such stars
as the elder Booth, T. D. Rice, John Scfton, M. and Mmc. Lc
Comptc, Mmc. Celeste, John R. Scott, Henry Wallack, Mary
Duff, James S. -Browne, Bill Williams, Henry Placidc, Edwin

298 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«4»

Forrest, Josephine Clifton, and others appeared. At the expiration
Of his four years' lease Thome sold out to his stage manager, Mr.
Stevens, and A. W. Jackson.

Fch. 13, 1840, a jig-dancing contest between the original John
Diamond and Dick Pelham occurred. The stakes were $500 a side.
Diamond was declared winner. Mme. Celeste made her first ap-
pearance here May 1. William Henry Sedley Smith first appeared
Nov. 3, acting Edgar to the King I-car of Junius Brutus Booth,
who commenced a star engagement Nov. 2, and ended it Nov. 13.
During this engagement Mr. Smith played Laertes, Gratiano, Marc
Antony, and other parts. Mr. Smith reappeared in this city May
6, 1865, at the Winter Garden Theatre as David Deans in "Jennie
Deans ; " his last appearance in this city, was for the benefit ol Ms
daughter, Mrs. Sedley Brown, now known as Mrs. Sol Smith.
He died at San Francisco, Cal., Jan. 17, 1872, in the sixty-sixth
year of his age. Mrs. Smith was formerly Sallie Riddle, one of
the best and most popular soubrcttcs upon the American stage.
In 1858 she was at Burton's Chambers Street Theatre, this city,
and was a favorite with the audiences. She took her farewell of
the stage at the Howard Athenaeum, Boston, Mass., Feb. 9, 1861,
as Dully Lovechild in "The Christening." She died in this city
Sept. 26, 1861. Mr. Smith was a successful stage manager, hav-
ing filled that positional the Boston Museum and at the California
Theatre, under Barrett & McCullough's management. His Sir
Oliver Surface was a most charming performance, as was his Old
Dornton. He possessed a stately figure, a clear, ringing voice, and
one of the merriest laughs I ever heard.

For the season of 1841-42 Mr. Thome secured the following
company: H. Stevens, stage manager; J. R. Scott, Hudson Kirby,
Hall, Goodenow, Parker, C. Mestayer, L. Mestayer, Fitzgerald,
Cline. Blake. Mason, James Bernard, Mrs. Thorne, Judah, Blake,
Miss Mestayer, Clemence, and Flynn. ".London Assurance" was
hiced May 9, with William Hield as Dazzle; Emily Mestayer,
Grace; Mrs. William R. Blake. Lady Gay; Louis J. Mestayer,
Dolly Spanker; and Lambert, Sir Harcourt. Mr. Hield died at
Hartford, Ct., June 6, 1877, after a serious illness of seven years,
and a virtual retirement of over twenty-five years. He was the
original Alfred Evelyn in " Money," in this city, the original
representative in this city of Michael in "The Surgeon of Paris."
and the original Marteau in " The Carpenter ol Kouen.'1 HThad
been on the American stage thirty-four years.

Edwin Forrest began an engagement here May 16, 1842, as
Othello, with Emily Mestayer as Desdemona. John Scott, Hield,
and Kirby were also in the cast. On May 22 Forrest played
"Richelieu" and "William Tell." For his benefit and last ap-
pearance, on May 30, he appeared as Claude Melnotte in "The

.«*•■!

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

299

Lady of Lyons" and as Rolla in "Piiarro." Josephine Clifton
volunteered, and played Pauline.

Adelaide Phillips first acted in this city here Feb. 1, 1843.
Joshua S. Silsbcc first appeared in this city June 10, 1843, at
this house, as Lot Sapsago. He was a clever impersonator of
Yankee characters. While in London, England, "Our American
Cousin " was written for him by Tom Taylor, but he never acted
in it. Mr. Silsbee married Mrs. Trowbridge, who was afterwards
known as Mrs. William A. Chapman. She died at But Canaan,
Ct., Aug. 23, 1879. Mr- Silsbee died in California Dec. 22, 1855,
and his widow sold "Our American Cousin" to Wm. Wheat ley
and John Drew. As the contemporary of Dan Marble and Yankee
Hill; as the man who introduced the Yankee character to the
English people, and who for several seasons was the London
favorite; as the man who had travelled throughout the length and

i'lth of the land, and caused as much hearty laughter, and
driven more dull care away than any other, he will long be remem-
bered. I can almost, now, while I write, see him walking upon
the stage and asking, "Has anybody seen anything of a bar'l o'
apple sass?" His ever)' action was provocative of mirth, and his
jokes were laden with health and happiness. Mr. Silsbce's re-
mains were carried to Ycrba Hucna Park Cemetery, San Francisco.

ie one had a marble tombstone erected to mark his last resting
place, on which is the following:

"JOSHUA SILSBEE,
Died Dee. 23, 1855.
Aged 42.

The soul of origin divine,

Cod's glorious image freed from clay,
In Heaven's eternal *pherc ahali shirtc

A star of day."

R. F. Greeley, author of "Mysteries of Paris," took a benefit
luir Dec. 8, 1843, and the programme was "Crime and Repent-
ance," with George Jamison. H. P. Grattan. D. C. Ander
CEccscbrough, Hall, Scott, Williams, Mrs. Preston, and Fanny
Herring in the cast.

April 8, 1845, Hen De Har was made stage manager; subse-
quently he and William S. Dcvcrna, became joint lessees. Ann
Duff Waring made her first appearance in this city under the name
of Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr., April 28, 1845, as Pauline, to her hus-
band's Claude Melnotte. Aug. 31, 1S46. was produced, for the
first time in America, "The Bride's Journey." afterwards known
as "The Seven Escapes of Adelaide of Dresden." Ben De Bar
played Karl. He retired from the management Oct. 5. Deverna

3<X> A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i<«i

was killed by a fall from a balcony-box of the theatre. This was
his bedroom also, at times, and, hating just returned from the
races, he groped his way at midnight to the fatal box. Fancying
that be was drawing himself into bed he pulled himself out by the
iron scrollwork in front, which resembled the camp-bedstead in
which he slept, and, striking a chandelier, fell on the stage.
There, in the absence of the watchman, he lay with a broken spine,
until death relieved him.

Charles Robert Thome made his first appearance on the stage
in June, 1830, when only seventeen years of age, at the old Park
Theatre, as Octavian in "The Mountaineers." He was juvenile
man at Richmond, Va., during the season of 1833, at eighteen
dollars per week. He next appeared at the Old Bowery, under T.
S. Hamblin's management, as the Prince of Siam in "The Ele-
phant of Siam." Leaving there he leased the old Chatham
Garden Theatre in conjunction with M, S. Phillips, and it was
about that time he married Maria Ann Mestayer. She retired
from the stage April 12, 1864. His next venture was at the
National Theatre, Leonard and Church streets. He next went to
Rio Janeiro, South America. Early in 1849 he sailed for Cali-
fornia, arriving there July 12, 1850, on his return home. Mrs.
Thome was the first white woman ever seen in many of the towns in
Central America. Mr. Thornc and his wife both played "The
Juveniles "at the Richmond Hill Theatre. Shortly after that he
organized a small dramatic company to travel up the Eric Canal,
consisting of Frank Fremont (brother of John C. Fremont "The
Pathfinder"), Joseph Proctor, William Graham, Dan Marble.
John James, Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Thome, Miss Celeste, Miss
Glass, and others. Dan Marble was the comedian and the bill-
poster for the show. Shortly after this, with a company, Thornc
visited Nicaragua and gave the first show ever witnessed on the
banks of the Chagrcs River, and all the company's travelling was
done on mules. On Thome's return to New York he became
manager of the Astor Place Opera House. He went to Australia
in the summer of 1854, and played in England with his wife in
September, 1858. On Sept. 18, 1883, Mr. Thome was married in
San Francisco, Cal., to Mrs. James Starke. He died in that city
Dec. 13, 1893, aged seventy . years. His last appearance on the
stage was in that city at the Baldwin Theatre in 1879, as tnc Cor-
poral in " Old Guard. " His remains were interred in the Masonic
Cemetery.

J. Fletcher then became the next proprietor, with Wm. Hield as
stage manager. Brougham's bjniesouc, "Mctamora," was acted
with Brougham as Mctamora, Mrs. Brougham as lapiokee. Miss
Hildreth as Oceana, Edwin Varrey as Old Tar, and J. Herbert as
Paddy Vaughn. Previous to the burlesque Brougham's "Living

•«47J

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

301

Pictures, or Physiological Experiments," was done, with Broug-
ham as Bob Plastic. The afterpiece was "Agnes De Vere." Mrs.
Wilkinson (Charlotte Crampton) enacted the title rdle.

Fanny Herring made her debut here Oct. 21. Elder G. G.
Addams appeared in November, 1847, as Richard III., and played
a round of characters. He was author, lecturer, poet, actor, and
had been a Mormon preacher. On Dec. 11, 1847, an interlude
rather beyond that set down on the bills took place between the
pieces. Being called before the curtain, Mr. Addams appeared
and made the following characteristic speech:

"Believe me, I thr.nk you for your kindness, and for the manner
in which you were pleased to receive my personation of dramatic
character. I confess I am a novice in the business, and have never
received any instruction to become an actor. The press has been
very hard upon mc, for what reason I don't know. I am aware I
do not possess the qualities of a Booth or Forrest. I know I am
inadequate to the task — I am nervous ; but there is one thing which
frets me: it is the manner in which I have been treated by the
press, and particularly The Herald, Whoever the writer of the
article may be, he said I ' ought to be rode on a rail. ' There are
many contemptible people connected with the press, people who
come here — aye, and don't pay their quarter neither; and I sup-
pose it was one of these who wrote the contemptible article. Some
of the most eloquent men and greatest geniuses of the age arc
actors; and, for my own part, I can't sec why a man may not be
an actor, and at the same time a good Christian."

The reverend actor made his bow, and was heartily cheered by
the boys. Addams died in Boston, Mass., October 12, 1853.

In 1847 the business of this theatre was so bad that it was con-
verted into a circus for a while, but, prospects brightening, it was
reopened with a drama again. "The Black Mantle," "The Model
Artists," and "The Roll of the Drum " were given. Among Mr.
Thome's actors was J. H. Kirby. So successful was he in " The
Carpenter of Rouen" that Thorne increased bia salary to twenty
dollars a week, The prices xA Mfeaiaiod to the theatre in those
days were: To the boxes, twenty-five cents; to the pit, a shilling;
and to the gallery, a sixpence. Kirby was of medium height, of
slight build, with complexion and hair rather dark. His chief
charm was his voice, which was melodious, strong, ringing and
clear as a bell. Even on noisy nights, such as Christmas, New
Year's, and the Fourth of July, when the audience used to talk,
shout, and scream so that the actors went through their parts in
dumb show, Kirby's voice would often ring out above all the din.
His greatest successes were in melodramas such as "Six Decrees
of Crime" -the old-fashioned "blood ;uui thunder style. 55
which the curtain did not drop until one o'clock in the morning,

302 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D*»

except on Saturday nights- He died in 1848, aged thirty-eight
years. Early excesses had told upon a naturally fine constitution.

A [>opular actress was Mrs. Sophia La Forrest, formerly Sophia
Eberle, the sister of Mrs. F. \V. (Eliza) Kent. She was consid-
ered one of the most beautiful women on the stage. She died at
the Forrest Home April 9, 1888, aged seventy-seven.

Frank S. Chanfrau and W. Olgivie Ewcn (husband of Mary
Taylor) leased this house and opened it Feb. 28, 1848. Frank
Chanfrau was manager, Mr. Ewen being the moneyed man and
silent partner. It was now known as "Chanfrau's National The-
atre." Harry Grattan's adaptation of Ned Runtline's " Mysteries
and Mjsenes of New York " was produced Sept. 4, with Chanfrau
as Mose. Tnere™^f8ryfwo I. ires — Emily Mcstaycr and Mrs.
McLean. Oct. 9 a burlesque extravaganza called " Mr. McGrccdv "
(Mac ready) was presented. Chanfrau played the quadruple role
of Hamlet, Mose, CapL Cuttle, and Jimmy Twitchcr. William B.
Chapman's " Mjjgc in Californ ia " was produced Feb 12, 1849, an^
had a two weeks7 run. Lester Wallack had acted "Don Qesar
dc Bazan" July 17, 1848.

"-New York A* '*_ '* " bY Ben -A. Baker, was first produced
March \f. It was similar to "A Glance at New York," but Mr.
Baker had introduced new characters. Charles Burke was stage
hi inagcr. Chanfrau, who was at that time playing an engagement
at the Olympic, appeared nightly at both houses as Mose. This
play had a run of fifty-seven nights. During a portion of this
double run of " Mose ' Mr. Chanfrau even added Newark, N. J.,
to his list, and for one whole week did he each night play this
popular rdle in two New York theatres and in Newark. He used
to drive the nine miles with a horse and buggy, and reach Newark
in time to close the performance.

The Oriental spectacle of " The Ifochflnter. or the Wizard of the
Mountain," was first acted May 7, 1849 On May 15 "HisFirst
Peccadillo " was acted for the first time in this theatre. WTTThap-
maTTwas Jonathan; H. O. Pardcy, Slyman; J. Herbert, Corkscrew;
W. Chapman, lonadab; E. L. Tilton, Furbish; Ben Yates, Cab-
man; Mrs. Isherwoocl, Rosanna; and Mrs. Chapman, Clara. Jef-
ferson first appeared in New York May 17, 1849, at this theatre,
acting Little Pickle in "The Spoiled Child."

Thomas Flynn died in this city of cholera June 23, 1849 He
was successively the originator of the old National, Olympic, and
this theatre. He was brought to this country from England by Wil-
liam Mitchell, and was one of J. B. Booth's most intimate friends.
He was successful as actor and manager, and, until he embraced
Bacchus and "threw a pearl away richer than all his tribe,"
his prospects were most hopeful, for he stood at the head of his
profession as a comedian, and was highly regarded, and exercised

lSy>]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

3°3

great influence among its members. In later years, however,
domestic misfortunes led him to intemperance and idleness, which
ly regenerated into complete helplessness and destitution.
The season closed Aug. 25, and reopened Sept. io, 1849, with
Chanfrau as lessee. Mrs. F. B. Conway, afterward manager of
the Park and Brooklyn theatres, made her debut on the stage here
Dec. 6, 1849. She was known as Sarah Crocker. Chanfrau
appeared here Feb. 18, 1850, as Claude Mclnotte and Mosc. He
continued playing at intervals until April 13, when he retired
from the management of the house Harry Watkins made his
first appearance in New York, as an actor, at this house, June 14,
1850, in "The Drunkard. " then played for the first time. The
cast was :

Edward Middlcton . . H. Watkins
Artlen Kencelaw . . . . C. Venna

Farmer Gates I. Herbert

Mr*. Wilsoo Miss Smith

Mis* Spindle .... Mr*. Henry

Julia . .
bill Dowton
Cribbs .
Mary . . .

Miss J.ockyer

. Joe Jefferson

C. W. Taylor

Mrs. C. E. Muzzy

On June 24 Chanfrau appeared in ".Mo.se in China," which was
still another of the Mose series, and ot which gen "Baker was the
author. It ran until July 6, when the Chatham's season closed.

A. H. Purely assumed control of this house July 8. 1850, when
Mrs. H. P. Grattan, appeared as Amelia in "Wild Oats." II 1
first appearance here was Sept. 7, 184a She was the original in
this city, and at this house, of Madclon in " T_he__Carpenter of
Rouen," Nov. 16, 1840, with J. Hudson Kirby as Marteau. Mrs.
G"raTTan, then Mrs. Madison, was a most useful member of the
company. She was excellent in tragedy or comedy, and service-
able as a vocalist. She reappeared at this theatre April 3, 1843, as
Mrs. Fitzsmith in "Tpt» Ijd,;**^ Club." Her last appearance on
the stage was at the Union Ceague Theatre, this city, Oct. 10,
1876, as Prudence, in "Camille," on the occasion of the debut of
Adelaide Cheric as Camille. She died in this city Dec. 14, 1876.
" Mu: New York Fireman " was first acted hew lull 9Q. 18CO1

The next season "commenced Sept. 9, with F. S. Chanfrau as
Richelieu. On Sept. 27, 1850, Edwin Booth made his first
"announced" appearance on any stage at this theatre as Wilfred,
to his father. Sir Edward Mortimer, in "The Iron Chest." Oct. .s,
the burlesque "The Forty Thieves" was first played here

by Mrs. Charles Mcstaycr (afterwards Mrs. Barney Williams).

Joseph Proctor was seen here Oct. 14, for the benefit of the
Campanalogian Swiss Bell-ringers. On Oct. 19" The Six Degrees
of Crime " was given, with Harry Watkins as Julio Dormily, ami
EmiIy~Mcstaycr as Louise, followed by an olio introducing the
Campanalogians, and concluding with " Ihe-Carpcntcr of Rouen."

304 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»y»

Joseph Proctor as Martcau. " Moae " was acted by Chanfrau Oct.
21. This was Chanfrau's last season at this house. Mr. and Mrs.
Harney Williams began an engagement Nov. 4, playing four pieces;
on Nov. 7, "Our Gal/' "Paddy the Piper," "The Bashful Irish-
man," and " Sudden Thoughts. " Harry Watkins played George
Impulse, and Jos. Jefferson was Jack Cabbage. On Nov. 18 Charles
Burke opened with "The Cockney in China," Burke as Ben Bow-
belles, ami "Tin- People'* Lawyer," Burke as Solon Shingle, and
H. Watkins as Howard. " HIack Eyed Susan " was the afterpiece,
II. Watkins as William, and Kmily Mcstaycr as Susan.

George L. Fox first appeared in New York at this house Nov.
25, 1850, as Christopher Strap in "A_ Pleasant Neighbor," and on
the following night as Tobias Shortcut in "The Spitfire." Occu-
pying a central position on both nights, and for many nights there-
after, was the spectacle of " The _Magic Well, or the Fairy of
the Desert " and in that Mr. Fox played Giles Washbud,
Quickset's Yorkshire servant. This " Magic Well " was the
then eighteen-year-old drama known as "The Demon of the
Desert." Fox was billed first as Lafayette, afterwards as L. Fox,
next as G. W., and finally as G. L. Fox. A. H. Purdy con-
tinued as manager, and James Anderson was stage manager.
Mr. Fox succeeded Joseph Jefferson, who, with Charles Burke,
had gone to the Brooklyn Museum. During this season Mr. and
Mrs. Barney Williams played a star engagement in Irish parts
and Yankee caricatures.

In November, 1850, Mr. Purdy offered a prize of £1,000 for the
best American drama. The prize was won by the three-act deal
entitled " Nature's tyohlcm \n the Mechanic, or the Ship Car-
;.(-nni of \vw York, and Errv Watkins was the authm. His
prize play was produced L

Herman Grey . . . . H. Watkins
Old Job Ironsides . . -John Ellsler
Alex Jerrold .... John L* Favor
Julia Hartley . . . Kmily Mcstayer

Nelly Sarah Crocker

Martha .... Miss Hautonville

850, with this cast:

Timothy Tippler . . . . C. L. Fox

June Joseph Dunn

Whistling Jakes . . . John Herbert

Ike Ceo. Thompson

Jim Harry Seymour

This was the first hit John Ellsler made in New York. He was
too quiet an actor for the Eastsiders, but the character of Job
Ironsides just fitted him. Timothy Tippler was also George L.
Fox's first success here. The John Herbert who played Whist-
ling Jakes was that clever actor familiarly known as "Pot Pie"
Herbert. His son George, the well-known stage -manager, died
in Horncllsvillc, N. Y., April 15, 1901, sixty-three years of age.

J. II. Pardcy has been credited with the authorship of this play,

but erroneously. Three days after " Nature's Nobleman " was

1 produced. J. II. Pardcy received permission from harry Watkins

««$0

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

3°5

to use_jhal_LitlcJor a play he had written. However cautious a
writer of history or biography may be, it seems impossible to avoid
mistakes. Joseph N. Ireland, in his " Records of the New York
Stage," accredits the authorship of the drama to J. Hi_ Pardey.
MtTWjtkins, under date of October 27, 1880, wrote to Mr. Ireland,
complaining of this, and received the following reply :

Harry Watkins : Dear Sir, Your letter is before me. I sincerely regret the
error in mv " Stage Records," to which you refer, and cannot explain the cause
of It, as I 6nd, on turning to my manuscript catalogue of plays, your name
attached to It as author. How Mr.' Pardey 's became substituted 1 am unable to
divine. Joseph N. Ireland.

The pantomime of " Ibx Gpldcn Axe" was produced Dec. 24.
Fox played the Farmer, and Thompson was the Caleb. George
E. (" Yankee"') Locke appeared Feb. 10, 1851, as Solomon Swap
in "Jonatham in England." On Feb. 3, 1851, Fox first appeared
in burlesque — " Pizarabos, or Who Shot Rollabus ? " thus cast :

Rollabus L. Fox

Nohika Attaliba . ... J. Herbert
TaffiHoka-Ma . . Emily Mestayer

Davilla C Whyul

Slg. Val Vcrda . . . Frank Drew
Alonxo de Moltro ... J. Murray

High Vocalist . . ■ Joseph Dunn

Ono-O-Rlno J. Addams

Pltarabos C W. Taylor

Fibbctto T. Cline

Nelly Virel . . Mrs. H. P. Grattan

J. B. Booth was to have appeared in " King Lear" March 31, but
he was so " overcome " that he was not in a condition to act, and
the night had been set apart for his benefit. At a moment's notice
Edwin Booth went on and played Richard for the first time, John
R. Scott us Richmond. No announcement of the change was
made to the audience, and Edwin Booth is said to have been very
successful in the part. " All That Glitters is not Gold " followed,
with this cast :

Jasper Plum . . - . C. W. Taylor
Stephen Plum .... H. Watkins

Frederick Plum Stafford

Toby Twinkle Fox

Martha Gibbs . . Emily Mestayer
Lady Valeria . . Mrs. H. P. Grattan
Lady Leatherbridge Mrs. HautonvtUe

April 1. J. B. Booth reappeared as " Richard III.," H. Watkins
as Richmond ; Emily Mestayer, Lady Anne ; Mrs. H. P. Grattan,
Queen Elizabeth ; April 3, " Macbeth " with Booth as the Thane of
Cawdor, Harry Watkins as Macduff ; First Singing Witch, Emily
Mestayer ; Lady Macbeth, Miss Hathaway.

On June 17 Harry Watkins produced for his benefit Payne's
" BryJUA," with this cast :

306 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1851

. I. R. Scott
J. L. Brandon

Lucius Junius Brutus
Srxtus Tarquin

Colatinus . J. Cook

Valerius C. W. Tavlor

Horatiua R. Marsh

Tarquinia .... Sarah Crocker

I.ucrctia Mary Charles

Priestess .... Mrs. Hautonville

Titus Harry Watkins

Aran* Frank Drew

Followed by the farce " My Precious Betsey " :

Bobtail J. Jefferson

Langford Stafford

Mrs. Wagtail . . Mrs. Frank Drew
Nancy Mary Charles

Wagtail Herbert

Shop Hoy R. Marsh

Mrs. Bobtail . . . Sarah Crocker
Nurse Mrs. Bennett

Malvin A. Pray danced between the plays. The bill concluded with
Watkins' local drama. " Heart of the World, or Life's Struggles
in a Great CityT* cast thus :

Oscar Melville . . . . H. Watkins

Hardman Thompson

Caleb C. W. Taylor

Will Chancit .... Geo. L. Fox

Servant T. Cllne

Delia White .... Sarah Crocker

Widow White
Ernest Traeman
Alfred Somen .
Mickey Wallop .
Helen Hardman
Jane Tastic ■ .

Mrs. Hautonville
. . J. Le Favor
J. L. Brandon
. . Frank Drew
. . Mrs- Howard
Mrs. Frank Drew

John R. Scott died April 4, 1856, of apoplexy, in Philadelphia.
The last time he acted was at the City Museum, in that city, Jan.
22, 1856. He commenced Jan. 21, as Damon. He was so feeble
that he could scarcely finish his part. He was to appear Jan. 22
as Rob Roy and Michael in "The Adopted Child." He man-
aged with great difficulty to play "Rob Roy," but in "The
Adopted Child" it was impossible for him to appear, and
"Used Up" was substituted. On Feb. 28, 1856, he was cast
for Othello, in Hield's lago, at Sanford'a Open HoilM, Hdl-
adelphia, for Paul Bcrger's benefit. He dressed for the part, but
was taken ill and was unable to play. He appeared before the cur-
tain and made an apology to the audience. He was removed to
the Western Hotel, thence to Mrs. Delaney's house, where he
died. He was buried April 7 in St. Peter's churchyard, at Third
and Pine streets. S. S. Sanford's band performed dirges all the
way from his residence to the cemetery. The band took the lead
of the funeral procession, the Actors' Order of Friendship came
next, and Sanford's company followed. Scott's first appearance in
New York was July 2, 1829, as Malcolm to J. B. Booth's Macbeth,
at the Park Theatre for the benefit of M r. Booth. He next appeared
in Boston, at th in "Speed the Plough. '> He

had but ten , having a message to deliver to Sir

Abel Handy Mashed all to pieces; " which he deliv-

ered, " Smashed He was not permitted to

speak on nths, being placed among the

mutej afterwards became one of the great-

««5»]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

3°7

est favorites seen at the Old Bowery, also at this house. There are
few instances, perhaps, of an actor rising so rapidly as did Mr.
Scott. In a very short time he enjoyed a reputation throughout
the country which others had been vainly struggling for years to
obtain. No one was a greater favorite than he, and it must have
been a source of pride to him to know that he owed his success
mainly to himself. He began in parts which had little to recom-
mend them save the excellence of his playing, and in that way
attracted attention and admiration.

On Feb. 9, 1852, J. B. Booth, Sr., reappeared in "Othello,"
playing Iago; N. B. Clarke, Othello; Arnold, Cassio; C. W.
Taylor, Brabantio; Walsh, Montano; Mrs. H. T. Nichols, Des-
demona; and Miss Hathaway, Emilia. W. G. Jones appeared on
this date, in "Yankee Jack, or the Buccaneer of the Gulf." It
was a dramatization by Jamcja Pilgrim, made expressly for this
theatre.

Eaton Stone, probably the most daring and graceful barebacked
equestrian this country has ever seen, began a six nights' engagement
here late in the season. As Hamblin, who was managing the
Bowery Theatre on the opposite side of the street, refused the loan
of his ring, Chanfrau engaged one hundred men, and with teams
hauled cartloads of clay from Harlem, and built a clay ring on the
stage. For six nights the old National was densely crowded to
see Eaton Stone's riding. In 1852 he went to Europe, and at
Drury Lane Theatre, London, England, attracted crowded audi-
ences. Mr. Stone was born in 1818, and looks to-day as hale and
hearty as he did twenty years ago. He has been retired from the
profession for years, living on a farm of his own at Franklin,
Essex County, N. J.

"SjteetUps, or the Magic Deer," by James Pilgrim, was pro-
duced March"~2: W. G. Jofies took a benefit March 5, 1852,
when Mrs- W. G. Jones made her first appearance before a New
York audience. The programme presented was " Evil Eye " and
" Ben the Boatswain. " This was the cast of the latter play :

Ben Bowling . . . . W. G. Tones

Capt. Acton Bridshaw

Dionyslut L. Fox

Andrew Stokes - . - John Herbert

Ruffian Barry

Binnacle Toulmin

Constable Morrison

Dame O.itficld ■ • Mrs. Hautonviile
Edwin Gage - - Mrs. W. G. Jones

Wllford C. W. Taylor

Mark N. B. Clarke

Hans H. Seymour

There was also given "The New York Fireman," \V. G. Jones
as Frederick Jerome, and " Land Sharks and Sea Gulls," in which
Mrs. Jones played Polly.

On April 5, 1852, ,fThe Carpenter of Rouen" was given, and
thus cast :

308 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»s»

Martean W. G. Jones | Perot Wm. Frederick*

Duke N. B. Ctarke Madeloo . . . . Mrs. H. F. Nichols

I Marvine Stafford | Mme. Grander . . Mrs. Hauioorillc

Magistrate J. Cooke | Agnes Mrs. Barnett

It was followed by a sailor's hornpipe, executed by Ben Yate>
and Mary Charles, and "The Miller's Maid" and the farce "Cross-
ing the Line " concluded the generous bill. "Wallace," "The
Miller's Maid," and the farce of "The Spitfire" were done April 6.
A. H. Purdy, having secured an extended lease of this theatre
for six years, closed the house the week of April 12 for alterations
and improvements, and reopened April 19, with .Toulmin's new
drama, "Outntii ys, or the Blacksmith of Antwerp, with

this cast:

Steinhart
Raprecht
Agnes.

W. S. Fredericks

. . R. C. Marsh

Mrs.H. F.Nichols

Blanche . .
Frank Mens

Mrs. W. G. Jonc*
. . N. B. Clarke

"Rebels and Tories, or the Shoemaker »i New York in 1774.'*
and the farce of "The Ragged School" were also acted April
30, "Crossing the Line," "Carrier and His Dogs," with K.
B Ian chard and his dog Hester in the cast, and "The Blacksmith of
Antwerp." Mrs. Frank Drew acted Blanche. On May 3 was

£ reduced an original, whimsical, opcratical, fairy spectacle by C.
/.Taylor, called " SjjamaBdcr, the Dragon Slayer.* J. B. Booth"
was announced to appear May 1 1, but he was too " indisposed " to
appear. The programme of May 19 published the following: "The
engagement of Mr. Booth has been discontinued, to prevent further
disappointments to the audience." W. G. Jones put in an appear-
ance as Nathan in "The Warlock of the Glen." The burlesque
of "The Corsican Brothers," by C. W. Taylor, entitled " The
Coarse Hair'd Brothers," was acted here with this cast:

Faby de Franky ) , Fa_

Lewy de Franky J • • • • L. r ox
Chevalier de dero Hard . . F. Drew

Baron de Gridiron Hawkc

Mons de Mainyard . . . Stafford

Marquis de Mumnhead . . . Siple

Sniffe John Herbert

Emma Lee .... Mrs. F. Drew
Widow Muttoneillia . Mrs. Bannister
Sticky Pincknot . . . R. G. Marsh

' Yankee Jack, or the Buccaneer of the Gulf," was a dramatiza-
tion by James Pilgrim, and received Thtx-castr

Yankee Jack . . . . W. G- Jones

Douks My Daddy I.. Fox

Caspar John Herbert

Donna, Gertrude . Mrs. H F. Nichols

Phrcbe Mrs. Martini

Harry Goodwill . . Miss Hathaway
Don Garcia .... C. W. Taylor
Conrado N. B. Clarke

I850

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

3°9

It was during this season that Mrs. Jones became a regular
member of the company, having previously only played on special
occasions. She remained here several seasons. For eight years
she was the leading lady — 1867 to 1875 — of the Old Bowery
Theatre, and was considered one of the most reliable and con-
scientious actresses ever seen in New York. Mrs. Jones has
studied more lines than any other woman on the American stage.
She has played everything from a young midshipman to I-ady
Macbeth. During her engagement at the Bowery Theatre many a
night she has acted in three pieces, — a tragedy, drama, and a farce.
She played the flageolet in the orchestra when but a child ; was
the Duke of York to Booth's Richard; joined the Scguin Opera
Troupe, played small parts, and sang in the chorus. As Mrs. W.
G. Jones she acted Francis Osbaldistone in "Rob Roy" in the
West, in consequence of there being no gentleman in the company
who could sing. Her maiden name was Julia A. Wagstaff. In
1845 she married William G. Jones, celebrated for his acting of
sailor characters. He died in 1853, and the following year she
married J. M. Cooke, who was killed by a fall from the flies of the
Old Bowery while doing an equestrian act. In 1862 she married
Benjamin F. Dean. She has played the " opposite leads " to Junius
Brutus Booth and Edwin Booth, and originated Meg in "The
Willow Copse," C. W. Couldock being the Luke Fielding. Her
last appearance at the Old Bowery, where she had been such a
favorite, and played so many, many parts, occurred July 7, 1879.
Mrs. Jones is gifted with a commanding person, a voice powerful
and melodious, and with all the charms, both of mind and body,
that arc calculated to make an impression on mankind. Her great
natural talents have been perfected by diligent study, and she not
only knows but comprehends all the parts she undertakes. A more
versatile actress has never been seen on the stage

On May 20 " Nick of the Woods." with W. G. Jones as Bloody
Nathan. "The Coarse Hair'cl Brothers," and the drama of "The
Ragged School " formed the programme J. G. Hanley appeared
May 24 as Hemeya in "The Apostate," with W. G. Jones as Pes-
cara. "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady " was also acted, and
Wm. Henderson made his debut as Ruy Gomez. " The Greek Slave,
or the Spectre Gambler," was acted May 27, wifh"W. G. Jones
as Lorcdano; Fanny Wallack played Margaret Elmore to W. G.
Jones' Matthew Elmore in "Love's Sacrifice" June 2, and Mrs.
John Drew was the Manotte. Fanny Wallack was seen as Meg
Merrilies the same night, to the Julia Mannering of Mrs. W. G.
Jones in "Guy Mannering." June [1, "Dimon and Pythias", with
John R. Scott as Damon; W. G- Jones as Pythias; N. B. Clarke,
Dionysius; Mrs. W. G. Jones, Hermionc; and Fanny Wallack as
Calanthe. "The Wild Boy of Bohemia" was done the same night.

3IO A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C**

with E. Blanchard as the Wild Boy. Fanny Wallacks engage-
ment coded Jose IX >', fi, P^r'* drama, " Rebeb and Toqc*."
was repeated Jane 25, Edward Lamb made his first appeaiance
as a professional actor here July 8, as Martin Heywood in ■ The
Rent Day." He died at Brooklyn. N. Y., Jury 5. 1887.

Cbas. W. Couldock appeared here as a star, and acted Lake
Fielding in "The Willow Copse" July 17. He was followed by
Don Antonio Cordova, a magician, who opened July 26, and on the
same date "Kenneth," by S R Clarke, was played for the first
time, with W. G. Jones, C. W, Taylor. Redmond Ryan, Ben Yates,
and Mrs. W. G. Jones in the cast. Yankee Locke also appeared
on this night as Curtis Chunk in "The Si
Aog. 4 Locke acted Gregory Goosedown in *Tbc Yankee Foot-
man," Professor Hooey and son did some acrobatic feats, Mary
Partington and Ben Yates executed a doable fling, and " Kenneth
'was repeated. C. W. Taylor's prize temperance drama, lot wfllCh
$300 is said to have been paid, was acted for the first time Aug. o.
It was called " Adrian Grey, or the Redemption.** The cast was:

CHARACTERS IN THE APOTHEOSIS

The Genius of Te
Fairy Sylphs

Famine
Ttoft •

Murder

bcs Arwfttroog *um3
S. M. Siple
1 . Marsh
Toulmin
. Mack
Fredericks

... . Miss Barber

and S. Partington. Mrs. Mack aad Mrs. Khbjr

Faith- Mis* Savers

Hope Miss Clark

Virtue Miss C- Partington

Charity Miss Price

Mirth Miss Young

CHARACTERS IN PART FIRST. THE TEMPTED.

Adrian C
Jerry Julip
[alec EOhM

[irer, the Victim

^ [ Fast young men of the City of Philadelphia j

Mr. Jasper Godfrey
Edward Irring

C. W. Taylor

. . J.Cooke

Waller Bates" Stafford

David Gloomier .... Herbert
First Police Officer .... Carter

Mr W. G. Jones

. L. Fox

. . - Ryan

Second Officer Cline

Mr*. Godfrey . . - Mrs. Bannister
Agnes Grey . - Mrs H. F. Nichols
Clara Miss M. Charles

CHARACTERS IN PART SECOND. THE DESERTED.

Adrian Grey, a Gamester and Inebriate *#*. G.J

jak?

Edward

Walter Bates Stafford

Darld Gloomley .... Herbert

Mr. Marsdcn Toulmin

First Villager Mack

in Grey, a Gamester and Inebriate . . . W. O. Joocs

££} Wandering loafers j ; ; ; * ^Jj-

ai Irving .... J. Cooke First Police Officer .... Carter

Second Officer Cline

Agnes Grey . . Mrs. H. F. Nichols
Mrs. Jasper Godfrey . Mrs. Bannister
Clara Irving . . Miss M. Charles

■tod

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

CHARACTERS IN PART THIRD. THE RECLAIMED.

Adrian Grey, the Redeemed W. C. Jones

Edward Irving J. Cooke

Walter Bate* Stafford

Mr. Marsden Toulmin

David Gloomlcy ... Herbert

Agnes Grey Mrs. Nichols

Daring the piece, a Medley Dance by Miss Partington and Mr. Yates

Mrs. Jasper Godfrey . Mrs- Bannister

Clara Irving Miss Charles

Mary Bates Mrs. Jones

Aug. 1 6, C. W. Co ul dock reappeared for six nights. C. W.
Taylor's dramatization of " Uncle Tom's Cabin " was tirsi produced
Aug. 23, and thus cast :

Edward Wilmot . . . W. G.Jones

Uncle Tom C- W. Taylor

Burley Hammond . . . N. B. Clarke

Jasper Skcggs J. Herbert

Rory Marks Toulmin

Arthur Sedley . . . . J. M. Cooke

Joe Adams S- M. Siplr

Sam Sprlger Stafford

Bill Rawson Carter

Morna Wilmot . Mrs. H. F. Nichols
Aunt Chloe . . .Miss Thompson

Little Ariel . . - Master J. Murray

Sam Jenks R- G. Marsh

Andy Smutt ... W. S. Fredericks

Jake Javis Thos. Cliue

Seth Crank Mack

Landlord Mitchell

Crazy Mag (Topsy) Mrs. W. G. Jones
Mrs. Arthur Sedley . Mrs. Bannister

Emmeline Miss Barter

I'hillis .... Miss Armstrong

On Sept. 10 "Landsharks and Sea Gulls" was given, followed
by tight-rope evolutions by Master Jerome, wooden shoe-dance by
Leon Javclli, Highland fling by La Petite Winthcr, hornpipe by
Mary Partington and Ben Yates, and " Uncle Tom's Cabin." Sept.
13. "The Rose of Ettrick Vale." Oct. 14 "The Writing on the
Wall," the farce of ".Jifiac^olions, " introducing Louis Mestayer
as Major Wheeler, and " Thc.Youftg Widow," followed the prize
Irish drama of "Eya._or the Last King of I«cinstcr." N. B.
Clarke's Irish drama "O'Neil the Great, or the Hag's War" was
produced in February, "1853. W. G. Jones acted Donald More
O'Brien; N. B. Clarke was the Shane O'Neil, and G. L. Fox
acted Phadrig of the Glen. Feb. 19 'LQlNcil the Great " and
"Jack Sheppard" were given, with Mrs. H. F. Nichols, Jack;
and N. B. Clarke, Jonathan Wild. On May 28 two performances
were given by Donetti's troupe of acting monkeys, dogs, and goats.
Mons. Vonshingalen, "The Rotary Wonder," also appeared, and
the entertainment closed with "The Turkish Lovers." Geo. Lin-
gard, during the evening, sang " My Love is Like the Red, Red
Rose." W. G. Jones played Selim in "The Turkish Lovers," and
this was his last appearance on the stage. He died in this city
June 20. 1853, aged thirty-four years, of bronchitis, and his re-
mains were interred in Greenwood Cemetery.

312 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»S3

For the season of 1853 the company consisted of J. G. Prior, G.
L. Fox, N. B. Clarke, Siple, Toulmin, Rose, McDonnell, Lyons,
Cline, J. I.inganl, H. Stone, Diamond, Herbert, Mack, Raym
Mitchell, Smith, Master Murray; Mcsdames G. C Howard, Ban-
nister, Bradshaw; Misses Lingard, Barber, Sanders, and Cordelia
Howard. Business had been very bad for some time, and Mr.
1'urdy, who was on the verge of ruin, was about to give up the
enterprise, when Geo. L. Aiken came to him with a dramatization
of " Uncle Tom's "Cabin." George L. Fox, who played anything,
from Harlequin in pantomime to young lovers and old men,
was the stage manager, and urged the production of the piece.
It was presented for the first time July 18, 1853, and was per-
formed almost consecutively until April 19, 1854, and there-
after for three evenings a week, besides Wednesday and Saturday
afternoons until May 13. The cast was:

Uncle Tom ... G. C. (ierraon
St. Clair . . C. C. Howard

Gumption Cure ... C. K. Fox
1'hmc.is Fletcher ■ - • . G. L. Fox

Marie* J. Herbert

Tom Loker Geo. Lingard

Mr. Wilson ...... Toulmin

Elixa Mrs. W. G. Jones

Chloe Mrs. Jas. Ungard

Haly Ed. Lamb

Mrs. Shelby Rose

Eva . " . . . Cordelia Howard

Aunt Ophelia . . . Mrs. Bradshaw
Geo. Harris . . . , S. M. Siple

Lcgrce N. B. Clarke

Deacon Perry . . . Jas. W. Lingard
Emelia . . . . Miss M. Barber

Cassy Mrs. Bannister

Topsv Mrs. G. C. Howard

Geo. Shelby . . . . H. F. Stone

Shortly afterwards James W- _Lingard acted Uncle Tom ; and
J. B. Howe. St Clair. Howe had but just arrived from England,
after a voyage of forty-three days on a sailing vessel, and this was
his American debut. He sang "St. Clair to Eva." This song,
although claimed to be original with G. C Howard, was an old
English one, entitled "Can 1 K'cr Forget the Valley?"

H. F. Stone took the place of Chas. K. Fox as Cute, Mrs. J. J.
Prior succeeded Mrs. Jones as Eliza, and for one month Mrs. Mack
played Topsy, Aug. 1 5 a parquet was prepared in the theatre for
the accommodation of colored people, the front seats of which were
for females accompanied by males, and no female was admitted
without a male escort. The price was 25 cents. This parquet
had a special entrance un.Ki the first circle, and was entirely free
from the other parts of the house. On Oct. 29, an orchestra box,
extending the entire width of the theatre, adjoining the stage, and
in front of those scats for the colored auditors, capable of seating
two hundred persons, was opened. It had arm-chairs, the admis-
sion to which was 50 cents.
/-""At the matinee Dec. 5, ".Little Katy. the Hot Corn_Girl."
dramatized by C. ^JEaylor, waJAcledTor the hrsl lime. The
cast was:

m$a

THK CHATHAM THEATRE

3*3

F-ugene Scdley J. J. Prior

Missionary Jas. Lingnrd

Clinton Travere . . N. B. Clarke
Frank Brczely . .
Harry Klworth . ■

Edward Larine
I.itile Katy
Klcnor . . .
i Blake I Wild Mqc . .
Harry Stone |

. . J. B. H«c

Cordelia Howard

. Mrs. J. J. Prior

Mr*. Bannister

This drama was played Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
afternoons, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" Wednesday and Saturday
matinees and every evening. On Jan. 9, 1854, new scenery and
new characters were introduced in " Uncle Tom's Cabin." Feb.
6, "The. Gambler, or Lost and Won," was produced at the Monday
matiTiecT and repeated the following Friday afternoon. "J&Uy,
the Hot Com Girl" was acted Tuesday and Thursday matinees,
Feb. 7-9, and "Uncle Tom's Cabin" matinees 8-1 1, and the
evcnings.of the week. After March 11 the matinees of Tuesday,
Thursday, and Friday were discontinued. For the matinee
March 13, "The Six Degrees of Crime" was acted. April 17,
for the first time in America, "The Child of Prayer, or Thirst for
Gold " was presented with this cast :

Marie Little . . . Cordelia Howard

Carter J. J. Prior

Horace J. B. Howe

Louise Mrs. J. J. Prior

Barabax Nfrs. Vox

De Laicour . . . . N. B. Clarice

This drama is better known as " The Sea of Ice. " " Uncle Tom's
Cabin " was played on the Tuesday and Friday evenings, and
Wednesday and Saf.irdiy BMtilldea Until Jttly. "Tin: Sm Oi Ice"
was acted April 22. The last performance of the run of " Uncle
Tom's Cabin " took place May 13, for the benefit of Cordelia
Howard. This was its three hundred and twenty-fifth consecutive
representation.

Owing to the illness of Mrs. Howard, which happened during
the last part of the engagement, Mrs. W. G. Jones acted Topsy.

Cordelia Howard was bom at Providence, R. I., in 1848. Her
mother was the once celebrated Caroline Fox, so popular as a
child actress throughout the New F.ngland States. In 1852, her
father was manager of the Troy, N. Y., Museum, and Cordelia's
first appearance before the public was at three years of age, acting
Little Dick in "Oliver Twist," to the Oliver Twist of her mother.
Fanny Wallack was the star, and acted Nancy Sikes. The won-
derful precocity of Cordelia induced her father to have " Uncle
Tun \ Cabin " dramatized. This was Cordelia's next appearance
on The stage, and she was but four years of age. After her final
appearance at Purdy's National Theatre, she went on a starring
tour with her parents, in "Uncle Tom," visiting all the principal
cities South and West, and isngiand, Ireland, and Scotland. At
twelve she left the stage for educational pursuits, but never re-
turned to the boards again, excepting for her father's benefit at

314 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«««

Troy, N. Y. The impersonation of Eva by Cordelia was one of
the most charming and affecting specimens of the art dramatique
I ever beheld. In 1871 she was married to Mr. Macdonald, a
member of a prominent book-publishing firm at Boston, Mass.,
who died May 9, 1887, three months after the death of her father.
She has a home at Cambridge, Mass., where she resides with her
mother.

Mr. Purdy won the reputation of having made a gigantic fortune
from "Uncle Tom." but, when the run was over, it was discovered
that he had spent so much money in advertising it all over the
country, and made so many presents to Little Cordelia Howard
and others, that he was a poor man. In the entrance to the
theatre, near the box office, was a portrait of Purdy with a Bible in
one hand and a copy of Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel in the
other. Clergymen of every denomination from all parts of the
State attended the matinees, as did Henry Ward Becchcr, Dr.
Bellows, and other eminent divines. Purdy was so fascinated by
the "religious drama" that, much to the amusement of the em-
ployees, he had scriptural texts hung all about the lobby of the
theatre.

Mrs. Amelia Bannister acted Cassy during this long run of
"Uncle Tom's Cabin." She retired from the stage, and died

suddenly «t Jersey City, N. J., Nov. 15, 1873. II r maiden name
was Amelia Greene. She first appeared in this city with a com-
pany of amateurs, then acting at the City Theatre, and under the
stage direction of Mrs. Baldwin, an actress formerly of the Park.
She played I-ctitia Hardy in "The Belle's Stratagem " and Leonora
in " Lover's Quarrels" July 2, 1822. She was then known as Mrs.
Lcgg. In 1827 she acted the title role in "Adelgitha" at the
Park. She was subsequently well known for a long time as Mrs.
John Augustus Stone. In 1837, after a few years' absence from
the metropolitan stage, she reappeared as Mrs. N. H. Bannister,
having in the meantime married the author and actor of that name.
H. F. Stone (husband of Amy Stone) is her son.

The first " Uncje TonVsCabin " of which I can find any record
was written by Professor Hewett. of Baltimore, Md., and was pro-
duceJatthe Museum in that city on Jan. 5, 1852. Later in the
same year it was brought out at the old Marshall Theatre, Rich-
mond, Va. It was not a dramatization of Mrs. Stowe's novel, but
was written as an offset to that book, and was called " Uflck_Iom*s

D As It Is."

The first production in America of a dramatic version of Mrs.
Stowe's novel occurred at this theatre (Purdy's National) Aug.
*3, 1852. Its author wjjs Charles ^Western Taylor, and it was a
failure, and ran only eleven nights.

George I_ Aiken's version was first acted at the Museum, Troy,

««*4l

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

3'5

N. Y, Sept. 27, 1852. During the season of 1852-53, at Rice's
Theatre on Randolph Street, near Dearborn, Chicago, a version
of " Uncle Tom " by M.rs^ Anna Marble was produced. Cordelia
HowartT^layed Eva; GeoTc". Howard, her father, St. Clair; Mrs.
G. C. Howard (her mother), Topsy ; Mrs. Fox (her grandmother),
Aunt Ophelia; thus three generations appeared on the same
stage at the same time. Geo. L. Fox as Marks; Chas. K. Fox,
Gumption Cute; G. C. Gcrmon was Uncle Tom; Geo. L. Aiken,
George Harris, and Mrs. G. C. Gcrmon was Eliza. Geo. L.
Aiken's version had a run of one hundred nights at the Troy
Museum, and was then taken to Albany, N. Y. Conway's version
had a run for three years at the National Theatre, with twelve
performances each week, and finally eighteen, the company eating
their meals in costume behind the scenes. H. J. Conway's version
was first seen at Providence, R. I., where it was done Jan. 10,
1853, at the Museum, under W. C. Forbes' management. During
the same month and year a version by MM. Dc Wailly and Tcxicr
was performed at the Gaiety Theatre, Paris. Another version, by
MM. Dumanoir and D'Ennery. was acted at the same time at the
Ambigu Comique in that city.

ThgJjfifligfe.Aiken version was first done in Philadelphia Sept.
26, 1853, at the~C"Kesthut Street Theatre, with this cast:

Uocle Tom John Gilbert

Ceo. Harris .... Aug. Fenno
< mmption Cute . . . Jo*. Jefferson
Phineas Fletcher . . . Jos. Parker

St. Clair R. A. Shcppard

Tom Loker Walters

Lerree Mason

Haley .... A. H. Davenport
Aii Mann John Jack

Old Shelby Uhl

Geo. Shelby Brim;*

Marks John S. Clarke

SkeRX* Alien

Wilson and > ,._.,. ,

D«acon Perry { ■ William Loomn

Top*y Lizzie We* ton

Aunt Ophelia . . . Mr*. J. Gilbert

The next dramatization of "Uncle Tom" was by Clifton W.
Tayleure, produced at the DefroTfTMich., Theatre, Oct. 2, 1852,
witrrTKTs cast :

Uncle Tom .
George Harris .

Haley . . .
Sam . . . .
Shelby . . .

Lancing K. Dougherty

By the Dramatist

. . . . W Powell

... J. B. Toier

. W C. Dunnavant

Eliza Cordelia Cappoll

Eva Joxie Cappell

Mr*. Shelby . . . Mrs. S. Cappell
Topsy Mi» Jackson

In November, 1852, a version called "Slave Life.'' by Mark
Lemon and Tom Taylor was acted at the AdcTphi Theatre, London,
England.

H. I. Conway's version was produced for the first time at the
Museum. "Brjstnn, Mass. Nov. 15, 1S53. and MU entitled "Uncle
Tom's Cabin, or Life Among the Lowly." It had this 0:1s',

316 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [is*

Shelby R. Stephens

Ceo. Shelby (first act) Matilda Hart
Penetrate Partysldcs • - W. Warren
Geo- Harris . . . . E. F. Reach

Simon Legrec J- Davie*

Uncle Torn F. Whitman

Eva Helen Western

Geo. Shelby (fifth act) . . Palmer

Haley T. Joyce

St- Clair J. A. Smith

Driver John .... J. P. Price

Adolph C. H. Finn

Sam J. Adams

Loker S. Palmer

Marks D. Ralton

Wilson J. L. Munroc

Pompey Gray

Ellta Cordelia Cappefl

A version was done at the Franklin Museum, this city, Sept. 12,
1853. H. J. Conway's version was first done at Barnum's Museum
(Broadway an<TA"Tfn Street) Nov. 7, 1853, and cast thus:

Cassy Mrs. Tyrrell

Emetine Miss Parker

Little Mote .... Master Preston

Mrs. Wulf Fries

Mrs. Shelby .... Ucy Cutler
Aunty Vermont . . . Mrs. Thoman

Topsy Miss Gasslnokie

Mrs. St Clair . . . Mmc. Rodlnski

Cassy Mrs. Vincent

Aunt Chloc .... Isabella Preston

Little Polly Annie Clarke

Mammy "... Miss Fredericks
Rose Louise Culler

eat May Preston
arle St. Clair Mrs. Joseph Jefferson

Chloc Mr*. Cappell

Eva Louisa Parker

Shelby .... Sylvester Bleecker
Geo. Shelby (first act) Sallie Bishop
Geo. Shelby (fifth act) Geo. C. Charles

Tom Lokcr Mr. Charles

Little Mose Mis* Smith

Peter Martin Smith

Uncle Tom J. L. Munroe

Driver John .... F. L. Munroc

Sam Thompson

Leifrce H. F. Daly

Penetrate Partysides Thos. Hadaway
PomMV .... W. Cunningham

St. Clair C W. Clarke

Eliza Emily Mcstaycr

Aunt Vermont . . Rowcna Granicc

Topsy .... Mary Ann Charles

Dinah Mrs. Burroughs

Kose Miss Flynn

Manning Mi** Brown

Lotty Mi*» Wilson

Haley Wentworth

Sambo G. Clarke

Adolph A. Andrews

Marks - . . Harry Cunningham
Mr*. Shelby . . . Mrs. J. L. Munroe

(leo. Harris Howard

Aunt Chloc .... Mrs. Burroughs

Eva MissChlarini

Cassy Mrs. Bellamy

' At the Old Bowery Theatre Henry
(acted Jan. 16, 1854.

Stevens' version was first

Uncle Tom T. D. Rice

Geo. Harris . . . . R. Johnston

Van Krout Sam Glenn

Driver John .... John Winans
St, Clair Jas. C. Don

Eva Caroline Whitlock

Eliza .... Caroline Woodward

Shelby Thos. Hamblln

Cassy Mrs. Howard

It was revived at the Old Bowery Jan. 24, 1876, with Mr. and
Mrs. G. C. Howard in the cast. On May 22 of the same year, it
was produced at the Park Theatre (Broadway and Twenty-second
Street), with George Kunkcl as Tom, Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Howard
as St. Clair and Topsy, and Bijou Heron as Eva. It enjoyed a
run of three weeks. Poole & Donnelly produced it at the Grand
Opera House (Eighth Avenue awl Twenty-third Street), Oct. 2,

MM]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

3'7

same year, for four weeks. J. H. Slavin was engaged, with
jubilee singers, donkeys, and bloodhounds. On Jan. 15, 1877, this
same company played the piece at Wood's Museum, now Daly's
Theatre. George Kunkcl was the Uncle Tom, and Gracic Wade
the Eva. " Uncle Tom " was done at Booth's Theatre (Twenty-
third Street and Sixth Avenue). Feb. 18, 1878 : George Kunkcl
as Uncle Tom; Harry Hawk, Marks; E. A. Locke, Phineas and
Deacon Perry; W. S. Harkins, St. Clair; Nat Jones, Sambo;
little Belle Wharton, Eva; Georgie Dickson, Eliza; Leonore
Bigelow, Marie St. Clair; Jennie Carroll, Cassy; Fanny Denham
Rouse, Aunt Ophelia and Chloe; Marie Bates, Topsy. In August,
1878, Jarret and Palmer took the nucleus of an American company
to England, and visited all the principal provincial cities. ■««

George Ajkcn's version of " Uncle Tom's Cabin " was produced I
at thcWintcrGardcn Theatre in this city, under the management
of Wayne Olwinc and John Moore, for the first time Dec. 18, 1858,
with this cast:

Uncle Tom .... H. C. Jordan

l'hincas Carroll Hicks

Wilson Whiting

Marks T. Baker

Aunt Ophelia . Mrs H. C. Jordan

Chloe Miss While

St. Clair C. C- Howard

Geo. Harris .... Delmon Grace

Haley J. Carroll

Shelby J. M. Ward ,

Eliza Ada Clifton

Marie St. Clair . . . Li«zie Walton

Eva Cordelia Howard

Topsy . . . Mrs G. C. Howard

It was revived Feb. 25, 1862, and cast thus:

Uncle Tom . . . Charles Walcot

l-ecTce Barton Hill

Phineas Fletcher . . Win. Davidgc
Gumption Cute . . . Harry Hotto
Cassy .... Mrs. H. P. Grattan

St. Clair N. C. Forrester

George Harris . . A. H. Davenport

Eva Josephine Myers

Topsy Fannie Brown

Aunt Ophelia . . Mrs. Chas. Walcot

Elixa . . . . Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau

Uncle Tom Geo. Ryer

St. Clair G. C. Howard

Wallack's Theatre (Broadway and Broome Street) was opened
as the New York Athenaeum March I, 1862, with "Unci
Cabin." The dramatization was by a member of the "Pennsylvania
Judiciary, and was called "Uncle Tom's Cabin, or Lights and
Shadows of Southern Life." This is a portion of the cast:

Topsy . . . Mrs Howard

Aunt Ophelia . . . I-ottie Hough
Eva Mary Bullock

S. C. Campbell appeared in the fifth act as Adolphus, and sang
"St. 1 1 is Lament." The drama was produced at Barnum's
Museum (539 Broadway) May 21, 1866, and thus cast:

Uncle Tom . . . . W. L. Jamison 1 St- Clair M. N. Havlland

Phineas T. Hadaway I Geo. Harris .... H. F. Daly

Topsy .... Mrs. G. C. Howard I Haley J. H. Johnston

Aunt' Ophelia Mrs. W. L. Jamison Eliia Mrs. J. J. Prior

Chloe Jennie Cleaver Eva Anna Prior

Deacon Perry Bridgman Emclioc Addle Le Brun

318 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C**S4

Oct 8, 1 866, it was acted at the New Bowery Theatre.

J.W. Uagard
G. Brooke
. N.

UadeTon . . .
Phtncas Fletcher »
Deacon Perry f

Wiboa N. B. Clarke

Gamptioe Cote Seabert

Aott Ophelia . . Mrs. Harry Jacksoe

Topsy • • -
Geo. Harm
Efixa aad Cassr

gT.:::

Et» . . . .

Florence La Food
.WakcrGrbdale
Mr*. W. G. Jones
G. W. Thompson
. Joseph Winter
. . Lola Prior

It was produced at the Olympic (formerly Laura Keene's) Sept.
16, 1869.

Topsy

Aunt Ophelia
Deacon Perry
Geo. Harris .
Skeggs .
Uncle Tom .

Mrs. G C. Howard
Mrs. T. J- Hind
. . Geo. L- Fox

. JK. Mortimer

. E. T Sinclair,

Asa Cushmanl

Lira Ida Vernon

Eva MksCushman

La-yer Marks ... - C K. Fox

Legree J. B. Studley

St. Clair Geo. Becks

Geo. Johnson, Lewis, T. C. Cunningham, Charles Wright, Drew,
Collins, Flora Lee, Lilly Vining, and E. Germaine were also in
the cast. Niblo's Garden was the next scene for "Uncle Tom."
It was done there Jan. 11, 1875, ai,d the cast was:

Uncle Tom C Fame 11

George Hams - . W. H. Hamilton
Legree .... Geo. C. Middleton

St. Clair J. Bradley

Topsy Frank Budworih

Marie Elsie Moore

Ophelia . . . Miss Rose Summers

Marks M. B. Pike

Era Amv Lee

Eliza Nellie Meeker

Chloe Ida Vernon

" Uncle Tom " had another production at the Olympic (formerly
Laura Keene's) Oct 20, 1879. It was a dramatization by Robert
Johnston.

Uncle Tom .
Topsy . .
Era . . .
Haley - .
George Harris
LcgTce . .

John B. Stadley

. Jennie Yeamans

. . Era French

Frank Whittaker

De Loss King

Frank A. TannehiO

Marks Louis Mexrayer

Senator Bird . . . Charles Foster

Sam Thomas Owens

Aunt Ophelia . . Mrs. W. G. Jones
Mrs. Senator Bird Frances Kcrable

One of the strongest casts this drama had was at Booth's
Theatre, this city, Dec. 2©, 1880, by Jarrett and Palmer:

Legree . .

Uncle Tom .
Fletcher . .
Marks . . .
Geo. Harris .
St. Clair . .
Emeline . .
Ceo. Shelby 1
Haley J

. Lewis Morrison
. A. H. Hastings
Chas. What

Harry Courtalne

. Ogden Stevr ns

. Nelson Decker

Josie WUmer

Louis F. Barrett

Mrs. St Clair

. . . Mabel torier

Topsy . .

. . . . Marie Bates

Eva . . .

. . . . Zoe Tuttle

Ophelia . .

. . Mrs. W. A. Rouse

Caxsy . . .

. . . Jennie Carroll

Eliza . . .

. . Blanche De Bar

Auctioneer

. . . W. A. Laveilc

i«54:

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

3'9

JLIinclcJTotrL" dramatized by Clay-Greene, was done at the
Hollis StrcctTheatre, Boston, Aug. 18, 1888. The cast was an
expensive one, but the production was a failure.

Phineas Fletcher
Uncle Tom . .
Simon I.egrec .
Marks ....
Geoige Harris .
Henry Si. Clair
Tom I.oker . .
George Shelby .

Frank Mordaunt
Mitt. G. Barlow
. • Frank Loscc
. Harry Webber
. . Mark Price
. . I. N. Long
, W. L. Denison
. Tully Marshall

Eva Carrie Webber

Eliza Harris . . . LiUle Eldridge
Cassy .... Mercedes Malarlni
Aunt Ophelia . . . Louisa Eldridge
Chloe Addie Davis

?ueen 'Lizabeth . . . Louise Rial
opsy Alice Harrison

"Uncle Tom " was produced at the Academy of Music, this city,
March 4, 1901.

Elita Mabel Amber

Eva Georgie Olp

Ophelia Annie Yearoans

Uncle Tom .... Wilton Lackaye

I'hineas Odell Williams

Legree Thco Roberts

Geo. Harris .... Wm. Harcourt
Marks L. R. Stockwell

Cassy

Emily Rigl

After a few weeks John Kellerd played Uncle Tom, and Geo.
Osborne was Marks.

It has been translated into the languages of most of the civilized
nations. It is called, in French, "La Case dc 1'Oncle Tom;" in
German, " Uncle Tom's Hiittc; " in Danish, "Onkcl Tomo's;" in
Dutch. " Dcr Ncgcrhut ; " in Flemish, " De Hut Von Onklc Tom ; "
in Hungarian, "Tama's Batya;" in Italian, "La Campana dclla
zie Tommazo;" in Polish, " Chata Wuja Tomaza ; " in Portuguese,
"A Cabana du Pai Thomaz;" in Spanish, "La Cabana del Tio
Tomas;" in Russian, "Khizhina Dyadi Toma;" and in Swedish,
"Onkcl Tom's Stuga."

Having thus followed the career of " Uncle Tom " on many
stages, I now resume my sketch of the Chatham Theatre's history.
On May 15. 1854, "The Blacksmith of Antwerp" and "The Sea of
Ice" was the bill. Mrs. J. J. Prior was the Ogarita in the last-
named play, and Miss C. Strahn acted Marie. May 22, Cony, C.
F. Taylor, and Master Cony, with a troupe of performing dogs,
opened in "The Forest of Bondy" and "The Ourang-Outang."
The drama, "The Real Fairy Light Guard," introducing forty
young ladies in military costume, who gave an exhibition drill,
was the attraction May 20, and on June 5 the new drama by Chas.
Toulmin, "Amy Lawrence, the Freemason's Daughter, H was acted ,
June 9," Eva, the Irish Princess;" June 12, the musical fairy spec-
tacle "The Magic Well, or the Fairy of the Desert;" also a
burlesque called " Mazeppa .oncL.ox the. Wild Horse of

Williamsburg." by C. W. Taylor. June 26 Yankee Locke
opened in "True Love Never Runs Smooth," and Ben Yates did
the army and navy dance. J. G. Hanley also api)eared as Damon

320 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [u*

in "Damon and Pythias," and Hcrr Cline gave a performance on
the tight rope; June 27, J. G. Hanley appeared in Pizarro; June
28, "Rob Roy;" June 29, "The Stranger." On June 30 "Mac-
beth " was produced, with F. B. Conway as the Thane, N. B.
Clarke as Banquo, J. M. Cooke as Macduff, and Amelia Parker as
Lady Macbeth, for the benefit of N. B. Clarke. For the benefit
of J. G. Hanley "JJie Shoemaker of Toulouse" was given
July 1.

The next season commenced July 24, 1854, with the following
company: John R. Scott, Harry A. Perry, H. F. Daly, H.
Howard, G. L. Fox. C. W. Taylor. T. Hampton, J. Turner,
Allen, J. Herbert (better known as " Pot Pic" Herbert), Geo. Lin-

ri, Teny, Lyons, H. Stone, Chas. Toulmin, W. Harris, Mrs.
F. Nichols, Miss Hathaway, Mrs. W. G. Jones, Mrs. N. II.
Bannister. Miss Barber, E. Parker, Mmc. Jcubillee, Miss E.
Taylor, Mrs. Wray, Mrs. Hampton, Misses Tree, A. Thayer, and
Bartlett, and Jas. Anderson, stage director. The season opened
with "Pizarro."

Rolla John R. Scott

Pizarro H. A. Perry

Elvira .... Mrs. H. F. Nichols

Cora Mrs. W. C. Jon*«

Aloruo H. F. Daly

Hifc'h Priest .... C. W. Taylor

"The French Spy " was acted, with Miss Hathaway as Henri
St. Almc, and G. L- Fox as Tony Bavard; July 26, " The Fireman
of New York " was done with H. A. Perry as Frederick Jerome
and Mrs. Bannister as Mrs. Waddlctonguc; July 28 Harry Perry
acted Ingomar; July 31, John R. Scott played "Richelieu;"
Mrs. W. G. Jones, Francois; followed by John Diamond, the jig
dancer, with banjo accompaniment. Aug. 1, "Nickofjhfc. Woods,"
John R. Scott as Bloody Nathan ; Aug. 2, Scott as Sir Giles Over-
reach; Aug. 4, "Don Cajsar de Bazan;" Aug. 5, Scott in the title
role of "Count .Ugolino;" Aug. 14, as JJrutus, to Daly's Titus;
Aug. i6,~5Ir Edward" Mortimer in "The Iron Chest;" Aug. 18,
"King Lear;" Aug. 28, "Othello," Scott as the Moor; J. A.
Leonard, Iago; Mrs. Scott, Emilia; Mrs. Nichols as Desdemona;
Aug. 30, "The Apostate;" Aug. 31, "Macbeth;" Sept. 4, J.
Canoll from the Albany Theatre, opened as the Duke Aranza in
"The Honeymoon;" Sept. 5, "Richard III.;" Sept. 7 John R.
Scott appeared as Hamlet; Sept. 8, King Lear; Sept. 9, Macbeth;
pt. II, C. W. Taylor's version of Mrs. Stephens' story, "F_ashion
"amine," for" the first time, Cordelia Howard playingjulia.
)ct. 2D"oT>n R. Scott acted Triboulct in "The King s Jester;"
"Fashion and Farninc " and " The Magic Rose " were played the
same ingot; Oct. 6~~ Scott was the Long Tom Coffin in "The
Pilot." Oct. 11, the bill was "Julius Ca:sar," "Follies of a
Night," and "Crossing the Line," Scott acting Marc Antony;

«aj5]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

321

Oct. 13. "Rob Roy" and "French Spy," Oct. 14, "Nick Tof the
Woods/' Oct. 16 "Ben Bolt" was played with Scott in the
title~ro1e, John Owens as Christian Comfort, Mrs. W. G. Jones
as May, and G. L Fox 3s Ruben Rags. Oct. 22 a series of Sun-
day concerts was begun, and among the artists were Carrie
Hiffert, Julia Barton, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Rca, and Hayes;
Oct. 30, Grattan Dawson opened in "Macbeth," with J. Turner
as Banquo; C. J. Smith, Macduff; and Mrs. Nicholas, Lady Mac-
beth. "The Wizard Skiff " was also acted. Oct. 31. "Othellu; "
Nov. 1, "Hamlet;" Nov 11 "El Hydcr," "The Devil's Daughter,"
and "Wizard Skiff "were all performed. Nov. 13, "Ethiop, or
the Child of the Desert;" Nov. 17, "Brian Boroihme;" Nov. 20,
"Trig Crarll* *f Lilwry" Nov. 24, "Brian Boroihme;" Nov. 27,
an equestrian company was added to the attraction, consisting of
Mons. and Mmc. Tourniarc, Mile. Josephine, Mons. and Mmc.
Bcnois, l<a l'ctite Marie, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Carroll, W. H.
Stout, William Kennedy, J. Ellslcr, B. Jennings and son, and
Masters Theodore and Ferdinand.

On Jan. 15. 1855, "The Knight* of Arva or O'Connor the
Rash," was given for the first time at this tne.i mi the

same night the pantomime "Asphodel, or the Magic Pen," and
Mile. Lang, danseuse, from"~"ThT! Boston theatres, appeared.
"Cherry and Fair Star" was acted week ending Jan. 20, also "Jack
Shcppard," Mrs. Ycomans as Jack in the first act, while Annie
Hathaway assumed the r6lc in the second and third acts. Geo. L.
Fox was the Blucskin. " Fortunio. and His Seven Gifted Ser-
vants " was revived Jan. 22. Three other pieces were acted the same
night, viz. : "The Captain 's Not a Miss." "The Lottery Ticket,"
G. L. Fox as Wormwood, and the comic ballet, "Cobbler and
Tailor. " A benefit was given Jan. 26, to Thomas C Steer» and
William Handcock, the treasurers of the house, when was offered
the burlctta " Asmodcus."

Carlo Annie Hatluway

Antonio Owen

Don Rafael Aiken

Isabel Mr*. Wray

Castilda MiM Barber

nand T. Hampton

Gil Verges .... C. W. Taylor

also a Dutch song by Lavinia Bishop ; accordeon solo, J. S. Jacobs,
followed by " The Savage and the, Kfairfen : " recitation, "Maniac's
Death," by W. C. Hurley; duet on side drums by Little Doctor
and Master John Seina; song, "My Pretty Jane," by Miss S.
Vatcs, after which " Bombastcs Furioso," with Taylor, Mitchell,
Geo. L Fox, and Mrs. Ycomans in the cast. This was followed
by the song and dance of "Old Bob Ridley," by W. Blair, banjo
solo by Dick Ucrthclon; dance, "Virginia Twist, ' by Mert Sexton,
followed by "Limerick Boy," with Fanny Herring in the cast.

322 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ctf»

Sailors Hornpipe, by Miss La Folic, and the "Yankee Peddler -
closed the entertainment.

John Winans, a popular member of this company, met with a
shocking death in Philadelphia. In June, 1859, be was found
wandering through the streets of that city without a home, and was
brought to Long's Varieties, 758 South Third Street Here
Winans sang comic songs, and here be was kept with bed and
board, not for what he could do, but for what be once was, until
Sept. 7, when his insanity became so apparent that he was taken
to Blockley Almshouse, where he remained until Oct. 21, when he
escaped.

No trace could be found of him until Dec. 22, when his corpse
was accidentally found under the stairway in the cellar of Long's
Varieties, in a decomposed state. It had evidently remained there
from the time of his disappearance, as the flesh was almost off the
bones. John Winans' talent for low comedy was truly remarkable
He married the mother of Susan and Kate Denin, and with them
travelled, starring and as their manager. At that time Susan
Denin, in the flush of youth. rrTthtTfrt. and power, acted with a
passion and grace that made a deep impression on theatre-goers.

On Feb. 5, G. L. Fox acted Ragged Pat in " IrdarjjLasJl Is-"
H. Howard opened the same night as Dan O'CaroIan; Fox also
played John Quill in "Beauty and the Beast," and Sam Wax in
"The Cobbler and Tailor." James Timony, the property man of
the theatre, took his first benefit Feb. 20, and the attraction was
the burlesque "Cinder-Nelly;" dance by Miss Callar, from the
Southern theatres; imitations of Booth, Forrest, and Macrcady
by G. Jones; the farce of "Carrots^," in which Mrs. Timony made
her first and only appearance, acting Nanette; Virginia breakdown
by Jem Rice; A. St. John and W. Stillman in " negroisms ; " "The
Rendezvous," under the fanciful title of "The Spectre of the
Heath, or Love in All Corners;" dance by Miss La Folic; song
by Miss Barber, and the drama, " False Colors. " Frances l_a
Folic, the danscusc. took her benefit March 2,~Shd her programme
consisted of " Estellc Grant, or the Lost Wife;" the musical
extravaganza, " Rny jf n«r ? u M adc of Cash mere. " with trial
dance between Miss La Folle and G. L. Fox~i~" Woman 's the
Devil," a farce never before played here; Henson's Ethiopian
Operatic Troupe, Miss La Folle and Miss Gimbcr in a double
dance; F. Sweczy and G. Stanley in the Ethiopian polka; Stan-
ley, ban joist; Mr. and Miss Hampton, Donnybrook Fair Jig;
Harry Bluff, the ballad singer; Devcrc, Sailor's Hornpipe; Pro-
fessor Sehlim in the Highland fling, and Miss La Folic, in the
"Fireman's Hornpipe." On May 1 four pieces were acted : "The
Sonnambulist," the fairy extravaganza, "Romance of the Nose,"
"The Limerick Boy" and "Frisky Cobbler." John Diamond did

I«SS I

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

323

his jig after the first piece, and Billy Wood and Miss La Folic did
a double dance.

Wm. Handcock, the treasurer, took another benefit May n.and
the attraction was: " Furlnnes of War," H. B. Macarthy as Lanty,
and Mrs. J. P. Brelsford as Margaret ; accordeon solo by E. Pike;
Dutch song by Little Lavinia Bishop; ballad by Charles Melville;
"The Falls of Clyde," D. Oakley as Farmer Enfield, !\
Hathaway as Ellen Enfield; "Wilful Murder;" dance by Mcrt
Sexton; also the spectacle "Forty Thieves." On May 24 " Ml
Hydcr" was produced, with this cast:

El Hyder Frank Ajken

Hamet George Aiken

Harry Clifton . . Annie Hathaway
Matt Mizzen . . . . M. Howard
Schander Geo. Lingard

Korran W. Chapman

Omar W. Mitchell

Hair G. I.. Fox

Chcrcddid. . . . Master J. Murray
Arisse Mr*. Wny

This was followed by C
Peterson*s story. " Kate Aylesfj

W, Taylor'* dramatist inn of Chas. fT

lesto-.i, ui the Refugees."

Chan. Aylcsford . . . . F. Aiken
Laurence Herman C- W. Taylor

Major Gordon .... H. Howard

Dick Arrison G. A

Solon Cute I.. Fox

Job Croak T. Hampton

Lieut. Vinton . . . . C. McMillan

Phillip Denton II. Owen

Walt Runnells .... \V Mitchell
Tom Mullen . . . . H. Chapman
Fnglfsh Officer . . . . G.J.Arnold
Kate Aylcsford . . Mis-s Hathaway

The bill concluded with the comic pantomime " Lovers in
Trouble," with W. Wood, G. L Fox, Miss La Folic, Mrs. Hirnp-
ton*TT. Hampton, (.'. McMillan, and Mme. Jeubillcc in the cast.
May 25 G. I- Fox took a benefit.

" Rosina Meadows, the Village Maid, or Temptations Unveiled,"
a local domestic drama, adapted from Chas. H. Saunders' novel
of that name, by Win. B. English, was produced during the season
of 1855.

Mr. Meadows
Harry Mendon .
Jethro Baxter .
Geo. Milton
Florence . . .

C. \V. Taylor

. H Howard

C. L Pox

, . F. Aiken
T. Hampton

Tom Bclford . . . . T. McMellan
Geo. Stanley . . . . G. J. Arnold

George - . P. Cllne

Rosina Meadows . Miss A. Hathaway

This drama had its first representation on March 21, 1843, at the
National Theatre. Boston. Mass, '* Harry Burnham " was revived
June 9, with C. W. Taylor as Gen. Washing! nk Aiken as

Harry Burnham. G. I- Fox as Dan Morgan, D. Oakley as Old Sam,
Asa Cushman as Major Grubb, Fanny Herring as Sally, Annie
Hathaway as Mary Manners, C. B. McMillan as Corporal Pipcrlay,
and W. Chapman as Capt. Wilson. In addition the burlesque
" National Baby Show," a Chinese Musical Extravaganza, and
"The Fountain of Beauty" were given.

324 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1855

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" was revived June 11, 1855. "The In.
visible rrince " was presented June 13, In addition to " Uncle Tonv "
e Rebel Chief." by H. Grattan I'lunkett, was acted June 25.

e author played in it, for bis first appearance in this city in ten
years. On the same night " iQ~-V or lOO Years Hence" was pro-
duced. "The Hot Corn Girl." " Actress of all Work." and " 1955 "
were acted" June 28.

"Fashion and Famine" waa seen June 29,with Cordelia Howard
as Julia Warren, Mrs. G. C. Howard as Sarah Gray, and G. C.
Howard as Robert Otis. For the farewell night of the Howards,
June 30, "Jack Sheppard" (first and second acts), "The Lamp-
lighter" (first act), "The Actress of All Work," "The Flying
Dutchman" (second act), and "1955," composed the bill.

"City Secrets, or Who 'a His_Mother? " was a musical cxtrava-
gancTby H. B. Mattjson, first" at ted July 2, with " Roll of the
Drum." SGVcn "picCcs were acted matinee and cvcning~July 4-
Tn~~thc afternoon: "Flag of Our t~nion" "City Secrets," and
"The Spitfire." Evening: " Paddy the Piper," "Fountain of
Beauty," "City Secrets." and for the first time here J. Pj. Adams'
national drama, ^flothcr Baily. or the Heroine of CdnnccTtCBt. "
Louise Taglioni, danseuse, appeared between the acts. July 7
J. Herbert acted Moco in "The Dumb Girl of Genoa."

On July 9 John R. Scott opened as Don CSSMC de Bazan, and
Mrs. H. F. Nichols as Mar itana; the mythological three-act drama,
" H- 11 on Earth, m; Good and T-~-.il." was also played. Frank
Aiken assumed foui characters, >',. I.. Fox four, Fanny Herring nine)
C. W. Taylor four, Miss Hathaway and Mrs. Wray three characters
each. Scott acted Rolla, and Mrs. Nichols Elvira, in "PizarTO,"
July 10, and Elizabeth Walton made her debut as Margery in
"The Rough Diamond." "The Stranger" was given July 11, with
Scott as the Stranger. Mrs. Nichols as Mrs. Haller. "Rob Roy"

July 12, Scott in title rOIe. " Waco»8ta^_PJL the Indian Curse,"
uly 23, John R. Scott as Wacousta, Mrs. N • Oucanasta.

".Norman Lcsjic" was produced Aug. 6, with John R. Scott
as the hero! Miss Hathaway acted the dual r61cof Madame Louise
and the Duchess. "Mazulm, or the Night Owl," commenced its
second week on this date,- with Geo. YV. Smith, M. Wiethoff, M.
Schmidt and Mile. Theresa in the cast. "Q'N>a1 the Gjgaj" was
acted Aug. 13, with John R. Scott as Donald Moore O'Brien, and

Mi.ss Hatbswayas Eleanor. ~ohn R. Scotl closed his engagement
Sept. 13 with a benefit, and offered "0-N_cal tfiS-G.rcat," "The
of Tyre": W. M. Foster as Gio and Balbcc, and Mrs
S. B. Wiikins .is Marina; also the pantomime the " Pour Lovers,"
J. H. Allen appeared Sept. 14 as Duke Aranza, and Ada Clifton
(pupil of Clara Fisher Maedcr) made her first appearance on
any stage as Juliana in "The Honeymoon." Mrs. J. H. Allen

IS*)

THE CHATHAM THKATRE

325

appeared Sept. 15, as Mrs. Chillington in "A Morning Call."
"Mack Eyed Susan" was also acted, with S. B. Wilkins as
William, Mrs. S. B. Wilkins as Susan. D. Oakley played Dog-
gras, and James C. Dunn, Capt. Crosstree.
John R. Scott reappeared Sept. [9 in "Macbeth."

Macbeth
Macduff
ll.inquo
Duncan
Lady Maclwth

. John K. Scott

. . I. H. Allen

. S.B.Wilkin*

C. W. Tavlor

Mrs. S. B. Wilkins

Second Singing Witch Miss McWilliam*

Malcolm D. Oaklev

Second Witch G. L. Fox

Third Witch .... J. Herbert
Hecate C. W. Taylor

Ptnl Singing Witch . Fanny Herring

"Magic 1'ills" followed, with G. L. Fox as Dandy Grinaldo,
MonsTSchmidt as Colordo, Mile. Thercsc, Elvina. "Matteo Fal-
cone," with J. H. Allen as Sampero, closed the entertainment.
"Aben Hamet. or the Warriors of Mahmet," was presented Sept,
22_: Scott aTAben Hamet, J. H. Allen as Rinaldo, Mrs. S. B. Wil-
kins as Oriana, D. Oakley as Orcan, Fanny Herring as Isadorc.
"M.'.i 1 iu-l.cr. 1.11 the Fortune Ici'.ci nf I.yan." by 1 Jr. J. S. Jones,
was given Nov. 5, Miss i y as MoTT, Mrs. S. IS. wilkins as

f; also tnc comic pa
Statue." "Wept of the Wish-ton-wish " was revived Nov. 22,
with J. H. Allen as ConrJancnet, ^hasT Warwick as Uncas, D.
Oakley as Heathcoat. and Miss Hathaway as Narramattah. "Ca.Pt.
Kyd. or the Witch of Hurl Gate," was first played here Nov. 26;
'■ 1 'he French Spy" Nov. 30, with Annie Hathaway as the heroine.
" Rebels and Tories, or the Mechanics of New York," by N. 15.
Clarke, was revived Dec 20 ; also, for the first time in America,
" King Charming, or the Blue Bird of Paradise," with this cast:

King Charming

Hen Peckt .... C. W. Tavlor

Nobi™ J. Herbert

Tinsel D. Oakley

I'rcttT Dc Silvcria

Tontiru Miss Roberts

Miss Hathaway Soussio C. McMillan

Ouccn Mrs. Wray

-Sal Volatile C. J. Arnold

Hocus Focus (i. I.. Fox

Fiorina Fanny Herring

Spirit of Hartshorn . . P. Timony

"The Female Privateer, or the Pipe, Tree Flag of 1773," by
James Pilgrim, was first played here Jan. 7, 185& Mrs Hampton
appeared aVjulie, and executed a dance. "Ajgj&flild, 1 :;igic

Pen," and "The Kniftht g( Ana" were acted Jan. 14. "The
People's Lawyer ""was done Jan. 21. 22, with G. L Fox as Solon
Shingle. John k. Scott appeared Jan. 28 as Sir William in
"Wallace." In act first Henrietta Lang did a Highland Fling.

" 1 : 1 ■■ ■■■■■.-, . : I . :. . or the Oath of McMurrtwfc, ' by C.
W^JTaylor, fusFsaw the light here Feb. 4, 1 K56. " The Ice Witch,

326 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [isj6

or the Frozen Hand." was done Feb. II, 12: J. H. Allen as
Harold, G. L. Fox as Magnus Snoro, Fanny Herring as Minna.
" Heme t::>: Humbug." 1'. YV. Tayloy'a eopaatrtm burlesque, MU

given I-V:>. 20. ""Silver Knife, 01 the Hunters of the Rocky
Mountains," .in Indian drama i.-\ ril.Mim, had its fust perfor-
mancc here March 3. "A: i'm.c. \AAis, or the Green Baboon,"
by Thomas W. Pittman. a young graduate of the New York bar,
was first acted March to. Roberta Stanly made her first appear-
ance on any stage March 14, playing Florio di Rosalvi in "The
Hunter of the Alps." "Spirit of the Wreck, or the Ransom
Bride," by E. Fitzball, was seen March 19. For C. W. Taylor's
benefit, March 21, five pieces were acted. " The""Pcbple's Lawycrj"
"The Old Guard" (Taylor as Haversack), th

Savage and the Maiden" the burlesque "Cinder-Nelly," ,TThe
tnsKyJtoKBIcr7rtbe "Fire

_ ire Raiser," "O'Flanigan and the Fairies"1
(G. L7 Fox as I'hclin TiTFTanigan), the "Fair Lovers" and the
burlesque "Maacpga the 2d" was the programme March 28, for
T. C. Steers' benefit.' ~"Thc Last Nail, or the Drunkard's Doom,"
with G. L. Fox as Waldeck; the "Magic Trumpet," G. I,, Fox as
the clown, and "Brian Boroihme" were clone April 2. "NickoJ
thy Wnnd-s ^ »hff Jibbfinai""«ay " was played April 5, with J. IT
Allen as Bloody Nathan, and G. L. Fox as Roaring Ralph.

A. H. Purdy commenced the season of 1856-57 April 7. The

additions to the company were Mrs. H. F. Nichols, S. B.

Wilkins, Miss Glassford, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. A. Bcanc, and H. F.

(""Stone. "The Orange fr'rl pf Vpnire " by Q, W. Taylor, had its

first production April 7, with this cast :

Carlotti J, H. Allen

Nicolctti G. I. P<M

Tacopo C. W. Taylor

Leonardo C. Warwick

Count Uberooi. . . S. B. Wilkin
Gideimo D. Oakley

Lady Foscari
Market Girl .
I.coni . , .
Odo . . .
Kugcnia
Quan etle

Mrs. H. F. Nichols

. Miss Hampton

. . G. A. Heanc

Asa Cuxhman

. Miss Hathaway

Fanny Herring

H. F. Stone executed a dwarf dance: Miss Glassford made her
first appearance as Fanny in the afterpiece "In and Out of Place."
Cony and Webb and their dog gave a series of canine dramas from
April 21 to May 26, when the musical burlesque, "A Lad-in-the-
IB, or the. Female '"•"-•"■H," nad its initial representation.
"rish rriii.'"-. " una a prise historical drama acted here
June 4.

" Raoul, or the Magic Star " was first played here June 1 1. with
G. L. Fox as Courici and Henrietta Lang as Cecilia. " Esmer-
alda, or The Hunchback of Notre Dame," was first acted here
June 16. J. H. Allen as Quasimodo, Geo. L. Fox as Gringoire,
Annie Hathaway as Esmeralda, and Mrs. H. F. Nichols as Sister
lute. "The Tailor of Tamworth " was the afterpiece, with Tom

.8S0 1

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

327

Hampton as Gregory Thimblewell, M. Pike as the Calvcrton
Hal. J. II. Allen acted Quintcn Matsys, and G. L Fox Simmcll
Simmerken in "The Blacksmith of Antwerp" June 23, 24. "The
Baffle nf Rraqjywine. or the Green Riders of Santee." by N~ BV
Clarke, was given July 2. 3, 4: " jjaagfl. the |,pti;lliirgiit Ape"
was a pantomime produced July 7, and in it H. Stone, Geo.
Bcanc, W. Mitchell, and R. Bradshaw executed a cocoanut dance.
Mrs. W. G. Jones (announced as Mrs. Cooke) made her first
appearance here in two years July 9, as Fanny Gribbles in " An
Object of Interest," and between the pieces sang "Bobbing
Around." Master Willie Nichols made his second appearance on
any stage, and did a Highland Fling. Mrs. Jones acted Gertrude
in "The Little Treasure" July it.

"Nicaragua, or Gen. Walker's Victories," by E. F. Distin, first\
nw Ene light July .'3, with tin . i.i ■

Juan Caxtello . .

Gen. Vallc . . .

Ivory Black . .

I -in Guardiolo .
M >i 1'oncUno
Cranberry- Cockle*

Christine . . .

. . J. H. Allen

. . De Siberia

. . A. Cu-thman
... 1). Oaklev

. . W. Mitchell

. . T Hampton

Mrs. H. F. Nichols

Jefferson Squash
Col. Buckeye .
Gen. Vallc . .
Hans l'ikelluhb
Geo. Mora
Paulina . . .

. . . G. L. Fox

. . S. B. Wilkins
. S W. Bradshaw
. . H. F. Stone
. . M. B. I'lke
Mrs. W. G. Jones

"The Lord of the Isles, or the Battle of Bannockburn," by C. W.
Taylor, w.i .i-.-n .-'■■ - ■-. .; A. !!. Purdy had a benefit Aug. 6, when
La Petite Alice (Zavistowski) appeared in a dance. "Captain
Kyd," "Pongo." "The Lord of the I -l< s and "The Old Toll-
Rouse, or the Carrier ami His 1 >u_-. " were the afternoon and even-
ing plays. What was termed a "grand demonstration to Cordelia
Howard " occurred Saturday afternoon and evening, Aug. 30. At
the matinee " Uncle TOTO'p fijt^j" " **■ acted for the 374th time.
In the evening, for the first time at this theatre, the drama " Ida
Mjy" was given, and the pantomime "The Magic Trumpet,"
and the last act of "The Lord oLthc Isjca."

The sixth year of M"r. Purdy's management began Sept. 1, 1856.
In the morning a statue of Gen. George Washington was erected
00 the lop of the theatre, during the unveiling of which the New
York Brass Band played. This statue was said to be the largest
in America of Washington, except that in Union Square. The
theatre was decorated with the flags of all nations. In the evening
there was a display of fireworks from the top of the building. The
plays produced were: "Fairy Spell," "Red Gnome." " Jessfe- jhP
Returned Wanderer," dance by Adelaide Price, and the Marseillaise
Herring; G. L. Fox, stage director. The com-
pany engaged were: J. H. Allen, H. F. Stone, D. Oakley, E. T.
Clinton. T. Cony, W. Mitchell, B. Cony. F. Aiken, A Clubman,
Tom Hampton, W. H. Brown, Master Murray, G. I.. Fox, C. W.

328 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»»

time in twelve y
Tayjor, was given

•cars. "Jii^.
n Sept. 22: I.i

Taylor, ML B. Pike, J. Reed, J. Beanc, Master Andrews. Mme. de
Mcllo, Miss Hathaway. Fanny Herring. Miss A. Cushman, Ade-
laide Price, danseuse, the Misses Adaire, Sweeny, Rose May,
Walby, Sackett, Miller, and Evans, Mesdames Wray, Fisby, Carr,
Frealing.
".Jmogenc, ortheSpectreJkidc," was played Sept. 1 5, for the first

qr the Dismal Swamp," by C. W.

ittlc Cordc vard as Tom Tit.

rTand Mrs. G. C. Howard as Edward Clayton and Nina Gordon.

For the matinee Oct. t8, " llnrlf Tom's Cabin." On Oct. 31 four

pieces were acted: ".Uncle Tom's Cabin." "The Four Lovers,"

/■ "Dominique," and "StalcT-Sccrcts." "The Old Homestead" was

theTTrtc nf a new drama by Geo. L. Aiten. taken from Mrs. Ann

S. Stephens' romance, first acted Nov. 3, with this MM !

Fanny Herring
. . . Mrs. Wray
. . C W. "IV
. . F- F.. Aiken
. . Ceo. Beane
. Mme. de Melio
. . Mrs. E. Fox

Miss Cushman

Mary Fuller .

Mr. Chester .

lob Peter* . .

Judge Sharp* .

Jones . . .

Smith . . .

Esmond . .
Selina Bowera

. Cordelia Howard
. . CJ. C. Howard
. . . C. L. Fox
. . . D. Oakley
. . . Uradshaw
. . II. 11. Pike
. . it. F. Stone
Mrs. C. C. Howard

Mrs. Chester .
Mrs. F:irmim .
Nathan
t till Farnum .
Fuller . . .
Aunt Hannah .
Laura . . .
Isabel Chester

"Wealth and Worth, or the Mechanic's Bride," was seen here
Nov. 10, followed by William Bindley, from England, who gave
concertina and double flutina accordeon solos, while suspended on
a flying rope. He was the father of Florence J. Bindley, and died
Aug. 17, 1885, at Brooklyn. N. Y. On Dec. 22 the pantomime
"Blanche, or The Lively Fairies" was done. Fanny Herring
had a benefit Jan. 16, 1857, and appeared in " The Orange Girl of
Venice," the pantomime of " Blanche," the burlesque of " Pjzxaro-
•his. or the Death of Rollabus," "The Limerick Boy," and I
"brigand military melange " by herself, Miss Trier, and six OtbCf
ladies. ".Wissjhjcjuai^ or the Heroes of 1 776 " was seen Jan. 19.
"Mary, Queen of Scots," was played lor the second time in
America Jan. 31, Geo. L. Fox as Sandy Macfarlane, J. H. Allen
as Lord George Douglas, Mrs. H. F. Nichols as Queen Mary,
W. S. Thorne as the Officer, Frank Aiken as Roland, and Miss
Cushman as Lady Douglas. '^Orrtn the Gold Heater," a dramati-
zation by N. B. Clarke, was acted Feb. 9. " William Tell," with
J. H. Allen as Tell, Fanny Herring as Albert, Feb. 20; also
"School in an Uproar," in which Fanny Herring and G. L. Fox-
danced a minuet.

local drama by lohn Jf.
...acaite" (first act), —Geo.
L. Fox as Jacques Strop, C. I'. Salisbury as Get merit, — and "Wil-
liam Tell " was the attraction Feb. 27, for C. W. Taylor's benefit.

"Excelsior, or Life's Struggle*.'

Poole " The Ked Gnome," " Robert Macaire " (first act), -Geo.

««5»]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

329

The burlesque " Medea and My Deary " was given March 2, with
G. L. Fox as Medea. Fanny Herring as Orpheus, and Annie Hath-
away as Jason. The burlesque on "Camille," by C. W. Taylor,
entitled "Clam-eel," anTTiTnew drama by Thompson Townse
called "Marvs Dream," were acted for the" first time March 16.
G. L. l'"ox was the Clam-ccl ; Fanny Herring, Count De Varvillc;
and Annie Hathaway, Armand. "Life in Brooklyn: Its Lights
and $hjarfcj, in Virtues and Ita Vices," by John F. Foolc, had its
initial pcrlorraancc Marco 2j;

"Karmf' **"• Srniit," hy Geo. I- Aiken, was played April 13.
F. E. Aiken had a benefit April 24, when he acted Karmel, and

together with a dance by
dramatization of Sylvanus Cobb*s story, "ThxJtfj^tje Bride," was
done April 27. "dfenpatr«| nr the Battle of Actium," a spectacular
drama by C— Wu_Xavior, was first seen here May 5. "The White
Knight, or the Unknown Crusader," was done May 18. 'HJds and
QflflDM ol New York Life, or City Revelations, a toed play !>>'
George L. Aiken, and the pantomime of "Magic Pills" was the
programme June 8. C. W, Taylor's pictorial spectacle, "Bona-
narte, or th* * -'yege of Moscow." was seen May 22.

Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Howard and Cordelia Howard made their
reappearance July 20, after their P'uropcan tour, of course, in
" \J qclc Tom. " Mrs. Radinski made her debut on this occasion,
as Clari in "Tbc.Maid of Milan." Four pieces were acted July 27,
viz. : the drama "Ida May?' "Manager's Dream, or ioo Years
Hence," the pantomrtne of " f fie Golden Axe," and " Norah
CTema. " Aug. 3 " Th«. Pa^ Mf" of "New York " was done, and
Charles J. Foster madTKis debut as Harry Hallyard in "My Poll
and Partnerjoe."

The company engaged for the season of 1857-58 were: Charles
Hale, J. Bridgman, James Nunan, W. A. Harris, C. McMillan,
H. F. Stone, A. Fitzgerald, H. Chapman, J. Lewis, Mrs. J. J.
Prior, Mrs. \V. (;. Jones, Miss F. Colburn, J. B. Howe. J. H.
Allen. H. W. Ellis, Annie Wilkes, L. H. Everett. Geo. A. Beane,
C. W. Taylor. F. C. Allen. Mrs. II. F. Nichols, and Julia Daly.
Geo. L. Fox was stage manager, and continued until July 8, 1858,
when he withdrew from the house. "The Warning Hand, or the
Statue Lover," "Yanl urtship," and " LardjjLthe Isles " were

acted Oct. 27. The American gymnastic troupe, five in number,
appeared between the pieces. "The Pioneer Patriot, or the Maid
of the Warpath," W3s first acted Jan. 4, 1858. A. 11. Purdy took a
benefit, mat incc and evening, J an. 6. 1 In- afternoon programme wai
" Pioneer Patriot" and the new pantomime "Boreas, or Aquillon,
the Spirit of Air;" for the evening the same pieces, and "Will

330 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE rJ8S8

Watch" made up the bill. Jan. 18, " Linda the Cigar Girl,"
" Widow's Victim," and " LjHy of the Lake.'- Lhanfraii appeared
Jan. 25, in "Mose in CaliforT)'* ." the burlesque of " Novelty " and
" Jonathan Bradford." Feb. i, "Mysteries and Miseries of New
fork77rwith Clianfrau in the principal role; Feb. 8, ''The Sea, or
the Child of the Ocean," and "A Glance at New Ybrk ; " Feb
IS, the drama "Almoni. the Scourge of thc^lissouri," and "The
Galley Slaves; '' Feb. 22. "Cormlcnilhau. or the Drowned Cr<5W,"
"The Red Gnome," and <r&ralTfhc Jewess;" March I, "New
York Girls and Brooklyn Boys;" March 8, "Wealth and Worth-"
253 ill,- burlesque " Cinder Nelly;" March 15, Jessie Bimwi, gr
Havclgck's La»j Victory ."" J. H. Allen acting Donah!
and Fanny Herring, Jessie Brown. March 29, "Jessie Brown"
and "Damon and Pythias," Dan Harkins ai n; April

5. "Life of the Mnrmnna at Salt Lake," C. W. Taylor as Brig-
ham Young! "The Inquisition" had its first performance April
12. Harry A. Perry reappeared April 19 in "Ingomar," acting
the title role. Julia Irving and Rachel Denvil were in the cast.
E. Blanchard and his dogs appeared the same night in "The Idiot
of the Shannon;" "Hamlet," with Perry as the Dane, April 26;
"Jack Cade," with Perry as Cade, May 4. "Rosalind Hubert"
was a drama acted May 10, with Harkins as John Peters. Harry
Seymour's play, "Sons pf_BlaJJa," was first played May 17, with
a new drama entitled "Tfre Kjnsrahi Rjnf." by G.J*. Aiken;
May 19, ".The Inrljan Kin^ or the Life of Me tamora ; " May 26,
the Irish historical drama " Han Ousscl Dhu, or the Dark Lady of
Doona," with Harry Perry in the principal character, and the pan-
tomime "Dame Trot and Her Comical Cat," with Geo. L. Fox and
the CarloT'arnlly. were given.

This closed the season (June 12), and a summer term began
June 14. The opening bill was: "Laugh When You Can," the
pantomime " Magic Barrel " and "Nature's Frolic." H. A. Perry,
Maria Barton, and Geo. I.. Vox were in the company. F. S.
Chanfrau and Master Alfred Stewart opened here June 28. For
the benefit of F. S. Chanfrau, July 9, Edward Eddy. McKean
Buchanan, and Robert Johnston were among the volunteers.
Joseph Proctor appeared July 12, in "Nicjc of the Woods." A.
W. Young first appeared here July 13, when he played Jem Baggs
in "The Wandering Minstrel." He played at Wallack's (Broome
Street ami Broadway) Theatre Dec. 9, as Gobbo in "The Mer-
chant of Venice." He continued a member of Wallack's company
for many years, acting in both the old theatre and at Wallack's,
Broadway and Thirteenth Street. In 1867 he returned to London,
Eng.. but reappeared in this city, at Niblo's Garden, March 4,
1872- He was the adapter of " La l-amillc Benoiton," produced at
Wallack's Theatre under the title of "The Fast Family." Mr.

iwg

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

33»

Young was incapacitated from pursuing his profession for a long
time, on account of illness. He died in London, Eng. , in May, 18761
"The Dead Boxer, or the Fatal Blow" was first acted July 19.
ioiL-Qr the Tyrone, the scatlold. and the Tomb," served to
introduce Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Holt. Robert Johnston and
Joseph Proctor were seen in "William Tell" Aug. 3; "Julius
Cassar" was given Aug. 4; the Zavistowski Ballet troupe Aug. 9.
William H. Crane, the stage carpenter, took a benefit Aug. 10, when
the programme was: "The Youth that Never Saw a Woman," Father
Phillip, Mr. Petrie; Ronaldo, Mr. Matthews; Corin, Belle Carr;
Eliza, Miss Winthrop; Gertrude, Mrs. Young. This was followed
by a duct by W. M. Reeve and Lizzie Whelby; comic scene by
Tony and John Denier; the fifth act of "Richard III.," Annie
Hathaway as Richard, and Fanny Herring as Richmond, after-
wards came. The infant wonder, Little Lola, followed with a
song; a dance by Ada Price; the comic pantomime, "Four
Lovers," with G. L Fox, Fanny Herring, S. Bradshaw, W. Mit-
chell, D. Oakley, and Miss A. Price. Fanny Bcanc next executed
a dance, and Miss Winthrop sang. The performance closed with
"The Minute Spy" by T. Law, with this cast:

I'hillip W. M. Ward

Capt. Champ . . . \Vm. Henderson

Jack W. M. Reeve

Kingston Mr. Law

R. Kingston W. Petrie

Isabella .... Charlotte Crampton

Little Rifle I.N. Carr

Enock 11. w. Chapman

Tawannie .... Miss Winthrop
Squaw Billy .... Mrs. Young

George E. ("Yankee") Locke appeared Aug. 23, for the first time
in five years, acting "Ten Nights in a Bar-room" and " Podijah
Peaseley." —

"TRe next season began Sept. 4, 1858, the house having been
newly decorated, and the company was: N. B. Clarke, stage
manager; Mme. Ponisi. Geo. C. Honifacc. Mrs. W. G. Jones,
"Yankee" Locke, E. Blanchard. Billy O'Neil. Agnei Clare,
Alex. Fitzgerald, Geo. A. Beane, J. Bridgman, Rosa Cline, and
Mrs. Bradshaw. The opening bill was: "Aziity Al Baimcki,"
"Paddys Wedding," "Nick Whiffles," and "Brian OT.ynn."
Edward Eddy came Sept. 27, in "Richard III." " The Poor of.
New York " was given Oct. 4. James W. Wallack, Jr., opened irT

TTuTBrTdal " Oct II, with Mme. Ponisi as Evadnc. " King Henry
IV." was done Oct. 18, Wallack as Hotspur, and Henry J. Wallack
as FalstafT. On Oct. 29 " Kenneth " was played with this cast :

Kenneth CI. C- Boniface

Marquis I. Nunan

Lord Malcolm . . R- S. Meldrum
Sir Jas. Lindsley . . . C. McMillan

Sir Donald K. Smith

Angus Winter ... G. A. Bcanc
Sir lnduff . II. F Stone

Sir Eth W. A. Harris

Weird Woman of the Glen Mme. Ponisi
Lady Evaliru Mrs. W. G. Jones

Irar H. Chapman

GcofTry G. Thompson

Karl of Glcngyle . . J. Bridgman
Spirit of Marguerite Miss Osborn

332 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»»

ine West followed with a dance, after which came
"Cherry am! Fait Star," cast thus:

Sanguinbetk .... A. Fitigerold

Tepac A. W. Young

Giaper J. Nun.™

rcddln ... W. A. Harris
Ha*sanbad .... J. Bridgman
The King .... L. H. Petersen

Fire King .
Hunters
Cherry . .
PaalBo

iino
First Hunter

. . H. F. Stone

. . . Edeson

Mrs W. G. lone*

. . Miss West

, . Miss Colburn

R. S. Mcldrum

The " Purse " was the afterpiece :

Will Steady ... A. Fiugerald

Baron 1. Bridgman

Theodore H. F. Stone

Edmund
Sally .

K. S. Mcldrum
Mrs. W. C. Jones

lights of the Mist" was acted Nov. 8, with J. B. Howe as
John, alias Jack Shcppard, Charles Hale as Blucskin, and Mrs.
J. J. Prior as Joan Shcppard. Robert Johnston appeared Dec. 2
in "The Rag Pjckrr nf Nrw York- "

Charlotte Crampton appeared here Jan. 3, 1859, in "Mazeppa,"
introducing her trained horses, Alexander and Black Eagle. Misa
Crampton went up the "run "on the horse's back without being
lashed to him, a feat never before accomplished. During the engage-
ment she played "Jack Sheppard." " French Spy." "Wild Riders
_0i_S4nt.ee, "all with horses; also, " The Cincinnati Tragedy " (writ-
ten for her). " Hamlet," Shylock, in the " Merchant ot Venice," and
" Lucrczia Borgia." On Jan. 7 she acted " Richard III." on horse-
back, and closed her engagement Jan. 15. This lady was also known
as Mrs. Wilkinson. She was the first female Mazeppa in America.
She was petite, with an exquisitely modelled form, a brunette,
with a handsome face. She possessed a wonderfully strong and
sweet voice. She played Hamlet very well for a woman. She
died in St. Joseph's Infirmary, Louisville, Ky., Oct. 5, 1875, aged
fifty-five years. Her last appearance on the stage was at Macaulcy's
Theatre, Louisville, Sept. 29, as the Queen in "Hamlet," and a
day or two thereafter she was removed to the above-named hospi-
tal, where she sank rapidly. Yellow jaundice, from which she
had suffered some time, caused her demise. Charlotte Crampton
was born at Louisville, Ky., in 1816. She had acted in nearly all
the principal theatres of the country, and of late years she had
been playing old women and character parts upon the same boards
that she had trod a few years previously as a star. She was the
only woman I ever saw who could satisfactorily impersonate such
arduous characters as Richard III., Iago, Shylock, and Hamlet.
As an evidence of her versatility, I may say that she acted the
three characters above named, together with Lady Macbeth, the
French Spy, and Mazeppa, in a single week. Her short stature
and great versatility prevented her concentrating her genius upon

iSj9]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

333

any one particular line of characters. "If she was a few inches
taller, she would startle the world," is the remark made by W. C
Macready, after her performance of Lady Macbeth to his Macbeth.
She had been many times married, her hrst husband being Charles
Wilkinson, her second Charles B. Mulholland, and the actor known
as Harry Clifton was another of her husbands. During the early
part of the Civil War her son, who had enlisted, got into some
trouble, and she walked from Wheeling, W. Va., to Washington,
D. C, to solicit favor for him from President Lincoln. Shortly
afterwards she enlisted as a vivandicrc with a Federal regiment
from Maryland, and during her period of service she rendered effi-
cient aid and comfort to the sick and wounded soldiers. After
leaving the army she lectured upon the evils of intemperance, but
her love for the stage induced her later to resume her profession.

On Jan. 17 "Kit Carson" was played, with J. B. Howe as Kit;
Jan. 21 he acted Hamlet, and Thomas Hampton did Dandy Grin-
aldo in the pantomime " Magic Pills. " Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau
opened in " .Linda., tl Girl." This was followed by " l'o-

I'uhun t;is," frith i'li. hi fraii as Powhattan, and "The Mysteries and
[iscrlcs of New York," Chanfrau as Mosc; Jan. n. " Mose in Cali-
11a;" Jan. 14, "< kec Cousin," Chanfrau as

B. Howe as Lord Dundreary. This same play was repeated
Jan. 16, and called "Our American Cousin." For the benefit of
Chanfrau "Our American Cousin" was acted March 7, when
Gardiner Coyne and his sister Marian appeared. J. B. Roberts
began an engagement March 14 as Richard III., with Charlotte
Crampton as Queen Elizabeth, and followed with " Hamlet," "The
Iron Chest," " Louis XI.," and "A New Way to Pay Old Debts."
George Bcanc took a benefit March 21. The house then was closed
and continued dark until April 4, when it was reopened with Thomas
C. Steers as manager and George I_ Aiken, stage manager. "The
Hidden Hand" was presented May 12, with this cast:

Old Hurricane
Hubert Creyson
Wool . . .
Mack Donald .
Cap i tola . .

Ceo. A. Beanc

. G. L. Aiken

. V, M. Reeve

J. M. Ward

. . Koia Cline

Clara Day Mia* Nelson

Gabrid .... Geo. W. Thompson

Traverse I. N. Carr

Mrs. Condiment . . . Mr*. Austin
Pitapat Kate Partington

Mary Mitchell appeared here May 30, as Lucrezia Borgia. This
lady is a half-sister of Maggie Mitchell. She afterwards became
the wife of James W. Collier, from whom she obtained a divorce, and
is now the wife of John W. Albaugh, Sr. Harry A. Perry opened
June 6 in " Damon and Pythias ; " June 7, " Hamlet ; " June 8, " In-
gomar;" June 9 ".Charles II." The house was then closed for a
few nights, to reopen June 25. with Bell Carr as manager and T.
Hampton, stage manager.

334 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'«»

Adah ItMO Menken made her first New York appearance at
this house in June, 1859, and played three nights. Her first en-
gagement at the Old Bowery Theatre occurred March 19, i860, for
six nights. Her second, at the same theatre, svas April 30, i860,
when she appeared under the name of Mrs. John C. Hcenan, dur-
ing the great excitement here over the International prize fight
between Heenan and Tom Sayers. She reappeared in this city at
the New Bowery Theatre in October, 1861, and during that en-
gagement she was married to Robert H. Newell (known in the
literary world as "Orpheus C. Kerr"). After a tour of Europe
she reappeared in this city in March, 1866, at Wood's Broadway
and Broome Street house as Mazcppa. She was divorced from
R. H. Newell in October, 1865, and was married to James Barklcy
Aug. 21, 1866, in this city. She died at Paris, Prance, Aug. 10,
t868. Her real name was Adelaide McCord, and she was not born
a Jewess, as is generally stated. Her first appearance on the stage
was in 1858, at the Varieties Theatre, New Orleans, La., as Bianca
in "Fazio." Miss Menken essayed the r61e of Mazeppa, for the
first time in her life, at the old Green Street Theatre, Albany,
N. Y.. June 7, 1861. She first acted in this theatre "The Sol-
dier's Daughter." Her terms with 1'urdy were half clear benefit
Friday evening. The riding act she did successfully, and for six
weeks played to very large business.

Miss Menken was a versatile actress. I have seen her play
Bianca in " Fazio " and Lucrezia Borgia very admirably. She held
her auditors spellbound by her powerful declamation and intensity.
In comedy and farce she possessed all the requisites to amuse and
delight an audience. Asa vocalist, her voice and style were en-
chanting, as all who heard her sing"Comin' Thro' The Rye" must
admit. Her dancing was the perfect theory of the art, never ac-
■ 1 1 1 i 1 ■ ■ ! 1hi1 by years of constant practice Hci il.iimiu; cf "I. in
Madeillano" was done with that grace and abandon that ranked her
as a finished and fascinating danscuse. She also made a capital
Jack Shcppard. She first appeared in London, Eng., Oct. 3,
1864, as Mazeppa, at Astlcy's Theatre, and so great was her suc-
cess that she appeared there twice a day. She made her de"but in
Paris, Dec. 30, 1866, at the Theatre Gaiete* in "Les Pirates de
la Savanne." She achieved a veritable triumph, and was called
before the curtain nine times the first night. The first eight
nights' receipts were 346,ooof. Her engagement continued one
hundred nights. She reappeared in London, at Astlcy's, October,
1867, and for the third time in January, 1868. Her last appear-
ance on the stage was May 30, 1868, at Sadler's Wells Theatre,
London, Eng. She was under engagement to open at the Theatre
ChStclct, Paris, in "Les Pirates de la Savanne," but being taken
ill a few days previously, she was prevented from fulfilling the

«8»]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

335

contract. Miss Menken took Paris by storm. Her beauty hail
turned the heads of all the men of Paris. The splendor of her
life, her gorgeous dress, her showy equipage in the Bois de
Boulogne, her throngs of admirers, among whom were some of the
most illustrious names in the French capital. Alexandre Dumas,
pirt, was one of Adah Menken's worshippers.

When Miss Menken was taken ill the medical men at Paris were
puzzled at first with the symptoms, and Miss Menken herself be-
lieved that she was suffering with inflammatory rheumatism. Later
on, it was discovered that she had an abscess under her left side,
which ultimately proved fatal.

Miss Menken possessed a character of mind peculiar from the
many. She was a lady of extraordinary intellectual endowments
and of high literary attainments. Her writings arc redolent of
bright and beautiful thoughts, and while very young she produced
many poems and talcs. It was the study of her life to make all
within the circle of her acquaintance happy and contented. In
her habits she was social and genial, of an equable, amiable and
pleasant disposition. Only those who knew her intimately could
properly appreciate her noble qualities. Her memory will long be
affectionately cherished by a large circle of sorrowing friends, who
have known and fully appreciated her many excellent traits of
character. She was buried in Pirc la Chaise cemetery, Paris.
On April 21, 1869, her lifelong friend, Edwin James, the New
York journalist, had her remains transferred to Mont Parnassc
Cemetery. The inscription in front of the monument which
stands eight feet high, reads thus:

ADAH ISAACS MENKEN.

Born in Louisiana, United States of America, Died in
Paris, August 10, 1868.

On the south side of the tomb, facing the cemetery, are the words:
"Thou Knowcst. " The monument forms a striking contrast to
the former one in Perc la Chaise, where nothing marked her rest-
ing place but a small black wooden shield, with her name painted
upon it, and which was brought back to New York. The cost of
erecting the monument and building the vault, which, by the
French law, had to be large enough for three coffins, one above
the other, amounted to 2,000 francs.

Between 3 and 4 o'clock Sunday morning, July io, 1859, fire
was discovered in this theatre, supposed to have been caused by
the firing of guns in the piece performed the night previous. The
damage amounted to about $500. " Little Lola " opened here
Aug. 4 in "Little Nelly, or The Old Curiosity Shop;" Aug. 8

336 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1M0

\V. M. Ward became stage manager. William Henderson on that
date made his first appearance here in several years, acting Marteau
in "Jhe Camenter of Rouen." W. H. Chapman took a benefit Aug.
12, and Moliie Williams played Ninette in " The Savage and the
Maideq:" Aug. 13 W. M. Ward acted Mazeppa; Charlotte Cramp-
ton appeared Aug. 20 as Shylock in the trial scene from the " Mer-
chant of Venice." Aug. 22, "Ingomar," Annie Hathaway as
Ingomar, and Fanny Herring asParthcnia; Aug. 24" Richard HI."
was given, with Miss Hathaway as Glostcr, Eanny Herring as
Richmond; Aug. 27, "Macbeth," Hathaway in the title role.
Rachel Denvil as Lady Macbeth. Miss C. Le Roy and " Yankee "
Leflcr appeared Aug. 29 in "The HuntcrlA-iiride." "TheWan-

^e""g

and "Married

" Rosina Meadows was

played Sept. 5.

In November many alterations were BUdfl in the house, and it was
opened Nov. 14, with I.afc Nixon & Aymar's Circus, and was called

the Chatham Amphitheatre. A/mar & Sherwood were the

managers. In the company were Tony Pastor (clown), William
Pastor, James Melville, Durand, Painter, William, Walter, and
Albert Aymar, and Charles Shay. " Buck Bison, or Baby Blanche "
was presented Dec. 5, with Louise Weils (Mrs. Lafe~5mbn) in the
leading rflle. Previous to the drama equestrian performances were
given. Mrs. Matt Peel's Campbell Minstrels opened Jan. 23,
i860, under the direction of John T. Huntley, who had married
the widow of Matt Peel. Charley White was in the organization.
On March 4 this house was known as the UNION THEATRE, under
the lesseeship of Yankee Lcflcr. The opening bill consisted of
"Lucrczia Borgia," "Lend Mc Five Shillings," and "JPyjMerry
Cobblers." W. H. Meeker and Rachel Denvil being the principals.
March [I, Yankee Leflcr appeared in "Ten Nights in a Bar-
rnoin." The house was close 1 in a few nights to reopen March 8,
1860, as the National Concert Saloon, with pretty waiter git In.
The prices of admission were: Boxes, 12 cents; pit, 6 cents. The
next managers were J. Howard Rogers and Joseph C. Poster. They
commenced March 6 with "Thn Willow Popsi*" and "The Gipsy
Parmer, or Tars Ashore." C. J. Foster acted Luke Fielding in
the first named play, and Mrs. Van Deeren Rose Fielding. "The
Star Spangled Banner" was sung by the company. The season
was a brief one. The house was reopened for a summer season
July 3 as the National Theatre, with Charles J. Waters as lessee.
The patriotic drama " Show Y_f»''r rnlnrn^or the Stars and -
was played with J. H. Allen in the leading" role. " Thc~~Stagc-
:; '. i ' iiiKuii.ii.i" nraa the afterpiece, in which lira Frank
Rca appeared. The Marsh Sisters and Jenny Walters danced
between the pieces. It was again closed and reopened as a con-
cert saloon Oct. 6 by George Bcane. On Dec. 2$ German dra-

"Ml

PALMOS OPERA MOUSE

337

matic performances were given by Mmc. Schroder Dummler, with
"Don Juan." In 1861 it was opened Nov. 16 as the National
Music Hall, by Fox & Curran, but although they spent consid-
erable money in fitting it up, it failed to pay. George Lea assumed
the management in December. He was at that time managing the
Melodeon on Broadway and Hoolcy's Theatre in Brooklyn. He
used to commence the "star" part of the performance at the Melo-
deon at 8.30, take the actors in carriages to the Chatham, and, by
9.45, he would start with them in carriages to Brooklyn. He kept
a small stock company at each house. This he continued to do
for about one month. Purdy was stage manager for Mr. Lea in
Brooklyn, at ten dollars per week. The old Chatham Theatre was
torn down in October, 1862. A portion of the building still stands,
and is occupied by B. M. Cowpcrthwait & Co., furniture dealers.

PALMOS OPERA HOUSE

THE place of amusement known as "Palmo's Opera House"
was erected upon the site of Stoppani's Arcade Baths, Nos.
39 and 41 Chambers Street, by Sig. Ferdinand Palmo, who had accu-
mulated a little fortune as proprietor of the Cafe" des MilleColonnes,
in Broadway, between Hospital and Duane Streets. It was the
ambition of his life to establish a theatre in which the music of his
own beloved Italy might find a permanent home, and he had suffi-
cient confidence in the taste and liberality of the public to believe
that his investment would be remunerative. His was the fourth
attempt to introduce Italian opera in this city, and the second to
give it an individual local habitation. The venture proved dis-
astrous, and poor Palmo sacrificed all that he possessed, and
became eventually dependent upon the charity of others, after
serving as a cook in a hotel and in several restaurants. It was
a small theatre compared to those of the present day, and would
seat hardly eight hundred persons. The house was well con-
structed, ingeniously contrived for acoustic purposes; in fact, it
was as convenient and comfortable as any theatre could be. The
initial performance took place Feb. 3, 1844, and the following is a
copy of the programme :

PALMO'S N.Y. OPERA HOUSE.

Admission >i to all pans of the house. Door* open at 7.
Performance to commence at half-past seven.
The public arc respectfully informed that this establishment nil! open for the
»ea»on on

SATURDAY EVENING* FEB. 3, 1*44.

The performance will commence with the

OVERTURE I PURITAN!

338 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Q1845

After which, first time in New York, the grand opera, in three acts, by
Bellini, of

I PURITANI.

Lord Walton . . .

Henrietta of France Signora ,

Sir Bruno Nobenon . Slg. AlbcrtaKt

. Sig. Mayer
ora Alberta**!

Elvira Signora Horgbese

Sir Ceorge Sig. Valttlhni

Sir Kichard . . . .Sig M.iiocch!
Lord Arthur Talbot . . Sig. Peroxil

The whole under the direction of SICNOR VALTELLINI.

The orchestra will comprise thirty-two Professors.

Leader and Director, SIG. RAPETTI. Maestro and Director of the Chorus,
D. J. ET1ENNE.

The Drop Curtain by SICNORS C.UIDICINI and MONACHF.SSI. Tlie
architectural Scenery painted by SIG. M. BRAGAl.Dl. assisted bv SIG.
MOLINI and others. The Landscape Scenery by MR. P. GRAIN.

Box office opened from 10 to 4 o'clock for obtaining tickets.

Arrangements have been made by the management with the Railroad Company
for the accommodation of ladies and gentlemen living up tuwn.ao that a Urge car,
will lighted and warmed, will start after the theatre closes, and police officers will
be in attendance to prevent disorder. The car will run from the corner of Cham-
liers and Centre Streets, as far as Forty-second Street.

"La Sonnambula " was given May II, for the first time in this
city in Italian, followed May 22 by "L'Elisir d'Amorc," for the
first time in New York in Italian. The season closed June 14,
but was resumed July 1 for Mme. Ceriti Damoreau, who sang in
" L' Italian] in Algeri." The next season began Nov. 18, and
closed Jan. 25, 1845.

It was not with the great singers that Palmo found his final diffi-
culty, for these cormorants gauged their digestion according to the
receipts of the house; for, knowing their presence to be the attrac-
tion, without which the house must close, they simply extorted
from the management every cent in his till, leaving the more
obscure members of the company unprovided for. Poor Palmo
had vainly imagined that the poor dependents of the house would,
like him, wait until some signal dispensation of Providence should
restore the fallen hopes of the operatic drama. He was disap-
pointed, for he had never read the parable of the bellows-blower,
as an appendage to the organ. The decisive night came with I .a
Borghcsc in all the statclincss of her beauty and the irresistible
attractiveness of her smile. A large audience was in attendance,
and everything prophesied a favorable turn to Palmo' s fortunes.
The opera selected was one of Rorghesc's master rdles; the over-
ture was played with a delicacy and accuracy which fairly aston-
ished the house, for never did orchestra so far excel itself; then
came the opening choruses, which were executed with a similar
degree of excellence. Palmo and his admirers were delighted; the
hitch in his day-dream was apparently shaken out, and a revived

««45J

PALMO'S OPERA HOUSE

339

future dawned before him. Then Borghcsc, the magnificent,
stalked with quccn-likc tread to the centre of the footlights, and
opened her arched mouth to sing a solo which was the feature of
the opera. To her astonishment, no symphony, no delicate har-
mony accompanied her movements or heralded her approach. In
perplexity, she gazed upon the leader of the orchestra, indignantly
she stamped her foot to arouse him to g sense of duty; but that
dignitary remained in his chair, his violin firmly tucked under his
arm. Bo rghese raved in vituperative Italian; the audience hissed
at the obdurate orchestrans, for all the musicians imitated their
leader and discarded their usual implements of toil. Finally, Palmo
came on the stage and excitedly demanded the cause of the musi-
cians' strike. " No pay," curtly answered a Teuton, quietly taking
his cornet to pieces. "Pay you to-morrow!" shouted Palmo. in
a state of frenzy. "To-night "s the time," suggested the cornet
player, as he snapped the lock of his instrument case. A bright
idea struck Palmo, so, whispering to Borghese to amuse the audi-
ence with a bit of pantomime for a moment, he rushed around to
the box office, there to draw from the receipts of the night suffi-
cient to appease the rebellious orchestra. To his horror he found
the entire treasury, bills, specie, and coppers, in the hands of a
deputy sheriff. Poor Palmo fainted, while the magnificent Bor-
ghese, breathing vengeance against the musicians, attempted to
execute a <;rand aria without their aid. The effort was a success;
but amid the thunders of applause greeting this Amazonian defiance,
the orchestra tranquilly disappeared with their instruments under
their arms, leaving the queen-like Horghese and the remainder of
her associates to raise music from some other quarter than from
the deserted orchestra. This grand strike of the fiddlers terminated
Palmo's career as an opera director. Palmo introduced among us
some of the finest artists who have appeared upon the lyric stage —
Pico, Borghese, Castellan and others of celebrity, the rivalry of
whose friends and admirers created a passing furore, which aided
the operatic treasury for the moment.

After the Palmo collapse the theatre stood at the mercy of
sheriff's officers, landlords, substitutes, and every species of legal
officials charged with creditors' rights. It was rented for almost
every kind of theatrical exhibition, and after the affairs of Palmo's
estate became slightly out of chaos, it was occupied by various
companies, some of them of considerable merit.

For a few nights commencing Au». 17, 1844, the original Ethi-
opian Serenaders held forth, including Harrington, Stanwood, and
Dick Pelham. This house was the cradle of negro minstrelsy. It
was here that the white waistcoats and black trousers (not worn by
the original minstrel band) flourished when it was known as Dum-
blcton's Opera House, and here Lynch, Kavanagh, Nelson Kncass

340 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«4s

and others, performed in those burlesques that S. S. Sanford and the
Buckleys made so popular. Nelson Kneass was born in Phila-
delphia. He was in the chorus at the Park Theatre, this city, for
several years, and about 1845 he turned his attention to negro
minstrelsy. It is a mistake to suppose that he was the author
of "Ben Bolt." That song was first sung at the Bowery Amphi-
theatre, this city, about 1850, by John Gossin, the clown. It has
had more than one air. That by which it is best known came to
it by accident. Kncass happened to be in Pittsburg, Pa., and was
asked to set " Ben Bolt " to music. Kneass was a clever musician,
but bis fame as a composer rests solely upon his chance connci
with "Ben Bolt." He may have claimed it without any qualifica-
tion, and thus have given rise to the idea that he was both com-
poser and poet. Mr. Kneass died at Chillicothe, Ohio, Sept. io,
1869. He had married a Park Theatre vocalist, who was drowned
about 1857.

In September, 1843, Thos. Dunn English wrote "Ben Bolt."
and it was pyblisjied in Geo. P. Moms'TTew York Mirror, Sept.
2. It became popular cverywherCT It wis" sung in the streets
of London, and replies to it and parodies of it abounded among
the ballad singers. A domestic : of which the song formed

the basis was written and played at Burton's Cham! ><i-. Street
Theatre.

On Nov. 9, William Chippendale opened this house for a short
season of ballet, and Mile. Augusta made her first appearance in
this city, since her return from Europe, in " La Giselle." Nov.
23, Samuel Lover, the Irish author and humorist, appeared here
and continued for a few nights in an entertainment of his own.
Edward Lafayette Tilton made his first appearance on the stage at
this house during the season of 1844. He played Beauscant in " The
Lady of Lyons." Mr. Tilton died at Birmingham, Ala., 1887.
An accident that happened to Mr. Tilton during his brief associa-
tion with Wilkes Booth at Mary Provost's (originally Brougham's
Lyceum) Theatre (1861) caused a great deal of talk at the time.
He was doing Richmond to Wilkes Booth's Richard III., and in the
fencing scene the infuriated tyrant got so excited that he forced
his opponent over the footlights into the orchestra. Although
Mr. Tilton's shoulder was broken by the fall, he continued the
part after being lifted to the stage, and fenced on with his left
hand.

William E. Dinncford leased this house and opened it April
7, 1845. *l was at tn's theatre that George Vandenhoff and his
daughter Charlotte attempted to revive the classic tragedy " Antig-
one," with a facsimile of a Greek theatre and stage and Mendds-
sohn's music. A new Grecian proscenium was painted, and a
double stage erected. The tragedy, produced in Athens 450 years

««47]

PALMO'S OPERA HOUSE

34 «

before the Christian era, had been translated into English by W.
Bartholomew. Vandenhoff had been a very popular actor with the
"pititcs" of the National Theatre; his daughter was an uncom-
monly clever girl, universally admired, but Vandenhoff himself
was now merely tolerated. It was expected that with Miss
Vandenhoff in "Antigone," and Mendelssohn's sublime music,
the piece would prove not only a success but a standard revival.
A very large and critical audience assembled and listened intently
to the play, but soon grew weary at the monotony of the dialogue
and the absence of change in scenery, notwithstanding the stray
gems of the great musical composer. The piece would assuredly
have proved a failure, when a wag in the pit brought matters to a
serious consummation. A messenger, dressed as a soldier, with
shield upon his arm, mounted upon the stage, and, kneeling before
the king, delivered messages of about five words in length. After
performing this caper some dozen times, he finally mounted the
stage and delivered this awful piece of intelligence: "My lord,
Antigone is dying." The messenger's shield had been decorated
with alternate rings of black and white, after the manner of a
target. There he was kneeling, with this weapon, occupying the
centre of the stage, when an inveterate tobacco chewer, evidently
a practiced hand, flung a quid plumb on the centre of the target —
a shot clean in the bull's-eye. This piece of waggery brought down
the house, and the absurdity of the entire piece burst upon the
audience, who hailed the descent of the curtain with unrestrained
mirth and laughter. In January, 1853, George Vandenhoff re-
turned to Europe. In August, 1855, he returned to this country,
and three days after his arrival was married to Miss Makeah, a
lady who had appeared at the Winter Garden Theatre. In Novem-
ber, 1858, Mr. Vandenhoff was admitted to practice at the bar.
He possessed a commanding figure, graceful gestures, and an open
and manly countenance, a voice of strong and pleasing quality, and
he walked the stage with grace and dignity.

During the summer of 1846, Edwin P. Christy's Minstrels had
possession of the house, making their New York dfbut Aug. 22.
James H. Hackett leased the theatre in the fall <>f 1846. Mile. Blangy
danced here. Messrs. Chippendale and John Sefton were engaged
to manage it by a Mr. Smith, who had a C3qict store on Broadway,
and the season was one of the shortest on record — one night only.
Jan. 4. 1847, an Italian opera season was begun under the manage-
ment of Signors Sanguinico S. Patti (father of Adelina Patti)and
Pogliani. " Linda di Chamounix " was presented for the first time
in America, with Clotilda Barili as Linda. March 3, "I 1-om-
bardi " was sung. This season terminated March 31. April 9
began another season of Italian opera, bat this lasted only until
June 7, 1847.

342 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DM

John Scfton became the manager, Aug. II, 1847, and opened
Aug. 16, with the Ravel Family and a dramatic company, in-
cluding Charles Walcot, T. Placide, Byrne, Vacbc, Constantia
Clarke, Mary Taylor, Mrs. Watts and Mrs. Henry. The season
closed Oct. 2, Mile Augusta opened Dec 15, with a ballet
troupe and a German vaudeville company; but the latter, after
performing two nights, gave place to a detachment of the Park
Theatre company, consisting of John Dyott, W. B. Chapman,
Frank Rca, D. Anderson, John Povcy, Mmcs. Vernon, Abbot,
Knight and Dyott. John Dyott appeared Dec. 17, and remained
until January, 1848.

William E. Burton was the next lessee. The theatre had
terribly run down, and Burton's speculation was regarded as a
suicidal affair. He opened, however, July 10, [848, and gave it
his own name.

BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRK

THE whole establishment had a thorough renovation; a new
proscenium was erected, and private boxes constructed; a
new drop curtain was painted by Mr. Hiclgc. John Brougham was
stage manager. " Maidens, Beware! " " Raising the Wind." "The
Irish Dragoon." and three ballet divcrtiscments by the Viennoise
children formed the initial programme. In the first piece Joseph
Grosvenorand Mrs. Jane Hill (right name Hilson, being the wife of
Charles Hilson, stage doorkeeper, and afterwards known as Mrs. W.
E. Burton) made their first appearance in this city. James E. Dunn
joined the company on the opening night. He played Fizgig in
"The Irish Dragoon" and Fainwould in " Raising the Wind." Mr.
Dunn, E. N. Thayer, and Mrs. Hughes were brought on by Burton
from his Arch Street Theatre (Philadelphia) company. Mr. Dunn
remained about one month, when he went to the Old Bowery, 0|
big there Aug. 14, 1848, as Prince Felix in ** Cinderella."

On July 13 Oliver B. Raymond first appeared in New York as
Matty Marvellous in "The Miller's Maid." On the 18th, Edwin
-Varrey and Mrs. Thos. J. Hind made their New York debut.
" Pom bey and Son" was first produced July 24, with this cast :

Dombey Varrey

Carker Marshall

Bagxtock and Ilunshy John Brougham

Toot* O. B. Raymond

Walter Gay .... las. C. Dunn
Sol Gill* k. N. Thayer

" 1 innjb£y_andSon " was a failure on its first production ; it had a
run of four consecutive nights, and after one more representation
it was shelved. The first night's receipts were under the expenses,

Capt. Cuttle . . . Win. E. Burton

Edith Mrs. Knight

Mrs. Skewton . . . Mrs. Hughes

Florence Miss J. Hill

Susan Nipper

Mrs. (Nelson) Brougham

tM] BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 343

the second night reached eighty dollars, and the third and fourth
nights, respectively, amounted to seventy-seven and seventy-two
dollars. Brougham, the author of the dramatization, was to receive
eight dollars anight royalty as long as the piece was acted. The
I.'.limans were then engaged, and at the expiration of three weeks
"Dpmbey and Son " was reproduced.

Geo. Clifford Jordan played for the first time in this city July
26, 1848, acting the Chevalier in "The Angel of the Attic.
Having a manly figure, a fresh complexion, with regular features,
and ever dressing in the height of fashion and with excellent taste,
he divided with Lester Wallack the honor of being considered the
handsomest man on the American stage. He became an excellent
comedian. During 1853 he paid a flying visit to England, but did
not act there. In 1855 he joined the company at Laura Kccnc's
Varieties, and afterwards went to her new theatre. During the
season of 1860-61 he was a member of the company at the Varieties
Theatre, New Orleans, La., and espoused the cause of the South
in their coming rebellion very warmly. He was a member of " The
Cocktail Guard," and at the conclusion of the season there he
sailed for England. He died in London. Eng., Nov. 15, 1873.
Aug. 16 "Dombey and Son " was revived with this cast:

. . C. T. Parsloe
. . . Frank Rea
Charlotte Nickinson

Mrs. A. Knight
. . Mrs. Vernon

Mrs. Brougham

flowers Mis* Williams

Dombey .... John Nickinson The Nutiv

Carker George Jordan Rob the Grinder

! tag! lock and Bunsby John Brougham Florence . ■

Toot* O. B. Raymond F.dith . . .

Sol Gills Marshall Mrs. Slccwton

Walter Gay ... J. Delmon Grace Susan Nipper
Capt. Cuttle . . . Wm. E. Burton

Broglcy Hamilton

An extraordinary incident occurred during its irregular season,
presenting a scene never rivalled on the American boards. There
was in our town a beautiful Aspasia who was more generally known
as the " Ijdy in Black." Belle West, as the lady was then styled,
was a woman of singular beauty and of fascinating powers, yet,
strange to say, she could neither read nor write. She had origin-
ally been a dressmaker, clandestinely married to a young engineer,
whose wealthy family discarded him on account of the unequal
match. Her husband perishing in the steamer "Home," Belle
made her appearance as the friend of the son of a deceased butcher,
who had left a handsome estate. Two years sufficed for the waste
of the butcher's wealth, when Belle discarded her lover to make
place for a wealthy Jew broker, one of the pillars of the Exchange.
Poor Solomon paid dearly for his whistle, for, after settling upon
her an ornamental cottage and a liveried "turn out," he was sur-
prised to find that with a new admirer, she had eloped to New
Orleans. A few years after she reappeared as the "Lady in

344 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DM

Hlack," and, being stage-struck, made her first and last appear-
ance on any stage at this theatre She appeared as Pauline, and
Chanfrau was the Claude Mclnottc. The news of the singular en-
tertainment, although Miss West had modestly announced herself
as Mary Waldron, spread abroad, and long before the curtain arose,
the house was packed with representatives from the fast men and
the demi-monde of the city. As an actress, the " Lady in Black"
made a dead failure, for, afflicted with stage fright in the very Bnt
scene, she forgot her lines, and was finally compelled to read the
words as best she could, amid the volunteer promptings from all
parts of the house. Some of her ancient acquaintances remem-
bered that the debutante could sing; so, amid thunders of applause,
Belle West sang "My 1-ove is Like a Red, Red Rose." Af*ain.
another acquaintance recollected that our heroine dsneed, and Belle
was compelled to execute a grand pas sail. Finally the debutante
contrived to stumble through her part, and left the stage, amid the
howls and jeers of her unsympathetic companions, who rejoiced

^that the idol had fallen.

\ "The Toodles" was first played in New York at this house Oct.
27, 1848. ItsTTirst presentation in this country was at the Front
Street Theatre, Baltimore, Md., under Burton's management. It
was then called "The Broken Heart, or the Farmer's Daughter."
John Greene, Sam Johnston. C, Dunn and Mrs. C. Burke

(the first) were in the cast. Mr. Burton was not satisfied with this
play, and conceived the idea that M Maid get all the fun out of it
by writing up the character of Toodles and cutting the_play con-
siderably. The cast at this theatre was :

Timothy Toodles
Farmer Acorn
(le-orge Acorn . .
I ilci ronton . .

W. E. Burton
Henry I
Georee Jordan
. . Hamilton

Clias. Fcnton
I-awyer Gilt
Mm. Toodle*
Mary Acorn

. J. D. Grace

O. B. Raymond

Mrs. ^cmon

Mrs. A. Knight

Mr. Burton announced the drama to be the creation of his own
genius, and it ma7Tcahlt?~~~©rher comedians took up Toodles, and
presented him at the various theatres in the country. This aroused
the flaming ire of Mr. Burton, who denounced such gentlemen as
thieves and histrionic pirates, who were robbing him of the coin-
age of his brain, and diminishing, thereby, his chances for a
supply of bread and butter adequate to his wants. It was also
announced in the bills that "The Toodlcsp" "as played by Mr.
Burton, is a very different piece to the stolen and mutilated copies
in use by other theatres; the manuscript of the piece is Mr. Burton's
own property, and cannot be played elsewhere. " "Ihe. Toodles"
was really a two-act domestic drama entitled " The Fanner's
Daughter of the Severn Side, or Mr. and Mrs. Toodles." R. J.
Raymond was the author, and it was acted at the Royal Coburg

«t49j BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 345

Theatre about 1832. Mr. Davidge, father of the late William
Davidge, Sr., sustained the character of Mr. Twinkle Toodlcs.
Mr. Burton changed the language of the text in the second scene
of the first act of "The Farmer's Daughter," without any improve-
ment to the same; called the hero Timothy, instead of Twinkle,
and altered the title of the piece to plain "Toodlcs; " otherwise
the drama remained in its original form. When Burton played
the part of Mr. T. Toodles, he embellished it, and put the gallery
into spasms of cachination by outrageously vulgar gags of his own-
invention.

On Jan. to, 1849, John K. Mortimer appeared here in "The
Haunted Man;" Jan. 25 Brougham's dramatization of " Vanity
Fair " was first acted. Cornelius Logan (father of Eliza, Olive
and Cclia) appeared May 24, in his own play, entitled "Chloro-
form." Mr. Logan's first appearance in this city was in 1826, at
the Old Bowery Theatre, in "The Road to Ruin." He was well
known in the profession as actor, author and manager. He died
Feb. 23, 1853, on board the steamer "Pittsburg," between Wheel-
ing and Marietta, of apoplexy. He was an excellent comedian.
One of Burton's greatest successes was the burlesque, entitled
" Lucv-did-Sham-arnour." "Yal ermine and Orson." by Brougham.
w"as acted Aug. 14, and an allegorical sketch from his pen, called
" Jhc Krvpltjjaf the Sextons," was given Aug. 24, for the first
time. On Aug. 25 W. Wright made his American dfbut as Bill
Downey, in the " Unfinished Gentleman," played for the first time
in America; Aug. 31 Thomas J. Hind made his American debut
as Sir Charles Cropland in "The Heir at Law " for the benefit of
W. Wright.

The next season began Sept. 3, 1849, and I find in the company:
C. W. Clarke, S. I. each. Hoi man, Josephine Russell (afterward
Mrs. John Hocy), Mrs. Holman, Caroline Hiffcrt, Miss F. Barber
and Miss Malvina (Mrs. W. J. Florence). On .Sept. 7thc"£ap-
1 aptaiuXuttle " (additional extracts from " Dombcv & Sun "
by Brougham) was played. Brougham's drama "Temptation was
first acted Sept. 10. Thomas Hadaway opened Sept. 24 as Peter
White in "Mr. and Mrs. White."

Mrs. John Sloan (maiden name Ploughman) made her American
dlbut here on Sept. 24 as Katherine Klopcr in " LolaMontcz,"
and as Kitty Clover in "Mr. and Mrs. Peter White." .She was
afterwards connected for several seasons with Wal lack's Theatre.
Her husband died in Liverpool, Fng., May 26, 1861. On her re-
turn to America she joined Wal lack's company at Broadway and
Broome Street. She was in retirement from 1862 until the fall of
1878. In April, 1868, she mi married to " Dr." William Lindsay,
Sept. 10, 1878, returned to the stage, appearing at Wallack's
Theatre (Thirtieth Street) to play Gurtha in "Clarissa Harlowe;"

346 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i«so

but the play was a failure, and it was withdrawn Sept. 20, on
which occasion Mrs. John Sloan (who was billed for the first time
as Mrs- Lindsay) retired from the stage. She died in this city
Nov. 21, 1881.

T. H. Johnston appeared Sept. i, 1848, as Wigler in "The Valet
dc Sham." and afterward became a great favorite at many 6f our
city theatres. He possessed an inexhaustible fund of comedy
humor, but had latterly become careless, and did not reach the
height in his profession that his talents entitled him to. He died
in this city, while attached to Laura Kcene's Theatre, May 27,
1861. Oct. 10 "Burtons New York Directo: , The Cockney
jp Amerira." a local_burlesque, was first acted; Oct. 24 a travesty
of "Don Caesar dff'BJzaii," called "0?" K»wr At- B^y»nn " by
Brougham, was first played; Dec. 3 "The Se_rious_ Family " was
presented for the first time in America, and it ran one hundred and
twenty-three nights. This was the cast :

Aminidab Sleek . . . W. E. Burton
Chas. TorreM . . . C. W. Clarke
Capt. Murphy .Maguire John Brougham
r r.ink Vincent . . Stephen Ixach
Larly Sowerby Creamly Mr*. Hughes

Mm. Chas. Torrcns Josephine Russell
Mrs. Ortnsby Delmaine

Caroline Chapman
EmmaTorrcns Mit* Hill

Buckstone's comedy "Leap Year" was first played in America,
and at this house, March 1, 1850, for Mr. Brougham's benefit. On
March 26 George Jordan rejoined the company. Miss Mitchell,
daughter of "Billy" Mitchell, manager of the Olympic Theatre,
made her first appearance on the stage March 30 as Miss Gimp in
"An Alarming Sacrifice;" April 20" The Serious Family" reached
its one hundredth night. "The Vicar of Wakefield " had its first
performance in America here May 6; Constantia Clarke joined the
company May 8, and acted in "The Catspaw," — its first perform-
ance in this city; June 7 Henry Placide opened as Sir Abel Handy
in " Speed the Plough." "The Merry Wives of Windsor" was
played June 24, with Charles Bass as Falstaff, Charles W. Coul-
dock as Ford, and O. B. Raymond as Slender. The season closed
with a benefit to Burton July 5. The house was reopened Aug.
19 with "The Rough Diamond," when Humphrey Bland made his
first appearance as Sir William Evergreen, Lizzie Weston and Mrs.
Emma Skcirett (also first appearance) as Lady Plato and Margery.
"The Serious Family " was revived, and George Jordan appeared
as Capt. Maguire. The new people were H. Holbrand, George
Skerrctt, I.cvcrc, and Mr. and Mrs. Henry.

On Sept 2 William Rufus Blake and J. Lester (Wallack) made
their first appearance at this theatre in "The School for Scandal."
The cast of the comedy was this:

i85i] BURTONS CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 347

Sir Peter Teaile . Wm. Rulus Blake
Joseph Surface . . Humphrey Bland
Sir Benjamin .... Ceo. Jordan
Moses Geo. Skerrett

Sir Oliver . .
Charles Surface
Crabtree . .
Lady Tcailc .

Win. E. Burton

. . . I. Lester
T. B. Johnston
Mrs. J. Russell

Constantia Clarke took a farewell benefit Sept. 14, as Lydia
Languish in "The Rivals;" Mrs. Mary Warner made her Ameri-
can debut Sept 22, as Hcrmione in "A Winter's Talc; " Nov. 2
James H. Hackctt acted Falstaff in "The Merry Wives of Wind-
sor," and Nov. 16 was the benefit of J. W. Lester (Lester Wal-
lack), when "The Road to Ruin" was acted. On Nov. 30 Dr.
Norton's version of " Daxid_Coj)perfield "' was played for the first
time, and the cast was:

Mkawber . . .

Steerforth . . .

Peggotty . . .

Uriah . . . .

Rose Dartle - .

WickficH . . .

Mrs. Micawbcr .

Emily . . . .

Dec. 5 "The

. . . . Buxton Comierfield

. . J. W. Lester Traddles .

. . W. R. Blake Ham

. . T. B. Johnston
. Mrs. J. Russell

. . . Mr. Henry

. . Mrs. Skerrett

. . Miss J. Hill

Road to Ruin

Betsy Trot wood
Mrs. Steerforth
Mrs. Gummidge
Martha . .

. . Geo. Jordan
. . . Mr. Levcrc
. Humphrey Bland
Mrs. Hughes
Mrs. Geo. Holman
. . . Mrs. Henry
. . Liziie Weston

was played with this cast :

Goldfinch Burton

Dornton W. R. Blake

Harry Dornton ... J. W. Lester
Wilford Geo. Jordan

Silky T. B. Johnston

Widow Farren . . . Mrs. Hughes
Jenny Mrs. Skerrett

Kmma Skerrett died at Philadelphia. Pa., Sept. 26, 1887. She
first came to America in 1844, and made her debut at the old Park
Theatre Sept. 3, as Gertrude in "The Loan of a Lover." Her
first husband, George Skerrett, died at Albany, N. Y.. May 17,
1855. Her next husband was Harry L. Bascomb (now in the
Forrest Home), from whom she was divorced Sept. 20, 1862. In
a certain class of "rustic maidens" and soubrcttcs she was very
successful. Dec 19 ".Married an Actress," by J. M. Field) tnu
played for the first time in America.

May 19, 185 1, W. Kufus Blake took his benefit, and was seen as
Sir Harcourt Courtley in "London Assurance." with Mrs. J. W.
Wallack, Jr., as Lady Gay Spanker. June 2 Mrs. Skerrett had a
benefit, when, in "The Soldier's Daughter," Margaret Julia
Mitchell (now known as Maggie Mitchell) made her first appear-
ance on the stage, acting the child Julia. This terminated the
regular season, but the theatre was opened thereafter for perform-
ances three times a week, the company playing on alternate nights
at Niblo's Garden. These performances terminated June 13.

This house was reopened Aug. 18, 1851, with "Married Life"
and "That Rascal Jack." John Dyott appeared as Younghusband
in the first play. Dyott also acted here the following two seasons

348 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DH"

in leading parts, such as Orsino in "Twelfth Night," Warden in
" Mind Your Own Business," Volatil in " Paris and London," and
Pat in ".Uncle Pat's Cabin." The company for the season of
1851-52 consisted of Mrs. John Dyott, Mary Taylor, H. O. Pardey,
Maria Barton, Mrs. W. R. Blake, and all the old favorites. H. O.
^Pardcv s play. "A Nature's frfftfrlcman." was produced for tKelirst
~tim?T>et. 20, when J. w. Lester' (Vval lack) made his first appear-
ance after his return from Europe. Fanny Wallack joined the
company Nov. 3 as Rosalind in "As You Like It." Nov. 2!
"Dombey & Son " was again played with Mary Taylor as Toots,
my Wallack as Edith, and Caroline Chapman as Susan Nipper.
1852. Mrs. Hughes took a benefit, when "Paul l'ry,"
"Serious Family," and "' America"

March 11 Miss J. Hil had a benefit,

Jan. 14,
'School for Scandal,'

formed the programme.

when "Dombey & Son " was revived with this cast :

Cuttle

Dombey (ist time).
Edith (M time) . .
Bagstock (1st time)
Mrs. Skcwton . .

W. E. Burton
. . J. D

Miss Weston
. Mr. Russell

Mrs. Hughes

Susan Nipper (1st time) Mary Taylor

Toots T. It. Johnston

Bunsby J- H. Bland

Carker Mr. Holman

March 29 " Twelfth Night " was acted, with Burton as Toby
Belch, J. W. Lester as Aguccheck, W. R. Blake as Malvolio,
H. Placideas the Clown. Lizzie Weston as Viola, and Mary Taylor
as Maria. "Twelfth Night" was repeated April 12. May 26,
1852, "Laugh When You Can" was played with J. W. lister as
Gossamer, and Mrs. Dyott as Mrs. Mortimer; May 28 Mr. Lester
"acted Rostrum in "Secrets Worth Knowing" for his benefit.
Burton played Nicholas Rue, Blake as April, Johnston as Ple-
thora; Mrs. Skcrrctt. Mrs. Hughes, and Miss Weston were in the
cast.

" IheJ>ngl jshmaji i n Par i s " was played with Burton as Hip-
pington Mix. "Twelfth \ight " was acted June l.

Donnetti's performing dogs and goats appeared here July 17.
the regular season having closed June 23. The fall and winter
season began Aug. 23, 1852, when Mrs. Bernard made her Ameri-
can de"but as Mrs. Galochard in "Tin: King's Gardener." The
other American first appearances wereW. H. Norton as Capt.
Popham in "The Eton Boy," and Charles Fisher as Ferment in
"The School of Reform/ Burton also played Toodles. The
company was as follows: Charles Fisher, Mrs. Bernard. Mrs.
Cooke, William H. Norton, James Browne. H. Placide, Mr. and
Mrs. John Dyott. T. B. Johnston, H. Russell. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk,
Mr. and Mrs. Holman, Hayes, Levere, Chas. Parsloe. Sr., Hutch-
inson, Gourlcy. Mattison, Lawson, Paul, Mr. and Mrs. Skcrrctt.
Miss Weston, Mrs. Hughes, Misses 1 Hill, Mortimer, and John-

i«S33 BURTONS CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 349

son, Mons. Frederic, ballet master; John Cooke, musical director.
Lysandcr S. Thompson made his American de'but on the opening
night as Bob Tyke in "The School For Reform." He died at
Brooklyn. N. Y., July 22, 1854. The great charm in his acting
lay in the entire absence of apparent effort, which gave to the
effects he produced a most refreshing air of naturalness. He
left a family consisting of a wife and two children, Lysander and
Charlotte. There was a truthfulness, a delicacy, a pathos about
Mr. Thompson's acting of Zckicl Homespun in "The Heir at
Law" which no actor on the American boards could equal, much
less excel. His dialect was natural, pure, effective, but not obtru-
sive; it was that of a rustic to the manner born, not that of an
actor dressed like a country lout.

On Aug. 24 " David Copperfield " was acted; Sept. it was the
benefit and last appearance of Cornelius Logan; Oct. 4 "The
School for Scandal" had the following cast:

Sir Peter Placidc

Sir Oliver Burton

Joseph Dyott

Charles Fisher

Mrs. Candour . . . . M. Skerrett

Crabtrcc T. B. Johnston

Moses Thompson

Lady Teaile L. Weston

Lady Snccruell . . . Mrs. Hughes
Sir Benjamin .... Win. Norton

Oct. 8, "Grandfather Whitehead," with Placidc in the title
role; Oct. 25 Placidc appeared as Haversack in "The Old Guard."
and Col. Hardy in "Paul Pry" for his benefit. ' llaviri tJopper-
ficld " was acted Oct. 27. Harry Watkins began here Jan. 10T
1853, in his own comedietta " I Ai^H| Jlnd Grow Fat. " cast thus:

Whimsical F.aton . . . H. Watkins

Dr. Caustic C. Parsloe

Tore Helton Levere

Bullen Holman

Policeman Lawson

Patients .... Smith and Kcyscr
Allele Katon Mrs. Fish

Old F.aton .... Ceo. Skcrrett

Dumps T. B. Johnston

Stiiffen Fisk

Lucas Gourley

■ Paul

Servant MattisOO

Mrs. Crompton . . . Mrs. Holman

Mrs. Holman sang after the comedy. This was followed by
Paris and London," with the following cast:

Viscount Volatil Dyott

Rose Mrs. Bernard

Count Fripon Frederick

Mm*. St Julieune .... Mrs. Fish

Mons. Albert Levere

Her Father C. Parsloe

Her Brother Mr. Fish

Jean Jacques Placidc

Sally Trot Mrs. Huj;hei

French Steward ... Layskin
Commissioner Parsloe

Lady Volatil Miss Wc&ton

Hon. Frederic Froth . . . Holman

Capt. Cobble Ru«cll

Mr. Haskitt C, Fisher

C-'oralie Mrs. Dyott

Annette Miss Fisher

Prompter Anderton

Thomas Trot Barton

Capt. of Steamboat Fish

Waiter Gourley

350 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dm

This play by Mr. Watkjns was rcchristened "JM Quack
Martyr, Of A PyHWjWgTS ^'.'iirch n| ■ (/me. " "A Midsummer
Mights Dream was toe next production (Feb. 3). and it enjoyed
a run until March 3, 1853. Charles Fisher was the Theseus; Wm.
1. Burton, the unctuous and adipose Bottom ; Muter Chas. Parsloc,
l'uck; Titania, Mrs. Burton; Miss Raymond, Obcron ; Lottie
Hough, Hcrmia, and Mrs. Buckland, Helena. "The Mcny Wives
of Windsor" was played March 14, cast as follows:

Sir John FaUuff .... Burton
Dr. Caiu* T. Placide

Justice Shallow . . . Ceo. Skerrett
age Chas. FUhcr

Sir Hu^h Kvans . . T. B. Johnston
Anne Page .... Mrs. Bernard

Fenton . . .
Ho»t . . .
Pistol - . .
Mr*. Ford
Mrs. Page. .
Dame Quickly

. . . G. Holman
Lysander Thompson
. Wm. H. Norton
. . Mrs. J. Dyott
. . Mrs. Skerrett
. . Mrs. Hughes

" The Tempest " was produced April 1 1, with Burton as Caliban.
"Civilization " was produced April 18, for the first time in this
ciTy. JaTncs W. Wallack, Jr., appeared as Hercules the Huron,
C. Fisher as I.usccllus, Mrs. Skerrett as Hortcnse, and Mrs.
Hughes, Mad Kirkabon. May 21 Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams
began an engagement in " Uncle Pat's Cafrm " and " Customs of the
Country." The season closed July 11. Mrs. John Dyott retired
from professional life at the close of this season. She died at New
Rochelle, N. Y., Oct. 17. 1876.

The next season began Aug. io, 1853. During the summer the
theatre had been newly painted and decorated. Among the new
engagements were George Holland, George Jordan, George An-
drews, Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffc, Messrs. John Moore, Brown, and
Sinclair, Miss Alderman, and Annie Walters. The old favorites
who remained were Henry Placidc, H. Russell, Charles Fisher,
Gourley, Lawson, Kcyser, Mr. and Mrs. Holman, Wcnslce, Mat-
tison, Levere, T. B. Johnston, William E. Burton, Mrs. Cooke,
Mrs. Burton, Mrs. Hughes, and Miss E. Raymond. The initial
programme was "A Capital^ Match," in which George Hollaed
reappeared in this"city, atteFarT absence of three years, as Sunny-
side. "A Duel in the Dark," and "Thq .Secret or The. Hole in
the Wall.'" Julia Pclby first appeared at this theatre Sept. 12, in
"Domh^y am! Son." with this cast:

Capt. Cuttle Burton

Dombey G. Barrett

Toots T. B. Johnston

Walter Cay Ixvcrc

Edith (1 st time) . . . Mrs. Buckland
Mrs. Skewton . . . Mrs. Hughes
Mrs- Flowers . . . Miss Florence

Carker Holman

Joe Batrstock Russell

Sol Gills Moore

Jack Bunsby Norton

Withers .' . . . . C. Parsloc. Jt
Florence Dombey . . Mrs. Burton
Susan Nipper .... Julia Pelby

"Trying It On," with G. Andrews as Jobstock; Jordan, Wal-
singham; Potts, Radcliffc Tittlebat; Mrs. Buckland, l-'anny; Mrs.

i»$3] BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 35 1

CSS,

a musical interlude,
altered from an old farce called "Xfac^Man-
After a season of three months in this city,

Afitt

in old

Cooke, Mrs. Jobstock, and Mrs. Hough, Lucy. On Sept. 13,
"Serious Family" and "Heir at Law;" Sept. 14, "Toodlea;"
Sept. 1 c. "Dnmh^yand Son ; " Sept. 16, " David CoppexfieW^' with
Julia PelEy as Mrs. Micawber; "Wanted, a nd Milliners"

and "A Duel in the Dark;" Sept. 22 and 30 "Davjd Copper-
field " was again repeated, and Sept. 23 we had "DjunhfitaiM Sen.'
"^Twelfth Night " was played Oct. 3, with Burton 1 Toby Belch,
G. H. Barrett as Sir Andrew, Fisher as Mai vol io, Placide as the
Clown and Miss E. Raymond as Viola. _

Agnes Robertson first appeared in America and at this house
Oct. 22, as Maria in "The Young
by Dion boucicault,
IgSrjfl Daughter."

Miss Robertson went to Boston in January, 1854, and made her \
dgbut at the Boston Museum, then under the management of Moses J
Kimball. So great was her success that her engagement was pro-
longed from two to four weeks, then to six, and subsequently to eight
weeks. The tickets of admission were sold at a premium of five to
six dollars each, and at her benefit, the last night of her engagement,
the applicants for scats blocked up the access to the theatre and the
street in front. She was induced to prolong her performances for
the ninth week, and. within four hours, such was the crowd that
every seat in the theatre was bought up for the ensuing week.
Proa here she visited the principal cities South and West with
great success. She reappeared in this city in the summer (July 1)
of 1856, at Wal lack's Theatre, under the management of William
Stuart. From there she returned to Burton's Theatre.

Agnes Robertson was a ward of Charles Kcan, when Mr. Bouci-
cault was a literary man-of-all-work at the Princess Theatre, Lon-
don, Eng., of which Kcan was manager, and, much against the will
of her guardian, Boucicault won her heart. She was one of the
most graceful and charming of comediennes. Her rich, sympa-
thetic voice gave a correct and clear utterance to the dialect of her
native Scotland, and her mobile and beautiful face lent a reality to
her delineations which was irresistible. Everywhere she was ac-
knowledged as one of the most refined and accomplished of the
women who have ever graced and elevated the stage. It is gener-
ally understood that Agnes Robertson was Mr. Boucicault's first
wife; but this is a mistake, for the first Mrs Boucicault died on
the Continent of Europe before he espoused Miss Robertson. On

ian. 15, 1889, this lady was granted a divorce by the Court in
.ondon, England.

On Oct. 29, 1853, the musical burlesque entitled " Shylock" was
acted, with T. B. Johnston as Shylock and Miss Raymond as Portia.
Boucicault's comedy, " The Fox Hunt, or Don Quixote the Second,"
was acted for the first time on any stage Nov. 23. Dec. IS "Tne

352 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [ti*

Comedy of Errors " was done with Burton as Dromio of Syracuse,
and Andrews as Dromio of Ephesus. Feb. 3, 1854, " A Midsum-
mer Night's Dream " was produced from the original text, with few
curtailments, and for the first time on any stage with Mendels-
sohn's music, arranged by John Cooke. John Moore was the stage
director. The cast was as follows:

First Fairy Miss Walters

Peach Blossom . . Kate Pennoyer

Snug Russell

Flute G. Barrett

Hermia Mrs. Hough

Helena Mm, Bucklaad

Pock .... Master Chas. Parsioe
Indian Prioce . - . . Sallie Holman

Theseua Fisher

Egeus Moore

Lysandcr Jordan

Demetrius Norton

Philostrate Levere

Bottom Barton

8ainee Johnston
bcron Miss Raymond

Tittnia Mrs- Barton

This comedy was also produced by E. A. Marshall, at the
Broadway Theatre, shortly after, but it was conceded by all,
that the most perfect production was seen at this house. March
20 "William Tell " was acted with Fisher in the title rdle. April
5, the comedy " The Happiest Day of My Life." and for the first
time in three years, "The Laughing Hyena." April 11 "The
Tempest" was presented, cast thus:

Prospcro Fisher

Antonio Norton

Alonzo G. Andrews

Sebastian Hotmail

Ferdinand Jordan

Gontalo Moore

Caliban Burton

Trinculo Johnston

Stephano Placide

The Harpy .... Master Parsioe

Ariel Mrs- C. B. Hitl

Miranda Miss Raymond

Iris Mrs- Hough

Ino Mrs. Jansen

For her benefit and last appearance. May 6, Mrs. C. Barton Hill
played Ariel in "The Tempest." The season closed May 23, with
Walter Keeble as Duke Aranza in " The Honeymoon. " During the
summer of 1854, a new and extensive parquet was constructed, and
the house otherwise improved.

The next regular season began Sept. 4, with "The Serious
Family" and "The Little Devil's Share." Kate Eaton, Mar-
chant, Annie Lee, A. Andrews, and James H. Stoddart were
added to the stock company. Mr. Stoddart appeared Sept. 6,
as the Sir Anthony Absolute in "The Rivals." This was his first
and last appearance here, as he became a member of Wallack's
company for the season (at Broadway and Broome Street), the fol-
lowing day, opening there as Sowcrby in "A Phenomenon in a
Smock Frock. " " Havfd Coppcrfield " was acted Sept. 8, with
Fisher as PcggottyfTor the hrst time". Sept. 13 "A Midsummer
Night's Dream " was revived ; Sept. 19 for the first time the new
play, " f>nmliine Through the Clouds-" *** given. On Sept. 23
the new and original comedy, called " Nowadays " was presented;

.8m3 BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 353

this was also the first appearance of Miss Burton. " Dombey and
Son " was repeated Oct. 5, when Kate Saxon was the Susan Nipper
for the first time; Oct. 9 Henry Placide made his first appearance
this season as Sir Anthony Absolute in "The Rivals; Burton
was the Bob Acres; Oct. 16 Marion and Harry Macarthy joined
the company; Oct. 18 " ben Bolt *' was acted, with Fisher as the
Sailor, Marion Macarthy as Marion; Oct. 23 "The Tempest" was
given, with the cast as before, except that now Marion Macarthy
was the Ariel; Oct- 30, first time hereof the old comedy, "The
Poor Soldier;" Nov. 3, first performance in America of Jcrrold's
comedy, " The Heart of Gold j " Nov. 10 " She Stoops to Conquer,"
was given, with Burton as Tony Lumpkin, one of his very best and
most popular characters. On Nov. 1 6 was the first performance of
the new American play, by T. B. Dc Walden, entitled, " T_he Upper
Ten and Lower Twenty." casTlhlll! "

Crook path Ilurton

Simper Jordan

Zukc Johnston

Tom Andrews

Jacob Fisher

Mrs. Crookpath . . Miss Raymond
Nancy Notion .... Mrs. Hough

It had a run of four weeks, and gave way, Dec t
qault's local burletta, called "Apollo in New York
cast :

I, to Boucj-]
," with this

Jupiter Mr. Burton

Apollo Miss Macarthy

Mars Mr. Andrews

Mercury Mr. Holman

Cupid Kate Saxon

New York, one side as Fifth Avenue, one
side as Bowery . . . Mr. Johnston

"uno Mrs. Holmu

cnus Mrs. Hough

MEMBERS OF THE WOMAN'S RIGHTS CONVF.NTION.

Mrs. Hoax Smith ■
Mr». Bloomer . .
I.ucretia Fott - .

Mba M. Cooke

. Miss Terry

Miss Farren

The Reverend Antoinette L. Blue

Miss Florence
Mrs. Screecher Crowe . Mrs. Cooke
Abby Fulsome . . . Miss Walters

The dialogue of ".Apollo" was remarkable only for its grossness,
and it required a strong stomach to stand its vulgar and indecent
allusions. "Apnlk> in \'<w York " was one of the worst failures
ever seen in New York. Particular pains were taken to ridicule
Maine Liquor 1. .iw and the " Woman's R ights " movement.

Harry B. Macarthy, who made his American dr-but about this
time at this theatre, died at San Francisco, Cal., Nov. 8, 1888.

He was born in England in 1834, came to America in 1849, an^
for several years travelled with his wife (Lottie Estelle) in an
entire evening's entertainment. He was the author of many songs
and sketches, including "Barney's Courtship." A favorite in the
South, he adhered to the cause of the Confederacy and lent both
his voice and his pen to its aid, writing the famous war song, "The

»3

354 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»is

Bonnie Blue Flag." His eccentric make-up will be well remem-
bered— the low set collar, the ruffled shirt front and wristbands,
with the many diamonds which he wore, made a moving advertise-
ment of the "Arkansas Comedian." His last attempt to act in
public was at Oakland, Cal.. but when his cue came he was d
and for the first time unequal to the occasion. Broken in health,
penniless, and mind wrecked, death came as a happy relief. His
sister, Marion Macarthy, came to America with her mother in 1853.
She was at Laura Kccne's Theatre in 1858. She then went travel-
ling, and was taken ill in October, 1863. She was removed to an
asylum in Indianapolis, Ind., where she died April !, 1865, of
congestion of the brain. She was a pretty actress and a charming
vocalist. Her last appearance on the s'tagc was at Nashville,
Tenn., and her last part was Nannie in " The Organ Grinder and
"is AdoptedPauj; liter. "

Rrt>ec 18 a benefit was tendered to Morris Barnctt, when he
made his first appearance in this city (and after a retirement from
the stage of twenty-seven years) as Mons. Jacques in his own play
of that name; Dec. 25 the comedy entitled " A fJi«v> Vpynp Man, '
by J. E. Durivage. was played for the first time in thirty years.
Jan] 1, 1855, the Rev. Gcnrgfi Cmly'a comedy ".Sophia's 'Supper,
or Pride Shall Have a fall, was played, with Annie Lee as Vic-
toria; Jan. 11 was the first night of an original piece of classical
tomfoolery in the shape of a terrific temperance drama, entitled
"Circe and her Magic Cup;" Jan. 19 "Secrets Worth Knowing"
was acted ; Jan. 20, "Old'Adam ; " Jan. 24 was the first perform-
ance of MQrris__Barnett's American comedy, "Our Set, or the
Vacant Consulshi p, ' cast thus:

Dr. Lacquer Hurton

Spoonbill (first appearance here)

T. B. De Walden
Hon. Mr. Waverer .... Moore

Mrs. Waverer . . . Mrs. Hughes
Ignatius Poodle .... Marchant

Owen Holman

Mrs. Poodle . . . Miss Raymond

This piece was not a success, for it had a meagre and threadbare
plot, filled out with rather lively dialogue, but nothing brilliant
or original. On Jan. 29, for the first time, "Wornan7s Life in

Tin. ■.; M nil, \Y . :,.i Mother." Feb. 5, An::. '

. Mnwatt's mmpriy "fpahinn " harl th?« cast :

Adam Trueman (first time) Wm. Burton

Count Geo. Jordan

Mrs. Tiffany .... Mrs. Cooke
Prudence Mrs Burton

Tiffany .

Snobson

Gertrude

. . C. Fisher

T. B. Johnston

Mrs. Hough

The first performance of "The Flayer's l'lot, or the Manager and
C theJVIinistcr," occurred Feb. 6, 1855/ with this cast:

Balthazar Burton 1 Florival Jordan

; Delia Miss Macarthy | Leopold Fisher

i855] BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 355

" Fashion " was acted the same night ; Feb. 26, the Infant Sisters
— Augusta and Marie — took a benefit and appeared in three dances.
The farces " Living too Fast " and " The Spitfire," were also on the
programme. John Nathans and children appeared in classic group-
ings, and the "Spectre Bridegroom" was given, with the first ap-
pearance here of Harry Jordan as Diggory. On March 20 Charles
Fisher had a benefit, when his daughter made her dibul U Albert
in "William Tell." March 22 Harry Hall first appeared on the
American stage, as Dennis Bulgruddcry in "John Bull;" April 3
Mrs. Alexina Fisher Baker made her bow here as Widow Chccrly.
"Janet Pride" was played April 4, for the first time in this city.
.\i ty 7 George Holland appeared for the firsi time in several month*
The season closed June 2.

Th uf 1855-56 began Sept. 3, with the following com-

pany: Bradley (first appearance in New York), Milton Rainford,
William Burke, John Dyott, Fred Lyster, M. W. I.effingwell, Car-
penter, Rosalie 1-iiu.ml, Kate Reignolds, the Misses Knowlcs,
Robinson, Hall, Maxwell, Chas. Jordan, G. F. Marchant, Holman
Moore, Gardiner, Fredericks, Gourlcy, Wcnslcc, Chas. l'arsloe,
Paul Lawson, Kcyscr, Shirlcv, Kemp, the Misses Florence, Mil-
ler, Terry, Bell, and Wm. E. Burton. The opening bill was Buck-
stone's "Breach of Promise, or Second Thoughts are Best," with
this cast:

EbCDCCCr Sudden . . .Mr. Burton

Mr. Jabber G Jordan

Hudson Gourley

Cecil Gardiner

Gibbs Frederick*

George C. PariJoe

HailitF Lawson

Richard Kemp

Mrs. Trapper .... Mrs. Hughes

Matilda Mm- Burton

Isidora Mrs. Holman

Celcstinc Miss Knuwlcs

Mary (her first appearance)

Mft* Miller

Jcsay Miss Florence

Mis* Hawkins Mrs. Hell

This was followed by "A Kiss in the Dark: "

Mr. Selim I'eitibonc Mr. W. Burke Mary .... Miss Robinson

Frank Fathom, Ksq., (her first appear- The Unknown Female (her first ap-

ance here) Mr. Marchant pearancc) Miss Smith

Mr*. Fettibone . . . Miss Knowlcs

The bill concluded with " Deaf as a Post." "Still Waters Run
Deep" was acted Sept. 12: W. E. Burton as Mildmay, George
C. Jordan as Hawksley, Mr. Bradley as Potter, Mr. Lawrence as
Gimlet, Mrs. Hughes as Mrs. Sternhold, and Miss Raymond as
Mrs. Mildmay. The play was continued three weeks. It had
been played two days previous!)' at Barnum's Museum for the first
time in America. Milton Rainford and Emily Thome made their
first appearance in this city Oct. 6. Rosalie Durand made her
New York dlbut Oct. ! 1, and continued here for the season.
George Jordan played ■ Hamlet " for the first time here Dec. 10,

356 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««sfi

with Burton as I'olonius, Emily Thorne as Ophelia, and Mrs.
Thornc as Gertrude. Harry Perry first appeared at this theatre
Jan. 19, 1856, as Gossamer in " taugh When You Can." He died
in San Francisco, Cal., Jan. 22, 1862. His second and last wife
was Marion Agnes Land Rookcs, afterwards Mrs. J. 15. Booth, and
now the wife of John Schocffel. Mr. Perry married this lady Feb.
1 1, 1861, in San Francisco. A beautiful marble monument erected
by this wife over his remains at Lone Mountain cemetery, San
Francisco, bears the folowing inscription:

•' This earth that bears the dead

Bears not alive so stout a gentleman. "*

Harry Perry was one of the finest light comedians of the stage, but
an inordinate craving for strong drink mined him.

J. H. McVicker, who had been in Europe, opened here Feb. 4
1856, aa Sam Patch. He also played Peter Pomcroy in "Taking
the Chances/" Mr. McVicker was considered a clever Yankee
comedian, and had purchased nearly all Dan Marble*s best pieces,
with which he had been starring. Going west, Mr. McVicker
settled down in Chicago, and in the spring of 1857 erected a
theatre in Madison Street, between Dearborn and West Streets
He was a good actor, a comedian of the purest and most acceptable
type; he united unctuous humor with a gentle dignity that never
forsook him, even in the broadest phases of his art. His Bottom,
in "A Midsummer Night's Dream;" Dogberry, in "Much Ado
About Nothing;" Peter Pomcroy, in "Taking the Chances;" Sam
Patch; the grave-digger in "Hamlet," and many others, were
excellent performances. He died in Chicago, 111.. March 7, 1896.

" The Winter's Tale " was produced Feb. 1 3, cast thus :

I-eonte* H. A. Ferry

Mamillius Miss (i our Icy

Camillo Bradley

Antigonus Kainford

Dloo Gardiner

Cleomcnes Russell

Florizel Reynolds

Archidamus Gourley

Autolycus burton

Thasius Frederick*

Phocion Holman

Hermione .... Mrs. A. Parker

Perditt Mi>.s E. Thorne

Paulina Mrs. Hughe*

PoHxene* LeffinRwcll

The Shepherd Moore

The Clown Setchell

Time H. Jordan

Mrs. Charles Howard (now known as Mrs. Harry Watkins) ap-
peared here Feb. 25, as Franchine in "Grist to the Mill," with
Harry Perry, Bradley, Holman, and Reynolds in the cast. "Urgent
Private Affairs" was also acted for the first time in this country;
Feb. 27, Mrs. C. Howard acted Lctitia Hardy in "The Belle's
Stratagem;" March 10 " Helping Hands" was given. Also " For-
tunio and His Seven Gifted Servants." Mrs. C. Howard was the
Fortunio, II. Jordan the Emperor, Setchell, Gourmand and Mrs. K.
Thorne the Fairy Favorable. J. II. McVicker made his last appear-

i«s«D BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 357

ancc here March 25. "Gancm. the filay^pf Love." was first acted
here March 27. Julia Mills made her d£but here as Fctnah. "The
Queen of Snades. or the Gambler's Secret." by Boucicault, was
first played April 4. Mrs. C. Howard took a benefit April is, and
acted the principal character in " A ^-""A in. th.fi Iifff irf tfl UP!"""-
tC£tcdJ£cjjialc, " and sang" Maid, Wife, and Widow," also " To-Day
'm Sixty-Two ; " April 16, was the first night of the comedy " 'T j»
II! Tlaying With Ed ;cd Tools; " April 28 "The BvU GeniOS w.is

presented foi tHc Hrll RIBS rb America. Kay 1 Barton began ■

new season, with the following new faces: Julia Bennett Barrow,
Nellie Knowles, and Lionel Goldsmidt. Mrs. Hough was also
added to the company. "The Serious Family" was the initial
performance. Lionel Goldsmidt 's first appearance was May 5, act-
ing Bill Downcv in "The Unfini.vlu: I Gentleman." He sang his
eccentric song, " Hartlcmy Fair," Introducing many ludicrous imi-.
tations. " David Coppcrfield " was revived May 12:

Wilkins Micawber
Traddles - • ■
M.irtha ....

. . Burton I Peggotty .
I). Setchctl UiSli Keep
Mrs. Hougti 1 Rose Dartle

Chas. Howard

Rainford

Amelia Parker

This was Chas. Howard's first appearance here. "Catching an
Heiress " was the farce, with Mrs. C. Howard ami Lionel GnMsmidt
in the cast.

Agnes Robertson began an engagement May 19, in "Andy
Blake," "Jenny Lind," and "The Young Actress." May 20,
Dion Boucicault made his first appearance at this~theatre, as Sir
Charles Coldstream in "Used_Up." J. Lewis Baker first appeared
here May 23, as Plumper in "Cool as a Cucumber." "Yjolet, or
the Life '-if .in Actreu " had Its first performance May ijrortte
benefit of Agnes Robertson. The season closed June 7, with a
benefit to Mrs. Howard. A summer season began June 23, with
"The Merchant of Venice:"

ock . . .
l^uncclot Gobbo
flassanio . . -

W. M. Fleming | Je»sica Mrs- Fleming

. Geo. Holland Nerissa Fanny Dean

. . . . Prior Portia Mlas U*denicr

William M. Fleming was the manager during this summer term.
He took the house for the purpose of introducing his wife (Emily
Chippendale) to the New York public. Fleming's reign was a
brief one, and the house was closed and continued dark until Sept.
6, 1856, when it was reopened for a farewell performance of William
H. Burton, preparatory to his going to his new theatre, Broadway,
opposite Bond Street, afterwards the Winter Garden. The pro-
gramme was "The Serious Family," with this cast:

358 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D856

Aminidab Sleek .
Frank Vincent
Widow Delmatne
Lady Crcamly

. . Burton

Geo. Hoi man

Mrs. Parker

Mrs. Hughes

Murphy Maguire
Chas. Torrens .
Mrs. Torrens . .

C. Fisher
. John Moore
Mrs. Holman

(This was followed by " Toodles : "
Toodles Burton
Charles Fen ton . . . . C Warwick
Farmer Acorn . . . . G. Hoi man
Mr*. Toodles .... Mrs. Hughes

Frank John Moore

George M. Ksinford

Mary Acorn Miss Miller

The house was reopened for one night, Nov. 13, for the benefit
of Ada Clifton. During his lesseeship of this house Burton pro-
duced several of Shakespeare's plays, ami placed them on the stage
with a degree of attention to detail and a perfection of ensemble
which have never been surpassed in this country. " The Serious
Family " took the town by storm. Hurton was the original Amini-
dab Sleek in this country, and played it altogether over six hun-
dred times. Dan Sctchcll was a great favorite for several seasons.
William M. Dcmilt was a well-known character. He was the stage
carpenter, and at the time of his death, June 17, 1875, was the
oldest stage carpenter in this city. He was born in Albany, N. Y.,
in 1814.

As an actor William E. Burton deserves to be remembered as
one of the funniest comedians connected with the American stage.
Till the time of his last illness — heart disease — his facial power
was greater than that of any performer I ever saw. His Aminidab
Sleek and his Jj>odJes_wcrc a9 much creations of his as of the men
who wrote the plays in which they appear. His repertory was
extensive, and he never spared labor upon anything he took in
hand. One fault of his must not be omitted — I fault too general
with low comedians at that time. He had the habit of giving too
much breadth — in fact of throwing unnecessary coarseness into
some of his impersonations. As a manager, Mr. Burton was a
very hard-working man, very exacting of other people's labor, very
liberal of his own. Generally his company remained with him all
the time he was in Chambers Street. If his temper was warm, his
good nature was great. He died in this city, Feb. 7, i860, aged
iilty-eight years. The value of his property in Hudson Street was
estimated at $30,000. His estate at Glen Cove was worth $140,000.
The theatre in Chambers Street, then rented for the Federal Court
at S 16,000 per annum, was held at a valuation of $215,000.

In 1834 Burton left England for America, leaving his wife
behind him. Aug. 20, 1834, Mrs. Burton took a benefit at the
Royal l'avilion Theatre, London, Eng. W. E. Burton was mar-
ried to her April to, 1823, and lived with her until July 19, 1834,

IBs?] BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 359

when he left London to play a star engagement in Liverpool for
one month, as was supposed; but instead of going there, he was
married to Caroline Glessing, of London, July 18, 1834.

Edward Eddy leased this house and opened it Sept. 15, 1856, as
"The American Theatre." He continued until Jan. 3, 1857, when
his management ceased. "Wild Oats" was played Oct. 21, with
E. L Davenport as Rover, Burton as George Thunder, Charles
Fishcrasjohn Dorcy, .Mark Smith as Ephraim Smooth, and Thomas
Placidc as Sim. Mrs. McMahon, an amateur, who had made
an appearance at the Academy of Music Jan. 17, 1857, rented the
house for four weeks, and opened Jan. 19, in " Romeo and Juliet."
with the following company: Mrs. Coleman Pope, Mme. dc Mello,
William H. Hamblin. Charles Foster, Lionel Goldsmidt, Louis
Mcstayer, Frank Rea, Harry Russell, Lawrence P. Barrett, and
K. (.*. France, stajre manager. On Jan. 20, 21 "The Hunchback"
was given with Mrs. McMahon as Julia, and L P. Barrett as Sir
Thomas Clifford. This was Mr. Barrett's first appearance in New
York; Jan. 22, 23 and Feb. 5-to " Fazio," I_ P. Barrett in the
title role, Mrs. McMahon as Bianca; Jan. 24-26, "The Stranger,"
Barrett as the Stranger, the star as Mrs. Hallcr; Jan. 27, " Ingo-
mar," Barrett as the Barbarian, Mrs. McMahon as Parthenia; Jan.
29-30, "The Lady of Lyons;" Jan. 31 Mrs. McMahon acted Portia
in the trial scene from "The Merchant of Venice," followed by a
dance by Anna Kru^er, "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady,"
and "Who Speaks First?"; Feb. 2. 3, 4, "The Provoked Hus-
band," Mrs. McMahon as Lady Townly, Barrett as Lord Townly;
Feb. 6, "The Hunchback," and for the first time in New York,
"The French Refugee;" Feb. 9, "Romeo and Juliet," Mrs.
Coleman Pope as Romeo, Mrs. McMahon as Juliet; Feb. II, "The
School for Scandal;" Feb. 13 Mrs. Coleman Pope act ed Camille
with Barrett as Armand. Mrs. McMahon closed Feb. 14 with
"The Hunchback." Mr. France, the stage manager, retired from
the profession in 1867.

. : '! . '.v.ttkiot and E L Dai opart were the next leneei open*

ing r"eb. 23, i»57- They called the house "The American." The
company consisted of Kate Saxon, Mrs. E. L. Davenport, Fanny
Denham (now Mrs. W. A. Rouse), Miss Melissa, Mrs. J. C. Frost,
Mrs. Marcus Elmore, Emma Hall, Charles Foster, William Ham-
blin, Harry Watkins. France, A. Fitzgerald, Jas. Connor (after-
wards a dramatic agent), M. B. Pike. Brown, and William Orr. The
entertainment was an allegorical tableau, Mrs ]-.. [_ Davenport
as the Goddess of Liberty. She recited Drake's " American Flag,"
and sang "The Star Spangled Banner." On this occasion Fanny
Davenport went on as a child and sang in the chorus. This was
the first time Miss Davenport ever appeared before the footlights.
The French dancers, Ernestine and Annie Hcnrade, executed a

360 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«57

pas teul. Ernestine afterwards became Mrs. William R. Floyd.

Faint Heart Never Won Fair
The first named had this cast :

Nelly Miss Melissa

Alex. Jerrotd .... A. Fitzgtrald

Tippler Jas. Connors

Whistling Jakes Brown

Martha Mr*. Elmore

Our Country's Sinews" and
Laay " were the plays produced.

Herman Gray . . E. I- Davenport

Jew U. Watkin*

Old Job Ironsides . W. H. Hamblin

Col. Hartley Mr. France

Julia Hartley Mrs Frost

Feb. 25 "The Drunkard " was acted together with "Black Eyed
Susan," Harry Watkins as Edward Middlcton. E. L. Davenport
played William in "Black Eyed Susan," and Watkins, Gnat-
brain. On Feb. 26 " I'izarro " was played, with Davenport as
Rolla, Watkins as Alonzo. This was followed by "The Coro-
ner's Inquest, or the Unexpected Witness." and " Black Eyed
Susan." Between IrTeTecond andthi Ernestine and Annie

Hcnrade did a pas dt deux; Feb. 27, "Brutus," "Laugh When
You Can," and "Coroner's Inquest" formed the bill; Feb. 2S,
"Coroner's Inquest," " 1,-augh and, Crow Fat" the farce " Mons.
Tonson," and " Lord Darnlcy."

In "Mons. Tonson," C. Sage from the French Theatre, New
Orleans, made his first appearance in this city The programme
stated that this was the first time a French actor had ever appeared
on an English stage in an English play. March 2 "Charity's
Love" was given for the first appearance here of Mrs. E. I..
Davenport as Charity. " Live and Let Live " was also acted ;
March 5 Anna Cora Mowatfs come<l v." "Fashion, or Life in New
York," was done. E. L. Davenport played Adam 'freeman, H.
Watkins, Snobson, and Mrs. E. L Davenport, Gertrude; March

6 "Fashion " was repeated, with "My Guardian Angel;" March

7 Mrs. E. L. Davenport took a benefit, when" "Joan of Arc,"
"Eccentricity Crinoline," and "The Honeymoon" lorfherT~"the

Tohrad Clarke made his first appearance here— as

programme

Florinel In the first piece; March 0 Wilkins' play, "Thff -Sralp
Hunters," was acted for the first time in this city; March 12 the
five-act play " Egyptian," followed by a benefit, March 14, for E.
L. Davenport, when three acts of "The Egyptian." song by Fanny
Dcnham, comic song by Jas. Connor, "The Robber's Wife." and
"The Scplp .Hnnr^re " was the programme; March 16, T W.
Meighan's drama, ^ Modern, insanity " and " Black Eyed Susan ; "
Marcrfnj Harry Watkins toolTaTJenefit, when the "Green Hills
of the West," a fancy dance by Salome Secor (afterwards Mrs. S.
Duffield), "Eccentricity Crinoline," and song by Fanny Dcnham
wercgiven. March 21, " Richard III." and "Green Hills; " March
23, for the first time in America, John H. Wilkins' drama, "The
Maa_wjth the Red Beard;" March""27, HfSt time on any stage,
"The Sheriff's "Wife?" written by Mr. Morris, a lawyer of this city.

■■■<.n

WHITE'S MELODEON

361

Mrs. E. L. Davenport acted the leading role; March 28, "The
Merchant of Venice," also the Scotch drama " I.ord Darnlcy," and
the play of "Wealth." The season terminated March 31, with the
"Bride of I.ammrrmnor." ".Fashion, " and "The Rough Diamond."
After Burton left Chambers Street the theatre was closed for a
time, when the premises, which were held at the sum of £215,000,
though originally purchased less than ten years before for $15,000,
were rented to the United States Government for judicial and
other offices at $16,000 per year. Alterations to suit the new
condition of things were made and all interior traces of the build-
ing formerly dedicated to Momus were wiped out. The Federal
offices were retained in the building until it was sold to the Ameri-
can News Company, Jan. 29, 1876, for $180,000, who, shortly after,
had the theatre building torn down and a large edifice erected for
their business.

THE PANTHEON

THE place of amusement known as "The Pantheon" was a
small house used as a minstrel hall about the year 1846, by
a man named Smith Sloan. It was situated on Avenue D. near
Second Street. Jim Carpenter, banjoist ; Joe Miles, dancer;
Charles Fisher and R. M. Carroll were in the company. The
place did fairly well for a few months as a Minstrel hall. Then
Sloan introduced the Model Artists, under the leadership of Bruce
Norton. They also did very well for a short time, but the authori-
ties stopped the performance on grounds of morality. It has been
stated that Dan Bryant appeared here, but he never did.

THE PINTEAUX

ASMAl.I. hall known as "The Pinteanx," situated a few doors
below the old New York Hospital Deal Duatie Street, 1846-
47. Here musical entertainments were given by first class artists ;
also a minstrel company, composed of Giis Mead, David Jacobs,
John Turpin Kitts, Raymond, and others. Model artists exhib-
ited here also.

WHITES MELODEON

A PLACE of amusement known as "White's Mclodeon" at 53
Bowery, was opened by Charley White, Nov. 24, 1846. This
was the first cheap theatre in New York City, the prices of admis-
sion being i2# cents to the parquet, and 6% cents to the gallery.
R. and C. White were proprietors. Negro minstrelsy by White's
Scrcnadcrs was its principal attraction. It was destroyed by fire

362 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DM

in October, 1847, but was at once rebuilt and reopened by Charley
White. The shilling tickets (12^ cents) gave each holder a re-
freshment coupon, which entitled him to a drink or a cigar. On
March 12, 1848, the premises were damaged by fire, but repairs
were quickly made, and the theatre was reopened April 4, 1848.
May 20, 1849, it was again destroyed by fire, after which a five
story house was erected on the same site.

Among those who became famous in the minstrel world after-
wards, and who appeared here, were Master Juba, Neil Hall, tam-
bourine; Hill Smith, bones (Smith was noted for his large mouth);
Frank Stanton, banjo; Clem Titus, violin jig player, and Zcke
Hackus, violin jig and reel accompanist. One of the greatest
successes was George Whites singing of " Run, Nigger, Run, the
M. P. Will Catch You," and "Come Hack, Stephen." Salaries
ranged from $6 to $12 per week, with exceptions in favor of T. D.
Rice and John Diamond. George Lea purchased the lease (June,
1852), which had five years to run, for $600. Charles White
closed April 22, 1854, and George Lea opened April 24, having
closed his Franklin Museum at 175 Chatham Street. The lower
floor was a large wholesale furniture store. The two floors above
the auditorium were occupied by the furniture dealers for the manu-
facture of their stock. George Lea changed the name to "The
Franklin Museum," and it was so known until it was torn down at
the expiration of Mr. Lea's lease. Tabltaux vhtittts were among
Mr. Lea's attractions.

NOVELTY HALL

A HUMBLE place of amusement called " Novelty Hall " was
situated at the N. E. corner of Pearl and Centre Streets,
and was opened by Matt Brennan, although his name was not
announced as such to the public. Here Luke West, Matt Peel
(then known as Matt Flanncry). Flavin, and Dave Reed, com-
menced the practice of their profession.

In this hall the first variety show was given in this city— from
1844 to 1848. The second floor was called the " Hall of Novelty."
Admittance was b% cents. Spanish money was accepted in pref-
erence to our own money. For instance, if you wanted to go to
the Howcry Theatre i:i those days you could get into the pit for
a Spanish shilling (i2# cents), but the price was 13 cents in
American coin.

The performance at the Hall of Novelty consisted of a minstrel
band, with Dave Reed as end man. He played the bones. Dur-
ing the season of 1845-46, Dick Carroll danced here for three
nights, and John Daniels, the high kicker; Joe Miles, jig dancer;
Richaid and others of note.

«»S7D

MECHANICS' HALL

363

MONROE HALL

IT was in Monroe Hall, away over on the East side, that the
Exempt Firemen's Association was organized in 1842. The
first floor of the building was used as a bar-room — first by Owen
Brennan. and later by Matt Brennan and Fat Lysaght. All of
these men held high political positions.

CONCERT HALL

WHAT was called simply "Concert Hall " was situated at 404
Broadway, and used for exhibitions of various kinds. It
was opened Aug. 8, 1842, by F. T. Barnum with the " Fcjcc
Mermaid." Mr. Lyman was manager, under the assumed name
of Prof. J.- Griffin. Barnum continued here only one week.

PALMOS CONCERT ROOM

ON the corner of Broadway and Chambers Street was " Pahno's
Concert Room." The first floor of the building was oc-
cupied by Tiffany, Young & Ellis as a jewelry store, the base-
ment as a restaurant, the second floor by the concert room. The
Shoe and Leather Dealers' Bank was also in this building. Charley
White appeared for a short season with the Kentucky Minstrels.
In May, 1843, Sam S. Sanfnrd, with Lull, the banjo player, Major
Burke, violinist, and John Diamond, bones, occupied this hall.

MECHANICS' HALL

AT 472 Broadway was Mechanics' Hall occupied from March
22, 1847, to Feb. 22, 1S57, by K. 1'. Christy's Minstrels.
George Christy was bones and Karl H. Fierce tambourine. The
company became very popular, and the hall was crowded night
after night for several years. The rendering of the plaintive negro
melodies appealed with great force to the lovers of simple music,
tod Christy's Minstrels were peculiarly happy in their selection
and singing of such ballads. Mr. Christy was the first man to
establish minstrelsy on a firm basis, and it was here that he accu-
mulated the bulk of his wealth. For a number of years he had the
Ethiopian field to himself, and well did he profit by it. In 1854
he abandoned the business. In a fit of temporary insanity he
jumped out of the second story window of a house in which he
resided in this city, May 9, 1862, and received injuries from which
he died May 21. His remains were conveyed to Greenwood ceme-
tery. He always had a singular desire to utter large words, and,

364 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C»«57

3s he was comparatively uneducated, he was not invariably happy
in his choice of them. Hence, when laboring under this aprchen-
sion of mental disorder, he would say to all whom he met: "Sir,
is my language intellectual? Do I express myself intelligently?
Do you think me perspicuous.' "

Mr. Christy was among the first to establish the present popular
style of Ethiopian entertainments. He organized a small party in
Buffalo, in 1843. The troupe consisted of E. P, Christy, George
Christy (Harrington), L- Duran.l, and T. Vaughn. They were then
called the Virginia Minstrels, and travelled principally in the West-
ern and Southern country. Soon after their organization, Enom
Dickerson and Zckc Bachus were added to the company, and they
then assumed the namcof "Christy's Minstrels." They first appeared
in New York in 1846, at Palmo s Opera House. On their second
engagement in this city they appeared at what was then called the
Alhambra, on Broadway near Prince Street, and from thence went
to the Society Library, afterwards Appleton's building, and then
to Mechanics' Hall. In the latter part of October, 1859, a dispute
arose between George Christy (real BMBC Harrington) and K. P.
Christy, and George Christy left the concern, and became the
partner of Henry Wood, with whose minstrels he began perform-
ing on Oct. 31, 1853, at 444 Broadway. The withdrawal of
George, and his opposition at the lower house, injured the busi-
ness of E. P. Christy, and about the middle of July, 1854, he
abandoned the business.

Aug. 2i( 1854, Henry Wood and Geo. Christy leased this hall.
In the company were Geo. Christy, Frank Raynor, N. W. Gould,
Vaughn, Christian, Vase, William Birch, R. M. Hooley, Kccnan,
Lewis, and others. Henry Wood also had charge of 444 Broadway,
which he continued to manage with a minstrel company, and George
Christy appeared at both houses on the same night. "444" was
burnt down Dec. 20; the two companies combined and appeared
here the following night. The Marsh Troupe of Juvenile Come-
dians occupied this hall the season of 1856. The next attraction
was Raynor & Pierce's Minstrels, consisting "f Earl H. Pierce,
George ("Pony") W. Moore (end man), J. W. Raynor (interlocu-
tor). David S. Wambold, Billy Burton, W. P. Collins, Governor
Meeker, Joe Brown, jig dancer, Tom Christian, Tyrolean singer,
Anthony Nish. John Donnikcr, and Frank Raynor. Their last
performance here was on Saturday night. Feb. 21, 1857, for the
benefit of Larry Hyer. brother of Tom Hycr, the pugilist. The
Bryant Brothers' Minstrels opened here the following Monday.
Dan, Neil, and Jerry Bryant secured T. Prendergast, Dick Carroll.
Tommy Pell, (i. W. H. (Jriffin, Chas. Fox, old Dan Emmctt, and
others at that time well known in the profession. The house was
opened in a very modest way, Feb. • > Their success was assured

«MO

MECHANICS* HALL

365

from the start, for the simple reason that the Bryant Brothers made
every act tell, the feature being Dan's " Essence of Old Virginny,"
a nondescript dance by a decrepit old darkey. This and the old-
time plantation melodies given by a fine quartet, formed an enter-
tainment that hit the popular taste. Even George Christy's com;
and Tells Scrcnadcrs could not compete with them, for the reason
that one had a weakness for negro farces, and that the other was
too fond of brass instrumental^ music. As soon as Jerry and Dan
found that they had struck the right vein, they strengthened their
company in every department, and so kept on the topmost wave of
popularity. Fred Wilson, the clog dancer, was added to the com-
pany Oct. 18, 1858, and Dec. 6, David S. Wambold, the tenor, who
had just returned from Europe, appeared, as did James Unsworth,
ban joist.

For the season of 1860-61 the principals of the company were
Dan, Neil and Jerry Bryant, D. S. Wambold, P. B. Isaacs, James
Carroll, T. Norton, G. Charles, J. II. Savori, W. L. Hobbs, N. W.
Gould. M. A. Scott, Dan Emmett. Paul lkrger, T. J. Pell, Little
Tommy, and, later, John W. Adams, Henry Percie and G. S.
Fowler. Aynsley Cook, the English baritone, first appeared here
April r, 1861. Jerry Bryant died in this city April 8, 1861, of
congestion of the hrain. The hall was closed up for the entire
week. His last appearance before the public was Tuesday evening
April 2. His remains were interred in Calvary Cemetery. Poor
Jerry! Who, that with jaded mind and heart covered with the
dust of care, ever dropped in upon his smiling presence at Me-
chanics' Hall, and came away unfrcshenedr

From Aug. 25, 1862, till July 11, 1863, the company was as
follows: Dan and Neil Bryant, Sher. C. Campbell, Rollin Howard,
G. W. H. Griffin, Wise Seymour, VV. L Hobbs, Dan Kmmctt, T.
J. Pell, G. S. Fowler, G. W. Charles, Jas. Morrison, Prank Leslie,
J. H. Savori, J. W. Hilton, T. Gcttings, Little Mac, and, towards
the close of the season, W. W. Ncwcomb.

The next season began Aug. 10, 1863, and continued until July

^1864, with the following company : Dan and Neil Bryant, Nclsc
eymour, J. H. Savori, Frank Leslie, J. W. Hilton, Jas. Morri-
son, G. S. Connor, Dan Emmett, Dave Reed, G. S. Fowler, Rollin
Howard, T Gettings, Joseph Garatagua, W. L. Hobbs, Little Mac,
Gricr, Mullins, and, for a few nights in January, S- A. Wells.
The next season opened Sept. 12, 1864, and closed July 8, 1865.
The following were the company: Dan and Neil Bryant, Dave
Reed, Nelse Seymour, C. C. Tcmpleton, J. W. Hilton, J. Morri-
son, J. H. Savori, Dan Emmett, D. C. Winans, B. W. Buchanan,
F. Boniface, T. B. Prendergast, W. B. Grier, G. S. Fowler. J.
Garatagua, W. L. Hobbs, Master Tommy, A. Ross, and W. Mul-
lens. James Simpson was treasurer, and old "Pop" Doolittle,

366 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»7

doorkeeper. In May the company was strengthened by the addi-
tion of Frank Moran, and "Micky" Wan

Their last season began Sept. II, 1865, with the following
company: Dan and Neil Bryant, Eph Horn, Nelse Seymour,
Dan Emmctt, James Morrison, G. S. Fowler, J. S. Cox, N. W.
Gould. Dave Reed, Jules Stratton, M. Warren, J. H. Savori, W.
R. Gricr, Signor Pcrsini, Chas. W. Templeton, F. Bonifaci , D. >
Winans, R. W. Buchanan, and J. Ross. On Nov. 27 Little Mac
made his first appearance in two years, and the following gentle-
joined during the season in the order named: Jan. !, 1866,
Charles Henry and J. Garatagua; Jan. jo, Rollin Howard; Jan.
15, J. W. Raynor. and subsequently Master Ryan, Hogan, and
Collins, and Ira Payne. The regular season closed June 2, 1866,
with a benefit to Neil Bryant, and this ended the connection of the
company with Mechanics' Hall. Dan Bryant died In this city
April to. 1875. Neil Bryant died in Brooklyn, N- Y., March
6, 1902. N. W. Gould died in this city May 23, 1881.

Charley White was the next manager. He began June 26, 1866,
with the following company: Johnny Thompson, Harry Derling,
Sig. Vayo, George Winship, George Warren, M. Campbell, J.
Myers, Master Warren. C. E. Collins, the Clinctop Sisters, Millie
Young, Millie Flora, Viro Farrand, Lizzie Whelby, Lena Forrest,
Mlic. Josephine. Julia Melville, Ella Morley, Chas. White, Blanche
Stanley. Bob Hart, Frank Kerns, "Wuh" Norton, Nelse Sey-
mour, George R. Edeson, Lew Myers, Fanny Forrest, and a ballet.
Dave Braham was musical director. During the season the fol-
lowing appeared . Josh Hart, Frank and W. H. Ashton M. Car-
della, Hcrr Christian Holm, George Warren, George Winship,
Ben Goldsmith, C. E. Collins, Signor Chiriski, Dick Ralph, Silas
Baldwin. Morrissey. Little, Signor Faranta, Master Stevie, Annetta
Galctti, Helene Smith, Carrie Austin, Laura Le Claire, Eva Brent,
Emma Fowler. Mr. White gave a vaudeville entertainment. His
season closed April 30, 1867, when he retired from the manage-
ment. The following is a copy of the last performance under
Charley White's management:

LAST NIGHT OF THIS GLORIOUS HOUSE OF MOMUS.
CHARLEY WHITE'S GREAT COMBINATION TROUPE

In a glorious bill embodied in the following programme for this event :

Overture David Braham

The Black Actors

Ceo. Winship and Geo. Warren

Dance Unfa Shaw

Song and Dance . . Broadway Boy*
Fancy Dance . ■

Viro 1-arraod

THE SKILLEGANS.
Frank Kerns, Geo. Winship, and Geo. Warren.

am i

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

367

The ballet by Mons. Grossi, entitled

THE COQUETTF..

Character* by Millie Flora, Hclcne Smith, Florence Wells, Laura Lc Claire
(afterwards Mrs- Josh Hart, now Mrs. Will Sands), Viro Farrand, Jennie Lor-
raine. Liuie Shaw, Millie Young and Georgie Natalie.

iohn Brcakall . . . Charley White Dance Florence Wells

tr. Fitigig Josh Hart Clog Dance . . . Broadway Boys

Dance Millie Flora Overture Orchestra

Song and Dance . . . Dick Ralph

To conclude with the burlesque, entitled

STREETS OF NEW YORK,

with Charley White, Geo. Winship, Frank Kerns, Dick Ralph, Geo Warren, and
H. Jones in the characters.

This house was opened June 3, 1867, by Robert W. Hutlcr, as
"Butler's American Theatre," with the following music hall com-
pany: Mons. La Thome, stage manager; M. Grossi, ballet-mas-
ter; Thos. Simpson, musical director; Zuccoli Sisters, Eloise
Clyde, Hug hey Dougherty, S. S. Purdy, John Queen, Charles
Pcttcngill, H. Stanley, Dick Sands, Robert Edeson, C. E. Col-
lins, C. Gardiner, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Ryan, Master Barney, Ada
Tcsman, J. C. Stewart. July 2 appeared Helene Smith and Carrie
Austin; July 9, George R. Edeson; July 15, Fanny Forrest, Bob
Hart, and Frank Kerns; July 23, Nelse Seymour; July 30, Wash
Norton; Aug. 27, Sig. Henrico; Sept. t, Laura Le Claire and
Josh Hart; Sept. 24, Fanny Forrest, Frank, William, and George
Ashton; Oct. 8, Annctta Galctti and Mons. Cardclla; Oct. 22,
Harry Burchard, Geo. Warner, Geo. Edeson, and Geo. Winship;
Nov. 5, Eva Brent; Dec. 5, Ben Goldsmith; Dec. 10, Billy Allen;
Dec. 17, Sig. Chiriski and E. S. Collins. Early on the morning
of April 8, 1868, fire was discovered in the building, which soon
extended into the auditorium and destroyed the house, as well as
slightly damaging the Apprentices' Library adjoining.

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

THE original projector of the "Old Broadway Theatre" was
Thomas S. Hamblin, but just as he was about beginning
operations, the Bowery Theatre, then under his management, was
destroyed by fire, involving him in a loss of $100,000. Col. Alvah
Mann then commenced the erection of it, and, after spending
$(4,000, was obliged to call in the aid of Mr. Raymond in order

368 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1847

to complete the building. The lot BOOO which this theatre was
built was on the east side of Broadway between Pearl and Anthony
(now Worth) Streets, at what arc now known as 326 and 328 Broad-
way. It would accommodate 4,500 persons, having seats for 4,000.
There was an immense pit to which only men and boys were ad-
mitted. The price of admission was twenty-five cents and the
scats were plain benches without backs, and on crowded nights
the jam used to be terrific. The first and second galleries were
called the dress and family circles. Three rows of benches were
set apart in the latter for the accommodation of colored persons.
It was one of the best arranged places of amusement in the city,
and was modelled after the Hay market Theatre, London, Eng.
When he first opened here Ethelbert A. Marshall, the manager,
was partial to English actors, but it was not long before many
American actors were found among his (otfs dramatique. Here
Edwin Forrest and W. C. Macready won their greatest laurels.
Although Macready was regarded by the general public as the
greatest actor of his day, his vanity and egotism, and his super-
cilious treatment of his subordinates, made him unpopular in
his own profession. Sometimes he rendered himself ridicu-
lous on the stage by assuming characters unsuitcd to his years.
He would persist in playing Claude Mclnottc because he had
been the original representative of that part. The opening of
the "Old Broadway" took place Sept. 27, 1847. The com-
pany consisted of Fanny Wallack, Rose Telbin, Miss Winstanley.
Miss Carman, Mrs. Hield, Helen Matthews, Henry Wallack, John
Lester (Wallack), Thomas Lynne, J. M. Dawson, Thomas Vache,
Henry Hunt, C W. Hunt, Mcsdames Watts, Bernard, Sargeant.
and Chapman, the Misses Gordon, Fitzjames, George Vandcnhoff,
G. Chapman, H. Bernard, J. F.verard, Dennison, William Fred-
ericks, E. Shaw, J. Bernard, J. Kingslcy, J. Walters, Thompson,
Allen, and Miles. St. Clair and Celeste. Alvah Mann, proprie-
tor; G. H. Barrett acting and stage manager; W. E. Anderton,
prompter; J. M. Trimble, architect; J. R. Smith and G. Heister,
scenic artists; Andrew J. Allen, coatumer; Samuel Wallis, prop-
erties; Mr. Galbraith, stage i - and machinist. The initial
performance was "The School for Scandal," given with this cast :

Sir Peter Teazle
Lady Teazle . .

Sir (Diver Surface
Maria ....

. H Wallack

Rose Telbin

. . T. Vache

Mrs. Sarfeaot

Mrs. Candour
Joseph Surface
Charles Surface

Mrs. Winstanley
Thot. Lynne
Geo. Barrett

The afterpiece was "j>ed Vp: "

Sir Charles Coldstream • - I. I.estcr I I.adv Clutterhuck
Sir Adonis Uacb - - . . II. Hunt I Mary Wurzcll • •

Miss Cordon
. Mrs. Watts

««47]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEAT

369

The first performance of "The School for Scandal '" on any stage
occurred on May S, 1777, at the Drury Lane Theatre, London,
Eng. The cast was:

Sir Peter Teade , . ■
Sir Oliver Surface - -
Sir Harry Bumper . .
Sir Benjamin Backbite .
Joseph Surface . . .
rlcs Surface . . .

Circle**

Snake

King

Mi. Yates

Mr. Gawdrv

Mr. Dodd

. Mr. Palmer

Mr.

Mr. Farrcn
. Mr. Packer

Crabtree Mr. Parson*

Kowley Mr. All Ida

Jlraw Mr. Baddley

Lady Teazle . . . Mr*. Abingdon
Lady Sneerwell . . . Mis* Sherry
Mrs'. Candour . . . - Miss Pope
Maria Ml** P. Hopkins

On the next evening "Love's Sacrifice" was given, with Mr.
V mdenhoff as Matthew Elmore, and Fanny Wallack as Margaret
In the same week was played "The Lady of Lyons," with Geo.
: lenhoff as Claude, G. Barrett, Col. Dumas, and Fanny Wallack
as Pauline. Afterwards John Lester (Wallack) took the part of
the Viscount de Ligny in the one-act comedy of " The Captain of
the Watch. " ^

Professor Risley and his children took a benefit Oct. 12 when
"Used Up " was acted, with this cast:

Chas Coldstream ... 1. Letter

Adonis Leach H. Hunt

Tom Saville KInsslcy

Wurrell Evcrard

ohn Truebrace Vache

enncl Dennlson

Lady Clutterbuck . . Miss Gordon
I Wurtcll . . . Mr*. Watt*

and

This was followed by a scries of acts by Professor Risley
sons, after which the farce " Who Do They Take Me For?" was
acted for the first time. The comedietta " Ladies, Beware!" was
the afterpiece. The Asiatic ballet " L'Almec, or une Oriental
Vision," in two acts, was given for the first time in America,
Oct 21. Mons. II. Monplaisir and Mme. Adele Monplaisir were
the Nadhir and Haidee. This ballet and " The Inconstant" were
played Oct. 30, with G. Vandcnhoff as Mirabel, Vache as Old
Mirabel. Lester as Duratctc, and Rose Telbin as Oriana. Nov. 1,
for the first time in America, the ballet " La Jcunc Dalmatc, ()u,
Lc Rctour au Village " was seen, introducing Mons. and Mme.
Monplaisir. " Money " was acted Nov. 4, with Fredericks as Lord
Glossmore, Henry Wallack as Sir John Vesey, John Lester as Sir
Frederick, K Shaw as Stout. G. Vaodenhcfi as Evelyn, Mrs. Win-
Stanley as Lady Franklin, Fanny Wallack as Clara; Nov. 5, 6, "In-
constant;" Nov. 9, first time of the new farce "Caught in a Trap,"
lister as Marquis, Dawson as Dc Mcrville, Hadaway as Gogue-
nond, and Rose Tclbin as the Countess; also the musical drama,
"The Ladder of Love," Helen Matthews as Suzanne. Nov. 15,
" Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady," with Mrs. Sargcant as Charles
II., Fanny Wallack as Duchess De Torrenueva, and Mrs, Ilieldsas
Donna Leona. " La. Jeune Dalmatc " was given for the last time

37° A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i«47

Nov. 16; " Lcs Deux Roses, or a Neapolitan Festival." h.-ul its first
representation Nov. 17 by Mons. and Mme. Adele Monplaisir:
Nov. 18 Geo. Vandenhoff acted Young Wilding in "The Liar,"
l Gordon as Miss Godfrey, and Mrs. Watts as Kitty; Nov. 20,
" Utile's Stratagem," Fleming as Sir Geo. Touchwood, G. Van-
denhoff as Doricourt, Henry Wallack, Hardy; Lester, Flutter;
Fredericks, Savillc; Dawson, Courtall; Mrs. Sargcant, Lady
Frances; Fanny Wallack, Lctitia Hardy; and Mrs. Winstanlcy
as Mrs. Rackctt. This was followed by the " Country Squire^ or
Two Days at the Hall." The farce "A Trip to"KTsseng«ft,'<was
first acted here Nov. 24, for the benefit of Mons. Monplaisir. A
benefit for the Fire department fund took place Nov. 26, when
Mons. and Mme. Monplaisir made their last appearance. " Fizarro "
was played Nov. 27. " The Flowers of the Forest " was presented
here for the first time Nov. 29, with this cast :

Hugh Lavrock . Wtn. S. Fredericks

Leyboarne Kingsley

Beadle Everard

Gilbert Chapman

Lady Agnes .... Mr*, Sargcant
Abigail Mrs. Watts

Winnifrcd .... Mrs. Chapman

Alfred Fleming

Linton Bernard

Mayfield Allen

Cheap John . . . Thos. Hadaway
Countryman Thompson

"The Love Chase" was given Dec 3, and cast thus: Fanny
Wallack acted Constance; Rose Telbin, Lydia; Mrs. Winstanley,
Widow Green; Henry Wallack, Sir William Fondlovc; Fleming,
Waller; and Lester. Wildrakc.

James Murdoch began an engagement here Dec. 6, acting Claude
Melnottc in the "Lady of Lyons; " G. Barrett as Col. Dumas;
Fanny Wallack, Pauline; Mrs. Winstanley, Mme. Dcschapclles;
Mrs. Watts, Widow Melnotte. "Ernestine" was first acted here
the same night with this cast :

Ernestine .... Fanny Wallack
Juliette . ... Miss Matthew*
Mark Miss Telbin

Viscount Fredericks

Frederick Lester

Charles Dawson

Dec. 8. Murdoch as Benedick, and Fanny Wallack, Beatrice in
" Much Ado About Nothing; " also " My Aunt." Murdoch as Dick
Dashall; Dec. 9, "Romeo and Juliet:" Dec jo, "The Stranger"
and "Wild Oats" for Murdoch's benefit and last appearance; Dec.
11, "The Maid of Croissy," Fleming as Sergeant Austcrlitz.
Mme. Anna Bishop appeared here in Italian and English operas,
Dec. 13. Bochsa was muscial director. "Lucreria Borgia," in
Italian, was the initial performance, cast thus:

Lucreria Borgia . Mme- Anna Bishop
Apostolo Gazella ... Pierson

Jepho Charles

VnelOMO .... Mme Boulard

GubctU .
(Jenarro
Maffio Onsini

. . . Sig. Otto
. W. H. Reeres

(;. A. Macfarrcn

I«4«]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

37«

On Dec 15 "The Inconstant" and "Ernestine" were given;
Dec. 16, 17, "Linda of Chamouni " (in English). Mme. Anna
Bishop as Linda, Miss Barton as Magdalene, W. H. Reeves as
Vicomtc, Vachc as Marquis, Brough as Antonio, Everard as Paolo,
Benctti as the Steward, and Mme. G. Macfarren as Picrotto; Dec.
18-20, "La Sonnambula," in English, with Sig. Valtcllina as
Count. Reeves as Elvino, Mme. Anna Bishop as Amina, and Mile.
Mathilde Korsinski as Liza. Barrett acted O'Callaghan in "His
Last Legs." Dec 21, first time in this city, the operatic spectacle
" The Maid of Artois," was seen with this cast:

Isoline .... Mme. Anna Bishop l Sans Regret Kverard

Jules Tie MotiUngon . W. H. Reeves Ninka Mrs. Watts

Marquis Vieux Brough '

Previous to the opera "The Captain of the Watch," with Lester
as Viscount dc Ligny, was done; Dec. 24, for Mme Anna Bishop's
benefit and last appearance, "Three Weeks after Marriage," selec-
tions from "Norma" (in Italian), English ballad by Mme. Mac-
farren, selection (in English) from "The Love Spell" (L'Elisir
il'Amore); Cavatina from " Lucrezia Borgia," by Sig. Valtellina;
dance by Miles. Celeste and St. Clair, and a selection from "Tan-
crcdi " by Mme. Anna Bishop, formed the hill. Signora Ciocca
and Sig. Morra began Dec. 25 in ballet; "George Barnwell" was
also presented, with Fleming in the title rdle, Mrs. Hicld as Mill-
wood, Mrs. Watts as Lucy, and Mrs. Sargcant as Maria

Samuel Lover made his first appearance Dec. 28, in the " Emi-
grant's Dream, or the Land of Promise." The programme stated
that Mr. Lover, anxious to pay a just author's tribute of gratitude
to America for her munificent contribution to Ireland in her dis-
tress, would endeavor to help the holiday festivities by producing
a fairy and fantastic dramatic sketch, and the principal character
(Phil Purccll, a decayed farmer) was impersonated by himself.
This continued until Jan. 6, 1848, when for his benefit, Lover
acted Darby Sullivan in "Macarthy Moore, or Nine Points of
I^w," and also appeared as Phil Purccll. In commemoration of
the day on which was fought the Battle of New Orleans, the three-
act drama entitled " Eighth of January, or the Battle of New
'h'., ,ms." was acted, previous to T .over's "Macarthy Mooic."
Between the pieces Mile. Celeste danced, " Drake's Address to
the American Flag" was recited, T. Hadaway sang "What a
Woman is Like," Mile. St. Clair danced, and Mr. Thompson did
a clog hornpipe.

"The White Horse of the Peppers " was first acted here Jan. 12,
with Lover, the author, as Gerald Pepper; for his farewell Lover
acted the same rdle, Jan. 13, and " Don Cesar de Bazan " had its
first performance here with Lester in the title rdle. Fanny Wal-

372 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [.84s

lack acted Maritana. "John Hull" was played for the first time
here Jan. 14.

Torn Shufflcton Barrett

Job Thornbcnjr Vachc

Simon Rochdale E«

frank Rochdale Dawson

Lady Caroline .... MIm

Mrs. Brulgriiddery . Mrs. Winstanlcy

Dennis Hrulgruddcry . . . Shaw

Din T. Hadaway

Peregrine Fleming

John Hun Chapman

Mary Thoraberry Fanny Wallack

On Jan. 15 "The School for Scandal " was given, with Barrett
as Sir Peter Teazle, Vachc ?.s Sir Oliver, Fredericks as Joseph,
Lester as Charles, Hadaway as Crabtrcc, G. Chapman as Moses,
Rose Telbin as Lady Teazle, and Mrs. Winstanlcy as Mrs. Can-
dour. Mrs. Farren made her first appearance in this city Jan. J 7,
as Mrs. Beverly in "The Gamester." Fleming as Beverly; Jan. 18
she acted Pauline to Fleming's Claude Melnotte. Jan. 19, Mrs.
Haller in "The Stranger" and Juliana in "The Honeymoon;"
Jan. 20, Beatrice in "Much Ado About Nothing." G. H. Barrett
took a farewell benefit Jan. 21; "Ernestine" was given, followed
by Mmc. Augusta in a dance ; then the screen scene from "The
School for Scandal," Barrett as Sir Peter, Lynnc as Joseph, Lester
as Charles, and Mrs. Farren as Lady Teazle; next Signora Ciocca
in a dance, a musical olio; Helen Matthews, song, "Even as the
Sun;" S. Leach, song, "My Boyhood's Home." Mme. Otto,
Mr. Arthurson, W. B. Chapman, and T. Hadaway appeared, the
two latter sang the comic songs, "The Debating Society" and
"The Farm Yard." Mme. Augusta and Mons. Frederick did
a comic polka, and the entertainment closed with "The Young
Widow," Charles Burke as Splash, Mrs. Knight as Lucy. The
prices of admission for this occasion were doubled. Mrs. lar-
rcn's farewell occurred Jan. 22, when "The Hunchback" and
"The Lady of Lyons," with Mrs. Farren as Julia and Pauline
were played, Barrett volunteering as Col. Dumas. Mr. and Mrs.
J. W. Wallack, Jr., opened Jan. 24 (their first appearance in New
York in three years) in " Macbeth : "

Macbeth . . . James Wallack. Jr. Lady Macbeth

Duncan Kverarxl Gentlewoman .

Malcolm Dawson First Witch .

Mbaln Miss Webb Second Witch

Macduff Fleming Third Witch .

BaoqtW Fredericks

Ethelbert A. Marshall became joint manager on this date. He
was also manager of the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia.
On Jan. 25 Wallack acted Othello; Lester, Cassio; Fleming,
Iago; Mrs. Wallack, Emilia; Fanny Wallack, Desdcmona; Jan.
26, "Macbeth," J.imes Stark (his first appearance) as Malcolm;
also the new farce " Box and Cox " (first time), Hadaway as Box,

Mrs. J W. Wallack
Mrs. Chapman
. . . Hadaway
. . W. Chapman
Vachc

««♦■!

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

373

Chapman as Cox; Jan. 27, Wallack as Master Walter, and Mrs.
Wallack as Julia in "The Hunchback;" the afterpiece was
"Ernestine;" Jan. 28, "The Merchant of Venice;" Jan. 29,
" King of the Commons," Wallack as King, James Stark as Adam
Weir; Jan. 31, "Richard III.;" Feb. 2, "School for Scandal,"
Wm. Chapman as Sir Peter Teazle, Mrs. Wallack as Lady Teazle,
Mr. Wallack having been taken ill ; Feb. 3, Wallack acted Shy-
lock; Stark, Bassinio; Lester, Gratiano; Hadaway, Launcclot
Gobbo: Feb. 7, "Werner, or the Inheritance," Fleming as Ulrich;
"The Soldier's Daughter" was also acted, with Mrs. J. W. Wal-
lack as Widow Chcerly ; Feb. 1 1, " Bridal," Wallack as Melanthius
and Mrs. Wallack as Evadne. For their benefit and farewell, Feb.
12, "Bertram" and "Rent Day" were acted, Wallack as Bertram
and Martin Heywood, Mrs. Wallack as Imogene and Rachel Hcy-
wood. Mrs. Farren reappeared Feb. 14, as Constance in "The
Love Chase," Feb. 15, as Beatrice in "Much Ado About Noth-
ing." George Vandcnhoff was the Benedict. " The Irish Valet "
was the farce, with D. Anderson as Old Melbourne. J. M. Wes-
ton's adaptation of " Lucrczia Borgia" had its first production in
this city Feb. 16, with Mrs. Farren in the title rfile; Feb. 17,
"The Stranger," Mrs. Farren as Mrs. Haller, G. Vandcnhoff as
the Stranger; "Lmnvia Borgia;" Feb. 18, "The Wonder," Van-
dcnhoff as Don Felix, Mrs. Farren as Donna Violante; Feb. 19,
"Ransom," "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady," and "Lucrczia
Borgia," were presented for Mrs. Farren's benefit, this lady acting
Pauline Le Blanc in the first piece. Duchess I)e Torrcnucva (Mrs.
Hield as Donna Leonora), and Lucrczia Borgia. Wm. Rufus Blake
was engaged as stage manager Feb. 21, and opened as Jesse Rural
in "I'M lipids ,md Young 1 Icarts, " — his first appearance. The
play was acted until March 1, when "London Assurance" was
given for the first time in this theatre,~and witfiTfliis cast :

Sir Hareourt . . . . Wm. R. Blake I Dawle J. Lester

Chas. Courtley . . . G. Vandenhoff Mark Meddle . . . . T, Hadaway

Dolly Spanker . . . I. M. Dawson Cool Kingsloy

Lady Gay Spanker . Fanny Wallack Solomon Gallot

Grace Harkaway . . Rose Tclbin Peri Mrs. Wattx

Max Harkaway . . . Thos. Vachc I

"The Trumpeter's Daughter," by J. Stirling Coyne, was first
acted here March 8, with Lester as Phillipot, G. Chapman as Robin,
and Rose Telbin as Madelon. The farce, "Shocking Events,"
was first given here March 18- Friday and Saturday evenings
the theatre was occupied by fancy dress balls. James R. An
son opened his first engagement here March 20, as Othello, G.
Vandcnhoff as lago, Leater as CaasiOj Fanny Wallack as Desdc-
mona. Mrs. Hield as Emilia; March _m, "Hamlet,'' Anderson in
title rdle, Mr. Brydgcs as Claudius, Fleming as I-aertcs, Lester

374 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CM

as Osric, Fanny Wallack as Ophelia; March 22, "The Lady of
Lyons,*' J. R. Anderson as Claude Melnottc, D. C. Anderson as
Mons. Dcschapelles, Fanny Wallack as Pauline; " Used Up " was
the afterpiece, with Lester as Sir Charles Coldstream ; March 23,
" King of the Commons," Anderson as King James. "The Double
Bedded Room," had its first representation here on this date;
March 24, "Macbeth;" March 25, "The Lady of Lyons" and
"Taming of the Shrew." J. R. Anderson as Claude Melnottc and
Petruchio.

Talfourd's tragedy, called "Glencoc, or the Last of the Mac-
donalds," was acted for the first time in America, March 27, with
this cast:

Halbart Macdonald .
Henry Macdonald -
Aimer Macdonald .

i 1;
. . . Fleming
. Rose Tclbin

tuhti Macdonald -
lobert Campbell
Angus . . .

. . . E. Shaw

. Fredericks

I). C. Anderson

1 >n March 30 "The Elder Brother" was played

1. .id;. Macdonald .
Helen Campbell .

Charles Anderson Lady Macdonald . . . Mr*. Hicld

Maclian Vachc Helen Campbell . . Fanny Wallack

Catholic 1'riest Hunt

On March 31 Jas. R. Anderson acted Alfred Evelyn in " Money."
April 1 Anderson took his farewell, and acted Charles in "The
£lder Brother "and "The Stranger." Mile. Blangy, Mons Boux-
ary. Mons. Wiethoff, and Miss Vallee made their de"but in the
ballet, "Tin: Sylph id*." The ballet of "Giselle, or the Willies,"
had its first production April 6. Also for the first time in
America " Mourir Pour la l'atrie" was sung. This national air
was arranged for full orchestra by Mr. St. Luke, blended with
American patriotic airs, and the entire dramatic company appeared
on the stage and assisted in the chorus. H. P. Grattan's drama.
"The Advocate, or the Lost Cause," had its first -performance on
any stage Apni 10, ana cast tnus :

Antoinc du Vernct
Felix Dubois . .
Mons. Dupres . .

. W. R. Blake
. J0"1" l-cster
D. C. Anderson

Lcenind Kingsley

l.ouis Ml

Mme La Rose - - Kanov Wallack

Mile. Blangy took a benefit and closed her engagement April 15.
" Romance and Reality." by John Brougham, was acted for the first
time on any stage April 17, with this cast:

Oliver Manly Vache

Asper Manly Bl:ike

Frank Meredith Fleming

Lavender Kyd Dawson

Jack Swift .... John Brougham

Tom Badger . . . . T. Hadaway

Williams Thompson

Kosahcl Fanny Wallack

Uarbary Mrs WinslMiilcy

Blossom Mrs. Watts

This was John Brougham's first appearance at the Broadway
Theatre. I he afternoon of April 22 the large damask drop-curtain
caught fire from contact with a movable light, and the carpenters

IMJ

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

375

barely saved the house by cutting the hoist rope and letting the
curtain drop to the stage. The drum or roller came down also,
striking Samuel Pray on the head and killing him instantly. He
was the father of Anna (professionally known as Malvina), Maria,
and Louisa Fray. Anna was married to Joseph Littell, after
whose death she married William J. Florence. Maria married
Charles Mestaycr, and after his demise she became Mrs. Barney
Williams; Louisa is now the widow of George F, Browne. John
Collins, the Irish comedian, first appeared at this theatre May i
opening as Sir Patrick O'Plenipo in "The Irish Ambassador," and
in the title rflle of "Teddy the Tiler;" May 2, repeated Paudccn
O'Rafferty in "Born to Good Luck," and O'Callaghan in "His
I.;::! Legs;" May 3 "The Irish Ptot," "Teddy the Tiler," 553
" Married Rake " were done; May 4, " The [rilfa Attorney," " How
to Pay the Rent," Collins as Pierce O'Hara and Morgan Rattler,
also the farce, "The King's Gardener; " May 5 Collins appeared
as Capt. ORourkc in "Soldier of Fnrtnn* or th» Iri.hj^"
(by Webster and Bouckault), and Terence O'Grady in "The Irish
Post.'' For his feeneht, May 6, "The Irish Ambassador," Geo.
Jamison's farce "Wrong Passenger, or the Secrets of the Cotton
Market," and "How to Pay the Rent;" May 9 Collins acted
McShane in "The Ncrv m," its first performance in this

theatre; May 10, Born to Good Luck." Collins closed his
engagement May 13, with "Grandfather Whitehead," Blake in
the title rdlc, and Collins as Dennis Macarthy and Paudeen
O'Rafferty in "Wrong Passenger" and "Born to Good Luck."

John Collins was born 1811, near Dublin, Ireland, and in early
life was a cook in his father's hotel. One day some members of
an opera troupe performing in Dublin drove out to this hotel for
dinner, and while it was being prepared they heard a tenor voice
of great sweetness and purity of tone. They immediately sent a
request for the singer to come to them. Mr. Collins entered the
room, clad in a white cap and apron, and sang to them. After
going through a course of musical study, Collins made his d£but
at the Haymarket Theatre. London, as first tenor in Eng-
lish and foreign opera. As Captain McHeath in "The Beggar's
Opera" he achieved a wonderful success, and that opera had a
very long run. After a few seasons he became tired of the lyric
stage, and appeared upon the dramatic, playing eccentric Irish
parts. He also acted in many musical dramas. When " Paul
Clifford " was first produced at Covcnt Garden, and had such a
long run, John Collins was the original impersonator of the
highwayman. He first appeared in America, Aug. 17, 1846, as
McShane in "The Nervous Man." at the Park Theatre. In
October, 1862, he visited Europe, but returned to America, and
opened at Niblo's Garden in April, 1863.

376 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C»«4»

He reappeared in London, Oct. t, 1864. He went to Australia
in 1866, and acted Carrickfcrgus in "The Duke's Motto." Mr.
Collins was for many years a highly popular and attractive star.
He died in Philadelphia, August 13, 1874.

Jas. R. Anderson reappeared here May 15, 1848, when was
acted, for the first time at this theatre, Gerald Griffin's play,
"Gisippus, or the Forgotten Friend." Anderson played Gisip-
pus, ucorgc VflMciMloR, 1 Itilft Qtrinius Fulvius, and Fanny Wal-
lack, Sophronia; May 16, "Tlic Elder Brother; " May 17, "The
Lady of Lyons;" May 18, "Money;" May 19, 'iGisijjpus ; " .May
20. for the first time at this theatre, "The 1'atrician s Daughter"
and "Matrimony;" May 23, "Romeo and Juliet," Anderson as
Romeo, Fanny Wallack as Juliet; May 31, "The School for
Scandal," Anderson as Charles Surface; June 1, "Hamlet,"
Anderson as the Dane; June 3 Anderson took a benefit and last
appearance here, when he acted Reuben Glenroy in "Town and
Country " (Blake m Cosey), and Rosalvi in "The Hunter of the
Alps." Henry Schrievcr, violinist, made his American de'but at
this house June 5. "Town and Country " was acted June 8, with
this cast:

Plastic J. II. Dawson Glenroy Fleming

Co»ey W. R. Make , Reuben Glenroy . Geo. Vandenlioff

Trot Thos. Vache 1 Hawbuck .... Thos. Hadaway

Owen Glenroy Frederick* | Ross D. C. Anderson

A benefit was given June to to the widow and children of Samuel
Pray. The programme consisted of "Town and Country" and
"Asmodeus." "The Heir at Law" was first acted here June 14,

and thus east :

Daniel Dowlas Blake Caroline

Dick Dowlas Lester Steadfast

Dr. Pangloss Vache

Henry Moreland .... McDonald
Deborah Mr*. Winstanley

. . . Mrs. Sargeant

Frcdcrii V.<

Zetkeil Homespun . . . Hadaway

lolm . : (allot

Cicely Miss Telliin

"My Sister Kate " had its first performance here June 16.

Blake took a benefit June 17, when for the first time in this
theatre Mrs. Mowatt's "Fashion" was played. Mr. and Mrs. J.
W. Wallack, Jr., beganarcturn engagement June 21 in "Othello,"
Wallack as the Moor, Vandcnhoff as Iago; June 22, "Werner;"
June 23, "The Bridal;" June 24, "The Merchant of Venice" and
"Rent Day," June 26, "Pizarro;" June 27, "The Bridal" and
" Robert Macaire," Lester as Robert Macaire, Hadaway as Jacques
Strop; June 28, "Speed the Plough;" June 30 Vache took a
benefit, when the bill was " Virginius," John R. Scott (first ap-
pearance at this theatre) as Virginius, Hield (first appearance
here) as Icilius, Fanny Wallack as Virginia; also "The Comedy

I*»]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

377

of Errors," Vache and Hadaway as the two Dromios, Kingslcy and
Shaw acting Antipholus of Ephesus and Syracuse. "The Poor
Gentleman " was given July i, with Blake as Rohcrt Bramble.
The season closed July 4, 1848. A summer season was begun July
6, by the Monplaisir ballet troupe, embracing the names of Mons.
and Adclc Monplaisir, Mons. Bartholomin, Corby, Grossi, Cornet,
Anna Bulan, Mmc. Bartholomin, Mile. Blondeau, and Mile. Waldc-
grave. "L'Almee, or une Oriental Vision," an Asiatic ballet in
two acts, and six tableaux was the initial performance. No per-
formance was given July 15, as the theatre was required for a re-
hearsal of the ballet " Le Diable a Quatre," first given July 18.
" La Fillc Mai Gardco " was a new ballet, fust produced July 27.

Notwithstanding that the season was a brilliant one, Colonel
Mann relinquished the theatre to Mr. Raymond, who held a
mortgage on it The copartnership of Mann & E. A. Marshall was
dissolved Oct. 25, 1848, and Marshall became sole manager.

The next season began Aug. 28, 1848, with Edwin Forrest in
"Othello," and during this engagement he appeared in "Virgin-
ius," "Richelieu," and "Damon and Pythias." John Dyott first
appeared here acting Iago.

The first great success of the season was the spectacle ".Mflnte
Crialo," acted for the first time in America Dec. 25, 1 848. It
had a run of fifty nights, with this cast :

Hardee Fanny Wallack

Albert Baker

Kmanuel Lonsdale

Danglars C. Hope

Old Dantex C. Bernard

Mons. Villefort Mathew*

Craconte Ishcrwood

Edmond Dantes .... J. Lester

Mon*. Morrell T. Vacbe

AbW Faria John Oy>u

Fernand W. Fredericks

Caderouse T. Hadaway

Henrico Johnson

Mercedes Mrs. Abbott

Edwin Forrest commenced a three weeks' engagement April 23,
1849. The houses were crowded, and the reception on every occa-
sion was an ovation to his genius. This engagement, beginning
with that of Macrcady at Astor Place Opera House, naturally ex-
cited the public mind. Discussion and dispute ran high between
the friends of the two rival tragedians. May 7 Forrest acted
Macbeth, Fanny Wallack, Lady Macbeth. May' 10 was the night
of the Astor Place Opera House riot. Forrest played Spartacus
in "The Gladiator," and Fanny Walbck VU the Julia. "Mac-
beth " was played at the Astor Place Opera House with Macrcady
as Macbeth and C. W. Clarke as Macduff; it was also played the
same night at the Old Bowery Theatre with Thomas Hamblin as
the Thane and John Ryder as Macduff. The opera of "The En-
chantress." with the Pync and Harrison Opera Company, was first
sung in America May 30, 1849, and enjoyed a run of twenty nights.
It had this cast:

378 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D*w

Don Sylvio Harrison

Dr. Malhanasius . . . D. Whiting

Ramirr Borvais

Chief of Senate .... Walter*
Chief of Appious . . . C. Bernard

Sancho Allen

M .thiaa G. Rea

S til hi Louisa Pyne

Itlue Domino . . Mrs Barnard

Jose L. J. Vincent

The season of 1849-50 began Sept. 17, 1849. Wra. Rufus
Blake was acting manager and the company was: Anderson,
John Dyolt. Shaw, W. Fredericks, D. Whiting. Chas. Pope,
Milot, Stuart, P, C. Byrne. \V. B. Chapman, Conrad, Warden,
J. Warwick, ). Lester, T. J. Hind. Ghent, Harris. Thompson,
Mcsdamcs Hield, Knight, Blake, Loder, Kate Horn, Carman,
Thompson, Flyrm, Warwick, Lewis, Marshall, and Wrench.
James Hudson, the Irish comedian, made his American debut on
the opening night, in the opera of "The Black Domino," as a
tenor. Hudson failed to make the anticipated success as a singer,
and turned his attention to Irish parts, in which he had previously
appeared at the Haymarkct Theatre, London. He made his ap-
pearance as Paudcen O'Raffcrty in "Born to Good Luck," and
shortly after acted Connor the Rash in "The Knight of Arva," and
then Phelim O'Flannigan in "O'Flannigan and the Fairies." His
rendition of Irish character, particularly of the higher class, was
excellent. In June, 1850, he played a farewell engagement here,
and sailed for Europe June lO. He made an ample fortune and at
last accounts, was comfortably situated in a chateau one mile from
Boulognc-sur-Mcr, France.

Charles W. Couldock made his American de'but Oct 8, playing
the Stranger to Charlotte Cushman's Mrs. Hallcr. During that
Igement he played Jacques, Macbeth, St. Pierre, Master
Walter, Othello, Cardinal Wolsey, Duke Aranza, King Lear,
and Benedick. The following was the cast of the several plays
mentioned:

"OTHELLO"

Othello Couldock

Caasio Geo. Jordan

Rodertao Shaw

UldoVKC P. C, Byrne

Duke C. Pope

Emilia Mrs. Hield

(ago J. Diatt

Braliantio .... W. Fredcm lu

Messenger T. Hind

Desdemona Mrs. Knight

•• MVT.KTH

Macbeth C. Couldock

Malcolm P. C Byrne

Rossc Hams

Macduff J. D11.1t

Seward C. Pope

Pint Witch Chapman

Second Witch Blake

Gentlewoman .... Mrs. Loder

B.inquo W. Fredericks

Lady Macbeth . . Charlotte Cushman

Fleance Miss Walters

Officer Chapman

Physician T. Hind

H.-.-aic D. Wr,:

Second Apparition . . Miss Carman

I he Singing Witches were Mcadames Loder. Knight, Wilson, Kate Horn.
Olivia, .i-iil i I. mm. in

I«49l

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

379

"KING LEAR'

King Lear . . . . C. W. Couldock
Duke of Albany . . . P. C. Byrne
Earl of Kent . . . W. FreoV

Edgar J. Dyott

Phy&ician C. Pope

Cordelia Mrs. Knijjht

Goneril Mrs. Hield

Regan Kate Horn

Gloucester ..... IJ. Whiting

Edmqnd Harris

Herald T. J. Hind

"HENRY VIII"

King Henry W. R. Blake

Duke of Buckingham

Wra. Fredericks
Duke of Suffolk . . . P. C. Byrne
Earl of Surrey .... Ceo. Jordan

Cromwell J. Dyott

Thomas Lovell .... T. J. Ffinri
Queen (Catherine . Charlotte Cuxhman

Lady Denny Mrs. Weld

tha Mto Carman

Cardinal Couldock

liishop C. I'ope

Sands Chapman

Gardiner J. LeMer

Anne Bullcu .... Kate Horn
l'aticnce Mrs. Lodcr

Mr. Coul<lock was born in London, Eng., April 26, 1815, and
his American debut was as stated above. After a brief tour as the
leading support to Charlotte Cushman, he settled down in Phila-
delphia, at the Walnut Street Theatre, for four seasons as leading
man. While there Mmc. Celeste played a star engagement (1852),
and during the time did "The Willow Copse. " a new drama brought
to this country by her. So well pleased was she with Mr. Coul-
dock's performance of Luke Fielding that she presented him with
a copy of it, with the right to produce it. For four seasons he
travelled as a star with this play. In 1858 he came to this city
and joined I. aura Keene's company at the Olympic Theatre. For
about twenty years, from 1859, he was one of our best stars.
When the Madison Square Theatre was dedicated, Feb. 4, 1880,
Mr. Couldock played Dunstan Kirke in u jHjUcJJyirkc. " He had
originated the character when the play was first produced under
the title of 'lAn Iron Will," at Low's Opera House. Providence,
R. I., Oct. 27, 1879. Re continued to act it at the Madison
Square Theatre until the play was withdrawn. May 31, 1881, after
its four hundred and eighty-sixth consecutive representation.

A complimentary benefit was given Mr. Couldock May 10, 1887
(matinee), at the Star Theatre, formerly Wallack's, this city, in
celebration of his fiftieth year upon the stage. Edwin Booth ap-
peared in the third act of "Hamlet," Kmma Vadcrs as Ophelia,
Ctrl Ahrendt as Polonius, John T. Malonc as the King, Mrs.
Augusta Foster as the Queen. Charles Hanford as Horatio, H. C.
Harton as Kosencrantz, and Edwin Boyle as Guildenstern. The
screen scene from "School for Scandal " was presented by the fol-
lowing delightful cast: Lidy Teazle, Fanny Davenport; Sir Peter
Teazle. John Gilbert; Charles Surface, R. B. Mantel!, and Joseph
Surface. J. H. Barnes. Mr. Couldock then appeared before the

380 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci«49

footlights, and read J. T. Trowbridge's "The Vagabonds," and in
response to a recall he said, with tears struggling for mastery over
his voice:

I have 110 words adequate to express mv feelings. I am utterly unable to tell
ow much I am indebted to all, both before and behind tin- The latter

have kin,:! ',. m;, i!i. g they are amply repaid if I am

made happy. They have made me so. I am proud to think that my fifty years
of service have been so greatly appreciated by you all. Thanks I have for others
who offered to appear here this afternoon, but who were unable to do so be
time would not permit. 1 never kept play-bills in mv life, but I shall keep the
bill of this afternoon as long as 1 live as a reminder of a red-letter day of my life.
Such a collection of names of great actors was never before seen on' such a pro-

Samme, and I doubt if it ever will be again as long as I live. Again It.
inks for your sympathetic approval.

The quarrel scene from "Julius Cxsar " was then given with
Lawrence Barrett as Cassius and John T. Malone as Brutus. This
was followed by the third act of "The Kiv;i]s," with Mis. John
Drew as Mrs. Malaprop, Joseph Jefferson as Bob Acres, James
O'Neill as Sir Lucius O'Trigger, Kyrle Bellow M Captain Abso-
lute, Annie Robe as Lydia Languish, and G. VV. Dcnham as
David. Mr. Couldock's lago and Hamlet were his best perform-
ances thirty years ago. His greatest fame, however, was achieved
in the r51c of Louis XI., in which his acting has never been sur-
passed in this country, save by that of Charles Kean. Later, Mr.
Couldock struck and adhered to a new line of dramatic work, — that
known as the domestic drama. His Luke Fielding, Daddy Hard-
acre, and Peter Probity in "The Chimney Corner," were most ex-
cellent performances. He was genial, hearty, and full of wit, and
I doubt if there was in the profession a man who could better tell a
good story. Died in this city, Nov. .>,-, 1898.

Julia Daly made her dc'but in this city during November, 1849,
as Donna Elvira in " Don Giovanni," with the Seguin Opera com-
pany. She afterwards married Wayne Olwine and went to London.
She was next married to Warren Edgarton; retired from the stage,
died at Ncwficld, N. J., of paralysis, Aug. 21, 1887.

Kate Batcman made her first appearance in this city Dec. to,
1849. as Richmond in "Richard III." She was then announced
as only six years of age. On May 17, 1850, "Victorine" was
produced for the first time in this theatre. Alexandre, Chas.
Walcot; Michael, Palmer; Victorine, Julia Bennett; Mr. Bonas-
sus, H. B. Phillips; Glaizc, Thompson; Macaire, Terry; Elize,
Mrs. Walcot; Mrs. Donassus. Mrs. Sylvester; Justine. Miss Duck-
worth; Bijou, Miss Josephine; Sophie, Miss Osborne. The one-
act oddity, by W. K. Northall, entitled " Wilton. Barnum, and
Jenny I.ind," was given! JTH. Wilton appeared in two characters
..in! san£ his buffo Bcena, "Ail to Astonish the Browns," the " Echo
Song," and "Take this Lute."

1850]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

38'

McKean Buchanan made his debut here June 10, as Hamlet,
supported by Marie Duret. His readings were in a great measure
true, but the public would not accept them. In his death scene
he fell face downward, causing much laughter among the audience.
So ridiculous was much of his "business" of the scene that Marie
Duret refused to support him in a second engagement. Died at
Denver, Col., of apoplexy, April 16, 1872.

James E. Murdoch played a successful engagement during the
season. " The Inconstant " and " The Dramatist " were given with
these cast I :

"THK INCONSTANT"

Old Mirabel D. Whiting

Young Mirabel ... J as. Murdoch

Petit Stuart

Orianna Mrs. Knight

Bixarre Kate Horn

Lamace Mrs. Loder

Duretete Jordan

ltd W. Frederick*

FtM Bravo C. Pope

Second Bravo .... Thompson

I bird BaVD Mathews

Fourth Hr.-ivo T. Hind

"THK DRAMATIST"

Lord Scratch D. Whiting

Floriviue Geo. Jordan

Peter Mathews

Udv Waltford . . . .Mrs. Hield
Mariana Kate Horn

Neville Stuart

Willoughby Fredericks

Vapid I. Murdoch

Lady Courtney .... Mr*. Olivia

The season of 1850 began, Aug. 19, with "The School for Scan-
dal," thus cast:

Lady Sneerwcll .... Mrs. Hield

Moses Henry Scharf

Sir Oliver Surface . . C. H. Barrett

Snake Wm Harris

Trip T.J Hind

Maria .... Josie (iougcnhciin
Mrs. Candour ... Mrs. Abbott

Sir Peter Teazle (first appearance in

America) Wm. Davidgc

n. Surface . . . F. B. Conway
Lady Tcarle ... Miss Anderton

Crabtrce D. Whiting

Sir Benjamin Mr. Shaw

Careless Reynolds

Rowley Mr. Mathews

This was followed with a dance by Mile. Adeline and a ballet,
and concluded with " A Thumping Legacy." Mr. Davidgc at once
became a favorite He afterwards acted brief engagements in almost
every city of consequence in the States. William Plcater Davidgc
was born in London, Eng., April 17, 1814, and when a lad was one
of the choristers of the great cathedral of St. Paul's. Shortly after
his father's death, he went on the stage. In 1844 he went to Brigh-
ton, thence to Manchester, Liverpool, Dublin, Edinburgh, Olympic,
London, the Theatre Royal, and Drury Lane, the failure of which
concern induced him to accept the offer of E. A. Marshall for a
two seasons' engagement afterwards extended to five. He died at
Cheyenne, Wy., at 12.15 o'clock aw., Aug. 7, 1888, on the rail-
way train. He was at the time a member of the Madison Square

382 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE £»*•

Theatre company, who were en route to San Francisco. The male
members of the company had retired only fifteen minutes before.
They had sung songs and told stories, and Davidge had more than
held his own with the youngest of them. When the train reached
Cheyenne he was in his berth, and he was heard to groan as though
taken suddenly ill. He sank with terrible rapidity. A physician
was sent for, but before he could arrive the actor was dead. His
last words, as he threw himself back in a convulsive tremor, were:
"God bless us all, boys; I am dying." He then passed away as
peacefully as a child falling asleep. His body was embalmed and
the funeral took place in Brooklyn, N. Y. His death was due to
the failure of the heart's action, caused by weakness in the organ,
and overstimulation brought about by the altitude of Cheyenne,
which is six thousand feet at this point.

To a fine discrimination of character and a delicacy in produc-
ing the various traits of eccentricity, William Davidge added the
power of facial expression, which very few use with so much
adaptability. His performance of Kcclcs in "Caste "was ample
proof of this. As old Soloman Probity in "The Chimney Comer,"
his extreme truthfulness to nature obtained the entire approba-
tion of the New York critics. His performance of the old Scotch
waiter, Bishopriggs, in "Man and Wife," justly obtained the
plaudits of the audiences that crowded Daly's Theatre. The
characters most prominently remembered in his repertory are
Touchstone, Malvolio, Sir Toby Belch, Autolycus, l.auncclot
Gobbo, Kcclcs, Soloman Probity, Bottom in "A Midsummer
Night's Dream ; " and he was the original pcrsonator in New York
of Dick Deadeye in " II. M. S. Pinafore." One of the noticeable
features of Mr. Davidge's career, one which will be readily re-
membered, was his dispute, in 1854, with the critics about "A
Midsummer Night's Dream," known as the "Bottom Controversy,"
wherein he referred them to the tenth book of Homer, where F.uiy-
culus and his companions go to the island of Circe, and arc trans-
formed by the enchantress into swine, having all the destructive
customs of those animals, while so transformed. He also directed
their attention to Lucius, a story of ancient Greece, wherein is a
similar conceit; from one of these he thought it not improbable
that Shakespeare might have taken his idea. This set the critics
thinking, but they very soon gave up the argument, leaving the
actor master of the field. Mr. JJavidgc wrote a pamphlet, entitled
"IJ)e_pi.ii!i t 1 1 tended," a very clever reply to the onslaughts on
the stage by the Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler. He was also the author
of a volume called " Footlight Flashes," a very interesting work.

Henry Scharf left the stage in 1852 and became a professor of
elocution and anatomical drawing at the University of Virginia,
Charlottesville, and remained there employed for twenty-five years,

iSsG

THE OLD BROADWAY THE ATI-!

383

after which he returned to the stage and played at the National
Theatre, Cincinnati, Ohio. About 1882-83 he became a member
of a travelling dramatic company for four or five seasons. He
came to New York early in June, 1887, and died here. He was
sixty-five years old, and an Englishman.

Sarah Anderton's d£but was made on the opening night of the
season of 1850-51. "The Lady of Lyons" was given Aug. 2a
"Money" was presented with this fine cast Aug. 24:

Sir John Wm. Davidge

Evelyn F. Counj

Lord Glossmore . . W. S. Fredericks

Sir Frederick Shaw

Stout D. Whiting

Grave* H. Scharf

Dudley Smooth .... Reynolds

Sharp Mathews

Old Member .... T. J. Hind
Clara Douglas . . . Miss Anderton

The afterpiece was "Box and Cox:" Box, T. Hadaway; Cox,
Chapman; Mrs. Bouncer, Mrs. Watts. Nov. 18, 1850, G. H.
Boker's new play "betrothal" was acted. Peter Richings and
Charles Couldock appeared in their original characters, Salvation
and Marsio. Mme. Ponisi acted Constanza.

Harry Perry was a member of the company during the season of
1850-51. On Jan. 29, 1851, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr.,
began a week's engagement. " King of the Commons" was played
with this cast:

King Jamex V. of Scotland

J. \V. Wallack. Jr.

Adam Weir las. Stark

Lord Seton McDougal

I-ord Small T. Hadaway

Lord Kilmauss .... C. Bernard

Madeleine Weir
Widow Barton
Geo. Weir . .
Malcolm Young
Mungo Small .

Mrs. J. W. Wallack

Mrs. Chapman

W. S. Fredericks

. . . Fleming

... J. Lester

Aug. 26 the Ravels appeared here.

Mme. Elizabeth Ponisi, whose maiden name was Hansom, made
her American dlbut in Philadelphia. Oct. 7, 1850. She came to
this theatre and made her bow Nov. 1 1. as Lady Teazle in "The
School for Scandal." Sir William Don was the Charles Surface,
and William Davidge, Sir Peter. Sir William Don's first appear-
ance in America was in November at this house as Cousin Joe.
Mme. Ponisi obtained a divorce from Ponisi in 1856, and on Feb.
to, 1859, was married to Samuel Wallis, who died in November,
1884. So successful was Mme. Ponisi that she was at once secured
as thi- leading lady. This actress has played several male char-
acters with success, but never Hamlet, as has been stated. She
played Sir Edward Ardent in "The Morning Call," and Faustus
to Lizzie Weston's Arline, as well as Romeo and King Charm-
ing. Her Mrs. Malaprop in "The Rivals" was probably the beat
America has seen. In all that goes to produce a picture of stately
dignity, womanly feeling, statuesque bearing, and the inner spirit
of high comedy, Mme. Ponisi was unrivalled. Edwin Forrest said

384 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dip

that her Lady Macbeth was the best on the stage. Her last ap-
pearance was made April 6, 1893, at the Academy of Music, this
city. She died in Washington, I). C, Feb. 20, 1899, aged eighty-
one years.

F, Banlett Conway was a good "all 'round" actor. He was
considered the best John Mildmay in "Still Waters Run Deep"
seen on the American stage. He was also excellent as
Hand in "Camille." He made his American debut Aug. 19,
1850, as Charles Surface in "The School for Scandal." He died
Sept. 7, 1874, at his summer residence, Manchester, Mass. Mrs.
F, B. Conway was one of the best actresses of her time. She w;is
gifted with an intellect of strong analytic power, sufficient to fit
out half a dozen leading ladies. She had a fine, expressive
a voice full and melodious, a carriage graceful and womanly. Her
maldm name was Sarah Crocker, and she was a sister to Mrs. D. P.
Mowers. Her first appearance in New York was at the National
Theatre. She died iu Brooklyn, April 25, 1875.

Julia Bennett Barrow made her American d£but at this house
Feb. 24, 1851. " BriphegOT " was first acted in this city March 3,
followed March 7-by "7VH that Glitters is Not Gold," for the first
time in this city.

March 19 Edwin Forrest appeared as Hamlet with this cast:

l.amcs Grace

loloniux D. Whiting

Francisco L- J. Vincent

(icttrude Mrs. Abbott

Ophelia Mme. I'oniai

Hamlet Forrest

Horatio Lancrgan

Osric Grosvenor

1 Gravedijjger . . . W. Davidge
Player Queen . . . Mrs. Seymour
Claudius I.effingrwcll

Mr. Forrest played Damon March 31 and April I.

Eliza Logan, afterwards Mrs. George Wood, made her dlbut in
this city May 21, as l'mlim-, in "The Lady of Lyons." "Gentle-
man " George Barrett was the stage manager of this house at the
time. During this engagement she acted, among other characters,
Mrs. Haller in "The Stranger," and Julia in "The Hunchback."
Both previously and subsequently to this engagement Miss Logan
played star engagements at all the principal theatres in the South
and West, where she was popular and successful, ami during that
period of time was one of the best actresses in legitimate drama
upon the American stage. She possessed a pleasing, mobile face.
a fine figure, KOd a singularly sweet voice capable of much modu-
lation. Her last appearance upon the stage in this city was at Wal-
laces Theatre (Broadway and Broome Street), during a sum:
season, under the management of W. Stuart. She began on July
18, 1857, acting " Evadne," and during that engagement produced
an original tragedy from the pen ■ Georgia, entitled

"VfitlCtPj yr°h* Italian Brjdr," in which she impersonated the

:»S«]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

385

title rdlc. Miss Logan did not achieve the success during that
engagement which I think her merits deserved This naturally
embittered her, and, although many tempting offers to act in this
city were subsequently made, she invariably declined. In Boston,
Mass., where she played one or more engagements annually at the
Museum, she was a great favorite. Miss Logan continued her
starring career through the West and South until 1859, when she
was married to George Wood, at that time the manager of the
People's Theatre, St. Louis, Mo., and Wood's Theatre in Cincin-
nati, O., after which she retired from public life. By her profes-
sional labors she acquired a competency. She died in this city
Jan. 15, 1872, of congestion of the brain.

Daniel Wilmarth Waller made his American debut at this
theatre, June 30, as Hamlet. A. J. Neafie had a benefit July
12, when he acted Macbeth to Sarah Anderton's Lady Macbeth.
This closed the season. The next season opened Aug. 27 with
an excellent stock company. Edwin Forrest was the first star.
He began as Damon and closed Sept. 27 as Spartacus in "The
Gladiator."

Laura Addison made her American ''.r'nit Bept M Madame
Celeste appeared in "The Green Bushes" Oct. 13. During this
engagement she also played in "The French Spy,'* which was cast
thus:

Henri St. Alme Celeste

Marie Sarah Crocker

Gen. Damermont ... T. I. Hind
Scrgt. Dubourg . . F. B. Conway
Achme Bey C- Pope

Osmio Gourlay

Mme. Dubour-R . . . Mr*. Henry
Col. Bernelle .... Gus Fennb
Tony Bavard . . . . W. Davidgc

"Mftamora" was played Nov. 24 with this cast:

Metamora .... Edwin Forrest

Kaweshine T. Hind

Nahmeokee Mme. Pools!

Sir Arthur T. Barry

Walter F- B- Conway

Wolf Reynolds

Bsotngtoo D. Whiting

Mordaunt C. Pope

Capt. Church Matthews

Oceana Kate Horn

"The Cataract of the Ganges" was next produced with this
notable cast :

Mordaunt C Pope

Robinson W. Davidgc

Tannine Mme. Ponisi

I.: Ira Josle Gougenheim

Mokarra F. B. Conway

Ackur Matthews

Ivan Lancrgan

Matali Mrs. Vernon

Princess Miss Bernard

"Ingomar" was first acted in this city Dec. I, with F. B. Con-
way in the title rdlc. and Mme Ponisi as Parthcnia. " Ingomar "
was originally a German play, " Der Sohn dcr Wildniss," written
by Franz Joseph Von Mucnch-Bcllinghauscn. It was first trans-

386 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1S51

latcd into English in 1848, by Charles Anthon, of this city, who
called it "-The Son of the Wi jdemess, " Constantia Clarke of the
Olympic Theatre took a benefit here Dec. 6, when the programme
consisted of " Ladies. Beware," "Follies of a Night," with Chas.
Walcot as Pierre Palliot, it being his first appearance since his re-
turn from Europe; the burlesque of " Masaniello," followed by
selections from operas by th~c Washington Brass Band, and con-
cluding with the " Irish Lion," John Brougham playing Tim
Moore.

Gustavus Vaughn Brooke first appeared in America at this house
Dec. 15, 1851. as Othello. In Europe he was regarded as the
equal of, if not superior to. Macready. It was stated at the time
he appeared here that it was at the earnest solicitation of Edwin
Forrest that he came to this country, in the hope of crushing out
the reputation of the English tragedian. He came unheralded.
Had this remarkable actor — for Mr. Brooke was, in the opinion
of all dispassionate critics, justly entitled to a prominent posi-
tion upon the tragic stage — appeared ten years earlier, he would
have been thoroughly appreciated. As Mr. Brooke's American
experience went, Boston appeared to be the only spot where his
genius was recognized. In appearance he was tall and well built
though slight in figure, of a graceful, dignified carriage and pos-
sessed one of the most expressive countenances ever seen — hand-
some in repose and capable of assuming every variety of expression.
His voice was rich and sonorous, being relieved from monotony
by a skilful sudden change from high to low notes, which he
introduced effectively. Othello was one of his best impersona-
tions. He preserved all the chivalry of the character intact, and
was never less than the Othello of Shakespeare. Among our good
old traditions there is one which I was glad to see Mr. Brooke
never lost sight of, and that was the rhythmical harmony of Shakes-
peare's verse, degraded, as it has too often been, by harsh and
capricious innovation. Mr. Brooke took his farewell of the Lon-
don, Eng., stage, and sailed for Australia Jan. II, 1866. He set
sail on the Steamer " London" for a second visit to the Australian
Colonies, under a two years' contract. The ship was lost at sea,
and Mr. Brooke perished, with nearly all on board. It was stated
by the rescued survivors that Mr. Brooke exerted his strength to the
utmost in keeping the ship afloat. Attired only in a red Crimean
shirt and trousers, bareheaded and barefooted, he exerted himself
incessantly. He went backwards and forwards at the pumps until
working at them was found to be useless; and when last seen,
about four hours before the steamer went clown, he was leaning
with grave composure upon one of the half doors of the companion.
His chin was resting upon both hands, and his arms were on top
of the door, which he gently swayed to and fro whilst he calmly

usO

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

387

watched the scone. To the steward, who made himself known,
Mr. Brooke said: "If you succeed in saving yourself, give my
farewell to the people at Melbourne." These were his last words.
He was married Feb. 23, 1863. in Liverpool, Eng., to Avonia
Jones, daughter of George Jones, known to fame as the "Count
Joannes."

Dec. 29 Lola Montez made her American debut as Betty in
"The Tyrolean." Tickets were sold at auction; the prices real-
ized were not extravagant, but sufficient to show the anxiety on
the part of the public to sec this wonderful woman. Everybody
had heard of her exploits, and night after night she packed the
Old Broadway Theatre. Among her repertory was a play called
"J «l. M,.ot<a{^ gny=fria." written by Charles T. P. Ware, ■ lit-
erateur of the day. Lola was beautiful and could sing fairly, but
her " Spider Dance" was her fortune. Its effect upon an audience
was wonderful, and she was forced to repeat it so many times of
an evening that, from utter exhaustion, she would absolutely re-
fuse to come again upon the stage unless the applause was discon-
tinued. She was an Irishwoman, and the city of Limerick was
her birthplace. Her mother was a Creole, of Spanish blood, and
her father was an Irish army officer. The two were married when
she was only fifteen and he twenty years old, and Lola, their only
child, was born about two years later. She was christened Marie
Dolores Eliza Rosanna Gilbert, and Lola was merely a diminutive
of Dolores. She went on the stage as a dancer in Paris, at the
Porte St. Martin Theatre. Louis I., King of Bavaria, fell in love
with her at once, and she became the real sovereign of Bavaria.
Abel, the devout Roman Catholic statesman, was then prime min-
ister of Bavaria, and he bitterly opposed Lola and her influence
over the king; but in vain. She had him removed from office, and
for a time she made and unmade cabinets at will. Munich,
and, indeed, all Bavaria, became divided into two factions, termed
Lolaistsand anti-Lolaists. For a time Lola held her ground. She
had herself created Countess of I.ansfcld, and then retired to a
villa on Lake Constance, Switzerland. Lola next returned to
England, more famous and more admired than ever. She was
married to a Mr. Hcald, a rich young gentleman of good family.

Lola Montcz, in 1851, came to America, and in California mar-
ried a Mr. Hull, from whom she was afterward divorced. Then
she went to Australia and lectured, giving all her receipts to the
sufferers in the English army in the Crimean war. She continued
lecturing until about July, i860. Previous to that she had ex-
pressed great dread that she would die in an almshouse. To guard
against this she promised a lady in this city to send to her every
day her salary. On her last tour she received $25 for each lecture
delivered, and had all expenses paid. She kept her promise, and

388 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«s»

when she returned the lady had 91500 in the bank for her. After
her retirement she went to live at Astoria. Two years later she
came to New York to live with the family of an old friend, Isaac
Buchanan, a florist. On the night of July 17 she left his house to
return to her own in Wavcrk-y Place. That night she was seized
with an epileptic fit. From this she never fully recovered. On
the night she was taken sick she made her will and all arrange-
ments for her funeral She was taken to Astoria, L. I. She
recovered a little, but was never well again. After a time she
returned from Astoria and went to live on Seventeenth Street,
below Eighth Avenue, New York. Here she spent her last days
and died. Lola Montez, or Eliza Gilbert, as she wished to be
called, died in her own home, Jan. 17, 1861, aged forty-two years.
Her funeral took place from Mr. Buchanan's house. During her
illness, when well enough, she used to drive to the Magdalen
Home on Eighty-eighth Street, and read to the girls. She used
to say that she wanted to do all she could to reform them. In her
will, after stating what should be spent for her funeral, she di-
rected that all the residue of her estate should be given to the
Home, which was done. It amounted to only $300. Jan. 19, all
that was mortal of her was quietly deposited in Greenwood ceme-
tery. She was buried in a quiet, unfrequented spot, on Summit
Ridge, near a path leading to a small pond. That she possessed a
noble, generous heart, filled with kindness and sympathy, all must
admit. Her purse was ever open to the call of charity. Her car-
riage was often stopped, that she might descend to relieve the un-
fortunate cripple, and the mendicant was never turned from her
door. She was a woman of genius, highly accomplished, and of
more than usual attainments, and possessed of great eloquence.
She had a petite, well rounded figure, a wealth of black hair, and
wondrous gray eyes.

The Broadway Theatre was closed night of Jan. 17, 1852, for
the rehearsal of "Paul Clifford. " with John Collins in the title
rdlc. It had its first representation Jan. 19. Edwin Forrest
began a season Feb. 9, as Damon. The engagement lasted sixty-
nine nights. On his entrance, the first evening, bouquets were
showered upon the stage. Small American flags were also thrown,
which, together with the flowers, made the scene appear as a garden.
A large flag was also displayed in the parquet with the motto:
"This Is Our Verdict. " Forrest was called before the curtain and
made a brief speech. He made no allusion to the past, and con-
cluded with these words: "I thought my path was covered with
thorns, but I find you have strewed it with roses." This was one
of the longest and most memorable engagements of Forrest. The
house was crowded nightly to the utmost of its capacity. On
the fiftieth performance the theatre was illuminated in front, and

I85i3

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

389

the street was crowded with admiring thousands who could not
gain admittance. Forrest played Claude Melnotte to Mme.
Ponisi's Pauline, Feb. 27. He acted Macbeth March i, with
Mrs. Abbott as Lady Macbeth; March 19 " Virginius" was given
with this cast :

Virginius Edwin Forrest

Iciliux F. B. Conway

Numitoriux T. J. Hind

Sircius Chas. Pope

Ink Miss Crocker

DcnUtus . .... Tbos. Barry
Appiim Claudius ■ ■ ■ .A. Fcnno
Servia Mrs. Abbott

He closed this brilliant engagement May 1.

Edwin Forrest first appeared on the London stage Oct. 16, 1836,
at the Drury Lane. On his entree, the whole house arose and
gave him "three times three." He was married to Catherine Sin-
clair during this visit. He returned to America in August, 1837.
Forrest's second appearance in London was on Feb. 17, 1845, at
the Princess' Theatre Through the influence of Macready, who
was jealous of Forrest, men visited the theatre and hissed him
lustily. He was also assailed by the Press, and Bulwer refused to
allow him to play "The Lady of Lyons" and "Richelieu," as
Macready had been successful in those plays. He returned to
America and opened at this theatre Aug. 31, 1847, in "King
Lear." A severe hoarseness compelled him to withdraw for several
nights. He reappeared Oct. 27 in "Metamora." and on Oct. 28
in "ThC ff,ff1'r""r " which terminated his engagement. On April
23, (849. he opened a three weeks' engagement, and it was during
that time that the Astor Place Opera House riot took place. For-
rest separated from his wife May t, 1849. The divorce case ended
in January, 1852. His last appearance before the public was as a
reader, in Boston, Mass., Saturday, Nov. 30, 1872. He died in
Philadelphia, Dec. 12, of that year, and was buried Dec. t6, in
St. Paul's Church graveyard.

Forrest had the reputation of being very severe with the players
who supported him, but he was not so except to those who would
not attend to their business ; and to any one who showed a disposi-
tion to do what was right, he always had a cheering word of en-
couragement. He was peculiar in many things; he was never
seen to enter a bar-room, never known to drink to excess, and was
never late at rehearsal but once. In personal appearance Edwin
Forrest was tall, dignified, grave, majestic, courteous in speech,
affable in manner; in thought, feeling, and action he was a gentle-
man. He was probably the best scholar on the American stage.
rib vast erudition was acquired during his long retirement, some
time after his domestic troubles. There is little worth reading in
English literature that he did not study. A will of iron, a mind
susceptible to impression as new-fallen snow, and a memory rcten-

39° A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«5>

tivc as marble, applied in solitude solely to .study, could not fail
to make a scholar. As a Shakespearian analyist he had no living
rival. He was master of three or four languages. His voice was
of a twofold kind — deep, rich, and powerful, coming naturally from
the chest — high and thin from the throat. Coleridge said to see
him act was "like reading Shakespeare by lightning." A nobler-
minded man than Edwin Forrest, to those who knew the true bent
of his better nature, is seldom to be found. And yet few men
have been so misunderstood or misjudged This was because he
had so few tried friends. By friends I do not mean parasites.
Vanity is a passion regarded as one of the weaknesses of human-
ity, and yet it is a strength to aspiring minds, serving as a spur to
their ambition.

Edwin Forrest was generally regarded as a man who loved
money, and it was thought a waste of time to appeal to his benevo-
lence in aid of any charity, however worthy the object. How
little the detractors, or even his personal friends, knew of the
true inwardness of this man. They did not dream that that
robust body contained a kindly heart, that was teaching the brain
how to devise the best means for perpetuating the memory of the
great dramatic genius to which that brain had given birth. The
result of that teaching is the beautiful "Forrest Home," appro-
priately reared near the city of Philadelphia. Edwin Forrest was
a dutiful son. an affectionate brother, a loving and confiding hus-
band, a firm and loyal friend, a resolute foe, and a charitable man.
Nevertheless, he was personally unpopular. If you ask why. I would
say because he possessed independence of character, despised shams,
scorned flatteries, and hated his enemies. On one occasion when
the elder Booth was playing an engagement in this city, his eldest
daughter died. The news reached him on a certain day, on the
evening of which he was "up" for Richard. He was wondering
how he could avoid the night's performance, when he accidentally
met Mr. Forrest. On being told of his affliction, Forrest immedi-
ately offered to act Richard fur him, although he had not played
it for some years. This little act of unsolicited kindness speaks
volumes for the warm heart of the actor.

Edwin Forrest's home was on Broad Street, Philadelphia. There
was an air truly baronial about its lofty halls and spacious stair-
cases, and a fine suit of polished steel armor which adorned the
lower hall materially assisted the illusion. The absence of
gaudy decorations, and the solidity and elegant simplicity of
the entire establishment were evidences, not only of the taste,
but of the straightforward manliness of its master. His library
was a spacious saloon, extending the whole length of the house,
and contained some fifteen thousand volumes. No actor probably
received more adulation, on the one hand, or more abuse, on the

l»S»]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

391

other, than Edwin Forrest. No hero of the sock and buskin en-
joyed a more uninterrupted series of triumphs than he. For nearly
forty years he was a demi-god with the play-going public, and, with
but a limited repertory, he preserved a hold upon their affections
equal to that which has been enjoyed by the most brilliant lights
in the histrionic world.

Charlotte Cushman began an engagement here May 3, 1852, as
Rosalind in "As You Like It;" May 4, 6, 11-15 as Meg Mer-
rilies, with Gus Fcnno as Col. Mannering, William Davidge as
Dominie Sampson, and Julia Gould as Lucy Bertram ; May 5 she
acted Katherine in "Henry VIII. ; May 7, Mrs. Haller in "The
Stranger;" May 8-12, she played La Tisbe in "The Actress of
Padua;" May 10, "Romeo and Juliet," with this cast:

Romeo .... Charlotte Cushman

Park Hill

Montague T. J. Hind

Capulet D. Whiting

Friar Laurcnc« . . . Wm. Frederick*

Balthazar Bvrne

Nurse Mrs. Hield

Mcrcutio J. Djrott

Friar John Matthews

Hcicr Scharf

Pace Mix* Lewis

Lady Montague . . . Miss Carmin
Lady Capulet . . . Mrs. Knight

Juliet Miss Andenon

On May 13 she appeared as Lady Gay Spanker in " London
Assurance/' witb John Broagbtn -1a Duxle; May 14 ibe acted
Agnes in "TJie Banker*! \vi:e." iritB C W. Couldock -is Charlei
De Brement; also jUIIana in "The Honeymoon." to the Duke
Aranza of Couldock.

On May 17 Miss Conway appeared in the comic drama "The
Poor Relation." acted for the first time in America. Charles Hale
played Sam Warren; May 18 Lola Montez reappeared in the ballet
divertissement, " Un Jour de Carnaval a Seville," assisted by the
old-time ballet-master, George W. Smith. "TJie^Pooj^Relation"
was acted the same night, with Mrs. F. B. Conway, fortricYTy Miss
Crocker, as Julia. It was the custom for all theatres to have
a ballet-master, whose duty it was to go to the theatre every morn-
ing from nine to ten o'clock, and teach young actors and ac-
tresses to dance. Three days each week were given to the ladies,
and three to the gentlemen of the company. These latter he also
had to teach fencing, and to instruct both ladies and gentlemen in
grace of motion and walking the stage. In the evening he danced
between the plays, either alone or with a lady of the company.

Mrs. John Sefton took a benefit May 21. "The Golden Farmer,"
— with John Sefton as Jemmy Twitchcr, Conway as the Golden
Farmer, W. Davidge as Homer. — " Ladies, Beware!" and "Valet
de Sham " formed the bill. On May 25 Lola Montez reappeared
in " I. 'la Montez in Bavaria," Thomas Barry as King Louis, and
Conway as D Abel ; May ? 1 I.nla acted Madclainc in "St. Mary's
Eve;" June 3 " TJie Wjllow Copse " was played, with Celeste as

392 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i«5*

Rose Fielding, Conway as Luke Fielding. Celeste returned to
Europe June 19. June 7 the opera "l.a Bayadere" was given,
with Mrs. Seguin as Ninka, T. Bishop as the Unknown; June 14
"Masaniello" was sung; June 24, Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams
appeared in "Born to Good Luck." "In and Out of Place," and
"The Limerick Boy." Forrest returned here June 7, when " Jack
Cade " was played with this cast:

{ack Cade .... Edwin Forrc«
Joke of Suffolk Lrrter

Lord Clifford .... Aug. Kenno

Mowbray . Rmotdl

Sutton Henry Rogera

Courtiuy Courlay

Marianne Mmc. Ponisi

Kate Miss Carman

Sav C Pope

Duke of Buckingham . . T. J. Hind

Wat Worthy D. Whiting

Knar Lacy - T. Barry

Widow Cade Mm. Henry

Child of A>Imerc . . . Miss Walll*

An olio followed. Augustus Braham sang " My Pretty Jane,"
accompanied by Dr. Cunningham; Mrs. Seguin sang "I dreamt
that I Dwelt in Marble Halls:" Braham sang "Never Desp;iir,"
and the farce of "The Irish Lion" was given, introducing Mr.
and Mrs. Barney Williams. William Sheridan Fredericks made
his last appearance in this city June 24, 1851, at Castle Garden,
on the occasion of the benefit to Thomas Hambiin. After being
connected with the Philadelphia theatres for several years, he died
in that city Feb. 13, 1878.

The season closed Aug. 21, with a benefit to Harry Eytinge.
The "Hunchback," third act of "Othello," and feats in magic
composed the entertainment. The season of 1852-53 commenced
Aug. 30, with "The Hunchback," with Julia Dean as Julia and
F. B. Conway as Master Walter. "The Wife" followed Aug. 31.
Sept. 20 Edwin Forrest began an engagement, which terminated
Oct. 2S, during which he played in "Richelieu," "Damon and
Pythias," "Pizarro," "Othello," "King Lear." " Virginius." "T_hc
Broker of Bogota." "lack Cade/' "Hamlet," "Brutus." "The
Gladiator, " " Mctamora. _ and ""The Lady of Lyons." Annie
T...|isii.ilr appeared :is N.ui in "The (imxl for Nothing," Oct I
The comedy "Sink or Swim" was acted, for the first time in
America, Nov. 5, with Wm. Davidge as Debit.

Laura Addison, whose real name was Laura Wilmshurst, died
Sept. 1, 1852. She had been travelling in the West, and on reach-
ing Niagara Falls, N. Y., was taken suddenly ill. She died on
board the steamer " Oregon " while on her way to this city from
Albany. The Williamscs returned here Nov. 1. " Ingomar " was
given, with Thomas Barry as Polydor, Mrs. Henry as Actia, Con-
way as Ingomar. Julia Dean as Parthcnia. and Chas. Pope as
Alastnr. Nov. 2 Julia Dean began an engagement, acting in "The
Hunchback," "Love," "The Lady of Lyons." "The Stranger."
"The Duke's Wager," and "Fazio." The Bateman Children tp

'»$»]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

393

pcared here Nov. 15 in "Her Royal Highness" and "The_Young
Couple." Nov. 29 Anna Cora Mowatt was seen as Parthenia, to
Conway's Ingomar. She afterwards appeared in " As You Like
It," "The Stranger," "Ion," " Armgnd" "Anne Blake," and
Martha Gibbs in "All that Glitters is not Gold." On Dec. 13,
the fairy spectacle and romantic opera entitled "The Pcxi." by
lames G. Macdcr. was presented, with Caroline Richings, her
first appearance in New York, as Fluvia, Peter Richings as
Miguel, T. Bishop as De Leon, and Mme. Ponisi as Namokee.

Caroline Richings Bernard died at Richmond, Va., Jan. 14.
1882, of small-pox. On Christmas Day she led the choir of the
First Baptist Church, in that city, and that was her last appear-
ance in public professionally. Her right name was Mary Caroline
Rcynoldson. She was the adopted daughter of Peter Richings.
Her first appearance in public was as a pianist in Philadelphia,
Nov. 20, 1847, and her dc'but on the lyric stage was made Feb. 9,
1852, with the Seguin Opera Company, as Marie in "The Daughter
of the Regiment." The Richings English Opera Company was
organized Sept. 17, 186& Miss Richings was married to Pierre
Bernard Dec. 25, 1867. It is a very curious circumstance that till
the death of Mr. Richings, the career of this artist was uniformly
successful, and after that event she fared sadly in all her under-
takings. Caroline Richings was a thoroughly schooled and most
conscientious singer, but she was rather mechanical and unsympa-
thetic. She was one of the most estimable women who ever
adorned the native stage. A singular and touching incident of
her burial was that, early on the day of the funeral, a mocking-
bird escaped from its cage in the upper part of the city, and,
though diligent search was made, its owner could not find it.
That evening, as the last clods of earth were being thrown on
the grave of the singer, a succession of trills and clear warbling
poured forth from the throat of a mocking-bird perched in a tree
near by, and continued until the minister had pronounced the
benediction, It was recognized as the missing bird, and at sun-
down it returned home, and went back into its cage, which had
been left open in the window.

Peter Richings real name was Puget. He died Jan. 18, 1871,
aged seventy-four years. He made his first appearance on the
stage Sept. 25, 1821, at the Park Theatre, this city, as Henry
Bertram in "Guy Manncring," and he remained at this theatre
for thirteen years. His versatility was really extraordinary. In
personal appearance he was manly and imposing. In private life
he was a finished gentleman and blameless in all his social rela-
tions. He took his farewell of the stage at the Richmond, Va.,
Theatre, with the Richings Opera Troupe, in 1868, when he made
a very lengthy speech, of which the following is a portion :

394 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»»

La imes and Gentlemen — I now come before you for the last time, to bid a
final adieu to my professional labors upon these boards. Age in the first i
the wishes of toy family in ihe second, and sacred duties in the last, render the
measure imperii

There are two imporant events in a man's existence: the first when be springs
from boyhood into either commercial or public life, and the other when he sinks
from manhood into the sere and yellow leal to gradually decav until be i» sum-
moned by his Divine Master to shuffle off this mortal coil. ( hare passed from
the first to the second Rip, the turning-point of man's life, haring reached the
age of seventy years, and forty-five of service before «rn n public. That

b a period wheo every actor ought to devote his time and thoughts to more sacred
duties than strutting and fretting his hour upon the stage. If you can bear with
roe, I will, with your permission, give a brief recital of my career. It has not been
a chequered one. I can look back upon the retrospect with much pride and
pleasure.

He died in Media, Pa., Jan. 18, 1871.

On Dec 27 Mmc. Marietta Alboni made her first appearance
in America in Rossini's opera, " La Cenercntola," with this cast:

Don Kamirc . . . Sig. Sangiovanni | Dandlni
Don Magmfico . . . Sig. Rcvrre Clorindi
Alidora (first ap. in America) Sig. Barilli Tisbe
Cenercntola . . . Marietta Alboni ;

. . .Sir. Coletti
Signora Avogadro
Signora Albertarzi

Sig. Arditi was the conductor, Mr. Roberts, leader. The opera
was followed by the ballet divertissement " Rosita." Jan. 1. 1853,
was given the "ballet fantastique," called "A Fairy Midsummer
Night's Dream." by Mons. Corby and Mile. Bulan. Jan. 4 Alboni
appeared in "La Figlia del Regimento":

Maria Mmc- Alboni I La Manchisa .... Sig. Avagadro

Touio .... Sig. Sangiovanni Sulpirio Sig. Revere

Orsenslo Rohr | Corporal Sig. Crens

On Jan. 10 " La Sonnambula," was sung, with Alboni as Anuria,
Mmc. Seidenburg (first appearance) as Lisa, Sig, Pellequini (first
appearance in America) as Elvino, Sig. Banti as Rodolfo, and
Rohr as Alcssio. " 1-a Barbiere de Seviglia," Jan. 17:

Rosina Mmc. Albor.i Dr. Hirtolo .... Sig. Revere

Almivlva .... Sig. Sangiovanni Baailio Sig. Barfln

Figaro Sig. Coletti Fiorello Sig. Ximenes

Bcrta Sig. Avagadro

On Jan. 24, " La Sonnambula "

Rodolfo Sig. Barili 1 Teresa Sig. Avagadro

Amina Mme. Alboni Elvino Sig. Vletti

tin Mme. Seidenburg , Alcssio Sig. Rohr

For Alboni's benefit Jan. 25, " I.a Cencrentola" was repeated.

This terminated Alhoni's engagement. She returned to Europe
in six months. She was cons'ulcred the greatest contralto of the
world. At last accounts, she was living in Paris.

I»5JD

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

395

A company of magicians and actors, consisting of fifteen artists
from China, gave the first Chinese performance ever presented in
this city. Edwin Forrest began an engagement Feb. 21, 1853,
in "Damon and Pythias." He also played in "Richelieu,"
"Othello," "Pizarro," "Jack__Cade." On Jan. 28, for the first
time here, was acted "The Wh,jrr ^1av<*<; o,{ finglanri " After a

brief rest Mr. Forrest reappeared March 7, acting in "Jack Cade,"
"King Lear," "Hamlet, "Richelieu," "Pizarro," "VTrginlus,"
'The Gladiator." "Othello," "The_ Broker oi Bogota," " Meta-
mora," "The Lady of Lyons," " Damon and Pythias," "Brutus,"
"^William Tell," "Venice Preserved," and "Bertram;" May 2
1 Macbeth " was acted, and ran for twenty nights with this cast:

Macbeth Forrest

Macduff F. B. Con way-
Duncan Duff

Lady Macbeth . . . Mme. Ponisi
Witches

Malcolm . . . . A. H. Davenport

Hanquo Chai. Pope

Hecate J. Grosveoor

W. Davidge, D. Whiting, and T. Barry

Edwin Forrest closed his brilliant engagement May 27. "The
Hunchback" was given May 28, with F. B. Conway as Master
Walter, and Kate Saxon as Helen. W. Davidgc took a benefit
May 31, when "Rob Roy" was acted, with Prof. Anderson as
the Macgrcgor. Julia Dean appeared June t as Julia in "The
Hunchback," and afterwards in " Fazio," " The Stranger; " " Love's
Sacrifice," "Love," "The Wife." and "Ingomar." July 11 Mr.
and Mrs. Barney Williams returned with "In and Out of Place"
and "The Happy Man." John R. Scott appeared here July 20 as
Damon, to W. R. Goodall's Pythias.

The next season began Aug. 15, 1853, with Joshua S. Silsbce as
Jonathan Ploughboy in "TH<» Fr»rr<r Rn^r, " and Nathan Tucker
in " A Wife for a Day." He had just returned from a professional
tour m Europe, and brought with him the manuscript of "Our
American Cousin," written expressly for him by Tom Taylor.
In 1853 the following was the company: Messrs. Thomas Barry,
F. B. Conway, Whiting, Walters, Grosvenor, Matthews, Wright,
Cutler, Davidge, Davenport. Lanergan, Sanford, Vincent, Barnard,
Henry. Duff, and McDouall; Mesdamcs Vernon, Barnard, Fisk,
Henry, and Abbott; Misses A. Gougenheim, Pcntland. Joscy
^enhcirn, and Price. Aug. 21 Mr. and Mrs. Barney Wil-
liams returned for a two weeks" stay, and were followed by Julia
Dean, Sept. 5. as Julia in "The Hunchback." with Davenport as
Sir Thomas Clifford. F. B. Conway as Master Walter, and Mrs.
Abbott as Helen. Miss Dean also played in "The Jealous Wife."
" Fazio." "The Lady of Lyons." " Love." "The Hunchback," and
"Evadne." "The Belle of the Faubourg, or the Foundling of
Paris." was presented Sept. 17, with this cast:

396 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»S3

Madelaine Julia Dean

Adelaide . . Miss A. Gougenhetm

Catherine Mrs. II

Marguerite Mrs. Fiskc

Charlotte Miss Barnard

Bcrtraml C. Tope

Rerocy Davenport

This was followed by "The Love Chase," compressed into three
acts, with this cast

Sir William Fondlovc
Master Walter . .
Master Wildrakc . .
Master Trueworth
Widow Green . . .

D. W

. . C. Pope

F. B. Conway

... Duff

Mrs. Vernon

Constance Jnlia Dean

Servant I.. J. Vincent

Amelia Miss Duckworth

Mrs. Henry

Phtebe Mb* Pentland

This was her closing performance. Eilwin Forrest returned
Sept. 19, as Damon, to Conway's Pythias; and also played in
■'Richelieu," "Hamlet," " Pizarro," " Macbeth," "Othello/ "The
Lady of Lyons," "Jack Cadc^' and on Oct. 7 in "The Gladiator."
cast thus :

Phasarlus F. B. Conway

lovius T. J. Hind

Lucius C. Pope

Senooa Mac. Ponlsi

Spartacus E. Forrest

Crassux A. Fen no

Scropha Hawkins

Bracchius D. Whiting

Julia Miss Crocker

On Oct. 3, he acted in "Metamora," and his engagement closed
with "King Lear." The Williamses returned Oct. 10. James R.
Anderson visited this country for the third time, and opened here
Oct. 24 as Hamlet. He continued for four weeks, and acted in
the following plays: "The Lady of Lyons," " Ingomar," " Othello,"
"Richard III.," "The Elder Brother, "with Fanny Morant as Ange-
lina, "Civilization," "Hamlet." "Richard III.," "Antony and
Cleopatra," and "King Lear." Julia Dean came again Nov. 21,
appearing in "Fazio" "The Hunchback." « Evadne," "The Lady of
Lyons," and "The Love Chase." Jean Margaret Davenport made
hcrdi-but at this house Nov. 28 in" Love," "The Hunchback," "The
Maid of Maricndorpt," "The Wife," "Ingomar," "Adrienne,"
" Love," " The Lady of Lyons," and '* Cam i lie," for the first time in
New York, with this cast: Armand, F. B. Conway; Gustave, San-
ford; Helen, Gougcnhcim; Camille, Jean Davenport. John Collins

ir.:[i[K';in-d llrr. I _■, ir. " llir h'.-.il < . n : ! T ■: i i ; i 1 1 . M Dublin i).ivs ill

1765," also in "The Happy""nTan." IBIIhes I,evick appeared here
as Alfred Highflyer in "A Roland for an Oliver." He was after-
ward engaged for Bunnn'l Museum, making his de'but as George
Harris in ".Uncle Tom's Cabin." where he continued to act IOC
the four succeeding years, and during that time wrote two plays
— "Tjir ' '""•"'" Man"""1 "Sybil's Cave" — which were both
played here, achieving success. He was next engaged by Laura
Keene, and after Sothcrn, who had made his first success as Lord
Dundreary, left that theatre, Mr. Levick appeared in that character.

*MLl

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

397

He afterwards travelled with Miss Keene for two years, filling
the positions of leading man and stage manager. He was then
re-engaged at Barnum's Museum and afterwards went to Chicago,
111., for a season; Mr. Barnum again sent for him, and engaged
him as stage manager and leading man. During that season he
wrote and produced another play entitled "1'alc Janet." The
burning of the Museum threw him out of employment, and he
retired to his farm at Wilton, in Westchester County, N. Y.,
where he remained two years. He was especially engaged to
support Chas. Kechtcr at Niblo's Garden, during his first en-
gagement in America, and was seen as the King in "Hamlet."
He died at Wilton. Dec. I, 1896.

"The Cataract of the Ganges" was presented Dec. 26, introduc-
ing Sands & Co. *s stud of horses. The cast was this :

Jack Robinson .... \V. Davidze

Xamine Mme. l'oiiixi

L'bra Josey Gougcnhcim

Mokarra . . . . . F. B. Conway

Mordaunt C. Pope

Ivan M. Lanergan

Nat.ill Mr*. Vernon

The driving on the stage of six horses, three abreast, drawing
a triumphal car, was a novelty.

The most magnificent production of "A Midsummer Night's
Dream " that had yet been seen in this city took place here Feb.
6, 1854. The whole of Mendelssohn's music was given with it.
The most interesting fact, perhaps, in connection with this event
was the almost simultaneous production of the same work at Bur-
ton's Theatre, beginning on Feb. 3. At the Broadway, the cast
was:

Tbesius F. B. Conway

Lysandcr Lanergan

Demetrius Grosvenor

Egeu* Matthews

Bottom Davidge

Quince Howard

Puck Viola Crocker

Oberon Mme- Ponisi

Titania Mrs. Abbott

Philostrale Walters

Snout Henry

Starveling Cutter

Hippolita Mrs. Warren

Ik-rmia Mrs. Nagle

Helena A. Gougenheim

Plt»t Fairy Miss Fiah

Second Fairy . . Miss Duckworth
Peachblassom .... Miss Henry

Cobweb Miss E. Waliis

Moth Master Waliis

Mustard Seed . . . Miss S. Henrv

Snug 1

Fhite D. Whiting

Singing Fairies, Mesdames Julia Gould, Ritr.cr, Wlcdenholdt, Perry, Hunt,
Behn. Mutch ings Llvcrati, and AdonL

Principal Dancing Fairies, Mile. Leeder. Adelaide Price, and Miss Josephine,
with a grand ballet.

The play at Burton's ran until March 6, and at the Broadway
until March II. In effectiveness of stage setting, and in the
costuming, the comedy had an infinitely more brilliant showing
here than at Burton's; in the acting, there was little left for
critical cavil in the performance at either house.

398 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i«54

Edwin Forrest returned March 13, 1854, and continued until
April 10, playing in "Hamlet," "Richelieu," " Brutus, or The
Fall of Tarquin." " Pizarro," and "King Lear," with this cast:

King Lor E. Forrest

Albany C. Pope

Marl of Kent T. Barry

Edgar F. B. Conway

Cordelia Mmc- Ponisi

Gotieril Mrs. Abbott

Regan Mis* CrocVer

GliMter D. Whiting

Kdmund A. Fenao

Old Man Matthews

Third Knight ... G. H. Barrett
Id Burgess

Mr. Forrest also acted in "Damon and Pythias," "Othello,"
"The Ijdy of Lyons," "jack Cade," "The f.larliatnr" " Mcta-
mora," and "The Merchant of Venice." Julia Dean came again
April 1. in "The Lady of Lyons." followed by " Evadne. " " The
Wife." "Love." "Romeo and Juliet," "Ingomar." "The Jealous
Wife," "Fazio." and "The Love Chase." On April 24 the
tragedy of " l_,eonor De Guzman " was seen, and April 27, "Isabel,
or the Fatar&mg." May 7 c5rne Mr. and Mrs. Barney WinTams,
who were succeeded by James R. Anderson May 15 as " Richard
III.," who also played in "Civilization," " King Lear," " King of
the Commons," "The Lady of Lyons." "Macbeth," "Gissippus."
"Hamlet." "The Elder Brother, ,e and "The Robbers."

"King Lear" was cast as follows during Mr. Anderson's en-
gagement, and played from the original text:

Lear Anderson

Burgundy Walters

Albany Sanford

Gloucester Howard

Burnand C. Pope

Steward Grosvcrior

Physician Henry

A Herald Wright

Fool Fanny Morant

Goneril Mrs. Abbott

Cordelia Mmc. Ponisi

King of France Lyster

Cornwall Lanergan

Kent D. Whiting

Edgar F. B. Conway

Curan L. J- Vincent

Old Man Matthews

First Knight McDouall

Second Knight Cutter

Third Knight C. Baro.\rd

Regan Mrs. Warren

" Faustus " was produced May 29 with this cast :

Faustus C. Pope

Count de Casanova . . D. Whiting

Montollo Lanergan

Crognoso Mattbev*

Adine Mmc. Ponisi

Rosolio . . . Miss. A. Gougenheim

ianet Mis* Williams
fcphistophile* F. B. Conway

Wagner W. Davidge

PaoTc L. J. Vincent

I.ucetra .... Josey Gougenheim
Manette .... Mfss Richardson

The carnival scene was a magnificent picture. There were one
hundred persons in grotesque costume, and a ballet introducing
Mile. Lecdcr, Ben Yates, and Adelaide Price as the principals.
"Antony and Cleopatra " was acted the same night. The season
closed June 17, but was resumed June 19 for a summer season, with
Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams as the stars. A new drama called

'854]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

399

"The Irish Yankee" was produced, and it came very near causing
a riot. The "Know Nothing" agitation was at its height at this
time, and the excitement here was caused by Barney Williams
making some allusion to the current events of the day. Threats
had been previously made that Mr. Williams should be hissed off
the stage because of a recent difficulty in Philadelphia, for which
he suffered similar treatment A few hisses were heard, when
Mr. Williams stepped to the footlights and explained the Phila-
delphia affair, which he regretted, and assured the audience that
no native American could love and honor the soil more than he
did. The following night was a repetition of the same scene,
only the "Know Nothings" assembled in greater force; but, find-
ing themselves outnumbered by Barney's free-ticket holders, they
concluded that it was the height of folly to pay for admission, and
in this wise to put money into an actor's pocket whom they wished
to drive off the stage.

The next season began Aug. 21, with "The Lady of Lyons."
The company was very little changed. Mrs. Vernon's place was
taken by Mrs. S. G. France, C. Poj>e gave place to D. Hanchett,
W. Davidge, F. B. Conway, Mme. Ponisi, the Gougcnhcim sisters,
and Mrs. Abbott remained. George H. Barrett, familiarly called
"Gentleman George," was the stage manager, N. B. Clarke was
prompter, H. Farrcn played Claude Melnottc, Lanergan was the
Bcauscant, Louisa Howard (American debut) the Pauline, and
Mrs. France Mme. Dcschapelles. On Aug. 22, "The School for
Scandal " cast thus:

Sir Peter Tcatle . . . . H. Farren

Sir Oliver D. Whiting

Charles Surface . . . F. B. Conway
Joseph D. Hanchett

Crabtrce W. Davidge

Lady Teazle - . . Louisa Howard
Mrs. Candour . . . Mr*. Abbott
Maria Miss M image

David Hanchett was leading man in Chicago for John B. Rice
for some seasons. He married Emma Warren, the widow of Mr.
Price, who was the third daughter of old William Warren, who
died in 1832. Hester Warren was married twice, first to Mr.
Willis, and afterwards to Joseph Proctor. She died in Boston,
Dec. 7, 1841. Annie married Dan Marble, the Yankee comedian.
Mary Ann Warren became Mrs. John B. Rice. Emma left two
children, one of whom was Fanny B. Price. Aug. 23 "The Love
Chase" was played, and Aug. 24, "Grandfather Whitehead":

Grandfather Whitehead . H. Farren

Lanjjley Lancrjjan

Louis Mrs. Nagle

Drayton Mr. France

Dovey M. W. LeflWwell

Susan Josey Cougcii.

Jean Davenport appeared Aug. 28, in "Camille."
Edward 1_ Davenport made his first appearance since his return
from Europe, Sept. u, in "Othello":

400 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1854

Othello .... E. L- Davenport 1 lago F. C. Conway

IJrabantio ■ . . M. W. Leiungw«U Cassio Gallagher

Rndcrigo Groavenor I Montano Lanergan

Desdcmoria Mm. Ponisl I Emilia Mils Abbott

"As [j^f at Two Pg^y" was also acted, with Davidge as Rich-
ards and Nliss Gougenhcim as Mrs. Richards. "The Lady of
Lyons" was acted Sept. 12, "St. Marc," Sept. 13, 14, and "The
Wife," Sept 15. Edwin Forrest followed with "Richelieu,"
"Pizarro." "Hamlet," "Jack CadcJ' "Damon and Pythias,"
"Othello," "Tjie^jadiataiy'' "^ctarnora," "King Lear' "The
Merchant of Venice," "The Lady~oT Lyuhs," and closed Oct. 7,
with "Brutus, or The Fall of Tarquin." The cast of " Metamora "
was: "

Mctamoni .... Edwin Forrest

Otab Walters

Nahmeokee Mme. Pools!

Lord Fitxarnold . . . D. Hanchett
Mordaunt Crocker

Officer Leon J. Vincent

Oceana .... Josev Gougenheirn
Sir Arthur . ... Iff, Lemngwfll
Erringtoo D. Whiting

A season of English opera was then begun by the Pync & Harri-
son Opera Company.

Louisa Pync made her American dlbut Oct. 9, 1854, as Lisa in
"La Sonnambula." New Yorkers were taken by storm. Miss
Pyne's farewell performances were, with the exception of the
Jenny Lind entertainments, unequalled. Her bounty was spon-
taneous and generous. The blind and lunatic asylums, the high
schools, and many other charitable institutions of New York
and other cities were all largely benefited by the free and unso-
licited exercise of her talents. As a singer she had few superiors.
Her voice, style, execution, expression — all were excellent and
charming. In addition to Louisa Pyne, this company consisted of
William Harrison, Miss Susan Pyne, Bonani, Reeves, and Cam-
vens. "The Bohemian Girl " was sung Oct. 12, and "Maritana"
OcL 19, with this cast :

Charles 11.

Don Jose" Borrani

Lazarillo . . . . Miss Susan Pync

Reeves Don Cesar W. Harrison

Montetiorl D. Whiting

M.iritana Louisa Pyne

Oct. 23 W. Harrison took his first benefit in America, when he
repeated " IDon Csesar." After a tour of the principal cities, Louisa
Pyne sailed for England May 20, 1857, and in September opened
the Lyceum Theatre, London, for English opera, with the Pyne &
Harrison Company. She was married in London Oct. 12, 1868,
to Frank H. Bodda.

J. Delmon Grace first appeared here Oct. 30, as Ruy Gomez in
"Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady." Mme. Ponisi played the
Duchess de Torrenucva. Agnes Robertson appeared as Milly in

'«•,-, !

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

401

"The Maid of the Milking Pail," and as Maria in "Ih£_Young
Actress." "The Invisible Prince" was first played here by
Robertson Nov. 3. On Nov. 10 she took a benefit, when she
was seen in " Andy Bjajfe " and "The Young Actress." She took
another benefit Nov. 17, and Dion Hourclcault appeared in " Used
Up." Nov. 20 the Pync & Harrison company returned for tour
nights. They sang in "Maritana," for the benefit of Vincent Wal-
lace, the composer. The American Dramatic Fund Association
took a benefit Nov. 24. " Fa ;i ■-■■ «■ . <ir the Demon of the Drachen-
fels," was revived.

This play was acted all the week. Jean Davenport returned
Dec. 4, and during her engagement appeared in "Adriepne the
Actress^" "Ingomar," "Camille," and " Kvadne. " Dec. 1 1 A
JvTidsunimer Night's Dream " was revived. Marie Zoc took a
benefit Dec. t6, when the bill consisted of "A Midsummer
Night's Dream" and "Antony and Cleopatra." The Pync &
Harrison company returned Dec. 18 in "Fra Diavolo," with this
cast:

Fra Diavolo Harrison

Lorenzo Reevex

Beppo Merer

Zerlina Louisa Pyne

Lord Allcash . . . . D. Whiting

Matteo Ray

Giacorao Borrani

Lady Allcash .... Miss Pyne

"The Beggar's Opera" was given Dec. 22; "The Enchantress"
Dec. 25, when the ballet was increased, with Marie Zocas premier.
"Guy Mannering" was acted Jan. 1, 1855, " Cinderella" Jan. 15,
and the opera company closed Feb. 17, with a benefit to Louisa
Pync.

Edward L. Davenport appeared here Feb. 19 in "Hamlet,"
for the first time in New York, and afterwards in "Othello,"
■LBijitW" -St Marc." "Harm." ■' Civilization, " and "The
Egyptian. " March 2, Mrs. K. I.. Davenport ffllfle her Ameri-
canoeo'ut. K. L. Davenport became a successful star and a fine
actor. He played Macduff to Mr. Macrcady's Macbeth when the
final performances of that tragedian took place at the Haymarket
Theatre, London, in November, 1850. When Tomasso Salvini
first came to this country he expressed a desire to be introduced
to Davenport, after seeing his wonderful performance of Hamlet
He was taken behind the scents, and simply nidi "Anima1
anima! (Soul! soul!)'* Davenport possessed a flexible voice, an
expressive countenance, and a fine figure. His articulation was
unusually distinct. He was easy on the stage and graceful in his
movements. He possessed a versatility which is unusual, and
was at home in widely diverging ranges of character — in tragedy,
melodrama, and comedy — in none of which he degenerated into
mediocrity. He would play Hamlet one night, and sing a comic

402 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D*s

song or dance a sailor's hornpipe in the afterpiece. He was quite
successful as William in "' Black Eyed Susan." He died in Can-
ton, Pa., Sept. l, 1877.

"The Hunchback " was acted March 6, 1855, with this cast:

Master Walter . . . F. B. Conway William L. J. Vincent

Sir Thomas .... Delmon Grace Helen Mrs. Abbott

Fathom Wm. Davldge Julia Miss McKeah

Master Wilford Sanford

March 12 Eloise Bridges made her debut as Pauline in "The
v of Lyons." She continued for two weeks. Kate Reignohls
appeared here April 17. E. L. Davenport played "Richard 111."
May 24, which had this cast:

Earl of Richmond . . . . D. Grace
Henry the Sixth . M. W Leffingwell
Prince of Wales . . Miss A. Wallis

Duke of York E. Wallis

Duke of Buckingham . . D Hanchett
Duke of Norfolk . . . Grosvenor

I.ady Anne Mrs. Abbott

Queen Elizabeth . . . Mme. F<

Tressel Lartcrgan

Lord Mayor D. Whiting

Duchess of York . - . Mrs. Henry

A dance by the Misses Henry and Price followed, after which
came the farce of "Nan, the Good for Nothing," with Davidge as
Tom Dibbles and Josey Gotigenheim as Nan. Mr. Davenport
closed May 25, with the following programme: "William Tell,"
"Merchant of Venice," and "Black Eyed Susan." Fanny Vining
(Mrs. K. L. Davenport) appeared as Portia and Susan. "Ingo-
mar " was seen May 29, and thus cast :

Ingomar F. B. Conway

Novio Horton

Alaxtor Lanergan

The Ti march . . M. W. Lcffingwcll

Myron D. Hanchett

Neocles McDouall

Adrastus Henry

Actea Mrs. Henry

Amhlvar Crocker

Folydor D. Whiting

Amyntus J. Vincent

I'arthenia Mme. Pi

The Gougenheim Sisters had a benefit May 30, when
and Faces" was played, with this cast:

Masks

Sir Charles Pomander . . . Sanford

Sn.irl Crosvenor

Peg Woffington ... J. Gougenheim
Mrs. Vane ... A. Gougenheim
Emest Vane Lanergan

Colley Cibber . . M. W. Leffingwell

Triplet F. B. Conway

Kitty Cllve .... Mrs. Seymour
Mrs. Triplet Mrs. Nagle

A "pas de deux" by Misses Price and Henry followed, and the
bill concluded with "Ladies, Beware!" and the farce "The Omni-
bus." This was the closing night of the season. Wm. Davidge
took a benefit May 31, when was acted for the first time here "The
Nut;. iy i!ii! :hc Duchess," and "The Hope of the i-.mnlv." June
I K. B. Conway had a benefit, whcn'hc acted Luke Fielding, and
Mrs. Conway (formerly Miss Crocker) Rose Fielding in "Thr
Willow Copse." June 2 Rosalie Durand and Wm. H. Rec

:«..S|

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

403

appeared as Arlinc and Thaddeus in "The Bohemian Girl" June
28 the Williamses came in "Shandy Maguire," "Our Gal," and
" Barney {he Uarnn Miss Duckworth "acted Ellen in me first
play. Aug. 6 Gabriel Ravel, Martinctti Family, Mile. Cclcstinc
Franck, Mons. Collet, H. Wells and company were seen. Sept.
17 E. L. Davenport returned as Richard III. : Mrs. Buckland as
Lady Anne, Mrae. Ponisi as Queen Elizabeth, Charles Fisher as
Richmond. "The Wandering Minstrel" followed, with Chapman
as Jem Baggs. Davenport also played in " Hamlet," " A New Way
to Pay Old Debts," ".Brutus," and " Othello. " On Sept. 27 George
H. Bokcr's play, " France-tea da Rimini." was first acted here, for
the second time on any stage, with this cast :

Antonio Wright

Francesca Mme. Poniai

Pope C Fisher

Rene Leon J. Vincent

Risau Miis J. Mantiis

Malatesta D. Whl

Lanclotte . . . . E. L. Davenport

Paolo M. Lanergan

Florenzi Willet

Bcppo Allen

Henrico Fordyck

This play held the stage until Oct. 5, when "The Lady of
Lyons " was acted, with Mrs. E. L. Davenport as Pauline, E L.
Davenport as Claude Melnotte, and Mrs. William R. Blake as
Mme. Dcschapclles. " Black Eyed Susan " was also given, with
Davenport as William. Edwin Forrest returned Oct. 8, and
closed Oct. 27, and during that period the following were the
plays acted: " Hamlet," Josephine Manners as Ophelia; " Pizarro,"
"Richelieu." "Othello," "Jlaaffiora," "XhcCiadiator," "Mac-
beth," "Coriolanus." "Jack Cade." "Damon and Pythias," and
"The Lady of Lyons." Mr. ami Mrs. Barru-y Williams were the
next stars, Oct 29, followed Nov. 12 by Julia Dean, who continued
until Dec. 12. Her repertory was as follows: "The Hunchback,"
"Evadne," " Fazio," " Love." " .'\driepne the Actress. " " Lucrczia
Borgia," " Romeo and Juliet," "The "Wrecker* s Daughter," "The
Stranger." " The Bankrupt. " and "Mary of Mantua." The Marsh
Troupe of Juvenile Comedians appeared Dec. 10; in the interlude
"Beauty and the Beast" and "The Wandering Minstrel." On
Dec. 12 a beni-tii look place for the American Dramatic Fund,
when "The Rivals," Christy 8c Wood's Minstrels, and the Marsh
Troupe in " Beauty and the Beast " were seen. There wa* no per-
formance Dec. 22, owing to the preparations for "King Charm-
ing," acted for the first time Dec. 24, with this cast:

Charming the First . Mre. H. C. Watson Queen Tyana

Princess Fiorina .

Aiurine Emma Harding

Mme. Ponisi
ulia Manners

King Hcnpcckt . . . . l>. Whiting

Natty Seymour

Fairy Mis* Duckworth

"The Sea of Ice" was produced Jan. 14. 1856, with Canoll
as Raoul de Ijscours, and Mme. Ponisi as Louise de Lascours.

404 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [«8S6

J. W. Wallack, Jr., appeared Jan. 28, with (for the first time in New
York) "The Iron Mask." Jane Coombs was engaged to support
the star. Mme. Ponisi acted Hortcnse. Feb. i " Romeo and
Juliet" was played, with Wallack as Mcrcutio, Chas. Fisher as
Romeo, and Jane Coombs as Juliet. Feb. 7 "King Charming "
was revived, with Mme. Ponisi u King Charming also "The Sea
of Ice," with Mme. Ponisi as Ogarita, Charles Fisher as Carlos.
Mr. I.cnton, on the same evening, did the "Antipodean" feat,
that is, walking on a ceiling or polished surface, head downwards.
A platform was suspended from the top of the stage, and beneath
was a net. " Hwi- the Hunter" was produced Feb. 18, in which
appeared James M. Nixon and James Myers' stud of horses, in-
cluding "Firefly," a well known equine performer. The cast
was:

Mabel Mme. Ponisi

Tryntam C. Fisher

Shoreditch ... W. A. Chapman

Morgan Ringgold

Wyndham L. J. Vincent

Janctte Mrs. Seymour

Ceraldine .... Mrs. Buckland

Henry VIII Harconrt

Duke of Richmond ... A. Fenno
Anne lioleyn . . . Misa Duckworth

On the opening night of this spectacle a horse leaped a chasm
twelve feet wide, but found no bridge on the other side, and there-
fore tumbled over, rolling his rider under him. The accident was
of no serious consequence; the horse and rider received some slight
flesh wounds, and the horse, "Firefly," appeared the following
night, when another accident occurred Anne Boleyn made an
entry upon the stage, and just as the chariot and six horses were
to cross, the platform came down with a crash, and two of the
horses were dropped into the cellar. In the tournament scene, a
horse came full tilt to the footlights, and not meeting the expected
check there from his opponent, pitched over them and fell upon
the sharp iron spikes of the railing that separated the parquet from
the orchestra.

"The Cataract of the Ganges" was revived March 10, with
C. Fisher as Mokarra and Mme. Ponisi as Zaminc. "Timour the
Tartar" was presented March 17. "That Blessed Baby" and
"Mazeppa" were given March 24, with Canoll as Mazeppa. The
"Keller Troupe " appeared in their tableaux vivants of "The De-
scent from the Cross "and several other Scriptural subjects, April
t. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams returned April 14. Old Joe
Cowcll took a benefit June 23. in "The Turnpike Gate," " Ireland
.jUnLArnerica, " and " Irish .Assurance. " This was Cowell'slast
appearance on the stage here. He returned to England with his
grand-daughter, Kate Bateman, and died in London Nov. 14, 1863.
1 1 1 - most famous character was Crack in "The Turnpike Gate."

Marcus Elmore and Julia Oat ley appeared here June 2 as Huon
and the Countess in " Love." and afterwards in "The Wife," "The

• •S61

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

405

Love Chase," and "The Hunchback;" June 7 Boothroyd Pair-
clough acted Sir Giles Overreach in "A New Way to Pay Old
Debts." On June 9 Wm. R. Blake played Sir Peter Teazle.
Mme. Ponisi took a benefit June II, when Mr. and Mrs. Theo-
dore Nims volunteered. Mr. Nims acted Christopher Strop in
"The Pleasant Neighbor," and Mrs. Nims was seen as Mrs. Chil-
lington in "A Morning Call." The season closed June 21.

David Whiting terminated at this house with the end of this
season. His last appearance on the stage was at Daly's Fifth
Avenue (Broadway and Twenty-eighth Street), the season of
187S-76. He died at Deerficld. N. H., Feb. 27, 1881. He was
a member of the company of the Howard Athemeum, Boston, when
it first opened, Oct. 13, 1845. His first appearance in New York
was at the Chatham Theatre, acting Jupiter in Brougham's bur-
lcsque, " Life in the Clouds." From the Broadway he went to
Wallack's (Broome Street) Theatre. After a brief retirement he
reappeared Sept. 5, 1871, at Daly's (now Madison Square) Theatre.
He had two children. Virginia (afterwards the wife of Sig. Lorini)
and Joseph E His Justice Shallow in " The Merry Wives of Wind-
sor" and Lucky in " The Road to Ruin " were clever performances.

In the spring of 1856 Messrs. Bowen & McNamec bought all
the contiguous property on the south of the theatre down to Pearl
Street, and huge excavations were made, preparatory to the erec-
tion of a large building. The work of excavating was commenced
late in April, but in consequence of a difficulty between Bowen
& McNamec and Marshall it was frequently stopped. The firm
wanted to prop up the walls of the theatre with "needles" (huge
beams), but Marshall would not permit it, and work for a while
was stopped. These excavations rendered the theatre unsafe, and
the performances for a time were discontinued. A considerable
portion of one of the side walls fell at 1030 Thursday morning,
j. A portion of the front wall was also cracked.

The next season did not open until Dec. 22, 1856, and the fol-
lowing was the company: Mme. Ponisi, Mrs. Place, Mrs. I-c Brun,
Mrs. Bcane, L'Estrangc. Hayes, Emma Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Moncll, Waters, Josephine, Wall is, Lizzie Weston Davenport, Mrs.
Seymour, Mrs. Warren, Mrs. Wcmyss, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rufus
Blake, Henry Lorainc, Marcus Elmore, Edwards, Gourlay, Wright,
T. Placide, Seymour, J. Canoll, Myron S. Eytinge, Taite, A. H.
Davenport, Grosvenor, Wallace, Cutter, Allen, and Mills. John
Cooke was leader of orchestra, and George Heister, scenic artist
The opening play was "The Lady of Lyons," cast thus:

Claude Melnottc . . Henry Loraine

Heauseant J Canoll

r.lavis r.rosvenor

Co. Dainax Edward*

Pauline . . Lizzie Weston Davenport
Mme. Deschapelles . Mrs. W. R Blake
Widow Melnottc . Ml* Henry

406 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE r.1857

This was followed by " A Roland for an Oliver " :

Sir Mark C. Edward* | Alfred Highflyer . .A.H.Davenport

Fixture Trio*. Placide Selborne Grosvcnoc

Pom Boy Wright ' Mrs Fixture Mr*. Place

Maria Darlington . Lizzie W. Davenport

This was the first appearance in America of H. Loraine, and the
debut at this house ot A. H. Davenport, Thos. Placide, and Mrs.
Place.

A brief season of German opera began Dec. 29, with " Fidelio,"
thus cast:

Leonore Mme. Johannsen 1 Manzelore . . . . Mrt. Von Berker

Don Fernando Sharer Floresun Plckaneser

Don Pizarro WeftaUdl Roco Oehrlein

Jacquino Bcntler I

The conductor was Carl Bergman, and Thco. Thomas the leader.
The opera nights were Monday. Wednesday, and Friday; Dec. 31,
" Der Freischiitz " was sung. Edwin Forrest commenced Jan. 5,
1857, and acted Damon for the first time in fourteen months.
Daly was the Pythias — his first appearance in this city; Jan. 6
"Martha" was sung; Jan. 7, Forrest as Richelieu; Jan. 8-17,
"The l.ocksmith; " Jan. 9, 13, 15, the comic opera "The Czar and
the Carpenter;" Jan. to, "Othello;" Jan. 11 the company gave
a Sunday evening concert : Jan. 12, "King Lear;" Jan. 14, "Yir
ginius;" Jan. 16, "Pizarro;" Jan. 19, 23, "Macbeth;" Jan. 20,
24. "Fidelio;" Jan. 21, "Hamlet;" Jan. 22. ;'The Child of the
Regiment ; " Jan. 26, the Gabriel and Francois Ravel company,
consisting of Gabriel and Francois Ravel, Yrca Mathias, and the
Martinetti Family; Jan. 27, "Richelieu;" Jan. 29, " BrututJ "
Jan. 31, "Richard III.;" Feb. 2, 4. 6. "Jack Cade." Forrest
was then taken ill, and did net appear again until Feb. 14, when
"Jack_Cadc" was acted, and Feb. 16, "William Tell." The
Ravels closed Feb. 13.

On Feb. 17, Henry Placide played Job Thorn berry in "John
Bull," and there was also acted the farce of " A N.abob for an
Hour," with Thos. Placide as Dick, and Henry Placide as Sam;
F5bTr8, 20, Edwin Forrest was seen in "William Tell;" Feb.
19, "The Poor Gentleman," with Henry Placide as Dr. Ollapod
and Wm. Rufus Wake (his first appearance this season) as Sir
Robert Bramble; Feb. 21, "The Comedy of Errors," H. Placide
as Dromio of Syracuse, T. Placide as Dromio of Ephesus, Lizzie
Weston Davenport as Antipholus of Syracuse, and Olive Logan as
Antipholus of Ephesus; Feb. 23, " Richelieu ; " Feb. 24, "The
Poor Gentleman," with this cast:

■857]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

407

Dr. Ollapod . . .
Robert Bramble . .
Lieut. Worth ington .
Stephen Harrowby .

. . II Plscidc 1 Emily Worthington - . Lixsie Weston

W. R. Blake Davenport

Marcus Elmore ' Frederick . . . . A. H. Davenport

. . T. Hlacide Sir Charles S- Eytinge

I Lucrctla McTab . . Mrs. W. R. Blake

On Feb. 25, "The Comedy of Errors;" Feb. 26, "The Old
'hkuiI;" Feb. 28, to: tin: iienclit "t Henry I'laeiJe. when OC
actccTDufard in "First Night,'' Blake in "The Last Man," and
Dromioin"Thc Comedy of Errors." Sunday evening, March I,
the German Opera Troupe gave a sacred concert. Edwin Forrest
returned March 2. as Richelieu; March 3, "Romeo and Juliet,"
Mme. Ponisi as Romeo, Lizzie Weston Davenport as Juliet;
March 4, Forrest as Rolla, in "Pizarro;" March 5, "William
Tell;" March 6, "lack Cade:" March 7. "Romeo and Juliet;"
March 9, and all the week, old comedies were acted. On March
16, a spectacular drama by. H. 1. Conway, entitled "I
lhants ol Ino Kami" was first produced, when Sands & Nathan's
pi: lorming elephants, Victoria and Albert, appeared

April 6 "The Last Days of Pompeii" was given, with this
cast :

Arbaces H. Lorainet Lyden A. H Davenport

Nydia .... Lixsie W. Davenport | lone Mme. I'onisi

On April 10, "Madeline, or the Foundling of Paris;" April 20,
Mr. and Mrs. E. l„ iJavenporTtTere seen in ".De Soto-." its first
production here; April 29, for his benefit, Davenport acted Brutus,
to the Cassius of J. W. Wallack, Jr. Lorainc was the Mark Antony,
and Mrs. E. L. Davenport was Portia; May 4 saw the first pro-
duction of CJiari£s_Qaylcr's play, " The Son of the Night;" May
18 "Faustus"was given, with Mme. Ponisi as Fauslus, Barrett
as Count Ossini, and Mrs. E. L Davenport as Adine; May 29
A. H. Davenport took a benefit. In consequence of the building
of the adjoining property and the walls of the theatre being un-
safe, it was not until Sept. 14 that Marshall could open his regular
season, which he did on that date, with Charles Mathews as his
first star, in " Married for Money." The programme began with
this cast :

Mr. Mopus . . . Charles Mathews Kobert Royland . . . . S. Ey tinge
Sir Robert .... Chippendale Mrs. Mopitt . . . Mrs. Archihald
-Simpkins .... Mrs- John Sloan I Matilda Mrs. Stoddard

and was followed by "Patter vs. Clatter," and concluded with
"The Maid of Croissy, or Theresa's Vow," James Browne acting
Sergeant Austerlitz in the last named drama; John Sloan, Walter
Berrier; Mrs. F. B. Conway, Theresa; and Mrs. John Sloan,
Nanette. On Sept. 22, 1857, Mathews played his original

408 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE r.sjs

character of Affable Hawk, in "A

A Qamc of Speculation. "
pendale was the Prospectus; Mrs. J. H. Stoddard, Julia;

Chip-
J. S.
Browne, Earthworm; and S. Eytingc, Hardcore. Oct. 2 "The
Busybody" was done, with Mathews as Marplot, F. B. Conway as
Sir George Airy, and Mrs. I". B. Conway as Miranda. This was
followed by Kate Pennoycr in a dance. The Ronzani Ballet
Troupe, under the direction of Domencio Ronzani, appeared Oct.
6. The company consisted of Louise Lamoureux, Emma Santolini,
Gaetana, Gaspare, and Giovanni Pratesi, Filippo Baratti, Ccsarc
Ccchctti, and a large eorpi eie ballet. "The Morning Call" was
the farce, with Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Conway in the principal roles.
McKean Buchanan made his first appearance in America, since his
European tour, Nov. 9. acting "King Lear;" C. W. Couldock and
Lizzie Weston Davenport in the cast. Wm. Davidge, who had
been absent from the city, reappeared, and acted Poor Pilli-
coddy; Buchanan also played in " Hamlet," "Macbuh," "Pizarro,"
" Damon and Pythias," and "The Bride of Lammcnvoor." Charles
Mathews returned Nov. 16, as Levator in " Not a Bad Judge," also
appearing in "The Practical Man." "A Conjugal Lesson" was
the afterpiece. Mathews' engagement terminated Dec. 5. and the
theatre was closed week of Dec. 7, during which time extensive
alterations were made, and the house refitted for amphitheatrical
pin poses.

The house was reopened Dec. 14, with Van Amburgh & Co. 's
cage of wild animals and an equestrian company, consisting of Van
Amburgh, Eaton Stone, the bareback rider, the Nicolo Family,
R. Hcmmings, E. H. Perry, Den Stone (clown), and the per-
forming elephant, Tippoo Saib. James M. Nixon, equestrian
director: R. White, ring-master. Prof. Langworthy, a noted per-
former of animals in their den, was engaged. It was announced
that, for the first time in America, and in presence of the audience,
the wild animals would be fed at the matinee, Jan. 9, 1858. May
Livingston (a pupil of Langworthy) made her debut Jan. 13, and
entered the den of animals. "Cinderella" was produced in grand
style Jan. 18, by children, under the training of James M. Nixon.
The other first appearances were Virginia Sherwood (equestrienne).
G. W. Sargent. Miss Ida, and Charles Sherwood. Sam Lathrop,
clown, and Mmc. Olinza, tight-rope artist, appeared Jan. 25.

James Melville, bareback equestrian from Australia, made his
first appearance bere Jan. 31, 1858. He was one of the best 3iid
most daring riders that ever appeared in America. Except Eaton
Stone, acknowledged to be the champion bareback equestrian of
the world. Melville had no competitor. Feb. 6 W. B. Donaldson,
the negro clown, appeared. " G"n^VfT among the Liliputians " was
presented Feb. 1 5 for the first time. The same children wHO had been
so successful in "Cinderella" were in the cast, as was M. Birr.n.

i858]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

409

the giant, as Gulliver. The Lancers Quadrille, by eight ladies in
military uniform, had its first presentation in this country. "Cin-
derella" was revived Feb. 22; March 1 Mme. Tourniaire (after-
wards known as Mrs. VV. C. Brown, died in Philadelphia, April
12, 1901, aged seventy-six years), equestrienne, first appeared fa
Eaton Stone took a benefit March 27, when he appeared as a clown
for the first time. The theatre was closed night of March 15 for
a dress rehearsal of " Nana Sahib, or the Demon of Cawnpore. "
Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Prior, J. Canoll, SanPLaihrop, k. Whiter and
Nicolo were in the cast.

After an extended European tour, D. W. Waller reappeared
April 5, in "The Duchess of Main," — Mrs. Waller making her
American dfbut on this occasion as Marina, in the same tragedy,
her husband playing Ferdinand. Mr. Rogers made his American
debut the same night as Narcissus, in "The Dancing Barbers."
F. C. Wcmyss was stage manager; N. L. ttrlftln, acting manager.
"The Duchess of Malfi" was the only play presented the first week.
Mr. Waller's reading was always judicious and in accordance with
the spirit of the lines. His voice was full, clear, and flexible —
in the lower register singularly melodious and powerful. He was
a natural, judicious, original actor. He died in this city, Jan. 30,
1882. Mrs. Emma Waller was a great actress. She grasped all
the elements which make up a character, and ruled them with rare
power. The great charm of her acting was that she always kept
the actress in the background when placing her characters on the
stage. Her Lady Macbeth was a wonderful performance, and I
doubt if its equal has ever been seen on the American stage. Her
personation of Lady Mabel in "The Patrician's Daughter" was
an amazing delineation of character. Her delineation of Meg
Mcrrilies was wild, fearful, startling. She gave it all of Char-
lotte Cushman's powerful impulses, but blended with it a feeling
and pathos that lulled the whirlwind of passion and smoothed the
ruggedness of its features. Mrs. Waller retired from the stage
seven] years ago, and died in New York, Feb. 28, 1899. On
April 21 Ben Yates took a benefit. April 27 L J. McCloskey
reappeared in this city, and made his dc*but, acting John Strong,
in " Vcmr life's in Danger." He continued at this theatre, under
Edward Eddy's management, and played in all the horse-dramas,
most of the dialects, character, and general business. He was en-
gaged by Eddy for Niblo's Garden, and from there went to the
New Bowery Theatre, where he continued until the breaking out
of the Civil War. He acted at Wallaek's (Broome Street) Theatre
with J. Wilkes Booth. He then went to the Old Bowery with Geo.
L. Fox. For several years he has been employed in the City Court,
this city.

The season closed May I, 1858, and E. A. Marshall retired from

4' o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [mi

the management. During the last few years of his reign the
theatre did not prove profitable, owing to rapid uptown move-
ment of citizens for residences. While managing this house, up
to his last days here, he lost so much money that he publicly an-
iced that he was about to retire. A committee of citizens got
up a benefit for him, at Castle Garden, Aug. 12, 1851, the full
particulars of which will be found in my history of Castle Garden.
Mr. Marshall died in Philadelphia, January, 1881. How common
it is for many of the old actors to say: "The good old days of the
1' it k ! Ah! we had acting then!" Now it is a question as to
whether we have actors as great as figured in those days, and it is
open for debate. Perhaps, however, it is true to say that there
is now more talent and less genius, and that the stage has be-
come rather a profession than a passion. On the other hand, our
ancestors seem to have had more of the enviable faculty for being
amused than is possessed by a modern audience. They were re-
ceptive, impressionable, and somewhat indifferent to surroundings,
while we study comfort, insist on a well appointed theatre, artistic
scenery, and appropriate costumes.

The house was reopened fur a benefit to T. D. (" Daddy ") Rice,
May 14. "Day After the Wedding," " Lavatcr, or Not a Bad
Judge," Robertson's Band, ami Peels Minstrels were the attrac-
tions. On May 22 H. B. Phillips took a benefit. The attraction
was "The WindmiJJ." "London Assurance^' " Virginia Mummy "
(T. D.~Rlceas the Mummy), "The Dancing Barber " (Jas. Rogers
in the cast), and " The. Limerick"Bdy." witTTBilly O'Ncil as Paddy
Miles. Lola Montez hi- ;i series of lectures May 24, and con-
tinued for about two weeks. On May 26, in addition to her lecture,
she acted Mrs. Chillington, to Aug. Fenno's Sir Edward Ardent,
in " Morning Call."

The same comedy was also acted, with Fanny Morant as Mrs.
Chillington, and A. W. Fen no as Sir Edward Ardent. "The
Miller's Maid" was the afterpiece, with Alice Grey as Phoebe,
H. Bland as Giles, G. L. Aiken as George, J. O. Sefton as Matty,
D. C. Anderson as old Granger, Salvaria as Williams, Irving as
Sandford, and McCloskey as Miller. Julia Dean Hayne closed
Nov. 6, and was followed Nov. 8 by James H. Hackctt as Sir
John Falstaff in "Henry IV.;" also in "The Merry Wives of
Windsor," "Rip Van Winkle," and "His Last Legs." For his
last night .mil benefit, Hackett appeared, for the first time in
twelve years, as Sir Pcrtinax McSycophant in "The Man of the
World; ' also as Mons. Mallet. Mmc. Ponisi reappeared here
Nov. 16, when she played Lady Macbeth to Eddy's Macbeth;
Nov. 17, "Othello" was given for the first appearance of Charles
Carroll Hicks as Iago. Barry Sullivan made his American dlbut
here, Nov. 22, in " Hamlet " :

i«S8]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

4II

Hamlet Sullivan

Ophelia Alice Grey

Ghost N. B. Clarke

Horatio ....... H. Bland

Queen Mme. Ponisi

"The Lady of Lyons," "Macbeth," "The Merchant of Ver..
"Taming of the Shrew," and " Richelieu." He closed his engage-
ment Nov. 27, with "Richard III." The owner of the theatre
sold it to James R. Whiting for £275,000. The scenery and prop-
erties were also sold under a chattel mortgage at an enormous
sacrifice. The house was leased by Hdward Eddy, who made con-
siderable alterations, and reopened Dec. 18. A. W. Ecnno was
stage manager. The company was: Fanny Morant, Alice Grey,
D. C. Anderson, Humphrey Bland, J. O. Scfton, E. F. Taylor,
Geo. L. Aiken, A. T. Blake, Salveria, A. W. Fenno, J. J.
McCloskey, C. Walters, M. B. Pike, I. Irving, Sampson, Hope,
Mrs. G. C. Germon (first appearance in this city), Fanny Clifford
(first appearance in this city), Jane Mosely, Naomie Porter, Fanny
Wcstford, Clara Dcnn, Roe Deering, Miss L. Mason, and Mr. and
Mrs. E. Eddy. Julia Dean Haync was the opening star, in "The
Lady of Lyons," cast thus:

Pauline Julia Dean Deschapelles .... AT. Blake

Claude Mclnotte E. Eddy Landlord .... J. J. McCloskey

Col. Dumas . . . D. C- Anderson Widow Mclnotte . . Mrx. Harden

Hciuseanl Walters Mme. l)exchai>cllcs . . Mrs. Germon

Glavis G. L. Aiken

Sands, Nathans & Co. 's Circus appeared here Dec. 29, with
Emetine Loyal, Mons. and Mme. Dc Bache, Charles, Ida, and
Virginia Sherwood, Majilton, Geo. Dunbar, Philo Nathans,
Charles Rivers, Darius Shay, Maurice Sands, Dc Camp, J.
Hankins, Jessie Sands, J. Carpenter, Wolcott, Basset, John J.
Nathans, ring-master, and the clowns were Sam Lathrop and
Anthony (Tony) Pastor. The latter gentleman took a benefit
Jan. 7, 1859, and the company closed Jan. 8. "Putnamf the Iron
Son •:>: ';<i," w.is pmdiK-i-d Jan. IO, '■vitli 1). ( . Anderson as
George W.i-.liin^ton, rod Mme. Posisl U VioU.i'.i.i. "Rookwood "
and " Robinson Crusoe" were played Jan. 17; " Blue Beard,,r~Jan.
2! ; " Bertram *' and " Mazeppa" (Fitzgerald as Mazeppa), Jan. 24,
"The Robbers," Jan. 25; "The Cataract of the Ganges," and
"Gissippus," Jan. 31. "Ivanhoe" and "Blue Beard," Feb. 7.
Harry I'earson made his American dfbut Feb. 14 as Giles Harren
in "The Villagers." At the outbreak of the Civil War, early in
1861, he joined the 79th Regiment of this city, and went South.
Returning to New York, he opened a restaurant at 151 Crosby
Street, known as The Armory. At the same time he was playing
at the Winter Garden Theatre, season 1861-02. He died in
Chicago, May 7, 1884. Lucille and Helen Western appeared
here Feb. 21, as Miami and Nelly O'Neal in "The Green Bushes,

412 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»»

.nr Ireland wH AmfTJCjl igo Years Ago. " " Antony and Cleopatra "
was presented March 7, ancTTsn CUT April 2, when the house closed
forever. An afternoon and evening performance were given, both
for the benefit of Edward Eddy. The following is a copy of the
programme:

BROADWAY THEATRE

Proprietor and Manager . . . E. Eddy

Stage Manager N. B. Clarke

Leader of Orchestra Julian Wyette

LAST DAY OF OLD DRURY.
A grand festival for the benefit of

E EDDY
Two performance* of

• TONY AND CLEOPATRA."
The first will commence al two o'clock. The last entertainment in this old
temple of the drama will commence at half-past seven o'clock.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON. AT TWO O'CLOCK,

"ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA,"

SATURDAY EVENING. April 2, 1850,

which will be produced on a scale of splendor never before equalled in this city.
Every scene in the play is new ! Every costume In the play is new ! ! Every
properly in the play is new ! II The entire play produced under the immediate
direction of E. EDDY. The cast of characters will embrace the names of

HARRY PEARSON, MME. PONISI, J- B. HOWE, MLLE. DUCY

BARRE, ALICE GREY, E. EDDY.

-ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA."

Mark Antony E. Eddy

Octavius Caisar . . . . J. H. Howe
Sextus Pompeius . . . C. Walters
Domiiius Enobarbus . . H. Pearson

Ero» Mr. Fletcher

Scams J. O. Sefton

DerceUs . . .
Demelrious

. .

AgripM Alex. Flugcralcl

P ' on U Mr. Harden

Thyreus Mr. Bradley

Gailus ....

J. Lanagan
. . U. B. Pike

ij. McCloskey
lex.

Mcnas N. B. Clarke

Varrius S. Wright

Taurus Mr. Hope

Sllius Emma Keough

Alcxas G L. Aiken

Mardian Mr. Silverta

Canidius J. Chester

Selcucus Mr. Cooper

I' "Miedes H. Day

potra Mme. Pooisi

Octavia Alice C-rey

Charmion . . . Mrs. G. C. Cermoo
Iris Ada Clare

Mr. Simpson

Principal Danseuse Ducy Barre

"FORTUNE'S FROLIC."
Robin Roughhead, with song, ■ I Likes a Drop of Good Beer" . Mr- Pearson

Frank Mr. Fletcher

Clown Mr. Pike

Nan Miss Osborne

Snacks J Lansgan

Rattle Mr Fitzgerald

Dolly Miss Keough

Margery Mrs Germon

This building was shortly afterwards torn down and warehouses
built on its site.

iMQ

THE ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE

4'3

TEETOLLER'S HALL

A LITTLE playhouse called Teetollcrs Hall, situated at 71
Division Street, was the home of various kinds of entertain-
ments. Charles T. White appeared here Nov. 23, 1842. This
was his first appearance on the stage.

THE CORNUCOPIA

A SMALL place called "The Cornucopia," situated at 28 Park
Row, was used for light entertainments. It was occupied
by the Virginia Minstrels for a long time. They opened Feb.
1843, with Dick Pelham, Billy Whitlock, Frank Browcr, and Dan
Emmett, and among those who from time to time figured in their
ranks were Harry Mcstaycr, T. G. Booth, H. Robinson, Barney
Williams, Tony Pastor, and Charley White.

THE ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE

THE historical place known as " The Astor Place Opera House "
was well located near the main arteries of the city, with
a fine open front and an excellent ventilation. Its failure as an
opera house was caused by the persecutions of a clique of parvenus,
aided by the influence of several newspapers. It was capable of
seating eighteen hundred persons in the parquet, dress circle, family
circle, and gallery. Its failure ultimately, as a theatre, can be
legitimately traced to the Macready riot. It was opened Nov. 22,
1847, by Sanquirico and Palti, with the opera of "Ernani," em-
bracing in the cast the following artists — their first appearance in
this country: Teresa Truffi, Adclindo Vietti, Antonio Avignonc,
S. Rosi, Angiola Mora, Felix Gcncvcsi, and Scvcro Strini; An-
tonio Barilli, director; John Scfton, acting manager, and Sig.
Biondi. stage manager. The lady who afterwards became Mmc.
Patti-Strakosch, made her appearance here on December I as
Agnesc in " Beatrice di Tenda " under the mime of Signorina
Amali Patu. The Beatrice was Signorina Clotilda Barilli. The
Patti family was well represented in the company. The mother
of Adelina Patti, Signora Catrina Barilli-Patti, made her debut
on Jan. 28, 1848, as Romeo, to the Juliet of Clotilda Barilli.
During the month of April, 1848, the season closed for lack of
financial support. Edward Fry opened the next season in Novem-
ber and closed March 2.. William Niblo secured the theatre for
the summer in 1 848, and gave a series of performances, including
ballet, farce, opera, comedy, and tragedy, ending Oct. 25, after a
very successful season. Included in the company were Henry

414 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [.849

Weeding Officer .... McDouaH

Physician C. Bernard

Chamberlains . Cfllladinc and Dattishill

First Witch Lynne

Second Witch C. Bau

Third Witch G. Holland

Hecate Sidney Pearson

l.ady Macbeth . . Fanny Wallack
Gentlewoman . . . Mrs. G. Loder

Placidc, Chippendale, J. M. Dawson, Manvers, Miss Roberts
(afterwards Mrs. Clara Stoncall), and Rose Telbin.

After an absence from New York of three years, Macready reap-
peared here Sept. 4. 1S48, under the management of Chippendale
& Sefton. He opened as Macbeth, with Ryder as Macduff, and
Mrs. W. G. Jones, I-ady Macbeth. The engagement closed Sept.
25, with "The Merchant of Venice." William Niblo was lessee
of the house. " Roberto Dcvereaux " was first sung in this country
Jan. 15, 1849: Roberto, Mazzoleni; Queen Elizabeth, Mednri ;
Duke of Nottingham, Bellini ; I-ady Nottingham, Sulzer.

The first benefit the American Dramatic Fund Association ever
had was at this theatre, Feb. 8, 1849. " Macbeth *' was given, with
this cast:

Macbeth F.dvrin Forrest

Macduff John R. Scott

Duncan E. Tilton

Banquo C. W. Clarke

Malcolm . . F. & Ch

Rome J. M. Dawson

Lennox Ed. Warden

Donaldbain .... Kate Denin

Fleance Susan Denin

Seyton Gal lot

Mary Taylor, Mesdames C- E. Horn, Bailey, Finn, Knight, Lam-
bert, Wright, and Nichols, the Misses I.. Kirkham, Miles, Phillips,
Barton, Smilhon, Harding, and Lambert, Messrs. Giubicli, G.
Loder, H. C. Watson, B. Massctt, Vache, Hadaway, C. Walcot,
John Brougham, Povey, Williams, Rea, G. Andrews, T. D. Rice.
Scharff, and others appeared in the witches scenes, and sang Locke's
music. Next came l)i.%tin and his three sons, who gave selections
from " LttCll di l.ammermoor " on their silver sax-horns, and Distin,
Sr., who performed his trumpet solo, "The Soldier Tired." The
performance concluded with the comedy "Everyone Has His
Fault," compressed into two acts:

Solus W. R Blake Lord Norland . . John Gilbert

Harmony Chas. Bass

Robert Bramble ... C. Walcot
MtM Woodburn . . . C. Wemyss
Mrs. Placid Rose Telbin

Wm. Niblo and J. H. Hackett next leased this establishment
in order to present Mr. Macready, and announced him for May 8,
1849. He was secured for four weeks. The initial performance
was changed to " Richelieu," but the house did not open. On
May 9 J. H. Hackett played in "The Merry Wives of Windsor;"
May to Macready was announced to play "Macbeth," Mrs. Cole-
man Pope the lady Macbeth. In the meantime, rumors prevailed
throughout the city that the opposition to Mr. Maeready's appear-

I'hid E.Shaw

Porter W. B. Chapman

Miss Spinier .... Mrs. Vernon

IH49,

THE ASTOR PLACE Ol'EKA HOUSE

4«5

ancc would be persisted in. and that arrangements had been made
to carry this demonstration into effect. The municipal authorities
made their arrangements likewise, and it became evident through-
out the day that there would be a serious collision between the
rioters and the authorities, in the event of the former attempting to
carry their threat into execution.

The following appeal was posted around the city by the rioters
previous to the outbreak:

Workingmen, shall Americans or English rule in this city? The crew of the
British steamer have threatened all Americans who shall dare to express their
opinion this night at th.- ENGLISH AUTOCRATIC Optra Home/ We advo-
cate no violence, but a free expression of opinion lo all public men. WASH-
INGTON Kokevrk ! Stand by your Imw/uI Rights!

AMKKlCA.v COMMtTTKK.

As early as half-past six o'clock persons began to assemble
about the theatre; and at seven o'clock the rush to get admit-
tance was tremendous. The theatre was crowded to the dome. A
large body of police were distributed all over the house in detached
parties. When the curtain rose there was an outburst of hisses,
groans, cheers, and miscellaneous sounds. During the opening
scenes, several persons who hissed and hooted were seized by the
police and immediately conveyed to an apartment underneath the
boxes. A vociunnis welcome was given to Mr. Clarke, when he
appeared as Malcolm. The entrance of Mr. Macready, in the third
scene, was the signal for a perfect storm of cheers, groans, and
hisses. The whole audience rose, and the nine tenths of it who
were friendly to Macready cheered, and waved their hats and hand-
kerchiefs. The tumult lasted for ten or fifteen minutes, when an
attempt was made to restore order, by a board being brought upon
the stage, upon which was written: "The friends of order will
remain quiet." This silenced all but the rioters, who continued
to drown all sound of what was said upon the stage. Not a word
of the first act could be heard by any one in the house.

At this time the scene outside the house was most exciting. In
front and rear the fierce assaults of the mob, as they thundered at
the doors, resounded over the theatre, while the shouts and yells
of the assailants were terrific.

As the mob increased in magnitude so did the ferocity with
which they assailed the building. Several despatches were sent
to the City Hall, where the military was stationed. At length
about ten o'clock, the sound of cavalry, coming up Broadway, was
betrdi and in a few minutes afterwards two troops of mounted
men, of the First Division of the State Militia, and a battalion
of the National Guards, were seen approaching. A troop of horse
then turned from Broadway into Astor Place and rode through the
crowd to the Bowery, receiving showers of stones and other missiles

41 6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Lis*

on their way In a few minutes afterwards the National Guards
made their appearance, and attempted to force a passage through
the crowd to the theatre. The mob blMWd and hooted at them, and
finally attacked them with stones, which were at hand in conse-
quence of the building of a sewer in the neighborhood. The com-
pany were at this period thrown into disorder by the attack made
upon them, and retired on Broadway, where they rallied and made
another attempt to reach the theatre. The officer in command then
said to the sheriff, who was on the ground, that if he did not
get orders to fire, he and his men would abandon the streets. Ac-
cordingly, that officer directed the company to fire a round over the
heads of the people, which was done, but without effect. The
people continued to pelt them with paving stones, as before. An
order was then given to the company to fire at the crowd, and it
was done, two men falling, one shot in the arm, and the other
through the right cheek. The first was sent to the hospital, but
the other was found to be dead.

After the volley, the mob retreated a short distance, but rallied
and renewed the attack with greater vigor than before. Paving
stones and other missiles were then discharged at them in great
quantities, and another volley was fired by the military, killing
and wounding several more. After this volley the crowd retreated
again, and the military and police took advantage of it to form a
line across the street at both ends of Astor Place, so as to prevent
any connection between Broadway and the Bowery. Major Gen-
eral Sandford then issued an order for more troops, and two brass
pieces loaded with grape, to be brought to the scene immediately,
as it was rumored that the crowd intended to arm themselves and
renew the attack. The cannons were placed in front of the theatre,
ready for a renewal of the attack. At one o'clock, a. m., quiet
prevailed, and the play came to an end. The performance of the
afterpiece commenced, and had proceeded but a short way when
the discharge of musketry startled the whole house — some one
calling out that "the house was to be blown up." All started to
their feet, when ex-Justice Merritt addressed the house, and re-
quested the audience to keep their seats, as there was no danger.
This somewhat restored order till a few minutes afterwards, when
it was announced that a man had been shot outside. The per-
formance was instantly stopped, and the audience rushed out of the
building.

There were a great many persons wounded in addition to those
whom I have referred to, seriously or slightly, who either went
away or were taken away by their friends. Sometimes heavy
stones would dash in the boards which had been nailed up as a
protection, and a number of policemen were constantly occupied
in nailing up and securing the defences. A shower of stones

'8*9]

THE ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE

4»7

assailed the windows of the theatre. News then came from the
street, through Captain Tilley that a man known to be Edward
Z. C. Judson, was heading the mob outside, and calling upon them
to stone the building. He was promptly arrested by the Chief of
Police. As one window cracked after another, and pieces of bricks
and paving stones rattled in on the terraces and lobbies, the con-
fusion increased till the Opera House resembled a fortress besieged
by an army. Finally, in the last scene of the act, Mr. Mat sell,
Chief of Police, made his appearance in the parquet, and, followed
by his aids, marched directly down the aisle to the leader of the
disturbance, whom he secured, after a short but violent struggle.
One by one the rioters were taken out, the greater part of the audi-
ence applauding as they disappeared.

Mrs. Coleman Pope first procured a little silence, which ended,
however, immediately on Mr. Macrcady's reappearance. It was,
indeed, a trying scene. The crowd outside numbered over twenty-
five thousand persons, and yet among them all, there were no more
than five hundred, if there were so many, who took an active part
in the riot, and nearly half of them were boys. The riot act was
read twenty times before the firing of the first volley. When read,
the Chief of Police made known the fact of it to all. The com-
panies on duty were the Seventh Regiment, National Guards;
the Fourth, Governor's Guards; a detachment of the Plying Ar-
tillery, the German Hussars, and the Washington Gray Troops,
Third Regiment.

The number of killed was twenty-one; wounded, thirty-three;
number of arrests made, sixty-three.

The next day the Mayor issued the following:

Proclamation — The Mayor of the city, while deeply deploring the Iocs of
life which has resulted from the maintenance of the law. during the past night,
reminds all the citizens that the peace of the city must be maintained.

He calls on all good cltlxcns to sustain the magistracy. The efforts of the
authorities will he considerate — will be humane, but they ought to be and must
be firm.

He recommends all citizens for some days to remain as quiet as possible
within their own dwellings, and to abstain from swelling public assemblages, and
from all acts that tend to encourage the riotously disposed.

The effect of crowds is to expose the innocent to the injury arising from the
measures which may be taken. The peace of the city must and shall be main-
tained by the whole civil and military power o( the county.

It must always be remembered that the military Is but a portion of the police of
our city, composed of our own fellow-ciiuens, who have volunteered to maintain
the supremacy of the law. C. S. Wooijiiuu, Mayor.

Mayor's Office, May 1 1. 1849.

Macready's friends insisting that he should disguise himself,
he borrowed a drab surtout from Mr. Arnold, and a cap from John
Scfton, and, accompanied by Robert Emmet, went to the stage

41 8 A HISTORY OK THE NEW YORK STAGE li*y>

door, where they were stopped and not allowed to pass. They
returned to the stage, descended into the orchestra, got over into
the parquet, and, passing into the centre passage, went along with
the thin stream of the audience moving out, down the flight of
stairs into Eighth Street. They passed the police line, crossed
Broadway, walked along Clinton Place, and entered Emmet's
house. Macrcady sat up all night, and at four o'clock the next
morning, was conveyed in a carriage up Fifth Avenue, to New
Rochcllc, and after breakfasting he took the train for Boston, where
he remained until May 23, when he sailed on the "Hibernia" for
England. This was Mr. Macready's last appearance in New York.

As for the poor Opera House, its doors were riddled with balls
and its windows broken. Moreover, it was rcbaptized in blood,
having been nicknamed the " Massacre " Place Opera House.

Mrs. Coleman Pope died at Indianapolis, Ind., March 16, 1880,
where she had resided many years. Her husband, Wm. C. Pope,
committed suicide there June i, 1868, while insane. She was a
much loved actress by the profession ; was tall and exquisitely pro-
portioned, her complexion inclined to darkness, her eyes hazel,
her hair rather dark, a most amiable woman and exemplary wife.
Her voice was ever the distinguishing characteristic in her theatri-
cal career, imparting to even trifling and almost overlooked pas-
sages a pathos and beauty which the mere readings or recitations
that she in after years, as a teacher of elocution, treated us to,
could scarcely elicit. Her last appearance on the stage was at the
Metropolitan Theatre, Indianapolis, during the week commencing
Jan. 14, 1878, as Frochard in "The Two Orphans."

Mrs. Jean Lander Davenport, having returned from Europe, ap-
peared here Sept. 24, 1849, with William Hield as support.

This theatre was rented by Max Maretzek at $12,000 yearly
rental, and reopened with Italian opera in November, 1849. "* nc
company gave sixty consecutive performances without a single
postponement or a single alteration in the bills. Toward the close
of the season, however, Maretzek found not only his pockets empty,
but himself several thousands of dollars in debt. Heat once placed
" Don Giovanni " in rehearsal, and it ran for fourteen consecutive
evenings, enabling him to satisfy all demands on his exchequer.
At the end of the season the subscribers gave a fancy dress ball
for his benefit. The ball was given, but was so select an affair
that the expenses outran the receipts by $1,000. At the close of
his first season of opera Maretzek was $3,600 in debt, despite the
advances made to him by the citizens who subscribed money for
the sake of hearing opera in New York.

Early in 1850 Edward L. Tilton appeared here as Oliver, to the
Rosamond of Charlotte Cushman. in " As You Like It." On March
25, 1850, Charles Bass, the excellent representative of old men,

I85.D

THE ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE

419

leased this house, and opened with Marie Durct. George Van-
denhoff was conjointly starred with her. On the eve of taking a
benefit at Baldwin's Theatre, San Francisco, Cal., Marie Duret
was suddenly stricken with paralysis. She was taken to St. Mary's
Hospital, where she remained six weeks. The benefit was a
m iimce entertainment, and the weather being very severe, was
a complete failure. Being in destitute circumstances, U appeal
for assistance was made to the profOMiOQ. This was in February,
i8go. She had the use of her limbs, but her voice was entirely
gone. She died in San Francisco, April 6, 1881. This lady pos-
sessed a wonderful knowledge of stage business, which, combined
with great versatility as to characters, enabled her to assume any
position on the stage the exigencies of the moment demanded.
She achieved much success as Jack Sheppard.

Sept. 24. 1850, the Parisian Ballet Troupe, under the direction
of Robert Kemp, and a vaudeville company appeared. The de"but
in America was made of Mine. Cclestinc Frank, premier danseusc;
Mile. Victoria Frank, Mile. Fspinosa, pantomimist, and M
(iredule. Emily Waldegrave was also in the organization. Mr.
Kreutzer and Mons. Eigcnschcnk were leaders. The company
consisted of John Nickinson, Jos. Cowcll (his first appearance in
New York for twelve years), Mrs. John Scfton, B. Phillips, and
Miss Nickinson. "Uncle Sam," ballet d'action. "Ondine." "Box
and Cox," and " La Bohemienne," made up the initial programme.
The second season of MareUek's management was begun in 1850,
a month after the whole town had gone craxy over Jenny I.ind.
Scrior Marty y Torrens brought to Castle Garden for a summer
season the company from the Tacon Theatre, Havana At its
head were Bottcsini and Arditi; it contained three soprani, Bosio,
Stcffanoni, and Tcdcsco; Vietti, the contralto; Salvi, Bettini,
and Lorini, tenors; Badiali and Corradi Letti, baritones; and
Masini and Collcti, bassi. As the Spaniard did not care whether
he made money or not, the company played at half price, the ad-
mission being fifty cents. Such u opposition had to be defeated
or conciliated. MarcUek chose the path of peace, and secured all
the artists except Tcdcsco. This, the best operatic company ever
collected in the United States, succeeded in the space of three
months in creating a clear deficit of $22,000.

Virginia Whiting Lorini (daughter of David Whiting) appeared
here Jan. 28, 1851. The house was now known as " The Theatre
Francaise." On April 7 the French company opened in " Les
Petite* Miscres de la Vie." — Hermainc, Mile Leonore, Mile.
Adrienne, Mr. Durien, and Mr. Floriel in the cast. " I.cs Deux
Amis, ou La Courtc Faille,*' was also given, with Mme. Antonin,
Mile. Angeline, Mr. Floriel, Paravcl Dorichct, Grandin, Durien,
ami Mr. Eugene in the chief characters. Max Maretzck began his

420 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE t««5*

third season of Italian opera June 3, 1851, with a portion of his
company, the other part going South and coming to grief, and
ultimately forming an independent opposition at Niblo's Garden.
This opposition Max gallantly defeated, but the victory ruined the
victor. The Astor Mouse then closed its doors. In consequence
of an accident to Sig. Bcneventano and the illness of Sig. Bettini,
the previously announced opera was not given, but " Lucrezia Borgia"
had the following cast: Lucrezia, Sig. A. Bosio; Orsina, Sig.
C. Vietti; Gcnarro, Sig. Lorini; Alfonsor, Sig. Marini; June 5.
" Lucia di I.ammermoor; " June 6, " Krnani," with Signora Truth"
Bcncdctti as Alvira, Sig. Bettini, Ernani; Bencvcntano, Carlo;
and Marini as Sylva; June 9, 13, "Don Giovanni;" June io,
"La Favorita;" June 12, " Lucia di Lammermoor ; " June 17, first
time in New York, Donizetti's opera (founded on Lord Byron's
tragedy) of "Marino Faliero," with the de'but of Sig. A. Bosio.

Prof. Anderson, the magician who had been giving magical per-
formances at Tripler Hall, and who had to vacate that place in
consequence of its having been previously engaged for the debut
of Catherine Hayes, leased this house and appeared Sept. 22, 1851.
He closed Oct. 16. On Nov. 3 Maretzck began a twenty nights'
season of Italian opera. " Norma " was the initial performance,
with Signora Bosio, Signora A. Bcrtucca and Signorina Stcffanoni
in the principal rfilcs. On Nov. 20 the French company began in
" La Dame de St. Tropez." with Mile. Paul as Mile. Leo Pickard.
Robert Kemp and Mr. Dubriel in the chief rdles. The one act
vaudeville, "God and Devil," was also presented by Mr. Erneste
and Mile. Paul. German performances were given Nov. 22 by a
company under the management of Chas. Stein. "Camps of the
Warriors" was the initial performance, with "A Day in Naples"
and "The Ugliest of Seven; " Nov. 29 "The Bell Ringer of _ the
Church of Notre Dame, or Esmeralda the Gypsy Girl," was given
for the first time in New York ; Adelina Patti, announced as the
Infant Prima Donna, appeared Dec, 2, for the benefit of Signora
Novelli. The opera "Maria Di Rohan " was rendered. German
opera was given Dec. 9 by the German Liedcrkranz, under the
direction of A. Paur, when "Czar and Zimmerman," a comic opera,
was first produced.

Prof. Anderson reappeared Dec. 24, and on New Year's Eve
he gave to the poor one thousand five-pound loaves of bread, one
thousand fourteen-pound pieces of beef or mutton. One thousand
tickets were distributed the day before, and on presentation each
one received a loaf of bread and a piece of meat.

Max. Maretzek began a season of twenty nights Jan. to, 1852.
In his company were Teresa Parodi, Amalia Patti, Lorenzo Salvi.
Balhina Stcffanoni, Pico Vietti, Costi, Bcneventano, Rosi, Sig.
Patti, Signorina Ncvina, Bcrtucca, and Vietti. Jan. 31 Maretzek

'•sO

THE ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE

42I

published a card stating that, by the advice and approbation of
most of the subscribers for the opera season, the prices of admis-
sion, commencing Feb. 3, would be fifty cents to balcony, sofas,
dress boxes, and parquet, and twenty-five cents to the amphitheatre.
Feb. 6 "Robert le Diablc" was sung, with Sig. Salvi (his first
appearance in America) as Robert. Julia Turnbull and corps de
ballet appeared in the grand scene of the opera, also a musical
band in the fourth act; Feb. 27 Signorina B. Steffanoni took a
benefit, and the prices of admission were advanced. Sig. L.
Salvi volunteered. The programme consisted of " I-a Gazza
Ladra," the last scene of "Lucia di Lammcrmoor," with Salvi
as Edgardo, Signora Pico as Pippo, Sig. Victti as Giannctti, Sig.
Bcneventano as Fernando, Marini as Podcsta, Costini as Lucia,
and Rosi as Fabrizio. Salvi's benefit occurred March 1, when
"Robert le Diable" was sung, for the last time. "La Gazza
Ladra" was repeated March 3 for Marini's benefit, and the sea-
Mfl closed March 5.

S. S. Sanford appeared here April 19, 1852, with his New
Orleans Opera Troupe (minstrels), and his success in doing so
created some excitement among the Astor Place people. He had
to pay $[,000 in advance, for two weeks, before the keys were
handed to him, and had to furnish security that the scenery and
properties should not be injured. After Mr. Sanford had con-
cluded his performances E. P. Christy offered to give £200 per
night for the house, but the doors were thereafter closed against
minstrelsy. Charlotte Hale, wife of Chas. B. Hale, made her
American dlbut here May 8, 1852, as Margaret Overreach, in
"A New Way to Pay Old Debts." May 10 G- V. Brooke ap-
peared as Othello, Lynne as Iago, G. G Jordan as Cassio, Arnold
as Brabant io. Harris as Montano, Miss Vickcry as Emilia, and
Charlotte Wyette (first appearance in New York) as Desdcmona;
Mr. Brooke also played in "Hamlet," "A New Way to Pay Old
Debts," "Merchant of Venice," "The Hunchback." "The Wife,"
and on May IO, in " TUfc-Corsican linithcrs," which was followed
by Gertrude Dawes, who danced" the Irish Lilt, and the romance
of " Karfa," founded on the serious pantomime of "Obi, or Three-
Fingered Jack " :

Karfa Mr. Stevens

Capt. Orford Hamilton

Mr. Ormond Sam Glenn

Ouashee Moore

Rota Maggie Mitchell

Sam M. \V. UffinKwell

Tuckv Seymour

Obi Woman Howe*

Kitty Mrs. Mason

Brooke closed his engagement June 5, and the house reopened
June 7, with the first appearance in America of Donetti's trained
animals, — monkeys and dancing dogs, — who gave pantomime
performances. The house closed July 10, and was reopened Aug.

422 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE t»*«

with M. W. Leffingwell,
Penson, Fanny Herring,
company. The Batcman
first attraction, in "The

27. '832. by Frank S. Chanfrau, with Jas. Stark u King I-car.
"MoscJ.' was produced, with Chanfrau in the title rfllc, and Clara
Fisher Maedcr as I.izc. Sept. 1 this house was called "The
New York Theatre," and Sept. 3 Eliza I-ogan appeared as Bianca

in "Fazio. Ihc Two Bonny castles" was the farce; Sept. 6,

"Love's Sacrifice," with Eliza Logan as Margaret Elmore, John
R. Scott as Matthew Elmore; Sept. 7, A. J. Neafie took a
benefit and acted Othello to John R. Scott's lago. Charles R.
Thorne opened this house Sept. 13.
Miss Wyette, Mr. Davenport, Mrs.
O'Connor, and Harry Wat kins in his
Children, Kate and Ellen, were the
Young Couple," — Ellen as Charles dc Bienville, Kate as Henri-
etta dc VignyT The fifth act "Richard III.," Ellen as Richard,
Kate as Richmond. In consequence of the illness of Mr. Thorne
(who had not left his bed since the opening night) the house
closed in two weeks. Mr. Thorne had expended $7,000 in im-
provements. His illness lasted eight months. F. S. Chanfrau
again tried his fortunes here. He opened Aug. 27 with Jas. Stark
in "King Lear;" Sept. 30, "Hamlet": Stark as the Dane, K.
Johnston as the Ghost, Harry Watkins as Laertes, Kccnc as Polo-
nius, A. H. Davenport as Horatio, M. W. Lcffingwell as first grave-
digger, Mrs. Jones as Gertrude, and Mrs. Charles Thorne as Ophelia.
This house would scat about seventeen hundred persons. On June
12, 1850, it was sold at auction to the Mercantile Library Associa-
tion, for $150,000. On the 20th of the following May, the fur-
niture was sold at auction. The building was remodelled for the
purposes of the library at a cost of $250,000. It was opened April
19, 1854, with imposing ceremonies, as Clinton Hall.

On June 17, i860, Valentine Vousden opened here with his
monologue entertainment. Artemus Ward delivered his first lec-
ture in New York here Dec. 23, 1861. called "The Babes in the
Wood." It consisted of a wonderful batch of comicalities, touch-
ing upon everything except the "Babes." "One of the features
of my lecture," he used to say, " is that it contains so many things
that don't have anything to do with it." Artemus Ward's right
name was Charles Farrar Browne, rod he was born in Maine, April
26, 1834. In addition to "The Babes in the Wood," and " Mor-
mondom," "Sixty Minutes in Africa" was one of his lectures.
Mr. Browne died at Southampton, England, March 7, 1867. As
a humorist, the fame of Artemus Ward was universal; as a lec-
turer, he was quaint, original, and entertaining to an indescribable
degree.

I850

THE SOCIETY LIBRARY ROOMS

423

THE MINERVA ROOMS

A HUMBLE place of amusement called "The Minerva Rooms"
was located at 460 Broadway. It was a large room or hall,
used for various entertainments of a light order. The Sable
Harmonists "warbled" here in November, 1847. The party con
sistcd of Plnmer Archer, J. Farrell, W. Roark, Nelson Kncass,
J. Murphy, Richard M. Hoolcy, Mr. Tichcnor, and T. F. Briggs.
On Sept. 22, 1852, the panorama entitled "Gen. Winfield Scott in
Mexico" was unrolled. In Feb., 1853, Rislcy*s "Illustrated
River Thames, and the Whole of the City of London," was the
title of an exhibition seen here.

THALIAN HALL

ANOTHER humble house called Thalian Hall was situated at
492 Grand Street, near Clinton Place It was used for con-
certs, balls, fairs, and the like. Charles T. White appeared here
in 1849, as a performer on the accordcon.

STOPPANNI HALL

ON the corner of Walker Street and at 396 Broadway was
Stoppanni Hall, opened by Charlcv White in December,
1848, with a minstrel company called White's Scrcnaders.
Among the performers were Master Marks (now Dick Carroll,
Sr.), and Charles Jenkins, banjo soloist. One of the best of
the old school minstrels ever seen was Charley Jenkins, and his
"The Wild Raccoon Track " was the hit of the times. Banvard's
l'mnrama of the Mississippi was on exhibition here in September,
1850. On Dec. 3, 1851, P. T. Barnum was announced as manager,
and he exhibited the panorama of Crystal Palace.

THE SOCIETY LIBRARY ROOMS

THE Society Library Rooms were situated at 348 Broadway,
and were on the site of E. S. Jaffray's present building,
between Catherine Lane and Leonard Street. They were occa-
sionally used for concert purposes. Fellow's Ethiopian Operatic
troupe, formerly Pierce's Minstrels, appeared here Sept. 9, 1850,
and continued until the completion of their new hall on Tattersall's
grounds, afterwards "444" Broadway. P. T. Barnum exhibited
the Aztec Children here in December, 1831. Kimbcrly's Camp-
bell Minstrels occupied these rooms for a long time. April 5,
1852, the New Orleans Opera and Ballet troupe, Samuel S. San-

424 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Cast

I, manager, opened here. This concern was announced as the
only burlesque troupe, and the only American Opera Company in
the Union. They introduced original songs, ballads, glees, and
choruses, reels, jigs, and hornpipes Prof. Herman was the
leader, and J. H. Kavanagh, musical director. They closed Apiil
17, and went to the Astor Place Opera House.

TRIPLER HALL

ONE of the largest music halls in the world was "Triplcr Hall "
situated on the west side of Broadway, nearly opposite Bond
Street, on ground leased from John La Farge, who subsequently
became owner of the building. It was erected by Mr. Tripler for
the New York d£but of Jenny I-ind, but was not ready at the stipu-
lated time, owing to unfortunate delays. Its erection cost over
$100,000. It was opened Oct. 17, 1850, by Mme. Anna Bishop,
who was a great vocalist, as well as one of the most accomplished
women of the English stage. She was versed in all schools, stylos,
and compositions of excellent music — English, French, German,
or Italian — from the sublimest work to the simplest ballad, giving
all with a brilliancy and power few could attain. Mme. Anna
Bishop was succeeded here by Henrietta Sontag and Alboni, in
concerts.

Prof. Anderson, known as "The Wizard of the North," ap-
peared here Aug. 18, 185 1, and gave a scries of drawing-room
entertainments, illustrative of the fallacy of Necromancy, Demon-
ology, and Witchcraft. Catherine Hayes gave her first concert in
America here, Sept. 23, 1851. She was the pupil of Sig Felice
Ronconi, brother of the great Giorgio Ronconi, and her first ap-
pearance in Italian opera was at Marseilles, France, May 10, 1845,
as Elvira in "Puritani." In California this lady was a great suc-
cess, and it was there she lost, in 1856, $27,000 by the failure of
Messrs. Saunders & Brcnnon, of San Francisco. One of the must
successful benefits ever given in that city was the farewell to this
lady. The fire boys had charge of the affair, and that fact was
almost equivalent to turning it into a gold mine. The scats were
sold at auction, and the greatest excitement prevailed. The bid-
ding rose rapidly from $50 to $500, and thence — amid the cheers
of an audience almost as large and enthusiastic as at the benefit
itself — to $1,250 This is held to be the highest price ever paid
in the annals of concert for a single seat. A Mr. Lobdell offered
as high as $1,050, but, finding that he was hopelessly contending
against a wealthy company, he withdrew and paid $ 1,000 for the
second choice. The dress circle was occupied almost entirely by
ladies, many gentlemen having vacated their scats for the gratifi-
cation of the gentler sex. The profit accruing to Miss Hayes

'«s»:

TR1PLER HALL

425

from this benefit was over $8,000. In September, 1857, she was
married in Europe to her agent, W. A. Bushnell of this city. He
died at Biarritz, July 3, 1858. Catherine Hayes died at Syden-
ham, Eng., Aug. 11, 1861, leaving £16,000.

Prof, Anderson reappeared Oct. 17, 185 1, Mme. Biscaccianti
gave a concert Nov. 1, and Catherine Hayes gave her eleventh con-
cert Nov. 4.

Catherine Hayes gave a farewell concert Jan. 8, 1852. Mrs.
Catherine Sinclair Forrest and George Vandenhoff gave a dramatic
and poetical reading March 12. Vandenhoff gave a recitation of
Young Lochinvar. Jenny Lind gave her last concert but one in
America, May i8-2oat this hall, and took her farewell at Castle
Garden May 24. At the concert here May 18, she was assisted by
Joseph Burke, violinist, Sig. Badiali, and Thco. Kisfcldt, con-
ductor. Jenny Lind sang the scene from " Dcr Frcischutz," an
air from "Beatrice di Tcnda," a selection from " I.cs Huguenots,"
an aria from " Le Nozze di Figaro,'* and "The Bird Song." Her
last concert but one was given here May 20. Mme. Henrietta
Sontag's first concert in America took place Sept. 20. A sere-
nade by the Musical Fund Society was given to her Sept. 13, at
the Union Square Hotel. Her success in this country was only
equalled by that of Jenny Lind. Besides the extraordinary purity,
clearness, and attractiveness of her voice, she possessed a light-
ness and elegance of utterance quite unparalleled. She died in
Mexico, June 16, 1854, of cholera.

Mme. Marietta Alboni gave a concert here Sept. 21, for the
benefit of the Widow and Orphan Fund of the N. Y. Fire de-
partment. Alboni's first appearance in America was in concert,
at this hall, June 23 of the same year. She was assisted by Sig.
Augustine Revere, Sig. Antonio Sangiovanni, and Sig. Arditi.
She returned to Flu rope, June I, 1853. Adelina Patti, announced
"as not yet eight years of age," gave a concert Sept. 22, and
sang Jenny I.ind's Kcho song, and "I am the Bayadere." She
had been previously announced to appear at Niblo's Concert
Saloon. She gave another concert for the benefit of the Rev.
Pother Mathew, the great apostle of temperance. Alfred Jacll,
pianist, made his first appearance in America Oct. 15, in concert,
assisted by Max Maretzek s entire opera company, from the Astor
Place Opera House. In December, 1851, this place was sold at
auction and purchased by John La Fargc for 547,00a Its name
was then changed to Metropolitan Hall.

Balls, lectures, and political meetings were held here. Octavia
Dclille gave her first concert in America here in December. Walter
E. Harding was now announced as the lessee and manager. There
was a dining saloon connected with it, capable of seating one thou-
sand persons. The "strong minded women " and the Abolitionists

426 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»M

held forth here. The Italian priest revolutionist, Father Gavazzi,
lectured here, and the place was threatened with destruction if he
were again permitted to speak within its walls. Speak, how?-.
he did, upon the following Saturday, to an audience of five thou-
sand persons. Jenny Lind was announced to begin her farewell
concerts in America on Dec. 30. and her last one was to be Jan.
12, 1852. She was to be assisted by Otto Goldsmidt, Joseph
Burke, Sig. E. Bclletti, and an orchestra, conducted by Mr. I
feldt ; but, in consequence of the death of her mother in Sweden
the day prior to her proposed first concert, she did not appear here
at that time.

Cam i lie Urso, the violinist, aged eleven years, gave her first con-
cert in America Oct. 29. William H. Fryc began a course of lec-
tures on music Nov. 13. Mrae. Alboni made her first appearance
in oratorio Jan. 16, 1853. The whole of Rossini's "Stabat Mater "
and the prayer from "Moses in Egypt" were given. Paul Jullicn,
violinist, gave a concert Feb. 22. He was assisted by Henrietta
Sontag, Carl Eckhert, Sig. Badiali, Sig. Rozxolini, and Rocco.
March 31 Elizabeth T. Green wald, known as "The Black Swan,"
gave a farewell concert, assisted by Stephen Leach, Mile. Ida
L'Eclure, G. F. Bristow (conductor), and an orchestra of thirty
performca Sheridan Corbyn was the business manager. May
16 Miss Kimberly gave a reading of "A Midsummer Night's
Dream," under the auspices of the American Musical Fund
Society; May 18 Prof. Anderson commenced a series of per-
formances in magic. His benefit, and last performance but one in
America, was May 27, when he was assisted by Rosina Collins,
violinist, and Emma Collins, pianist, their first appearances in
America. The Boon Children also appeared in scenes from
"Julius Ca:sar" and "The School for Scandal." Olc Bull, who
made his American dc"but at the Park Theatre in 1843, reappeared
in this city May 22, 1853, at this hall.

M. Jullien gave his first concert here Sept. 26. A concert took
place Dec. 3, for the benefit of F. Palmo (his first in thirty-eight
years). Max Maretzek's Italian Opera company (then playing at
Niblo's Garden) appeared. M. Jullien began a second four weeks'
scries of concerts Dec. 5. His one hundredth concert in America
took place here Dec. 21. Great preparations were being made for
a full evening dress ball, for Jan. 18, 1854, by M. Jullicn, on
which occasion his entire concert orchestra was announced to make
its first and only appearance in the ball room. Sunday morning,
Jan. 8, 1854, this hall was entirely destroyed by fire. M. Jullien
lost about $2,500 worth of music which remained in the hall since
his last concert. It was rebuilt and opened Sept. \8, 1854, as the
New York Theatre and Metropolitan Opera House

Henry Willard and Harry Eytinge were the managers, and Julia

»8mD

TRIPI.ER HALL

427

Dean and Edward Eddy were the first stars. An original prize
address, by Jonas Phillips, was spoken by Harry Eytinge, followed
with the National Anthem, sung by the company, and the prelude
concluded with a dance by the Rousset Sisters — Caroline, There-
sine, Clementine, and Adelaide. This was followed by "The
Lady of Lyons":

Pauline Julia Dean

Claude Melnoite . . . . E. Eddy

Gl.wis Louis Memayer

Damas L. Thompson

Beauseant Ceo. Boniface

WidM Melnotte . . . Mrs. Jordan
Mine. De&chapelles . . ArchboUt
Gaspard .... Chas. Warwick
Monx Deschapclles • • • <-". Smith
Landlord James Conner

After the play came a dance by Mons. Schmidt and Mile. TheVesc
and the performance closed with "Mr. and Mrs. Peter White,"
with Mrs Batm Skerrett, Annie Lonsdale, Mrs. Woodward, and
others in the cast. On Sept. 19 "The Hunchback," was Riven,
with Grattan Dawson as Thomas Clifford, Charlotte Mitchell as
Helen, Sefton as Fathom, and Eddy as Master Walter; Sept. 20,
"The Wife." " Romeo and Juliet," " Inge-mar," "The Gamester,"
"Love," "Love's Sacrifice," "The School for Scandal." and
"Evadne" followed in rapid succession.

This house was now known as the Great Metropolitan Theatre.
"The Bell'.' "f the Faubourg" was given Sept. 30, "Isabel, or the
Fatal M OcTTTf " Romeo and Juliet," Oct. 4; " I.ucrczia

Borgia," Oct. 5. Sunday evening concerts were begun Oct. 8,
with Marion Macarthy. Les Frercs Viennese — Carli, Fricdnish,
August, and Otto — were the vocal performers. Oct. 9 Miss
Makcah made her New York d£but as Parthcnia, in "Ingomar."
W. Marshall made his first appearance in New York in five years,
and acted Ingomar. Oct. 10 Miss Makcah acted Beatrice, in
"Much Ado About Nothing; " Harry Eytinge was the Benedick.
Oct. 11, "Love's Sacrifice;" Oct. 12, "The Stranger." Mr. Ey-
tinge withdrew from the house in consequence of a quarrel with
his partner Willard. Oct- 13 "The Gamester " was given. Oct
14 Miss Makcah, afterwards Mrs. Geo. Vandcnhoff, acted Julia,
in "The Hunchback " and Juliana in "The Honeymoon." Grattan
Dawson played Sir Thomas Clifford. Oct. 16, "Othello," with
Eddy as the Moor, Chas. Pope as Cassio, H. C. Jordan, Roderigo;
W. Marshall. Iago; Melinda Jones, Dcsdcmona; and Mrs. Jordan,
Emilia, Oct. 17 "Julius Caesar" was seen, with Marshall as
Brutus, Eddy M Cassias ; C. Pope, Marc Antony; Oct. 18, "Wil-
liam Tell "and "Puarro;" Oct. 21 there was a benefit to J. M.
Trimble, the architect, when the performance consisted of "The
Poor Gentleman," F. S. Chanfrau as Dr. OUapod, Mrs. F. B. Con-
way as Miss Worthington, and Mrs. Archbold as Miss McTab;
Oct. 23 Alcxina Fisher Baker and John Lewis Baker appeared in

428 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««ss

" Ion/' Oct. 24, "The Foundling of Paris," followed, Oct. 25, by
"Satan in Paris;" Oct 26, "Jane Snore;" Oct. 27, "Wallaces1'
Oct. 28, "IhaJUggicker _o* Paris;" Oct. 30, "TJie Mystic Bell
.fiL-Ronqucrollcs, or^he Memoir of the Devil," Eddy as Nicholas.
Nov. 1 Emily Lesdernier made her debut as Evadnc; Nov. 2,
"Cm Mothers," Eddy as the twin heroes. Nov. 6 Julia

iipi-ind and acted Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet;" after-
wards "Lucrezia Borgia," "Inc. Duke's Wager," "Ingomar."
" Isabel, or the Fatal Marriage," arioTcT-Tfcr "benefit, "TjUjesa.
the tJfptw." Julia Dean acted Marian in "The Wrecker's
Daughter,-' Nov. 2a Nov. 21, "Pizarro" with E. Eddy as Rolla,
George Boniface as Pizarro, Mrs. F. B. Conway as Cora, and Mc-
linda Jones as Elvira; Nov. 22 saw " Fjnish,ed. Picture: " Nov. 24,
"The Hunchback" and 'UHadelaine. QlJThc Foundling of Paris;"
Nov. 27, 28, "Grisclda," with Mrs. Farren in the titlcrdlc; Nov.
29, "The Stranger." Dec. 2 Jessie McLean made her debut on
the stage, acting Juliana in "The Honeymoon." James Anderson
appeared here Dec 4, as Hamlet: afterwards in "Othello" and
"Damon and Pythias;" Jan. 2, 1855, McKcan Buchanan made his
first appearance here. He appeared in " Hamlet," afterwards in
"Macbeth," "Othello." "Lear." "Richard III.," when the sea-
son, which had not been a successful one, terminated. McKcan
Buchanan made his de'but in this city at the Old Broadway
Theatre. He was announced as a "gentleman amateur."

This house reopened Jan. 8, 1855, with Richard Sands' eques-
trian troupe, and was followed by the drama, "JThc—LoaL-Son. "
The circus season closed Jan. 22, when, in addition to equestrian
performances, "The Virgin of the Sun" and " Thc_ Wandering
Boys" were performed. On Jan. 27 Mary Agnes Cameron made her
"first appearance on the stage. She was a pupil of John Dyott, and
acted Constance in "The Love Chase." She was the daughter of
Commodore Cameron, who went to Ireland in the frigate "Mace-
donia" during the famine. The dramatic company closed on this
occasion. Jan. 29 John Nathans and Richard Sands began a season
of equestrian performances. The circus season closed Feb. 10.
The next manager was James H. Hackctt, who opened Feb. 13,
with Grisi, Mario, and a company in Italian opera. " Semiramide
was the first opera sung, with the first appearance in America of
Fclicita Vestvali. who sang Arsace. Feb. 19 was the benefit of
James H. Hackett. when " L;i Traviata" was given. The prices
during this engagement were: Orchestra scats, $7; balcony scats,
$6: parquet and circle, $$; first circle, $4 and $3. Grisi and
Mario's last appearances took place Feb. 20, in " Lucrezia Borgia."
John S. Clarke made his first appearance in this city May 15, act-
ing Diggory in "The Spectre Bridegroom." June 20 Mary Agnes
Cameron rented the house for one night, and made her third and

•»

«».«j

TRIPLER HALL

429

last appearance in this city, playing Beatrice in "Much Ado
About Nothing," and Constance in "The Love Chase."

This house was reopened Sept. 3, 1855, under the title of "The
Metropolitan," with Mile. Rachel and a French company as the
attraction. The following was the announcement :

RACHEL'S DRAMATIC COMPANY.

I beg respectfully to inform the public of New York that

MLLE RACHEL'S FIRST PERFORMANCE

will irrevocably take place on

MONDAY NEXT, THE 3D OF SEPTEMBER.

It will conxixt of Corneille's tragedy, entitled

• I.ES HORACES."

Mile. Rachel will appear as Camillc.

The performance will begin at 7A o'clock precisely, with Jules dc Premeray's
new comedy, in two acts, in which the three sisters of Mile. Rachel will appear.
The second performance will take place Sept 4, when Racine's tragedy,

"PHEDRE,"

will be presented, with Mile. Rachel as Phedre.

The third performance on Thursday, Sept. 6, when

"ADRIENNE LECOUVREUR"

will be presented, with Mile. Rachel as Adrienne, and the fourth performance,
on Friday. Sept 7, will consist of

"MARIE STUART,"

a tragedy by Lcbrun. with Mile. Rachel as Marie.

Prices of admission to Mile. Rachel's performance* :

Orchestra Seats. Parquet and First I Parquet Circle $3

Circle $2 \ Upper Circle *i

Raphael Feux, manager of the Rachel company.

Miles. Dina and Lia Felix, M. Dicudonne, and M. Leon Beau-
vallet were in the company. At that time the French colony in
this city was a small one, and the high prices of admission to the
boom and parquet prevented its being very numerously represented
on any occasion during Rachel's engagement. The house was
crowded the first night, yet I doubt if one individual in twenty
had the slightest acquaintance svith the French language. That
there should be no change of scene throughout the piece, and that
the curtain should never fall between the acts, the stage being
simply left vacant for a brief interval, puzzled the audience not a
little, while the mcagrencss of the plot, the poverty of incident,
the long and tedious speeches of many of the characters rendered
the play decidedly wearisome. Rachel had no pretensions to

430 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««S5

beauty, and the expression of her countenance was one of tbe most
unhappy I have ever seen; but her worn, weary aspect, her sad,
mournful eyes, were not ill-suited to the tragic roles she assumed.
Her voice was no longer so full and round as when I had seen her
in Paris some few years previously, and she appeared, too, not to have
fully recovered from tbe fatigue of her sea voyage- Yet, notwith-
standing these drawbacks, ber Camille was a magnificent piece of
acting. Tbe curse in the fourth act she gave with a burst of fury
which fairly electrified the audience. Her death scene was power-
ful — painfully so — and not easily forgotten by any one who had
once witnessed it. The M upper ten " not turning out as largely as
was anticipated, the middle-class playgoers were appealed to by a
reduction of the prices of admission, but this failed to bring the
masses. On her off nights she gave " readings " at the Broadway
Tabernacle, which consisted of selections from the French poets
and entire scenes from various plays in which she was assisted by
members of her company.

After many requests having been made for her to sing " La Mar-
seillaise" she consented, and on Oct. 12, and several subsequent
nights, " La Marseillaise " was given by Rachel after the play.
Having quite lost whatever voice she might once have possessed,
she chanted, rather than sang, the lines. She gave Si, 000 to the
widows and orphans of the victims of the yellow fever at New
Orleans. She went to Boston, where she made her debut Oct. 27.
She returned to this city, and appeared at the Academy of Music,
alternating with the Italian opera, but the engagement was a dire
failure. Her last appearance here was Nov. 17, as Phcdrc and Lc
Moineau dc Lcsbic. While playing at the Walnut Street Theatre,
Philadelphia, an incident occurred that was the cause of her death.
It was an extremely cold night, and between the acts Rachel, in-
stead of going to her dressing-room or greenroom, where a fire ren-
dered it pleasant and comfortable, sat beside a small table placed
near tbe prompter's seat- On the table she had placed several
wax candles, the book of the play, and some papers. There,
in the extreme cold, with but a slight covering, sat this fragile,
classic form, the cold air rushing down, around and about her, chill-
ing with its icy influence even those who were seated in the par-
quet Raphael Felix, Rachel's brother, had taken the theatre in
its entirety, assuming all the expenses of heating and lighting,
and he thought it probably a master stroke of economy to suppress
the furnace fires, or possibly he did not trouble his head about
them. But Rachel awoke the next morning, gasping with pneu-
monia, and Raphael's saving in fuel resulted in the untimely death
of his great sister. Rachel sailed for Charleston, S. C. where
she was able to give one performance Dec. 17, 1855, ami it
ber last appearance on any stage. She acted Adrienne Lecou-

•«5SD

TRIPLLR HALL

43"

vrcur. From Charleston she went with her company to Havana,
expecting she would be well enough to act, but she never did.
Day by day she grew weaker, until at last, finding that it was use-
less to prolong the struggle, she returned to Europe, took up her
abode at the Villa Sardcn, at Cannes, France, where she died,
almost alone, Jan. 5, 1858. Thus passed away the greatest tragic
actress France has ever produced. Sarah Felix, sister of Rachel,
played in " Lcs Horaces ' at the dc'but here of Rachel. She was
two years the senior of Rachel. She was a comedienne, and was
engaged at the Gymnase and the Corned ic, Paris. She died in
Paris, Jan. 13, 1877. It is said that her declining years were de-
voted to the vending of cosmetics, which implies that but little of
Rachel's great wealth descended to her. There were two other
sisters, Dina and I.ia.

The Rachel season terminated Oct. 20, and the house was closed
for alterations. Laura Kccnc was the lessee, who announced the
reopening for Dec. 24, with, for the first time in America, " Prince
Charming."

Laura Keene had an indignant "card" in the morning papers of
Dec. 24 in which she protested against "wanton attacks, malicious
insinuations, and ungenerous allusions," and asked, pertinently,
why she should be expected to refrain from catering to the public
because there were other establishments with which hers might
interfere. This same piece had been announced by E. A. Mar-
shall for the holiday attraction at the old Broadway Theatre.
Quite a war of words took place between Laura Keene and
Marshall. Some of the newspapers treated Miss Keene in a
particularly ungallant manner. "Prince Charming" was done at
the old Broadway on the night of Dec. 24, but not so at this
house, as advertised; nor did it open. Laura Keene was an-
niuinced to be Indisposed, hut the truth is that the night before
the opening was to take place, some miscreant cut and slashed one
of the best scenes in the play so badly that it was impossible to
use it. An advertisement appeared in the newspapers, signed by
Laura Kccnc, offering a reward of $500 for the apprehension of the
person who cut the scenery. The opening took place Dec 27, with
"Old Heads and Young Hearts." The company engaged were:
Mrs. Abbot, Rosalie Durand, Kate Reignolds, Mrs. W. Hough,
Emma Hall, Mary Marshall, Mrs. Carpenter, Annie Walters, Mr.
and Mrs. Frank Rea, Fanny Dean, Laura Bishop, Mr. and Mrs.
Fred Lyster. Clara Cushman, Minnie Scott, George Jordan, Chas.
Bass, Harry Hall, John Dyott, T. B. Johnson, T. Watson. George
Vining, Thos. Chandler, Thos. Price, Frank Trevor, Fred G. King,
Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Charles. Laura Keene was directress; Fred
Lyster director of vocal music: Mors. Monplaisir, ballet-master;
Thomas Baker, leader of orchestra.

432 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [its*

The house was now christened " Laura Kccnc's Varieties."
cast of "_Qjd Heads and Young Hearts " was :

The

Eari Pomplar .... Mr. McDouall

Col. Rocket ft Hall

Littleton Coke . . . C. Jordan

Jesse Rural Chas. Bass

(First appearance in (our yean).

Tom Coke Mr. Chandler

Bob T. B. Johnson

Countess l'ompiar Mrs. Carpenter

Lady Alice .... Laura Keene
Miss Rocket .... Louie Hough

Laura Keene managed to play her part in the comedy, but broke
down while reciting an original poetical address. Dec 29"Dj£»ms
oiDclusjoji " was seen, with Kate Kcignolds as Amabel; Dec 31,
" Dreams of Delusion " and " Masks and Faces." The latter play
had this cast:

Sir Charles Geo. Jordan

Ernest Vane .... F. Ch.in.lln
Colly Cibber . . . Mr McDouall

James Quin M. Wemys*

Snarl T. B. Johnson

Triplet Chas. Bass

Mrs. Vane .... Kate Reynolds
Mr*. Triplet . . . Mrs. Carpenter

Cleopatra Miss Henry

Roxalina Miss Carman

Kiltie Clive .... Lottie Hough
Margaret Woffington . Laura Keene

Jan. 7, 1856, "King of th» rvmrt " was given for the first time,
Geo. Jordan as Louis, C Bass as Marquis, Kate Keignolds as
Adrienne, and Laura Keene as Louise. Rosalie Durand made her
debut here as Thercse. " Perfection " was the afterpiece, and Mr.
C. Howard appeared as Charles Paragon. Jan. 14, "The Love
Chase;" Jan. 16, "Still Waters Run Deep," George Jordan as
Hawksley; Jan. SI, "The Lady of Lyons," Mar)- Wells as Mmc.
Deschapcllcs (her first appearance here); Jan. 24. "Money,"
Annie Lee (her first appearance here) as Georgina Vesey; Jan.
26. the drama, ".IheVjoJet," and the burlejgue, "Midas;" Feb.
4. the farce, " TheSchool for Tigers ; " FebsT "The Love Chase."
and first appearance of Conrad Clarke, acting Master Walter ; Feb.
11, "jielphegor thcMountcbank. or the Pride of Birth," Mrs. l.cs-
dernier making her appearance as Madame Dc Barbleu ; Feb. 1 5,
"Masks and Faces;" Feb. 18. "Serious Family," Louis Mcstayer
(his first appearance here) as Charles Torrens ; " The Hunchback "
(first time here) Feb. 21. For Washington's birthday a rhythmi-
cal, musical, scenic, dramatic, extravaganza, called ".Novelty " was
given in one act and ten tableaux :

The Directress . . . Laura Keene I Novelty .
Fashion Emily Lcsdcrnier \ Fortune

Rosalie Durand
Kate Rcignokto

The first tableau was "Toodlcs," by a gentleman who once
"twinned" with the great original; second tableau, Rachel, Annie
Walters as the tragedienne; third tableau, Mr. and Mrs. Barney
Williams, by T. B. Johnson and Lottie Hough, the latter singing
"Bobbing Around " and "Whiskey in the Jug;" fourth tableau,
"Undine," by Mile. V. Franck, Mile. N. Tilman and Mons. Til-

I856]

TRIPLKR HALL

433

man; fifth tableau, "Pauline;" sixth, "A Midsummer Night's
Dream;'* seventh, Shakespeare; eighth, " Uncle Tom ; " ninth,
' ili-rrir. tin- Hunter; ' tenth UU last UiMe;,u, "The Apotheosis
of Washington." Feb. 25 "Look Before You Leap," was given.
March 3 " Two Loves and a Life " was played for the first time in
America, with this cast:

Sir Gervase Geo. Jordan

William S. K. Chester

Musgrave Wemvss

Capt Dormer .... Mr. Howard

Standish S. Trevor

Ruth Ravcnscar . . . Laura Keonc

Father Radcliffe if. Hall

John Daw .... T. B. Johnson

Capt. Jansen ...... Lystir

Sampson Potts .... Prank Kca

Farmer Mr. Carpenter

Annie Kate RcignoItU

This drama held the boards until March 15, when "She Stoops
to Conquer " was acted. "< .miille. nr A Moral of Life," adapted
and rearranged with many novel effects expressly for this establish-
ment, was acted for the first time, March \j, and thus cast:

Armand Duval . . . Geo. Jordan if. Duval Chas. Bass

( Hint De Giray . . . Mr. Chandler Gaston T. B. Johnson

Dr. Lesage Mr. McDouall St. Gauden .... Mr. Weroyas

Arthur Trevor Camille Laura Kcenc

Gustave Howard Nichette Annie Lewis

Nanine Kate Reignoldx Prudence Mary Wells

Mile. Marie .... Miss Tree Mile. Anais . . Miss McDonough

Spirit of Camille's Mother Emily Lesdernier

This version of "Camille" was a decided improvement on all
others. The life of the coquette, her abandonment to vice, her
redemption once, her love for Armand, her sacrifice of him and his
love for very love, her illness, decay, and death — were all repre-
sented as a dream, from which, in the last scene, she awoke to the
realities around her. Many of the objectionable features of the
original were omitted. This drama was given by Laura Kcenc in
four acts and six tableaux, with an apotheosis. April 5 "The
Bride of Lammcrmoor." was given, with the first appearance of
G. K. Dickinson, who acted Edgar; April 7, first time here, "The
King's Rival." Ada Clare appeared as Mrs. Wells. H. flail
took a benefit April 19, when the bill was "Faint Heart Never
Won Fair Lady." Emma Hall (her first appearance in America)
as King Charles; " St. Marys Kve," and "The Unfinished Gentle-
man," Lionel Goldsmidt making his first appearance in America as
Bill Downey in the latter play; April 23 "The Marble Heart"
was acted for the first time here.

Mav s the musical burlesque, __•_' .Norma." and " Slighjjy, Re-
moved/' were acted for the first time. An original American
comedy called "My Wife's Mirror," was given May to. for the
first time. " Diane,_or Hands, not Hearts" was seen May 12, for
the first time! "MrN. John R. Scott was in the oast. For Rosalie

434 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1856

Durand's benefit, May 24, "The Daughter of the Regiment" and
4ty" (fifty-seventh and last time) was done. This tcrmi-
Rosalic Durand's engagement here. May 26 John Brougham's

dramatization of "Jane Eyre" was acted for the first time. Laura

Kecnc made her reappearance, after a long illness, in the title rdle.

This was the cast :

Rochester George Jordan Lord Theodore . . C. K- Dickinson

Col. Dent H.Hall I irst C. Ban

John Downey ... T. II. Johnson Lady Blanche . . Kate Reignolds

lane Eyre Laura Ketnc Do*ager .... Mar-, Wells

Lady May Ada Clare Mrs Gryce . . . Mrs J. K :

Mrs. Col. Dent ■ .Mis* McDonough Grace Pool . . . Mrs. Carpenter

Miss Temple - . . Annie Walters The Maniac Wife - - Mrs. Jarvis
Miss Scntcherd . . Emily Lesdcrnier

Chas. Uass had a benefit June 5, with "The Rivals," first
pearancc here of Mrs. H. I*. Grattan as Mrs. Malaprop, and
comedy "It Takes Two to Make a Bargain." Charles Loveday
appeared June 10, as Frederick Flighty in "Married R
"The Spitalficld's Weaver" was seen for the first time at this
house, June 14, at the benefit of H. Hall. " Qarissa Harlowe,
or the H istory of a Young LadyL" was given J tine 16, tor the nrst
time, and with this cast:

Lord Robert . . . G. K. Dickinson
Capt- Janus ll.irluwe . Chas. Loveday

Clarissa Harlowe - • Laura Keene
Jenny Kate Reignolds

ap-

the

i'atrick Geo. Jordan

Mrs. Harlowe . . . Mary Well*
Arabella .... Emily Lesdcrnier
Mrs. Smith . . . Mrs. J. R. Scott

The season closed June 21, 1856, with a benefit to Laura Keenc,
when "The School for Scandal " was played with this cast:

Snake Chester

Careless Howard

Sir Harry Wilsoo

William Carpenter

Lady Teazle .... Laura Keene
Mrs. T. B. Johnson

M.ni.i

l..uH SliCif well

Mrs. Candour .
Mary ....

Emily Lesdcrnier
Mary Wells
Mrs. J. R. Scott

Sir Peter Tcatle C. Bass

Sir Oliver Wtmvs*

Charles Geo. Jordan

Joseph G. K Dickinson

Crabtree .... T. B. Johnson

Sir Benjamin Loveday

Rowley McDouah

Moses H. Hall

Trip Reeve

When Laura Keene leased this house, she took it for one year
at the weekly rent of $400. She had the privilege of a renewal of
four years from September, by giving notice on the first of May.
On that day she was in arrears for rent, and gave no notice.
Strictly speaking, therefore, the covenants of the lease were vio-
lated. Hut on May 19 she paid La Fargc, at his residence,
$2,875, fhe amount due in full. On receiving this money, it is
said La Farge promised Laura Keene the theatre for four years
from September, 1856, but Wm. E. Burton purchased the build-
ing, and took a lease of the ground, causing Laura Keene to close

US6]

TRIPLER HALL

435

her season, June 2t, 1856. This house was reopened Sept. 8,
1856 as Burton's New Theatre, with "The Rivals." During the
summer Burton had the theatre redecorated, the faulty construc-
tion of the stage remedied, the unsightly boxes in the second tier
removed, and the whole proscenium reconstructed. The company
n i-.: Aeries Robertson, Polly and Louise Marshall, Fanny Vining
(Mrs. E. L. Davenport), Sallie St. Clair, Fanny Brown, Mrs.
Milton Rainford, Mrs. Charles Howard, Mrs. Hughes, Georgictte
Fisher (daughter of John Fisher of the old Park), Mesdames Dunn,
Holman, Amelia Parker, Misses Tree, Miller, McCormick, Flor-
ence Everett, Brooks, Howe, C- Fielding, Morton Stella, Charles,
Philips, Bell, Ducy Barrc (dancer), E. L. Davenport, Dion Bourci-
cault. Thomas Placidc, Charles Fisher, Mark Smith, D. Howard,
Harcourt, L. C. Bishop, John Moore, Dan Sctchell, Milton Rain-
ford, Everett, Tree, Winslcc, Geo. Holman, Gourlay, C. Parsloc,
Hurley, Lawson, Paul Shirley, and Wm. E. Burton. The princi-
pal dancer was Geo. Smith; stage manager, John Moore. "The
Rivals " was cast as follows :

Sir Anthony Absolute Mark Smith 1 Fag John Moore

Capt. Absolute . . Charles Fixhcr I.ydia Mrs. C. Howard

Sir Lucius D. Howard Julia ... Mrs. A. Parker

Falkland Mr. Kainford Mrs. Malaprop .... Mrs. HngheJ

Bob Acre* Burton Lucy Fanny Brown

David Thos- Placide

This was followed by a dance by Geo. W. Smith and Ducy Barrc,
after which "The Loan of a Lover," with Geo. Holman as Capt.
Amesfort, Thomas Placidc as Peter Spyk. Gotirlcy as Delve, Bishop
as Swyzel, Miss Everett as Ernestine, and Mrs. Charles Howard as
Gertrude. "She Stoops to Conquer" was acted Sept. 10, with
Charles Fisher as Young Marlow, Mark Smith as Hardcastle, Burton
as Tony Lumpkin, Dan Setchell as Diggory, and Mrs. Charlos
Howard as Miss Hardcastle. "The Swiss Cottage" was the farce,
T. Placide acting Natz Tyck, Geo. Holman Corporal Max, and Mrs.
C. Howard Lisctte with songs; Sept. 15. "The Honeymoon" for
the first appearance here of Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Davenport as Duke
Aranza and Juliana; Sept. 17, first night of the new comedy,
•jCJiarity's Love." Polly Marshall made her American debut Sept.
22, as Fanny (Jribbles and Katherine Klopper.

Polly Marshall was a favorite at this theatre. She excelled in that
vein of light comedy and burlesque which Mrs. Keeley and Mrs.
Fitzwilliam had made their own on the London stage. She pos-
sessed youth, good looks, a vivacious temperament, a quick percep-
tion of fun and frolic, eyes that merriment lit up like stars, a voice
full-toned and sweet, and carefully cultivated. Her dancing was
thoroughly artistic and pleasing, and withal she was an actress who
never tried to do anything beyond her powers. She returned to

436 A HISTORY OK THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»s6

England Sept. ti, 1862, where she died. Her first appearance on
the stage was at Covent Garden Theatre, London, Sept. 7. 1840, as
Robin in " The Merry Wives of Windsor," to Hartley's Falstaff, and
as the Fairy Dewdrop in the extravaganza "The Sleeping Beauty."
"■Jbc W'tch Wife " was a new play first acted Sept. 25. "The
^Husband" was first acted here Oct. 2, followed by "The Pi:
Scholar " and 'Cx»Uc^ Killed." all the same night. " Di£_Wjs$Rfcrs.
m at Sea," had its initial performance Oct. 9. E. L. Dav-
enport took a benefit Oct. 16, and acted " Hamlet ;" Oct. 21 " The
School for Scandal " was done, with Burton as Sir Oliver, Mark
Smith as Sir Peter Teazle, E. L. Davenport as Charles Surface,
Charles Fisher as Joseph, Thomas Placidc as Crabtrcc, Dan Sctchcll
as Trip, Mrs. E. L. Davenport as Lady Teazle, and Louisa Howard
(her first appearance) as Maria; Oct. 27 the new play of " SelL" was
presented and cast thus:

Unit Burton

Apex C Fisher

Charles Morton

Cypher T- Placid*

Promptcash .... D. Sctchcll

Mrs. Apex .
May Apex .
Mrs. Radius
Mrs. Codliver

. . Mr*. A. Parker
Mrs. E. l_ Davenport
. . Mrs. C. Howard
. . Polly Marshall

It had a run of twelve nights. " Presented at Court, or the City
Heiress," had its first representation here Nov. io, wiFR E. L. Daven-
port in his original character of Rochester, as played by him in
London; Nov. 17 Agnes Robertson and Dion Bourcicault appeared
/^in " Genevieve, or thcT^cigrToFTcrror ; " Nov. 28 a new drama by
I BQuj£icault, entitled " Victor and Hortensc," and the extravaganza.
" Blue Bcller a, Fa^ry Tale." were fimt acted The cast of " Victor
and Hortensc " was :

Victor Dion Bourcicault I Chaplor Mr MrKae

Mallard Mark Smith Horteniie . . . Agnes Rohertson

Michael Dan Setchell | Mme. Pornmard . . . Mrs. Hughes

was
•• Blue

The last new ballet divertissement, " Les Nymphs Des Bois,"
danced by Mile. Ducy Barre, Geo. Smith, and corps dt ballet ; "
Belle " was cast as follows :

Bob Barleycorn Burton

Kickcriwiski .... Dan Setchell

Coupee J. Moore

Sin- Gargelllni Holmou

Hluc Bell . . . Agnes Robertson

The Countess . . . Polly Marshall

The Count IVIark Smith

Blind Fiddler .... Fanny Brown
Jclva Miss L. Marshall

was acted; Dec.
with this cast:

Wrom

10"

was seen
9 -The

I>ec. 8,

Dec. 5, for the first time here, "The Phantom"

igsof Woman : " Dec.
ijjc Slave Actress." a new play, was given

Emperor Paul Rainford

Prince Fcodar Morton

Piotie C. Fisher

Petrouvna .... Polly Marshall

Von Fieienspan Burton

Fohwel D. Setchel]

Marie Jane Coombs

«»S7]

TRIPI.ER HALL

437

This was the first appearance at this theatre of Jane Coombs ;
Dec 15 Burton played Bob Tyke, in "The School of Reform ;" Dec.
16, "Dombey and Son" (first time here) and " Paul Pry." Polly
Marshall was seen as Susan Nipper for the first time. Dec. 22,
" The Jealous Wife," when Julia Bennett Barrow made her first ap-
[>eamnce in this city in several years, acting Mrs. Oakley ; Dec. 26,
"Twelfth Night," Mrs. Barrow as Viola, Jane Coombs as Olivia,
Polly Marshall as Maria, Burton as Toby Belch, Mark Smith as the
clown, Charles Fisher as Malvolio. and Dan Setchell as Fabian.

Jan. 2, 1857, a new play, called " Fascination." was done with this
cast:

Sir Topaz Burton | The Prince**

Caspar Fabian .... C. Fisher | Maclaline

Mrs. Barrow
Sara Stevens

This was Sara Stevens' first appearance at this theatre. " Our
Wife" was given, for the first time in America, Jan. 9; "She Would
and She Would Not," with Mrs. Barrow as Hypolite, Jan. 10 ; " Much
Ado About Nothing," Jan. 13, with Burton as Dogberry (first time
in New York). Mr. Belton, from the Boston theatres, played Bene-
dick, it being his first appearance in this city. Charles Fisher was
Leonato, and Mrs. Barrow, Beatrice. Jan. 16 " Toodles " and
" Serious Family" were given ; Jan. 19, first time of "Vice and virtue.
)i Woman's Heart ;" Jan. 26, first time in New York. " Olympia,"
wntt.cn for Mis. Harrow. Ian. :•<> she mi Ml U Rosalind "in "As
You Like It."

John Brougham appeared Feb. 2, as Dennis Bulgruddery in " John
Bull;" "The Rivals" and "The Comedy of Errors" were acted
Feb. 9, with Brougham as Sir Lucius, Burton as Bob Acres, and
Burton and Brougham as the two Dromios; Feb. 12 " Retribution,"
was played for the first time, and Ada Plunkett made herd<Jbut here
March 2, for Mrs. C. Howard's benefit. Charles Howard made his
first appearance this season, acting Charles II.; March 9, J. W.
Wallack. Jr., (first appearance at this theatre) in " Wat Tyler," with
this cast:

Sir William Tree

Wat Tyler J. W. Wallack

Alice Mrs. A I'ltinkett

Robin Mark Smith

Markham Hohnan

Richard . . Sara Stevens

Roland K

Nir Robert ... . Cha* Fisher

Maud Mrs. Dunn

Pieri Wharton ... L. P. Barrett
John Ball Morton

" The Old Dutch Governor " was revived March 19, for the first time
in many years. " Wall Street " was done March 23. It was founded
on Ponsards coined yof " The Bourse," by TJj^ De Wajden. " Tlje

Kul ■-. mi the Hon,,- . • 1 !':■• Revolt ol the Boaniers," i 3 I FtTM with
Mi :>, He laid in a Hlcccker Strvet hoarding-house. It was first acted
March 28. "The Honeymoon" was presented the same night, with

438 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«8j7

J. W. Waliack, Jr., as Duke Aranza. " A Winter's Tale " was per-
formed April 6, with Sara Stevens as Perdita. J. W. Waliack, Jr., as
Leontes. Charles Fisher as Polixenes, Burton as Autolycus, and Polly
Marshall as Dorcas.

The Pync & Harrison Opera company appeared, April 14, in
"The Qjnmn Qnmniult" Harrison as Don Henrique, S. Leach as
Reboliedo, Horncastlc as the Count. Susan Pync as Diana, and
Louisa Pyne as Catarina. in which character she introduced the
echo song of "The Skylark." E- Mollcnhauer was conductor.
April 16. "The Bohemian Girl;" April 18, "The Daughter of the
Regiment; " April 21, •• Maritana," when \V. V Wallace, the com-
poser of the opera, was the conductor, fur this night only ; April 23,
"La Sonnambula ; " April 25, " Fra Diavolo" and "Midas," with
Louisa Pyne as Apollo. The Pyne and Harrison company made
their last appearance in America (as an organization) Friday, May 1,
in aid of the Widows and Orphans* Fund of the New York Fire de-
partment, in a grand concert at this house. Susan Pyne. however,
took a benefit at Niblo's Saloon. May 7. and gave a concert, at which
she was assisted by Louisa Pyne and Mr. Harrison, I his was their
farewell of America. April 20 " .gaul Shark," was first acted here,
and April 27, " HearU-are Tjounps, or the Gambler's Daughter."
".Our Best Society," founded on ir's Papers," was revived

April 2').

Edwin Booth appeared May 4. in " Richard III.":

Richard Booth Richmond C Fisher

King Henry Mark Sr | Ynrk . . Mrs. Rainford

Qoeen Elizabeth . . Amelia Parker Tressel I- P. Barrett

Lady Anne .... Sara Stevens

Mr. Booth continued till May 30, and acted Sir Giles Overreach;
Shylock ; " King Lear ; " " Richard III. ; " " Romeo and Juliet." Mrs.
K. L. Davenport as Juliet. Charles Fisher as Mercutio, and Mrs.
Hughes as the Nurse ; " Hamlet," L. P. Barrett as Laertes; Claude
Mclnotte in " The Lady of Lyons ; " Iago, to Charles Fisher's Othello ;
Sir Edwin Mortimer in "The Iron Chest; " Julian St. Pierre in "The
Wife : " "The Stranger ; " I'cscara in " The Apostate. " " Richelieu ."
Brutus. Sara Stevens acting Tarquinia, Charles Fisher as Sextus
Tarquin, L. P. BatTett as Til us, and Amelia Parker as Tullia. For
his benefit and final appearance. May 30, he played "Richard III."
On May 25 Young Hengler, a tight-rope performer, who, it was
stated, had appeared in England as an actor, made his last appear-
ance in America and acted Hamlet. Julia Daly as Ophelia. For
Mark Smith's benefit. June I, Mary Shaw made her second appear-
ance in this city, playing Sally Scraggs in 'Mbe Stage Struck Taylor."
eason closed June 6, with "Married Life" Asm::;,; .n:,on
began June 8, with Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence the stars.

June 9, 1857, A- H. Davenport, familiarly known as "Dolly

«*57:

TRIPLER HAI.I.

439

Davenport,'* visited this theatre and discovered, sitting in one of
the private boxes, his wife, Lizzie Weston, accompanied by a
physician and Edwin Forrest. He waited until the play was over,
and, stationing himself at the door, waited their coming out.
As they were about to leave the theatre. " Dolly " expressed
himself very freely as to what he thought of the situation of
affairs. Mr. Davenport, who was married to Miss Weston in 1853,
separated from her May 1, 1 857. "Dolly" mi armed with a re-
volver, and fearing a serious termination to this I intuit, some one
threw up " Dolly's " arm and the pistol was discharged in the air.
June 29 " iS'inf'"'iBr 1>rrt"gl> 'hff l7'?"^ci" "Trying it On," and
" Catching a Governor," with Julia Daly as Kathcrinc Klopper in
the latter piece, was the programme. " Black Eyed Susan " was
seen July 1, with Charles Fisher as William and Mrs. Holman
as Susan. Boothroyd Fairclough also appeared as Richard III.
" The Naiad Queen " was presented July 3, with Lizzie Weston
Davenport as the Naiad Queen, and Mile. Katarin.i did a dance.
Wm. Wood, the pantomimist, was also in the play. July 21 prome-
nade concerts were begun, with Miss Behrend and members of the
Philharmonic Society, and the Seventh Regiment band. Carl Jacopi,
the American tenor, appeared July 22. Maggie Mitchell was seen
Aug. 3, as Katie O'Shicl ; Aug. 4 Susan Dcnin acted Widow Del-
maine in "The Serious Family;" Aug. 10 Maggie Mitchell played
Narramattah in " The Wept of thc-Wish-ton-Wish," also Cleopatra
in the farce of " Anthony and CIe6p&!r*ft ; " Aug. 1 1, Narramattah and
"The French Spy." She closed Aug. 15, with "Satan in Paris," in
which she sustained six different characters, appearing also as Katie
O'Shiel. On Aug. 17 Felicita Vestvali was heard in opera, supported
by Amodio, Brignoli, Colletti. and Luigia Caranti. " Lucrczia Borgia"
was the first opera ; Aug. 21 Vestvali sang, and Sig. Giannoni (first
appearance in New York) was Tcbaldo in "Giulictta c Romeo;"
Aug. 28 " Ernani " was given, with Vestvali as Carlos. This was the
first time in this theatre of the opera, and the first time Vestvali
assumed the rdle in America.

The next season began Aug. 31, 1857, with the company
consisting of Susan Denin, Mrs. W. H. Smith, Sallie St. Clair,
Mrs. Seymour, Josie Orton, Ada Clifton, Miss Denham, Amelia
l'arkcr. Miss Miller. W. H. Briggs, L. P. Barrett, Jas. Seymour,
Charles Fisher, Mark Smith, John Moore, Dan Sctchcll. J. L.
Barreit, Mrs. Holman, Bishop, McRae. Paul, Lawson. Baccianti,
Hurley, Gledhill, Sherley, Vernon, De Silveria , John Moore, stage
manager; Henry C. Jarrett, aciing manager. Edwin Booth appeared
as Sir Giles Overreach on the opening night, and afterwards as
Richelieu; Pcscara, in "The Apostate;" Sept. 4, Sir Edward
Mortimer in "The Iron Chest." and Richard III. James E. Mur-
doch appeared Sept. 7, as Young Mirabel, in "The Inconstant," and

later in " Hamlet." " The Stranger." " The Dramatist, or Catch Him
Who Can," and " Money." with Win. E. Burton as Graves. Mrs. \V.
H. Smith (her first appearance) as Lady Franklin. On Sept. 16,
he played Rover in " Wild Oats." and Pctruchio in ■' Taming of the
Shrew." Susan Denin acting Katharina. Murdoch afterwards ap-
peared as Charles de Moor in " The Robbers; " as Duke Aranza in
" The Honeymoon," to Sallie St. Clair's (first appearance in this city)
Juliana; in "The School for Scandal," Sallie St. Clair as Lady
Teazle, Murdoch as Charles Surface.

After an absence from this city of a little over five years, Charlotte
Cushman appeared, Sept. 28, as Kianca in " Fazio," Charles Foster
as Fazio, Ada Clifton as Aldabclla; Sept. 29, as Lady Teazle, to
Burton's Sir Oliver and Mark Smith's Peter Teazle in "The School
for Scandal ; " Oct. 3 she played Romeo to Susan Dcnin's Juliet, with
Mrs. Hughes as the Nurse in " Romeo and Juliet." Oct. 1 Miss
Cushman was seen as Mrs. Haller in "The Stranger; " and later as
Rosalind in " As You Like It;" Meg Merrilies in " Guy Manncr-
ing;" Bianca in •Fazio," and Tisbe in " The. Aci'essof. Padua."
She terminated her engagement Oct. 22, as Meg MerriliesTand Mrs.
Simpson in "Simpson & Co." She reappeared Oct. 27,3s Lady
Macbeth. Charles Fisher acted Macbeth, Geo. Boniface, Macduff;
L. P. Barrett, Banquo; Mark Smith, John Moore, and Dan Setchell
were the three witches. Later she acted Tisbe in " The Actress of
Padua; " Romeo, to Susan Dcnin's Juliet ; Meg Merrilies. and " Jbngt
Pride, or the Mother and the Daughter." the star playing two char-
acters. Nov. 6 Miss Cushman played Lady Gay Spanker in " London
Assurance," and Mrs. Simpson in " Simpson & Co." ; she also acted
Queen Katharine in "King Henry VIII.," and on Nov. 13 was
seen as Cardinal Wolsey in the same play. The same night she
played I.ady Clifton in " Lesson of the Heart ;" Nov. 14. "-London,
Assurance " was given with this cast :

t-adv Cay Cushman

Mark Meddle Burton

Sir Harcourt

Max Harkawav . ■ ■ Susan Denin
Daxxle Charlo Fisher

Mark Smith Charles W. Iirlggs

On Nov. 16 the juvenile actress Anna Maria Quinn appeared in
"The Actress of All Work.'' in which she sustained seven different
characters; Nov. 21 "Paris and London" was done; Nov. 26
was produced a local drama called "_A_ Day in New York," —
Morning on the Battery — Noon in Broadway — Night in the Bowery.
Nov. 30, for the first time, a new comedy dramatized from Thack-
eray's novel, "_Vanity Fair " was acted, followed by the farce
"Burton Worried by Brougham." "^A_ Day in New York" was
also acted: Burton ' gppcarc3~as a docIT rat and an Irish apple
woman. J. Rogers, a comedian from London, made his Ameri: m
debut Dec. 2, as Tom Tippler in " You 're Sure to be Shot ; " the

rtsQ

TRIPLER HALL

44 1

travesty "Hamlet" was also given, with Brougham as Hamlet,
Mark Smith as Ophelia, and Burton as the Ghost.

Charles Mathews began an engagement Dec. 14, as Dazzle in
" London Assurance " Burton was Meddle; John Brougham, Max
Harkaway; Mark Smith, Sir Harcourt Courtlcy ; Dec. 15, 17, " Cure
for the Heartache," Mathews and Burton as Young and Old Rapid.
Mathews took his benefit Dec. 22, and played Charles Surface (first
time in America) in " The School for Scandal." The cast was :

Sir Oliver Burton

Sir Benjamin Brougham

Sir l'eter Mark Smith

Lady Teazle . Liwie W Davenport
Mrs. Candour Mrs. W. H. Smith

Joseph C. Fisher

Cralrtrce John Moore

Trip Dan Sctchell

Mows Seymour

Brougham's burlesque, " Columbus ^1 Filifrustero." with Brougham
as Columbus, Mark Smith as Ferdinand, ana Lizzie Weston Daven-
port as Columbia, was presented Dec. 30. Charles Mathews also
acted four parts and sang three songs in his own farce *' He Would
Be an Actor." ' ' A B_acQcJ°r,g, w ' fc • " wri«en for this theatre, was
produced Jan. ti, 1858, with Charles Mathews and John Brougham
in the cast. " Twelfth Night " was done Jan. 17, with this cast :

Or*ini Brfggs

Malvolio C. F(»her

Viola .... Lizzie W. Davenport
Sebastian UP. Barrett

Sir Andrew Aguechcek .C Matthew*
Tobr Belch . . . Wm. E. Burton

Fabian Dan Setchell

Olivia Amelia I'arker

Maria .... Mr». W. H. Smith |

" Old Heads a.rid Voung Hearts " was given Jan. 27, with Charles
Mathews as Littleton Coke, ancTChas. Fisher as Jessie Rural.

" The Merry Wives of Windsor " was played Jan. 30, for Burton's
benefit, with a cast that contained more sterling talent than was
ever before brought together in this country:

Sir John Fahtafl .... Burton Sir Hush C. Mathews

Master Slender Walcot The Jollv Host .... Brougham

Master Ford Fisher Justice Shallow .... Mark Smith

Master I 'age Bricg* ' Dr. Caius John Moon-

Pistol Sctchell Bardolph Seymour

Fenton Holman Corporal Nym McKae

Mrs Ford . . Lizzie \V. Davenport Mr» I'aj-e .... Ami-lia Barker

Dame Quickly . . . Mrs. Hu^hc Anne Page Miss Miller

Charles Mathews took a benefit Feb. 9, when " The Serious Fam-
ily " was acted, with John Brougham as Capt. Murphy Maguire,
C. Mathews as Charles Torrens. Burton as Aminadab Sleek, and
Lizzie Weston Davenport as Mrs. Torrens- " Romance and Reality,
ur the Young Virginian." was first played here Feb. 12. Mat news'
new farce "The Head of a Pin," was first produced Feb. 18.
Mathews took another benefit Feb. 20, and it was his last night. He
acted on that occasion seven parts, and sang three songs. He played

442 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C»»5»

a successful engagement of sixty nights. Charles Walcot took a
benefit Feb. 23. when ■ The Road to Ruin " was given. Burton as
Goldfinch in the third and fourth acts; Brougham was the Goldfinch
of the second act, and Walcot played it in the fifth act. "The
^nvgy* ^nd the Maiden." was seen for the first time here. Burton
appeared as Crummels. March i Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Davenport
appeared in "Richard III." and later in the "Struggle for Gold."
"Othello." and March 10. for the first time on any stage, the Ajncr-
ican_drama ""rt"- r"»p d'fttyr " On March 16 a new- play was
produced for the firsttime, entitled " T_hc Mormons, or Life in_Salt
.Lake City," by Thomas Dunn English, "f he Hutchinson Brothers,
gymnasts, made their American debut March 25.

Edwin Booth appeared April 5, as Pescara in " The Apostate." Mrs.
Hudson Kirby made her first appearance in this city, acting Florinda.
Later Booth acted Richelieu. Mrs. Kirby as Julie; also appearing
in • Hamlet ;" ■ A New Way to Pay Old Debts ; " April 9, " Richard
III.;" "The Robbers;" and "Taming of the Shrew" April 12
Brougham was seen in *' Columbus." and ■ The Rivals," Polly
Marshall acting Lucy in the comedy for the first time ; April 20 a
new play hv_ikougnam. called "The Great T'7gir- Revival." was
produced. April 26 was the first night of a new drama called " A
!.:. Among the, %«. <»f '■"■faw] »■*■! A"ffgi" On Mu> l Ev«
pla\s were acted, viti " My Friend in the Straps." a new play by
Brougham called "Jh* M"*irri Hi1', y \jovt at the Academy," "This
lifluse, to-htSold/' " The Man without a Head," and " Love "and
.Mjirder." jTrTTHackett playe^TalstaTTTiiayj, in •• The First' FarT
of King Henry VI." A season of Italian Opera was begun May to,
by La Grange. Ronconi, Mmc. Avagadro. Tiberini, Giorgio Ronconi,
Barilli. and Sig. Nicolao ; " I. EHair d'Amorc" was given. May 12.
" II Barbicre ; " May 14. " Linda di Chamounix ; " matinee May 15,
" L' Elisir d'Amore." A summer season was opened May 17, with
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews in "A Cure for the Heartache."
Mathews closed May 22. The Ronzani Ballet troupe commenced
23, when Annetta Galetti marie her first appearance in
America; May 24, first appearance in America of Mr. and Mrs.
Clarence Holt, who opened in "' Belphegor the Mountebank, or
Woman's Constancy." Then C. J. Smith joined the company, making
his first appearance in "Love's Sacrifice" Mav 27; "The Lady of
Lyons" and " Black Eyed Susan " were given May 28. Holt acting
Claude Melnotte and William; May 29 was the last night of the
season when " Ambition, or the Thrnne, th* Tomb/, an j th^ £
was played. In August Mr. Burton advert tod this house for sale
•nt.

The next season commenced under Mr. Burton's management,
with John Moore as stage manager, Aug. 30. The company was
about the same as that of the previous season. John E. Collins was

:858]

TRIPLE R HALL

443

the opening star, and played for two weeks. The week of Sept. 13
the " stock" v&& the attraction. The Strakosch Italian Opera com-
pany appeared Sept. 13, in " Lucrczia Borgia," and " Rory O'Moorc"
was acted by the dramatic company ; Sept. 14 Mme. Colson made
her American debut in " Li Figlia del Reggimento":

Marie Colson I Tonio Labocctta

Marchess Mom Sulplilo Harilli

Otcnsio Corradil Un Caporalc Kicbc

Sept. 15 J. B. Roberts appeared as Sir Giles Overreach in "A New
Way to Pay Old Debts; " Sept. [fi " La Figlia del Reggimento " was
repeated; Sept. 17 Roberts did " Richard III ;" Sept. 18 "La Tra-
viata" was sung, with Colson, Brignoli, and Amodio in the cast ;
Sept. 20 Roberts played "King Lear." The opera nights were
then fixed for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sept. 21 Marietta
G.-izzaniga appeared as Lconore, Mme. Strakosch as Aiucena, Bri-
gnoli as Manrico, Amodio as Count dl I .una. and Baiilli as Fernando
id " II Trovatore ; " " Richelieu " was done Sept. 22. Harry I-orainc
made his first appearance at this theatre, Sept. 24, acting Othello; J.
B. Roberts was Iago. A Sunday evening concert was given Sept.
26, when M. Junca first appeared in New York. His first appear-
ance in opera was Sept. 27, as Duke Alfonzo in " Lucrczia Borgia."
The Lucy Escott English Opera troupe first appeared in America
at this house Oct. 4, 1858, and consisted of Lucy Escott, Emma
Heywood, Harriet Payne (Mrs. Ayneslcy Cook), Henry Squires,
Brookhouse Bowler, Charles Durand, Aynesley Cook, and Edward
Rcyloff, musical conductor. " II Trovatore " was the first opera :

Leonore I.ucjr Kscott

Inez jVIiss While

Azuctna .... Emma Heywood

Count di Luna . . . Chas. Durand

Manrico Henry Squires

Ferrando Aynesley Cook

Owing to some difficulty with Burton, the theatre was suddenly
closed Oct. 12. Lucy Escott published a card in the newspapers of
Oct. 13th. to this effect : " That the cessation of performances by her-
self and company was solely the act of Burton, who has peremptorily
closed the theatre and refuses to fulfil his contract with her, on the
faith of which she was induced to leave England ; and she is ready
and willing, also the artists of the company, to perform their part Of
the engagement." The house remained closed until the fall season
opened, except Oct. 16, when the Strakosch Italian Opera company
gave three nights' performances, with Colson as Violetta in " La
Traviata;" Oct. 18 Mme. Cora De Wilhorst made her debut in
" I Pari tank" It was reopened Nov. 1 1, with a French performance
for the benefit of Mile. Juliette.

Burton's management terminated when the Escott troupe closed,
and that ended his managerial career. The popular feeling was
entirely against him for the intriguing manner in which he treated

444 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C*»

Laura Keene in getting possession of the theatre. In this specula-
tion Mr. Burton lost a large sum of money, and had he continued
much longer he might have been a ruined man. Wayne Olivine and
John Moore were the next leasees, who opened with the following
company: Ada Clifton. Annie Lonsdale, Mrs. H. C. Jordan. Wayne
Olwine. John Moore. Joseph Whiting. Delmon Grace, G. C. Jordan,
T. Baker, and H. Russell. Peter and Caroline Richings were the
first stars, and the opening play was ", Extremes." Peter Richings
was Mark Maybcrry; Caroline Richings. Mrs. Crosby; John Moore,
Higgins; Wayne Olwine, Sminley ; Harry Jordan, Gosh; Ada
Clifton, Virginia; and Annie Lonsdale. Nelly. This was Miss Lons-
dale's return to the stage. For their benefit, Dec. 3. Caroline and
Peter Richings appeared in " The Daughter of the Regiment " and
"GUri. the Maid of Milan," when Julia Daly (Mrs. Wayne Olwine)
first appeared here as Veshina in the latter opera. Miss Vanden-
hoffand Mr. Swinbourne appeared in " Woman's Heart" (first time

rin America); Dec. 13 " Hamlet" was given, with C. Carroll Hicks
as Hamlet ; Dec. 14 Geo. L. Aiken's version of " Uncle Tom's Cabin "
was produced :

Eliza Harm . . . . Ada Clifton j Eva Cordelia Howard

Aunt Ophelia . . Mrs. H. Jordan 1 Topsr . . . Mrs. C C. Howard
Marie St. daft . . . Lizzie Walton St Clair G. C. Howard

Chloe Mis» White

Uncle Tom .... H. C Jordan

Mark* T. Baker

Geo. Harris .... Delmon Grace

I'hineas Carroll Hicks

Wilson J. Whiting

Shelby Win. Ward

Barry Sullivan appeared in ■ Hamlet " Dec. 20, and later played in
" Richelieu ; " ■ The Lady of Lyons; " "The Gamester; " ■ Richard
III.;" "Hooey;" "Much Ado about Nothing." Sullivan as Bene-
dick. Fanny Morant as Beatrice, Wm. Davidge (first appearance
here) as Dogberry. Ada Clifton as Hero, William Reynolds (first
appearance in three years) as Don Pedro ; Dec. 30 Sullivan played
"King Lear," with J.H. Allen (first appearance) as Edgar; Jan. 1, 1859,
Sullivan acted Macbeth, and Fanny Morant, Lady Macbeth. The
Boiixary Ballet troupe, consisting of Cclcstinc Franck, Mons. and
Mmc. Bouxary, Ducy Banc, Vilardi Zolossy, and Mons. Gredfler,
came Jan. 6. " Oliver Twist " Jan. 8, with Cordelia Howard ami
parents in the cast; Joseph Proctor appeared Jan. 10 in " Virginius."
with John Moore as Den tat us and Ada Clifton as Virginia. Mr.
Proctor acted the Jibbenainosay in " Nick of the Woods," Jan. 14.
Geo. C. Charles, the Irish comedian, came Jan 25. "uur Female.
American Cousin " was acted Jan. 31. frith this cast:

Sir William Appleby ) 'moll : Thomas . . Hamblin

Clarence hitrhcrberi . Wayne Olwine I Lady Appleby . Mrs. II. I . Jordan

Gerald Appleby . . . Delmon Grace! Lady Mixington . . . Mrs. H. Moore

Parmclia . . . . . Julia Daly Bridget Miss Tom Baker

James Geo. Brooks I

««59 I

TRIPLKR HALL

445

On April 4, 1859, this house was opened as "The New Metro-
politan," with Brough & Whiting as lessees, and F. B. Conway as
manager. Jean Davenport was the first star, making her reappear-
ance in this city after an absence of five years. She produced "The
Czarina, or the Court of Russia," with this cast:

Czarina .... Jean Davenport
01*a . . . . Mrs. F. B Conway

Peter K. B. Conway

Prince ...... Charles Fisher

Couni Menzikoff . . \V. Reynolds

Admiral Da,

Count Ivan . . . W. II. Maddocks

" A Kiss in the Dark " followed, with Dawson as Sclim Pettibone,
Fanny Denham Rouse as Mary, Miss Miller as Mrs. SeJim Petti-
bone, and Mrs. l.c Brun as the Unknown. " Camille " was played
April 8, with F. B. Conway as Armand, Chas. Fisher as M. Duval,
Mrs. VV. H. Smith as Babillard, and Mrs. F. B. Conway as Helenc.
" Mesalliance, or Faith and Falsehood," was acted April 13, with
tills cast :

Leonle Jean Davenport

Countess d'Orby . Mrs. F. B. Conway

Louisa Miss Miller

Count d'Orby . . . . W. Reynolds

Ferdinand C. Barton Hill

Jean T. Baker

Joseph Shaw

Marquis Chas. Fisher

Master Goodwin . . . G. Farren

Finesse F. B. Conway

Magistrate . . . W. II. Maddocks

Doctoi W. R. Blake

D'Auvillc Howard

Keeper of Prison . . . Cunningham

This was Barton Hill's and G. Farrcn's first appearance in New
York. It was stated that " Mesalliance " was an original play, but
Barton Hill created considerable surprise at the first rehearsal by
exhibiting the original French play in published form. "Camille"
was revived April 22, and April 23 " Romeo and Juliet " was played,
with Miss Davenport as Juliet and Mr*. F. B. Conway as Romeo.
" Charlotte Corday. or The Reign of Terror," was acted May 2, for
the first time in this city. "The Jealous Wife" was the afterpiece.
"Medea" was played May 9, when Miss Davenport appeared as
Medea for the first time, F. B. Conway as Orpheus, Viola Crocker
(first time) as Creusa; Charles Fisher was the Jason. " Adrienne
.tJlcJSctrcss " was given May 10; "The Hunchback," May 13 ; the
ncwpJay- "Tviona Lisa," and the last act of " Masks and Faces," May
14. when the season closed.

A summer season commenced May 16, with James H. r lackctt as
Sir John Falstaff in " The Merry Wives of Windsor." Hackctt
acted "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Kcntuckian's Trip lo New
York," May 19; t^athcrinc Luccttc and Captain Mm ion Prii
their American d£but May 25. in "A Delicate Ground," " All 's Fair
in Love," and "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady." " Louise de
Ligncrollcs, or A Wife's Devotion," was first acted here May 26. A

446 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««»

benefit for the Mount Vernon Fund took place June 2 and 4, when
the new American opera " Flora, or the Gypsy's Frolic,'' by Dr. Thos.
Ward, was first presented,~ahd with this cast : *"■""

Lady Flora - . - Adelaide Phillips

Marie Kate Duckworth

Dame Popinjay . Ml* W. H. Smith
Count Ernest * . Chas. Guilmelte

Annette .
Claude
Gipsey
Jacques

Catharine Locctte
. . \V. H. Cooke
. . Lqcy Escott
A Gent of this City

The theatre closed July 5, for alterations and repairs, and reopened
June 8, with the following company : Wm. Rufus Blake, John
Brougham, John Dyott, C. Barton Hill. David Whiting, S Baker,
Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Conway, Charles M. Walcot, George Holland,
; Duflield, W. Reynolds, Mr. and Mi,. H. Howard, Mrs. \V. II.
Smith, Sara Stevens, Ada Clifton, and Viola Crocker. E, Mollenhaucr,
leader; A. T. Whitney, treasurer; P". B. Conway, manager. I
comedies were acted for two weeks, including "The Rivals," John
Brougham as Sir Lucius O'Triggcr, W. R. Blake as Sir Anthony. P.
B. Conway as Captain Absolute, Chas. Walcot as Bob Acres, Barton
Hill as Falkland, George Holland as David, Mrs. F. B. Conway as
Lydia Languish. Ada Clifton as Julia, Mrs. W. H. Smith as Mrs.
Malaprop, and Viola Crocker as Lucy; "John Bull ;" "The School
for Scandal ; " " London Aasu ranee ;" and " The Rivals." Brougham's
play, " Art and Artifice," was done June 20, with this cast :

. . . T. Hodges

Mrs. F. B. Conway

. Ada Clifton

Mrs. W. H. Smith

Suentin Matxys . . . F. B. Conway Jacob Vilt .
ontv Wilde . . . John Brougham Alyic . .

Martin John Dyott Gertrude . ,

Hans Wictle C. Walcot Thckca . . .

Hermyn Van Twylt . . Geo. Holland

> This play was originally produced at the Old Bowery Theatre
S. B. Dufficld was the next lessee and manager, ana opened June
25, with "The Road to Ruin," when Mary Gannon and Mrs. Vernon
made their first appearances here as Sophia and Widow Warren.
The burlesque of " Pocahontas," and "A Day after the Fair, or the
.Cottage by the Roadside, wnUgiLfef&ffl. Holland, followed' , wilb
Holland AS Telly", SAW Wax, and MUe. biimpolino. Davey as Ster-
ling, Mary Gannon as Folly ; after which came ".Columbus cl Fili-
bustero." "Bleak House" was acted July II. The theatre was
then closed, and extensive alterations made during the summer under
the direction of Dion Bourcicault. The house was sumptuous, ele-
gant, and tasteful throughout, and the alterations were ttid to have
cost $20,000. The curtain opening was 36 feet wide and 28 feet
high. The stage, one of the largest in the world, was too feet wide.
This house now received its new name of "The Winter Garden
Theatre," by which it was known till the date of its destruction. The
initial performance of the season occurred Sept. 14, when Bomcicault's
version of " A Cricket on the Hearth," was given with this fine cast :

■aag

TRIl'LER HALL

447

John Perrybtngle . . Harry Pearson

Dot Agnes Robertson

Tilly Skwboy . . . Mrs. John Wood
Caleb Plummcr . . Joseph Jefferson
Bertha Sara Stevens

Edward F'lummer
Mrs. Fielding
Tacklcton . . .
May Fielding . .

. A. H. Davenport

Mrs. W. K- Blake

T. B. Johnson

. Mrs. J. H. Allen

William Stuart was manager.

'• ThcOctoroon " was played for the first time here Jan. I, i860.
It had a successful run, and it was produced under the direction of
Joseph Jefferson, the stage manager. This was the cast :

Salem Scuddcr . . Joseph Jcftvrson

Sunnysidc Geo. Holland

Geo. Peyton ... A. H. Davenport

Paul lone Burke

Wah-no-tee H. Pearson

McCloskey F. C Bangs

Pete Geo. laatton

Dora Sunnvsidc . Mrs. J. H. Stoddarl
Mrs. Peyton . . Mrs. W. R. Blake
Zoe Mrs. J. 11. All

Matilda Heron appeared Jan. 23, with for the first time in this
city, her adaptation of Latour's play, " Lcsbia

Lesbia Matilda Heron GaliCDO George Jordan

Viola Louise Allen Sholuro George Jar

Orseolo . . . . J. W. Wallack. Jr. Ra»po T. B. Johnson

The Doge J. H- Stoddart

The theatre closed Feb. 1, for a rehearsal of Joseph Jefferson's
adaptation of Dickens' " Oliver Twist*" produced Feb. 2, with this
cast:

Nancy Sikes .... Matilda Heron
Bill Sikes .... George Jordan

Bumble George Holland

Oliver Twist lone Burke

Brownlow J. H Stoddart

Kagin . . .
1 1 Dodger

Fanny . .' .

J. W. Wallack. Jr.
■ . T. B. Johnson
Mrs. W. R. Blake
. . Mmc. Ponisi

Feb. 20 Mrs. John Wood appeared. " Ivanhoe " was played
March 5, with Mrs. Wood in the principal role. Kate Bateman re-
appeared March 19, after an absence of five years, in " Evangeline."

. . . . II. Pc-.irson
. Mrs Henry Vininjj
Chas. Kemble Mason

Mvangcline .... Kate Bateman Baxil . .

Baptiste .... Joseph Jefferson Mmc. Latour

Gabriel George Jordan Benedict

Father Fcllcien . . . J. H. Stoddart

A season ol Italian opera began April 1 1, under the direction of
Max Maretzek. with ■ Lucia di Lammermoor." Mons. and Mmc.
(lasher and Krrani, were in the organization. Sig. Stigclli first
appeared April 16, in " Ernani." Mmc. Fabri was the Elvira. "La
Juivc '* was sung for the first time in America, by Maretzek company
April 30. Julia Dean Hayne appeared June 5, as Pauline in "The
I-ady of Lyons." John T. Raymond was seen in a farce. E. G. P.
\Vilkins' ",Yo»ng New York," was done June 11. Jamison's original
drama " The (Jlil >n, or the Real Uncle Tom^*~was acted for

the first time June 21, iRBoT"

448 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE f>

Dean

Robert C Barton HiH

Edward MelriOe . . . B. Ringgold
Aral Hcmter .... Mb* Deokam
Virginia . Mrv H. Bind

Mae Hetty )■&

Uncle Toa . . . Ceo. W. Jamison

Dab* SanSteimts

Talbot .... Hnaohrcy BUad
Pete Harry Jordan

Julia Dean Hayne took her farewell benefit Jane 29. when she
acted Mrs. Chillington in " A Morning Call," and Kaiharina, to C.
Barton Hill's Petruehio. in " The Taming of the Shrew." July 2,
Agnes Robertson was seen in
no* ; '* July 7. "-The Colleen Bawn '
son as Eileen O'Connor, Boucicaul
Kcignolds as Ann Chute, Mroe. Ponisi as Sirs. Cretan. 1". B. John-
son as Danny Mann, and J. H. Stoddart as Kyrlc Daly. The
Ravels, for the first time in twenty-five years, left Ni bio's to appear
at an uptown theatre. They appeared here July 23, in '• Kjrn Ka,"
and '■* Vol au \Vnt." In the organization were Gabriel and Francois
Ravel, George M. I .eh man, Miss Francis, Mile. Leontinc,
Shaw, Miss Chiarini. Young America, and Mons. Tophoff. William
Rufus Blake took a benefit July 19, when " Grandfather Whitehead."
"The Latest from New York," the fourth act of "'The Merchant of
Venice," " The Last Man.** and dancing by Mmc. Savilia made up
the programme. Among those who acted were Alice Mann (first
appearance' in this city), Harry Placide, Mr. and Mrs. Barney Wil-
liams. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack. Jr.. Geo. Jordan. Blake. A. W.
Young, John Dyoit, A. H- Davenport, and Mary Gannon.

Pro?. John Anderson, the " Wizard of the North," rented the house
for three weeks, and began Aug. 20. The season of 1860-1 com-
menced Sept. 10, with Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams in "AH Hallow
_J»*e," "An Hour in Seville." " ThsJrjsh Tiger," and the National
anthem "The Star Spangled Banner. 3v W. Jackson was the
manager, and Wm. S. Fredericks stage manager. The company was
as follows: Ada Clifton. Sophie Gimber. Mrs. Dufneld, Mrs. Thome,
Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau. Mrs. John Sefton, Mrs. George Stoddart, C.
W. Couldock, Wm. Davidge, J. H. Stoddart. Geo. Stoddart, Chas.
R. Tborne, Jr., Owen Marlowe, M. V. Lingham, John Dyott, S I)
Johnson, and others. " Phclim O'Donncll and the I.eprachaun."
was first acted Sept. 21, with Barney Williams in the title r61c.
The play was not a success. The extravaganza "The Magic Joke,
or Prince Doloroso," by the Brough Bros., was given for the first
time Sept. 24, Mrs. Williams appearing as Prince Doloroso. Mr.
and Mrs. Barney Williams took a benefit Sept. 28, when Young
America, a pupil of Gabriel Ravel, gave a performance on the

b i|K:ZC.

Charlotte Cushman. after an absence of three years, appeared here
Oct. 1, in "The Stranger." John Dyott was engaged as special
support. This play was repeated Oct. 2. " Fazio" was acted Oct.

i860

TR1PLER HALL

449

3, 4, 5. and Ada Clifton played Aldabclla to Miss Cushman's Bianca.
" Romeo and Juliet " followed, with Miss Cushman as Romeo and
Mrs. D. P. Bowers as Juliet; Oct. 16. 17. "Macbeth," the star as
Lady Macbeth, Couldock as Macbeth, John Dyott as Macduff; Oct.
19 she acted Juliana in " The Honeymoon," and Queen Kathcrinc
in fourth act of " Henry VIII.;" Oct. 20, "Guy Mannering" was
given :

Mcst Merrilies
( hi Maanertng ,
Henry Bertram .
Dominie Sampson
Dandy Dinmont .

C. Cushman
M. V. LlogJMua

James Dunn
. . . Davidgt
. . Couldork

Franco Chaa. Edwin

Jock Jabua Emm

li.it ne« Mr. Clarke

Miss Mannering .... Miss Clifton
Lury Bertram . . .Mm. Chant r.ui

On Oct. 21, Miss Cushman appeared as Juliana and Mrs. Simpson
in " The Honeymoon," and the farce " Simpson & Co. ; " Oct. 22, for
the first time in America, Miss Cushman acted Lady Clifton in
" Aged Forty, or a Lesson of the Heart." She also appeared as
Cardinal VVolsey in " Henry VIII." She closed Oct. 24, when Miss
Powell made her debut acting Sophia in " The Rendezvous," and
Gertrude in "The Loan of a Lover.'

Edwin Booth returned Nov. 26. with " Hamlet," supported by W.
S. Fredericks as the Ghost; M. V. Lingham, Laertes; Wm. Davidge,
First Gravedigger ; J. H. Stoddart. Second Gravedigger ; Ada Clifton,
Ophelia; and Mrs. Duftteld, Queen Gertrude. Nov. 29 "The Apos-
tate " was given, with John B. Studley (his first appearance here)
a* Hemeya. I lie same evening " Betsy Baker " and "My Young
Wife and Old Umbrella " were played. " Richelieu " was acted Nov.
30, and later " Richard III." and " Othello ; " " Romeo and Juliet "
Dec. ly. when Amy Elliott (real name Dinsmorc) made her first
appearance on the stage, acting Juliet. "Brutus" was given
Dec. 22. with "Taming of the Shrew," which terminated Booth's
engagement.

Joseph Jefferson began an engagement Dec. 24, in " Rip Van
-W|n.klf-" Jan. 1, 1861, Mr. Jefferson acted Newman Noggs, in
" Nil Iwi.i-. \icklcby," Lullaby in " A Conjugal LfiSSOD," Mid DlggOTJT
in "The Spectre Bridegroom." Byron's burlesque " Mazeppa. or
the Fiery. Untamed, Rocking Horse," was acted for the first time in
America Jan. 7, with Jefferson as Mazeppa ; he also played Golightly,
in " Lend Me Five Shillings," and Tobias Shortcut, in " The Spitfire,"
the same date. His engagement closed Jan. 19. and Edwin Booth
reappeared Jan. 21, as Brutus. Amy Elliott Dinsmorc, appeared
Jan. 22, as Julia in "The Hunchback." with John Dyott as M.i
Walter, and Boothroyd Fairclough (his first aspearance at this
theatre) as Sir Thomas Clifford. Booth played " Richelieu " Jan. 28,
" A New Way to Pay Old Debts" Feb. 1, " Macbeth " Feb. 4, Booth
as Macbeth for the first time in this city. "The Iron Chest" and
"Don Ca:sar dc Bazan " Feb. 8, and Feb. it, "The Merchant of

450 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D*«

Venice." Booth acting Sbylock for the first time. "Othello" Feb.
18, with Booth as Othello, and J. VV. Wallack, Jr.. as Iago. Charlotte
Cushman reappeared Feb. 25, in "Ohjxi_Twist •' •

Famn J. W Wallack. Jr.

BIlTSikes .... J. B. Stiidlcy
Artful Dodger . . . S. D. Johnson
Beadle Bumble . . . Wm. Davidgc

Fang Owen Marlowe

Oliver Twist - . Mrs Ceo. Stoddari
Nancy Sikes . . Charlotte Cushman

"Guy Mannering" was presented March II, with Cushman as
Meg Merrilies and J. \V. Wallack as Dandy Dinmont. For her
benefit she acted Lidy Teazle, Wallack as Charles Surface, and
Ranger as Sir Peter Tea2le. Jane Coombs appeared here March 1 1 .
as Margaret Elmore, in " Love's Sacrifice." "The Ladyof Lyons."
" The Stranger." " Love Chase," " The Wife's Secret," "The Honey-
moon," and "Romeo and Juliet," were given during her engagement
stay. F. S. Chanfrau was seen March 25, in "Th«* Hidden Hand."
Chanfrau as Wool, Robert Johnston as Old Hurricane (his first
appearance at this theatre). Annette Ince made her New York
dc"but March 27, as the Countess in " Love." She afterwards acted
Parthcnia to Robert Johnston's Ingomar.

John Sleeper Clarke made his New York debut April 1. in Tom
Taylor's " Babes in the Wood," acted for the first time in America,
and with this cast :

Jeremiah Beetle . . . John S. Clarke Todd S. D. Johnson

Frank Rushion .... Barton Hill Peacock Mis* Tree

Earl of Laienby . . J. H. Stoddart Mrs. Beetle . - Mrs. V. S. Chanfrau

Tommy Slidell . . . Owen Marlowe | Trotter Mrs. Dunn

Sir George Loosestrife George Stoddart I

William Davidge took a benefit April 13, when he played Jem
Bum in " Wandering Minstrel," and Charles Dillon acted Belphegor.
Dillon went to Australia in 1863. He reappeared in this country
May. 1866, at Niblo's Garden. He dropped dead in England, June
24, 1881.

Edwin Booth returned here April 15, as Shylock. A summer
season began April 29, with Joseph Jefferson and Mrs. John Wood
as the attractions. Charles M. Walcoi's "Hiawatha, or Ardent
Spirits and Laughing Waters," was presented .May 6. Jcffei
took iTbeTiefit May 13, when "Jenny Lind" and "Mazeppa" were

Jiven. Mrs. John Wood appeared May 16, as Don Leander to
effcrson's Prince Furibond in " The Invisible Prince." The farce
" Bowled Out," had its first representation in America May 22. The
cast was: Ezckicl. Joseph Jefferson; Bob Quarms, Wm. Davidge;
Arlington, Owen Marlowe ; Sarah Ann, Mrs. John Wood; Marian,
Mrs. Chanfrau. Charlotte Nickinson (Mrs. Owen Marlowe) first
appeared here May 24, for the benefit of Mrs. John Wood. "Ou.r
American Cousin at Home, or Lord Dundreary Abroad" was given

I*lj

TR1PI.KK HALL

45'

May 25. with E. A. Sothcrn as Dundreary and Brother Sam. to the
Binney of Wm. Rums Blake.

Lawrence Barrett, Charles Fisher, and Mrs. Howard appeared July
1. in Sothcrn'* adaptation from the French entitled "Suspense."
Mrs. F~. j>. cnantrau had her benefit July 10, when Marl; Smith, F.
S. Chanfrau. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Norton, Mr. and Mrs. George
Boniface were seen in 'lJhe_St>ge Struck Barber; " "To Parents,
Md Guardians," and " Raising 3k Wind." Mark Smith »8nt to
Europe in 1 874. On his way to the railway train in Paris, he was
seized with apoplexy, and died Anc, it. 1874. America lost one of
her most sterling actors in Mark Smith, for few ranked higher than
he. His name is associated with almost all the great triumphs of
the New York stage. He was one of the very best representatives
of the " Gentleman of the Old School " — polished and precise. He
was styled the Farren «>f the American stage.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. J. Florence appeared July 15. 1861. and con-
tinued to the close of the season, Aug. 17. John S. Clarke opened
a preliminary season, Aug. 19, with Mrs. K. N. Thayer, Mrs. Alcxina
Fisher Baker, Mrs. P. S. Chanfrau, Barton Hill, Lewis Baker. Owen
Marlowe, H. Wall, Thomas J. Hind and others in the company.
Clarke continued for three weeks, and the regular season commenced
Sept. 9, with A. W. Jackson, manager ; Mrs. John Wood was the
first star, and in the company were: Ada Clifton, Mrs. I/jthian, Miss
Bennett. Alexina Fisher Baker. Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau, Mrs. W. R.
Blake, Mrs. Owen Marlowe, Emma Skerrett, Barton Hill, Lewis
Baker. A. H. Davcnjwrt, Owen Marlowe, J. H. Stoddarl. Harry
Pearson, and others. The first novelty was the burlesque of " Cin-
derclla," with this cast :

Cinderella. . . . Mrs. John Wood | Prince Kodolph
Miss Palchoolla • . . . Ada Clifton Baron Soldolt
Miss kondelitia . Mm. Emma Skerrett i Capillars . .
Karoness Soldoft* . Mrs. W. R. Wake I

A. H. Davenport
. . Lewi* Bum
. Harry Pearson

A disturbance was expected this night, as it was the first appear-
ance of A. H. (Dolly) Davenport since his connection with the
" Cocktail Guards " in New Orleans. When Davenport appeared
on the stage there was an outbreak among the audience. There
were hisses and applause as well, for the actor's friends were out in
force. In the midst of the uproar Mrs. John Wood took Davenport
by the hand, and led him to the footlights. " Forgive him," shesaid,
" and the boy won't do so any more." That put the audience in a
good humor and turned the tide in favor of the actor, who was
forgiven.

" New York Wives, or a Lesson for Gentlemen," was a new come-
dietta presented Sept 16. "An Actress by Daylight" was revived
Sept. 30, with Mrs. John Wood as Anne Braccgirdlc. Scnorita Isa-

452 A HISTORY OF THK NEW YORK STAGE L'**

bcl Cubas, the Spanish danseuse, and Scnor Juan Ximines made
their American debut on this occasion. Cubas continued as one of
the attractions for a week, after which she went to Boston, and
appeared on the "off nights" of Edwin Forrest at the Boston
Theatre. In December, 1861, Cubas went on a travelling tour with
a ballet troupe and a dramatic company, under the direction of
James M. Nixon. The writer of this was engaged as business mana-
ger, and accompanied the organization throughout the West and
South for over two years. Cubas' repertory 0? dramas consisted of
'•The Wizard Skiff." "Masanicllo" and "The French Spy." She
was a clever pantomimist. and an exquisite dancer. She danced with
a fire and passion which seemed irresistible. Her first attempt at a
speaking part was as Narramatta in " Wqpt of the. Wish -Ton-Wish."
when she had the one word of "Father" to exclaim, just as the
curtain descended. She succeeded in saying " Farder." She died
in this city June 20, 1864, and was buried in Greenwood cemetery.
Koppitz having withdrawn as musical director, Edward Mollen-
hauer took his place. " The Cup and the Lip " was a dramatization
from the French of " LcTcstamcnt de Cesar Girodot," and was
given here for the first time Oct. 7, with this cast:

Is.tdorc Girodot .
Celestin . . .
Monx. Massias •
Ijnglumcau . .
Lucien . . .
Modi. Lebuchor

. . Charles Walcot
Charles Walcot, Jr.
C. K. Mason
. . Charles Hale
■ ■ . barton Hill
. William Davidge

Felix Girodot ... T. E. Morris
Mons. Scribe . . . . T. J. Hind

Hortcuc Ada Clifton

Clementine . .Mrs. Charles Walcot

Pauline Fanny France

Servants . . C. Edwin and Edwards

This was the first appearance in New York of Chas. Walcot in
"JvJapolfnn rhr Crraj " and " Lavatcr, or Not a Bad Judge," Oct. 14,
and for Walcot's benefit. Oct. 18. the bill was " Box and Cox." " A
Pretty Piece of Business." and " Shocking Events." John S. Clarke
reappeared Oct- 21 , in " Paul Pry " and " P. P., or the Man and the
Tiger." Clarke was seen as Salem Scudder in " Ihe Octoroon," for
the first time, Oct. 23. Julia Daly was the next star, and appeared
in "iOtK_FjanaJc_American Cousin" Nov. 11. "Joe-Octoroon " was
also "given, withDbTTy"" Daveli poft as Salem Scudder. ^TKen came
Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams for seven weeks, who began Nov. 18,
and closed Jan. 4, 1862. Harry Morfonl's new play "jStcccsh," first
saw light Dec. 2. It was a failure! Hie Williamscs produced a new
Irish drama, called "The Lily of Killarncy, or the Brides of Glen-
gariff," Dec. 19. — *~"

John S. Clarke reappeared Jan. 6 and 8, 1862. in " Dot," playing
Tilly Slowboy ; Jan. 14 he acted Schnapps in "The Naiad Queen ; "
Jan. 20, " The Sentinel of the Ni^ht." Cubas and Ximines (male
dancer) appeared Feb. 3. Johnl£ Clarke was seen Feb. to, as
Aminadab Sleek in " The Serious Family." Davidge, Saphor Evans,
and Jeffries executed a comic dance incidental to the comedy.

i86i]

TRIPLER HALL

453

" Uncle Tom's Cabin " was reproduced Feb. 25, with Fanny
Brown as "lopsy. John S. Clarke returned March 3, and for his
benefit. March 7, produced a new local comicality, entitled •; Paul

_Pry_in New York." The season closed March 6, and a spring sea-
son commenced March 12, when, after an absence of two years,.
Matilda Heron reappeared in a new play by herself, entitled '^Thg.

_Bene"of the ScagooVLghich had this cast:

Florence Upperton . . Matilda Heron
Molly Hardtoil . Mrs. Mary Gladstone
Ellia Hookie .... Annie Willces
Mr*. Upperton . Mrs. H. P. Gnttaa
Madame Hookie . Mrs. Charles Walcot

Alice Fanny Brown

Susan Minnie Monk

Mrs. Chandler .... Ada Monk

Misery Ma Flynn

ird Hardtoil . . . liarton Hill
Charles Upperton . A. H. Davenport

Mr. Prosper J. J. Prior

Tom I.cman . . . W. Davidgr
Mr. Curtux . . Charles Walcot, Jr.

Mr Lowe W. Davidge

Mrs. Hardy .... Mrs. Walcot
William Acton . . A. H. Davenport
Janelte Fanny Brown

This was the first appearance in this city of Mary Gladstane,— '
and the first appearance at this theatre of J. J. Prior.

"Camillc" was revived March 24, with Matilda Heron as the
heroine, Barton Hill as Armand, and Chas. Walcot as De Varville.
"Sybil," an American tragedy, hy John Ravage, was first actc<i\
April 7, with this cast:

Sybil Matilda Heron

Eustache Clifdeo . . . Barton HOI

Kufus Wolfe J. J. Prior

Barnabas C. Walcot, Jr.

"Dolly" Davenport took a benefit April 12, and had the follow-
ing volunteers: Geo. L. Fox, Eph Horn, J. Nunan, Maurice B.
I'ik.-. and Fanny Herring. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams reap-
peared April r.4 and 15, for the benefit of N. B. Clarke. Kate
lhtcman appeared April 21, in "The Hunchback," with Jas. W.
Wallack, Jr., as Master Walter, Edwin Adams as Sir Thomas
Clifford, A. H. Davenport as Modus, Wm. Davidgc, Fathom;
Grosvenor and Rand (their first appearance here), as Master Wil-
ford and Lord Tinsel; Miss Batcman, Julia; and Mrs. Chanfrau,
Helen. April 22 Miss Bateman was seen as Lady Gay Spanker
in " London Assurance." Henry Placide as Sir Harcourt, Edwin
Adams as Charles, Mr. Wallack as Dazzle, A. H. Davenport, Dolly
Spanker, Wm. Davidgc, as Meddle. "(ieraldinc" was revived May_
12. A new play by H. I- Batcman, entitled " Rose Grcgorio, or)
the Corsican Vendetta,"' ' was first acted, May 21, and thus cut:

. Miss Bateman ]

|,i„ W Wallack, Jr. Kusa Gregorio

Albert . -

Antonio F.dwin Adams

Grcgorio . . . T. B. De Waldcn

Spagazza A. D. Bradley

Ccrespo AH. Davenport

Ma rid
Yacintha

C'arin.i

Mrs. W. R. Blake
. Mrs. T. J. Hind
Mrs. Chanfrau

This was the last appearance of Mrs. William Rufus Blake,
formerly Caroline Placide, on the stage- She was engaged for
the following season at I .aura Keene's Theatre, but an attack of

454 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE rjiss*

nervous prostration prevented her from appearing. She died at
g Branch, N. J.. May 21, 1881. As a general actress she had
very few superiors, for she was at ease in tragedy, comedy, opera, or
farce. She was the original Clorinda in "Cinderella " in America.
^' Thomas BJades, pc Wqldgn (right name Blades) reappeared on
the New York stage during Kate I5ateman"5 engagement. M r.
Dc Waldcn had played at the old Park Theatre Dec. 20, 1844,
acting Bclmourin"fs He Jealous?" but did not achieve marked
success. Keeling satisfied that he could never attain to eminence
in the profession, he turned his attention to dramatic writing, and
his works became quite prolific and in most'taSes successful. He
was the author of "Sam," in which F. S. Chanfrau achieved a
mtable success. ltfay"7T"l857, he paid a visit to his native Eng-
land. On his return to America, in September, 1858, he devoted
himself to commercial pursuits, but was unsuccessful, losing all
his money, which necessitated his again appearing on the stage
and resuming dramatic writing. During F. S. Chanfrau's engage-
ment at the Broadway Theatre (Broome Street), when " Sam " had
a prolonged run, he acted the character of Bill Crockett. For
some years he was the business manager for Mr. Chanfrau. His
last dramatic work was the construction of a play, in five parts, for
E. Eddy, from the five Leather Stocking talcs by J. Fcnimorc
Cooper, and entitled "The Life and Death of Najtjr Bun^o."
[ He died in this city, jjept. 26, 1873.

Professor Anderson was the next manager of this theatre, and
he opened June 9, with the burlesque, " The. Wizard's Tempest,"
by Charles G^ylcr. with Emily Thome, lone Hurkc, Alary Bul-
lock, Louise Anderson, Miss Hackurt, Mrs. Mark Smith, Chas.
Hale, J. G. Burnett. C. Burnett. A. D. Bradley, Professor Ander-
son, Nickinson, George D. Chapin. Henry Russell, F. !•'.•■
Jeffries, T. E. Morris, and Sam Hemple in Ihe cast. This
was Emily Thome's American debut. " Rob Roy " was acted
June 30, and the house was closed July 3, owing to the illness of
Anderson. It was reopened July 4 with "The Wizard's Tempest. "
William M. Fleming assumed the management July 14 and his
first star was Julia Daly in " Our American Fcmalc_Cjwsin." The
roller skater, Jackson Haines, appeared iluringTTcming's season.
Isabella Freeman appeared July 21 in "The Merchant of Venice,"
with Fleming as Shy lock. Mary Provost played Lady Gay Spanker
in"LjJUi!on Assurance" July 23 for the benefit of W. M. Fleming.
The next »t 11 ii. K ush, who opened July 24 as Bianca in

"Fazio." Moses W. Fiske made his first appearance at this house
July 28 as Bob Nettles in 'To I'arcnts and Guardians," for the
benefit of Fanny Brown. Moses W. Fiske was found dead in
bed at Dayton, O., March 20, 1887.

Geo. Marlow's version of " Fapchon," was acted July 29, by

«»63]

TRIPLER HALL

455

Miss Rush. Mrs. Scdlcy Brown (now known as Mrs. Sol Smith)
appeared Aug. i, as Margery in "A Rough Diamond," and in the
burlesque of "The Colleen Bawn Settled at Last.'" She was the
dnghter of MfT'and Mrs. W. Medley Smith. She made her debut
at Boston, Mass., in June, 1862. She opened at Laura Kccne's
Varieties (afterwards Olympic), as Margery, Oct. 1, 1862. She
was then known as Mrs. Sedley Brown. She obtained a divorce
from Mr. Brown, and was married to Sol Smith in New York.
On Aug. 4 a complimentary benefit to Professor Anderson was
given under the auspices of the Caledonian Club, Burns Club, and
Thistle Society. "The Vermont Wool Dealer," "A Roland for
an Oliver," "Irish Lion,J' "Cramond Brig," and a concert by
Madame Strakosch, Signor Songlia. MY. and Mrs. W. J. Flor-
ence, Mr. and Master Sedgwick, and the companies of Wallack's,
Niblo's, Winter Garden, and Christy's Minstrels, contributed to
the programme.

Kmeline Claire made her American debut Aug. 5, as Juliana in
"The Honeymoon." The Kxcelsior Sickles Brigade had a benefit
Aug. 6, when "The Hunchback" was played, with Jane Coombs,
M. Miranda, Harry Pearson, Emily Thornc, W. R. Floyd, and
others in the cast. The season closed Aug. 8 with a joint benefit
to Jas. W. Collier and A. H. Davenport. Maggie Mitchell played
"Fanchon."

The third season under A. W. Jackson's management com-
menced Aug. 25, 1862. The company consisted of C. W. Clarke,
Dclmon Grace, J. F. Hagan, Hind, H i 1 by, Wilkins, Rycr, Dav-
idgc, Sr., Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Scott, Mrs.
Walcot, Mrs. Skcrrctt, Miss Brown, Mrs. Floyd, and Lewis Baker.
Kate Batcman was the star for four weeks, supported by Kdwin
Adams and J. W. Wallack, Jr. For her benefit, Sept. 26 she
presented ".Beatrice, the Madonna of Art." Edwin Booth ap-
peared SeptT 29. He had butTately returned from Europe. Dur-
ing his engagement of seven weeks the plays produced were:
"Othello," "The Merchant of Venice," "Brutus," "Richelieu,"
" Hamlet," " Richard III.." " Romeo and Juliet," "The Apostate,"
"The 1-ady of Lyons," "Don Caesar dc Bazan," and "The Iron
Chest." Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Conway were in the company during
this engagement. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams played an eight
weeks' engagement, terminating Jan. 15, 1863. They were fol-
lowed, Jan. 17, by Charles W. Couldock as Peter Probity in "The
Chimney Corner." Isabel Cubas also appeared in "The French
Spy."

Kdwin Booth returned Feb. 9 for two weeks, and had the sup-
port of Lawrence Barrett, Geo. Jamison, Mrs. Wilkinson, and
Ada Clifton. The pieces played were " Hamlet," "Othello," "The
Merchant of Venice," "Richard HI.," and "Richelieu." He also

456 A HISTORY OF THE XEW YORK STAGE f>

appeared as lag o. Jfa£X_£n>*oat case Feb. 23 as Parthcnia to
Barrett's logomar, aad Feb. 25 she was sees in "The King's
Rival" March 2 "Lwcie d'ArviUe." a drama of ber ova, was
fives by Mtw. Provost aad cast as follows: Eugene, Lawrence
Barrett; Papelin. Waa. Drodge; Chevalier de Pitnr, J- F- Hagaa;
Gardiner. T. E. Morris; Lucie, Mary Provost; Countess, Fanay
Brown. Dan Setcbell played Captain Cottle in "_

. " and Mme. Vanderpaats in "Wanted, Ogr TaO—iaT Mi Hi
new," March 19, for the benefit of S- U&nC^ John T. Rarojond
and* Walter Lennox, who had some difficulty with Laara Kcene,
took a benefit March 20. ~ The Loan of a Lover" was played, with
Mrs. John Wood as Gertrude.

Lucille West era appeared here March 23. in "East Lynne."
The terms of this engagement with Manager A W. Jackson were
that she shook] receive one half the gross receipts, if they were
over $700 nightly, while, if they were below that figure, she should
share all above £3501 The receipts were never so low as $;oa
East Lyjuk," which I-ucillc Western had bought of Clifton W.
for SiOOt ran at this house from March 23 to April 1 5,
inclusive. Her performance in " *lf'> ChJId §t"V*r " W»H *°°fi be
remembered, if only for the repellent force of her "drunken busi-
ness." Her repertory was far reaching. She played "The Sea of
Ice," "Oliver Twit" "Ti^ rw.u <?>^w " Lucreiia Borgia,"
"Handy Andy." "Green Bashes," "Rosina Meadows," "Flowers
of the Forest," "Robber's Wife." "FW Lmmh»." "Camillc,"
"Gjmea. "Masks and Faces." "Satan in Paris," "Oliver Twist,"
"The Eton Boy," "The Loan of a Lover," " XheAcUcsj nf fodua, "
"The French Spy." ■ Don Caesar dc Bazan," Mrs. Hallcr in "The
Stranger," and Juliana in "The Honeymoon." John S. Clarke
reappeared here April 27. in a new drama entitled *' Luck, or the
Gentleman of Nature. " adapted for him byJL_R De Walden, with
••-.! •..;. Peta wEhb, Uba & Chrfce] JacoB Urookry, L P.

Barrett; Hon. Felix Filer, A. H. Davenport; Capt." George
lyn, J. F. Hagan; Marion Evelyn, Ada Clifton; Minnie,
Fanny Brown; Jane Mordaunt, Mrs. Howard.

Mile. Felicita Vcstvali came here March 25 in English opera,
under the direction of Carl Anschutz. *' Orpheus, or The Trial
of I-ove," was given for the first time in~Wew York : Orpheus,
Felicita Vcstvali; Eurydice, Johanna Rotter; Goddess of Love,
Mina Geary; Hymen. Miss Kemble; Spirit of Good, Miss Drome;
Pluto, M. Fouche. "Jiefcorah," a version of " Leah," by Isaac C
Pray, May 30, with this cast : ~~~~~~

Jovnh Lawrence Barrett I Dr. Hani James Martin

Reuben .... A. H. Davenport Abraham T. J. Hind

Nathaa .... George Jamison j Haona Ann Hyatt

I'av.or Zeunei - Harr> Prarton Deborah .... Catherine Selden
Lorenzo T. fc. Morris I

«86j:

TRIPLER HALL

457

"II Trovatore" was given in Italian for three nights, commci
ing June i. Mile. Vcstvali as Azuccna, Mile. Cairoli as Leonora,
Sig. Errani as Manrico, Sig. Mancti.si as I)i Luna, and Sig. For*
saldi as Fernando. Lawrence Barrett's farewell benefit took place
June 5, when "London Assurance" was given, and among the
volunteers were John McCullough, Dan Sctchcll, and Mrs. Mary
Gladstane.

The opera of "The Cprsican Bride." hy F.dwar nhauer,

was first sung June 15, with this cast : Rosa, Mine. RotU:r Diefen-
bach; Marita, Mmc. La Roche; Antoine, Mr. Quint; Grcgoiin.
Mr. Wcinlich; I)c I.cnvillc, Mr. Hartmann; Spagazi, Urchs. A.
H. Davenport took a benefit June 16, and among the volunteers
were G. L. l*"ox, Fanny Herring, Dan Bryant, Little Mack, S. C.
Campbell, T. J. Ilcrndon, J. A. Graver, Mile. Pauline, M. Bap-
tista, Mrs. H. P. Grattan, Fanny Hrown, Mrs. William Floyd,
Mrs. Isabella Preston, Thomas Cline, Morris, Hagan, Dewit, and
Styles. The bill was the burlesque of "Camjlle," in which Mrs.
W. B. Cbippeodftle made fier first appearance as Nannettc; " Tic-
Eton Boy; "and dancing and singing. Dan Bryant made his first
appearance in Irish comedy July 2, for the benefit of Wm. R.
Floyd. The bill opened with "The Little Treasure." Madclainc
Hcnriqucs as Gertrude (for the first time), Mr Floyd as Capt
Walter Maidenblush, and Charles Fisher as Sir Charles Howard.
"Handy Andy" followed, with Dan Bryant as the hero. "The
Secret WU also played, with Geo. Holland as Thomas and Wil-
liam Reynolds (his last appearance on any stage) as Dupuis. A
summer season was rmmnenced July 6 by Emily Thome and Mark
Smith, with Dan Setchcll, A. H. Davenport, Sol Smith, Jr., T.
I Morris, C. T. Parsloc, Mrs. Mark Smith, Mrs. H. P. Grattan,
Mrs. W. R. Floyd, Agnes Robertson, Miss Jones, Miss Sterling,
Miss Thompson, Miss Mortimer, Mr. Boyd, Turner, Palmo, Miss
Flynn, Emily Thome, Mark Smith, and Hurley in the company.
"Nine Points of the Law," "Wanted, — I, OOP- Milliners," with
Setchell as Madame Vaiulrrpants. and "A Regular Fix," was
the opening bill. July 13 a new burlesque in two acts, entitled
"I. rah rfrp Forsook," was seen : Leah, a shrewish maiden, Setchell ;
Rudolph.~t.miIy Thome; Madclina, Mark Smith; Nathan, Sol
Smith, Jr. ; The Doctor, A. H. Davenport. The afterpiece was
"California Diamonds." acted here for the first time: Kerr Mud-
geonj n.d. Setchell; Danby Symes, Mark Smith; Rigsby, Sol
Smith, Jr.; Mrs. Kerr Mudgeon, Emily Thome; Mrs. Danby
Syims, Mrs. H. P. Grattan. On July 20 Dan Setchell took a
benefit, when "J.eah, ^fre Forsook" was repeated, and the farce of
"A Regular Fi~x:" July ix. "The Wrongsartd Rights of Women"
was acted for the first time here in seven years. The season closed
Aug. 4.

458 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE O"*

Humphrey Bland began a preliminary season Aug 17, 1863. The
company consisted of Anna Cowell, Mrs. Humphrey Bland, Mrs.
J. R. Scott, M. V. Unghara, J. H. Stoddard Frank Rca. H.
Russell. Charles Hale, A. H. Davenport. T. K. Morris, and W.
H. Riley. Mrs. D. P. Bowers was the attraction in "Natalie, or
The Death Barge of the Loire," by Chas^Shelby. This was this
lady's first appearance since her European touT.

Mrs. Biwers was seen in "Camille " Aug. 26. "Lady Audlcy's
Secret" was played Sept. 1, with this cast:

f.ady Audley .
Alicia Audley
Phcsbe Marks
Mrs. Dawson
Mrs. Mosley

Mrs. D. P. Bower*
. Utt H. Bland
Mr-.. Marie Smith
. Ilia Harrlaoc

Mrs. J. K. Scott

Mr*. Oakley Miss Flvnn

Miss Oakley Miss Henry

Robert Audley . . Lawrence Barrett

Mary Mis* Aim

Lake Marks .... W. H \ niton
George Talbovs . . A. H. Davenport
sir Michael Audlev . T. E. Morris
Dr. Dawson . . ' . . . II. Kussell
Captain Maiden .... Frank Kca
Sir Harry Towera .... H. Wall
Benson ' H. James

Elsie Folsom made her first appearance on any stage Sept. 19, as
Helen in "The Hunchback." for Mrs. D. P. Bowers' final appearance.
Lawrence Barrett played Sir Thomas Clifford, and Mrs. Bowers, Julia.

The next season commenced Sept. 21, with the following company :
A. H. Davenport. Vining Bowers, Lawrence Barrett. Humphrey
Bland. J. F. Hagan. W. H. Riley. Dennison. E. A. Eberle, John
Walsh, Mrs. T. J. Hind, Mrs. l-\ S. Chanfrau. and Ada Clifton. A.
H. Davenport was stage manager. Edwin Booth played four weeks,
and was followed by John S. Clarke Oct. 19. in " Thc-Russia" Atlmt-
raL-or The I.ion of the Day." " IteJToodLcs " and "A KwsTn the
Dark." " The Babes m the Wood." " The Russian Admiral ■ and
"My Neighbor's Wife" was the bill Oct. 2^ Mr. and Mrs. W. J.
Florence came Nov. 2. "The Ticket of Leave Man" was acted
Nov. 30, for the first time in America, and with this cast :

James Dalton . . A. H. Davenport Bob Brierlv . . . . W. J. Florence

ll.wksh.iw J. F. Hagan Maltbv ... . T.E.Morris

Melter Moss . . . Humphrey Bland May Edwards Mr*. F. S. Chanfrau

Green Jones .... Vining Bower* Mrs. Willougliby . . Mrs. T. J. Hind

Mr. GiBsOD T. J. Hind Emily St. Evremond

Sam Willougliby . Mrs- W. R FU.yd Mrs. W. J. Florence

" The Ticket of I.eave Man " was played one hundred and twenty-
five times. A matinee benefit took place Feb. 20, 1864, for the U.
S. Sanitary Commission. Marie Methua Scheller appeared here
March 28, in " I-orlic's Wedding."
-— Avonia Jones Brooke appeared April 4, in a play never before
J produced, entitled ".judith. The Daughter," with this cast:
I Holofcrncs .... Charles Barron

Holofcrncs . .

unci .... A. H. Davenport

Gabatha H. Bland

sbeus .... T. E Morris

neaea J. F. Hagan

' ■ r.-Ii Mrs. < hanfftn

Mlahra Mrs. T. Hind

Mosera Mrs. Bland

Ithra Mrs. Wm. Flu.. I

Judith Avonia Jones

TRIPLER HALL

459

April 23, " Romeo and Juliet" was played, when Avonia Jones gave
ihe proceeds to the fund for the erection of the Shakespeare Monu-
ment in Central Park. Edwin Booth played Romeo; Avonia Jones
Juliet, and Charles Barron, Mcrcutio. James F. Hagan died in this
city in July. 1902.

Avonia Jones was born in Richmond. Va. July 12. 1839. She
first appeared on the stage April 18. 1856. at the People's Theatre,
Cincinnati, Ohio, as Parthcnia in " lngomar." She first played in
San Francisco, Cal., March 14, 1859, at Maguirc's Opera House as
"Adricnne the Actress." She then visited Australia. She made
her debut in London Nov. 5, 1861, a( l>rury LWM TbcatflBU Medea.
She was married in Liverpool, Eng., Feb. 23, 1863, to Gustavus
Vaughn Brooke. She revisited America in 1863. and returned to
London in the fall of 1865. Her last appearance on the stage was
in Manchester, a few months prior to her death, which occurred in
this city Jan. 5. 1867. She was the daughter of George Jones,
known as Count Joannes. She was a lady of handsome figure, hand-
some face and a fine bright eye. She was a popular and profitable
star. At her death-bed her father and mother met after a separation
of many years.

On April 26 "The Sorceress" was seen here. Edwin Booth re-
appeared May 3, and played eleven nights. Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau
had a benefit May 16. F. S. Chanfrau acted Ijord Dundreary and
Samuel Guptolomus Rosslyn in " Our American Cousin at Home."
T. J. Herndon played Asa, Dan Bryant and Frank Browcr volun-
teered. "The Ticket of Leave Man " was acted. May 17, Byron's
burlesque, " Fra Diavolo."

The season closed June 20, with a benefit to A- II. Davenport,
when Lotta appeared in long and dance; Robert Heller, the magi-
cian, and the play, " Robert Macairc," with Geo. C. Boniface, Edward
Lamb and others. A benefit to the Mississippi Valley Sanitary
commission was given June 22. The Florences played in "The
Rct"rn,fffl Vp[nnrrrr" and "The Honeymoon," with Mrs. Vf. G.
Gladstone as Juliana. A benefit was given to Edward Lamb June
27, and that closed the season. The programme consisted of " The
Jacobite," "The Conjugal Lesson " and " The Young- Widow." Ada
Clifton, Mrs. W.G. Jones, Kate Newton, Marie Boniface, G. C. Boni-
face, T. Hind, Frank Mordaunt, A. H. Davenport, J. W. Blaisdcll,
J. P. Cooke and Edward Lamb were in casts.

William Stuart, Edwin Booth, and John S. Clarke were the next
managers. They opened Aug. 18. Many alterations were made in
1 he auditorium. The company was: Charles Walcot, Jr., W. F.
Burroughs, Owen S. Fawcett. S. K. Chester, J. G. llanlcy. E. A.
Eberle, Williams, Parkcs, Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau, Mrs. S. K. Chester,
Mrs. Sedley Brown, Mary Carr. and Fanny Prestige. J. G. Hanley
was the stage manager. John S. Clarke appeared Aug. 22, with

460 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'«*

" Everybody's Friend." and " The Rough Diamond." " The Comedy
of Errors" was produced Oct. 3, with Clarke as Dromio of Syracuse
and Owen S. Fawcett as Dromio of Ephesus. W. S. Andrews and
Mrs. Anderson were new faces in the company at that time. F. S.
Chanfrau took a benefit Oct. 1 1, when "The School of Reform " was
acted with Clarke as Bob Tyke. He played Bob Bricrly for the first
time in New York Nov. 12. and closed Nov. 22.

The public of New York were agreeably startled on Friday evening,
Nov. 25, by the appearance at the Winter Garden of the three
Booths, sons of the great Booth, who played in " Julius Caesar," for the
benefit of the Shakespeare Monument Fund- The prices of admis-
sion were $5 for orchestra chairs, $1.50 to parquette and dress
circle, and $1 to family circle. The orchestra seats were run back
into the parquette, taking up five rows of scats, making 150 extra
orchestra scats. So great was the crowd when the doors opened
that a strong force of police had to be sent for to preserve order and
force every one into line. In half an hour after the doors were
opened there was not a seat to be had in the house for love or money.
When the curtain rose there was an audience of over two thousand
persons present, composed of the elite of the city, and one of the
most intelligent I have ever seen in any theatre.

"JULIUS CrESAR"

Junius Brutus Booth . . . Casstius
Edwin Booth Brutus

John Wilkrs Booth . Marc hi
ulius Cxsar, first appearance,

Edwin Varrey
Casca. first appearance, C. K. Mason
Octavius Carsar . . C. Walcot, Jr.
Trebonius .... S- K. Chester
Dccius Brutus ... J. W. Burjjcs*
Mctcllus Cimber . . . T. S. Cline

Titinius C. S. Thomas

1 i:m.i 1. Duell

Varro S. D. Johnson

Edwin Booth commenced his one-hundred-night run of" Hamlet"
Nov. 26. This was the cast :

Pindaru* E. Post

Soothsayer P. Evans

PopUlua Lena . . . Nelson Dcrkcr
us .... W. F. Burroughs

1 litus B.K.Williams

I.ucina Fanny Prestige

First Plebeian . . . . E. A. Eberle
Second Plebeian ■ . O. S. Fawcett
Third Plebeian . . .A.E.Anderson
1 "..11 rth Plebeian . . . S.F.Oliver
Portia . . . Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau
Calphurnia . . Mrs. C. Walcot, Jr.

Hamlet Edwin Booth

Claudius Edwin VarTey

Ghost C. K. Mason

Polonius . . . . G. H- Anih

Laertes J. C Hanley

Horatio .... CM. Walcnt, Jr.

Osric O. S. F'awcctt

Kosencranz . . .W. F. Burr..

Guildenstcrn E. Ducll

Marcclfoa J. \v. tin.

Bernardo E. Post

sco . . .
First Actor . .
Second Actor . .

Gnvedtaenr

Second Gravedigger .

Nelson Decker

. S. K. Chester

A. E. Evans

Thomas Placide

E. A. Eberle

Priest P. Everdell

Queen Gertrude

Mrs. James W. Wallack. Jr.
Ophelia . . . Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau
Actress . . . . Mrs. S. K. Chester

tag]

TRIPI.ER HAI.L

461

At the close of the performance on Jan. 22, 1865, a committee
appeared on the stage, and the chairman, Mr. Fullcrton. suspended
a gold medal around Mr. Booth's neck. Mr. Booth was dressed as
Hamlet. On one side of the medal was a portrait of Shakespeare,
and one of Mr. Booth with the words: " Palmam Qui Meruit I-'tral."
On the reverse is the following: " To Edwin Booth, in commemora-
tion of the unprecedented run of ' Hamlet,' as enacted by him in
New York City for One Hundred Nights, 18C5." Before the
hundred nights terminated S. K- Chester look Edwin Varrey's place
as Claudius, and Eugene A. Eberle played the First Gravcdigger. A
matinee performance of " Hamlet" was given by Mr. Booth, March
4, and in the evening of that date " '■'"'• {"frlOTA"" " was acted for
the benefit of Chas. M. Walcot. Jr. "Othello'' was played March
23, and matinee March 24. Edwin Booth was the Iago, and Chas.
Barron, Othello. Mr. Booth having terminated his engagement
March 24, the house was closed the evening of that day, and on
March 25, the military drama ,>r"rpriral f!aj-tftueh<»_, or the Knr.
l""i Hope," an Knglish adaptation hy ffaphgn Fiske of D'Ennery
and Cormon's " Le Vieux Corporal," was first acted, and with
this cast:

Henry Placide

C W. ClMtkc

Corporal Cartouche

Pierre Fouchard .

C.encral Roqucbcrt

Lucien .... C. M". Walcot, Jr

Taverncy S. K. Chester

I'icard C. K. Mason

. I. G- Hanlev
;. M. WaT

PigOCM E. A. Eberle

Potichon O. S. Fawcett

Nina de Ranubcrry • • Ada Clifton

ifrijtC Mary Carr

Genevieve . . . Mr*. C. Walcot, Jr.
Marietta . . . -Mrs. .Sedley Uronn

This was Henry Placide's first appearance in New York after a
long absence It ran until May !. when Placide appeared as Sam
Nnbbs in " A N'nhnh far a." Hour," and in the title rc<Ic of " Grand-
father Whitehead." During the run of " Corporal Cartouche." the
house was closed ten days (May 15 to May 26), :n consequence of
the death of the President. Mr. Placide's engagement terminated
May 15.

" Ifflni^ TV-ins" was acted May 6, for Mrs. Sedley Brown's
benefit. Her father, William Henry Sedley Smith, reappeared here
on this occasion, as David Deans. This was his last appearance in
this city. Tom Taylor's play, "The Gray Lady of Pcnarvon." orig-
inally acted in London as "The Hidden Hand," was first acted here
May 8, and thus cast :

Marioch Goch
Lord 1'enarvon
Sir Caradoc .
Caerleon . .
Lady Gryflid .

.... Harlon Hill
... I. G. Hanlev

. C. M. Walcot. Jr.
. . . . T. 5, CUM
Mr*. Jas. Wallack, Jr.

Morgan Price . .
Lady Penarvon

Enid

t;»ynned Veclian-

Mr. liurrouxhs
. . . Ada Clifton
. . K.ffic Ccrmon
Mrs. -S. K. <hc*1er

464 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1*6

Othello .... Bogumil Da»iso>i

iago Edarla Booth

Cavsio J. N. Gotthold

Brabantio . . . . M . W. l-effinfrwcll

Duke W A. Donaldsoo

Roderfgo W. S. Andrews

Gratiano J. Dutll

Ludovteo N I>eckcr

«no Mr D

r J. tenia

Paolo Jas. Hogaa

Antonio .... \V. F. Burroughs

lemoaa . Mme. Meiliua-ScheTler

Emilia liia Vernon

Mme. Schellcr addressed her remarks to Othello in German, and
to Iago in English. Her happy-go-lucky translation of Shakespeare
into German caused innumerable misunderstandings. Sometimes
the lady would forget her surroundings and address Mr. Booth in
Teutonic and Hcrr Dawison in English, much to the bewilderment
of the tragedians. J. S. Clarke's engagement terminated Jan. 2,
1866. Edwin Booth returned here Jan. 3 — his first appearance on
the stage since the Lincoln assassination. Some of the most in-
fluential and high-minded citizens had from time to time sought him
out in his retirement, and urged him to resume the duties of his
profession. Mr. Booth at last consented to return to the stage.
The public were with Mr. Booth, who had suffered more than
language can tell, and desired to have an opportunity to manifest
their good feeling toward him. He acted Hamlet. Charles Barron
Laertes. J. H. Taylor the Ghost. Charles Kemblc Mason the King,
W. A. Donaldson Horatio, Erne Gennnn Ophelia, and Mrs. Marie
Wilkins the Queen. Not only was every seat occupied, but every
inch of standing room was appropriated by the thronging multitude.
Its welcome to Sir. Booth was significant in no common sense of the
word. Actuated by profound sympathy and discrimination, it ex-
pressed itself in one long and almost deafening tumult of enthusiasm.
Nine cheers, each rcund being followed by its particular and em-
phatic "Tiger!" hailed the melancholy Dane, and gave him at the
outset due warrant to "cast his nightly color off."

" Pizarro " was played Jan. 17. Geo. l'arkcs making his first appear-
ance as Alonzo. On Jan. 31 the theatre was closed for a rehearsal
of " Richelieu," presented Feb. I, with this cast:

Cardinal Richelieu . . Edwin Booth
Count De Baradax . . J. H. Taylor
Adrien De Mauprat . Charles Barron

luM.pli John Dyott

LouUXIII. . . . W. A. Donaldson
Sicnr D« llrringhcn . W. S. Andrew*

Hugnct C. X Mason

Kran^ois .... \V. K. Burroughs

Gaston J- Duel!

1 iovernor of Bastile Hurophrev Bland
De Mortlmv - Kov< F.ytinge
>n Delorme . . Marie Witt

Feb. 7. " The Ticket of Leave Man " was given for the benefit of
Humphrey Bland. Geo. C Boniface was the Bob Brierly; J. W.
Albaugh. Hawkshaw; and Rose Eytinge, May Edwards. John
Dyotl's benefit occurred Feb. 14, when " Rob Roy" was act
D. Shield, the famous Scotch comedian, made his first appearance
in New York as Bailie Nicol Jarvie. On Feb. 21 Edward De

IMQ

TRIPLER HALL

465

Mondion made his debut as Claude Melnotte in "The Lady of
Lyons." to Ida Vernon's Pauline. Fillets was his real name. He
had acted with Booth in California, and appeared as Hamlet at
Niblo's Garden. A matinee benefit was given Feb. 24. for the
orphans of the war. Booth and Mary Mitchell acted in " Ruy Bias."
De Mondion played Shylock and Mary Mitchell Portia. Feb. 28.
Chas. Barron took a benefit March 7, in " Othello." Lucy Kccler
made her first appearance in New York, March 14. as Constance in
"The Love Chase." J. Newton Gotthold, March 28, played the
Moor in " Othello." " Richelieu " was acted March 29, for the
forty-second time, and for the benefit of Mr. Booth. Mr. Gotthold
played " Othello " March 30 and 31.

Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams appeared here April 2, and Blanche
Grey made her first appearance in New York as the Fairy and
Monica, in "The Fairy Circle." Mrs. Mark Smith and Mrs. II. P.
Grttttn joined the company April 30. Mr. and Mrs. Williams closed
Mav 26. C. M. Walcot had a benefit May 28. presenting '|_Thc
Colleen Bawn," and the season closed May 29, with a repetition ot
tnc same bill. John Brougham began a summer season June 4, with
" Playing with Fiie." I-ena Prentice made her first New York
appearance' as Mrs. Wavcrlcy. " P"***frflptf " wns KiVOT MuW (8,
James C. Dunn played Capt. John Smith ; Emily Melville, Poca-
hontas; and Fanny Stocqucllcr, Poo-tec-pet. " TJic -Nervous M an "
was seen July 2. and July 9 Brougham's reconstructed version of
"Columbus" was presented. Aug. 13, "O'Donncll'js Mission," by
Brougham, was acted for the first time on any stage, and with this
cast :

Roderick O'Donnell . John Brougham
Cardinal Alberoni . . T. F. M
Abbf Le Renard . C. M. Walcot. Jr.
Sir Reginald lllouni . . . J. C. Dunn

U Roche H. B. Phillip*

Z.ulock W. S. Andrews

Patrick O'Connor . . H. H Wall
Fallon Macarthy . . Nelson Decker

Martin O'Reilly .... J. Hurley

Mamies Daly J. Oliver

Ennis Macdermott .... J. Hill

Kl Mortaro J. C. Burnett

Eva de Zuniga . . . Miss K. Johnson

Juanita Mary Carr

Susanna Jennie Morton

Paquita Lena Francis

Mr. Brougham closed Sept. 1. The theatre was then leased, Sept.
3, for two weeks by I. W. Watson (author of " Beautiful Snow"),
lor the production of a new play of his, adapted from the French,
and entitled " The Charlatan," which had this cast:

Cagliostro J. N. Gotthold

qtlll <!c MontaJicut . W. Davidge
Arthur Cleveland . James Duff

Cardinal Jovelli . . . C. K. Mason
Maroncelli .... W. S. Higgins

Marquis de Fronzac . W. A. Donaldson
Cunt d'Ostalls . . W. S. Andrews
Marchioness de Montalieu

Annie levering
Annette Mattie Thomas

Having proved a failure it was withdrawn after the third per-
formance, and John Brougham reappeared in " O'Donncll's Mission

3»

466 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [18M

Sept. 6, and continued until Sept. 17, when the Buislay troupe of
gymnasts, acrobats, and pantomimists opened and continued until
Oct.fi

The next season commenced Oct. 8. William Stuart and Edwin
Booth were the managers. In the company were J. H. Taylor,
Claude D. Burroughs, W. S. Andrews, M. W. l-cffingwcll, William
Davidgc, J. Ducll. W. A. Donaldson, J. Duff, Leslie. John Sutton,
Hinton, Decker, Mrs. G. C. Boniface, Mrs. Lefhngwell, Minnie
and Ailah Monk, E.Johnson, Elizabeth Andrews, and Miss Cushing.
J G. Hanley was stage manager. Mrs. F. W. Lander appeared as
Adrienne Lecouvreur, and was followed by Mrs. D. P. Bowers Oct.
15, supported by J. C. McCollom, in jLLjuii_AudJey's Secret " which
ran for three weeks. Nov. 5, " Donna Diana, or Love's Masque-
rade," was played for the first time in this city, and with this cast 1

. J. C. McCollom

\V S. Andrew*

.... J. Duff

M. W. I.effingwell

Donna Diana . . Ml* D. V. liower*
Donna Fcnlsa . ■ Miss E. Johnson
Donna Laura . . Mrs. C. C. Hooiface
Florrtta . . Mrs. M. W. I.effingwcll

Don C.tsar
Don Guiman
Don Luis ■
Pcrin . .

Nov. 12 "East I.ynne" was given. Nov. 22, "The Lady of
Lyons," and for her benefit, Nov. 23, Mrs. Bowers played Romeo,
Mrs. F. B. Conway, Juliet, and J. C. McCollom, Mercutio. On Nov.
24, Hcrr Bogumil Dawison appeared as Richard III. in German,
supported by the Thalia Theatre company. Nov. 26 a season of
Italian opera was begun by Max Marctzck. Edwin Booth reappear-
ed Nov. 27. The opera nights were Mondays. Wednesdays. Fridays,
and matinees were given on Saturdays. On Tuesday, Thursday,
and Saturday evenings, and at matinees on Wednesdays Mr. Booth
played. Maretzek's company comprised Ijouisc Kellogg, Miss
Stockton, Rosa Bonheur, Mile. Natalie Testa, Scfiora Carmen Poch,
Signori Mazzeolcni, Gcorgio Ronconi, Antonucci Testa. Bellini,
Bcrnardi, Flcury, Ricardi, Dubrcuil, Forsati, and Baraglia; Carl
Bcrgmann and Sig. Torriani, conductors. The operas produced up
to Dec. 28, when the season closed, were: "Crispino," " Fra Dia-
volo," "L'Etoiledu Nord." "II Trovatore," "The Huguenots,"
"Faust," " Lucrezia Borgia," "II Barbiere," " Zampa," and " Un
Ballo in Maschera." Nov. 30 Amelia M. Hauck made her first
appearance in grand opcia ovia. in " L'Etoilc du Nord."

Amelia, better known as Minnie Hauck. was born in this city.
Christ church was looking for a soprano, and had advertised for one
and had examined a number of applicants. One day, as their bass
singer was passing through the streets he heard in an old wooden
house a beautiful voice. He mentioned the fact to Samuel Jackson,
the organist of the church, who at once sent to the place with a
request to the singer to come and see him at twelve o'clock on the
following Sunday. Sunday came, and at noon, after the service, a

1867]

TRIPI-F.R HA I I

467

?-oiing girl scarcely fifteen walked into the gallery choir with her
at her, and told Mr. Jackson she was the one whom he sent for.
Mr. Jackson, after questioning her a little, told her he would like to
hear her sing, and asked her what she would try. "Oh, anything
you would like." was the reply. He got two copies of Cherubini's
"Ave Maria," and handing her one he took his seat at the organ
with the other. He played through the prelude, and the little girl
commenced to sing. Says Mr. Jackson : " The very first note sent a
thrill through me I shall never forget, and I exclaimed with delight :
"It is the finest voice in the world ! " Hcforc Miss Hauck again
reached the nave of the church, the music committee had made with
her father an engagement for a year. Upon hearing the result of
her trial, in her delight she threw her arms around her father's neck
and thanked God that she was at length in a position where she
could cam something with which to assist her needy parents. At
every appearance fa opera she delighted the general public by the
charm of her acting and by the beauty of her bright, sympathetic
voice, and elicited the admiration of skilled musicians by the brilliancy
of her vocalization and the purity of her style.

Hooth appeared in " Hamlet,'* Mmc. Mcthua-Schcllcr as Ophelia,
Ida Vernon as Gertrude, Barton Hill as Laertes, and J. Newton
Gotthold as the Ghost. He afterwards played in "Richard III."
•' Richelieu," " Don Ca:sar de Ba2&D," " The Stranger," " Timing of
the Shrew," "The Apostate," " Othellu ." " Bryfra <tfThc Fall of
JCarquin." "The Pool's Revenge," and " Romeo and Juliet." A ma-
tinee benefit took place Dec. 27, for Jas. W. I-ingard, who was
turned out of the New Bowery Theatre. The programme included a
concert by Signors Antonucci, Baraglia. and Bellini, Miles. Kellogg,
Poch, Testa, and Hauck.

The Bogumil Dawison polyglot performance was repeated Jan. 2
and 4, 1867. "The Merchant of Venice" was presented Jan. 28,
with this cast :

Shylock Edwin "tooth

I. .uiiicelot Gobbo W.S Andrews

Old Gobbo Wm. DaffdaB,

W. A. Donaldson

....). Duff

V. Lenin

Duke of Venice .

Prince of Aragon

Antonio ....

Itassanio .... J. N. Goithold ' I'ortla . . . Mmc. Mtthua-Schcflw

Gratiano Mr. Hill Nerissa Mtai M. ( uxhing

M. W. Lafflnprell

I .orcn/.o

Marshall Oliver Jessica Miss J. Morton

Edwin Booth commenced a scries of farewell performances March
18 with "Hamlet;" and afterwards " Ruy Bias," "Richelieu,"
"The Apostate." and "grutus. or The Fall of Tarquin." The after-
piece was "Too Much for Good Nature." The theatre was entirely
destroyed by fire March 23, 1867. W. S. Andrews was to have had
a benefit on that date, and the programme announced was " Our
American Cousin" and "The Jenny Lind" farce John Brougham
was announced to appear here April 3, in his new play, "The

468 A HISTORY OF THK NEW YORK STAGE [i«s>

Lottery of Life." The fire was discovered at a little before nine o'clock
in the morning'bv the associate lessee and manager, Mr. Stuart, who
was seated in his room in the theatre, reading. Mr. Stuart barely
escaped from the burning building with his life. His library was
totally destroyed, and the losses of himself and Edwin Booth were
considerably over $40,000. Mme. Methua-Schcller lost her wardrobe
and jewelry. The fire was supposed to have arisen from a defective
heater under the stage, but this w;is mere conjecture, and there
were not wanting suspicions that it was the work of an incendiary.
The whole property was owned by the Lafarge estate, and the lease
of Messrs. Stuart and Booth had eighteen months to run. The
Lafarge House in the rear of which stood the Winter Garden was
totally destroyed by this fire, but was rebuilt and, topped by a
mansard roof, became the Grand Central Hotel.

FELLOWS OPERA HOUSE AND HALL OF LYRICS

THE place of amusement known by the sounding name of
" Fellow's Opera House and Hall of Lyrics " was situated at
444 Broadway, cast side, in the City Assembly Rooms Building. It
was first opened on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6. 185a Shortly
after it became known as the American, and was occupied by Henry
Wood's Minstrels in 1851. They remained there for a long time.
Mr. Wood took George Christy into copartnership, he having had
some difficulty with Edwin P. Christy. This house was reopened
Oct. 24. 1853, and christened " Christy and Wood's Minstrel Hall."
Dec. 20, 1854, the City Assembly Rooms were destroyed and Christy
and Wood were burnt out with a loss estimated at $12,000. It was
fortunate for them they had another hall (472 Broadway), at which
they continued their performances. This place was rebuilt and
opened by George Christy and Henry Wood's Minstrels. The next
attraction was Nagle's American Juvenile Comedians, who came
Nov. 16, 1857. making their first appearance in this city. They
appeared in the nautical drama, " Ben Boil," and also did " Chaj-
.coal Sketches." They continued about two weeks. On Dec. 3 a
benefif was given to the Wren Children. The attraction was the
Wren Troupe, and Ella Wren, vocalist, made her first appearance in
New York. Fred Wren acted six different characters. This house
was opened Jan. tr, 1858, by Buckley's Scrcnadcrs. J. Mulligan
and Dick Slitcr, the jig dancer, joined them. Eph Horn appeared
with them Feb. 2. The Buckleys closed Feb. 27, and went on a
travelling tour. Peel's Campbell Minstrels came here April 12.
They closed July 3, and returned as the Campbell's Minstrels, under
the management of E. Sniffen, Aug. 30. The company was: Matt
Peel, J. B. Donniker (musical director), S. C. Howard, A. M.
Hernandez, E. H. Winchcll, T. J. Peel, G. W. ("Pony") Moore,

i860]

FELLOW'S OPERA HOUSE

469

J. Unsworth. J. W. Adams. Napoleon \V. Gould, A. Condit, A. W.
Williams, A. Aschcr, and R. J. Carroll. In October nearly all the
company left, and went on a travelling tour under Matt Peel's
management. A new organization continued, and was known as
Campbell's Minstrels. "Billy" Birch appeared Jan. 3, 1859. on the
" bone end." E. Bowers also came on that date. Among the new
people were : Goldon, clog dancer; Master Charles, " wench " dancer,
and R Abccco, harpist.

Geo. Christy and R. M. Hoolcy were the next managers of this
house and reopened it May 23. George Christy was enjoined from
acting by Henry Wood, his former partner, and he did not appear;
but James H. Budworth was secured for the "bone end," and the
organization was named Hooley's Minstrels. Henry Wood, having
sold his Marble Hall to a bank, returned here Sept. 12. Ernestine
de Faibre, the danseu.se, Eph. Horn, Charles White, Ned Davis, 1).
S. Wambold, R. Abecco, and M. I-ewis were in his company. In
January, i860, the house underwent great alterations, and was
opened Jan. 16, as a regular theatre, by C. Webb & Co,, with a
small company, consisting of the Webb Sisters, Mr. and Mrs.
William Mardcn (now Mrs. C. Wilkinson), C. Wilkinson, B. Brown,
and Salisbury. It was christened the Broadway Boudoir. "Ihe
Four Sjstcrs." " The Maid with the Milking -Pail " and "Woman's
"Whjn»" wee the initial pieces^ Billy C^Neil joined Jan. 30. Busi-
ness was not good, and the house closed.

Harry W^ifis, l*a«i»H this place for a few weeks, and his wife's
(Mrs. C. Howard) name was given as manageress. Feb. 27, i860,
was the opening night, with the following company: Mrs. Charles
Howard, Clara Walters, Kate and Sallic Singleton, Mrs. Harriet
Holman, Mrs. H. Moore. Mrs. H. Eckhardt, Sallic Holman, Harry
Watkins. Joseph E. Naglc, Welsh Edwards, Joseph Wheelock, C.
Kingsley, Walters, Ellis, J. S. Rogers, O. B. Mason, Hilson, Lacy,
Charles Wilkinson, and Ed. Gooding. _ Wat kips' dramatization of
"Jhe Hit)den_Hand " was the initial performance. Mrs. Howard
acted Capitola; walkins, Wool ; and Welsh Edwards, Old Hurricane.
This play was originally produced by Mr. Watkins at the Richmond,
Va. Theatre Dec., 2, 1859, on the day John Brown was hanged at
Harper's Ferry, Va. John Wilkes Booth was a member of the
company, but be did not appear in the cast as he went to sec the
execution. March 12 Charles Gayler's " The Romance of a Very
l'nor Young Man" was acted FoT the lust Ifitie; March 28 "The
Pioneer Patriot, of the Maid of the War Path," was first acted here
.!•:.] omtiir.:al foi one week, excep! Marco ;■'■■■ when M« Howard
took a benefit, and the bill was "The Irish Heiress," with Mrs.
Howard as Kate O'Brien, after whicTPeame' a musical melange, in
costume, by the Holman family (Sallie, Julia, Master Alfred, and
Mrs. H. Holman), followed by " Faint Heart Never Won Fair

470 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE 0*3

Lady," also by the Holman Family. " The Two Buzzards " closed
the entertainment. Harry Wat kins retired March 30. The house
reopened April 7, i860 as " Mrs. Brougham's Theatre." Colin
Stuart, Edwards, Josephine Ruth, Mrs. Brougham Robertson,
Dickinson, Plunkctt, Julia James, Lizzie Walton, R. Cooke, C
Barton Hill, Richard Newton, and Mr. Wilmott were in the company.
" The Rivals" was given April 9, with this cast:

Sir Anthony Absolute ■ Welsh Edwards
Captain Absolute . . C K. Dickinson
Sir Lucius O'Triggcr . H. G. I'lunkett

Fag Mr. Wilmott

Falkland .... Richard Cooke
Mrs. Malaprop . Mrs. Brougham

Acre* Walter Hill

David John Newton

I.vdia Julia James

Julia Liiiie Walton

Lucy Ida Vernon

This was the American debut of Mr. Wilmott. Walter Hill, and
Julia James, the first appearance in New York of G. K. Dickinson,
and the first time Mrs. Brougham played Mrs. Malaprop in New
York. Her lease terminating in March. Prof. Jacobs took possession,
and opened May 7, i860, -with feats in magic. Carter's Gift
Minstrels commenced July 23. They presented a gift with every
ticket sold. Frank Carter was manager, W. A. Christy stage
manager.

Robert W. Butler opened this hall as the American Aug. 8. Billy
O'Ncil was acting manager and Josh Hart stage manager. The
company were Isaac Whclplcy, Tom Brookficld, Billy O'Neil, Max
Irwin, Frank Peel, John Winans. Josh Hart, Clara Harrington, Laura
Le Claire (Mrs. Josh Hart, now Mrs. Will Sands), Fanny Thompson,
Helena Charles, Augusta Lamereaux, Julia Christine (afterwards
Mrs. Harry Miner), Julia Hamilton, Lizzie Schullze (afterwards Mrs.
Robert W. Butler), Matilda Schultze and Emily Le Maire (afterwards
known as Mile. Eugenic). On Sept. 10 Lew. Simmons, Denny Gal-
lagher, and John Mulligan appeared. The Conrad Bros., acrobats, Eva
Brent, and Charley White joined the company Jan. 7, 1861. J. W.
McAndrcws appeared Jan. 10. On May 20 Charley White's bur-
lesque, " Mazcppa," with Chas. White as Mazcppa, was given.

Charles E. Collins, comic vocalist and dancer, arrived here from
England March 4, 1863, and appeared for the first time in America.
He at once made a hit, and became one of the greatest attractions
this house ever bad, Hit performance of "The Cure" was equal to
the original, Mr. Stead of London. There were also in the company
Frances Lcroy, Augusta Walby, Millie Flora, Mary Blake, Louise
Walby, Sallic Wcsncr, Kittic Lee, Bob Hart, Charley White, James
Wambold, Tommy Gcttings, George Warren, Tom Riggs, the
Delevanti Brothers, and Thomas L. Donnelly (afterwards manager,
with John F. Poole, of the Grand Opera House, this city). Late in
April James S. Maffilt and W. H. Bartholomew appeared in panto-
mime. In June Nelly Gray, dancer; Flora and Harry Leslie, Irish

iMfl

fellows opera house

47 1

jig dancers; Kate Harrison, danseuse ; Eva Brent, vocalist; J. \V.
Mc Andrews, Wm. B. Harrison, extemporaneous singer; AdclcCalla,
vocalist ; and Annie Harrison, were added to the force.

During the seasons of 1860-61-62. the " waiter girls" were in vogue,
but when Mr. Butler commenced his season of 1864-65, he dispensed
with them. He opened Aug. 15, 1864, with the following company:
R. W. Butler, manager; J. Ammerman, treasurer; David Braham,
musical director; Tony Pastor, Charles White, James Warn bold, J.
T. Boyce, Xelse Seymour, W. H. Bartholomew, J. Pierce, W. Emer-
son, Ed. Murray, VV. H. Burke, Master Tommy, Lizzie Schultzc, Ida
and Emma Ross, Mary Blake, Mile. Flora, Annette Lc Point, Flor-
ence Wells, Julia Melville, Lottie Lc Point, Emma Schcll. and Jenny
Lorraine. Novelties of every kind were presented, and in rapid
succession.

The last season of this house began Aug. 17, 1865, with the
following company: James S. Maffitt, W. H.Bartholomew, James
Wambold, Denny Gallagher, J. K. Campbell. George Winship,
Charley White, Master Tommy and Billy Holmes, and the Misses
Annette 1-c Point, Millie Flora, Lizzie Schultzc and a corps de ballet.
In September. 1865, T. P. Carey, an Irish comic vocalist of some
note in his own country, appeared but, failing to make a hit. at once
returned home. Billy O'Ncil was one of the greatest favorites
at this house ; gifted with a fund of humor, had he taken care of
himself he could have astonished many of our self-styled Irish
comedians. He was capable of excelling in the highest flights of
comic, serio-comic, and pathetic delineations. He died at Melbourne,
Australia, Aug. 5, 1868.

Mr. Butler died in New York June 14. 1885. Bob Hart made his
minstrel dlbut here this season as a baritone singer. He had been
in his earlier days a Methodist preacher. His last appearance as a
minstrel performer was in 1877. with Bryant's Minstrels, at their
hall in West Twenty-third Street, afterwards Kostcr & Bial's. He
left the profession and took to the pulpit once more. His right name
was J. W. Sutherland. He committed suicide in this city April 6,
1888.

Mons. John M. I .a Thorne (right name Dilkes), so popular at
Butler's "444," gained his first experience as a "show actor," when
a member of the Forrest Dramatic Association, located in St. John's
Hall, in Frankfort Street, near Chatham (now Park Row), during
the time of Ned Tilton, Charley Boniface, William Conovcr. and
several others. He played anything and everything in drama,
tragedy, farce, and pantomime. It was while here that he com-
menced the practice of cannon-balls, slack-rope, and various other
athletic performances. His first public appearance as an athlete was
at the old Vauxhall Gardens in the spring of 1845, for Archie
Madden's benefit. Shortly after that he joined the circus, and for

472 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««s»

years travelled as tbe greatest cannon-ball performer ever seen in
America. With Henry M?jiIton he performed the "La Percbe
Equipoise" for the first time in this country. This was in May.
1853. The Siegrist Brothers claim to have been the first to introduce
in this country tbe " la Percbe " and " Trapeze " acts. Tbey were
performing at Franconi's Hippodrome, in this city, and did those acts
in May. 1853. but I am told that La Thorne did the " La Pcrchc "
act at least one week previously. His last season with a circus was
in 1858. He appeared at the Art Union. 497 Broadway, under
Robert Butler's management. He was next engaged as stage
manager for the Canterbury, by Fox & Curran. He was at "444 "
Aug. 10, i860, as stage manager, and continued there as such for
several years. Tbe but time he performed in public was on his
benefit at the New Orleans, La., Academy. May 5. 1867 After
that he devoted his energies to stage managing for a number of
years. He has long since retired into private life and resides in this
city.

Shortly before 11 A.M.Feb. 15. 1866, "444" was entirely destroyed
by fire. It was the third time this building — City Assembly Rooms
— was burned. The fire was discovered in the saloon of the theatre
by some women engaged in cleaning the floor of the City Assembly
Rooms, almost immediately overhead, preparatory to the ball of the
Seventy-ninth Regiment, which was to have been held that evening.
All the stage properties and wardrobe were destroyed, the loss to
the theatre alone amounting to nearly Si 5.000. The City Assembly
Rooms, were, of course, destroyed at the same time. Charles White,
so often seen at "444." died in this city January 4, 1891.

BROUGHAM'S LYCEUM

THE Theatre known as "Brougham Lyceum" was situated on
west side of Broadway, two doors below Broome Street, and
built on the lot formerly occupied by what was called the " Mourning
Store." It was opened Dec. 23, 18 so. with "-Esmeralda/* by John
Brougham. During the time it was building, and on Aug. 5, 1850,
the rear part of the building fell to the ground, killing two of the
laborers. Mr. Brougham put all the money he could raise into the
enterprise, and borrowed a great deal from Edwin P. Christy, the
minstrel manager. During the first season it was a brilliant success,
but subsequently, owing to architectural changes in the neighborhood,
it became necessary for Mr. Brougham to assume new obligations. In
making a loan he signed a paper which he supposed gave him the sole
lease of the premises for a scries of years. Instead of that, one of
the parties took advantage of his legal rights, and, because on the
instant Brougham did not furnish $15,000, the amount of his
demand, the sheriff entered and took possession of the theatre.

i«s«3

BROUGHAM'S LYCEUM

473

.Mr. Brougham secured a good working company, among whom were
Charlotte Cushman, George Jordan. Mrs. Emma Skerrett, Frank
Chippendale, H. Lynnc. Clara Fisher Maeder. Mrs. Foster, Mrs.
George Lodcr, Miss Malvina, T. B. Johnson, Julia Gould, Kate
Horn (afterwards Mrs. Buckland), Mary Taylor, Miss Blake, and
others.

Julia Gould appeared on the opening night as Captain Phosbus, in
nilda." This lady came to America in the Fall of 1851, from
I ondon, and made her American d6bnf in Italian apttm, indftf tfM
direction of Max Maretzck. She also sang at Sunday evening
concerts at Tripler Hall, with Mmc. Anna Bishop and others. She
sang in the opera "The Ambassadress" at this theatre, with Mary
Taylor in the title rcMc. and appeared as Mercury in the extravaganza
of "The Wo r," by John Brougham. She remained at this

ii:.u-,c until the dose of the season of [853-54. wben .-.hi' veal la
California to support Mine. Anna Thillon in opera, at the Metro-
politan Theatre, San Francisco. She returned to New York in 1857,
and appeared at Laura Keene"s Theatre for one season. In the
autumn of 1858 she joined Buckley's Minstrels to sing in burlesque
opera. She visited Europe in t86o, and within sixty hours of her
arrival in Liverpool, opened in that city, April 5. Returning to
America with this company in June. 1861, she continued with them
about one year, when she revisited California with the Caroline
Richings Opera company. From there she went to Victoria, V. T.
After singing for the benefit of various charities and societies, she
retired from the stage. At San Francisco she was induced to appear
once more on the boards, singing with the Farepa-Rosa Opera com-
pany and the Italian Opera company, at the Metropolitan and other
theatres, finally closing a career of thirty-five years on the stage in
burlesque opera, her last appearance being as Wanda in " The Grand
Duchess." She died on her farm at Kinmundy, III. (where she had
been living for some years), Jan. 29, 1^93. Julia Gould was married
three times, first to Frank Trevor, of the Lyster Opera company, who
died in Australia; next to John Collins, singer and comedian, who
died of yellow fever at Havana; and her third husband was Dr. A.
T. Gregory Hall, of Victoria, V. T., who is still alive. Julia Gould
was born in the Strand, London, Aug. 28, 1824. Her first appear-
ance in public was as a vocalist when she was only ten vcars ol age.

On the opening night at Brougham's Lyceum the bill consisted
in part of a sort of human panorama called " Brnufthaa?. & Co." It
was followed by "Crjrpson Crimes." in which, as Mr. Fright, John
E. Owens made his announced first appearance in New York. Jan.
6, 1851. Brougham's dramatization of "David Copper field" was
given, with the author as Micawber. Another of his sketches called
" A Row a \ \fc Lyceum." was done April 22. Some of the actors
.i|)|>i:.i:<:d in the private fa am and othen In thft panpME May 13

474 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C'»s»

Mrs. J. W. Wallack. Jr., acted I-ady Gay Spanker in " London,
Assurance " for her mother's benefit. H. B. Phillips took a benefit
May 21, when John R. Scott made what was probably his sole
appearance at this house, and played Captain Copp in "Charles II."
The season closed July 8. 1851, with a benefit to G. \V. Smith, when
Leon Espinosa, M. Szolossy, Miss Malvina, Mile Albertine and the
beneficiary had a terpsichorcan carnival. In July, after the regular
season terminated, Robert Kemp's French company played for a few
nights, Brougham resuming Aug. 25. with his " Romance and
Reality/'

A. M. ("Dolly") Davenport made his first appearance at this
house during the first season, acting Box. in " Box and Cox." for the
benefit of David S. Palmer. In 1853 he regularly resumed the pro-
fession, and appeared at the Old Broadway Theatre, acting Montano
in •'Othello," and Capt. Charles in "Who Valf« Fi"t?" He
remained there during the balance of that season, and there made
the acquaintance of Lizzie Weston, and married her. They were
divorced in New York Feb. 15, 1857, and she afterwards married
Charles Mathews. Mr. Davenport had acted in the principal thea-
tres of New York City, and in many of the principal cities of the
country. He married Frankic McClcllan (now widow of T. B. Mac-
Donough) at St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 28, 1869. He died at New
Orleans. La.. Oct. 23, 1873, in the forty-third year of his age. His
right name was Adolphus Davenport Hoyt. He was of a genial
disposition, affable and courteous in manner. His remains were
interred in Greenwood cemetery, Brooklyn.

" ^°fliBWB?rW,'ti" :iHapfrfl from Balzac's "Mcrcadet," by John
Ikoughajp, was first seen here Nov. 10. Feb. 2, 1852, airs.
Catherine Sinclair Forrest made her first appearance on the stage
as J^ady Teazle, in '• The School for Scandal." In consequence of
the great excitement aroused by the Forrest divorce case, a riot was
anticipated. At 8 o'clock the police dispersed the mob that had
gathered in front of the theatre. Mrs. Forrest was greeted with
repeated cheers and prolonged plaudits. A few persons in the
gallery seemed inclined to make trouble, but they were promptly
ousted. The curtain rose at the appointed hour. The persons
opposed to Mrs. Sinclair were chiefly in the upper tier, and were
quickly removed to the street, so the attempt to interfere with the
performance was a failure.

When "The School for Scandal" was over, Mrs. Forrest was
loudly called for, and as she passed before the curtain, received the
heartiest cheers heard within the walls of a theatre in many a day.
When she left the stage John Brougham being called for came
forward, and as he appeared, some person in the gallery began to
groan, and to cheer for Edwin Forrest. Brougham stood for five
minutes or more before he could be heard, while cheers were given

««sO

BROUGHAMS LYCEUM

475

in the galleries for Forrest, mingled with various side-notes. At
length Mr. Brougham was heard and spoke in substance as follows:
" Ladies and gentlemen, you have witnessed to-night one of the
most success — (cheers for Forrest, groans, etc.) — successful debuts
— (cheers and groans) — that ever took place within the annals of
the histrionic profession. (Various noises and several persons thrust
out from the upper tier.) I certainly never saw — (cheers, hisses,
groans) — anything equal to it. (Vociferous hisses and cheers, mixed
with groans and uproar for some time.) Ladies and gentlemen,
I am charged by the fair debutante — (more demoniac yells from
the opposition) — to return to you — (uproar, hisses, cheers, etc.,
during which Mr. B. remained passive; cheers for Forrest and
Ann Flowers, and three groans for the jury). Gentlemen."
said Mr. Brougham, " I am charged to make a speech, and, with
your permission, I will make it (uproar for some time). I have, on
behalf of the debutante, to return to you her sincere thanks for this
kind and — (noise and confusion) generous reception — (cheers,
hisses, etc.). Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to say — (noise) —
that I cater for your amusement, and shall do so, to the best of my
abilities, however you use me. (Three cheers for Brougham, mingled
with groans and hisses from the upper tier.) To-morrow night the
debutante of this evening will again appear." (Cheers and hisses,
during which Brougham retired.) I cannot give a proper idea of the
uproar in the gallery while this speech was going on. There were
cheers for Forrest, for Van Burcn, for Harney McCabc, Ann Flowers.
Ned Buntline, and Capt. Ryndcrs, with groans for other persons. The
audience was mostly of the sterner sex. probably not more than
eight ladies being present. Mrs. Forrest's engagement continued for
two weeks, and her share of the receipts was over $4,000. George
Vandcnlioff gave this lady all the dramatic instruction she ever had
prior to her debut.

Mrs. Forrest not being able to pay Mr. Vandenhoff for all the care
and attention he gave her, it was arranged that he should play the
opposite parts to her during this engagement, and receive one half
of her share of the receipts. In consequence of illness he was not
able to play the first two weeks, but at the opening of the third week
in " The I^ady of Lyons" he appeared. Their share of the receipts
for the first eight nights of their joint performance was £879.87 }4
each. Mrs. Forrest was then taken ill, and did nut re-sume acting
till the first of March. Mrs. Forrest was the daughter of John
Sinclair, a well known English tenor singer, who made his American
debut Sept. 24, 1831, at the Old Park Theatre, and died in England
Sept. 22, 1S57. Catherine was his eldest daughter. She married
Edwin Forrest in England, from whom she separated March 1. 1849.
She brought an action for divorce in January, 1852. Both husband
and wife accused each other of the grossest misconduct. A verdict,

476 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ciis*

however, was given Jan. 24, 1852. in favor of the wife, and the court
ordered her husband to pay $3,000 alimony per annum. From this
decision Mr. Forrest appealed to higher courts, and failed. The
case was tried in this State. In June, 1852. Mrs. Forrest visited
England, and soon afterwards made a professional tour of CaHfoi
and Australia, supported by Henry Sedlcy, son of William Henry
Sedley Smith. She made her debut on the London stage Sept. ~,
1857, at the Haymarkct Theatre, as Beatrice in " Much Ado About
Nothing." Mr. Sedley retired from the stage, and became one of
the editors of The Courier and Enquirer, of this city. In May, 1861,
he was appointed engineer on the staff of the N. Y. German Artillery
regiment during the Civil War in the South. In 1870 Mr. Sedley
was dramatic editor of The New York Times. Mrs. Forrest died in
New York June 16, 1891 and was buried at Silver Mount, S I-

The Lyceum reopened March 22, 1852, and Jean Darenp
played for one week. Wardle Corbyn and James Huckland opened
this house April 19, 1852. with "A Soldier's Courtship," other
characters being sustained by Julia Bennett and Mr. and Mrs.
Chas. Walcot. " The Fair One With the Golden Locks " followed,
Julia Bennett as Graceful, Walcot as Lacrymose, Vincent as
Chamberlain. Miss Fisher as Lucidora, and Miss Moore as Thisbc.
"The Live Indian," with John E. Owens in his original character,
doted tb« pertormance. May tj AddbM PattJ Mng the "Echo*1
song and the finale to "La Cenercntola; " May 14 "A Practical
Man," " Victorinc, or I'll Sleep on It," and a cavatina from
" Ernani." by Patti, accompanied by Eliza Valentine, formed the bill.

Julia Bennett Barrow took a benefit June 10. and made her last
appearance in New York but two in " The Rivals " cast as follows :

Sir Anthony Absolute Rnfu* Blake Captain Absolute . . . K. B. Conway

Sir Ludus . . . John Brougham l.yclia Languish . . . [alia Bennett

Malaprop . . . Mrs. Vernon Lucy Mr*. C. Walcot

lulu Rat* Horn Bob Acres Mr. Palmer

Falkland .... Humphrey Bland | David H. B. Phillips

This was followed by "* The Pet of the Petticoats," with Julia Bennett
as Paul. June 14 " Othello " was played by G. V. Brooke, supported
by the company from the Broadway Theatre, who, a few weeks prior,
had occupied the stage at the Astor Place Opera House.

The house was opened for one night on June 15, for the benefit of
Robert Kemp. Mrs. Sinclair Forrest made her first appearance in
the French language, playing Lady Anne in the French drama of
" Kile Est Folic" This was her last appearance prior to her de-
parture for Europe. G. V. Brooke appeared as Hamlet June 16.
Shylock June 18, Richard III. June 19, and in "The Hunchback"
June 22. July 26 Andrew Jackson Allen leased the house for his
"benefit." He played Goldfinch in "The Road to Ruin" and

i«sO

WALLACKS LYCEUM

477

Sylvester Daggcrwood in the farce of that name, and brought forth
from his wardrobe the very clothes in which George Frederick
Cooke, of whom he gave imitations, had appeared in these plays
nearly a half-century before.

James W. VVallack wa* the next manager. He completely reno-
vated the place, and refitted it with all the elegance and comfort his
artistic taste could suggest. His company was as follows: Seguin,
W. K. Blake, J. W. Lester (afterwards known as Lester Wallack),
Chas. Hale, Reynolds, Lyster, C. Bernard, Baker, Hunt, D. Thomp-
son, Stuart (E. A. Sothcrn), John Brougham. C. K. Mason, A. Baker,
F. A. Vincent. H. B. Phillips (prompter), Frank Rca, F. Chippen-
dale, Jr., Trevor, Geo. F. Browne, Burke. Durant. Jas. Wallack, Kate
Horn (Mrs. Buckland), Mrs. W. R. 'Blake, Mrs. John Brougham,
Julia Gould. Mrs. Stephens, Fanny Cramer, Mrs. McGill, Tayleure,
Osborne, Dearie, Mrs. Chas. Hale, Mrs. F. Rea, Miss Cramer, Malvina
(Mrs. W. J. Florence), Mrs. Hughes, Barton, and Scott; John \V.
I.*stcr, stage manager; Chas. Wallack. treasurer. It was opened as
Wa (.lack's Lyceum. Sept. 8, 1852. with " The Way to Get Married,"
followed by a dance, by Miss Malvina, and the farce. ■ The Boarding
School." Charles Kcmblc Mason continued here during the season.
He appeared at the Winter Garden during the season of 1864-65.
and acted the Ghost during Edwin Booth's one hundred nights' run
of " Hamlet." After that season he appeared but seldom in public,
and his last regular engagement was at the Academy of Music.
Philadelphia, in the spring of 1869, when he acted in the support of
Mrs. Scott-Siddons. He died in Brooklyn, July 11. 1875. For some
time prior to his death he had been the treasurer of the American
Dramatic Fund Association. His father was Henry Mason, and his
mother was the sister of the great Mrs. Siddons. Consequently, he
was a nephew of Charles Kcmblc, and a cousin of Fanny Kcmblc.

Sept. 9, "The Poor Gentleman," with Seguin as Humphrey Dob-
bin, his first appearance at this theatre; Sept- 10, "John Bull,"
Chas. Hale as Dan (his first appearance here); Sept. it, "_l!scd
Jill." " The Boarding School." and the farce ■ Raising the VWod;"
Sept. 13, " A Cure w thVHeartache ; " Sept. 14. "The Poor Gen-
tleman;" Sept. 15, "The Rivals;" Sept. 16, "Follies of a Night,"
"Naval Engagements," and "Sketches in India;" Sept. 17, "Cure
for the Heartache," and "A Handsome Husband; " Sept. 18, "The
Nervous Man." On Sept 20 was the first appearance in America
of Laura Kecnc, who was announced from Mme. Vestris' Lyceum
Theatre, London, when she appeared in "The Will," as Albina
Mandeviile. The farce of " Jjjs^Last Legs " was also given. " The
Will" was repeated until Sept. 25. when "The Rivals" was played,
with Laura Kcencas Lydia Languish, William Rufus Blake as Sir
Anthony, John Brougham as O'Trigger, Charles Walcot as Acres,
Mrs. Blake as Mrs. Malaprop, Mrs. Buckland as Julia, and Mr.

478 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«s»

lister (Wallack) as Jack Absolute; Sept. 27, first time in this
country of *' Mcphistopheles, or an Ambassador from Below,"
Laura Kcene playing Pcpito, a boy, and Hones ta, the bride.
Mcphistophclc-,' "The Hoarding School," and "Happy Man."
was the bill Sept. 28 ; Sept. 29. " Rivals " and " Mephistophci.
Oct. I, "Two Can Play at that Game." "Popping the Question,"
and " Mephistopheles ; " Oct. 4. "The School for Scandal," with
this cast:

Sir PeW Teazle . . . W. R. Make

J Lester

S11 Benjaaita C Waleot

Rowley Chippendale

Snake F. Rca

Trip F. A. Vincent

sir Harry Lyster

Lady Teazle .... Laura Keene

Lady Snecrwell . . . M rs. Waleot

Sir Oliver J. Brougham

Joseph C. K. Mason

irce C. Hah

Mow Seguin

Careless Reynolds

Mrs. Candour . . . Mrs. lirou^liarn
Maria Mrs. Chas. Hale

Oct. II saw the first performance here of "The Last Man," W.
R. Blake as Geoffrey Dale; also "Two Can Play at that Game,"
U>d, for the first time in America, " Only A Clod ; " Oct. 18 James
Wallack appeared, for the first time in America in five years, in
" Much Ado About Nothing," Mr. Wallack as Benedick, Laura
Kcene as Beatrice. It held the stage for one week. Oct. 25,
the comedy, " Spring and Autumn," Wallack as Rattle; also " The.
Nervous Man," Blake as McAspen and Brougham as McShane.
•• I'.'ui Cousin Walter," "_§prii»- .nui Autumn* Mid "The Happy
Man " was theTJill Oct. 27. The farce of " The -Lottery Ticket "
was acted, for the first time this season, Nov. 2. Nov. 4, Wallack
played Rover in " Wild Oats; " Nov. 8, Martin Hey wood in "The
Rent Day;" and, for the first time in America, the farce of " Matri-
monial." For the benefit of Mr. Lester, Nov. 22. "The Soldier's
Daughter" and " High Life Below Stairs," was the bill. For John
Brougham's benefit, Nov. 24, "A Morning Call," "White Horse
of the Peppers," and "The Nervous Man." were done; Nov. 26,
"Patrician and Parvenu;"" NOV. : :ie first time in America,

" The Twelve Labors of Hercules; " Nov. 30, for Mr. Blake's bene-
fit, "Old Heads and " leans" was given, for the first time in
this theatre, with Blake as Jc.--.ic Rural. For Chas. Kemble Mason's
benefit, Dec. 2. " Old Heads and Young Hearts" was given for the
second time here, with the farce of " Al'ractical Man." For Mr.
Walcot's benefit, Dec. 9, " Money" was seen, for the first time here,
and thus cast :

Alfred F.vclyn (first time) John Lester

Sir John Chippendale

Stout J. Brougham

Sir Frederick Reynolds

Sharp Rea

tiara Douglas . . . Laura Kcene

Georgia na Vcsey
Lord Glossmore
Graves . . .
Dudley Smooth
Lady Franklin .

Mrs. Stephens

F. A. Vincent

. . C Waleot

. C. K. Mason

Mrs. Brougham

>»S3j

WALLACKS LYCEUM

479

Dec. 13 "London Assurance" was presented, with Blake as Sir
Harcourt. Walcot as Charles, and I-iura Keene as Lady Gay ; Dec.
14, " The Way to gel Married ; " Dec. 1 7, " She Stoops to Conquer ; "
Dec. 23. for the benefit of Mr. Reynolds, "Speed the Plough," and
■' High Life Below Stairs; *' Dec. 25 (Christmas night), an original
farce written for this theatre, called " My Christmas Dinner," and a
fairy talc entitled " Mysterious Kappings " (first time here), with
" The Happy Man." made up the bill ; Dec. 28. •' Popping the Ques-
tion.'" •' My Christmas Dinner," " Mysterious Rappings," and "The
Happy Man." Jan. 5. 1853. "The Road to Ruin" was given, with
Blake as Old Dornton; Lester, Harry Dornton ; and Brougham, Mr.
Sulky. " Xliclrish H^ir^s " was first acted ;it this theatre Jan. 17.
with Walcot as Sir William. Brougham as Major Fuss, and I .aura
Keene as Norah. For I .aura Keenc's benefit, Jan. 20, "The Day
After the Wedding," and "The Heir at Law," were presented,
Laura Keene as Lady Elizabeth in the first play, and Cicely Home-
spun in the latter; Jan. 31, "The Lady of Lyons." with John Lester
as Claude Mclnottc, for the first time, and it held the stage until
Feb 14. when "Old Ik-ails hi I Vmin^ Ht-ar|a" was revived. Feb.
21 two novelties were pic mii'iiI for ihc first time here. One was,
" 'T would Puzzle a Conjurer," by the author of " Paul Pry," and the
other the operetta called " KxisXluaos^Firal Served." In the former,
Mr. Lee made his first appearance here, acting Peter. March 4
was given, for the first time in this country, " Pauline." with this
cast:

Count Horace de Beaurare John Lester

Lucien Reynolds

Cyrillc F. Chippendale

Pauline Laura Keene

Mme. De Nerval . . . Mrs. Cramer

Harriet Mrs. Hale

Uabrielle .... Mr*. Stephen*
E* telle Mrs. Walcot

March 16, for Mrs. Blake's benefit, " Married Life." and "Pauline,"
were given. March 18, for her benefit. Anna Malvina appeared in
" Nan, The Good for Nothing." " The Pet of the Petticoats " played
March 25, with Laura Keene as Paul. "Time Works Wond
was seen April 18 : Blake as Goldkcmp, Brougham as Trumcs, F. A.
Vincent as Jugby, Chippendale as Olive, and Laura Keene as Bessy.
" The Young Quaker " was seen here for the first time April 27.

James W. Wallack made his first appearance in five months, May
9, in " Much Ado About Nothing," with this cast :

Don Pedro Reynold* I Don John Chandler

Claudio C. Walcot Antonio .... F. Chippendale

Lronato .

C. K. Mason Conrade F. Rea

Borachio H. B. Phillip* Verges Chas. Hale

Dogberry W. R. Wake Oatcake 0

Sexton F. A. Vincent

Beatrice Laura Keene

Hero Mr*. C Hale

Benedick J. W. Wallack

Balthazar Lystcr

Friar C. Bernard

Ursula Mrs. Stephens

480 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STACK C'«S3

March 10, 12. 13 and 14, Wallack acted Shylock. John Lester
had a benefit May 16, when he played Sir Charles Coldstream in
"Ifocd Up." and his father. Don Caesar, in '• Don Ca:sar dc Ba.
a favorite role of Mr. Wallack's, and performed by him in London
one hundred and twenty nights. "The Stranger" was produced
May 30 for Charles Wallack's benefit. James Wallack was the
Stranger, and Laura Kccnc Mrs. Hallcr, for the first time. June 6,
"As You Like It," was acted for Laura Kccnc's benefit, with this
cast :

Duke Frederick . . . . C. Bernard

Jaques J Wallack

Oliver Rev 1

i; tabbed Duke . . . C. K. Mason

Orlando J. Lester

Touchstone C. Walcot

William C B. Hale

Rosalind Laura Kcenc

Audrey Mrs. Brougham

Le Beau F. A. Vincent

Amiens Julia Gould

Jaques dc Bois l-ec

Charles H.B. Phillips

Corin F. Chippendale

Eustace Chandler

Louie Thompson

Cclia Mrs. Conor.- r

Phehe Mrs. C. Hale

This play was continued up to and inclusive of June 13. when the
season closed with a benefit to James Wallack.

The next season began Sept. 5, 1853. The company engaged was
as follows : Blake, Brougham, Lysander Thompson. Reynolds. H.
B. Phillips, Lester, Walcot, Dyoit, P. A. Vincent, F. Chippendale,
I.yster, Chandler, Geo. Browne. Burke, Rea, Bernard, Oliver, Thomas,
Wallack, ljura Kccne, Mrs. F. B. Conway, Mrs. Brougham. Mrs.
Cramer, Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Conovcr, Miss Ksmond, Mrs. C. Walcot,
Miss Taylcure. Mrs. Blake. Mrs. Ishcrwood, Mrs. Browne, Julia
Gould, Miss Norval, and Miss Osborne.

The opening bill was " Love in a Maze," Lysander Thompson
making his first appearance here as Tony Ncttletop. The farce was
" No Song, No Supper." John Dyott made his first appearance at
this theatre Sept. 9. as Falkland in "The Rivals," and Mrs. F. B.
Conway made her de'but here as Julia on this occasion. On Sept.
12, the comedy, "The Mysterious Lady." was first acted here.
"The Jenkinses" was seen Sept. 20. "The I.ady of Lyons "was
played Sept. 23, when John Brougham appeared as Col. Damas. for
the first time. "The Love Chase" was given Sept. 26, on which
occasion Lysander Thompson, Laura Kccne, and Mrs. Brougham
acted, for the first time, respectively, the roles of Sir William Fond-
love, Constance, and Widow Green. Oct. 10 Brougham's dramati-
zation of ".Bleak House" was acted for the first time, with this cast :

Sir Leicester . . . . H. B. Phillips
Turveydrop .... J. Brougham
tanidjOa .... F- Chippendale

Sklmpolc C. Walcot

The Debilitated Cousin . . J. Lester
Capt. llawdon Chandler

Cavins Burke

Robert Richards

Dedlock . . . Laura Keenc
F,Mhcr-Smiimcr*on (first appearance)

Tlierese Esmond*
Hortcnsc .... Mrs. Brougham

««53:

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

481

■y

Mercury Lyster

Beadle Geo. Browne

Voluinnia .... Mrs lsbcrwood
Mrs. Jellaby .... Mrs Cramer
Ada Clare Mrs. Conover

Julia Skimpole . . . Miss Osborne
Latin Skimpole . . . Miss Bishop
Inspector Bucket . . L. Thompson

Krook F. Kca

Kichard Reynolds

Tulkinghorn JohnOyott

Nov. 7 Bourcicault's comedy, "Love and Money " was given for
the first time in America.

Mrs. Fox French . . . Mrs- Blake

Baroness Mrs. Conover

Lady Augusta . Mrs. H. B. Phillip*

Matilda Miss Esmonde

Sally Mrs. Brougham

The Macdunnoii of Dunnum

Chas. Walcot

Lord Fipley J. Lester

Hon. Chas. Plantagenet . J. Brougham

Sol Sykcs W. R. Blake

Craven Acton . . . Mr. Reynolds
lion. Helen I'lantajjenet . Laura Keenc
Rose Lawless . . . Mrs. Stephen!
Mrs. Warren . . . Mrs. Isherwood
Withers Felix Vincent

Nov. 22 Laura Kccnc took a benefit, playing Juliana in "The
Honeymoon " and Paul in " The Pet of the Petticoats." John Lester
acted Duke Aranza in the first piece, for the first time; Nov. 24
Laura Kccnc played Clara Douglas in " Money." Nov. 26 she Ml
announced to appear as Juliana in "The Honeymoon," and as Paul
in " The Pet of the Petticoats." Before the curtain was lifted, Mr.
Wallack came forward and informed the audience that " I .aura Kecne
had suddenly determined to try her fortunes in the South, without
paying the usual compliments at parting cither to her admirers or
her manager." Mrs. F. 15. Conway appeared in the character for
which Laura Kecne had been cast. Laura Kecne had gone to Cali-
fornia, where she was married to John Lutz, her first husband
having died. On Nov. 28 "A Cure for the Heartache" was given
with this cast:

Count Tare John Lester

Wildfire C Walcot

Cadus F. A. Vincent

Widow Venture . . Mrs. Brougham

Sam Sarcasm . . . . W. R. Blake

Major John Brougham

I'liant L- Thompson

Dr. Dotty I. . . . F.Chippendale
Lily Venture . . . .Mrs. Stephens

" .The Game of Ijfc " by Brougham, was given here for the first
time on arty stage Dec. 12, Fanny Dean making her first appearance
on any stage as Matilda Smiler; Dec. 15 "The Miller's Maid" was
seen, Lysaudcr Thompson acting Giles. Dec. 26 a chrono-historical
holiday sketch called " Old Time and New Time" was given with
this cast:

CHARACTERS FN FACT.

Mynheer Steenwyck Lysander Thompson

Paulus Pipenbrcckar I.yMer

Heindrick Bipenscnschmokcn Geo. Browne

Kip Wolverscn F. Reas

Vrow Von Cowenhoven Miss Ftthor

(•ertrude Miss Osborne

Vrow Wolversen Miss Bishop

3«

482 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««54

CHARACTERS IN FANCY

Von Cowenhovcn Lysandcr Thompson

Old Time F. Chippendale

Middle Time Mrs. Stephens

Present Time Mba St.

Electric Telegraph Mr. Richards

Dr. Law Mr. I.jster

Jan. 27. 1854. "Love" and "Money" were presented; Jan. 30,
" The Love Chase," when Mrs. John Hocy appeared as Constance
— her first appearance in three years; Jan. 31, "The Wheel of For-
tune," for the second time in twenty years ; Feb. 10. "Jolly as it
Flic*," for the first time here; Feb. 17, " Ernestine." for the benefit
of C Walcot; March 1, benefit of J. Lester, Congreve's " Love for
Love" was acted for the first time in America, and with this "cast:

Sampson Legend . . . W. R. Blake j Valentine Legend . . . J. Lester

Foresight L. Thompson Hen John Brougham

Scandal John Dyott Tattle C. Wakot

Angelica .... Mrs. John Hocv

Jenny Mrs. Phillips

Nurse Mrs. Isherwood

Mrs. Foresight
Mrs. Frail . .

Mrs. Cramer
Mrs. Brougham

" Prison and Palace." a comedy from the French, was given with
this cast :

Count SchwalofT . Lysander Thompson I Alexis J. Lester

Elizabeth . . . Mrs. F. B. Conway Alexander Reynolds

Feodora Mrs. Stephens | Draken H. H. Phillips

"Grandfather Whitehead" was acted March 31, when Miss Viola
first appeared here, acting Edward. " Man and Wife " was presented
April 6, for the first time in many years. "Jjearts at Fault" was
first played April 27, with Win, R. Klake as Sparrow, J. Lester as
Hawke. Mrs. Hoey as Lady Lurewcll. and Mrs. Stephens as Emily.
J. W. Wallack's first appearance this season was made May 8, as
Hcncdick, in " Much Ado About Nothing." Mrs. F. B. Conway
acted as Beatrice for the first time; May 15 Wallack acted Shylock ;
May 19, Rover in " Wild Oats ; " May 20, Martin lleywood in " The
Rent Day; " May 22, Jaques in " As You Like It," with Mrs. Hoey
as Rosalind. May 24, a new play by Planche, entitled "The
Scholar," was given for the benefit of Charles Wallack. The
was:

Mrs. F. B. Conwav
. . . Mrs. Blake

Erasmus Bookworm , J . W. Wallack Helen ....
Keppelcranck .... J. Brougham Mrs. Wertzburg .
Wcruburg . . . . F. Chippendale

June 5 was Mrs. Hoey's benefit, when "A Morning Call" and
" Leap Year" were acted. The season closed June 17, but an extra
performance was given June 19, for the benefit of J. W. Wallack,
when "Soldier's Courtship." "The Wonder" and "Sketches in

'8M]

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

483

India," were played. June 2f the theatre was opened for a benefit
to Sig. La Manna, when " A Morning Call," violin solo, by Paul
Julien, ballet divertissement, introducing Senorita Soto, the Koussct
Sisters, Mile. Lccder, Adelaide Price, and Mons. Corby, song by
Carlotta PoKoni, and " Delicate Ground " formed the bill.

Mr. Wallack began his third season Sept. 7. 1854, with "Tftp
Irish Heiress." with Wm. R. Blake, J. Lester. John Brougham,
Humphrey Bland (first appearance); Mrs. John Hoey and Mrs. F.
B. Conway in the principal characters. This was followed by
Senorita Soto in a pas sent, after which " A Phenomenon in a Smock
Frock,"' with Felix Vincent as John Buttercup, Mrs. Stephens as
Betsy, and J. H. Stoddart (first appearance here) as Sowcrberry,
Jeffreys. Colby. Noble. Simpson, Henry, the Misses Baxter, Osborne,
Carman. Power. Pine, Bishop, Connor, Thompson, Charlotte Thomp-
son, and Fanny Cramer were in the company.

J. W. Wallack made his first appearance this season Sept. 25, as
Erasmus Bookworm in " The Scholar ; " Sept. 26, " Much Ado
About Nothing;" Sept. 20, for the first time in America, "The
.Violet," was given, and thus cast :

Mons. Trinquet ... J. Brougham

Andre Wallack

Blanchette .... Mrs. StaphCM

Armand Stewart

Blanche . . . Miss Marian Steele
Marchioness .... Mrs. Cramer

Oct. 19, " London Assurance " was acted, with Rose Bennett as
Lady Gay bpanker, Mrs. Hoey as Grace ; Nov. 1 Wallack appeared
as Allcsandro in " The Brigands," Mrs. John Hoey as Maria Graiie;
Nov. 20 Wallack took a benefit in "The Honeymoon," which had
this cast:

Rolande J. Lester

LOOCS F. A. Vincent

Juliana Rose Bennett

Zamora Mrs. Conover

Duke Araiua J. Wallack

taeqaea W R. Blake

Lampedo H. B. Phillips

Balthazar .... F. Chippendale
Volantc Mrs. Hoey

'The Adopted Child," and " A Phenomenon in a Smock Frock "
were acted; Nov. 21, for the first time, a new and original comedy
by an " American gentleman." entitled •• Weeds Among the Flowers,"
wargivTttTwIttrthrs cast :

Caroline Rose Bennett

M.iirlc Mrs. John Hoey

Annette .... Mrs Brougham

Smyth of Smyth Hall . . Bmui;li.iin
Mr. Myrtle .... W. R Blake
Crawley Webb J. Lester

On Nov. 28 Senorita Soto took a benefit and made her last
appearance. "Sons and Systems" Dec. 6; also " Two to One, or
the King's Visit." was produced for the first time, and met with the
best reception of any original play brought out in the city for a long
time. Blake played Mons. Zouvret; Stewart was the King; Rose
Bennett, Dora ; Mrs. Stephens, Cecilc; and John Lester, the Chevalier.

•J

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««5S

"A Gentleman from Ireland." by F. O'Brien was seen Dec. u, with
John Brougham as L-fralrJ Filr Maurice. Mrs. Hoey and Mrs.
Conover were the daughters, and Dyott the old man. An adapta-
tion from the French, called " The S_istcrs." was acted for the first
time Dec. 27. Jan. 15, 1855, a dramatization of Bulwcr's "Night
and Morning" was produced and thus cast:

;■ Notlun I. Lesltr | Giwtrey Brougham

Pelcr Plaskwiih ... \kc Mr*. Ikaufort . . . Mrs. Co:
Sydney Morion Stewart 1 Fanny Rom Bu.

Lester Wallack's benefit occurred Jan. 29. when he appeared as
Reuben Glcnroy (for the first time) in " Town and Country," and as
Puffin "The Critic:" Feb. 6 Mrs. Mowatt's play "Fashion." was
given for the benefit of William R. Blake, who played Adam
Tracman ; J. Lester, Col. Howard ; Rose Bennett, Gertrude. They
were playing this comedy at the time in Burton's Chambers Street
Theatre. '" The Busybody " was acted Feb. 26. for the first time in
many years. " Clari. the Maid of Milan." was sung March 2. For
Felix A. Vincent's benefit, March 9, "The Teacher Taught."
" Soldier's Daughter," and " My Sister Kate " were presented.
" She Would and She Would Not " was first played here March 26.
"Tit for Tat." was acted for the first time in America May 2.
" Look Before You Leap " had its first performance here May 7, with
Blake as Oddington, Brougham as Jack Spriggs, Rose Bennett as
Claribcl. Mrs, llocy as Eleanor. The season closed June 5, with a
benefit to J. Ixstcr. when " Where There's a Will There's a Way."
and "Jealous Wife" were done.

An amateur performance took place Aug. 15. of " The Hunch-
back." Ada Clare made her first appearance on the public stage as
Julia, Jessie McLean was the Helen, E. T. Undcrhill. of The Tribune,
the Modus, and Charles T. V. Ware the Master Walter. The per-
formers were all literary people.

Ada Clare was professionally knowh as Agnes Stanfield. Her
right name was Jane McEthcnncy. She embarked in literature at a
very early age and she was popularly known as "The Queen of
Bohemians." She contributed many sketches to the weekly papers
and magazines, and wrote a novel called " Only a Woman's Heart."
She adopted the stage as a profession, and played under the name of
Agnes Stanfield. She married J. Frank Noyes, Sept. 9. 1868. On
the 30th of January a pet dog jumped into her lap, and while she waa
caressing it, the dog sprang up and bit her on the nose, fastening its
teeth through the cartilage so firmly that it required assistance to
dislodge the dog. Mrs. Noyes' wounds healed rapidly, and it was
thought that she had nothing to fear. She accepted an engagement
to perform with Lucilfe Western during a brief tour, and acted ;it
Rochester, N. Y., on March 2. She was taken ill on the stage, and

««5$:

WAI.LACK'S LYCEUM

485

was carried to her lodgings. She ran about the room on all-fours,
barking and snapping at everything within her reach, and in her semi-
conscious delirium she begged her attendants to kill her and relieve
her from the agony which she was suffering. She expired in the
greatest torture about nine o'clock on the evening of March 4, 1871.
Mr. Wallack commenced his next season with Mrs. John Hocy,
Mrs. Vernon, Kate Saxon, Mrs. C Walcot, Mrs. Stephens, Mrs.
Brougham, Mrs. Sylvester, Mary Gannon, Mrs. Conovcr, Mrs.
Stewart, the Misses Thompson, Carman, Connor, Kishop. and Tree,
Henry Haciile, C. Walcot, H. B. Phillips, Harrison, Peters, Colby,
Jeffries, Oliver, Burke. Maker. Lysandcr Thompson. Levere, J. H.
Stoddart, Stewart, W. H. Norton. J. Lester, John Brougham, Geo.
Holland, and Mr. Stewart. Theodore Moss was superintendent of
box office. A new play, called "Gamp of Love." was the initial per-
formance Sept. 12, 1855, and had this cast :

r.uii Wclden J. Lester

Counsellor (first appcar.ince here)

R. Placid*
Jacob (first appearance here)

Gen. Holland
Phoebe (first appearance here)

Mrs. Vernon

Perkins Mrs. Stephens

Ted Murphy brougham

ence Slow tit

Alice Mrs. Hocy

IJc Merfie. . . Mrs. Hrougham
.Mary Miss Carman

" Mother and Child Are, Dying Well " introduced to the patrons of
the house VV. H. Norton as Lieut. O'Scupper ; Oct. 1 1 " Lavater,
or Not a Bad Judge," and " £^QQ Reward " were given for the first
time here. C. Walcot made his first appearance in eighteen months,
acting Lavater. and Kate Saxon was Louise; Oct. 15, "A Lady in
Difficulties" was first seen here, and Mary Gannon first appeared.
acting Mme. Denhoff. In the afterpiece, "A Pretty Piece of
Business," Mrs. Hoey acted Fanny Grantly for the first time. " Mrs.
Johnston, or What's in a Naruc?" was presented for the first time on
any stage Oct. 19.

" A_smodcus. or the Little Devil," had its first representation
Oct. 22, when Gcorgina Hodson made her American debut as Carlo;
Oct. 24, for the first time in this country, "The Man of Many
Friends," was given with this cast :

Peter Popples Walcot Arlington Veneer . . . Brougham

Sam Skymslier . . . . G. Holland Capt. liawkshaw .... Stewart

Montague Flopper Peters l.c.ili Malmsey Morton

Mrs. Popples . . . Mrs. Hocy Miss N.tley .' .... Kate Saxon

Mrs. Beamish . . . Mrs Brougham .Miss Daw .... Mrs. Svlvcster

Mrs. Martingale . . . Mrs. Vernon Mincing Mi is Melville

" The Waterman." was played here Nov. 3, with Gcorgina Hodson
as Tom Tug. " Manifest Destiny" first acted on any stage Nov. 5,
with J. Lester as Jack Mctablc, Geo. Holland as Grecncye, H. Hall
as Epbraim, Mrs. Hoey as Mme. Grecpeye. " A Lady in Difficulties "

486 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»S5

was revived Nov. 13. and Mary Gannon reappeared as Mme.
Dcnhoff. after a long illness. " The P° wager " had its first per-
formance Nov. 16. C. Peters played Peter Spyk in " A Loan of a
Lover" Nov. 17. "The Little Treasure" Nov. 21, for the first
time in America, and had this cast:

Walter Maydenblush .... Lester
Fluttermore Norton

time* Burke
kmoca Mi* Hoey

Jane Mis* Pine

Charles Howard .... Stewart

Allembournc Harrison

(Jertrude Mary Gannon

Mrs. Middlelon . . . Mrs. Vernon

" Rule a Wife and have a Wife " was seen for the first time here
Nov. 24. for the benefit of J. I. ester. For Mrs. Hoey's benefit, Dec. 1 .
J. Lester acted Mr. Oakley, for the first time, in "The Jealous \\ I
" The First Night " was given Dec. 10, with H. 1'lacidc in his original
character of Mons. Achillc Talma Dufard. "_Pau|inc" was re\ I
Dec. 13. with Mrs. Hoey as Pauline; Dec. 18, "A Bold Stroke for a
Husband " was done, when Emelinc Raymond made her first appear-
ance at this theatre as Donna Olivia; Mrs. Hoey acted Donna
Victoria; Lester Don Julio; and Geo. Holland, Don Caesar. "To
Parents and fjuajdjan* " was given Dec. 20, when George Holland
appeared as Waddilove, Master George Le Roy Holland as Master
Joseph Browcr, and Master E. M. Holland as Master Thompson.
/'""Brougham's burlesque " Pocahontas, or the GenUc Savage," had
I its first performance on any stage T)ec 24, cast as follow

John Smith C. Walcot Ip-pah Kale .

Thomas Brown . . H. B. Phillips Sas-svpoil .

in Jones Simpson Kod-fiv-royl

Mynheer Rolff C. Peters Kalo-mel . .

Benjamin Hare Pocahontas

{oho Junk Thompson Kross-a.vkan-bee

lenry Halyard John* Di-mun-di . .

William Buntlin Keddy Dro-may-iab .

Barnabu* Binnacle .... James I.um-pa-snuga

Powhatan .... John Brougham Oso-charming .

8ua*h-al-jaw Burke Luv-lie-kreeta .

po-dil-doc Levere O-you-Jewel

Col-o-gog .... J. H. Stoddart Dah-lin duck .

Jin-go Jeffries Wcc-cha-ven-do

Kreen-fay-saloon .... Harrison

I*" Brougham stated on the programme that the libretto was au-
daciously altered from Bancroft. The following incident was related
by Brougham : " While at Wallack's I had a severe surgical opera-
tion performed, which for some time kept me on my back. It was
in this interval, with nothing to do but think, that I conceived and
wrote 'Pocahontas.' It didn't m;ike much of a sensation at first, for
it was one of those things which had, as it were, to 'grow' upon an
audience. Still it was nicely played. The piece was gradually

.... Oliver
. . . . Samuels

. . . !

. . Carver

Grorgina Hodson

. Miss Thompson

Mrs H B. Phillip*

. . Mrs- Norton

. . Mrs. Stewart

. . Miss Carman

. . . Mitt P»ne

. Miss Thompson

. .Mitt Melville

Mrs. Sylvester

K.01

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

487

rising in the public estimation, until one evening Lester Wallack
came into the dressing room, where Walcot and myself were preparing
for the performance, with the announcement that Pocahontas was
missing and could not be found anywhere in the city. What was to
be done under the circumstances we couldn't conceive. All sorts of
plans were projected, but none would work. At last, in desperation,
I said to Charley Walcot : ' Suppose we do it without Pocahontas ? '
'Agreed I ' said Charley. Mr. Wallack went on the stage and made
the announcement that, ' owing to the absence of Miss liodson (the
truth is she had eloped with somebody), the play would be produced
without her, Messrs. Walcot and Brougham having kindly consented
to fill her part.' For a moment a dead silence reigned ; but presently
the fun of the thing was taken in and the people fairly screamed. We
went on. First Charley would say : ' This is what Pocahontas would
remark if she were present,' and then he would talk to himself:
' Where is Pokey? ' he would exclaim, to which I would reply: ' Lost
among the icebergs on Broadway.' (Broadway was then a mass of
refrigeration.) 'Ah! but if she were here she would answer you in
this way.' When it became necessary for me to join their hands in
matrimony, we didn't know exactly what to do, but looking around
the stage I saw a broom, and taking it I boldly advanced to the front
of the stage and handed it to Charley, * Take her, my boy, and be
happy.' It brought down the house, but it was a frightfully dan-
gerous experiment."

"-Pocahontas " was taken off Jan. 25. 1856, when "A Pet of the

Public,""" Lavatcr," and "An Awkward Arrival," were produced.

"Dick Humphrey's Dinner" was given, for the first time, Feb. 4.

!■ :i:iMii;as" revived l-'cb 12; "John Hull" Feb. iS, wlu-n JoH

i.'vnii in;.*!.- in', fir?. 1 appearance this kmoDi Retina Peregrin, Henry
Placide as Joe Thornberry, and Mrs. Vernon as Brulgruddcry. " The
Rivals," Feb. 19, had this cast :

Sir Anthony H. Mai kk

Capt. Absolute j. Letter

Sir Lucien .... John Brougham

Falkland John Dyott

Acre* Chas. Walcot

David George Holland

Mrs. Malaprop .... Mrs. Vernon

Lydia Miss Raymond

Julia Mrs. Hoey

Lucy Mrs. Conover

" Knights of the Round Table" was presented Feb. 25, for the
first time in America, with J. I-catcr as Capt. Cozens, Dyott as
D'Arcy, Norton as Grantlcy. Brougham as Smith, Walcot as Tom
Tittlcr, Mrs. Hoey as Pcrdita, and Mary Gannon as Peggy. Mr.
Bernard's first appearance this season was March 15, as Tom in
"High Life Below Stairs." J. W. Wallack (his first appearance in
seventeen months) appeared March 24, as Benedick in " Much
Ado About Nothing; " Dyott was Leonato.and Brougham Dogberry ;
Mrs. Hoey played Beatrice for the first time. March 25, "The

HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CM

Merchant of Venice." March 27. " As You Like It," when Louise
Howard made her American debut as Rosalind; J W. Wallack
acted Jaqoes. April 7, " London Assurance " had this cast :

J. W. WaBack

J. Letter

Iota mseaaai

. . C Walcot
W. H. Norton

Spanker C- Peters

Cod T. B- De Waideo

Lady Cay .... Louise Howard
Grace Mrs. Hoey

" The Merchant of Venice " was played April 19; April 21, " '
Honeymoon;*' "The Wife" April 30. Wallack as Julian St- Pit

The

t- Pierre,
Lester as Gonzaga, Dyott as Antonio. Mrs. Hoey as Mariana. May
12. "The Hunchback." Wallack as Master Walter. Lester as Modus,
Dyott as Sir Thomas Clifford, Geo. Holland as Fathom, Mrs. Hoey
as Julia, and Mary Gannon as Helen. " Twelfth Night" was done,
for the first time here, May 24, with Lester as Orsino, Walcot as Sir
Andrew Aguecheek, Brougham as Toby Befch, Dyott as Malvolio,
Mrs. Hoey as Viola. For Mrs. Hoey's benefit, May 31, " Wives as
Tbey Were and Maids as They Are," was first acted here. " Rob
Roy" was presented June 5, for Dyott's benefit, when he acted the
hero, with Kate Pennoyer as Hamish, and Mrs. Conover Diana
Vernon. The season closed June 1 1, with a benefit to J. Lester,
when " Charles XII." and " Tit for Tat " were played.

July 1, 1856, William Stuart opened this house as the summer
garden, T. B. Johnston, J. G. Burnett, Dion Bourcicault, J. B. Howe,
T. Morton, Agnes Robertson, Jessie McLean, and Mrs. J. H.
(Louise) Allen, were in the company. The opening play was "The
Phantom," by Dion Bourcicault, and had this cast:

The Phantom - - Dion Bourcicault
Lord Albert Clarering . J. B. Howe
Sir Hugh Neville . . . Dan Ralton
Sir Guy Musgrave . . . Eytinge
Davy T. B. Jobastoa

Lucy Pevcryl . . Agnes Robertson

Ellen Mis* Alleyne

Maude Ada Cure

Janet .... Mrs. H. P. GratUn

Agnes Robertson continued with this play for eleven weeks.
William Henry Norton was a member of the company at this time,
and continued here for several seasons. In 1868 he returned to
England, but shortly afterwards came back and settled at Boston,
became a member of the company of the Boston Theatre, and so
continued till the time of his demise. Besides following his pro-
fession as an actor, he was often engaged in other business. For
some time, in copartnership with Henry Sharp, he was the proprietor
of the House of Lords, a " chop house in Houston street, this city.
Subsequently, he opened a place of a similar kind on the westerly
side of Broadway, just below Thirteenth street, which he called The
Shakespeare. After that he opened another tavern called The Fal-

mS6.

WAI.LACK'S LYCEUM

489

staff, on Fourth Avenue, near Tenth street. Here he introduced
burlesque judge and jury trials, like those given in the Coal Hole by
" Baron " Nicholson, in London. He was a skilled photographer,
and for some years kept a gallery in Boston. He possessed won-
derful powers of mimicry. He was a good general actor, but never
rose to greatness in any special line of characters. He made his
last appearance on the stage at the Boston Theatre, Nov. 13. 1875, ;
acting Col. Mulligan in " The Flying Scud/'_ He died at Boston,
Jan. 17, 1876. Aug. to, a "beTlelH was given to the company here,
when " David Copperfield " was acted, and thus cast:

David Copperfield . . . Wcntworth

Trartdles Levcre

Wilkin* Micawber .... Burnett

Pegjtotty J. B. Howe

Betsy Trolwood . Mr*. H. P. Grattan
Mrs. Stcerforth .... Mrs. Cooke
Mrs. Gummidxe . . . Miss Dcering

Steerforth E) tinge

Uriah Heap . . . . T. II. Johnston

Wilkins Viola Grattan

Han C. Peters

Wickfield C. Burnett. Jr.

Rose Dartle .... Mrs. Hough
Mrs. Micawber . . . Miss Allcyne
Emily .... Mrs. T. B. Johnston

A^ncs Miss Wilton

Miry Miss Payne

This was followed with a Spanish dance, by Josephine West,
and, " A Morning Call ; " Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Allen acted Sir
Edward Ardent and Mrs. Chillington. Aug. 21 Farren appeared
as Grandfather Whitehead. Travers Morton made his first ap-
pearance in New York Aug. 22, as Marcus Lister in "The Miller
of Dcrwcnt-Water," Warren as Michael, and J.JLJiowc as Henry
Lister.

The next season opened Sept. 17, 1856, with a comedy said to
have been written expressly for this theatre, called " First Impres-
sions." It had this cast:

Peveril J. Lester

Wilton Mayne . . . E. A. Sothero

St. Lcger J. G. Burnett

St. Kutb • . . . H. B. Phillips

Flora Mrs. I

Ellen Mrs. Allen

Mary Mary Gannon

Martha Mrs. Sylvester

Mrs. Muffins . . . Mrs. Thompson

C. Holland

Gregory Peters

Sarah '. . . . Charlotte Thompson

Wallack was proprietor ; Stuart, lessee : Dion Bourcicault, general
director; J. Lester, stage manager; H. B Phillips, prompter; Thco.
Moss, treasurer. E. A. Sothern was the Mr. Stewart of previous
seasons. Sept. 22 "The Rivals" was given, with W. R. Blake as
Sir Anthony, Dyott as Falkland, Sothern as Acres, Mrs. Hoey as
Julia. Mary Gannon as Lydia. and Mrs. Vernon as Mrs. Malaprop;
Sept. 23. "The Four Gentleman," with Reynolds (his first appear-
ance) as Sir Charles. Colin Stuart made his debut here Sept. 24,
as Lord Charles Roebeck In " Old Heads and Vfttinfj Hf ft1'*-" G.
S. Lee appeared as Sulky, Sept. 25, in " The Road to Ruin." Fanny

A HISTORY 01" THE NEW YORK STAGE [1857

Dean's first appearance was the same date, as Miss Dainty in " Who
Stole the Pocketbook ? " C. Walcot was seen as Sir Harcourt
Courtlcy in " London Assurance." Sept. 29.

Charles J. Lester

Daulc .... Dion Hourcicault

Meddle W. R. Wake

Spanker I'cters

Max Burnett

Lady Jay (first time) . . Mrs. Hoey

Grac« Agnes Robertson

Pert Mary Gannon

nna;" and for her last
Andy Blake." Oct 20
Much Ado About Noth-

Agnes Robertson was engaged for eighteen nights, and appeared
in these plays: "Milly;" "The Young Actress;" "The Cham-
eleon ; " •■ The Phantom ; " " The .Prima
ntght, Oct. 18, " Lite of an ActreasT'an
Wallack was seen in *' HamTel ; "" Oct. 27,
ing," when Sara Stevens made her first appearance here as Hero ;
Oct. 30, " Iron Chest ; " Nov. 3, " London Assurance," with Wallack
as Dazzle; Nov. 5, "As You Like It;" Nov. 6, "The Wife;"
Nov. 8, "Stranger;" Nov. 12, "The Honeymoon;" Nov. 14,
" Rent Day ; " Nov. 1 5. "The Merchant of Venice ; " Nov. 17, ■ Don
Ca-sar de Bazan." For his benefit and last night, Wallack acted,
Nov. 22, Shylock, arranged in four acts, and Dick Dashall in " My
Aunt."

James Anderson and Agnes Ellsworthy made their debut Nov. 24,
in " Clouds and Sunshine, or Love's Revenge," with this cast:

The Duke de Richelieu . . Reynold*
The Count Roqucfcuille . . C Stuart
The Marquis Marcilly . E. A. Sothern
Edgar Duncta J ,„,;_ v_,k_—
Hc»i Duno.s. { ,w,n br0lhcre

James Anderson

David Leslie .... John Dyott

Diana Agnes Ellsworthy

Countess Dunois . . Mrs. Sylvester
Clcmence .... Mary Gannon

Dec. i, 4, "Ingomar;" Dec. 3, "Elder Brother;" Dec. 6, for
Agnes Ellsworthy 's benefit, she acted Pauline in " The Ijkdy of
Lyons," to Anderson's Claude Melnottc, and Katherine in " Taming
of the Shrew," Anderson acting Petruchio; Dec. 9, "Othello,"
Anderson as the Moor, Dyott as Iago. Sothern as Cassio, Walcot
as Roderigo, Miss Ellsworthy as Desdcmona, and Mrs. Hoey as
Emilia; Dec. 11, "Hamlet," with Anderson as the Dane, Blake as
Polonius, Walcot as Osric, Dyott as the Ghost, Sothern as Laertes,
Miss Ellsworthy as Ophelia; Dec. 12, "The Lady of Lyons,"
Anderson as Claude, Miss Ellsworthy as Pauline, and for Anderson's
benefit, Dec. 13, "Clouds and Sunshine," and his own adaptation of
"The Elder Brother," which closed his engagement. H. B. Phillips^
acted Sir Lucius O'Triggcr in "The Rivals" Dec. 16. " H,iawatPai
or Ardent Spirits and Liughing Water," by Chas. Walcot, was
edited Oil the bills " An Atrocious Outrage," and was first seen here
Christmas night, Dec. 25.

«85?:

VVA I. LACK'S LYCEUM

49 •

Mrs. John Hocy took a benefit Jan. 14. 1857, and acted Margaret
Elmore in " Loves Sacrifice." Mrs. John Wood played Minnie in
"Somebody Else," and sang " I'll Be No Submissive Wife." For
her benefit Jan. 17, Mr*. John Wood acted Miss O'Leary in " Leap
Year," and Madame Manette in " Mischief Making." in which char-
acter she sang her " Exhibition Song of AH Nations." Mrs. Wood
closed her engagement Jan. 21.

Matilda Heron played Camille for the first time in New York at
this house Jan. 22, it being her first appearance since her with-
drawal from the Bowery Theatre as leading lady, in January, 1853.
E. A. Sothern was the Armand. This was Sothern's first oppor-
tunity, as he had been kept by the management as understudy in
such parts as Lester Wallack and Charles Walcot were cast. Every
one foretold that Miss Heron would make a fiasco in " Camille."
Three days before its production Wallack asked Sothern if he could
study Armand in time. To his amazement Sothern informed him
that he was already " up " in it, and the next morning he came to
rehearsal " letter perfect." Miss Heron's success was pronounced,
and for the first time in his life Sothern received several enthusiastic
" calls." This was his first upward move towards that position in
the profession he afterwards occupied. Such a hit was never before
made as was Miss Heron's Camille. The night of her debut was
marked by a heavy storm of snow. The house was half full. Never-
theless she clutched the dramatic diadem with a bound. Next
morning Fry, in the The Tribune, uttered a multitude of adjectives
in her honor. Seymour, in The Times, pronounced her greater than
Rachel, and Wilkins, in The Herald, put in all the French of his
dramatic wardrobe. It was a powerful performance. It showed
morbid passion in its deepest form, unrelieved by French gracious-
ness and French charm. She came through a window when you
expected her through a door. She was much like Hernhardt, full of
wild, curious and unexpected flights. The play ran forty-five nights,
and, when withdrawn, was attracting crowded houses. The cast of
"Camille" was:

Mons. Duval G. S. Lee

Armand E. A. Sothern

Count de Varvillc .... Reynolds

Gaston Colin Stuart

Guslave Lcvere

Nanine . . . Charlotte Thompson
Nlchettc .... Mrs. J. H- Allen

Olympc Mrs. Sothern

Prudence Mrs. Vernon

Camille Matilda Heron

"Me£ca" was produced Feb. 16 with this cast:

Jason Sothern

Orpheus H. B. Phillips

Creen G. S- Le*

Cerinthian De Silvrria

Guard Oliver

Medea .
Creusa .

1 .111! in- .

I.vkaom .
.\felanthus

Matilda Heron

Mrs. J. H. Allen

Mrs. Sylvester

Lavinia BI*hop

I Sylvester

492 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE |j»S7

The Flower Girl Charlotte Thompson

Ornttl Jeffries

The Prince G. S. Le«

Amaefi H 15. Phillips

Boniface C Peter*

Louleu MIm Peters

Zingara Miss Sylvester

March \C> the new tragedy, entitled ".Lepnore
Own," by Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, was playeaforuBPftfWlTmc, and
"With this cast :

F.dward John Dyott

Lothair E- A. Sothero

Lorenio C Walcot

Leoooce Matilda Heron

The Countess . . . Mrs. I. H. Allen

Katchen Mrs. Vernon

Bertha Mvy Gannon

Suzanne Fanny Dan

March 31, Matilda Heron acted Bianca in "Fazio," and terminated
her engagement April 4. with " Camillc " for the sixty-second time.
The standard comedies were then revived, including "The Heir at
Law ," " School for Scandal ; " " Road to Ruin ; " " Rivals ; " " The
Irish Heiress ; " "Money;" "The Poor Gentleman," for GeoT
Holland's benefit; "Old Head| and Young Hearts;" "Town and
Country;" "London* Assurance." arij "'TWyTmu^ of Life" for
Wake's benefit, when he appeared in his original character of Adam
Grccnlcaf and Mrs. J. H. Allen played Lytscl Wyndham for the first
time, and Mrs. Brougham, Widow Joybcll, her first appearance
in twelve months; April ao, " Po-ca-hon-tas " was revived. "A
Decided Case." written for this house, was produced April 30. The
theatre wai closed May a, In consequence of the testimonial benefit
to J. W. Wallack. at the Academy of Music. " Love and Money "
was done here May 5. ".One Coat for Two Suits," for the hiSt tunc.
May 6. Mrs. Brougham made Der second and last appearance May
9, as Dobson in " A Pretty Piece of Business," and as Widow Joybcll
in " The Game of Life." lor the benefit of John Brougham. J. W.
Wallack reappeared here as Rienti in the play of that name, and
later was seen in "The Merchant of Venice." "The Wife." "Don
C<csar." " The Iron Chest." " As You Like It," " The Rent Day.'
"The Stranger." in which Mrs. Hutchinson acted Annette, and sang
" I Have a Silent Sorrow Here." For the benefit of Mrs. Hoey,
May 30, Mary Shaw (Mrs. Hocy's sister) made her New York debut
as Jenny Lcathcrlungs in "Jenny Lind." Among the songs ren-
dered by this lady were the cavatina " Ernani, Rescue Me; " aria.
"Our Faith Then Fondly Plighting;" " Maggie by My Side," and
the duct, " I Had a Dream the Other Night," with E, A. Sothcrn.
*' The Wonder," was also acted, with Mrs. Hoey as Violantc, Wallack
as Don Felix, Dyott as Col. Britten, and Mary Gannon as Flora.
"The Serious Family" was given June 1, with this cast:

Capt- Murphy Maguire J. \V. VValhick Krank I.evcre

Aminadah Sleek C. Walcot Mrs. Charles Torrcns . . Mrs. Hoey

SowcrUy Creamly -Mr*. Vernon Mrs. !)-lmalnc . . . Mary Gannon

Graham . . . Charlotte Thompson F.mma Mrs. J. H. Allen

Charles Torrens J. Lester

>»57]

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

493

This was Mr. Wallack's first performance of this r6k in America,
but he had acted it upwards of one hundred nights in London. It
was the first appearance of J. Lester, C. Walcot. and Mary Gannon
in the above characters. Mr. VVallack closed his engagement June
6, with "The Honeymoon" and "The Adopted Child." In the
latter play, Viola Plunkett made her first appearance in this theatre,
acting the Boy.

This closed the season. Mr. Wallack's engagement was by no
means a successful one. he having played to the poorest houses of
the season. He acted characters tor which at this lime he WM not
physically fitted, though he had gained a reputation in them twenty
years before. He insisted upon appearing in those parts for which
youth and vivacity are the first requisites, and he was capable of
exciting our wonder, but not of winning our admiration.

Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr., made her first appearance, since her return
from Europe, June 8, as Mrs. Beverly in '"The Gamester," and later
as Hianca in "Fazio;" Romeo, in " Romeo and Juliet." to Mrs.
Hoey's Juliet ; and Ion in the play of that name. The season cl<
June 13, with a benefit to Mrs. Wallack, when she acted Lady Gay
Spanker in " London Assurance : " H. Placidc played Sir Harconu,
and J. Lester, Charles courlley. An extra night, June 15, was for
the benefit of Theo. Moss, the treasurer, when "The Belle's Strat-
agem " was given, with Mrs. Hoey as Lctitia Hardy for the first
time; S. Eytinge as Saville, Wallack as Doricourt and Dyott as Sir
George Touchwood ; June 16 Charles T. P. Ware took a benefit,
when "The Good for Nothing," three acts of "The Merchant of
Venice," and "The Loan of a Lover" formed the bill. George
Holland had a benefit June 17, when "The Maid of Croissy," the
farce "The Picnic Party." and "The Sav^i- and the Maiden," were
acted, introducing J. S. Browne and others.

Eliza Logan began an engagement here June 18, appearing as
Evadne; afterwards continued until July ir, acting in "The Hunch-
back," "Romeo and Juliet," "The Lady of I^ons," "Fazio." "In-
gomar," " The Italian Bride." and " Love's Sacrifice." Mrs. John Wood
returned here July 13, "in " Hiawatha." with Charles Walcot, Emily
Milton (first appearance here), and Josephine Manners in the cast.
Mrs. Wood was seen Aug. 3, as Josephine, in "The Daughter of the
Regiment." and as the Jew iq the burlesque; Aug. 4, " The Invisible
Prince ;" Aug. to, " The Corsair." and in a new farce, called " Crino-
line, or Hoops." Mrs. Wood closed Aug. 15. H. B. Phillips took a
benefit, when C. W. Clarke acted Don Caesar de Bazan, and Mr.
Wood, Shylock. Lewis Katen took a benefit Aug. 18, when T. D.
Rice gave his comic version of "Othello," and Katen acted Shylock,
in " The Merchant of Venice."

The house was reopened Sept. 3, by William Stuart, with " Lou-
don Assurance," thus cist :

494 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»s?

Mu W. H- Norton

Meddle ...... .W. R. Wake

Cool A. H. Davenport

Solomon Russell

Pert Mary Cannon

Sir Harcocrt C Walcot

Charie* Courtley . . . J. Lester
Dazzle ....... Bool

Dolly Spanker .... John Wood

Lady Gay ... . Mr*. John Wood

Grace Agnes Robertson

This bill was continued for three nights, and the regular season
commenced Sept. 7, with the following company: W. R. Blake,
John Lester, John Sloan, Chas. VValcot, John Dyott. A. H. Daven-
port. David Whiting, Joseph Grosvcnor, E. A. Sothero, Jeffries,
C. Peters, J. H. Barnctt, Colin Stuart. Owen. T. B. Johnston. Oliver.
Geo. Holland, H. B. Phillips, Mrs. Hocy. Mary Gannon. Mrs. Vernon.
Mrs. J. H. Allen. Mrs. H. 1$. Phillips. Mrs. W. II. Reeves. Miss Tree.
Henry Loraine, C. Parsloe, Jr., Fanny Reeves, and Sara Stevens.
Matilda Heron was the first star, and appeared in her own adaptation
from" the Trench of Mario Uchard. entitled " J-'lamrnma " Later
she was seen in "Camille," "Medea," and "The Wife," for the
benefit of the survivors of the shipwrecked "Central America." Sept.
26 Matilda Heron appeared in the first performance on any stage of
"The Maid's Tragedy," and for her "farewell" gave "Camille" for the
76th time here, and the 349th time in the United States. Oct. 5
"The Rivals" was given; Oct. 6, "i-gndon Assurance: " "The
Thamejcon " was also acted the same night. Oct. 12 "The I-ast
Sfan^was played, with W. R. Blake as Geoffrey Dale; Oct. 13.
"Old Heads and Young Hearts;" Oct. t6. "Past and Present."
for the first time ; Oct. 22, O. S. Leland's comedy, "Caprice, or
Lover and Jlusband," was first secnTand with this cast:

Sir Kdward Mordaunt . . .J. [.ester
Lord Dorrington . . W. H. Norton

Inspector Smith Tree

Lady Mordaunt .... Mrs. Hoey

Col. Vffliers ... A. H. Darenpott

Brush H. Rim

Thomas - P«

Lucj- Mary Gannon

Oct. 28. " Invisible husband;** Nov. 10, it. 12. " Uncle Foozle,"
-Blake in the title role. " MjjoVn Wife or Romnnrr Aft«»r Marfflgf-"
written by Guodnib and Warden for this theatre, was produced, with

Count C. Walcot

Victor A. H. Davenuort

Grisclda Mrs. Hocy

this cast :

Ernest J. Lester

Mudwit Blake

Lornie Sara Slercns

Marietta Mary Gannon

" The Poor of New York " was given, for the first time, Dec. 8
(the house DeTng~cT55e«rT3ec. 7 for rehearsal). It was supposed to
be written expressly to illustrate the severe phases of suffering in
this city — among the high and the low — in consequence of the
crisis of 1857. In reality it was an adaptation from the French of
" Lcs Pauvrcs de Paris," and had previously been done in I.ondon
as " Fraud and Its Victims." Here it was thus cast :

«8S8j

WALLACES LYCEUM 495

Edwards Lerere 1

Puffy John Sloan

Dan' T. B. Johnston

Mrs. Pufly Mrs Cooke

Lucy Mrs. J. H. Alien

Adam Falrwcather Blake

Gideon Bloodgood ... Norton
Paul Fairwcather . A. H. Davenport
Mrs. Fairwcather . . . Mrs. Blake
Alida Bloodgood . . .Mrs. Hoey
Badger J. Lester

This drama held the stage until Jan. 9, 1858, when Mrs. Hoey
took a benefit and presented " Andjy Blake " and " Sketches in
India." "The Poor of New York " was again produced Jan. II.
"The Vicar" 01 Wakefield" was produced Jan. 25. for J. Lester's
benefit. Blake acted Dr. Primrose; Lester, Hirchcll ; A. H. Daven-
port, Squire Thornhili: Mary Gannon, Miss Skcggs, and Mrs. Hoey,
Olivia. This was followed by ".How to Grow Rich." Feb. 15
"The Times" was presented for H. B. Phillips benefit. Feb. 22
Agnes Robertson appeared in "Jessie Bruwn, or the relief of Luck-
now," by Bourcicault, acted for the first nd with this cast:

The Nana Sahib . Dion Bourciciult
Randal McGregor . . .J. Lester

Gcordie McGregor . A. H. Davenport

Kev. David Blount Blake

Jessie Brown . . . Agnes Robertson
Amy Campbell .... Mrs. Hoey
Alice Mary Gannon

Achmet Grosvenor

Sweenie T. B- Johnston

Cassidy John Sloan

Charley Master Reeres

Kffie Miss Reeves

Mary Miss Orion

During the play Agnes Robertson sang "Auld Lang Sync."
"Charlie Is My Darling," "Oh. Why I-efi I My Home?" "My
Boy Jammic. Tak yer Auld Cloak About Ye," and " Auld Robin
Gray." Mr. and Mrs. James Stark appeared April 5, in " The
Gamester," cast thus :

Beverly James Stark

Stukrly, first appearance this season

J. Canoll
Jarvb Thos. E. Morris

Lewson . . . . A. H. Davenport

Dan son Lcvcre

Bates Grosvenor

Mrs Beverly Mrs. Stark

April 6 the Starks appeared in " The Lady of Lyons," and later
iu " Richelieu," '■ Othello." " Hamlet," " The Stranger." and "Tam-
ing of the Shrew."

Edwin Booth and E. L. Davenport appeared April 12, as Iago
and Othello, for Henry C. Jarrctt's benefit; Mrs. Hoey was Desdc-
mona; A. H. Davenport, Cassio; and Mrs. J. H. Allen. Kmilia. Mary
Gannon took her first benefit April 19, when "The Love Knot"
was given for the first time in America, and thus cast :

Bernard Lester

Lord I jk vender . . A. H- Davenport

Sir Croesus D. Whiting

Mopps Sloan

Lady Lavender . . Mrs. J. H Allen
Ladv Harbottle . . . Mrs. Vernon
Barbara Miss Tree

Wormby Grosvenor

Tom Parsloe

Porter Oliver

Servant Coburn

Marian Mary Gannon

Minette Miss Pyr»e

496 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [.sjs

For A. H. Davenport's benefit, April 28, " Ladies, Beware ! " was

seen for the first time here, with the first act of " Robert Macaire."

.Davenport as Robert Macaire, and Sloan as Jacques Strop. " Amer-

icans in Paris, or a Game at Dominoes," had its first representation

on any stage, May 8, and with thfs cast :

Arthur Morris Lester

Du Lacernay Tree

Baptiste Jeffries

Amelia Mrs. Hocy

M tic. Bothers . . . Mary Cannon

Dr. Bother* Blake

Lameuret . . . . A- H. Davenport

I)c Sabre* Grosvenor

Joseph Parsloe

John Dyott had his benefit May to. when " The Relic's Stratagem,"
and " The Wandering Miir.ird." were acted, and Lionel Goldsmidt
played Jim Baggs, and sang "Villikins and his Dinah." Between
the pieces A. VVatters recited "The Raven." " Frozen Lake " was
seen for the first time May 13. Mrs, Hoey's benefit, and last appcar-
ance prior to her departure for Europe, occurred May 15. "The
Dowager." and the second and third acts of " London Assurance,"
were given. Between the pieces there was a musical interlude by
Annie Milner and Henry C. Cooper, Mme. D'Angri. Herr Carl
Formes, Charles Guilmette and Pcrring. Charles T. Parsloe, Jr.,
played Dolly Spanker for the first time, and Mark Smith was the
jir Harcourt. The performance closed with a dance by Miss Gale.

he theatre was cln-ril M.iy 24, for a rehearsal of " J_l£scr£iD.fc&ejj£d,
or the Last Days of Bj Young." John P. Cooke arranged the

nTOsTcTand the cast was :

Urigham Young Blukc

Young Brijjham Parsloe

Mahomet D. Whiting

Mr*. Allen

i'ir-.i Enslaver .... Miss Gale
Iliad Fascinatrix . . Mis* Jackson

Elder Hyde Decker

Lucifer Sparks J. Lester

Tom Scott . . . . A.H.Davenport
Sawney tni.il> . . ,T. B. Johnston

Ar.ihcfia . . . .

Marion

Sairey

Second Kurnpturess
[Fourth bewitcher ■

Miss Orton
Mar) t'.annon
. Miss Tree
Miss II. Coll

Kate Pennoyer

The season closed June 19, with a benefit to Mrs. J. H. Allen,
when J. H. Allen made his first appearance at this theatre as
Bromley, in "Simpson & Co."

T. B. Johnston took a benefit afternoon and evening of June 26, and
the programme was : Matinee — " The Young Widow," A. H. Daven-
port as Splash, C. T. Smith as Mandcvillc, Maria Barton as Aurelia,
and Mrs. Humphrey Bland as Lucy. This was followed by the Kook
Family of Juveniles, in a variety of musical acts; after which came
" The Widow's Victim," Josh Hart as Jerry Clip, with imitation
celebrated actors ; Ada Clifton acted Mrs. Rattleton ; Annie Leland.
Mrs. Twitter; Frank Hodges was the Twitter; Jeffries, l'elham
Podge, and Carrie Knight as Jane Chattcrly. Then came a clog

»«sO

WAUJVCK'S LYCEUM

497

dance by Ben Yates, after which Matt Feel's Campbell's Minstrels
gave five "turns." The evening performance commenced with
" Delicate Ground.'' by Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Holt ; after which the
Holman Family appeared in a variety of songs, with Mrs. llolman
at the piano. " Sketches in India " followed ; then James Rogers in
his tragical version of " Macbeth," and the performance terminated
with "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady." The French company
that had been playing at 585 Broadway, occupied this house June
24. Karly in July Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence took possession of
the theatre, and for fifty nights played to good business. Aug. 16,
"The Robbers of the Rhinc-oh.or the Forty Thieves in New York."
was first seen. For Florence's benefit. Aug. 27. " How to Get Out
of It, or the I I over," was done for the first time on any

■ 1. ■.;<■. Tin 1 I. Hi-no.-'- closed Aug 18 (uid the next start wen- Mr.
and Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau, who closed their engagement Sept. 6.
The Cooper English opera company began a season Sept. 16, 1858,
appearing in "The Bohemian Girl." Henry C. Cooper was man-
ager and conductor; Annie Milner, soprano; H. Miranda, tenor;
Rudolphson, basso; C. A. Guilmette. baritone, and Mr. and Mrs.
G. Holman were members of the company. The cast was:

Arline Annie Milner

Thaddeus H- Mitt

The Count .... C- Cuilmcitc

DevHauOOl Rudolphson

Florestein I',. Holman

Cip*y Queen .... Mrs. Holman

Business was bad, and the opera company closed Sept. 18.

James W. Wallack took charge of the house and commenced his
season Oct. 5, 1858. The company was: Lester Wallack, J. W.
Wallack, John Brougham, Charles Whcatleigh. John Dyott. H. B.
Phillips, John Sloan, W. R. Floyd. F. Chippendale, C. Bernard,
Chandler, I.evere, Rogers, Tree, Hodges, Lasccllcs. C. Parsloc, Mrs.
John Hocy. Mrs. Vernon. Mary Gannon, Mrs. John Sloan. Mrs. 11.
F. Grattan, Miss Tree. Mrs. W. R. Floyd. Mrs. Reeves, Miss Carman.
Mica Fine. Orton. Stella. Cross, Wright, and Gourlay. The opening
play was " Neptune's Defeat, or the Seizure of the Seas," and for the
first time m America, "Nothing Venture" Nothing Win," in whi: h
Charles Wheatleigh made his first appearance here as the Marquis.
" Marriage by Lottery" was first acted here Oct. 18. and with this
castT"

Wilful Waverlv J. Lester I lirimshy Sloan

Herbert Manifest ... . FlojrdlMnt- Pointer . . . . Mm. Vei

Charlotte Mrs. Sloan Harriet Pointer .... Mrs. 1'loyd

Warner Mis» Tree I

This was the first api>earance in this theatre of Mrs. Sloan and W.
R. Floyd. Oct. 20, " Nothing Venture. Nothing Win." A five act
comedy, by D. Wadsworth Wainwright, M. D., son of Bishop \\

498 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C»«5»

wright, of this city, entitled "Wheat and Chaff." was first acted Oct.
30. It was a local play, illustrative of New York life and manners.
It had this cast :

Job Merrywealber . John Brougham
Arthur Beaufort Lester V

Herbert Vane . Charles Wheatleigh
Charles Hearty . . Thos. Chandler

Deuce John Sloan

Mrs. Grafton . . . Mm. G rattan

Helen Grafton .... Mrs. Hoey
Blanche Gay .... Mary Cannon

Thomas F. Chippendale

Robinson I jxcrilex

Newsboy C Parsioe

Hackman

This is the first time that Lester Wallack ever acted under
own name.

Nov. 12, Tom Taylor's " Going to the Bad, or My Scotch
had his first representation in this country, and was thus cast:

Horace Hardingham . Lester Wallack
Peter Potts . . . John I
Daxhwnod . . . Ch.is. Wheatleij5h

Major Heele John Dyott

Be vis Marks John Sloan

Lucy Johnson .... Mrs. Hocy
Bella Dashwood . . Mary Cannon

Bernard
dcr his
Aunt."

r.r.i b

Mrs- Pockingliorne

En nr

Chax. Ruxhout Chandler

Davis Bernard

Choker Coburn

Fullalove Miss Pyne

Mary Mis* |

ad_Chcrry " was first acted Nov. 19, with Lester Wallack
as Lord Dorset t; Mrs. Hoey, Lady Emily; Mary Gannon, Rose;
John Dyott, Col. Pompley, and I^evere as Ormonde. Nov. 27, a
farce by Brougham, called " Tjlf* rar<> "f Vtr¥ fj^rlfy " was g<vcn
with Viola Plunkett as Charley. Brougham as Mickey Fogerty, C. T.
Parsioe, Jr. as Hunker, Mrs. Sloan as Mrs. Top Sawyer and Mary
Gannon as Susan Sly. In the second act was a fashionable fancy
ball. W. Ranger appeared here Nov. 29 in " The School for Scandal "
which had this cast :

Sir Benjamin Backbite C. Wheaiieigh

Trip W r :

Ijtdy Teaxle Mrs. Hoey

Maria Mrs. Sloan

Mrv Candour . . . Mrs. Vernon
Lady Sneerwell . . . Miss Henrade

Sir Peter Teazle . . . W. Ranger
Charles Surface . . . Lester Wall... k

Joseph Surface J. Dvoti

Sir Oliver J. Brougham

Rowley F. Chippendale

Crabtree J- Sloan

Moses H. B. Phillips

This was Mr. Ranger's first appearance in this theatre. He was a
careful, sensible actor. Everything he did was marked by high
artistic excellence. There was a peculiar air of refinement, and an
absence of the conventionalisms of the stage, which invested his
efforts with unusual interest. "Variety Cured, or th.^ <^-h,r>nl for
Old__Gcntlcmcn," a comedy by Mr. Ranger, was first acted here
Dec. I.

J. W. Wallack made his first appearance in two years Dec.
acting Shylock in " The Merchant of Venice," with this cast :

■«5fl]

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

499

Duke of Venice .... Chippendale
l'rince of Morocco . . . Wheatleigh

Prince of Arragori Floyd

Antonio Dvott

Haxxanio Lester Wallack

Gratiano Brougham

Portia Mr*. Hoey

Nerissa Man- Gannon

Lorenxo F.'C. Hang*

Shylock WtUftCt

L.iiincelnt (iohho .... Younjj
OldGobbo . . . . II. is Philip
Jessica Mrs. Sloan

This was Mr. Bangs' and Mr. Young's first appearance in this
theatre. The play terminated with the trial scene. The introduction
of the Princes of Morocco and Arragon at Belmont, hitherto omitted,
were restored for the purpose of more strictly adhering to the
author's text, and of heightening the interest attached to the episode
of the caskets. The play had a run of thirty-three nights, and was
withdrawn Jan. 17. 1859. for "The Veteran, or France and Algeria."
The cast of " The Veteran " was :

Col. Delmar .... J. W. Wall.i..-k
Leon Delmar . . . Lester Wallack
1 " ■<!■ m: .... Chas. Whcatl'-iv"

C.ipt. Iiclmont Lcvcrc

(iulnarc Mr. Sloan

Zaida Jo»ie Orton

Aura Miss E. Henrade

Blanche Mary Gannon

Mrs. McShake . . . . Mrs. Vernon
The Emir Mohammed . , • Dtott

Amineli Mrs. Hocjr

' . oi Mjm Hangs

Orlan Agan Brough

Offlon Chippendale

Leyd C. T Pareloe

After a run of one hundred and two nights, it was withdrawn
April 4, when "As You Like It" was acted, with the first appear-
ance in two years of Chas. Walcot, who played Touchstone ; April 19
■ The Scholar ; " April 20, first time in two years, J. W. Wallack
acted Julian St. Pierre in "The Wife." May 14 Wallack took a
benefit, when he acted Benedick in " Much Ado About Nothing."
with Brougham as Dogberry; Dyott. Leonato; Whcatlcigh, Claudio;
F. C. Bangs, Don Pedro; Mrs. Hoey. Beatrice; Mrs. Sloan, Hero;
Mrs. Reeves, Ursula; and F. Chippendale, Antonio. At the close
of the piece Mr. Wallack made a speech, and this was the last time
he assumed any rdle on the dramatic stage, except when he appeared
at the opening of Wallack's Theatre (Thirteenth Street and Broad-
way), where he made a speech to his friends and patrons. This and
a short address at the close of the season was his only appearance
in public. He died in this city Dec. 25. 1864. Mr. Wallack's most
notable characters were Shylock. Benedick. Jaqucs. Martin Hcy-
wood, Erasmus Bookworm, Rover. Sir Edward Mortimer. Dick
Dashall, Don Caesar de Bazan. and his last performance, Colonel
Delmar. The name of James W. Wallack, mast ever be intimately
interwoven in the history of the American drama and contingent
amusements.

Edmund Falconer's comedy " Extremes, or Men of the Day," had
its first American representation May 16, and with this cast:

500 A FMSTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««»

Frank Hawthorne . . Lester Wallack
Dr. I'lavuir .... J. Brougham
Robin Wildbrtar . . . C. W

Uoael C- Whcaileigh

Lucy Vavasour .... Mrs. Hocy
Mrs' Vavasour . Mrs. H. P. ('.rattan
Mrs. Wildbriar ... Mrs. Vernon

Ererard F. C Bangs

Augustus Wat. Floyd

James . Young

Cunningham ... F. Chippendale

jenny Mary Gannon

Euphcmia .... Miss Henrade
Jeniima Miss Tree

John Dyott acted Sir Anthony Absolute in "The Rivals," May 24.
The season closed June 6, with a benefit to lister Wallack, but a
l>erformance of " Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady," and ■ Knights
of the Round Table " (with Floyd as Grantlcy) took place June 7.
for the benefit of Theo. Moss. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. J. Florence
commenced a summer season June 13, writh Brougham's play.
" Tcmptarion.1 Harry Langdon acted Tom Bobolink, his first
appearance In New York, and Jjrs. Bradshaw made her first appear-
ance in this theatre, as Mrs. Grnngiskcn. " 1-alla Rookh. or the Fire
Worshippers," was given June 18. H. L. Batcman became manager
of the house Aug. 22. and introduced Matilda Heron, in \
Bateman's play ".Geraldine. or Love!* "' It ran until Sept.

14. C W. Cmildock, M. W. Leffingwell, Wm. Davidge. Charles M
Wulcut Sr., and Josephine Orton were in the cast.

The regular season opened Sept. 19, with Wm. Rufus Blake,
Lester Wallack, John Brougham, Chas. Walcot, John Dyott, Young.
Jackson, Oliver, F. C. Hangs, John Sloan, John Scfton, W. R. Floyd.
Lcvcre, Chas. T. Farsloe, Jr., Coburn, Mary Gannon, Mrs. John
Hocy, Mrs. Vernon. Julia Tree, Mrs. Chas. Walcot. Mrs. A. W.
Young, Mrs. John Sloan, Mrs. W. R. Floyd, Mrs. Reeves, Misses
Carman. Floyd, and Reeves. Robert Stoepel leader of orchestra.
Theo. Moss, treasurer. "The Ruling Passion " was seen for the 1
time, on the opening night, with this cast :

Job Singleheart . .
Tom Dexter . . .

Maurice O'Connor .
Hercules Harebell .
Honcydew . . .

W. R. Blake
Lester Wallack

John Brougham
. . C. V.
. . John Dyott

Mrs. Honcydcw ... Mr

Augusta Ill

Tilly Mary Gannon

Widow Hollistcr . . Mrs. Vernon

"Tjcklish Times" was the farce in which Mrs. A. W. Young
made her nrst appearance here as Winnefred -, Sept. 30, " The Road
to Ruin" was given ; and Oct. i, "The Rivals," with this fine cast ;

Sir Anthony Blake

Capt. Absolute . . . Lester Wallack
Sir Lucius . . . John Brougham

Bob Acres Walcol

David Sloan

Falkland Dyott

Lydia Mary Gannon

Fag Lcverc

Coachman Jackaon

Mrs. Malaprop . . . Mrs- Vernon

Julia Mrs. Hocy

Lucy Julia Tree

:88o]

WA1. LACK'S LYCEUM

5°«

Oct- 13, " The School for Scandal." and thus admirably cast :

Sir Peter Teade Blake

Charles Surface . . . Ustcr Wallack
Sir Oliver . . ... Brougham

Benjamin Backbite . . . Walcot

Joseph Dyou

Lady Tcarle Mrs. Hocy

Mana Mrs. Sloan

Lady Snecrwcll . . . Mrs- Walcot

Crabtrce Moore

Trip Young

Careless Floyd

Sarin Levere

Mrs. Candour .... Mrs- Vernon

"Fast Men of the Olden Time " was first played here Oct. 18.
The comic musical "duality" of "Going It Blind" was first seen
here Oct. 31, with Walcot and Brougham as Bogar and Buncomb.
The following was the musical part of the play: Aria — " Both and
Poor Dears," by Brougham, accompanied by himself on the trom-
bone: " Lament a Drop for Me," trombone; Aria: " He Prevents
Me, 'Pon my Soul," accompanied by M ■■ Brougham, on the trombone,
and Walcot, on the violoncello ; Duo Concertantc, trombone and
violoncello, Brougham and Walcot; Duo di Voce, Instrumental,
"How Many Beans Make Five?" by Hrougham. Walcot, trombone
and violoncello. "The Wreck Ashore" was seen Nov. 15 ; Nov. 17,
" Fast Men of the Olden Time " was revived ; " Romance and Real-
ity;" Nov. 26, "John Bull." and the farce "Moustache Mania;"
Nov. 30, "The Clandestine Marriage." for Mr7 walcot's~henefit,
with this cast :

Lord Ogleby Walcot

Canton Brougham

I -well Dyotl

Sterling Moore

Trust Miss Carman

Miss Sterling .... Mrs. Hocy

Fanny Mrs. Sloan

Mrs Hcidleberg . . Mrs Vernon

Betty Mary Gannon

Chambermaid .... Julia Tree

Broach Lester Wallack

Sterling Coyne's " Everybody's Friend " was played Dec. 7, for
the first time in America, and cast as follows:

Felix Fcatherlv . . . Lester Wall* k
Major Wellington Dc Boots . Walcot
Mrs. Fcatherlv .... Mrs. Hoey
Mrs. Swansilown . . Mary Cannon
Mrs- Major Dc Boots . . Miss Floyd

Fanny Julia Tree

lecbrook Brougham

"Iran C. l'ariloe

Cook Miss Carman

" Knocks and Noses " had its first performance Dec. 26. Blake
. 1: ; :..,'. ■:; Hnyil, Prince of Avignon; Hid Mrs. Wsfcot itn.
Kabri. "A Husband to Order" was given, for the first time in
America, Jan. 3, i860, with this cast:

Baron dc Beaupr* Sloan

PUfflpeaa Blaka

Josephine Mrs. Hoev

Mme. Phillipcau . . Mrs. Vernon

Pierre Marccau . - . Lester Wallack

Anatole Walcot

F.lise Mary Cannon

502 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»°

"The Romance of a Poor Young Man," first acted in America
Jan. 24, wifti ihi ~

Manuel ....
Ur. Unmarcts . .
Louise Van Bcrger .
Mme. L."(rorrue . .
Marguerite . . .
Mm*. Aubrey . .
Mile Meloum . .

Lester Wallack

■'.. ,1 jh H 1
Mrs. C. W

Mrs. Vernon

. . Mm. Hoey

Mary Cannoa

. Fanny Morant

Christine Fanny Reeves

M. de Brevanncs . . . C Walcot

Gasper John Dyott

Alain Young

M Nouret Levere

Yronnett C. I'arsloe

This was Fanny Morant's first appearance at this house. Lester
Wallack having injured himself in the leap in this piece, " John Bull "
was substituted. Feb. 18 and 20 omancc of a Poo-

MlH." and '• Leading Strings." for the first time in America, fornn-.J
the bill. April 7 " Leading Strings " had this cast :

Frank Lcvcson . . . Lester Wallack

Mrs. Leveson .... Mrs. Hoey

Flora Mackenzie . . Marv Gannon

- . . Mrs. John Sloan

Binning* Blake

John Young

Millord Baker

Hal/our Cobnm

" Box and Cox Married and Settled," was done the same night
under the name of " Marriage Bliss." with Brougham as Box, '
cot as Cox, Mrs. Vernon as Mrs. Box, Mary Gannon as Mrs. Cox.
and Miss Carman as Mrs. Bouncer. Congrcve's comedy, " Love for
Love," was seen, for the first time in six years, April n, for Mary
Gannon's benefit.

"The School for Scandal " had the following great cast April 16.
for Dyott's benefit :

Sir Peter Blake

Charles .... Lester Wallack

Sir Oliver Brougham

Sir Benjamin Wskot

Joseph Dvott

Lady Tcaxle Mrs. Hoey

I.ady Sneerwcll ... Mrs. Walcot
Mrs. Candour . . . Mrs. Vernon

Crabtre* Moore

Moses Sloan

Trip . Young

Careless W. R. Floyd

Snake Let

Rowley Baker

Maria Mrs. Sloan

"Old Heads and Young Hearts" was given April 18 for Blake's
benefit.

Tom Taylor's comedy, " The Overland Route," was first acted here
May 14, and with this east:

Tom Dexter .... Lester Wallack

Solomon Frazer Blake

Major McTurk .... Brougham

Lovibond walcot

Colepepper Dyott

Clavenng Flovd

Mrs. Rabbits .... Mrs. Young

Moleskin . .
C:ipt. Smart .
Haratttrr ■ •
Mrs. Seabrlght
Mrs Lovibond
Mrs. Colepepper

. . . Sloan
. . Levere
. . Bernard
Mrs. Hoey
Mary Gannon
. Mrs. Sloan

i86o]

WALLACKS LYCEUM

503

"The Overland Route" played till June 19, when the season
closed. June 25, Florence, wearing the toggery purchased at the
sale of William E- Burton's effects, stuffed himself out and ap-
peared as Capt. Cuttle and Toodlcs. He closed Aug. 25. The first
night that Mr. Florence played Cuttle. Aug. Fenno, who was a
spiritualist, was sitting with an actor named Lawton in the green-
room, when the latter, who proved to be a surprising medium, is
said to have felt the tabic upon which he was leaning suddenly moved,
intimating that a spirit desired to communicate with him. He told
Fenno what had happened, and both set to work at once to evolve
the supernatural secret. Upon demanding the spirit's name, they
were, on spelling it out, not a little startled to find it William E.
Burton. But still more were they astonished on reading its com-
munication, to this effect: "Tell that d — d scoundrel Florence to
take off those clothes ! "

Jane Coombs made her debut here Aug. 28, as Eveline in " The
Wife's Secret." Josephine Henry also made her first appearance
here. Frank Lawlor, A. W. Young, George Jordan, John Moore,
and J. H. Stoddart were in the cast. Charles Weston Taylor took
his farewell of the stage Sept. 3, when "London Assurance" was
acted with this cast :

Sir Ilarcourt . . . W. M. Fleming ■ Grace Henrietta Irving

Max C W, Taylor Pert Emma Reynolds

Dollv W. R. Floyd Charles Au*. Fenno

Daadt J.H.Allen Meddle W. Ellerton

Simpson Uen I'ortcr Martin Cook

Cool McDouall '

This was W. Ellerton's first appearance in America. Benj. C.
Porter was shot and killed at Marshall, Tex., March 20, 1879, by
James Currie. He was travelling south with a dramatic company,
who were at the time at a railroad depot lunch room, and Currie,
who was intoxicated, quarrelled with Porter. Maurice Barryrnore
(a member of the company) attempted to quiet them, when Currie
drew two revolvers and fired. The shot went through Barrymore's
arm, and lodged in the scapula. Currie then fired another shot at
Barryrnore. and another at Porter, who fell, mortally wounded in the
stomach, and died within forty minutes. Barryrnore was kept at
Marshall about six weeks by his wound, after which he came North.
Currie was arrested, and his trial for murder took place at Marshall,
June 14, 1880. The jury, after deliberating fifteen minutes, returned
a verdict of not guilty on the ground of insanity. Porter's body was
brought to this city, and funeral services were held at The Little
Church Around the Corner. The remains were taken to Evergreen
Cemetery. During the winter of 1S87 Jim Currie killed another
man (Foley), at White Oaks. He was sentenced Sept. 19. 1888, to
six years in the penitentiary.

504 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«**°

"The Secret,'' announced as " Domestic Mysteries." was played
by George Holland. Thomas. J. M. Ward, Andrews, Chas. Parsloe,
Jr.. Kate Fisher, and Miss Wray were in the cast. George Jordan
had a benefit Sept. 6. when " JVram» "* Delusion " was given, Sara
Stevens appearing as Lady Harlcigh. This wasTollowed by "The
School for Scandal" (fourth act), with Mark Smith as Sir Peter
Teazle, Fleming as Joseph, Jane Coombs as Lady Teazle, and George
Jordan as Charles. The farce, " LivjpjtJop^Fast," closed the enter-
tainment, Mrs. George Jordan acting Julia, and Charles Thome < his
first appearance here). Plausible.

The next season opened Sept. 13, i860, with the following com-

Einy: W. R. Blake, Charles Walcot. Sr., W. R. Floyd. A. ft (Dolly)
avenport, W. H. Norton, Sloan, Young, T. Hamblin. Jr., Moore,
C. T. Parsloe, Jr., Oliver, l'arkcs. Coburn. Henry and John Lester
Wallack, Mrs. Hocy, Mrs. Vernon. Mrs. Sloan, Mrs. Walcot, Mrs.
Reeves, Mary Gannon. Fanny Morant. Julia Tree, and Carman. An
adaptation of Scribe's " Battailles des Dames," entitled " TJaeRoyal-
ist, or Forty Years Ago," was the opening play, with this casTT'

Coqxra! Doorille . . . .Mr. Coburn

Mr. Olirer

Countess D'Autreval . . Mrs. tlnry
Lconic Mary Can

Henri dc Flavfgneu . Lester Wallack
Baron Montricbard . \V. K
M. De Grignoo . . Charles Walcot
Creve Mr. Park**

Brougham's " PJayiag. with Fire." was acted Oct. 2, for the first
time on any stage, and thus cast :

Doctor Savage . . . Lester Wallack
UirIc Timothy . . . W. K- Blake
H«rbcn Waverly . . W II.
Pinchbeck . . . A. II. Davenjiort

Richard Mr. Coburn

Thomas Mr. Olirer

Mr- Herbert W.ivcrly

1 1 r. Savage . .

.. . .

l'erkins . r . . .

Mary Anne . . . .

. Mrs- Hoejr

Miss I, a niton

Mrs. Vernon

MiM Tree

Miss Carman

Nov. 8 A. H. Davenport retired from this theatre, and Pinchbeck
was played by W. R. Floyd until Nov. 19, when the piece was with-
drawn, and Lester Wallack, for his benefit, presented "Everybody's
Friend" and " Rural Felicity," when W. H. Norton, after an absence
of t«o years, made his first appearance, and Mrs. Sloan was seen
for the first time this season. Mrs. John Hocy had a benefit Nov.
19, and offered " Love and Money " and " Rural Felicity." For
Blake's benefit. Nov. 21. " The Rivals " and " Cool as a Cucumber,"
were produced ; Nov. 24 Mary Gannon appealed to her friends, and
gave " A Soldier's Courtship " and " The Road to Ruin," the latter
comedy having this cast :

Harrv Dornton . . . Lester Wallack I Milford W.R.Floyd

Old fcornton . . . . W. R. Blake ! Marker Mr. Partloe

Goldfinch Chas. Walcot 1 Widow Warren . . - Mrs. Vemon

SIBcy Mr. Sloan Sophia MUs Gannon

Sulky W. II. Norton I Jenny Miss Tree

i86ol

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

5<>S

Charles Walcot took his benefit Nov. 26. and presented "She
Stoops to Conquer." and " Rural Felicity." " The Model Hypocrite"
was produced tor the first time Dec. 3, and thus cast:

W K. Blake Countess de Clermont Miss Morant

Marshal D'Estigny
La Touchc . .
Hector tie Renville
M- St. Fricx . .
Leonard . . .
Kugcnie de Blossac

Lester Wallack
Mr. Kevnolds
W. R. 'Floyd

V. . H Norton
. Mis. Hoey

Jeatincuc(nrst appearance on any stage)

• lady

IJcrthollet MI* R«e*««

Mme. Courtin . . . Mm Carman

It was an adaptation by George Farren from Kmilic Dc Girardin's
" Mons. Tartuffe." This play was only partly successful, and was
withdrawn after Dec. 17.

The " young lady " who played Jcanncttc was Madclaine I Icnriques.
She had previously appeared in amateur theatricals. She stepped
gracefully from private life, to a most enviable career on the stage.
Sac came as a lady, quietly, and just as quietly won her way to the
position of leading lady of Wallack's Theatre. That ineffable refine-
ment which accompanied her every gesture and modulated her every
tone, sprang not from the actress' an, but the innate spirit of the
woman. She took leave of the stage April 20, 1867. having been
married to Louis J. Jennings, of Tht Am York Timtt, She re-
appeared on the stage March 19, 1874. as Lady Teazle in "The
School for Scandal," at a matinee for a charity benefit. Academy of
Music, this city. As an actress she lacked power for the heavier
roles of the drama, but those which embodied the sweeter and
sadder sentiments of true womanhood, such as love, truth, purity,
self-denial, and even self-sacrifice, she reflected with extraordinary
beauty. In such rfllcs as Lady Teazle, and Margaret Elmore, Ma-
delaine Henriques was excellent.

•' To Marry, or Not to Marry ?" and " A Race for a Widow," were
given Dec. 19. The first play was cast as follows: Sir Oswin Mort-
land. Lester Wallack; Lord Danbery, VV. R. Blake; Willowcar,
Chas. Walcot; George, Parkes; Mrs. Lorimer. Mrs. Hoey; Hester,
Miss Gannon ; Lady Susan Courtly. Fanny Morant.

Charles Mathews' comedy " The Dowager." was seen Dec. 2t, with
this cast: Lord Alfred Lindsay (his original part), Chas. Walcot;
Sir Frederick Chascmorc, VV. II. Norton; Edgar Beauchamp,
W. R. Floyd ; Robert. C. T. I'arsloe; Dowager Countess of Trcsillian,
Mrs. Hoey; Lady Bloomer, Mrs. Sloan; Margaret, Miss Reeves.
" Fast Men of the Olden Time," wax revived Dec. 24. and thus cast :

Balaam Mr Sloan

i) C. T. Panto*

Graff Harney Mr- Oliver

Countess ol Lovelaugh Mrs. Hoey

Lady Cay Mrs. Sloan

• Golden . . . Mbi Gannon
Aunt Rebecca . . . Mrs. Vernon
Bell Julia Tree

Charles I (first appr.irancc It (Ml
theatre) . . . . T. S. Hamblin Jr.
Karl of Rochester . . Lester Walhu W
Dukeui Buckingham . Mr. Reynolds
Lycurgu& Muddle . . W. R. 'Blake
Survemousc .... W. H. Ntt
leremiah Thin .... Mr. Young
Dunstable ..... W- 1< . I ■

506 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D««

This play had previously been called
was played Dec. 31 :

Rochester.'' " Pauline "

Count Horace de Beau vale

Lester Wallack
Lucica de Nerval . . Mr. Reynold*

Henri T. S. Hamblin

Max W. R. Floyd

Cyrflle C. T. Parsloe

Leon de Beauchamp . -Mr. Norton

Pauline Mm. Hoey

Cabrielle Mrs. Sloan

Mme. de Nerval . . Mrs. Walcoi
Harriet Wildfort Mrs. Reeve*

Eslelle Julia Tree

" Tom Noddy's Secret " formed a portion of this evening's enter-
tainment. It was given at this house for the first time, with W. R.
Blake as Tom Noddy, Walcot as Inkpen, and Mrs. Sloanc as Ga-
brielle. ""The Lady gj fa TV^ry* " an adaptation from the French,
was seen for the first time Jan. 16, 1861, and with this cast:

George Maurice
Antoine Caussade
Charles D"Arbel
Or

■-inglois . .
Count D'Aubericve

Lester Wallack
W. H. Norton
Mrs. Reynolds
. John Moore-
Mr. Young
. Wm. Floyd

Jerome C. Bernard

Edouard George Browne

Hoxtcnse l>'Auberieve . . Mr*. Hoey
inc l.anglois . . Miss Gannon

Charlotte Mktt Morant

Moinette Mrs- Walcot

" Town and Country " was played Feb. 6. with this cast:

Reuben Glenroy
Kit Cosey . .
Mr. Trot .
Plastic ....
Jakov Hawbuck .
Capt. Glenroy
Rev. Owen Glenroy

Lester Wallack
W. R. Rlake
. Mr. Young
. Wm. i

Mr. Sloan

Wm- H. Norton

. John Moore

Hon. Mrs. Glenroy
Rosalie Somers .
Mrs. Moreen . .
Mr-. Trot ...
Goody Hawbuck
Tamlin . . . .

. Mrs. Hoey
. Mrs. Sloan

Mrs. Vernon
. Mrs. Walcot

Mis* Carman
Julia Tree

"OJd Heads and Young Hearts," Feb. 7, had tbiscaati

Jessie Rural . .
Lord Roebuck .
I.yttleton Coke .
Karl of Pompion
Colonel Rockett

W R. Blake
. Wm Floyd

Lester Wall... k

. John Moore

Wm. Norton

Tom Coke . . .
Countess of Pompion
Lady Alice . . .
Miss Rocked . ■

Mr. Reynolds
Mrs. Vernon

. Mrs. Hoey
Miss Gannon

On Feb. 11." Wild Oats " was given :

Sir George Thunder
Rover . . . . .
HSffy Thunder . .
Ephraim Smooth
John Dory . . .

. Wm. Blake

Lester W

. Wm. Floyd

Mr. Young

. Mr. Norton

Farmer Gammon

Sim

Lady Amaranth .
Jennie Gammon
Amelia ....

Mr. Moore

Mr. Sloan

. Mrs. Hoey

Miss Gannon

Mrs. Walcot

Feb. 13, " The Captain of the Watch " : Viscount de Ligny, I-ester
Wallack ; Adolph de Courtray, Mr. Floyd ; Baron Vanderpotter, Mr.
Moore; Officer of the Watch. Mr. Parkcs; Katryna. Miss Gannon;
Kristina, Mrs. Sloan. Also. "The Soldier's Daughter," with this
cast:

i860

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

507

Governor Heartall
Frank Hc.irull .
Mr. Malfort . .
Timothy Quaint .
Capt. Woodley

Mr. Blake

Mr. Wallack

Mr. Reynolds

. Mr. Young

Mr. Floyd

Fcrrit .Mr, Moore

Widow Churley .... Mrs. Hocy

Mrs. Malfort Mrs Sloan

Julia Miss Rf

Susan Julia Tree

Lester Wallack's (?) comedy, " Central Park, or the House with
o Doors," was first acted Feb. 14T"

two

Ker Flamberry .
Wyndham Otis .
Harry Donsford
Mr. Myrtle . .
Robert Crutch .

. Mr. Wake

Lester Wallack

Mr. Reynolds

Mr. Norton

A. \V. Young

Mrs. Kcr Flamberry . Miss Gannon
Flora Myrtle . . - Miss Henriqucs

Mittcai ' Mrs. Reeves

Bridget Tooligan . . . Julia Tree

Theodore Moss, the treasurer of the house, took his annual benefit
March 11, and offered "A Bold Stroke for a Husband," with this
cast:

Don Julio Lester Wallack Donna Olivia .... Mrs. Hoey

Don Cxsar Mr. Wake Minetla ....'. Miss Gannon

Don Vincentio .... Mr. Walcot Donna Victoria . . . Miss Morant

Don Carlos Mr. Norton Donna Marcella ... Mrs- Sloan

Don Garcia .... Mr. Reynolds Donna Laura . . . Miss Reeves

Diego Mr. Parkes Sancba Miss Carman

Wm. R. Blake took his benefit March 13, with "The Road to
Ruin," and March 16 Mrs. John Hoey, for her "annual," gave
" London Assurance."

1 harles Courtley .
Sir Harcourt Courtlev
Mark Meddle . .

Dazzle

Max Harkaway . .

Walcot took his
Table":

Mr. Floyd
. Mr. Young
. Mrs. Hocy
Miss Gannon

Julia Tree

benefit March 18, in "Knights of the Round

Mr. Wallack

Mr. Walcot

. Mr. Blake

Mr. Reynolds

. Mr. Norton

Dolly Spanker .
Cool ....
Lady Gay Spanker
Grace Harkaway
Pert

Captain Cozzcns .... Wall.n k
Sir Ralph liootle .... Reynold*.
General Grantley .... Nortnn

Leonard Darcy Floyd

Count Livocrutt* .... Hamblin

For Fanny Morant's benefit. March 20, " Money

Alfred Evelyn Wallack

Sir John Vesey Moore

Lord Glossmore Reynolds

Sir Frederick Blount .... 'Floyd

Stout Young

Graves Walcot

Baron Griefenklaus . . . Parsloe

1 in Tinier Walcot

I'erdita Mrs. Hoey

IVggy Poplin ... Miss Gannon
Duchess de Castlemcre . Mrs. Reeves

had this cast :

Captain Dudley Smooth . . Norton
Clara Douglas .... Mrs. Hoey
Lady Franklyn (first time)

-s Morant
Georgians Mrs. Sloan

" She Stoops to Conquer," was given for the first time here March 25 :

Mr Haideutlt . .
Young Marlowe
Tony Lumpkin . .

ingt . .
Sir Charles Marlowe

W. K. Blake
. . Wal
. . Walcot

. . Reynolds
. . Stoore

Dtfgoni . . .
M rs. Hardcastle
Miss Hardcastle
Mfss Neville . .
Susan . . . .

. . Young

Mrs. Vernon

Mrs. Hocv

Sloan

. Miss Tree

508 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D*»

E. G. P. Wilkins* comedy " Hcnriette," was seen here March 27,
and thus cast :

F.mtl* Lcicrre Wallack

M La tour Young

M. De Ulosaiere .... Nortoo

I'aul

Henricttc Mrs. Hoey

Rosalie Lalour .... Mrs. Sloan
Mirianns Mils Gannon

Madame De BtosMere Miss Morant
Madame Solange . . Mrs. Walcot

It held the boards until April 21, when " Love for Love "
given, with this cast :

impson Legend .... Blake

Valentine Wallack

Scandal Norton

e Walcot

Ben Reynolds

Foresight S

Jerc mjr Floyd

Buckram Parable

Angeline Mrs Hoey

Mrs. Chaa. Walcot

Mrs. Trail .... Fanny Morant

I'me - - . . Mary Gannon

" The Heir at Law " had this cast :

Lord Duberly Blake Moreland Floyd

Doctor Pangloss Younj Cicely Homespun . . . Mrs. Hoey

Dick Dowlas Walcot Lady Duberly - . . Mrs. Vernon

Zekiel Homespun .... Norton Caroline Dormer . . Miss Re*re»

StcadU.it Reynolds

Boucicatilt's " Love and Money " was played April 2S. cast thus :

;jlev . . . Lester Wallack

■■Dunnum . . . C. Walcot

Claude Plantagenct Mr. Reynolds

Sykes Wm.

... W. R. Floyd

The season closed April 29. 1861, with a benefit to Lester Wallack.
James W. Wallack came in front of the curtain for the first time in
two years, and delivered a closing address. " Simpson & Co." and
the last act of "Jessie Brown" were performed. A benefit perform
ance was given May 2 and 3. for the Union Defence Fund for the
widows and children of soldiers.

ay 6 "Jessie Brown, or the Relief of Lucknow," was seen with
this cast :

Helen Mrs. Hoey

Rose Lawless . . . Mary Cannon

Baroac&s ... Miss Reeves

I M French - . Mrs. Vernon

Mrs Walcot

Nena Sahib . . .
Achmet . . . .
Ull Macgregor
Ccorgle Macgregor
lev. David Blount
Mice

l*T

\V. H. Norton Swecnie Youn

. Mr. lames Cassidy \V. K. I

Lester Wallack Amy Mrs. I

. . Reynolds Charlie Master Reevc«

. H. Pearson Effie Miss Reeve*

Mary Cannon | Jessie Brown . . . Fanny Morant
Miss Tree

This was Harry Pearson's first appearance at this theatre.

The theatre remained closed until May 22, i8r»i. when it was
reopened by Robert W. Butler as the Broadway Music Hall, with
Aynesley Cook, Billy O'Neill. Tony Pastor, Annctta Galetti, Mons.

•aoij

NEW YORK ATHEN/EUM

5°9

Velarde, Clara Harrington. Hen Yates, Add Weaver, Master Barney,
Tim Norton, Billy Arlington, Mile. Katrina, Lizzie Schultze, Ma-
tilda Schultzc, Julia Christine. Sophie Wilton, Mons. La Thome,
stage manager. A. J. l.cavitt. Ben Cotton, Billy Birch, J. C). Scfton,
Denny Gallagher, and John Mulligan were added to the forces. It
was not a marked success, and Mr. Butler closed about Jan. 25, 1862,
having compromised with Wallack. Feb. 19 its doors were reopened
by a German Opera troupe under the direction of Carl Proch, whose
sole production was " Der Freischiitz." with this cast : Agatha, Mrs.
Schradcr-Duemmler ; Amina, Mrs. Schreiner-Kronfeldt ; Max, Herr
Quitin ; Caspar, Herr Weinlich; Cuno, Herr Ochslein.

This house was reopened March 1, Ixwis Baker and Geo. Ryerv
managers. They christened it The New York Athenazum. " Uncle
Tom's Cabin, or Lights and Shadows of Southern Life," by a mem-
ber of the Pennsylvania judiciary, was produced with this cast :

Topsy

Aunt Ophelia
1 . . .

Mrs. C. C. Howard St. I

:iv Hough
Mr*. F. S. Chanfrau

I'ntle
Eva

Tom

C. C Howard
. Ceo. Rj
Mary Bullock

S. C. Campbell appeared in the fifth act as Adolphus. and sang St.
Clair's Lament. The dramatic company included : Mrs. G. C. How-
ard, Mrs. Lotty Hough. Mrs. Rand, Mrs. W. R. Floyd, Mrs. F. S.
Chanfrau. Little Mary Bullock, George Ryer, G. C Howard, Charles
Hale, Collier, Donnelly, Mtm . 1'onisi, Gray, Carter, Spackman. Ward,
Wise, Cooper, Hapgood, and others. The season was brought to a
premature termination March 6.

March 17 the house was reopened as Makv Pkovost's Theatre.
Samuel Colvillc and John L. Baker were the managers when John
Wilkes Booth appeared as Richard III., beginning his only engage-
ment in this city, though on one subsequent occasion he played in
"Julius Ca;sar,' with his brothers, at the Winter Garden Theatre.
Mary Provost had in her company George Ryer, J. H. Allen, Lewis
Baker, E. L. Tilton, Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau, Mrs. Lotty Hough, and
Mrs. M. A. Farren. Booth's repertory was: " Richard III.." " The
Robbers," " Hamlet," '•The Apostate." " Macbeth," and " The Mer-
chant of Venice." He took his benefit March 21, in " Richard III.":

Cluster . . .
Queen Elizabeth
had of Richmond
King Henry . .

J-

'.\ llkea Hooth

. Mrs. Farren

. E. I., niton

Ceo. Ryer

Lady Anne

if York
Tressel . .

Mrs. Chanfrau

Mai) Mullock

Lewis liakcr

Wilkes Booth's last appearance on the stage was at Ford's Theatre.
Washington. D. C. March 18. 1865, as Pcscara in "The Apostate,"
for the benefit of John E. McCullough. Edwin Forrest was playing
an engagement there at the time, and Mr. McCullough, who was the
leading man with Forrest, took his benefit on the " off night." Booth
died Thursday, April 27, 1865. He gave promise of becoming a

51 o A HISTORY OF THE SEW YORK STAGE O

great actor. He had in him much of the spontaneous fire of bis
father, whose performance of Richard IIL was simply terrific in its
dramatic intensity. He was one of the handsomest actors that ever
graced the modern stage. He possessed gracious manners and a
form of almost perfect symmetry. As Richard, be was different
from all other tragedians. He imitated no one, but struck out into
a path of his own, introducing points which older actors would not
dare to attempt. In the last act he was truly original, particularly
where the battle commences. With most tragedians it is the custom
to rush on the stage, while the fight is going on, looking as if dressed
for court. Wilkes Booth made a terrible feature of this part of the
performance. He would dart across the stage as if be " meant busi-
ness; " then again he would appear "seeking for Richmond in the
throat of death." His face was covered with blood from wounds
supposed to have been received in slaying those five other Richmond*
he refers to; his beaver was lost in the fray, his hair flying helter
skelter, bis clothes all torn, and he panted and fumed like a prize
fighter. In this character he was more terribly real than any other
actor I ever saw.

Mary Provost, after an absence from the American stage of five
years, appeared April 7. as Julia in "The Hunchback," George Ryer
acting Master Walter; Lewis Baker, Modus; and J. H.Allen, Sir
Thomas Clifford. Owing to the illness of Mary Provost, the house
was closed April 12. R. M- Carroll and Tommy Peel danced a chal-
lenge match April 16, for (it was stated) $500 a side. The judges
chosen were Wm. Kennedy for Peel and Bob Hart for Carroll, and
the parties chose John Landers for referee. The dance took place
at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Frank B. Converse, the banjo
player, furnished the music for Peel, and William Ross, banjoist,
played for Carroll. In about an hour after the audience had dis-
persed a decision was arrived at, which was that T. J. Peel was the
winner of the match and the money.

The next change in the title of this house was to that of George
L. Fox's Olympic Theatre, and it opened April 21. 1862. M£us-
Baudin " was the opening play, given with this cast :

Kut tactic . -
Marcel . . .
Lamljcrt
Delboil . •
Moos. Porcelct
Capt. Lahair .
Moris. M.
1>U« - -

. C. W. Taylor

. . G. 1

. . E. '

. Cha*. Nichols
J J. McCloskcy
Ceo Davenport
Bradshaw
J. K- Spackman

Louise (aged 10) . . Mary Bullock
Rriuac .... M. B. Pike

PorapooaeM C. K. Fox

Louise Mav Mitchell

Countett . • ■ Mrs. H. P. Grattan

MaooD Agnes Claire

Louise (aged 4) Man*

"The Invisible Prince" was the afterpiece, with Fanny Herring as
Don Leanrler. Mrs. J. R. Scott as Sanguino. G. L. Fox as Furibund.
The company was as follows: Mrs. II. P. Grattan, Agnes Claire, the

MARY PROVOST'S THEATRE

Misses Freall, Hyde, Millie Sackett, Wilbur, Spencer, Thompson
and Smith, Mrs. John R. Scott, Messrs. C. K. Fox, J. R. Spackman,
E. Clarke, M. B. Pike, Charles Nichols. J. J. McCloskcy, L Brad-
shaw, Mitchell, George Davenport, Greer, James Pilgrim, Miss
Francis, danscusc. Mr. Fox retired from the house, and concluded
to try his fortunes once more at the Old Bowery Theatre. Mary
Provost resumed the management after Fox left, with Samuel Colville
as her acting manager. The house was again called Mary Provost's
Theatre. The initial performance of this new venture took place
June 26, and consisted of " Mfdca " and "The Eton Boy." Geo.
Ryer, L. F. Rand, Milnes Levick. William Scallan, Mrs. Frank
Drew, and John W. Albaugh, were in the company. Augusta Page
made her New York debut July 2, as Juliet. The season closed July
6, owing to the continued illness of Mary Provost. Robert Fox and
J. C. Curran were the next managers, who rcchristcncd it Tub New
Idea, but that name soon gave place to The German OrERA House,
when Carl Anschultz opened Sept. 15 with German opera and the
following company: Mile. Johannsen, Mile. Johanna Rotter, Mile.
Zimmerman, Mile. Schaumberg, Mile. Bertrel, Messrs. Quint, Lotti,
Graff. Rudolphsen, and Wcinlich. "Martha" was the initial per-
formance, followed by " Der Freiscruitz," " Alessandro Stradclla,"
" Czar und Zimmerman," "The Child of the Regiment," "The
Seraglio," " Postillion of I.onjumeau, " n Fidelio," " Der Wildschutz."
"Mason and Locksmith," " Le Nozzc dc Figaro," "A Night in
Grenada," " The Magic Flute," and " Jean de Paris." The season
closed Jan. 10, 1863, but was resumed Feb. 4. by the same company,
and maintained for four weeks. March 10 the house was converted
into a variety hall, under the management of the Martinetti troupe
of pantomimists, who opened July 6, 1863, with the following people:
Paul, Albert, Julian, Philippe, and Esther Martinetti. If. and Mmc.
Mathieu, Edouard Velarde. Virginia Chiarini, Marietta Zanfrctta,
Gustavus Geary, Johannes Seni;t. Antonio Grossi, Camillc Mathieu,
Mile. Desiree, J. C. Franklin, W. B. Harrison. Mr. Clifton. The
house closed Aug. 17. but was reopened Sept. 7, under the title of
The New York Theatre, the Martinetti troupe continuing the
attraction. The house was closed Oct. 31. L. B. Lent then took a
lease of it, removed the cosy boxes from cither side, built on the
stage a forty-foot ring full of sawdust, and christened the house The
Broadway Ami-iiithkatke. The stars of Mr. Lent's circus were
the Melville Family, Jimmy Reynold* and Joe Pentland as clowns,
Tom King the vaulter. Mme. Tourniaire, S. P. and Robert Stickncy,
Wallace and his trained bears. Mr. I-«nt opened Nov. 10 and closed
April 9, 1864.

George Wood, the Cincinnati manager, who had also recently
experimented with the Old Bowery Theatre, this city, now leased
the building, and by a liberal expenditure of money both in repairs

512 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««s

and in reward of talent, restored it approximately to its whilom
attractiveness and patronage. Its title was now The Broadway
Theatre. Beginning May 2, the Broadway had a preliminary
season of two weeks with Simmons the magician. The dramatic
season began May 16. the attraction being the first production on
any stage of Frances Ann Kcmble's " A New Tragedy ; " the stars
were Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Waller, and the support Shirley France,
George Parkes, Fred Williams, Simcoe Lee (who many years before
had played at the house as G. S. Lee). Geo. Roscoe, E. Post,
Howard, Manly, Campbell, Maxwell, and Mrs. Sloan. Thomas E
Mills was the stage manager. The cast »l " An English Tragedy "
was: Annie Winthrop, Emma Waller ; Mary Winthrop, Mrs. Sloan ;
Judge Winthrop, D. W. Waller; Lord Alford, Shirley France;
James Forrester, Frederick Williams ; John Forrester, Simcoe Lee ;
Wilton, George Roscoe.

Frank S. Chanfrau appeared here May 23, in " Our American
Cpn«in y M»m»- " with Thomas J. Hcrndon as Asa Trenchard.
James Martin, James Seymour, Fanny Browne, and Marie Boniface,
were also in the company. June 27 roon" was given,

with Chanfrau as Salem Scudder and Jennie Parker as Zoe. The
season closed July 4, and a summer term of four weeks commenced
July 1 1, with Helen Western as the star, in " The French Spy,"
followed by " I>on Caesar dc Bazan," and " Satan in Paris." Geo.
Wood began his next season Aug. 20, 1864, with John E. Owens as the
star, who played here probably the most successful engagement of his
life. He appeared in " Married Life" and " The People's 1
In the dramatic company were : G. D. Chaplin, C. P. de < i
Metkiff. Mrs. G. F. Tyrrell, Alice Pkoide, C. Adams, Nellie Johnson,
and Charlotte Crampton. Sept. 5, "Victims" was presented, and
the following people joined the company: Harry Pearson, W. J.
Fleming, F. G. Maeder, Sol Smith, Jr.. Mrs. M. E. Burroughs, Mrs.
Thomas Hind, and Miss Preston.

"Azrael, the Prodigal/' was given at a matinee on Oct. 8.
" Dolly""*' Davenport joined the company Nov. 14, appearing as
Mr. Howard in "The People's Lawyer." "The Poor Gentleman,"
Nov. 2i. with Owens as L»r. uiT.ipod: Dec. 5, "The Happiest
Day of My Life;" Dec. 19, "Sweethearts and Wives," Owens as
Billy Lackaday. "The Live Indian " and "The People's Lawyer"
• were the only plays produced From Dec. 26 to Jan. 25, 1 865.
" Dot, or the Cricket on the He is given March 13, with

this casF?

Caleb Pliimnver . . . John E. Owens

Igle . George Jamison

Edward FTtnmner . . George Metkiff

Tacklcton W. ). Fleming

Dot Alice I'lacidc

Bertha . . .
May Fielding

M.S. I :

Tilly Stowboy

Henrietta Osborne

M Ad jms

. Mr*. T. J. Hind

Mrs. G. Y. Tyrrell

THE BROADWAY THEATRE

5'3

Owens' engagement terminated April 13, the theatre being closed
April 14, in consequence of the assassination of President Lincoln,
and continued closed until April 26, when it reopened with the re-
appearance in this city of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kcan, who had not
been seen in America since the production of " Richard III." at the
Park Theatre, in January. 1846. A noteworthy event of the Kcans'
engagement was the selling of the seats at auction. The first choice
was purchased by James H. Ilackctt- One hundred and eighty-nine
seats in all, and two private boxes, were thus disposed of, to an
aggregate of $3,546.50.

The Keans appeared first in "Henry VIII." and "The Jealous
Wife.*' " I-ouis XI." was given April 1;. Mr. Kean as Louis,
George Jamison as Coticr. J. F. Cathcart (his first appearance in
New York) as the Due dc Nemours, (icorgc Everett (his first
appearance in New York) as Tristan, and Miss Chapman (her
first appearance in New York) as the Dauphin. The following
were the pieces produced : " The Merchant of Venice," April 28 ;
" Louis XI.," April 29 ; " Henry VIII.." May l ; " Louis XL." May
2; '• King John," May 3; " Much Ado About Nothing," May 4;
"Hamlet" (benefit). May 5; and " Henry VIII." ami "Jealous
Wife," terminated their engagement May 6. The receipts of the
opening performance were $1,921.54. The largest house wa
the "Hamlet" night, when the receipts were $2,053.05. The total
receipts of the eleven performances aggregated $17,554.39. Mr.
Wood's share was $8,777.11;.

John E. Owens commenced another engagement May 8, in " The
!'■ ; - - Lawyer" and "The Live Indian." He dosed May 26,
when h<- tooU w Benefit in " The 1 Lapp mi Day of My Life and
"The People's Lawyer." The theatre was closed May 27, but was
11 opened May 29, with "The Seven Daughters of Satan," in which
John E. McDonough acted Mrs. Pluto. A. W. Young and Clara
Walters were in the cast.

Samuel Colvillc began June 10 a summer season with Mr. and
Mrs. Harry Watkins. in a variety of characters, their engagement
continuing until July 1. They opened in " Thc_Pcasant Peeress "
and " It Takes_Two to Quarrel." In the first piece ltarry_\Vatkins
played Perkyn PyeTfTjch ; Mrs- Watkins. Lucy Loveknot; G. D.
Chaplin, Lord Musgrave. In the company were Charles de Groot,
J. H. Rogers, M. B. Pike, Geo Radclifie, Mesdames Tyrrell, Minnie
Monk, and Cole. " The Hiddenjjand " and " Th*. Pi^fler Patriot "
followed. On July 3 Kate Reignolds appeared and W. H. Sedley
Smith supported her part of the time. " The Angel of M id n i e li t "wis
the first play produced, followed, July 15. by "The Wonder " and the
farce "Antony and Cleopatra." In the latter W. H. Smith, W. H.
Hamblin, J. B. Curran, and Louis J. Mcstayer appeared. W. H.
Scdlcy Smith made his bow July 24, as Gov. Hcartall in "The

MM i

THK BROADWAY' THKATRE

5'S

Bedumn, Mrs. T. J. Hind, and Saidee Cole. " The jgjiCfiJUtdian "
was played Feb. 5, when T. W. Keene and Thos. *L. uonnelly join<
the company. John K. Mortimer made his first appearance here
March 5. as Herbert Fitzhcrbcrt in " Victims." Peter Probity, in
" The Chimney Corner," was Mr. Owens' programme for March 26,
and the season closed March 28.

John K. Mortimer died at San Francisco, Cal.. Sept. 17, 1878.
His greatest successes on the stage were Badger in " Thc
of New York," Bagshot in "Bull in a China Shop," Snorkey in
"Uuki the Gaslight." \ifred Jingle In "Fickwkk Ptper^" ami
Jack Ryvci lightning."

On the night ot March ig, i8(56, while engaged at the house with
Owens, he suddenly advanced to the footlights, said : " Au revoir,
au revoir!" to the audience, and walked off the stage. On another
occasion, at another house, he stopped in the middle of the first act
and bade the audience no more ceremonious adieu than : " I guess
yon have had enough of this piece, and I know that I have." Mor-
timer was the original Griffith Gaunt in the play of that name,
having been specially engaged for the role at the New York Theatre,
where he appeared on Nov. 7, 1866. It is a popular fallacy that
in so frequently disappointing the public, he was always guilty of
indiscretion in the matter of conviviality. Fascinated with gaming,
he often sat " calling the turn" not twenty-five feet from the stage
on which he should have been acting. As venturesome a gamester
as ever confronted the dealing box, he was liable to win a fortune if
the " bank" held it. But the cards never fell his way long enough,
and he was a loser ninety-nine times where a less ambitious
player would have left the table a moderate winner. Ft was his
passion for cards, quite as much as his partiality for stimulants, that
made him reckless as to professional engagement-., and prevented
his maintaining for any length of time his position as one of the
finest of American light comedians, and the successor of Harry A.
Perry. Like Edwin Adams, Mortimer had a high reputation as
Charles Surface, and was singled out to enact that part on specially
1 occasions.

Adah Isaacs Menken, whom Mr. Wood had secured for four weeks,
commenced a summer season April 30, ami played " Mazeppa" for
three weeks to crowded houses. Subsequently she played William
in " Black Fycd Susan " and " The French Spy." She closed May
2$, very abruptly, having been taken ill.

Helen Western appeared April 28, 1866, in "Satan in Paris" and
"Jenny Lind." James A. Heme supported her. June 4 she was
seen in "The French Spy" and " Pet of the Petticoats; " and later
in •' The ("orsican Brothers," " Oliver Twist," " Don Caesar de Bazan."
and " A Day in Paris." G. H, Gilbert, the stage manager, took his
benefit June 18. when the season closed. The bill included "Rob

516 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK E (>•«

in which Eloisc Bridge Foster, W. D. Shiels. an.

W Middleton appeared ; Irish song and dance by Kathleen O'Neil :
dancing by Mile. Rosita ; gymnastic performances by Prof. DonncJ-
son and La Petite Angelo; and "Black Eyed Susan," with Adah
Isaacs Menken as William.

After undergoing a course of repairs and alterations, the theatre
was reopened for Wood's third regular season. Aug 20, 1866. The
company consisted of J. E. Naglc. M. W. Lcffingwell, John Jack. O.
B. Doud. G. C. Davenport. W. L Jamison. G. W. Reed. W. H. Beck-
man, Frank J. Evans, G- W. Stoddart. Henry Peck. J. C Walsh.
John Nunan, Newton, Moore, Harris, Goodman, Mrs- G- H. Gilbert.
Mrs. G. W. Stoddart, Mrs. H. Chapman, Alice Grey, Celia Logan,
Helen Coleman, Young, Kiaisteed, Smith, Scott. Germain, Cassie
Troy, and Ella Turner. Samuel Colville was business manager.
James Stark made his first appearance in this city in several years.
Ucopcncd as Richelieu, supported by If. W. Lcffingwell as Baradas.
G. C. Davenport as Dc Beringhcn. Mr. Naglc as Dc Mauprat, and
Alice Grey as Julie de Mortimer.

"The Robbers " m played Aug. 25. when John II. Jack made his
first appearance In tail city, as the Count dc Moor. " Napoleon "
was the title of a new drama acted Aug. 29, with this cast!

', Napoleon James Stnrlc

I Gustave St. Aubin . . . I. E

Foucbe . . . . M. W. lcffingwell
1 C«r»eral Rapp . . . W. L. J..

Pipo C C. Davenport

1 Ducorel Frank J. Evan*

ha! Lannes . . . . J. II. Jack
lal Duroc . . G. W. SUd
Clonlik de Lamarque .

line . . Celia Loi:an
Tbcrcsc 1 . rtier

ucia Dean sang the '•.Marseillaise" at the close of this |
" The Stranger," " Ingomar," " Pizarro," " Taming of the Shr.
and "The Lady of Lyons," were played the closing week of Mr.
Stark, whose engagement terminated Sept. 8. It was not a profitable
one. Edwin Adams, who hid not played in ti nee he sup-

ported Miss Batcman at Niblo's Garden, appeared Sept. 10 as Robert
Landry in "The Dead Heaii " supported by Alice Grey as Catherine
Duvall, Mr. Naglc as the Abbe Latour, W. L. Jamison as the C<
St. Valeric. G. W. Stoddart as Arthur St. Valeric,
fingwcll as Anatole Toupct.

"The Heretic." Judge Robert Conrad's play, written originally
for Edwin Forrest, was produced Sept. 17. Adricn dc Tcligny,
Edwin Adams; Raymond de Clemont, J. E. Naglc; Eleanor de
Tcligny, Alice Grey; Louise, Celia Logan. Mr. Adams played
Rover in " Wild Oats " for his benefit Sept. 21. At the close of the
second act he was presented with a handsome silk flag by Tbos I .
Miller, on behalf of the Neptune Club.

J. 11. Ilackctt appeared here Sept. 24, as Ealstaff in "The Merry
Wives of Windsor" : John Jack as Justice Shallow, Dan Simons

X • • ■ 1*.

:867]

THE BROADWAY THEATRE

517

Allan Armadale . . G. W. Stocldari

I'edfcifl T. H. Douneltv

Doctor Le Doux - . . J. H. Jack

first appearance in America) as Dr. Caius, J. E. Nagle as Ford,
Stoddart as Slender, Mrs. Stoddart as Mrs. Page, Alice Grey as Mrs.
Ford, and Mrs, G. H. Gilbert as Dame Quickly. "Henry IV." was
played in Hackett's second week, and he was succeeded, Oct. 8, by
Maggie Mitchell, with James W. Collier as her support. She acted
for four weeks. Her opening bill was "The Pear) of Savoy." fol-
lowed by " Fanchon " and " Little Barefoot" Charles Dillon came
Nov. 5, supported by James W. Lane'rgan. " King Lear," " Bcl-
phegor," "Othello," "Louis XL," "Macbeth," "The Merchant of
Venice," "The Wonder." "Much Ado About Nothing," "A New
Way to Pay Old Debts," and '.' Richard III.," were presented during
the engagement, which was a failure. Kate Reignolds came Nov.
26. as Donna Violante in " The Wonder." Wilkie Collins' " Arma-
dale," dramatized by plivc Logan, was given Dec. 3, with this cast :

Miss Gwilt . . . Kate Rcignolds

Mrs. Milroy Celia Logan

Miss Pentecost . Mrs. H. Chapman
Midwinter J. E. Nagle

E. L. Davenport began here Dec. 8, as Damon, and the following
week he acted "St. Marc," "The Stranger," "The Honeymoon."
" Hamlet." " WifiTTOats * and " Black Eyed Susan." Mr. Daven-
port's series of eight performances, including one matinee, closed
Dec. IS, and he was followed by John E. Owens Dec. 19. ".fhlorn-
form, or New York in i86£," was acted Dec. 31. G. H. Gilbert
hand of Mrs. Gillu-rt) died of consumption Dec. 12. The lease
of this house was transferred by Geo. Wood to Barney Williams,
April 1, 1867, and Wm, A. Moore was the stage manager. Maggie
Mitchell and James Collier were the first attractions for four weeks,
and April 29 Mr. and Mrs. Williams appeared for two weeks. Jas.
Hackctt was the next star, in " The Merry Wives of Windsor," and
the season closed May 25. W. A. Moore began a summer season
May 27, with Lucille Western as the star. She appeared in "■Irah."
"The Flowers of the Forest." "Masks and Faces," "Oliver Twist."
and "Ajoneroent, or the Child Stealer." J. W. Blaisdell, Hattie
Thorne and w. ti. sneridan in 1 ropany. This engagement

ended July 6, and was followed July 8, with Julia Dean Hayne as
Julia in " The Hunchback," after an absence of nearly twelve years;
McKce Rankin was the Sir Thomas Clifford. "Fazio" followed
July 9. and "The Woman in White" July 10, for the first time in
this city; Laura Fairlic and Anna Cathcrick, Julia Dean Hayne;
Marion Halcombc, Hattie Thorne; Sir Percival Glyde, C. H. Rock-
well; Walter Heart wrigh t. W. E. Sheridan; Count Fosco, McKee
Rankin. " The Love Chase," " Love." " Adrienne," " Lady of
Lyons," " Griselda," " Medea," and " The Jealous Wife," were also
played by Miss Hayne, who closed July 27.

HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE

July 29 John Jack took a benefit. The bill was "The Victims"
and " Delicate Ground," " Out to Nurse and " The Artful Dodder."
In the first piece, J. J. Wallace. J. H. Jack, Bella Wallace, and Mrs.
Wm. Chapman appeared. J. Newton Gotthold, Frank Evans, and
Hattie Thome, had the principal characters in the second piece.
W. S. Higgins, G. Stoddart. John Goodwin, Geo. Jordan. Jr., Mrs.
Chapman, and Ella Chapman were in " Out to Nurse," and in the
afterpiece. Wm. Ellcrton with song. Mr. Quillan, C. H. Rockwell,
Miss S. Germain, Blanche Chapman, Peck, and Madan appeared.
July 30, W. A. Moore had a benefit, when " The Love Chase " and
"The Loan of a Lover" were played. Julia Dean Hayne enacted
Constance; Lucille Western, Gertrude; J. H. McVicker, Peter
Spyke in "The Loan of a Lover."

Robertson's " Caste " was given here Aug. 5 for the first time in
America, and with this cast:

Hon. George D'Alror \V. J. Florence
Captain Hawtree - . Owen Marlowe

Ecclcs Wm. Davidgt

Sam Gci-ridgc . . • Edward Ijimb

Marquise St. Maur Mrs. G. H. Gilbert
EMber Eccles . Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau
Polly Eccl«» . . Mrs. W. J. Florence

Lester Wallack, who had secured the American rights to this
comedy, applied to the courts for an injunction to restrain the
manager of the Broadway from producing it. Mr. Florence testified
on the stand, "that he had attended the Prince of Wales' Theatre,
London, and there acquired, by memory, a knowledge of the play,
which he afterwards transferred to paper." He made no claim what-
ever to having purchased a right to the play, but simply claimed
that a foreign author had no privileges under the American copy-
right law. This view of the matter was sustained by Judge Barnard,
who refused to grant the injunction. "Caste" ran until Aug. 31,
when the house closed to reopen Sept. 2. The company consisted
of W. E. Sheridan, John H. Jack, George Stoddart, Frank J. Evans.
J. Moore, E. Marble, J. Delmar, W. H. Beekman, G. Jordan. H.
Howard, R. Madan, J. S. Goodman. E. S. Danvcrs, Folwcll, New-
combe, Mrs. G. H. Gilbert, Mrs. George Stoddart. Mrs. H. Chapman,
Kate Newton. Isabel Freeman, Ella Turner, Cave, Smith. Blaisdell,
S. I-owring. E. Warren, and L. Warren.

Edwin Forrest appeared here Sept. 2. in " Virginius." Barton
Hill and Miss Lillic were engaged to support Mr. Forrest. Miss Lillie,
who travelled with Mr. Forrest for some time as his leading lady,
was afterwards known as Lillie Glover, and her right name was
Swindlehurst. Mr. Forrest continued six weeks, and during that
time he played in "Virginius." "Richelieu," "Othello," "Richard
III," "Damon and Pythias," "King Uar." " Macbeth." Ijacjc
Cade," " The Gladiator." " Mctaroora." " Pizarro," and " Hamlet."
HeclosedOct.il On several occasions he was supported by Mme.

<»«7]

THE BROADWAY THEATRE

5*9

Fonisi. Barton Hill played Raphael in " The Marble Heart," Sept.
7. James W. Collier took a benefit Sept. 28, afternoon and evening.
For the matinee, the play was "The Hunchback," and in the even-
ing. " Romeo and Juliet," with Mist E. V. Froudfoot as Juliet. This
lady died in New York, April 20, 1877. Her real name was Lewis,
and she was the sister of W. H. Fope, the elocutionist. She had
been a reader for ten years. Her death was caused by injuries
received from a fall at Newport, R. I., by a misplaced trap, while
with a travelling company.

Barton Hill took a benefit Oct. 5, matinee and evening. Among
the volunteers were: Annette Incc, Mrs. Sloan, J. N. Gotthold, R.
H. Craig, John Scfton, Edward Coleman, J. W. Brutone (first ap-
pearance in America). The matinee bill consisted of "The Golden
Farmer" and " To Parents and Guardians ; " the evening bill, " The
Hunchback " and "Uress Rehearsal.'' John Sefton played at the
matinee, and at Philadelphia in the evening. Mr. Scfton's last
appearance on the stage was here, as Jemmy Twitchcr, for the
benefit of Barton Hill. His first appearance in New York city was
Jan. 3, t86o. He died in this city Sept. 19. 1868.

Sophie Miles, an Australian actress, made her American debut
Oct. 12, as Ophelia in " Hamlet," for the benefit of Harry Ely tinge,

Julia Dean Haync. supported by Frank Lawler, appeared Oct. 14,
in "The Woman in White," also later in "Xb.e-Duke's Wager."
" The Wife's Secret," and " Lucrezia Borgia ." Fbi her second week :
"Deborah," "The Hunchback," "Griselda," "Fazio." and "The
Love Chase." This was Miss Hayne's last appearance in this city.

Julia Dean Hayne Cooper died in childbirth. May 19, 1866, at the
residence of Dr. Cooper, her father-in-law, in this city. She was
born at Pleasant Valley, N. Y.. July 22, 1830. Her first appearance
in this city was at the Old Bowery Theatre, May 18, 1845, as Julia
in " The Hunchback." She became the great paying star of the
period, drawing almost as well as Forrest. She was married to Dr.
Arthur Hayne, Jan. 20, 1855, who followed her about and finally
persuaded her to marry him, much against the wishes of her father,
who was naturally loath to lose the goose that laid his golden eggs.
Her attraction ceased the moment her marriage became known.
Mrs. Haync did a bad business everywhere, even in cities where
she had been most popular. In addition to this, her father had so
managed money matters that everything belonged to him, not to
her. He declared she had forfeited her earnings, for it had been
his custom to induce her to sign a contract whereby she agreed
to pay him the sum of two hundred thousand dollars (all she had
cleared in those two years of starring), in case she married before
the year was out. Hayne. not supposing that Dean would insist
upon his pound of flesh, induced her to marry him within the year.
Dean kept everything, leaving Julia penniless. As soon as Hayne

520 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [iws

was convinced of this, he turned upon his unfortunate bride and
told her that he had run through his own fortune, and had merely
lowered himself by marrying an actress in order to get money enough
to set up in practice as a physician. Hayne's mother refused to
receive her, and closed her doors against her son, in her displeasure
at his marrying an actress. In September, 1866, Julia obtained a
divorce from her husband, at Salt I_ake City. Some time afterwards
she married James Cooper, of this city. After the birth of her first
child, in the second marriage, she was recovering rapidly, when
suddenly she said to her attendant: "Throw open the window; 1
want air." Before the woman could cross the room, a gasp made
her hurry to the bed — Julia Dean was dead.

Mr. and Mn. \Vm. J. Florence began an engagement at this house
Oct. 28, 1867. in " Jjshavogue. or the pairing of the Green," with
the farce, " Thrice "Married. The cast of " Inshavogue " was:

Brain Maguire . . W. J. Florence

Sir Roderick J. H. Jack

Harry Camngton . . Frank Evans

Kate Dwver .... Kate Newton
Lady Dw'ver . . Mr*. G H- Gil ben
Biddy M alone ■ Mrs. G. \V. Stoddart

" The Ticket of Leave Man " was given Nov. 1 1, with this cast :

Bob Bricrly Florence

Hawkshaw .... McKce Rankin

Green Jones G. Stoddart

Gibson John J.»ck

Mallby Goodman

Burton Jordan

Sharpe E. Marl.le

Jackson Peck

May Edwards . . . Kate Newton
W illoughby Mrs. G. H. Gilbert
Emilv St. Evremond

Mrs. \V. J. Florence

The Florences closed Dec. 14, and were followed Dec. 16 by Mrs.
D. P. Bowers in "Dora," presented for the first time in this city;
Dora, Mrs. D. P. Bowers; Mary Morrison, Kate Newton; Farmer
Allen. John H. Jack ; William, Theo. Hamilton; Luke, F. J. Evans.
"Lady Audley's Secret " followed Dec. 23. Jan. 11, 186S. " Peep o'
Day "was presented, and Mrs. Bowers acted Kathleen Kavanagh ;
Theo. Hamilton, Harry Kavanagh; John Jack, Mr. O'Cleary; Frank
Evans, Black Mullins; Mrs. G. H. Gilbert, Mrs. Kavanagh; Kate
Newton. Mary O'Crcc; and Mrs. II. Chapman, Moll Shcc. For her
benefit. Jan. 24, Mrs. F. B. Conway played Romeo, to the Juliet of
Mrs. D. P. Bowers. Jan. 27 Lotta appeared in "-I.ittle..NcD; "
Mr. Jack personated Old Grandfather Trent ; James Stoddart, Dick
Swiveller; Chas. Hale, Quilp; J. Moore as Sampson Brass, with
Mrs. Gilbert and Mrs. H. Chapman as Mrs. Jarley and Sallic Brass.
Feb. 1 7. "Family Jars" and "Pet of the Petticoats." and Lotta's
engagement closed Feb. 22. A matinee was given Feb. 3. for J.
Damon Grace. Mr. Grace died at Providence, R. I., Nov. 15. 1876.

1". S. Chanfrau came Feb. 24. in "Jjam^l' Chas. Parsloe, Jr., in his
original character, and March 24, "Joe^_by T. B. De Walden, was
first acted, and with this cast :

ii MQ

THK BROADWAY THEATRE

52'

Joe Woodburo )

:::::::::::::: :**«—■

HansStrawckenhcimmer )

Hiatus Borjjs . . . C. I'arsloc Jr. Faith Flaw . . . Isabel Freeman

Cooper Flaw . . . . Charles Hale I Molly Ham EHa Hum*

Wiley Whirl . . . . Geo. Stoddart Miss Melinda Aspen

Leity Honeydrop - - Kate Newton I Mrs. G. H. Gilbert

Chanfrau appeared April 6, in " The Widow's Victim " and "Our
Cousin at Horned April 13 Mi. and Mrs. Harney Wil-
liams began an engagement in "The Fairy Circle," followed later
by "Customs of the Country." " In and Out of Place," " Horn to
Good Luck," " Connecticut yqartghiD." " The Happy Man," " Rory
O'Moorc." " The (jqpnip. Softyah." - All Hallow Ecn," '• Latest from
_N_S#_York," "Shandy Maguirc," and " An Hour in ScrVflM." April
'20 a benefit for the American Dramatic Fund took place. Matilda
Heron played "Camille" the week commencing June 1, and the
season terminated June 6. A summer season opened June io, with
"A Flash of Ligl: by Augustin Daly, and had this cast :

Hob G. Jordan \

Jack Kyver ... J. K. Mortimer
Fred Ohauncey . . McKee Rankin

-Skiffley Jam.

Mr. Garry Fallon ... I. H. Jack
S.un I'idjje . . . J. C. Williamson
Hcnncdctto . . . . G. F. lirowne

Engineer H. C. Ryner

Terry H. Murdoch

Davy

l.rv.ir Fallon
Rose Fallon .
Mr*. Fallon
Mrs. Dowderry

Master Willie Heme
. . Master Henry
. . Blanche Grey
Kittv Blanchard
Mrs. G. H. Gilbert
. . Amelia Harris

Ann Ella Turner

It was played until Aug. 3, when Mr. and Mrs. Harry Watkins
p appeared in " Trodden Duiyn, or Under Two Fla-

•' Foul Play " was presented Aug. 24, with the New V'ork Theatre
company," which consisted of J. G. Burnett, Fred (i. Maedcr, W, H.
Whallcy, M. Lanagan, Mary Wells, and Louise Hawthorne. McKcc
Rankin and John Jack were specially engaged for this production.
D. H. Harkins was also in the cast. He was to have produced this
play at the New York Theatre, under the management of Lloyd,
but. having some difficulty with him, transferred his company to
this house. Lloyd entered suit against Mr. Harkins, and procuring
a warrant of arrest, placed it in the hands of the sheriff for execution.
Just at the close of the second act, six men surrounded the stage
door of the theatre in Mercer Street, and asked for Mr. Harkins.
On being refused admittance they forced their way on the stage and
rushed through the place, even intruding into the ladies' apartments.
Mr. Jack lifted an old rusty musket to frighten them, when imme-
diately three revolvers were pointed at him. Mr. Harkins had,
meanwhile, left the stage and gone through the theatre into the
street. Not until they learned he had gone did the men state that
they were sheriff's officers. The employees gathered around them

522 A HISTORY OF THE MEW YORK STAGE [ise*

in amazement, when presently the order was given to fire,
Stephen Wilson ami a boy named Leslie Chambers fell, seriously
wounded. A substitute being ready, the play was proceeded with,
the audience knowing nothing of the drama being enacted behind
the curtain. An injunction was obtained restraining Mr. Harkins
i acting this version of the play, and on Aug. 25 a version by
Boucicault was presented, but the house closed Aug. 27.

The next season began Aug. 31, with Mrs. Jean Davenport
Lander in " Elizabeth, Queen of England." James Carden, J. H.
Taylor, Kate Newton, George Hecks. John ]]. Jack, and Mrs. G. H.
Gilbert were in her company. " Mary Stuart" was given Sept. 18,
for Mrs. lender's benefit W. J. Florence (without Mrs. Florence)
appeared here Sept. 28, in "No Thoroughfare." This was a drama-
ion of a Christmas story by Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins.
It afterwards received the compliment of being acted on the French
stage, under the title of " LAbime."

Jnl« Obcnreixcr W. J Florence
George Vrnrfale - . . Jarne* Carden
Waller Wilding Mr. Hall

4ocy Ladle . . . J. ( . Willis
If, 1: .iu:. ..... J. 11. lack

Mr. Wheeler . .

. .
Sally Goldstriw .
>»n Female
Mrs. Wheel. t .

. . .Mr. Beekman
. . /rton

Mrs. Kmnu Skcrett
Mr*. G. H. Gilbert
. . Mrs. Btaisdell

The farce "Thrice Married." in addition to " No Tboroughfcl
was given Oct. 26, for Mrs. W. J. Florence's first appearance this
season. " Dombcy and Son," and " The Yooox Actress," Oct. 30, for
Mi-. Florence's benefit.

"The Ticket of Leave Man" was revived Nov. 2. Mrs. Lander
reappeared Nov. 9 for twi> weeks. Mi. an:l Mrs. Harney Williams
played Nov. 2; in "The Fairy Circle; " Nov. 30, " Ireland As It Is"
and " Connecticut Courtship; " Dec. 3, "Shandy McGuirc " and
" In and OTiFbmace?5 rrThc Emerald King" had its first produc
tion Dec. 7. with this cast:

. . Barney vVHHimi

iinc .... wton

Sidney Ijaftu* -J imson

Sir oicar OWVill Hield

v., ■.'■.■/■ Macarthy
K.1I1.I. Dcdliglit .
Brabaxon Fawney

Mrs. William*
Fames Garden

John H. Jack

Emma Skcrrctt, Mrs. G. H. Gilbert, Hall, and Johnson, were in
the cast. The Williamscs closed Jan. 23, 1869, and were followed
Jan. 25. by John E. Owens in "Solon Shingle " and "Victims."
J. Delmon Grace took a benefit afternoon of Feb. 3. "TJje,!*!^
I p 4 tan " was given Feb. 8. and Owens closed Feb. 13. Marie Zoe
appeared in ■ \ita, 01 Woman's G6netancy>" Feb. t. Feb ja^The
Angd ol Mnliiiijit " his seen; March ' " "'h? W^ptT^-W^V™.
Wish."
""Kate Kcignolds began an engagement March 8, as Grace llolden

iM£|

THE BROADWAY TIIEATRK

523

in Chcltnam's "The Shadow of a Life." and as Richelieu in " Riche-
lieu at Sixteen;" March 27 she played "Camille." Charles W.
Couldock and daughter appeared March 29 in "Old Phil's Birthday"

and " Milky White,"

Mr. "and Mr-;. Barney WiUiUM reappeared April 5. 1869, in "The.
Knu-i.iici Ring/' Mr. Williams took > benefit April 33, and men
cuic-A iiL-fore the curtain be prononnoed tin: nrdedictory of the house.
1 In his withdrawal the curtain was again rung up. and John H. Jack,
on behalf of the company, presented Mr. Williams with a handsome
gold medal. At the Saturday matinee the Williamses closed their
engagement in "The Fairy Circle." In the evening of April 24
J. C. Williamson took a benefit, and played a sketch called ".Dick
jyviveller," from Dickens' "Old Curiosity Shop." and "Caste."1 with
volunteers from Wallack's Theatre. Harry Pray (brother of M
Harney Williams), the treasurer of the house, took a benefit April
26, when Mr. and Mrs. Harney Williams and Mr. and Mrs. W. J.
Florence appeared. "The Irish Tiger," "The Rough Diamond,"
and " Mischievous Annie.'* were played. April 27 John Jack had a
benefit, when he acted Falstaff in " Henry IV." The last perform-
ance ever given in this house took place Wednesday evening, April
28, and was for the benefit of William A. Moore, the business man-
ager. The programme commenced with "Jreland as It Was," with
Barney Williams as Ragged Pat, Mrs. Barrrey Williams as Judy
O'Trot, followed by a pus di datx by Sig. Novissimo (his first
appearance in New York) and Marie Honfanti. Next came the
farce of "TJjcRcturncd Volunteer," W. J. Florence as William
Williams 444 X. , Hetty and Emily Rigl then danced "The

Kiss Waltz." Abncr S. Brady and T. R. Pickering gave perform-
ances on the velocipede, and the farce of ".Game of Tag " closed the
entertainment. Among the dramatic people not mentioned above,
and who appeared during the evening, were: Mrs. G. H. Gilbert,
Miss Blaisdell, Din llarkins, J. C. Williamson, Mr. Jordan, Emma
Skcrrctt, Miss Cave. John H.Jack, Hicld, Costcllo, and Wm. Withers,
musical director. William A. Moore died in this city April 20, 1871,
having been confined to his room for over two years, suffering from
dropsy and heart disease. He was at the Astor Place Opera House
in 1849, afterwards prompter at Niblo's Garden, and later travelled
with 1 he Ravel Family. He went to Europe in 1859, engaged and
brought to this country Cooke's Royal Circus, and opened at Niblo's
Garden. He was stage manager of the Arch Street Theatre, Phila-
delphia, travelling agent for Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams, and when
the Williamses opened this house he was manager. This theatre
was shortly afterwards torn down, and a dry goods store erected on
its site.

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Full text of "A history of the New York stage from the first performance in 1732 to 1901"

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