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ibv^ :-'^Y"^^

HARVARD COLLEGE
LIBRARY

FROM THE FUND OF

CHARLES MINOT

CLASS OF 1828

A HISTORY

OF THE

NEW YORK STAGE

Of this book 358 copies have been printed from type^

of which 5J are on Japan paper and

305 on deckle-edge paper

/#^

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

^^ A.} 4.^-^

A .

■ . s

JAN 1 1903 i

Published, December, 1902

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

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

^-^ ^.>f. ^•'

JAN 1 1903

- V

'- .v.^ \J:'

I -

Published* December, 190a

%x? fC"^ C4liBKI^ct» r. s. A

PREFACE

IN 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 that 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 was 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 eighteen years before
Ireland's, and cXosts forty -two 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 1749.
For weeks I had access to many private and valuable libraries, as

viii PREFACE

well as 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, 1732.

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 the drama in America. The
first theatre in this country, he has discovered, was opened in this city on
the evening of Dec. 6, 1732, with a performance of 'The Recruiting Offi-
cer.* All that is further known of the performance of 1732 (which was
twenty years before the arrival of Hallam*s Co. in New York, by whom
Dunlap 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
city."

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 1732 is not news to old Clipper readers, for T. Allston Brown
published that *item* in this paper just seventeen years ago."

In March, 1888, I commenced the publication in The New York
Clipper ol 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. ALLSTON BROWN.

PREFACE

IN 1832 William Dunlap published his " History of the American
Theatre." Since that time, no writers, except Joseph N. Ireland
amd myself, have undertaken the arduous task.

Joseph Norton Ireland wrote the Records of the New York Stage
from 1750 to i860. My record commences eighteen years before
Ireland's, and closes forty -taw 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 TAe 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 1749.
For weeks I had access to many private and valuable libraries, as

viii PREFACE

well as 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, 1732.

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

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 that * item ' in this paper just seventeen years ago."

In March, 1888, I commenced the publication in The New York
Clipper oi 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. ALLSTON BROWN.

CONTENTS

Paoi

The First Nassau Street Theatre 2

Haluoi's Nassau Street Theatre 4

Da\id Douglass' Theatres 6

The John Street Theatre 7

Rickett's Circus and Greenwich Strekt Theatre 10

The Park Theatre 11

Mount Vernon Gardens 70

Ttts Grove Theatre 70

American Theatre 71

Scddder's & Barnum's Museums 71

New York's First Circus 79

The Broadway Circus to

New Olympic Circus 80

Thk Commonwealth Theatre 81

The Chatham Museum 82

The Anthony Street Theatre 8j

Paviuon Theatre 8j

^Iarine Theatre 82

Pealk's Museum 84

Chatham Garden and Theatre 84

American Opera House 89

City Theatre 90

Castle Garden 90

Blanchard's Amphitheatre 9^

The Lafayette Theatre 99

The Bowery Theatre too

American Theatre 100

BtXL's Head Theatre 100

CONTENTS

Page

Brocgham*s Bowery Tkeathe 135

Barnum's Valtchall 172

Vauxhall Garden Theatre 172

Mount Pitt Circi-s 174

NiBLO*s Garden 175

Sans Soivi 176

The Richmond Hill Theatre 233

Miss Nelson's Theatre 235

Tivou Gardens 235

Ne^' Greenwich I^eatre 235

The Bowery Amphitheatre 236

New York Opera House 236

Amphitheatre of the Republic 236

Stadt Theatre 238

Montpeuer's Opera House 240

The Frankun Theatre 257

"Yankee" Hill's Theai-re 261

Little Drury 261

Little Frankun Theatre 261

Old Drury 261

Franklin Museum 261

Lrmji: Broadway 262

EuiTJU*iAN Hall 262

Apollo Saloon 263

People's Opera House 263

City Theatre 263

Monier's Dramatic Saloon 263

MncHELLs Olymi'Ic 264

Hope Chapel 288

Bergthaix's (}erman National Theatre 288

Donau)son's Opera House 289

Academy of Minstrels 289

Broadway Academy of Music 289

Keu.y & Leon*s Minsirkls 290

CONTENTS

Page

Brougham's Bowery Theatoe 135

Barnum's Vauxhall 172

Vauxhall Garden Theatre 172

Mount Pitt Circus 174

NiBLo's Garden 175

Sans Souci 176

The Richmond Hill Theatre 233

Miss Nelson's Theatre 235

Tivou Gardens 235

New Greenwich Theatre 235

The Bowery Amphitheatre 236

New York Opera House 236

Amphitheatre of the Republic 236

Stadt Theatre 238

Montpeuer's Opera House 240

The Frankun Theatre 257

"Yankee" Hill's Theatre 261

Ltitle Drury 261

Little Franklin Theatre 261

Old Drury 261

Frankun Museum 261

LfTTLE Broadway 262

EuTERPUN Hall 262

Apollo Saloon 263

People's Opera House 263

City Theatre 263

Mooter's Dramatic Saloon 263

MncHELL's Olympic 264

Hope Chapel 288

Bergthall's German National Theatre 288

Donaldson's Opera House 289

Academy of Minstrels 289

Broadway Academy of Music 289

Kelly & Leon's Minsirels 290

CONTENTS xi

Page

Theatre Comique 290

The Meddah 290

Blitz's New Hall 290

The Chatham Theatre 297

The National Theatre 235, 240, and 336

Chatham Amphitheatre 336

Union Theatre 336

National Concert Saloon 336

Palmo's Opera House 337

National Music Hall 337

Dumbleton's Opera House 339

Burton's Chambers Street Theatre 342

American Theatre 359

The Pantheon 361

The Pinteaux 361

White's Melodeon 361

Novelty Hall 362

Frankun Museum 362

Monroe Hall 363

Concert Hall 363

Palmo's Concert Room 363

Mechanics' Hall 363

The Old Broadway Theatre 367

Butler's American Theatre 367

Teetoller's Hall 413

The Cornucopia 413

The Astor Place Opera House 413

Theatre Fran^aise 419

New York Theatre 422

Clinton Hall 422

The Minerva Rooms 423

Thauan Hall 423

Stoppanni Hall 423

The Society Library Rooms 423

xii CONTENTS

Page

Tripler 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 YORK STAGE

jN 1832 William Dunlap 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 the 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 Colonies."

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 are 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. Bessel, T. Heady,
Drown, Eastlake, Cone, Mesdames Drown, Chase, Centour, and
Miss Brennan 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 iVno York
Gaz€tt€ of Oct. 8, 1734, there appeared the following advertise-
ment: —

, '■ i

CA.I

{'-'

2 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1750

"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
sixteen years of age, has had the small-pox, and is fit for town or
country. Enquire of Geo. Talbot, next door to the Play 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, 1736,
Mr. Pachebell, 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-
hall 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 1749 a 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

'HE 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.

It was a two-storied house, with high gables. The stage was
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

t»t3 THE FIRST NASSAU STREET THEATRE 3

scenery. The opening bill was "Richard HI." 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. Dun lap 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. f "
13, 1750, the next season opened with "The Recruiting Officer,"
followed September 20 with "Cato." On Jan. 8, 175 1, "A Bold ;
Stroke for a Husband " was given for Mr. Murray's benefit. For
Mr. Kean'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
** Redemptors, " 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 of prison.*' Before the season closed, April
29, 175 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, and
121 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 175 1, 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 "Lethe." 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 D75t

HALLAM'S NASSAU STREET THEATRE

IN June, 1753, Lewis Hallam, manager for his brother, William
Hallam, 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, we 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
we 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 Lee (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 we 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.

17SS3 HALLAITS 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 we were really expected.

^ This was encouragement sufficient for us, as we thought, and we
came firmly assured of success; but how far our expectations are
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
imdertaken 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, we make no doubt, grant us permission and give us an
opportunity to convince them that we are not cast in the same
mould with our theatrical predecessors, or that in private life or
public occupation we 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 Colonies. They opened it Sept. 17, 1753, with the
comedy of " The Conscious Lovers. "

YoQog Benl Mr. Rigby

Seihnd Mr. Malone

Sir John Beril Mr. BeU

If jrde Mr. Clarkson

ClabertOD Mr. Miller

Hmaphrej .... Mr. Adcock
Daaid .... Master L. Hallam

The farce of ''Oamon and Phillida" was also presented. The

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

Tom Mrs. Singleton

Phillis Mrs. Becceley

Mrs. Sealand .... Mrs. Clarkson

Lucinda Miss Hallam

Isabella Mrs. Rieby

Indiana Mrs. HalUm

Friar Lawrence
Balthazar . .
Juliet . . .
Lady Capolet
Nurse . . .

Mr. Clarkson

Master Hallam

Mrs. Hallam

. Mrs. Rigb

Mrs. Adcoc

Rigby

Mr. Singleton

Mr. Adcock

Tybalt Mr. Malone

Capqlet Mr. BeH

MoQtafiie 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
vas torn down in 1765 by the society, who erected another place of
worship on its site.

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1758

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 Tn3ies,~aII~prepaLred 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
Coach," "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 comer of Nassau and Chapel Tnow Beekman) Streets.
It was ninety feet long by forty feet wide. Its erection cost
^1,625 and it would hold 1|!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.

i»

Hamlet Hallam

King D. Douglass

Horatio Reed

Ghost Quelch

Polonius Morris

Laertes Allyn

Marcellus A. Hallam

Guildenstem Stuart

Francisco Tremaine

Queen Mrs. Douglass

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 FalstafiF, 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 J!8cx).

t7%D THE JOHN STREET THEATRE

THE JOHN STREET THEATRE

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

By permissioQ of His Excellency the Governor.

By the American Company, the present evening, being the 7th instant, Decem-
ber, 1767, a comedy callra the

"BSAUX* Stratagbii.**

Archer, Mr. Hallam ; Aimsweil, John Henry ; Sullen, Mr. Tomlinson ; Free-
mam Mr. Malone; Foigard, Mr. Allvn; Gibbett, Mr. Wools; Scrub, Mr. Wall;
Booiface, Mr. Douglass; Dorinda, Miss Hallam; Lady Bountiful, Mrs. Hallam;
Cherry, Miss Wainwright; Gipsey, Mrs. Wall; Mrs. SuUen, Miss Cheer. An
Occasional Epilogue, Messrs. Douglas, Hallam & Henry, Managers.

John Henry, by the way, was the original Sir Peter Teazle in
America. Miss Storer 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 HI.," "The Clandestine Mar-
riagc,'* "Hamlet," "Cymbeline," "The Mourning Bride," "The
Busy Body, " ** Romeo and Jul iet, " " 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,
aU about where Worth Street is now. "King Lear" was acted
Jan. 16, 1769.

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 Andr6 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

»»

8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1787

this management was given September 20. This was " The Citi-
zen/' and constituted the first dramatic performance in the city
after the Revolution, and the first of the series 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 Hallam
and Henry brought their entire company from Philadelphia. They
had the house painted and decorated and fitted up in what, to them,
was a 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 (sls 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
not obstruct the view in the playhouse. "Some time ago," he
says, "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 21st, " 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 d6but, 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 Suspicious Husband " was played June 2 ;
"King Lear," 7th; "The Belle's Stratagem," 9th; "The Rivals,"

iml THE JOHN STREET THEATRE 9

14th ; " Alexander the Great," July 3, and " As You Like It," 12th.
A roost 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 " Contrast," 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-
oi>ened 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
pbyed 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-
wav 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 seats. Alexandre Placide, together with Mme. Placide 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

lO A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1795

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

John Hodgkinson made his New York d^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 "untired 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 13 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 d^but 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.

i7«q THE PARK THEATRE II

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 newspaper
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
Bfark Isambard BruneL Although designed in 1793, the work was
not commenced until 1795. Originally, the property was a stock
concern with a capital of ^30,cxx>, divided into eightv 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 iafonned the New Theatre will open this eveniDg,

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 HOUSE."

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

"AS YOU LIKE IT."

Jacques Mr. Hodgldnson

Toochstooe .... Mr. Hallam

Orlando Mr. Martin

Banished Dnke .... Mr. Tyler
Usurping Dnke . . . Mr. Fawcett

Adam Mr. Johnson

Amiens Mr. Prigmore

OKirer Mr. Hogg

Charles Mr. Lee

Le Bean .... Mr. Hallam, Jr.

Corin Mr. Simpson

William Mr. Jefferson

Sylvius Mr. MiUer

Jacques de B<^ . . . Mr. Seymour

Rosalind Mrs. Johnson

Celia Miss Broadhurst

Phoebe Mrs. Collins

Audrey Mrs. Brett

To which will be added a musical entertainment called

" THE PURSE, OR AMERICAN TAR."

WtO Steady ... Mr. Hodgkinson t Pajre Mast Stockwell

F4imnBd Mr. Tyler | SaUy Mrs. Hodgkinson

Places 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

12 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D79»

Tickets are also to be had at the above office, any time previous to Monday,
four o'clock, after which they must be applied for at the New Theatre.

Ladies and gentlemen will please direct their servants to sit down with their
horses' heads towards the New Brick Meeting, and take up with their horses'
heads towards Broadway.

The future regulations respecting the taking of seats will be placed in the box
office for generau 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, 8j. Pit, 6s, Gallery, 4s. Vivat Repubuca.

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, Fawcett, Prigmore, Hallam, Jr., Miller, Seymour,
Lee, Leonard, Master Stockwell, Mesdames Johnson, Melmoth,
Hodgkinson, Hallam, Brett, Simpson, Seymour, Tyler, and Collins,
and the Misses J. Westray, E. Westray, Broadhurst, Brett, Hard-
ing, and Hogg. The theatre's actual cost amounted to more than
$ 1 79, 000. Dunlap states that " the first night receipts were ;^ i , 232,
and hundreds were unable to get in. Also many people slipped in
without 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 a pit. There were no chairs in either boxes or pit, but cush-
ioned seats. 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, t^ ; 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 ]|!i,7CX). 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-

THE PARK THEATRE

tng 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.)

Ring Fawcett

Latftes Hallam,Jr.

Horatio Martin

Otric Jefferson

RotoBcrantz Hogg

Ghost Hallam

Polonius Johnson

First Gravedigger .... Pric^ore

Queen Mrs. Mdmoth

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

The salaries paid at this were ridiculously small compared with
those of to-day. Mr. and Mrs. Hallam received $2$ each; Hodg-
kinson, $50; Cooper, ^32; Jefferson, $2$; Martin, $2$; Tyler,
$25; Fox« ^18; Hallam, Jr. i^i8; Hogg, l|!i4; Perkins, $12; Lee,
$12; Seymour $9; Master Stockwell, $4; Mrs. Hodgkinson, $50;
Melmoth, $2$; Hallam, $25; Seymour, $16; Hogg, $14; Brett,
I14; Miss E. Westray, |i8; Miss A. Brett, $14; Miss Harding,
|io; Mrs. Perkins, $10; Mrs. King, $6; Miss Hogg, $4; the
orchestra (fourteen performers) received 1 14a The total weekly
expenses amounted to l|!ii6i.

The second season opened Dec. 3, 1798. The third season
commenced Nov. 18, 1799, with "The Heir at Law" and the
force of •'The Old Maid," in which Mr. Hodgkinson, the former
manager, and his wife appeared, being engaged by Mr. Dunlap at
1 100, the highest salary up to that time ever paid in America.

GoL 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 I, 1801, the first "star" engagement played in this
city was commenced by Mrs. Merry, who bad come from Philadel-
phia. Her terms were $icx) per week with "a clear half benefit"
The fifth season opened Nov. 16, 1801, and closed June 18, 1802.
The sixth season began Oct. 1 1 , 1 802.

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, ^ Trepanti 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 DS"

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

Cooper acted Hamlet April 8, 1804, ^^d Shylock 15. Miss
Gordon made her American d^but 24 as Juliet. Spiller's debut 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 by 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 Kean, 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 Kean, 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. Sothem'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 recut, and it should

mMl THE PARK THEATRE 15

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
Hortalitv of this proceeding. The inscriptions on Cooke's tomb
are as follows :

[South Side.]
ERECTED TO THE MEMORY

GEORGE FREDERICK COOKE,

EDMUND KEAN

or TUB

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane,
1821.

Three kingdoms claim his birth,

Both hemispheres pronounce his worth.

[North Side.]
REPAIRED BY CHARLES KEAN,

1846.

[East Side.]
REPAIRED

E. A. SOTHERN,
Theatre Royal, Haymarkct,

1874.

Mr. Knox made his American d6but 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 i as Edgar in "King
1 — **

The season of 1811-12 opened Sept. 2 with "Douglas," Cooke
as Glenalvon, Cooper as Young Norval ; Cooke acted Othello 6, to
Cooper's lago; King John 9, to Cooper's Falconbridge; Cooper
as Alexander the Great, to Cooke's Cl}tus 12; Cooper as Ik^vcrly
16, to Cooper's Stukeley in " The Gamester ; " " Macbeth " 20, Cooper
in title rdlc, Cooke as Macduff; "Henry VHI." Oct. 2. Mons.
La Bottiere, dancer, appeared Oct. 15. Cooke acted Sir Pcrtinax
McSycopbant in "The Man of the World " Nov. 4.

1 6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D813

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. Yoimg; Blanche of
Devon, Mrs. Darley.

"Mr. P., or The Blue Stocking," a musical comedy by Moore,
was first acted in New York, June 12, 18 12. 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 Alberti,
Mr. Pritchard; Baron Montaldi, Mr. Simpson; Hypolito, Mr.
Darley; Ludovico, Mr. Hilson; Julian, Mrs. Darley; Duchess
Lenora, Mrs. Stanley; Olympia, Mrs. Oldmixon; Marinetta, Mrs.
Claude.

W. Robertson first acted in this city June 29, playing Cassander
in "Alexander the Great." On Sept. 7, 181 2, commenced the
regular season with Dunlap's "Abaellino" and "Lock and Key,"
with Simpson, Pritchard, Hilson, Yates, Darley, Mesdames Darley
and Oldmixon in the cast. " Yankee Chronology " was done the

9. William Warren first appeared here, after an absence of fifteen
years, on i6 as Falstaff. He afterwards played Sir Anthony
Absolute, Old Domton, 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 ^is daughter) made her American d^but 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, 1 83 1. She died in Philadelphia in the most abject poverty.
"The Lake of Lausanne, or Out of Place," by Reynolds, was first
produced Oct. 9, and "Sons of Erin," Nov. 11.

"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; Orasm)ai, Mrs.
Darley; Cephanio, 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, 18 13, the season opened,
but few notable incidents occurred, although the performances were
of the usual variety and excellence. "The Plaindealer," by

itiO THE PARK THEATRE 17

Wychcrly, was first acted here Nov. the 5, with Cooper as Cap-
tain Manly, Simpson as Lord Plausible, Hilson 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; Telasco, Yates; Alonzo, Simpson;
Diego, Hilson; Velasques, Carpender; Tuprac, Bancker; High
Priestess, Mrs. Stanley; Cora, Mrs. Darley; Amarilli, Miss
Dellinger; Idali, Mrs. Claude; Runa, Mrs. Wheatley; Zilla, Mrs.
Oldmixon*

Gen. Harrison, afterwards President, attended the theatre Dec. i,
to witness Cooper's Macbeth. Mr. Dunbar made his d^but Dec. 9
as Young Norval. Kenney's farce "Turn Out" was given the
same evening for the second time in America: Forage, 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.'*

Spiller acted in " Eight to One " March 2d, 181 3, assuming eight
characters. Bray's farce, "Toothache" followed March 21: 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
dAut April I 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 and Old Pickle, and Mrs. Burke
as Cicely. Miss Holman 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;
Mr& Burke, Floretta; 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 HI. 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; Agremont, Darley.

"Glory of Columbia" and the "Miller and his Men" was the
programme for the opening of the season Aug. 31, 18 14. Simpson,

1 8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D815

Hilson, Pritchard, Spiller, Green, Burke, Darley, Clark, Bancker
and Carpender, Mesdames Darley, Goldson, Burke, Claude, Hogg,
Clark and Wheatley were in the company.

Warren appeared Sept 14th. Dibdin's comic opera, "The
Farmer's Wife," was first acted in this city 26, and had this cast:
Sir Charles Courtly, Simpson ; Cornflower, Warren ; Captain Bel ton,
Darley; Farmer Barnard, Pritchard; Williams, Clark; Dr. Pother,
Hilson; Peter, Spiller; Robin, Burke; Chalk, Bancker; Stubble,
Carpender; Mrs. Cornflower, Mrs. Darley; Miss Courtly, Mrs.
Burke; Jenny, Mrs. Wheatley; 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 Dupers Outwitted;" Dunlap's "Count Ben-
yowski " was revived 5. Mr. Bibby acted early in February, 1815,
for the first time on the stage. He appeared as Sir Archie McSar-
casm, Richard III., Shylock, and Sir Pertinax, 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, Pritch-
ard; Spatterdash, Spiller; Clod, Hilson; Shadrach, Darley; Twig,
Bancker; Malachi, Mr. OlifiF; Goliah, Miss Clark; Lady Rounce-
val, Mrs. Hogg; Araminta, Mrs. Claude; Dinah Primrose, Mrs.
Darley; Mrs. Millefleur, Mrs. Wheatley; 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. Wheatley. Mrs. Williams made her American d^but
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 Cheerly in "The
Soldier's Daughter" and Christine in "Tekeli." "The Devil's
Bridge " was first given in America July 4, thus cast : Count
Bellino, Darley; Baron Toraldi, Simpson; ]\Iarcelli, Hilson;
Pietro, Mrs. Spiller; Countess Rosalvina, Mrs. Darley; Claudine,
Mrs. Claude; Lauretta, Mrs. Burke.

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

itiq THE PARK THEATRE 19

tions " 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, 18 16, 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 Jefiferson, first acted in New York Feb. i6th,
as Moggy McGilpen in the "Highland Reel." "The Forest of
Bondy ' was first played here March i8th. "The Maid and the
Magpie" was first given April i. John Barnes made bis Ameri-
can d^but April 22, 18 16, 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 d€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 Betterton made his American d^but 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, 18 16, and opened
bis season with "Smiles and Tears" and "Aladdin." In the
company were Simpson, Robertson, Pritchard, Hilson, Barnes,
Darley, Jones, Baldwin, Anderson, Carpender, Bancker, Mesdames
Barnes, Darley, S. Wheatley, Aldis, Groshon, Baldwin, Anderson,
Wheatley, Miss Dellinger, and Miss Brundage. "Guy Manner-
ing " was given on the i8th for the first time in this city and had
this cast: Col. Mannering, Robertson; Henry Bertram, Simpson;
Dominie Sampson, Barnes; Dandie Dinmont, Pritchard; Julia
Mannering, Mrs. S. Wheatley; Lucy Bertram, Mrs. Groshon;
Mrs. McC^ndlish, Mrs. Baldwin; and Meg Merrilies, Mrs. Aldis.
Maturin's "Bertram" was first acted here on the 25th: Bertram,
Robertson; Imogene, Mrs. Barnes; Clotilda, Mrs. Anderson.
Leigh's "Where To Find A Friend " was seen Oct 18, and cast
thus: Morden, Simpson; Heartlcy, Hilson; Timothy, Mr. Barnes;
Barney, Betterton; Lady Morden, Mrs. S. Wheatley; and Mrs.
Bustle, Mrs. Baldwin.

After an absence of ten years Mrs. Johnson reappeared Dec.
the 2d as Lady 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 C1817

appeared on the i8th in Hamlet, and 20 for the first time in New
York as Bertram. "Transformation,** a musical farce by AUing-
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, 181 7. 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 Blackmore,
rope-dancer. "My Wife, What Wife.?" was first acted March 12
with this cast: Paddeen, Prit chard; Mrs. Gay Ion, Mrs. Groshon;
Constantia, Mrs. Darley. 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 d^but on the
stage of this theatre late in March, acting Jaffier in "Venice
Preserved," 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: Lady Welgrove, Mrs. Darley; Lady Nightingale,
Mrs. Baldwin; Miss Sedgmore, Mrs. Groshon; Betty, Miss Del-
linger; Barton, Pritchard; Waverly, Simpson; "The Broken
Sword," by Diamond, was first acted here April 2Sth: 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 Flies" 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 12th, 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 Bellinger;
Mrs. Lindenberg, Mrs. Groshon ; Miss Von Frump, Mrs. Baldwin ;
Zelinda, Mrs. Darley. "Laugh When You Can" was the pro-
gramme Sept. 1st, 18 17, 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.

i«tr| THE PARK THEATRE 21

Charles Young appeared on the 12th (for the first time in eight
years) as Widow Checrly in "The Soldier's Daughter." The
** Apostate " was first acted in New York September the 22nd,
and had this cast: Pescara, Pritchard; Hemeya, Simpson; Malec,
Robertson; Alvarez, Jones; Florinda, Mrs. Barnes. "The Inn-
keeper's Daughter," by Sloane, was given on the 29th: Monckton,
Robertson; Richard, Simpson; Mary, Mrs. Darley; Marianne,
Mrs. Wheat ley.

Mrs. H. A. Williams made her d6but here on Oct. the 3rd as
Cicely Homespun in "The Heir at Law." Charles Incledon, 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;" Machcath in "The
Beggar's Opera;" Patrick in "The Poor Soldier;" Harry Blunt
in " The Turnpike Gate ; " and Don Caesar 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 sing it
He died at Worcester, England, Feb. nth, 1826. T. Phillips
appeared Nov. the 3rd as Count Bellino 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,
1818, he played Mark Antony in "Julius Caesar" and Young
Wilding in "The Liar." Henry J. F'inn first acted on the
American stage Jan. the i6th, appearing as Shylock. He was
lost on the steamer Lexington, which was burnt on Long Island
Sound Jan. the loth, 184a 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 d^but on Feb. the 21st as Pierre in
"Venice Preserved " to Woodhull's Jaffier. Oulton's farce, "My
Landlady's Gown," was first acted March the 2nd, and " Lionel and
Clarissa," Bickerstafl's opera, March the 14th, for the first time:
Lionel, T. Phillips; Col. Oldboy, Barnes; Flowerdale, Robert-
son; Harman, Pritchard; Jessamy, Simpson; Lady Oldboy, Mrs.
Baldwin; Diana, Mrs. Darley; Clarissa, Miss Johnson; Jenny,
Miss Dellinger.

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

22 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CiSxS

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 d^but on April the 6th as Henry
Bertram in "Guy Mannering." He died in Nashville, Tenn., in
1845. "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. Peery, Mrs. Groshon;
Eliza Beaumont, Miss Johnson; Dame Brierly, Mrs. Baldwin;
Rose Grub, Mrs. Barnes; "The Will for the Deed," by Dibdin,
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 ; Francis, Darley ; Rashleigh,
Pritchard; the Baillie, Hilson; Owen, Jones; Diana Vernon, Mrs.
Darley, 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 18 19. 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 Mrs.
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 her lawyer. The divorce was obtained, and Clawson went
to London in 1830, where, after a wretched 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 his return from Europe), Simpson; Malfort,
Robertson; Malfort, Jr., Pritchard; Captain Woodley (first ap-
pearance in America), Geo. H. Moreland; Timothy Quaint (first
appearance in nine years), Mr. Dykes; Widow Cheerly (first ap-
pearance in six years), Mrs. Entwistle; also "The Irishman in
London," Mr. Blair acting Murtoch Delany for his first appearance
in America. In the company were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Bartley,

ifiri THE PARK THEATRE 23

James W. Wallack, R. C. Maywood, Thos. Kilner, Miss Leesugg
(afterwards Mrs. Hackett), Howard, Moreland, Gamer, Blair, Goll,
Mrs. Entwistle (formerly Mrs. Mason) and Mr. Dykes.

Catherine Leesugg made her d^but on Sept. the ist as Jessie
Oatland and Marian Ramsay. James Howard made his American
b<.>w on Sept 2nd as Henry Bertram in "Guy Mannering." Mr.
Gamer made his d^but on the 3rd as Valverde in "Pizarro," and
Dermot in "The Poor Soldier": Howard as Patrick; Moreland,
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. the4tb as Barebones
in the ballet of the " Miser." James W. Wallack first appeared in
America Sept. the 7th as Macbeth. He afterwards acted Corio-
lanus, RoUa in "Pizarro," Romeo, Hamlet, and Richard IIL
Robert Campbell Maywood first played in America Jan. the 4th,
1819, as Richard HL 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," was
first seen on the same date. " The Castle of Paluzzi " was played
Feb. the 1 5th. The tragedy " Altorf " (first time on any stage) was
given Feb. the 19th, Wallack acting the title rdle; "Richard II."
(first time in New York) was played on the 27th: Wallack as
Richard; Pritchardas 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
as King Richard. "Bermecide" was first acted here March
the 3rd, also "Don Giovanni, or the Spectre on Horseback;" and
on the 8th John Howard Payne produced his own tragedy, "Bmtus,
or the Fall of Tarquin," playing the hero himself. Robert Camp-
bell Maywood acted Hamlet on June the 4th. On the same even-
ing Ehiniel 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, Kilner, Mavwood,
Baldwin, Spiller, Barnes, Moreland, Mrs. Baldwin, and Miss
Johnson were in the company.

"The Mountain Torrent" was first acted on March the ist;
"Helpless Animals, or Bachelor's Farce" had its initial perform-
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 Wan-
dering Boys " was given on the i6th for the first time, under the
title of " Paul and Alexis, or The Orphans of the Rhine."
•* Rochester, or the Merry Days of Charles the Second " was given
the 23rd. Mr. Bartley 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 Cisax

Denny, afterwards known as Mrs. Drake, first acted in New York
April the 17th, as Helen Worrett; "She Would be a Soldier, or
the Battle of Chippewa,'* was given on April the 21st ; "The Forest
of Rosenwald, or the Bleeding Nun," was produced for the first
time on the 26th, On Sept. the 8th Mr. Wallack was to have
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 10, 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 2Sth, 1820, for
Major Noah's benefit, his drama, "The Siege of Tripoli," was per-
formed for 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 182 1-2 commenced Sept. the ist, 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 had seven doors,
which opened into a commodious 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 Are," followed by "Therese, or Orphan
of Geneva." The first new piece produced was "Damon and
Pythias" on Sept. the loth, 1821, with Mr. Maywood as Damon.
Peter Richings made his American d^but Sept. the 2Sth 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 i8th, 1871.

Junius Brutus Booth's New York debut took place Oct. the
Sth as Richard HI., 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 Mortimer in

i8«3: THE PARK THEATRE 25

"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
Cowell made his American d^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
i8th. "William Pelby " first appeared in this city on the 20th as
Macbeth. He died in Boston, May 28, 1850. The season closed
July 6 and reopened Nov. 4, when J. F. Foote 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.

"The Green Mountain Boys," an American drama, was first
acted Feb. the 22nd, 1823; "The Spy" was produced March ist;
and "The Irish Tutor" was first seen in America on the isth.
Labasse, the dancer, first appeared in this city on the i8th, in the
ballet " La Belle Peruvienne." "Adeline, or the Victim of Seduc-
tion," was first seen May ist (first time in America); "Montrose "
the 13th; " The Antiquary " the 17th; " Expected Collegian " the
24th. Cooper returned on June the loth in " Alexander the Great "
and " 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 Placide first acted here on Sept. the 2nd as Zekiel Home-
spun in "The Heir at Law," and Dr. Dabloncoeur in "A Budget of
Blunders." Placide's first appearance in this city was made in
1813, 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. I., 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 sth, 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 Citos

time in America Nov. 25th, and "Maid and Marian" Jan. Qth,
1824. William A. Conway made his American d^but 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 ofiE the bar of Charleston, he seized an oppor-
tunity when the passengers and captain were at dinner, threw
himself into the sea, and was drowned. Conway was six feet four
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 soul and to de-
lineate the characters of Shakespeare.

" Lafayette, or the Castle of Olmutz," was acted on Feb. the 23rd
for the first time; " Little Thief" May 3rd, also for the first 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
made his dibut on the i8th as Hamlet. The season closed July
the 5th, and reopened Aug. 30th with " The Poor Gentleman "
and " Ella Rosenberg. " Woodhull, Bancker, Nexsen, Kent, John
Clark, Richings, Foote, Henry Placide, Simpson, Wilkinson, Mrs.
Wheatley, Miss Johnson, and Mrs. Bancker were in the company.
"The Cataract of the Ganges" had a most successful run here,
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. Wheatley as Mrs. Homespun; Barnes acted
Gregory in "Family Jars" on the 14th; "Charles II." was first
played on the 25th. Major Stevens, a dwarf, appeared on this
stage Nov. 12th as Tom Thumb. W. Burroughs first acted in
America Nov. 18, as Romeo; Mrs. Jervis made her d^but in
America 22nd in "The Blind Boy;" "Sweethearts and Wives"
was first acted in New York 23rd: Admiral Franklin, Foote;
Charles, Simpson; Billy Lackaday, Hilson; Laura, Miss Johnson;
Eugenia, Miss Kelly; Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Wheatley.

"The Way to Keep Him " was given Dec. isth, also the "Two
Prisoners of Lyons;" this was a version of "Robert Macaire."
" Alasco " was first acted here on the i6th. Cooper reappeared on
the 20th as Duke Aranza in "The Honeymoon." He played Jaffier
in " Venice Preserved " on the 22nd ; " Frankenstein " was given for
the first time in America Jan. ist, 1825; "Cherry and Fair Star"
on Jan. loth; "A Woman Never Vext," 27th; "Ostler" and "The
Robber," Feb. ist. The English version of Von Weber's "Der
Freyschutz " was sung for the first time in America on March the
1 2th, and the American d^but of Lizzie Parr as Sophia in "The

iiisD THE PARK THEATRE 27

Road to Ruin " took place on the i/tb of the same month. *'Caiu8
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 2Sth. George Barrett first
appeared here May 30th, acting Gossamer in "Just My Luck."
**Phelles, King of Tyre" was given for the first time June 13th.
The season closed July 5th and was reopened Aug. 20th, 1825.
Hilson acted Shy lock 30th, with Mrs. Battersby as Portia. Julia
Wheatley first appeared on the stage Sept. 14th, dancing a pus
sful. 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 ist, 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.
Battersby; Annelli, Mrs. De Luce; Gesler, Woodhull; Struth,
Barnes; Meletal, Placide; Waldemar, Mrs. Barnes, and Agnes,
Mrs. Hilson. "The Vision of the Sun" was given Oct. 3rd,
" 'T would Puzzle a Conjuror" 17th, and Conway acted Jaflfier Oct.
24, with Mrs. Barnes as Belvidera in" Venice Preserved." Thomas
S Hamblin first appeared in America Nov. ist, 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, Edmund 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 speedliy 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 at-
tempted to obtain a hearing. But it was again in vain, and he
retired. A gentleman — one of his friends — then arose and at-

28 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1825

tempted to speak a word for him; but nothing could be heard
but ' Hear him ! ' ' Kean forever I ' ' 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 * Keanl Kean!* Beside him, in the * slips,' was an-
other conspicuous fellow in a conspicuous comer, crying out:

* Hurrah for the Seducer ! * * Hurrah for the Alderman ! ' says
the mulatto. ' Boston 1 ' cried the white-hatted fellow. * New
York ! ' responded the negro. ' Boston and Mrs. Cox 1 ' exclaimed
the white hat. ' Pork and molasses ! ' chimed in the black. * Put
out that nigger 1 ' ' Put out that white hat! ' were heard in vari-
ous places. * Hurrah for Kean I ' 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 heard,
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 has, ' cried another. ' Down with the rioters ! '

* Send the Bostonians home I * 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. Kean 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 rotten
apples. Thus ended Kean's first appearance."

The next day Kean published the following to the public:

" With oppressed feelings, heart-rending to my friends, and triumphant to my
enemies, I make an appeal to that country famed for its hospitality to the
stranger and mercy to the conquered. Allow me to say, whatever my ofiEences,
I disclaim all intention of offering anything in the shape of disrespect towards
the inhabitants of New York. They received me from the first with an enthu-
siasm, grateful in those hours to my pride, in the present 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 I have
committed an error appears too evident from the all-decisive voice of the public,

Hid THE PARK THEATRE 29

bat snrelj it is bnt justice to the delinqaent, whatever maj be his enormities, to
Bake reparation where the ofiEences were committed. My misunderstanding took
place in Boston — to Boston I shall assuredlv go to apologize for my indis-
crttioos. I visit this country now, under different feelings and auspices than
on a farmer occasion. Then I was an ambitious man, and Uie proud representa-
tive of Shakespeare's heroes ; the spark of ambition is extinct, and I merely ask a
ibelter in which to close m^ professional and mortal career. I give the weapon
bto the hands of my enemies ; if they are brave they will not turn it against the
defenceless. Edmund Kean.'*

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

^ I would take the liberty of informing the citizens of Boston of my arrival, in
ooofidence 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 ^me and fortune is too melancholy an illustration. Acting
from the impulse of irritation I was disrespectful to the Boston public; calm
deliberation convinces me I was wrong. The first step towards the Throne of
Mercy b confession — the hope we are taught, forgiveness. Man must not ex-
pect more than those attributes which we offer our God. Edmund Kean."

The house was filled immediately after the doors were opened.
Kean made his appearance, bowing and scraping, and attempted to
speak, but was compelled to retire without a 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! "

Kean 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 ZiM

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 Leesugg) first appeared in America as Lady
Teazle on Nov. 15th. She took her final leave of the stage May 5th,
1840, in Philadelphia. James Kirby's American d6but was made
Nov. 24th as Scaramouch in " Don Juan."

Italian Opera was first introduced to America Nov. 29th, 1825.
** Barbiere di Seviglia " was the first opera given, with this cast :
Almaviva, Sig. Garcia ; Bartolo, Sig. Rosich ; Basilo, Sig. Angrisani ;
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 seat in the
boxes, and {i.oo in the pit The receipts were {2980. On Dec.
1 2th " Fatal Dowry " was acted, and " L'Amante Astuto " 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 ; Amenide, 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. i6th as Orsini and
Caesario 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. ist, 1827. Having been divorced from
Malibran in January, 1832, she was again married in March, 1836, to
M. De Beriot, a musician. She met a violent death in Manchester,
England, by being thrown from her horse, on Sept. 23rd, 1836.

ftoq THE PARK THEATRE 31

James Henry Hackett first acted at this theatre March ist,
1826. as Justice Woodcock in ** Love in a Village." He had previ-
ously appeared with a small companv at Newark, N. J., in 18 16. At
19 years of age he was married to Katherine 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 185 1. 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. L, 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
Park. As Marbleau in " Monsieur Tonson," O'Callaghan in " His
last Legs," Sir Pertinax Mac Sycophant in ** The Man of the World,"
and Rip Van Winkle he was unapproachable.

** Seroiramide " was first heard in America April 25th, 1826.
Edwin Forrest first acted in this theatre June 23rd for Woodhull's
benefit. He had appeared at the Bowery Theatre Jan. 17th, 1825.
Mrs. Mangeon made her American d6but 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 Macready first appeared in America Oct. 2nd,
1826, as Virginius. The house was topfull. Mr. Macready 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 1 3th, and in this play Master William Wheatley made his d^but
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, he
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-
pbolus of Syracuse, Mr. Lee; Antipholus of Ephesus, Woodhull;
Dromio of Ephesus, Hackett ; Dromio of Syracuse, Barnes ; Solinus,
Jones ; Angelo, Denman ; Adriana, Mrs. Hackett ; iCgeon, Foote ;
Abbess, Mrs. Stickney ; Luciana, Mrs. Sharpe. J. J. Adams reap-
peared Nov. 6th, as Hamlet " A Midsummer Night's Dream " was

fc-Ni^

32 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Da^r

first acted in America Nov. 9th, and thus cast : Theseus, Lee ; Bot-
tom, Hilson ; Snout, Placide ; Oberon, Richings ; Puck, Mrs. Hilson ;
Titania, Mrs. Sharpe; Hypolita, Mrs. Stickney; 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 d^but
on the 30th, as Floretta in the " Cabinet."

Macready returned Dec. nth as Macbeth, " Virgfinius "the 13th.
"Henry IV." the 29th, appearing as the King. Thomas Barry
made his American d^but Dec. i6th, 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 15 th, 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 Land " 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; Clymante, Mrs. Sharpe; and Lavini, Mrs.
Brundage.

" Thirteen to the Dozen," was first played 22nd. Mrs. Thomas
Barry made her American d^but on the 29th as Juliet in " Romeo
and Juliet." She died in this city Feb. 20, 1854. " Cinderella " was
presented Feb. ist, with E. H. Conway as the Prince, and Placide as
Pedro. " The Conquest of Taranlo" was first acted here on the Sth.
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; Foote, Wake-
field ; Simpson, Charles Maydew ; Placide, 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 20th, 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 Flying Dutchman"
was given on April loth, with Barry as Vanderdecken, and Placide
as Von Brummell.

Macready reappeared on the i6th in "Caius Gracchus." "The
Dead Shot" was first acted on the 23rd, with Placide as Timid, and

ito7D THE PARK THEATRE 33

Mrs. Wheatley 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 Brummagem.
" The Englishman in India " was seen for the first time on
May 4th. John Povey made his American d^but on the 7th. He
died in London, Eng., May 2nd, 1867. John Green first acted in
this city May 19th as Dennis Bulgruddery in ** John Bull." Mrs.
P. K. Moran made her d^but on the 31st as Julia Mannering, in
*' Guy Mannering." Macready was again seen as Macbeth on June 4th,
and " Julius Caesar " 12th. " The Eleventh Hour," " Burning of the
Kent," and " The East Indiaman " were acted for the first time 15th.
Mr. Williamson and Wm. E. Dinneford made their d^but 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 Mme.
Alexandre Theodore, Richard Notaire, and Mme. Paradol. They
sang twice each week. " La Cenerentola " was the only opera
given. "Paul Pry" opened the dramatic season Sept. 3rd, 1827.
Barry, Simpson, WoodhuU, Hilson, Rees, Placide, Howard, Boyle,
Foot, W. Jones, H. Williams, H. Knight, Jervis, T. Placide, Povey,
Mesdames Hilson, Hackett, Stickney, Sharpe, Wheatley, Barry,
Godey, Danie, Moreland, Benjamin, Misses Brundage, Bland, and
Julia Wheatley were of the company.

Clara Fisher made her American d^but Sept nth as Albina
Mandeville 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 Norval,
Harriet in " Is He Jealous ? " Priscilla Tomboy, Lydia Languish,
Cherubino, and Clari. In " Little Pickle " she danced the sailor's
hornpipe. She played Ophelia to Charles Kemble'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 pas
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. Maeder, the vocal preceptor
of Charlotte Cushman and others, on Dec. 6th, 1834. On Sept.
28th, 1 84 1, she was the recipient of a benefit. The receipts

34 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [iSas

reached 1^1,960. Her farewell of this house occurred Nov. 6th, i844«
when she played Lydia Languish in " The Rivals " for the benefit
of Mrs. Vernon, her sister. She reappeared in this city after a long
absence during the season of 185 1-2 at Brougham's Lyceum. She
afterwards appeared in opera at Niblo's Garden, with Mme. 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 "The Lottery of
Love" in Baltimore, Md. (at 78 years of age). She died in
Metuchen, N. J., Nov. 12th, 1898. She was bom in Eng. July 14th,
181 1. At the time of her death she was the oldest actress in
America.

Mr. Rees made his American d^but 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.
De 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.
2 1st, 1849. Cooper acted Virginius, and Mrs. Barnes was the
Virginia on Nov. 9th; "Bears not Beasts" was played the 12th,
" The Gambler's Fate " the 15th, " BriercliflF" the 26th, " Vesher of
Palermo " the 30th, " Cornish Miners " Dec. the 3, and on the
same night James Hackett 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 Domton in "The
Road to Ruin." 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 i8th with " Marriage of Figaro,"
followed by " Der Freyschutz," " Castle of Andalusia," " Clari,"
" Abon Hassan," " No Song, No Supper," and " Midas." In the
organization were Mrs. Austin, Chas. E. Horn, Lydia 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

IHB2 THE PARK THEATRE 35

Inn" April ist 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 d^but 15th as
\^rginia, to Cooper's Virginius, and Cooper was seen as Othello 21st,
and in '* Red Rover" May ist. Hackett first played Falsta£E on the
13th, "An Aunt in Virgfinia" was played on the 14th, with Mrs.
Maywood as Mrs. Clatterpenny. " Paris and London " was given
on the i6th, ** 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, 181 8, she appeared on the stage when only nine
months old. Her American d^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, 1849. 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
was 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 Jefferson
as Bob Acres, and William Florence as Sir Lucius. Her last engage-
ment was in the title rdle of " The Sporting Duchess." Her last
appearance on the stage was May 13, 1897, for the benefit of Edwin
Knowles at the Montauk Theatre, Brooklvn, when she acted in a
little sketch arranged by Mary Shaw, entitled *' The First Jury of
Women.'* She died in New York Aug. 31, 1897.

Miss Wells appeared June 7th. In 1831 she was married to John
Sefton. The opera " Isidore de Merida " was sung June 9th.
"John Rock" was first acted in America on the loth, when Mile.
Constance, dancer, first appeared ; Mile. Rosalie, French danseuse^
was seen on the 14th. " The Apostate '' was acted the 28th, with J.

36 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D8a8

B. Booth, as Fescara, 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 18 12 as Agnes Holman. In 181 5 she
was married to Charles Gilfert, who died in 1829. Her last appear-
ance on the stage was Julv 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 sth, when Master Mercer first appeared
on the stage as a vocalist. A summer season followed, with Louisa
Lane as the star on the i6th, playing Albert in " William Tell."
She followed this with the " Actress of All Work," Goldfinch, Doctor
Fangloss in " The Heir at Law," Prince Anthony, and Amelia
Wildlove. " Valentine and Orson " was given the 29th, with Mme.
Celeste as Valentine. The season closed Aug. 2nd, and reopened
Sept. ist, 1828, with the "Rivals" and "Twas 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. i ith as Young Norval and Little Pickle. She
died in this city Sept. 24th, 1894. A French ballet company con-
sisting of Benoni, Duruissell, St. Clair, Fellman, Miles. Estelle,
Adrie Ravenot, Louise, and Hyacinth, opened Sept. 13th. "Ups
and Downs " was acted the i6th.

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 Bank),
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. II, 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. "Giordano" was given for the first time on the
stage Nov. 13th. Mme. Feron made her American d^but on the

I8J93 THE PARK THEATRE 37

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 ?" was g^ven Dec. 3rd.
"John of Paris" the isth, also for the first time. " Knights of the
Cross," and Byron's " Werner " were given here the i6th, with Barry
as Werner; "Temple of Death" Jan. the ist, 1829; "Rienzi"
the 8th, with Wallack as the hero.

•* The Merry Wives of Windsor" was produced on the 15th with
this cast : Ford, Wallack ; Falstaff, Hilson ; Caius, Placide ; Anne
Page, Mrs. Pearman; Mrs. Ford, Mme. Feron; Mrs. Page, Mrs.
Hackett; Fenton, Pearman.

•' Green Eyed Monster" was acted Feb. 14th ; " Youthful Queen "
the 19th ; " The Foulah Slave " the 23rd ; " King Charles H." March
the gith. Mme. Celeste appeared on the 13th, in " The Dumb Girl
of Grenoa" On April 9th Julius Caesar was given with Hamblin
as Antony, J. W. Wallack, Brutus ; and Henry Wallack as Cassius.
** Caswallan " was played the 15th, and Sam Cowell first acted in this
city on the 21st as Crack in "The Turnpike Gate." Charles R.
Thome made his first appearance on the stage the 23rd as Octa-
vian in " The Mountaineers." " Home, Sweet Home, or Ranz
des Vaches," a musical comedy, was given May 22nd. Clara Fisher
took a benefit June i. " Manhattoes," an Indian drama, was first
seen here July 4th. "Ambrose Gwynette" was played the 21st.
The opera " Tancrcdi " was revived 22nd, with Mme. Brichta as Tan-
credi ; Sig. Ferri as Argivio ; Sig. Angrisani, Abizzano ; and Mme.
Feron 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 d6but 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 nth. The season closed on the 17th, and re-
opened Sept. 2 with " Every One Has His Faults." Chapman,
WoodhuU, Simpson, Barry, Barnes, Placide, Miss Parker, Mrs.
Sharpe, Mrs. Hackett, Mrs. Hilson, and Mrs. Wheatley were in the
cast " Thir-no-oge " was acted the same night, with Thos. Placide,
Mercer, Povey, and others in the cast. Mons. and Mme. Renzi Ves-
tris took a farewell benefit Oct. 3rd, when Cooper acted " Alexander
the Great" " My Old Woman " was given the Sth, 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, lago, to
Cooper's Othello, Macbeth, Brutus, and William Tell on the 24th.

On Nov. 1 5 Forrest took his first benefit, when, for the first time
on any stage, was presented John A. Stone's tragedy of "Meta-
mora" with this cast: Metamora, Edwin Forrest; Sir Arthur, Wm.

38 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i^

Chapman ; Horatio, Thos. Barry ; Lord Fitzamold, Peter Richings ;
Guy of Godalman, WoodhuU ; Errington, Langton ; Tramp, Povey ;
Kaushene, Blakely ; Oceana, Mrs. Hilson ; Wolfe, Nexsen ; Holyoke,
Wm. Wheatley ; Child, Miss Parker ; Nameokee, Mrs. Sharpe.
** Masaniello " was first acted in this city Nov. 7th, with Barry in
title rdle ; Peter Richings, Alphonso ; Mrs. Sharpe, Elvira ; and Mrs.
Barnes, Fenella. " Happiest Day of my Life " was given Dec. 21st,
" Leonidas the Spartan " the 2Sth, and " Antoine the Savage " on
the same date. James Roberts first acted here Jan. 5th, 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 loth ; "William Thompson, or Which is He? " the
I ith ; " Lady Restless " and " Bold Dragoons " the 25th ; and " First
of May in New York " on the 26th. Giulia Daponte first appeared
in this city on the 31st. " Rip Van Winkle " was first acted in New
York April 22nd, 1830, with Hackett in the title rdle. The season
closed Aug. 30, when Joseph M. Field made his New York d6but.

The season reopened Sept. ist with the American d6but of
Charles Kean in " Richard HL" : Richard HL, C. Kean ; Henry VI.,
Foote; Richmond, Simpson; Buckingham, Woodhull; Norfolk,
Nexsen ; Catesby, T. Placide ; Tressel, Peter Richings ; Lord Stan-
ley, Blakeley ; Lord Mayor, Wheatley ; Prince of Wales, Miss
Wheatley ; Duke of York, Miss C. Wheatley ; Queen Elizabeth,
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 (comer Broome Street), April 26, 1865, in " Henry VHI."
After several months' sojourn here, they returned to England. He
died at Salt Hill, Eng., Jan. 22, 1868.

Joseph Burke made his American d6but here Nov. 22, 1830, as
Young Norval, led the orchestra in the overture to " Guy Manner-
ing," and concluded by acting Dr. OToole 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, Looney McT wetter, Dennis Bulgruddery, 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

i83o3 THE PARK THEATRE 39

seen for the first time here on the 8th, with Henry Placide as Sir
Lawrence 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 g^ven 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
Rover in " Wild Oats." James Thome's American d6but took place
Nov. 8th as Count BelHno in the " Devil's Bridge." In 1843 he died
at sea while returning to England. Charles Kean reappeared Nov.
12 in " Richard HL" " First of April " was seen for the first time
on the 15 th.

Miss Emery, afterwards known as Mrs. Burroughs, made her
dibut 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,
antil 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 tew 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 oS 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 d6but
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
Paric Theatre was Dec. 17th, 1847, and her final appearance was April
Sth, 1869, at Wallack's Theatre (Broadway and Thirteenth Street)
as Mrs. Sutcli£Ee 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 equadly at home.

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

40 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D83X

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,
or the Fall of Tarquin " 31st, for the first time here. Edwin Forrest
acted Metamora again on Jan. i, 1831 ; the same night the farce the
" Dumb Lady " was 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; Darnley, Richings ; Derby, Thome ; Sir Caesar, T. Pla-
cide; Sir Pagan, Field; Richard Harley, WoodhuU; Richard
Harley, Jr., Wheatley ; Cardinal Wolsey, Hilson ; Jokin Groby, Nix-
sen; Wilson, H. Placide; Bertrand, Blakeley; Scrapeface, Povey;
Queen Katherine, Miss Jessop; Queen of France, Miss Rogers;
Lady Constance, Mrs. Blake ; Lady Katherine, Mrs. Wallack ; Mar-
garet, Mrs. Wheatley; Dame Hartley, Mrs. Durie; Madelette, Mrs.
Godey. " Turning the Tables " was played for the first time 13th, and
" The Wreck Ashore" on the i8th. 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 ; Thisbe, Mrs. Vernon ; Pompolino, H. Placide ; Dandini,
Thorne ; First Hunter, Povey ; Clorinda, Mrs. Blake ; Fairy Queen,
Mrs. Wallack.

Barton made his American d6but March 9th as Hamlet, and the
same evening ** Short Stages," afterwards called " The Omnibus,
was played ; " Tancredi " and " King of Sicily " the 16 ; " Jenkinses,
the 24; '* Deuce is in Her" the 25th ; *' Modems, or A Trip to the
Springs" on May i8th for the first time; " Lion of the West" was
given the 25th. On the same night Hackett acted Nimrod Wildfire
in " The Kentuckian." Edwin Forrest appeared on the 27th as Meta-
mora, and as Caius 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 nth; also on the same night,
for the first time, " Chrononhotonthologos " was seen. " Highways
and Byways " was acted the i6th for the first time, and Alexina
Fisher first played here the 23rd, as Clari in the opera " The Maid
of Milan," with Mrs. Asbury (Eliza Placide) as Vespina. On July
26th Agnes Holman (Mrs. Charles Gilfert) 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 Fausse Agnes."

The season of 183 1-2 commenced Aug. 29th with " Cinderella"
and the " Dumb Savoyard and the Monkey." John Sinclair, a
famous English tenor, made his American d6but Sept. 24th, 1831,
as Prince Orlando in " The Cabinet." His eldest daughter, Cathe-

19SM2 THE PARK THEATRE 41

rinCy 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 Fhasarius ; Peter Richings, Crassus ; Thome, Bracchus ;
T. Placide as Thorless ; and Julia TumbuU 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.

" Waldemar " was acted Nov. ist, for the first time, with Charles
Kean in the title rdle. " Napoleon Bonaparte " was played Dec.
15th ; " Martha Willis " the 26th ; " Female Brigand " the 28th ; " It
IB The Devil " Jan. 2nd, 1832 ; " The Locksmith of Stockholm " the
24th ; " ^^ctorine, or I '11 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 Ludgate " March the
6th; "Lords and Commons" 15th; and the operetta "National
Guard " 30th. Edwin Forrest appeared agjain as Metamora, April
nth; "Werdenberg, or the Forest League," was g^ven the 24th;
the opera "White Lady," May 21st. "The Hunchback," by
Knowles, was acted for the first time here June i8th, thus cast:
Master Walter, Barry ; Thomas Clifford, Simpson ; Lord Tinsel,
Richings ; Heartwell, Blakeley ; Wilfred, Woodhull ; Modus, Thome ;
Gaylove, Placide ; Julia, Mrs. Sharpe ; and Helen, Mrs. Wallack.
This powerful play was g^ven 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 d6but June 30th, as Lady Teazle.

The Ravel Family first appeared in America July i6th. 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 ; Emily
Payne, whom Jean Ravel married some years later ; Louis Narzetti,
then only nine years of age; and Jean Pebemard, 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 Grabriel Ravel sustained the prin-
cipal characters. After a brief tour, they returned to England, but

42 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dsaa

reappeared here from October, 1836, until July, 1837. They then
paid another visit to Europe, returning here in 1842. At the de-
struction of Niblo's Garden in September, 1846, they lost ^5,(XX>.
They again visited America in 1848, with Francois and the Marti-
netti Family. In 1849 Antoine and Jerome returned to America.
Paul Brillant, Josephine Bertin, and the Lehmanns were in the troupe.
Gabriel joined the company here in 1851. Fran9ois and Gabriel
returned to Europe in October, i860. Jerome Ravel died at Tou-
louse, France, Aug. 7th, 1890, aged 80 years. The last engagement
in this country of the Ravels was at Niblo's Garden, this city, in
1866. Angelique Ravel, mother of Marietta Ravel, now Mrs. Martin
Hanley, died in New York, Dec. isth, 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 Renard in ** The
National puard." James P. Wilkinson made his American d^but the
30th, as Geoffrey Muffineop in "Amateurs and Actors." Charles
Kemble made his d^but in America Sept. 17th, as Hamlet. The
cast of the tragedy was as follows :

Hamlet Charles Kemble

(First appearance in America.)

King John H. Clarke

Laertes Peter Richin^

Polonius Henry Pladde

Horatio Edward Simpson

Osric Thomas Flynn

Ghost Thomas Barry

First Gravedigger . . . Wilkinson

Queen Mrs. Sharpe

Ophelia .... Miss Clara Fisher

Fanny Kemble appeared for the first time in America Sept. i8th,
as Bianca in " Fazio," with W. 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; Belvidera
24th, to Kemble's Pierre in '* Venice Preserved." " Much Ado about
Nothing " was played 25th, Fanny as Beatrice, Charles as Benedick ;
" The Stranger" 27th, the Kembles as Mrs. Haller and the Stranger;
" The Hunchback " 28th, the Kembles as Julia and Sir Thomas
Clifford ; " King John " Oct, ist ; 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 185 1 she went to England, but returned to
America in 1856, and continued her public career as a reader until
1869. 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 London, Jan. 16, 1893, aged 84 years.

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

I833D THE PARK THEATRE 43

"My Own Lover" 29th. The Kembles 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 " Brutus/' with this
cast : Brutus, Forrest ; Titus, J. R. Scott ; Collatinus, G. Barrett ;
Tarquin, Clarke ; Aruns, Barry ; Horatius, Richings ; Valerius,
Blakeley ; Lucretius, Mr. Nexsen ; TuUia, 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 : Petruchio, 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 " Oraloosa " was produced, with Edwin Forrest in the title
rdle. Forrest played another engagement here Sept. 15 th, 1836, to
enormous audiences. He received {5CX> 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 IH." Dec. 28th. Mrs. Mangeon
reappeared Jan. loth, 1833. Chas. Kean acted Hamlet 14th, fol-
lowed by Shy lock and Sir Giles Overreach. Master David P. Bow-
ers first appeared in this city the 17th as Young Norval in ** Douglas,"
and Cooper was seen the 29th as lago to Edwin Forrest's Othello.
The Kembles acted in " Romeo and Juliet" Feb. 7th, and " Petti-
coat Government" had its first representation on the nth.

J. T. Reynoldson, the baritone singer, made his American d^but
March 1 1 th 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 d^but April
3rd. Fanny Kemble acted Lady Townley the same date to C.
Keroble'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 1 th. Julia Wheatley made her operatic d6but
May 6 as Semira 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, Blakeley ; Matteo,

44 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Z1B33

Hayden; Zerlina, Mrs. Austin; Lady Allcash, Mrs. Sbarpe;
Lorenzo, Jones ; Beppo» Ricbings ; and Lord Allcasb, Reynoldson.
Mr. and Mrs. Harrison first appeared in America June 25th, as
Otbello and Desdemona, and Josephine Clifton made her d^but at
this theatre July ist as Bianca in " Fazio."

Tyrone Power made bis first 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, be 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
TAe Courier and Inquirer that the public should repair to the Park
Theatre, to " put down " Mr. Wood. It appears Aat 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 real 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

i«30 THE PARK THEATRE 45

were obliged to decline. On June 8, 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 Micklegate-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, Britton West, near Wakefield, Eng., where she died July 21,
1864. ^I's- 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. i6th, with J. H. Hackett as Mallet. Tyrone Power came the
29th, as Sir Patrick O'Plenipo. Placide appeared Dec. i8th, as
Lord Ogleby in " The Clandestine Marriage," and in the trial scene
from " The Merchant of Venice," playing Shylock. " The Eighth of
January" was acted Jan. 8th, 1834, for the first time ; " High, Low,
Jack, and the Game," also a new play, was given on the loth.
" Uncle John " was played the i6th, 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
" Lafitte," and the tragedy " Octavia Bragaldi." The opera of
" Robert the Devil " was sung April 7th, for the first time ; also the
farce " P. P., or the Man and the Tiger." ** The Wag of Maine "
was given the i6th. 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 IIL"
''Gustavus I.," was given on the nth, ** The Masked Ball" the 21st,
and " Knight of the Golden Fleece " Sept. loth. Lydia Phillips
first played in America on the 15th, acting Juliet, to Wallack's Mer-
cutio. James Sheridan Knowles, the actor and dramatist, made his

46 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CiSss

American d^but the 29tb, appearing as Master Walter in his own
play "The Hunchback." "Love Laughs at BailiflE" was given
Oct. 22nd, its first hearing in America. Charlotte Watson first ap-
peared here the 23rd, as Cherubino in " Deep, Deep Seas." Charles
Kemble Mason first played here Dec. 3rd, acting Beverly in " The
Gramester." During the summer of 1834 the theatre was entirely
renovated, and reopened Sept. ist. In the company were H. Placide,
Isherwood, Peter Richings, Mason, Harrison, J. Clarke, Jones,
Latham, John Fisher, Blakeley, Wheatley, T. Flacide, Nexsen, Povey,
Russell, and Hayden, Mesdames Harrison, Vernon, Archer, and
Durie, and the two Misses TumbulL " 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. Gamer's American dibut, as Sophia
in the " Rendezvous," 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. ist, 1835, with Mrs. S. Chapman in the title rdle. Buckstone's
" Married Life " was played Feb. 2nd, for first time in New York.
J. W. S. Hows acted Shylock i6th for his dibut. " Teresa Con-
tarini" was given March 19th, for the first time. Augustus A.
Addams made his d^but 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 d^but at this house July 16, 1835, ^^ Imogene in " Ber-
tram." Henry Lewis made his American d^but the same date in
" The Two Gregories." 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 Tremont 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. Lewis 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 Fanny (Mrs. Burt)
are still living. Harry Lewis died in Philadelphia, Nov. 23, 1892,

i«i] THE PARK THEATRE 47

aged 90 years. Mrs. Lewis' Emilia in ''Othello/' with the elder
Booth as lago, Charles Webb as Othello, and Edwin Booth as Cas-
no, was highly praised. She made the *' French Spy " a specialty
before Mme. 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 lU. She was an
eicellent 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. Mr. and Mrs.
Wood made their reappearance Sept. 4th, in ** Cinderella," — W. F.
Brough making his American d^but 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
time Oct. 5th.

J. S. Ball made his American bow 15th, as Vapid in " The Drama-
tbt.** " 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, Alessio ; Mrs.
Conduit, I^za; 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.

Wniiam Dowton first appeared in America June 2nd, as Falstaff ;
Emily Mestaver acted Little Pickle July 22nd; Mrs. Shaw (Miss
Trewar) roacfe her American d^but July 25th, as Mariana in " The
Wife; " John Oxley first played in this city Aug. i6th, as Hamlet.
Mme. Augusta made her d^but Sept. i6th as a dancer. She visited
Europe in 1839, and in 1845 returned to America, and for a season
manaiged Palmo's Opera House in this city. In 1848 she appeared
at Niblo'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-

48 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1836

dered a benefit at the Metropolitan Theatre, which netted her
|t3,ooo. 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 bom 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 OTlenipo and Teddy The Tiler. Edwin Forrest
began an engagement in "Damon and Pythias" 31st, and Sept.
15th played "Othello." William Chippendale made his d^but in
America Sept. ist, 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 Keeley made their American dibut 19th, in " The
Loan of a Lover" and "My Master's Rival." Mr. Keeley's last
appearance in public was in 1867, at the Dramatic College F£te in
London, Eng. He died in Brompton, England, Feb. 3, 1869. Mrs.
Keeley 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, s^c ^^ 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. Keeley. She was a contSdi-
enne of rare ability. She died in London, England, March 12, 1899,
aged 94 years. Her maiden name was Goward.

" Lucille, or a Story of the Heart," was played on the 22nd.
William S. Fredericks made his American debut 24th as Virginius.
He retired from the stage March 22nd, 1872, appearing as Master
Walter in " The Hunchback." He spent his later years at Long
Branch, N. J., 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 dibut in New York, Oct. ist, as the Fairy
Queen in " Cinderella." Mr. Denvil first acted in America on the
loth as Shylock. He afterwards played Byron's " Manfred," which
had its first performance in America on the 20th. Miss Grove,
(afterwards Mrs. Yamold) first acted in America Nov, 5th, playing
Juliet. Mr. Edwin's American d^but took place the 19th as Tom
Tug in " The Waterman." He died in this city in June, 1842. Mrs.
Gibbs first played in New York on the 30th, appearing as Cinder-
ella. The ** Housekeeper " was given Dec. ist, and the opera "La
Bayadere " had its first hearing in this theatre on the 3rd.

OSfl THE PARK THEATRE 49

EUen Tree made her American d^but Dec. I2th» 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
£%$ per week; on her return to England she was engaged at £2$
per night. She returned to America with her husband, Charles
iCean, in i845» ^^^ again in 1865, when the two distinguished
artists bade farewell to America.

''Old Heads on Young Shoulders" was g^ven its first hearing
Jan. 6th, 1837 ; " O'Flanagan and the Fairies" was acted the 9th,
for the first time in America, with Tyrone Power as Phelim O'Flana-
gan. ** Ion," by Talfourd, was seen Feb. 2nd, with Ellen Tree in the
title rdlc. ** The Wrecker's Daughter " was done 6th, " Julie or the
ForcAl Marriage" May ist; ** Duchesse de la ValliSre " 13th, for
the first time in America, Ellen Tree in the title rdle. Clara Fisher
came Aug. 8, as The Four Mowbrays and Paul the Pet in " Love 's
Blind," — its first presentation here.

Saiah Hildreth made her d^but loth 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 Placide,
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. Tumbull.
Josephine Clifton appeared 25th in '' Bianca Visconti," a play written
expressly for her, and Master Charles Mestayer 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. i8th as
Othello: Clarke, the lago; Mason, Cassio; Richings, Rodcri^o;
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. Mme. 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 i8th. Mme. Lecomte, dancer,
brat appeared in America Nov. 23rd, as Helen in "Robert Le

50 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«s»

f»

Diable." "Kentucky Heroes" was done 29th. Edwin Forrest
acted Coriolanus for the first time at this theatre Jan. lOth, 1838,
with Charlotte Cushman as Volumnia. "The Love Chase" was
first seen here 13th, with this cast: Widow Green, Mrs. Wheatley;
Constance, Mrs. Shaw ; Sir Wm. Fondlove, Flacide ; Wildrake, Rich-
ings ; Lydia, Mrs. Richardson ; Alice, Mrs. Durie ; Waller, Wheat-
ley; Trueworth, Fredericks.

" Patrician and Parvenue, or Confusion Worse Confounded
was first given Feb. ist, and on the 8th the tragedy of " Pocahontas,
with Emma Wheatley as the heroine. Augusta Maywood Williams,
better known as La Petite Augusta, made her d^but Sept. 12th as a
dancer in " La 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 Ellslcr on Dec. 25th, 1839. In Nov.,
1840, she eloped with Sydney Wilkins, an English author. ''Sam
Weller, or The Pickwickians " was acted March i6th, for the first
time, with William Rufus Blake as Sam ; Balfe's opera " Siege of
Rochelle " was sung April 9th. C. W. Clarke, also known as Wd-
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-
back." 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.

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

Claude Melnotte . . Edwin Forrest
Beauseant .... Peter Richines

Deschapelles Clarke

Pauline .... Mrs. Richardson

Glavis Wm. Wheatley

Col. Damas Placide

Mme. Deschappelles Mrs. Wheatlen
Widow Melnotte Charlotte Cushniay

James K. Murdoch made his d^but 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 I3tb,
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
Inconstant." He remained there one hundred nights, playing
Charles Surface fifty times. He returned to America in 1861.
With the outbreak 01 the rebellion he withdrew from the stage, and

>«3*3

THE PARK THEATRE

devoted his time and talents to the benevolent and sanitary enter-
prises set afoot by the people for the soldiers and their families.
When he went 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, and 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 Caesar; John E.
McCullough, Brutus; Lawrence P. Barrett, Cassius; and Marie
Wainwright, Calpumia. On May 4th he acted Hamlet, with John
E. McCullough as the Ghost ; John Ellsler, Polonius ; Louis 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, 1889,
with this programme :

THE STRANGER.

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

The Stranger . . James E. Murdoch
Baron Steinfort . . . S. C. Dubois
Fnmds Henry Aveling

Countess Wintersen . Emma Markle
Mrs. Haller . . . Mrs. D. P. Bower

THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL.

Arranged especially for this occasion in three parts, by J. E. Murdoch
omitting the scandal scenes, and concluding with the " Screen Scene."

Charles Surface . James E. Murdoch

losqph Surface . . . S. C. Dubois

Sir Feter Teazle . . George Holland

Sir Oliver Surface Henry Aveling

Moses Harry Hawk

Rowley Georee Becks

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 Melnotte in Philadelphia, and the second represen-

52 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci^3»

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 bom at Philadelphia Jan. 25th, 181 1, and first appeared on the
stage Oct. 13th, 1829, at the Arch St. Theatre, Philadelphia, as
Frederick in "Lover's Vows."

Cecelia McBride made her New York d^but June 8th, as Emma
in " The Youthful Queen." The opera, " The Elixir of Love," was
sung for the first time in America on the i8th. 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 Mme. Vestris) 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 Loan
of a Lover," 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, ^"^ 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
time previously. His popularity in this country ended when A, H.
Davenport, 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 loth, 1 871, 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. i6th he appeared at Wallack's Theatre, in "A Curious
Case," and commenced his farewell engagement at Wallack's April
i8th, 1872, in " London Assurance." His last appearance in America
was on June i, in " The Captain of the Watch " and " Not Such a
Fool as He Looks." He 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

I839D THE PARK THEATRE 53

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.

Ellen Tree acted Mariana in " The Wife " Oct. 3rd, with John R.
Scott as St. Pierre ; " Woman's Wit " was given on the 12th ; " 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 1 7th. William Hield first appeared at this theatre
26th as Hotspur, to James Hacketf 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
Mme. Roseheim. Master Hutchings first acted in this city Jan.
7^9 1S39, as General Bombastes in '* Bombastes Furioso." Andrew
Jackson Neafie 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. He
visited Europe in 1861, retired from the stage in 1867, ^^^ ^i^d
in this city April ist, 1892, jy years of years. Mr. Neafie 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 all except Miss Davenport, and
at the first rehearsal the written parts were distributed. The rdle
of Richelieu, allotted to Mr. Neafie, 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. Neafie was " dead-letter " perfect !
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. II. "Guy Mannering" was repeated on the 25th, with
Brough as Henry Bertram ; and Charlotte Cushman, Meg Merrilies.
''Nicholas Nickleby" was done 30th, Charlotte Cushman acting
Fanny Squeers ; Mrs. Pritchard was the Miss Price, and Mrs. Rich-
ardson the Smike. " Oliver Twist " was played Feb. 7th ; Charlotte
Cushman was Nancy Sykes, Peter Richings Bill Sykes, and Sam
Johnson the Artful Dodger.

" Last Days of Pompeii " was produced March 2nd, for the first time
here, with Hamblin as Arbaces and Charlotte Cushman as lone.

54 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D^

" Lord of the Isles " was played the 29th ; " Anne Boleyn " May 14th,
for the first time, with Josephine Clifton as the heroine ; Mons. and
Mme. Paul Taglioni first appeared in America 21st, in the ballet
" La Sylphide." Mme. Taglioni died in Bohemia Aug. 28th» 1891.
Bertha Lewis made her d^but i8th as Christine in ''The Youthful
Queen ; " she died Dec. 23rd, 1872 ; " Captain Kyd " was given for
the first time on the 2srd, with Charlotte Cushman as Elspy, and
" The Maid of Orleans " was seen Aug. 3rd, with Cushman as Joan
of Arc.

The season of 1839-40 opened Aug. 22ndy with "The Lady of
Lyons." In the company were Henry Placide, E. J. Shaw, Peter
Richings, William Hield, Mr. and Mrs. William Chippendale, John
Fisher, William and Sarah Wheatley, Gann, John Nickenson, Nix-
sen, John Povey, 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, Miss., in 1837, of yellow fever. Fanny Pritchard died in
Clarksville, 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
Teague 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. Creswick (Miss Paget) made her d^but Aug. 30,
as Emily Wilton in "Bachelor's Buttons." Wm. Creswick's Ameri-
can d^but was on the 31st, as Claude Melnotte. After a visit to
England he reappeared here April nth, 1 871, at the Fourteenth
St. Theatre, New York.

Beethoven's " Fidelio" was sung Sept. 9th for the first time in
America, when the following artists made their American d^but :
Giubilei, Manvers, Martyn, Edwin, Mrs. Martyn (Miss Inveriarity),
and Miss Poole. Giubilei died in Naples in 1845. Mme. Prosch
Giubilei made her American d^but Sept. 12th in B,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. nth, 1854. Buckstone'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
d^but Nov. 8th as Skirts in the " Man About Town." In Sept.,
1858, he married the widow of Josh Silsbee, and in October of that
year took his farewell of the stage, but reappeared in i860. He
died March loth, 1891, on his farm near Haddonfield, N. J., at
the age of 86.

Mme. Celeste appeared Dec. loth, for the first time in ten years,
in '' The Child of the Wreck." John M. Vandenhofi'and his daughter,

1840]

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, 1840. 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 :

Richelien Vandenhoff

Joseph Chippendale
ulie Miss Vandenhoff

De Mauprat Creswick

Marion Pritchard

Louis XIII Nexsen

De Baradas . . . Peter Richinf^

De Beringhen HieTd

Fran9ois 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 1835
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 Maeder and Mrs. Vernon.

" Mary Stuart " was played March 23rd ; " The Postilion of Long-
jemeau," 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 Kean'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 seul called '' La Cracovienne," and in a bal-
let " La Tarentule," in which she took the town by storm. The
receipts were 1^1,447.75, ^^^ ^^^ her benefit, May 25, $1,226,2$.
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 1(14,259.50.
It was during this engagement that she contributed her share of a
benefit to complete the Bunker Hill monument, adding $569.50 to
the monument fund. She appeared in Baltimore at the Holliday

56 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1840

Street Theatre. The seats were sold at an advance, many of them
bringing JI3.50 each. The people there danced into the traces of
her carriage, proud of the honor of dragging " the immortal Fanny "
from 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, 1 841, 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 i, 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 i8th, as Richard
III. He returned to England and died there in December, 1887.
The next season opened August 17th with the American d^but 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. ist. Mr.
and Mrs. Charles Hill's American d^but was made on October 2ndy
in '' Capers and Coronets." Power appeared as Morgan Rattler in
" How to Pay the Rent," the 20th, for the first time in America.
Adam Leffler first acted in America the 28th, as Count Rodolpho
in " La Sonnambula." " Touch and Take, or the Law of the Kiss,"
was given Nov. loth, for the first time in America ; " Faint Heart
Never Won Fair Lady" was done the 12th ; " The Beggar's Opera "
was revived on the 27th.

i«4lD

THE PARK THEATRE

John Braham, the eminent English tenor, made his American
d^but here Dec. 2ist, in "The Siege of Belgrade." The season
closed Jan. 8th, 1841, and the 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, 1 841, with the prices of admission reduced to:
boxes 75 cents, and pit 37 }i cts. ; but they were raised in two
weeks to Iti.oo and $.50. "Norma" was sung Feb. 25th, for the
first time in America. Tyrone Power's last appearance was on
March 9th, 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 Hackett 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 d^but on the stage April 17th, 1 841, 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 " Aylmere, or
the Kentish Rebellion "), was produced for the first time May 24th,
with this cast

Jack Cade
Gifford
Kate . .
Lord Say .
Buckingnam
Wat Worthy
Coortney

Edwin Forrest
Jas. Murdoch
Miss McBride
W. Wheatley
. A. Andrews
. Chippendale
W. A. Chapman

Dick Pembroke Fisher

Mariamne . . Mrs. Geo. W. Jones

Friar Lacy Nickenson

Mowbry C. W. Clarke

Jack Straw Bellamy

Archbishop Bedford

Widow Cade . . . Mrs. Wheatley

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

On June i a sale took place of all the scenery, dresses, decora-
tions, etc., under a landlord's warrant for arrears of rent due to John
Jacob Astor and Henry Beekman, amounting to $1 8,00a

Mrs. William Abbott, formerly Elizabeth Bradshaw (maiden name

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1841

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 EUsler
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, 1 841, 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 . . . Mrs. Maeder
Mrs. Smith Mrs. Vernon

Mr. Brown . .
Mr. Somerton .
Mrs. Brown

W. E. Burton
Wm. Wheatley
Mrs. Wheatley

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 '' La Gazza 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 Fatty. 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, $1 ;
gallery, 25 cents.

Mrs. Seymour's American d^but was made Sept. 15th as Juliet
Clara Fisher took a benefit 28th, 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
Glenroy, Wro. R. Blake ; Rev. Owen, Barry ; Hawbuck, Latham ;
Hon. Mrs. Glenroy, Charlotte Cushman ; Rosalie Somers, Mrs. Sey*
mour ; Goody Hawbuck, Mrs. Barry ; Plastic, Fredericks ; Cosey,
Wm. E. Burton ; Trott, W. H. Williams ; Mrs. Trott, Mrs. Vernon ;
Mrs. Moreen, Mrs. Wheatley; Taffine, 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 11, 1841, with this fine cast of characters :

Dazzle James Browne

DoUv Spanker Williams

Mark Meddle 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 d^but here Nov. the 4th, as Hamlet. He died in Man-

iMD THE PARK THEATRE 59

Chester, England, July 17th, 1845; ''Walder the Avenger" was
seen the 9th ; " The Old Maid " 1 5th, for the first time in this city ;
- Oliver Cromwell " Dec. 9th ; " What will the World say? " Jan.
5th, 1842. A ball was given Feb. i6th in honor of Charles Dickens.
** Nina Sforza " was actoj 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. " Gwynnette 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
Stanmore, C. W. Clarke; Sir Wm. Daventry, Placide; Bellamv
Foss, 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 i8tb, and *' Norma " was sung on the 25th,
with Mr. and Mrs. Seguin and Manvers 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-
vers ; 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 Saxonv " was first sung here on the 23rd, and Miss
Manvers first appearea in this city June 6th, as Zerlina in " Fra
Diavolo." Fanny Ellsler made her last appearance in America

July 1st, in " La Cracovienne." " Making your Wills" was played
uly 4th, and the season closed July 13th and reopened with ''The
Poor Gentleman " with WiUiam E. Burton, Barry, Placide, S. Browne,
A. Andrews, Bellamy, Fisher, W. H. Williams, Mrs. Wheatley, 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
Nachtwichter, or The Prince's Frolic " 9th. This play was origi-
oally entitled ** The Buckle of Brilliants ; " George Vandenhoff made
his American d^but 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
Lwt," and Mrs. Brougham (Emma Williams) made her d^but as
Lady Teazle. William Hoskin's American d^but 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 Delorme,
C. W. Clarke ; Friar Dominic, Bellamy ; Du Viray, S. Pearson ;
Margaret Elmore, Mrs. Brougham ; Manon, Mrs. Wheatley ; Paul
Lafont, Abbott ; St. Lo, Brougham ; Jean Rus^, Fisher ; Morluc,

6o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Zis^

Freeland ; Herminie, Miss Buloid ; Jenny, Mrs. Vernon. The
oratorio ''Israel in Egypt" was sung the 31st, for the first time in
America, — Seguin, Shrival, his American ddbut, and Mrs. Seguin
appearing in it. ** Acis and Galatea/' Handel's Cantata, was
sung Nov. 2 1st, also for" Ihe~lirst time in America. The parts
were thus assigned: Acis, Shrival; Damon, Andrews; Faunces,
Archer ; Polyphemus, Seguin ; Ulysses, C. W. Clarke ; Galatea,
Mrs. Seguin ; Eudora, Mrs. Bailey ; Doris, Mrs. Barry.

Annie Walters made her American d6but 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 tftne in America. Mrs. Henry Hunt, afterwards
Mrs. John Drew, acted Lady Contest. "Blanche Heriot,. or The
Chcrtsey Curfew" was given on the same date. "The People's
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 EUsley, A. Andrews ; Winslow, Bellamy ; Tap-
per, Fisher; Mrs. Otis, Mrs. Wheatley; Grace Otis, Miss Buloid.

"Broken Hearts" was done the 26th, with Burton as Tweedle.
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
Hunt as Mabel Trevor. ** Pretty Girls of Sletburg " 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 York Merchant and his
Clerks " was played the i ith for the first time. William 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 rdle with Georgiana Kinloch as
Edward. The American d^but of Henry P. Grattan was made May
nth as Hamlet. Junius B. Booth returned 24th as Richard, and
also played Pescara in " The Apostate." Mrs. H. Hunt had a benefit
June lOth 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 : RoUa, Wallack; Pizarro,
Barry; Las Casas, W. A. Vache; Almayn, Toomer ; High Priest,
H. Hunt; Elvira, Mrs. Sloman; Peruvian Boy, Miss G. Kinloch;
Orosembo, Chippendale ; Alonzo, Wheatley ; Blind Man, Bridges ;
Atalba, Lovel ; Valverde, John Crocker ; Sentinel, Fisher ; Cora,
Mrs. H. Hunt. This was the first appearance here of Vache,

a%Q THE PARK THEATRE 6 1

Bridges, and Toomer. Julia TurnbuU executed a Spanish dance
after the tragedy. The prices of admission were : Boxes, $ i xx>, Pit,
|.50t Gallery, 25 cts.

Charles William Macready, after an absence of sixteen ^ears, reap-
peared Sept. 25 as Macbeth, W. H. Ryder being his pnncipal sup-
port. He acted Macbeth Oct. 2-9-20-23rd 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.
I St. He played lago 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. B. Booth reappeared
Nov. nth as Richard HI. and in ''Julius Csesar" on the 13th, he
played Cassius, with Barry as Julius Caesar; Wheatley, Marc
Antonv; Wallack, Brutus ; and Mrs. Slocum as Portia. "Othello"
was given the 14th, Booth as lago and Wallack as the Moor.
*^ Douglas" the i6th 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 d^but 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. Vieux-
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 i ith as Reuben Glenroy in ** Town and Country,"
and daring bis stay acted Richard HL and Sir Giles Overreach.
^* Fortunio and His Seven Gifted Servants " was given for the first
time in America April i6th, with Mrs. H. Hunt as Fortunio. ** The
Olympia Revels" was done 29th; "The Young Scamp" May 2nd,
with Mrs. Hunt as Joseph. The opera of " Anne Boleyn " was sung
in New York May 6th, Miss Coad as Mark Smeyton, and Seguin
as Henry VIH. Macreadv 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 lago 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 d^but here Sept 2nd, as

62 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C««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. 13th, 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
visit 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
Francisco, Cal., for tour 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 1348, 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 lago, 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 Vandenho£E 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, be
played Richmond for three weeks, to the Richard of Charles Kean.
In the summer of 1847, ^^ appeared at the Bowery Theatre. Dec.
17, 1847, he appeared at Palmo's Opera House and remained there
three weeks. He played lago to Forrest's Othello at the Broadway
Theatre in August, 1848, and at this house he was one of the
Macdu£Es 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 Skerrett 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 Skerrett (his Ameri-

i«40 THE PARK THEATRE 63

can d6but) in the title rdle. Macready reappeared i6th in " Ham-
let ; " " Werner " 19th ; " Richard HI." 20th ; " The Bridal" 23rd ;
•* Othello " 24th ; " The Stranger " 26th ; and for his last appear-
ance, 27thy 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 see the history of the Astor Place
Opera House. His last appearance on the stage was Feb. 26th,
185 1, at Dniry Lane Theatre, London, England. He died at
Cheltenham, England, April 27, 1873.

Henrietta Dyott, wife of John Dyott, made her American ddbut
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 Enchanted Horse " was presented for the first time on any
stage Sept 30th ; W. H. Crisp's American d6but occurred the 30th,
when he appeared as Jeremy Diddler in ** Raising the Wind." The
burlesque " A Lad in the Wonderful Lamp " was given for the first
time Oct. 7th ; " Grist to the Mill" i8th ; also a new play, " Million-
aire, or the Scottish Gold Mines," 22nd, for the first time ; " The
Rights of Woman " 29th, first time ; " Tam O'Shanter, or Alloway
Kirk," Nov. 4th, first time in America; and "Inheritance, or
the Heir of Rossville " 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, Frazer ; Count Amheim, A. Andrews ; Florestien, S.
Pearson ; Arline, Mrs. Seguin ; Devilshoof, 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. i6th, 1844. The cast at the
Park Theatre was this : Crocker, Don Caesar ; John Dyott, Don Jos6 ;
W. H. Crisp, Charles H. ; Fisher, the Marquis; Mrs. Skerrett,
Lazarillo ; Clara Ellis, Maritana ; and Mrs. Barry as the Countess.
Thomas De Walden's American ddbut was made Dec. 20th as Bel-
mour in " Is He Jealous ? " James Anderson acted Claude Melnotte
24lh 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
** Austerlitz, or Love and Honor."

64 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE L184S

Boucicault's comedy *^ Old Heads and Young Hearts *' had its
first representation in America at this theatre Jan. 6th, 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 gfive 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 ....

De Walden
. Mr. Dyott
. Mr. Fisher
W. H. Crisp
. 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. i8th, and reopened March 12th with
Buckstone's melodrama ** Green Bushes," given for the first time in
America, with this admirable cast : Conner O'Kennedy, Dyott ; Geo.
O'Kennedy, Barry ; Wild Murtagh, Fisher; Jack Gong, Chippendale ;
Geraldine, Mrs. Abbott; Nelly O'Neill, Mrs. Knight; D'Artois,
Crocker; Grinnidge, Skerrett; Dennis, De Walden; Miami, Miss
C. Ellis ; Tigertail, Mrs. Davenall ; Meg, Mrs. Barry. On March
24 ** Fashion," by Anna Cora Mowatt, was presented for the first
time on any stage, with this cast :

Adam Trueman . . . Chippendale

Snobson Fisher

Mr. TifEany Barry

Twinkle DeWalden

Zeke Skerrett

Mrs. Tiffany Mrs. Barry

Millinette Mrs. Dyott

Prudence Mrs. Km^ht

Count Cnsp

Col. Howard Dyott

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 d^but 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,cxx). 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 :
Goldthumb, Placide ; Sir Oliver Norman, Barry ; Clarence Norman,
Dyott ; Felix Goldthumb, Crisp ; Florentine, Mrs. Abbott ; Bessy
Tulip, Mrs. Skerrett; Mrs. Goldthumb, Mrs. Barry; TrufiBes,
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

I84Q THE PARK THEATRE 65

Pauline, and Charles Bass, his American d^but, the Col. Damas.
Fanny Gordon made her American d^but 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, 1 866.
The Keans appeared again Oct. 17th in " Follies of a Night." James
E. Murdoch came 21st, as Hamlet; ''The Sheri£E of the County"
had its first hearing here Nov. 3rd ; " The Bride of Lammermoor "
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 Delcy ; Lucy, Miss Wilkins.

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, ^^^ ^^ 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 Sadlers 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, ^"d died in Washington, D. C. Nov. 6th, 1895.
" Amilie," music by W. Rooke, Libretto by J. Haines, was first sung
at this theatre Dec. 29th ; " Remorse, or the Paternal Malediction,"
was played Jan. ist, 1846; the Keans reappeared in ** Richard IIL"
on the 7th ; " Griselle, or The Willies " was seen Feb. 2nd ; " Violet,"
for the first time here, 5th. ** The Cricket on the Hearth " was seen
2ist, and " Every Man in His Humor" March 6th, for the first time
in America, cast in part thus : Kitely, G. Vandenho£f ; Rainworm,
Charles Bass ; Young Knowell, John Dyott.

The opera of ** Don Pasquale " was given here, for the first time in
English Qth. On the same date Dan Marble acted " Sam Patch in
France ; " Hue and Cry " was the bill the i 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 '*
iras presented, for the first time in America, April 27th, with this
distribution oif parts: Marc Antony, Geo. Vandenhoff; Octavius
Caesar, Dyott ; Enobarbus, Bland ; Agrippa, Anderson ; Mardian,
De Walden ; Iras, Flynn ; Cleopatra, Mrs. Bland ; Ventidius, Barry ;
Scaurus, Povey ; Dolabella, Crocker ; Alexus, Vache ; 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.

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«47

17th, 1846, with the American d^but of John Collins, the Irish come-
dian and vocalist, in " The Nervous Man " and " Teddy the Tiler."

James Stark and Mrs. Sutherland made their d^but here i8th; the
Keans 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. Kean; Duke of Milan, Stark; Thurio, A.
Andrews ; Sylvia, Mrs. Abbott ; Proteus, Dyott ; Antonio, D. Ander-
son; Speed, Fisher; Launce, Bass; Julia, Mrs. C. Kean; Lucetta,
Mrs. Dyott. The Keans produced " The Wife's Secret," for the
first time in America, the 12th. 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 Wandering 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 ddbut 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. ist ; "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 ;
" Wissmuth & Co., or The Noble and the Merchant," also a play
new to the stage, was 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 d^but, as Linda; Antonio, Brough ; Vicomte di Sirval,
Frazer ; Magdalene, Mrs. Knight ; Paola, Barry ; Pierrot, Mrs.
Bailey ; and Franchette, Miss Flynn, James R. Anderson reap-
peared i8th in "Hamlet." The cast was:

Hamlet .... }ames R. Anderson Osric A. Andrews

King James Stark First Gravedigger . . George Andrews

Laertes F. S. Chanfrau Queen Mrs. Abbott

Polonius Charles Bass Ophelia . . Mrs. Hunt (Mrs. Drew)

Ghost John Dyott

iM] THE PARK THEATRE 67

He acted Macbeth 19, with Mrs. W. G. Jonds as Lady Macbeth ;
John Dyott, Macduff. Edwin Forrest opened 31 in " King Lear ; "
Anna c5ora Mowatt appeared, supported by E. L. Davenport, Sept.
23rd, in " Love ; " " Annand, or the Child of the People," was acted
37th, for the first time at this theatre, with the following cast:
Annand, E. L. Davenport ; Due de Richelieu, Barry ; Dame Bab-
ette, Mrs. Vernon ; King Louis XIU., Hield ; Victor, Susan Denin ;
Jacqueline, Kate Horn ; Blanche, Anna Cora Mowatt. This play
was originally produced in England by Miss Mowatt, Jan. i8th,
1849, but the title was changed to " Armand, or Peer and Peasant."
Eliza Brienti first appeared here Oct. 4th, as Leonora in an English
fersion of Donizetti's " La Favorita."

J. H. Hackett's last appearance at this house was on Oct. i6th, as
Mens. Mallet in the farce of that name, and O'Callaghan in " His
Last Legs." Edwin Forrest acted "Metamora" 27th. His last
appearance at this house occurred the 28th, when he appeared as
Spartacus in "The Gladiator." Mme. G. A. Macfarren made her
American d^but 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 ; Isoline, Anna Bishop ;
Coralie, Mrs. Frary; Ninka, Mme. Boulard. Charles Dibdin Pitt
made his American d^but Nov. 8th, as Hamlet ; " Cavalier, or
England in 1640," was seen the loth, for the first time ; " The
Bottle" was produced 15th; and the season closed Dec. 17th.

Rnfiis Welch opened a circus season here Feb. ist, 1848. In the

organization were E. M. Dickenson, Master W. Kingcade, McFarland,

Mme. Louisa Howard, John Nathans, G. Hoyt, E. Woods, J. Glenroy,

Chas. J. Rogers, Mme. Hazard, T. V. Turner, the three Misses Wells,

mnd J. G. Cady. After being closed for a few weeks, the theatre was

reopened March ist, with J. B. Booth as Richard HI. 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

** Metamora," on March 6th. Booth acted Lear 8th, Mrs. W. G.

Jones being the Cordelia ; Mrs. John Dyott, Regan ; John Dyott,

Edgar; James Stark, Edmund; and Mrs. Abbott, Groneril. For

Forbes' benefit. Booth acted Jerry Sneak in the farce ** The Mayor

of Garratt." 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 i6th, 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 }30,ocx>, 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 ; Laertes, C. Walcot ; Ghost, Hield ; Queen, Miss Winstanley.
Rose Telbin made her d6but in America the same evening, as Ma*
tilda in the comedietta " Ladies Beware." Charles Moorhouse first
appeared in this city Sept. sth, as Numitorius in "Virginius."
Another reduction in the prices of admission occurred Sept. i ith :
boxes, 75 cts. ; second tier, 50 cts. ; third tier, 25 cts. ; pit, 37>^ cts. ;
gallery, I2>^ cts.

Mons. and Mme. Monplaisir first appeared here i8th; Mr. and
Mrs. John Gilbert made their d^but 30th, in " The Rivals ; " Maurice
Power, son of Tyrone Power, first appeared in America Oct 30th, as
Sir Patrick OTlenipo in " The Irish Ambassador," and " Teddy the
Tiler." He died at Bath, England, Sept. 21st, 1849. "Edith, or
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 Domton
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 <>3,37i.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 Wheatley, and Mrs. Wheatley. 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 " :

Sir Peter Thos. Placide

Joseph Thos. Barry

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

Snake Morehouse

Moses Povey

Lady Teazle Mrs. Shaw

Maria Mary Taylor

Oliver W. E, Burton

Charles G. H. Barrett

Crabtree W. R. Blake

Mrs. Candour . . . Mrs. Winstanley
Lady Sneerwell . . . Mrs. Gilbert

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. 11, that play being
the last Shakesperian drama performed here, as on Dea 16, 1848,

iMD THE PARK THEATRE 69

the theatre was destroyed by fire. M. Monplaisir took bis benefit
on the night of the 15th, and his wife's benefit was to have followed
on the evening of the i6th ; 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,cxx).

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 Beekman 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. Beekman. Simpson & Price,
and Edmund Simpson, had paid an aggregate rent of upwards of
$500,ooa For a long time they paid an annual rental of f 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 Corner Stone of this

THEATRE

Was laid on the 5/A day of May ^

1795-
Jacob Martin, WllUam Henderson, Carlile Pollock, Commissioners; Lewis
Hallain, John Hodgkinson, Managers,

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 his 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 FROM THE RUINS OF THE

PARK THEATRE

Which was destroyed by fire

Dec. 18, 1848.

70 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D8ch

MOUNT VERNON GARDENS

ALMOST the first summer theatre in this city was the Mount
Veraon Garden Theatre. For some years previous to the
opening of this place there wa3 a favorite resort, called the Mount
Vernon Gardens, at the northwest comer 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, east of Catharine), called "The Grove Theatre," was
opened March 9, 1804. Among the members of the company were
Frederick Wheatley 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 d^but 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.

X850] SCUDDER'S & BARNUM'S MUSEUMS 71

SCUDDER'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. Scudder opened it as the American Museum
in 18 la There were on exhibition glass 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. Bamum, who removed them to the building at the comer of
Broadway and Ann Street. Bamum 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
i¥as the "Fejee 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-
iirards known as General Tom Thumb. Stratton was a native of
^Bridgeport, Ct., and at the time Mr. Barnum found him he was
ive years of age. Mr. Bamum 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 $7
a week. Bamum 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, Bamey Williams, Billy Whitlock, Luke West,
the Martinetti Family, and others. Wm. B. Harrison, the ex-
temporaneous singer, appeared during this season. In 1848 Mr.
Bamum 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 America ever
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 DSss

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

Emily Mestayer was leading lady during the seasons of 185 1-2-3.
When " The Old Folks at Home " was produced, she made a hit
by her singing of the song of that name.

" Major Jones' Courtship ** was produced here during the season
of 185 1. This same play was presented at the Museum 537 Broad-
way (occupied by Mr. Bamum after the destruction of the Broadway
and Ann Street establishment), under the title of "Major Jones'
Christmas Present." The season of 1852-3 commenced Aug. 30,
with John Greenwood as assistant manager and C. W. Clarke
director of amusements. The "local, moral prize drama," entitled
"The Orphan's Dream," was presented. Emily Mestayer deliv-
ered an opening address. The company was as follows: C. W.
Clarke, T. Hadaway, J. Henkins, A. Andrews, Sefton Parry,
Chas. Warwick, Sylvester Bleecker, Martin G. Clark, Jas. Conner,
Charles Van Klecker, Livingston, Pierrepont, Wm. Marden, Whit-
man, Simpson, Thomason, the Misses E. Mestayer, M. Augustin,
Mortimer (now Mrs. Louisa Eldridge), 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
"The Hunchback." Emily Mestayer acted Julia for the first
time; Kate Horn Buckland played Helen, and T. Hadaway,
Fathom.

H. J. Conway's version of " Uncle Tom's Cabin " was produced
here Nov. 7, 1853, with this cast:

Mr. Shelby .... Sylves'r Bleeker
Geo. Shelby (ist act) . Sallie Bishop
Geo. Shelby (sth act) Geo. C. Charles
Tom Looker .... Mr. Charles

Peter Master Smith

Uncle Tom J. L. Munroe

Drover John . . . . F. A. Munroe

Sam . Thompson

Legree H. F. Daly

Penetrate Partysides . Thos. Hadaway

Pompey W. Cunningham

Augustine St Clair . . C. W. Clarke

Eliza Emily Mestayer

Aunt Vermont . . . Rowena Granice
Topsv .... Manr Ann Charles

Dinah Miss Burroughs

Rose Miss Fljmn

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

Manning Miss Brown

Lotty Miss Wilson

Haley Wentworth

Sambo G. Clarke

William Jenkins

Adolph A. Andrews

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

Wilson Mr. Simpson

Landlord Mr. George

Andy Geo. Clark

Skeggs Mr. Henry

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

Eva Miss Chiarini

Clara Miss Hall

iljq BARNUM'S MUSEUM 73

St Clair until relieved by Milnes Levick, Dec. 6, 1853. "Katy,
the Hot Corn Girl, or 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, Bamum 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 Bleecker, Emily Mes-
tayer. Miss Jackson, Mrs. Radinski, Miss Wilson, Misses
Alderman, Orient, Hardcastle, Watson, Cristine, Everett, Winter;
Mesdames Lingard, R. G. France, Burroughs, Parry, Palmer,
Britman, Martin, and Bruce; Messrs. Bridgeman, E. L. Taylor,
Whitmore, Warner, Stemes, 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. loth. This was the cast:
John Mildmay, C. W. Clarke; Mrs. Mildmay, Emily Mestayer;
Mrs. Stemhold, 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 Morton, or The Shirt Sewers " (a prize drama) was given
for the first time Oct nth; and Mrs. Frank Drew appeared Jan.
aSth, 1856, in " Satan in Paris." "Twenty Minutes with a Tiger"
was offered Feb. i8th 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 loth, and Thomas
liadaway and Mrs. Radinski sang duets and several comic songs.
••Aladdin" was the bill March 17th, Mrs. Frank Drew being the
bero; "Fashion and Famine" was played April 14th, with
Cordelia Howard as Julia. The daily entrance of Mile. Eloise and
Bfr. White into a den of performing lions was one of the great
^.ttractions of the season.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" was repeated April 21st, with Mr. and

Mrs. G. C. Howard 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

"New York Patriots, or the Battle of Saratoga," with Continental

uniforms and a considerable outlay for scenery, was produced on

June 2nd. The Season 1856-7 opened Sept. ist. Lionel Gold-

schmid appeared at the matinees in his entertainment " At Home

^d 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 D85«

Bridgeman, Sir John Vesey ; 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 ; " Dred, or The Dismal
Swamp," dramatized from Mrs. Stowe's novel, was presented on
Oct. 20th; "Camille" Nov. 24th; "Retribution" Dec. isth; "Cin-
derella " 22nd, with C. W. Clarke as the Prince ; Thos. Hadaway,
Pedro; Milnes Levick, Dandini; Emily Mestayer, 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, Mesdames Palmer, Lingard, Radinski,
France, and Louisa Eldridge, Misses Burroughs, Mawl, Wilson,
Pelham, Orton, and Emily Mestayer. Sylvester Bleecker was
prompter; C. W. Clarke director of amusements. "The Bear
Hunters " was given 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 for the first time
in America June 22nd, and White's "Serenaders" 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 Mesdames Charles
Howard (afterwards Mrs. Harry Watkins), H. Grattan, H. Ryner,
and Fitzgerald, Misses Melissa, Sallie Partington, Kate Conner,
E. Robinson, Milly Sackett, 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
of New 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; "The Pioneer Patriot," a border drama by Harry Wat-
kins, was given Jan. i8th, 1858, for the first time on any stage.
This drama was a prodigious success, and was the first ever acted
twice daily. Harry Watkins played Godfrey each evening and
Wednesday and Saturday matinees. The other afternoons Frank
Aiken 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.

IBM BARNUM'S MUSEUM 75

except Wednesday and Saturday; "The Death of 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; "The Heart
of the World," by Harry Watkins, saw the light April 12th; "The
Bride of an Evening " was played April 26th, with Sallie St. Clair
as Honora, and " Her Faith, Hope, and Trials " was played in the
afternoon. "Clari, or the Maid of Milan," was given 17th; "The
Battle of Buena Vista" for the afternoons; "Rosalina Hubert, or
the Hillside Tragedy," by John F. Poole, was seen 24th with Susan
Denin in the leading rdle.

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 Twitcher in " The Golden
Farmer;" "Jessie Wharton, the Traitor's Daughter, or The Boy
Martyrs of 1814," was given on June 14; Edwin Blanchard and his
dogs commenceid 14 for the afternoons ; " 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, at the Olympic
(Laura Keene's), as Mrs. Fairweather in "The Streets 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 Macaire." The
season of 1848-9 she was engaged at Peale's Museum, Philadel-
phia, after which she came to Barnum's Museum. She was cast
for the character of Crazy Agnes in "The Drunkard." In conse-
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, have
had the pleasure of being on terms of intimacy with " Aunt Louisa "

yt A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1859

— 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. Bamum 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. Bamum 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
E. F. Taylor, Chas. Hale, John Bridgman, J. W. Jamieson, J.
M. Craig, Wm. O'Neill, Shirley France, L. Stevens, R. S. Mel-
drum, J. S. Thompson, J. C. De Forrest, Henry Stapleton, Percy
Skerrett, Baker Crone, Banks Garrett, Miss C. Alford, Mesdames
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. "Gwynette Vaughan" was done March 21st; "Our
Irish Cousin" 28th; "Fashion and Famine" April 21st; and
" Little Katy the Hot Com Girl " 23rd. J. L. Wallis first acted
here June 13th in " Barney the 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 E. Dillingham's dibut was made on the opening night as
Therese in " The Maid of Croissy. " George F. MacDonald first
appeared here Sept. 5th as Harry Mendon 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." Delmon Grace began an engagement
Nov. 14th as Claude Melnotte to Mrs. J. J. Prior's Pauline.
"The Doom of Deville, or The Maiden's Vow," a dramatization
by Geo. L. Aiken, was done for the first time, Nov. 28th. Mr.

wmm} BARNUM'S MUSEUM yj

Aiken was the *' stock dramatist '' for this house. He died in Jer-
sey City, N. J., May 13th, 1876. Boucicault's "The Octoroon'*
was first given here Feb. 6thy i860, and ran for six weeks. The
season closed March 24th and reopened March 31st, with John
Greenwood, Jr., acting manager, Delmon Grace, T. Hadaway, and
the company about the same as in the previous season. J. B.
Femdon's d£but was made the afternoon of the 31st, as Don Jos^
in "Don Caesar de Bazan." "Jeanie Deans,'' dramatized from
Scott's "Heart of Midlothian," was 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 i8th in "Old Honesty."

The season of 1 860-1 began Sept. loth. E. A. Taylor was stage
manager, and in the company were Joseph E. Nagle, 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," "Gitanelli," and "The Patriot's Dream." The
season closed with a benefit to K A. Taylor, July 8, 1861. The
season of 1861-2 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. K Chapman, Thomas, Dubois, Mrs. J. J. Prior,
Mrs. R. France, Mrs. Le Brun, and the Misses C. Alford, Le
Brun, Jennv Walters, Rosa France, Addie Le Brun and Harriet
Walby. Tne initial production was " Great Expectations," drama-
tized from Dickens' novel of the same name by Geo. L. Aiken.
This play ran until Oct. 12, when it gave way to "The Angel 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 Holman Opera Troupe was given for four weeks.

The next season opened Sept. 8 with " The Phantom. " " Charles
the Second," "Young America," "Raoul," "Frederick the Great,"
"The Drunkard," "The American Sailor," "Giles, the Miller's
Man," "Uncle Foogle," "Perfection," "The Dark Cloud," "The
Wreck Ashore," "The Old House at Home," "The Sister's Sacri-
ficc," "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady," "'Twas I," "The

yS A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D^s

Haunted House/' "The Nervous Man," and "The Duke's Device"
were played during this season. Samuel A. Emery, the English
character actor, made his American d^but 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 Milnes Levick, T. J. Herndon, J. Bridgman, R. G.
France, Harry Cunningham, W. Daly, W. M. Holland, J. Petrie,
J. Henry, and S. Jeflfard, 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 " Raifaele, 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. Nagle, W. L.
Jamieson, T. Hadaway, Louis J. Mestayer (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. Gomersal, English comedians, and Major Pauline
Cushman June 4, 1864. '^^^ season closed July 9, 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 Mestayer, W. L. Jamieson, 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 Jamieson (formerly
Miss C. Alford), and the Misses J. Cleaver, H. Walby, and Carrie
Monell composed the company. C. W. Taylor's "The Signet
Ring of King Solomon " was the opening production, and "Wait-
ing for the Verdict " followed. On Dec. 26 "The Ring of Fate "
was seen. Jan. 23, 1865, "The Union Prisoner, or the Patriot's
Daughter" was played, and on Feb. 6"Azucena, or the Gipsy's
Oath." Feb. 20 Laura Keene's " Workingmen of New York" was

i«5]

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,
"The Orange Girl," was first played in this city April 20. Early
in May the Boone Family were engaged for the matinees, and on
the 22d Emilie Melville was seen in "The Heiress of the Hidden
House." She afterwards appeared in "Dot, or the 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 "Eustache Baudin,"
which had the following cast :

Eustache Baudin . . . . M. Levick
Alphonse Lamberti ... B. Porter

Mens. Mancbee Vigotty

Serjeant Pomponneau . . Anderson
Marcel Poulet Hadaway

Louise Mrs. J. J. Prior

Manou ... Mrs. W. L. Jamieson
Countess D 'Alberto . . Mrs. France

Louise Miss J. Elmer

Madame Poulet Mrs. W. 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 Levan, the giantess. Prof. Livingston, and Mme. Lacompte,
astrologer.

The house was reopened July 10 for a summer season, with a
pantomime company, consisting of C. K. Fox, Tony Denier, Mas-
ter Timony, M. Leon Chenat, 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

THE 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 11. A stage was built in the
open air; it was merely a platform about six feet high, ten or

8o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [xsxt

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

THE Broadway Circus was in a building on the east sideof 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 McKenzie, who with Mons. Breschard, the equestrian director,
presented a mixed entertainment. The dramatic company con-
sisted of Dwyer, Tyler, Collins, Hogg, Foster, Allen, McKenzie,
Fisher, Southey, Horton, Drummond, Mrs. Wilmot, Mrs. Bray,
Mrs. McKenzie, Mrs. Allfort, Miss Brobston, 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. Dywer

Captain Falkner . . Mr. McKenzie

ToDy Allspice Mr. Fisher

Caustic Mr. Southey

Dick Dashall
Lady Sorrell
Julia Falkner
Clementina .

Mr. Foster

Mrs. AUford

Mrs. Wilmot

. Mrs. Bray

This was followed by a pas seul executed by a Master Whale.
The performance concluded with equestrian acts by the circus com-
pany, under M. Breschard*s direction.

Mr. Hogg made his first appearance here May 29th as Sir Abel
Handy, in "Speed the Plough," and Mrs. McKenzie, 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 Fiammetta, in "The Tale of Mystery."

rtiq THE BROADWAY CIRCUS 8 1

On Sept. 1 2th "Timour the Tartar" was presented, with Mr.
Robertson as Timour and Mrs. Twaits as 2^rilda. The house was
closed for a few weeks, and was reopened on Nov. 4th, 181 3, 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, 1826. She died in Philadelphia
io 1850 of consumption, leaving two sons, Charles Burke, and
Joseph Jefferson the fourth, the present famous comedian. Also
in the company were Holman, Dwyer, Waring, Burke, Robertson,
Cauldfield, Fisher, Clarke, Anderson, Jacobs, Hathwell, Ring-
wood, Fennell, Jr., Miss Holman, and Mesdames Twaits, Burke,
Clarke, Goldson, Horton, and Bates. Mrs. Belinda Goldson, a
member of the company, was married to Mr. Groshon in 18 16;
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, 1 8 14. When the Anthony Street Theatre
closed, July 4, 18 14, the company came here for one month.

In 181 5 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. ist, 1816, "Taming of the Shrew" and "Don Juan "
were performed; also, for the first time in New York, the melo-
drama of " Zembuca." Mrs. Anderson, a daughter of the comedian
Jefferson, made her first appearance in New York as Moggy McGil-
pcn 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 i8th
with this cast : Macaire, Mr. Simpson; Gontram, Pritchard; Blaize,
Spiller; Florio, Mrs. Anderson; Lucille, Mrs. Darley; Dame
Gertrude, Mrs. Wheatley. " Maid and Magpie " was first played
here April ist with the cast: Henry, Mr. Simpson; Everard,
Anderson; Dame Gerald, Mrs. Wheatley, and Annette, Mrs.
Darley. John Barnes made his first bow in America April 22nd,
as Sir Peter Teazle and Lingo in "An Agreeable Surprise." "Ac-
cusation," by John Howard Payne, was first acted May loth. It
was an adaptation from the French. For Simpson's benefit, June
lOCh, "Smiles and Tears," by Mrs. Charles Kemble, was pro-

82 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D814

duced. For Falconer's (the box book-keeper) benefit, June 24thy
" Which is the Man ? " by Mrs. Cowley, was played for the first time
in twelve years: Simpson was the Lord 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 " Pizarro " 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. 2. During the
summer of 1825 "Tom and Jerry" had a long and successful run.
This house became known as the Marine Theatre, and was after-
wards occupied as a stable and known as Tattersall's. Equestrian
performances were given during the winter of 1811-12. 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. Bamum in April,
1 841, 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 12th, 181 3, 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 181 3, and
remained for about one year. Shortly afterwards Jane Placide
made her d^but 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-

«toi] THE ANTHONY STREET THEATRE 83

peared June ist as Lord and Lady Townly, in "The Provoked Hus-
laiKL" Beaumont played Rolla in "Pizarro" June 15th; "Know
"Your Own Mind " was done 22nd ; and " The Tale of a Mystery "
^ras 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 Cordell as Sophy Pendragon (her first ap-
pearance in this city). The first season closed July 4th, 18 14,
and the company moved to the circus, remaining there until Aug.
20tb, 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 play. Mr. Usher
first appeared in New York Sept. 22nd as Richard IIL The man-
agers of the Park Theatre, immediately after the destruction of
their own place, secured this house, which was opened by the Park
com{>any on May 29 with the drama of " Man and Wife " and the
farce of "Too Late for Dinner." Mile. Adolphe, 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 18 19 opened July 12, when Wm. Leggett made
his d^but as Charles Ratcliflfe 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 May wood in the title rdle; Simpson as Icilius; Wood-
bull, Appius Claudius; Mrs. Barnes, Virginia; and Miss Denny,
Servia " Henry Quatre " was seen for the first time in America
Oct 9; T. A Cooper came Nov. 4, as Virginius. Mrs. Alsop's
American dibut 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 Richard
HI. During his engagement the receipts averaged ^icxx) a night,
a large sum at that time. George F. Smith made his dibut Jan.
5th, 1 82 1, as Young Norval in "Douglas." Jefferson appeared
Feb. 4th as Bob Acres in "The Rivals." Mrs. Battersby made her
d£but 28th as Julianna in "The Honeymoon." Mrs. Battersby
became Mrs. J. Stickney in 1826, and afterwards returned to Eng-
land, where she died. Eldmund Kean reapi>eared March 13th, as
Hamlet.

"The Jew of Malta" was presented for the first time in America
March 26th, with Kean as Barabbas. 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, 9th; "Miran-
dola" was given 25th; "Therese, the Orphan of Geneva," was first
presented in New York at this theatre on April 30th, and here

84 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci8m

Henry Wallack, brother of James W. Wallack, made his initial
bow to an American audience, appearing as Young Norval in
" Douglas*' and Master Walter in "The Hunchback." "The
Heir of Avenel, or Mary of Scotland," was played May i8th.
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 Peale's Museum was located on Broad-
way, opposite the City Hall. After Mr. Peale 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
leased the house. This was done sub rosa, 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 Duane 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. Barriere 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 Keene first acted
here July loth, 1823, in the "Wedding Day " and "The Poor Sol-
dier." The cast of the former play is here given :

Lord Rakeland . . . Mr. Nicholls
Sir Adam Contest . . Mr. Phillips

Mr. Milden Mr. Monier

Lady Contest . . . Mrs. Robertson

Lady Autumn Mrs. Allen

Mrs. Hamford . . . Mrs. Brundafe
Hannah Miss £. Placide

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 "Cushla
Machree." 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

i«m3 CHATHAM GARDEN AND THEATRE 85

Theatre. "The Soldier's Daughter" and "Raising the Wind"
were the opening bill. Thomas Kilner, Henry Wallack, Geo.
Barrett, Spiller, Alex. Simpson, Thomas Burke, W. Robertson,
Moreland, Stone, Somerville, Allen, Anderson, Williamson, J.
Jefferson, Jr. (the father of "Rip Van Winkle" Jefiferson), C.
Durang, Mmes. Entwistle, Henry, Waring, Walstein, and the
Misses P. M. Clarke and OUiff formed the company. The dedi-
catory bill included an opening address, delivered by Mrs. En-
twistle, 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

Woodley .... J. Jefferson, Jr.

Ferret Mr. Stone

Widow Cheerly . . Mrs. Entwistle
Mrs. Malfort .... Mrs. Durang
Mrs. Fidget .... Mrs. Walstein

Mrs. Henry Wallack made her iirst appearance in this city May
25th in "Town and Country." Mrs. Alex. Drake, formerly Miss
Denny, made her d^but 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 bom in Philadelphia, Pa., in
1818. "The Venetian," "Harvest Home," "Rebel of .'98," and
" Mary Tudor " were plays written expressly for her, and up to the
present date have never been acted by any one else. She married
Greorge Percy Farren, who died in this city in Aug., 1861. As
Mrs. M. A. Farren, 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 Farren 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
dial in New York April 27th, 1894, aged ^6 years.

"Twelfth Night " was done Aug. loth, for the first time in this
city in many years. On the occasion of Gen. Lafayette's visit to
America he honored this theatre with his presence Sept. ist. Mr.
and Mrs. Palmer Fisher and their daughter Alexina were added to
the company on Sept. 6th. Francis Courtney Wemyss made his
New York dibut 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 Shuffleton in "John Bull,"

86 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [iW

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. ^e 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,
dashing, 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. 1 8th. "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 d^but of James M. Scott as
Rolla in "Pizarro," Mrs. Hughes being the Cora, and Mrs. En-
twistle, Elvira; Messrs. Wallack, Burroughs, Scott, Young, Duff,
Roberts, Thayer, Conway, Simpson, Robertson, Stevenson, Wal-
stein, Anderson, Carr, Durang, Somerville, Petrie, Allen, Blake,
Byers, Mesdames Entwistle, Duflf, 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. ist, 1861, in Boston, and died in
this city Sept. 25th, 1861. Her daughter is now known in the
profession as Mrs. Sol Smith.

This house now became a formidable rival to the Park Theatre.
The character of " Brother Jonathan " was first introduced in a
drama called "The Forest Rose, or the American Farmer/'
brought out here Oct 6th, 1825. Robert May wood first appeared
here Oct. loth as Shylock. The season closed Feb. i8th, 1826.
Mr. Barriere, the proprietor, died Feb. 21st. The theatre was
sold at auction March 15th, 1826, and realized $4ySOO. After
the death of Mr. Barriere 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

CHATHAM GARDEN AND THEATRE 87

Goot" 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
agth. H. J. Conway first acted here June 5th as Beverly in " The
Gamester/' with Henry Wallack as Lewson and Mrs. Duff as Mrs.
Beverly. "Brier Cliff, A Tale of the Revolution," was a drama
first seen on any stage June 15;" Julius Caesar " was played the 26th,
with Henry Wallack as Marc Antony; Conway, Brutus; Duff,
Cassius; Mrs. Duff, Portia; Mrs. Wallack, Calphumia, and James
M. Scott as Caesar. John Bernard made his New York d^but July
1st in " Too Late for Dinner. " Joseph M. Field appeared as Young
Norval in "Douglas " the 15th. He married Eliza Riddle in 1836.
Thomas Placide first appeared in this theatre July 1 5, 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,
183 1. 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. Placide, 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 sufiFered
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 bouse, where he threw himself on a plank, covered his

hce with a carpet, and shot himself through the right temple.

Mrs. Placide 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.

"Speed the Plough " was the feature of the opening bill, with J.

M. Scott, Herbert H. Wallack, Roberts, Blake, Turnbull, Mrs.

88 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«

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 i6th, and Thomas Hamblin appeared as Hamlet
Nov. 2nd; Booth was also seen as Othello and Cassius in ''Julius
Cassar," to Hamblin's lago and Brutus. Dwyer played Goldfinch
in " The Road to Ruin " Dec. 13th, and " Rob Roy " was given 14th,
with J. B. Booth in the title rdle. 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" i6th, together with "The Battle of Both-
well Brig." "The Pilot" was given 21st, J. M. Scott appearing
as 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. Megary was the next lessee, opening the house for a brief
season June i6th, 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. Megary Dec. 3rd, 1827,
with Robert Maywood as stage manager. Charles Weston Taylor
first api>eared in this city the 22nd, as Somerville 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 loth, playing Zekiel Homespun in "The Heir at Law."
"The Prodigal Son" was given July 8th; William Duflfy 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 Lady Macbeth, on the i6th. 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 herninety-
first yean

The next managers of the house were Kilner and Maywood, who
opened June 9th, with J. M. Scott, Blake, Roberts, Herbert,
George Andrews, Thos. Walton, Crooke, Vernon, Stevenson,
Chamock, John Fisher, Collingboume, Quinn, Mesdames Blake,
Hughes, Vernon, Turner, Kinlock, Roberts, Amelia Fisher, and

t»ttJ CHATHAM GARDEN AND THEATRE 89

Miss Kent. T. Abthorpe Cooper, whose popularity was now
waning, assumed the management of this theatre Sept 15, 1828,
opening with ''The Honeymoon." Charles Booth Parsons first
^>peared in New York at this theatre September 26th as Paul
Jones in "The Pilot," 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 19, 1837,
the married William Sefton, brother of John Sefton. She was
the original Mrs. Pontifex in " Naval Engagements " at the National
Theatre, Oct. 19, 1838. On Dec. 5 she sang the rdle of Lady
Allcasb in "Fra Diavolo," with Seguin, Homcastle, Wilson, and
Miss Shirreff in the other parts. She was also the original Smike
in "Nicholas Nickleby," first produced at the National, Jan. 25,
1839, ^^^ ^ys before its first production at the Park Theatre.
Later she sang Zoe in the opera of " Conrad and Medora," Clorinda
in "Cinderella," and Julia in "Guy Mannering." Her husband
died in New Orleans about 1839, ^^^ ^^^ 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, 185 1, and returned to this country in
1855. She retired from the stage and resided with her mother at
Long Branch, N. J., where she died Feb. 11, 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 Tumbull, who had
made her professional d^but in 1826 at the Lafayette Theatre.
At six years of age she appeared as the Duke of York in " Rich-
ard IIL" When Edwin Forrest produced "The Gladiator " at the
Park Theatre, Miss Tumbull was the boy. For several years,
from the season of 1828-9, ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^ P2LTk Theatre, where she
acted Oberon when Tyrone Power produced "O' Flanagan and the
Fairies." When Fanny Ellsler appeared at the Park Theatre,
Miss Tumbull was one of the principal dancers. She was at the
Bowery in 1847 ^^^ visited Paris in 185a 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 of the theatre and chris-
tened it "The American Opera House." His first season opened
May 20th, 1829, with "The Rivals" and a farce called "The
Agreeable Surprise." In the company were Mr. and Mrs. Lud-
low, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Blake, and other popular players. The
itaion closed July 4th and was resumed July 15th, to close again

90 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1845

Sept 1st George Barrett and C. Young assumed the management
Dec. 24, and their season lasted about a fortnight. It was reopened,
under the name of Blanchard's Amphitheatre, Jan. 18, 1830.

Maria Ann Mestayer was a member of the company. Eques-
trian and dramatic performances were given. Mr. S. Phillips was
the next manager, opening March nth, 183 1, with ''Damon and
Pythias," Aug. A. Addams being the Damon and W. 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 J20 for the privilege of playing.

Charles R. Thome became manager May 4th, with Wm. Rufus
Blake, E. N. Thayer, McKinney, Foot, Hyatt, Mesdames Wal-
stein, Phillips, French, Emily Mestayer, and Ann Waring in his
company. William Pelby opened May 9th as Brutus in Payne's
tragedy of that name. John J. Adams came the i8th 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 d^but in New York at this theatre July 6th, as Old Hardy in
" The Belle's Stratagem. " Mr. Stone wrote " Metamora " 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 J5CX) for writing "Meta-
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, and was converted into a free Presby-
terian chapel.

CITY THEATRE

THE "Temple of the Drama" known as the "City Theatre"
had its home in the second story of 1 5 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 a band of Ethiopian singers appeared
there, h^ided by Charles White, afterwards famous as a minstrel

i«9»] CASTLE GARDEN 91

and manager; and associated with him were Billy Whittock, Dan.
Gardner, and Barney Williams, famous and fortunate as an Irish
comedian. French and Heiser opened the Garden as a regular
theatre June 28th, with a company which included George Hol-
landf Chas. M. Walcot, Herr John Cline, Miss Clarke, Mrs. W.
Isherwood, 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 L. Arditi as conductor, and Signorina
Tedesco as prima donna, began a season which ended on Sept 17.
They alternated with other entertainments, and during that time
produced "Emani," "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
op to that time — included MM. Marini, Salvi, Lorini, Viett, C.
fodiali, Luigi, Colletti, F. Badiali, Mesdames Bosio, Steffanone,
Tedesco, Caroline Vietta, and Elisa Costini, with Arditi and
Botesini as conductors.

On Sept. II, 1850, Jenny Lind gave her first concert in Amer-
ica, under the management of P. T. Bamum. The sale of tickets
took place on Saturday, Sept. 7, 185a 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
entered the premises. Yet 3,ocx) 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 ^10,141.
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 ^12,519.20. The orchestra
consisted of sixty musicians. Of Jenny Lind's half receipts of the
first two concerts, she devoted ^io,ocx) to charity in New York,
the Widow and Orphans Fund of the Fire Department receiving
the largest share, viz., ^3,(xxx The firemen, therefore, to evince
their gratitude, held a public meeting, and in a gold box, purchased
by subscription for the purpose, conveyed to the singer the resolu-

92 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1851

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 W.
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, i inch. In the centre
of the lid was a scroll bearing the following inscription:

The Firemen of New York

MISS JENNY LIND

Sept 13th, 1850.

The receipts for her fourth concert were $14,266.09; fifth con-
cert, $12,174.74; 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 $625 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 $625. 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, 1 85 1, 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 Faliero.** On
July 10, Sig. Badiali made his dibut in "Lucia di Lammermoor."
On June 24, a benefit was given to Thomas Hamblin, and the pro-
gramme consisted of the third act of "Lucia di Lammermoor":

tHtl

CASTLE GARDEN

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

Doke Annza Hamblin

Rolando Fredericks

CoQDt MonUlban ... Mr. Palmer

lacqnea John £. Owens

Lampedo Mr. Davidge

Lopez Mr. Chippendale

Juliana .... Charlotte Cushman

Volante Julia Bennett

Zamora Susan Denin

Hostess Kate Horn

A complimentary benefit was tendered to Ethelbert A. Marshall
Aug. 12, 1 85 1. 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 ; Baillie Nicol Tarvie, W.
H. Chippendale; Capt. Thornton, George Jordan; Francis, W.
H. Hamilton ; Helen McGregor, Mme. Ponisi ; and Diana Vernon,
Mrs. F. B. Conway. At twenty minutes before eleven a. m. a
fAs de dttdxyfi2is 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 ^ P^ ^^^f Polka Mazourka, by Julia Tumbull. 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-
tiner'),with Herr Otto Von Hoym in a leading rdle. At 2 o'clock
the Grand Italian Opera Company, under the direction of Max
Maretxek, gave the first act of "Emani." 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 Lammermoor," with Caesar Badiali, Bettini, and Bosio in the
cast; and the fourth act of "La Favorita," sung by Lorini,
Colletti, and Truffl-Benedetti. The operatic part of the entertain-
ment occupied some four hours. After the intermission, at 6.30
F. M., was presented the "School for Scandal," with this cast:

Sir Peter .... Peter Richings
Sir Olhrcr . . . . C. W. Couldock

Joieph A. J. Neafie

Charles .... McKean Buchanan
Backbite .... John Brougham

Dabtree D. Whiting

If OSes W. B. Chapman

Trip C W. aarke

Snake Charles Pope

Lady Teazle .... Mme. Ponisi
Lady Snecrwell . . . Mrs. Abbott

Mrs. Candour Kate Horn

Maria . . . Miss A. Gougenheim

94 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [iSs*

At a quarter after 9 o'clock Mr. Richings 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 "Lucrezia
Borgia " was sung, with Sig. Bettini as Gennaro, for the first time
in New York. On Sept i, "Norma," — Mme. Rose De Vries
making her debut as the heroine. Max Maretzek took a benefit
Sept 4. The performance commenced at 3 p. m. and concluded
at II. The programme was a long and attractive one, and b^an
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. R
Phillips as Sir Jacob Lukewarm, Mr. Palmer as Chas. Mowbray,
Fletcher as John, and Miss Tayleure as Emily Lukewarm. After
this came the second act of "Lucrezia Borgia,*' in which Sig.
Benedetti made his first appearance in three years. The fifth part
of the programme was a miscellaneous concert, in which Bertncca
Maretzek, Sig. Arditi, Sig. Lorini, Miss Whiting, and Sig. Col-
letti ap{>eared. This was followed by the entire opera of " I Puri-
tani," with Angelina Bosio as Elvira ; L. Salvi, Arturo; C Badiali«
Riccardo; and Marini, Geongla The tickets were $1 each« ad-
mitting to all performances, afternoon and evening. The receipts
were about $5,ooa 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, Rietzel Siedler, Theo. Eisfeld, and Joseph
Barke. 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 DiN'a," from "Norma," a duet with Badiali, and "Per
Piaccre," from "II Turco," in Italian, and "Camp of Silesia," ac-
companied on the flutes by Rietzel and Siedler, "Comin' Thro' the
Rye," and 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 adN-ancing 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,
and Friday. July 26, French and Hesser opened the house with
a miscellaneous entertainment Prof. Henry and son, acrobats,

iHsD CASTLE GARDEN 95

and Herr Cline, rope-walker, were the chief attractions. July 30
the four Sisters Rousset took a benefit. The programme was
** London Assurance " (last three acts) : Sir Harcourt, Wm. Flem-
ing; Charles Courtly, C. W. Clarke; Dazzle, John Brougham;
Max Harkaway, Mr. Lynne; Dolly Spanker, JohnSefton; Meddle,
John 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 "La
Meuniere de Marley," July 30 there was a benefit performance
for the Montreal fire sufferers. French opera comique, vaudeville,
and ballet made up the programme. Mme. Hilarious, from the
Paris Opera House, made her first appearance in America. Mes-
dames Fleury-Jolly, Darmout, Diguet, Cecile, Messrs. Menehand,
Gratt, Debrinay, 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 Touchcz
pas la Reine" was presented, with Mme. Fleury-Jolly as the
Queen; M. Debrinay, Don Aquilar; Mme. Pillot, Estrella. On
the 2ist "Croque Poule;" and the farce "Jocrisse's Sister" was
the programme 23; "Zampa" 24; "LeMattre de Chapelle"and
•Jocrisse'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 ^e 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 Braham, John Braham, Chas. W. Couldock,
A. J. Neafie, 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 NEW YORK STAGE D853

Japanese tumblers and Chinese Tartars. July 11 a brief season
of Italian opera began, with Max Maretzek as conductor. The
organization was composed of Mroes. Henrietta Sontag, Steffanoni,
Giunto Beneventano, Rocco, Rosi, Revere, J. Marini, Amalia
Patti Strakosch, Signora Bertucca Maretzek, 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 Mmes. 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 d^but 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. i, "L'Elisire d'Amore" was
given, with Sontag as Adina, Salvi as Nemorino, Badiali as Bel*
core, and Revere as Dulcamara; 3, "Lucrezia Borgia" was sung;
S, "The Child of the Regiment," with Sontag as Marie On g,
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 " 0^^^^ ^^t) : Othello, E.
Eddy; lago, A. J. Neafie; dance, Julia Tumbull; 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. 11, and the programme consisted of "The
Young Widow," with Chas. Burke, A. H. Davenport, Lizzie
Weston, and Mrs. John Sefton ; " The Lady of Lyons " (fourth
act): Geo. Barrett as Col. Damas; Wm. Fleming as Claude; C.

tfsO CASTLE GARDEN 97

Pope as Beauseant; J. Byrne as Dechapelles: and Eliza Logan as
Pauline; "A Morning Call," interpreted by Laura Keene and G.
F. Marcbant; "Julius Caesar" (tent scene), by A. J. Neafie and E.
Eddy; dance, by Mile. Frances and M. Wiethoff; "The Irish
Lion," by Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams, and others; imitations
61 actors, bv F. S. Chanfrau; "In and Out of Place," by Mrs.
Barney Williams ; pas seul, by Julia Turnbull; comic song, John
Winans; "London Assurance" (third act), by C. Walcot, John
BrooghsuD, W. Hamilton, Bellamy, Dawson, Sefton, Mme. Ponisi,
and Mr. Warren. The whole concluded with a display of fire-
works. Harry Watkins was the stage director. On Aug. 12 the
opera company appeared in "The Barber of Seville," with Sontag
as Rosina, and the first appearance this season of Sig. Pozzolini
as Almaviva. Sig. Marini made his d^but 1 5 as Sylva in " Emani. "
Max Maretzek 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 Lammermoor" was given. M. Jullien com-
menced a series of concerts Aug. 29, assisted by Anna Zerr and
others. The opera season closed Sept 19, with '' Lucia di Lam-
mermoor" 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
m the dancing, and the tickets were $3. Another season fol-
lowed of Italian opera, under the baton of Max Maretzek, 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, Mazzolcni
Gfaziani, Giraldoni, Andragi Marini, Colletti, Ortolani, and
Robert Stoepel. '' Lucia di Lammermoor " was sung June 30 ; July
I, 2, 6, "Maria di Rohan;" "La Sonnambula" 10. Mme. D.
Omiy, the contralto, made her American d^but 12 in " Maria di
Rohan." Verdi's opera, "Louisa Muller," was given for the
&rit time in America 20, cast as follows :

l^ooita MoHer .... Donna Gomez Frederica D. Ormy

Cowit Colletti Miller Graziani

Rodolph Beraldi

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

98 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Cisss

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, OCX)
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 sale
continued 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 "Lucrezia Borgia," with
Grisi as Lucrezia, Mario as Genarro, and Susini as Duke Alfonso,
— their first appearance in America. The company consisted
of Donovani, Susini, Fabricatore, Patti Strakosch, M. Morra,
Amati Debreul (stage 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. Two or three seats
were sold for premiums, realizing from $$ 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
seats. The promenade tickets were $1. "Norma" was sung
Sept. II, with Grisi as Norma, Mario as Pollio, and Signorina
Donovani 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. Lera, Tom King, Felix Carlo (trick clown), Jas. Myers
(clown), Hiram Day, Mike Lipman, 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

itrtD THE LAFAYETTE THEATRE 99

of $SfOOCX 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 of 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 ^5,8oa 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 bad an unfinished and cheap appearance. The performances
of the customary exercises of the circus, equestrian dramas,
I, and ballets. In the company were Lawson, Mestayer,
Thompson, Hand, D. Eberle, Morrison, Stickney, Richings, Madden,
Tatoall, Richards, A. Herbert, Harrington; Mesdames Tatnall,
Pdby, and Godey ; Misses Monier, Edstrom, Ann Maria Mestayer,
tod Ophelia Pelbv. 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, Stickney, Mrs.
Dinneford, Sophia, and H. Eberle in the companv. The farce of
•* The Two Gregories " 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. nth. 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 Bona-
parte 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
Jane 20tb, and W. Jackson's debut in New York, as Fribble in
•* Miss in Her Teens," occurred the same night. Mrs. John Green,

lOO A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci8«9

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, Tenn., 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,
100 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. Wetmore, and
" The Honeymoon " and " The Wandering Boys." July 19th George
W. Dixon made his 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 d^but 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. Estelle,
Adrie, Ravenot, Clara, Louise, Esther, and Hyacinth, Messrs. Felt-
man, Duruissell, and Benoi made their American d6but. On the
morning 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.
Gouvemeur, 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

tUf2 THE BOWERY THEATRE loi

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
ktter, in a fit of patriotism 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 U)ur tiers of boxes, and the lobbies were extremely spa-
dons 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
pity and twenty-five cents for the gallery ; but a few nights' experi-
ence proved that it would be necessary to 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. DufT, 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, Logan, J. Scott,
Hamilton, Kenyon, Essenden, Laws, Read, and Beckwell, Mrs. Gil-
berty 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
Greville Mellen 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 Jafiier in ** Venice Preserved " 14th.
The farce called " Dog Days in Bond Street" was done 17th; Mr.
Leggett appeared as Bertram i8th ; Edwin Forrest played the Indian
Chief in •'She Would Be A Soldier" 25th; and 30th the title rdle
in "William Tell;" he was seen as Marc Antony Dec. i, in
'^ Julius Ca^ar," with Conway as Brutus and Greorge Barrett as
Cassias.

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,"

I02 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D^r

from which all the music was cut save the songs incidental to her
part. Edwin Forrest played Rolla in " Pizarro" 25th. Mme. 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. Sarzedas made his New York d^but
9th as Young Norval ; " El Hyder," with a large stud of horses,
was given the isth. Blake appeared in "The Wonder" 20th;
Mons. and Mme. Achille made their American d^but March ist as
dancers; a drama called " Returned Killed " was given 5th; Henry
Wallack appeared as Rob Roy nth, with Mrs. Duff as Helen Mac-
gregor ; Alex Wilson came 20th as Reuben Glenroy in " Town and
Country ; " Edwin 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.

William Osborne made his American d6but June ist, 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 Kean, Macready, and Hamblin.
He was once manager of the Richmond, Va., Theatre. He had a
daughter named Fanny Osborne, who was for a long time connected
with Wallacl^s Theatre (Qroadway 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 eons, 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^

liirD THE BOWERY THEATRE 103

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

" The Wife's Stratagem " was presented June 8th ; Henry Wal-
lack appeared as Octavian in ''The Mountaineers " 9th ; Mrs. H.
Wallack played Agnes in " The Deserter " the same night. Mme.
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." Mme. Heloise, dancer, made her d^but July 7th ;
Edwin Forrest appeared as Shylock 23rd for the first time; Thomas
Archer made his American bow Sept. ist as Richard HI. 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 Jaffier in " Venice Preserved." Thomas Comer made
bis American d^but 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 " Pizarro " loth ; John and Jane Mar-
chant Fisher and George Vernon made their American d^but nth
as 2^kiel, Ciceley, and Lord Duberly 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 the
season of 1844-5 ^^^ ^^^ i" Nevr 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 ddbut here Sept. 12th, as
Jerry in " The Day after the Fair ; " De Camp first appeared here
17th, as Gossamer in "Laugh When you Can; " Mons. Barbierre,
dancer, made his American d6but i8th; "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 1841, 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, Ik)ston, where
she died Feb. 23rd, 1893. The famous comedian William Warren
made his home there from 1844 until the time of his death, Sept.

21, 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.

I04 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [jb^

Miss Rock first acted in this city iQtb, 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 of a Gamester," was done on the
same night. Mme. Celeste had a benefit 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 Gravedigger.

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," lago,
Marc Antony, and Othello ; Cooper as Pierre in " Venice Preserved,"
Othello, Brutus, and lago; also as Damon, to Forrest's Pythias.
Herr John Cline, tight-rope performer, made his American d^but
here May 12th. For over thirty years he travelled about the coun-
try. Rose Cline, his niece, made considerable reputation as Topsy
in ** Uncle Tom's Cabin." Cline was at Castle Garden in the
summer of 1847 as one of ^^^ 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 ^6o,cxx)y
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
of Doric architecture. The curtain, instead of rolling up, divided
in the centre, and was drawn up into festoons. During the rebuild-
ing Gilfert despatched agents to Europe for artistes 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. B.
Chapman, Mrs. Maywood, and Mrs. Geo. Barrett were in the cast
Edwin Forrest appeared as Damon 22nd ; Mons. and Mme. Charles

1^9] THE BOWERY THEATRE 105

Ronzi Vestris first appeared in America at this bouse 30th ; Wm. B.
Chi4>man's d^but was made Sept. I3tb. His last appearance on tbe
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. 15th. The house closed Jan. 15th, 1829, but reopened
Feb. 2 1st "Roebuck, or Not Guilty" was given March loth.
Tbe house again closed May ist and reopened June 4 at reduced
fnices of admission. One of the interesting characters of the
Bowery Theatre of that day was Andrew Jackson Allen who was the
costumer 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. Alvah Mann in the Broad-
way Theatre, and in 181 5, at Pensacola, Fla., had personated General
Jackson, on horseback, in a piece of his own called " Columbia and
Her Heroes." He died in this city at 39 Howard Street, Oct. 30,
1853. The theatre was closed July 24, 1829. Gilfert died in this
city July 30, 1829. He may be 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 01 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.
Hackett and Thomas S. Hamblin assumed the direction, and opened
with "The School for Scandal." During the first month crowded
bouses were the rule, but business shortly afterwards fell off, and
Hackett was induced to retire, leaving Hamblin sole proprietor from
Sept. 1st. Augustus A. Addams appeared Oct. 26th, 1830. During
the season of 1835 Mr. 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
P&rk, and gained great popularity in several Shakespearian rdles.
Wemyss consulted Robert T. Conrad in reference to writing a play
for Addams. The Kentish Rebellion 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 ** Jack Cade " was adopted. Addams was
delighted with the play; it was accepted, and L. A. Godey and
Morton McMichael witnessed and signed a contract between

lo6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1829

Werayss and Conrad, Oct. 2, 1835. '^s first representation was
announced for Nov. 16, 1835, ^^^ 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-potUf but he promised to be " all right " at night. The
theatre opened, the company dressed, the scenes were set, and over
j^Soo in the house ; but Addams was not in a fit condition to play.
Another drama was, in consequence, acted. C. J. Ingersoll was
then given the r61e of Jack Cade, and he played it at the Walnut
Dec. 9, 1835. Mr. Addams first played the character Feb. i, 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 ** Aylmerc, 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 t/ie 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 have
become one of the greatest actors seen in this country. He died in
Cincinnati, March 21, 185 1.

George Percy Farren made his American debut 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-

itiQ] THE BOWERY THEATRE 107

kms 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
Maeder (formerly Fanny Fitz Farren) is his daughter.

Charles R. Thorne first appeared at this house Dec. 9th, as

Pythias ; " Toinoheka " was played 24th ; and " Barmecide " 29th.

De Jack, a performing elephant, made his d^but here Jan. loth, 183 1 ;

" Henry IV." was played Feb. 12th, when George Jones, afterwards

known as Count Joannes, played the Prince of Wales for his New

York d^but, with Thomas Hamblin as Hotspur and Kilner as Fal-

staff. Mr. Jones was born in London, Eng., May loth, 18 10, 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 "Evil Eye" in conjunction with Jonah Phillips,

and Jones acted Demetri. He was the original Advocate Carwin in

"Therese, or The Orphan of Geneva." On one New Year's

evening, " Richard HI." was 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

be 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 VH. sauntered upon the stage, amid the applause I saw

Jemroie Anderson, the prompter, endeavoring to restrain Booth, who

had but one thought, one idea, and that was to kill me as the Ear/

if Richmond ; Richard III,, t, e, 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 hbtory 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 DSag

The audience, 2fiOO 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 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 ofif 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 I gave him the coup de grdce^ or blow of death, as I
thought. Believing that he would fall, * I took the stage,* when,
quick as a flash, he followed me, and aimed a blow at my bead. I
suddenly turned and disarmed him, seized him by the throat, threw
him, and held the madman down, at the same time saying to hun :
' 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 Faneuil 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 Empire 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 sombreness 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

i«9oD 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 be deserved, for he was
a gentleman and was noted for bis uniform kindliness of heart to his
employes. He died Sept. 30th, 1879, in a little room in the West
Side Hotel, istb St. and Sixth Avenue, New York, without a
single dollar in bis possession. His remains were interred in
Maple Grove Cemetery, L. I.

Emily Mestayer 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, 1848, reappeared
in this city at the Chatham Theatre, as Rosetta in " The Alpine
Maid " and Lize in " A Glance in New York." Her last appearance
in this city was Dec. 18, 1873, at the Union Square Theatre, as the
Baroness in ** Led astray." 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. Thorne,
and the aunt of Charles R. Thome, Jr., Edwin F. Thome, William
Thome, and Mrs. John Cbamberlin. 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 185 1.

" The Water Witch " was given here March 21 ; " The Evil Eye "

April 4th ; ** Demoniac " the i ith. Alexina Fisher first acted here

25 thy 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 Caesar " was given i6th, 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

phyed Sir Peter Teazle here 27th. Hamblin opened his next season

Aug. i8th with "Julius Caesar." Henry G. Pearson made his

dibut in New York at this theatre 30th, as William Tell. Josephine

Qifton made her bow here Sept. 21st as Belvidera 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 ^^^ 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,

^ov. 22nd, she was a corpse. Her remains were conveyed to Phila-

no A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dsaa

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

Mary Ann Russell, afterwards Mrs. M. A. Farren, made her
d^but here Sept. 28th as Jenny Transit in " Winning a Husband ; "
"The Demon of the Desert" was produced Oct. loth. Thomas
H. Hadaway made his American d^but here Nov. 10, 1831, as
Dominie Sampson in ** Guy Mannering," and Robin in " No Song,
No Supper." His wife made her American d^but as Lucy Bertram
and Margueretta 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 2Sth. Mrs. Anderson, formerly Jose-
phine Bartolozzi, made her d^but 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.
Gouffee 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 "WaJdec the Avenger."
William Blanchard made his American d^but at this house 26th,
as Sir Abel Handy, in ** Sp>eed 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 d^but 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.

" Victorinc, or the Seamstress of Paris," was produced 25th.
" Rent Day," by Douglas Jerrold, was seen for the first time in New
York, May sth. Frederick S. Hill made his d6but in New York at
this house 26th, as Frederick in "The Poor Grentleman." "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

tSsO THE BOWERY THEATRE i 1 1

done Sept. 12, an(l"Kabri the Modern Shoemaker," 26th. "The
Hunchback" was first given here Oct. 15th, with Hamblio 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 Cleves " was seen Nov. 8th ; " The Fire Raiser," loth ;
miso 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 rfile. T. A. Cooper
came in January, 1833, as Marc Antony, to J. B. Booth's Cassius.
" The Tower of Ncsle " was given for the first time in February ;
"Blue Laws" was done March isth. Edmon S. Conner first
acted in this city April 19, as Scamper in " The Promissory Note."

" Thalaba the Destroyer" 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 ;
"Winkey the Witch" was done 7th; "Black Beard" the 14th;
" Mazeppa" the 22nd, with George Gale in the title rdle; "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, Haniblin; Count Montalban, Geo.
Jones ; Julianna, Josephine Clifton ; Zamora, Mrs. Flynn ; Rolando,
H. Waliack; and Volante, Mrs. McClure. "The Irish Tutor," fol-
lowed, with Tyrone Power as Terry, William Whealley as Charles,
and Collins as Tillevell. J. B. Booth played " Richard HI." 13th.
Mrs. Herring, mother of Fanny Herring, made her American debut
l8th, as Queen Elizabeth in " Richard III.," with Booth as Richard
and Henry Waliack as Richmond. Edwin Forrest appeared in
" Damon and Pythias " 27lh, followed by " Macbeth," " Virginius,"
Rolla in " Pizarro," " Metamora," "Gladiator," "Othello," "Ora-
loosa," and as Carwin in " Therese, or The Orphan of Geneva." For
Forrest's benefit and last night, Dec. 23, " Whistler, or the Fate of
the Lily of St. Leonard," was given here for the first time.

Etavid Ingersoll made his New York di^but 27th, as William Tell.
" Wacousta. or the Curse," was given 30th, for the first time on any
stage. Louise Medina was the author, and Ingersoll played the
hero. " Lion Doomed," a spectacular play, bad its first hearing
Jan. 8lh, 1834, and on the same night Edwin Forrest produced " The
Broker of Bogota," with this cast :

Baplisia Edwin Forrest Leonora Mn. Flynn

Marqnia dc Palmera . . . H. Gale Francisco E. Conner

Fernando Geo. Jones Mendoza Fairen

RanMn D. Ingersoll Julianna Mrs. McCIurc

Pablo McClurc

" JdHiu Cxsar " was given Jan. 1 5th, with Edwin Forrest as Marc
Antony; Geo. Jones, Julius Cxsar; Conner, Octavius ; Hamblin,

112 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci«34

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

Priscilla Cooper made her d6but 17th, as Virginia; Hamblin,
Icilius ; Cooper, Virginius ; and Forrest in the small part of Deifta-
tus. " The Forty Thieves " was seen here 24th ; " Metamora " Feb.
5th. On Feb. 8th Edwin Forrest acted Jaffier, to Cooper's Pierre, in
"Venice Preserved," with Mrs. McClure as Belvidera. Mrs. Mc-
Clure's maiden name was Mary Ann Meek. Her first husband died
in 1 84 1. 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 ; Hambltn,
Icilius ; Cooper, Virginius ; and Priscilla Elizabeth Cooper, Virginia.

** Anne of Gicrstein," 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
nth; "Life in New York," isth; "The Golden Farmer," May
1 8th, 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 <rf G.
Percy Farren, when Edwin Forrest appeared as Metamora. Aug.
nth, 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 ddbut 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. " Ontalissi " 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 i8th; " GBdipus," 20th.
Mme. Celeste returned to America from Europe, 1834, after an

isjq THE BOWERY THEATRE 113

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 " UEspionne Frangais, or La Prise
d' Alger." " The Wizard Skiff " was acted 24th, with Celeste as
Alexa. " Wept of the Wish-ton-Wish " was seen Dec. ist. " Marie
de Monteville, or the Escape of Charles the Second," was presented
8th. " Seven Clerks, or the Denouncer," had a hearing Jan. 26th,
1835. John R. Scott appeared as Napoleon Feb. 2nd. " The Last
Days of Pompeii " was given 9th ; " Married Life," March 2nd ;
•* Spectre King and His Phantom Steed," loth ; and " Spirit Bride,
or the Major's Daughter," April 6, with Celeste as Zella. " The
Death Plank " was done 23rd ; " The Tempest," May 4th ; and
••O'Ncil the Rebel," nth.

The " dog drama "was introduced to America May i8th, by Bark-
bam 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
suid other " dog dramas," being then only six years of age.

James Sheridan Knowles first appeared at this theatre June 13th,
21s Pierre to Hamblin's Jaffier in ** Venice Preserved." E. T. Park-
inson made his d6but 27th, as George Barnwell in the play of that
name. As manager of this theatre, Thomas Hamblin had struggled
^one 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
^8,000 the first week), " The Last Days of Pompeii " (by which was
beared ^10,000), and " Norman Leslie," which also added $6,000
Ko the treasury, enabled him to rid himself of his embarrassments,
^uid he purchased the theatre, the ground being mortgaged to
nry Astor. It reopened Aug. 10, 1835, with the following peo-
_ Ic: Blakeley, Jackson, WoodhuU, Gates, Gilbert, Germon, Mc-
dJoskey, Misses Nelson, Johnson, Mesdames Fanny Jessel Herring,
K^etcher, and Percival in the company.

** Yesnasse, a Tale of Carolina," was first seen here 17th ; " A Moth-

^s Dream, or the Two Sons," 20th ; and " Luke Evelyn, or The

hadow on the Wall," Sept. 3rd. Hamblin played Othello to Cooper's

tgo, IngersoU being Cassio, and Priscilla Cooper Desdemona, 14th.

^^ the same date was acted " Moonshine, or Lunar Discoveries."

** The Sledge Driver" was done here 15th; " La Tentation, or The

^evil's Daughter" was first presented Oct. sth. "Victoire, or a

Talc of the American Camp," was acted 13th; "Bone Squash

^^volo," 14th ; " Infernal Machine, or The Death of Marshal

^ortier," 17th ; and " The Maid of Croissy, or Theresa's Vow," was

?^n, for the first time in this city, Dec. 7th. Mr. Anderton's Amer-

^n d^but was made nth, as Jeremy Diddler, in "Raising the

^nd" "Norman Leslie" was done Jan. nth, 1836; "A Vision

114 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1837

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 $2$ 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 for 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 her 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 _
Fitte" was played here Sept. 19.

Mrs. Melinda Jones made her d6but here Feb. 22nd, as Bianca u
" Fazio," for her husband, George Jones' benefit. Her success
great and she adopted the stage as a profession. Her maiden nam<
was Topping. In male characters she was very good, and she woi
considerable reputation as Romeo. She resided in Boston for soi
time, where her last regular engagement occurred. She appears
there during the season of 1870-1, at the Globe Theatre. For
season she travelled with a company, after which she retired
the stage and kept a boarding house in this city. She was t^
mother of Avonia Jones, who married G. V. Brooke. She died ii
Boston, Dec. 12, 1875. She had a tall, commanding figure, a maje&^Ve
presence, and a voice of much sweetness and power.

On the morning of Sept. 22nd, 1836, the theatre was again iq
ruins. The flames were discovered bursting from the rear of tbe
building at 5.30 o'clock. The building (owned by Hamblin), io-
cluding all the scenery, music, and properties, and the wardrobe 0/
the Italian Opera Company, was valued at $30,000. There was no
insurance, the policy having expired a few days before. The total
loss was $100,000.

Undaunted, however, the Bowery again rose like a Phoenix.
W. E. Dinneford became lessee, and on Jan. 3, 1837, the theatre^
was opened with ** Rent Day," " The Waterman," and " Charles II.'
Dan Marble made his first appearance as a star here May ist,
Sam Patch in the farce of that name. His last appearance on th(
stage occurred May 5th, 1849, as Hopkins Waddlebottom in "Ho^
They Do It At Washington ; " also as Jonathan Ploughboy in ** Fores-— ^
Rose," and Diggory in '' All The World's a Stage." He died
Louisville, Ky. May 13th, 1849. William Hicld made his New Yor!

ass] THE BOWERY THEATRE 115

dibat July 12th, as RoUa in " Pizarro/' William Hield, Jr., made his
bow i8tb, 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.
Dinneford. " The Bronze Horse " was given here Oct. 23rd, with
Williamson as 2^mna, his first appearance in this city. " Nick of
the Woods ; or, The Jibbenainosay " was done here Feb. 5th, 1838,
with Charles S. Porter as Roaring Ralph and Mrs. Fl)mn 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 was over at
12 o'clock, and, although the last piece was a nautical melodrama,
verv little gunpowder was in requisition during its progress. The
building belonged to a joint stock company. Booth was to have
b^un an engagement the same night, as Richard, with a reduction
in the prices to fifty and twenty-five cents. The building was in-
sored for ^3 5,00a The scenery, dresses, and properties were totally
uninsured, and were valued at ;^6o,ooo. 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. Hield, Gates, Mc-
Cotcheon, Foster, Rafille, N. Lewis, Thompson, Sowerby, Milner,
Dennison, Freeland, Burns, McCIoskey, Price, Mrs. Shaw, Hield,
Mossop, Hunt, Stickney, Misses Lee, Clarke, Wallis, Bell, King,
Mrs. Signe, Foster, Price, McCIoskey, 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 the

Park theatre was secured by Hamblin and made her d^but May 13th

as Alice Darvil in " Ernest Maltravers." John Gilbert made his bow

June 13th 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 d^but June

I2th. Julia Tumbull first appeared here 25th ; " Lion King " was

done July ist ; Thomas Barry played William Tell isth ; "II Male-

dctto " was seen 22nd ; " Gentlemen of the Old School " 29th ; and

••Charles Tyrrell, or the Bitter Blood," Aug. 5th.

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

1 1 6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i^

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 ;$5cxx> that I 'U
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 Therese 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, she 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 ten
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 ia
" 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 of 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 turreted 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 naivete 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 G. P. R. James, was seen here Sept. 30th,
1839, for the first time in America. "The Bronze Horse, or the

1141] THE BOWERY THEATRE 119

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 HI.,"
with a stud of horses, and C. Mason mounted on horseback as
Richard, was seen. The pantomime of ** 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
Qown.

On Jan u, 1841, Welsh, Bartlett & 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, Needham,
Gates, Sowerby, Barry, Barnes, Jackson, Mrs. Gossin, Mrs. Lansing,
from the Southern theatres, and Mrs. Herring. April 26, the prices
of admission were reduced to: boxes, 50 cents; pit, 25; gallery,
12)4. Master Runnells 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 d(Sbut 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,
u>r 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 $5CX).
The money was afterwards raised and the housje^ reopened on 24th.
The season, which proved on(Q.QJ[ the m^ unproductive on record,
closed July 12. Hamblin reot)'ened the theatre Aug. 16, 1841, with
m 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 Acrienne,
made her first appearance here in grand ballet. The drama of ** The
Decrslayer" was produced Sept. 23. After the first piece, and pre-
ceding the farce, Mr. Mossop sang an Irish song, 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

iMl THE BOWERY THEATRE 1 21

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 HI. 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 rdle ; and " Manassah '* was seen
here 22nd.

The next season opened Aug. 14th, 1843, ^^^^ Ben de Bar, Gates,
T. Kemble, N. Johnson, G. C. Howard, C. H. Saunders and wife,
John R. Scott, C. W. Clarke, W. H. Brunton, Mrs. Hield, and Mr.
and Mrs. Sutherland in the company. " The Mysteries of Paris "
was produced here Oct. 27th. Hamblin took another benefit Jan.
13th, 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. Thos. Hadaway reappeared
22nd as Marmaduke Magog; "Putnam, or The Iron Son of '76"
was presented here Aug. 5th, and ran for seventy-eight consecutive
nights ; " Don Caesar de Bazan " was first acted in America at this
house Dec. i6th, and was played at the Park Theatre on the same
night. This was the cast : Charles, E. L. Davenport ; Don Caesar,
John R. Scott ; Lazarillo, Rosina Shaw ; Countess, Mrs. Stickney ;
Don Josi, C. W. Clarke ; Marquis, T. Vache ; and Maritana, Mrs.
PhiUips.

" Old Heads and Young Hearts " was first seen in America at

this house, and at the Park Theatre the same night, Jan. 6th, 1845.

The cast here was: Jesse Rural, John R. Scott; Littleton Coke,

E. L. Davenport ; Earl Pompion, T. Vache ; Lord Chas. Roebuck,

C. W. Qarke ; 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 fiames spread with such rapidity that

nothing was saved, the actors losing their wardrobe. The theatre

iras rebuilt, leased to A. W. Jackson, and was opened Aug. 4, 1845,

^rith "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Charles H." John R. Scott,

V'ache, Clark, Geo. Brookes, Hadaway, Rose, Johnson, Milner,

S^one, McKeen, Lewis, Davenport, Henkins, Carey, Blanchard,

F^fcillimore, Sutherland, Mrs. Phillips, Madison, Sutherland, Stick-

^^ley, Scott, E. Bell, Huntley, M. Bell, Plummer, and Barber, J.

xidrews, stage manager, and Yeoman, prompter, formed the com-

»y. E. L. Davenport played Sir Aldebart in "The Sleeping

luty." "The Wizard of the Wave" was presented Jan. 19th,

^46, with E. L. Davenport as Tom Tuck ; John R. Scott, Charles

t^T^lkner; and Thos. Hadaway as Treacle. " Ivanhoe " was produced

^'^xe with great splendor: £. L. Davenport in title rdle; F. S.

122 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«4«

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 9th 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,
Milner, Collins, Mesdames Phillips, Booth, Madison, Deering,
Broadley, and Miss Bell formed the company. " Hoboken " 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 his support.

James Murdoch came here Oct. 14th in ** Hamlet," and 15th ap-
peared as Claude Melnotte. Ben De Bar was seen here Nov. 2 in
" The Dumb Girl of Genoa." Mrs. Coleman Pope made her Amer-
ican d^but the same night. Harry Chapman and Julia Drake,
afterwards Mrs. H. Chapman, first acted here Jan. 4, 1847. Mary
Taylor opened a star engagement i8th in " Brother and Sister," and
as Rosetta in "The Alpine Maid." The prices of admission were
25 cts. and 12 J^ cts. "The Siege of Monterey, or The Triumphs
of the Rough and Ready," was given 27th ; " Murrell The Land
Pirate, or the Yankee in Mississippi," was seen Oct. 28th ; Charles
Burke acted lago ; Blakeley, Othello ; and Mrs. Stickney, Des-
demona, Nov. 6th, in a travesty of " Othello." " Revolution " was
given Nov. 15th; Julia Turnbull was seen 29th in "The Naiad
Queen ;" and " King Henry VIII." was presented Feb. 21st, 1848.
Thomas S. Hamblin resumed the management March 6th, when the
" Battle of Mexico," " Taming of the Shrew," and " Bamboozling "
were played ; " Charlotte Temple " was played 8 ; Dan Marble came
13, in " Sam Patch in France."

John Dyott and Mrs. Abbott were seen as lago and Desdemona,
their first appearance here, April 3rd, and as Claude Melnotte and
Pauline 4th. C. VV. Clarke took a benefit 5th, when "Hawks of
Hawk Hollow," and " Don Juan " were played. The theatre closed
during the nights of 7th-8th-ioth-i 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 ist-22nd;

iM3 THE BOWERY THEATRE 123

"Guy Mannering" 25th; "Esmeralda" 26th; "Der Freyschutz *'
and " Sonnambula " 29th ; '^ Giselda " May i ; " La Fleur des Champs "
3rd ; and " Maritana," for the first time in America, 4th, with the
following cast : Charles the Second, Mr. Saure; Don ]os6, Seguin ;
Lazarillo, Miss Lichtenstein ; Marchioness, Mrs. Stickney ; Marquis,
Edward Warden ; Don Caesar, Gardner ; and Maritana, Mrs. Seguin.
The Seguins closed May 6th, with ** Maritana " and " Masaniello."

James E. Murdoch commenced 8th, as Jacob in " Jacob Leisler,
or New York in 1690," for the first time here. " Ehren Stein " was
given 17th ; Mr. Lynne appeared 22nd in " A New Way to Pay Old
Debts." John R. Scott, having returned from Europe, opened 29th
in " Macbeth ; " 30th he appeared in ** Damon and Pythias ; " June ist
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 d^but in America at this house 24th, as
Lady Macbeth. This lady was afterwards known as Mme. Ivan
Michels, and died in the Edwin Forrest Home, Holmesburg, Pa.,
July 22nd9 1892. Susan and Kate Denin appeared here Aug. 9th
in "The Whistler." Hamblin secured Signora Ciocca, who had
been seen at the Park, to appear here Aug. 14 in a ballet with Julia
TumbulL 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 '' Jule " Tumbull. and thev 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
up 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 Stackpole. 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 1 851,
until 1878 he occasionally appeared on the stage, and for two sea-

124 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D849

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 Bastile," for the first time, nth. N. B.
Clarke made his d^but here 12th, as Quasimodo in "Esmeralda,"
with Julia Turnbull in the title rdle. Clarke remained playing the
leading business. Some time afterwards he became stage manager
of the theatre, and held that position for several 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. Belden.

John Ryder came to this country in 1848 with Macready, and was
loaned by him to Hamblin to play Macdu£F, 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 Macready
to play Macduff, to Macready's Macbeth, at the Astor Place Opera
House. The idea of this exchange was to placate the ofiFended
American element. Ryder came to America with Macready on the
occasion of his first visit here, in 1843, and appeared at the Park as
Macdu£F. He died in London, Eng., March 29, 1885. Charles Bass
appeared here May 11. Master T. Hamblin, son of Thomas Ham-
blin, made his d6but 14th in ^* King John ; " the tragedy was thus
cast:

John Mr. Hamblin

Prince Arthur . Master T. S. Hamblin

Prince Henry Denin

Earl of Salisbury . . . N. B. Clarke
Hubert John Gilbert

Faulconbridge Ryder

Queen Eleanor . . . Mrs. Jordan
Lady Constance .... Mrs. Shaw
Lady Faulconbridge . 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

Rookwood," playing Dick Turpin. •* The Swamp Fox, or Marion
and his Men," was first seen here 23rd. Catherine Wemyss, after-
wards Mrs. S. Duffield, made her d^but Nov. 4th, as Cora in
" Pizarro ; " The New Orleans Serenaders came 30th and Herr
Driesbach Dec. 4th. Mr. and Mrs. John Gilbert appeared here
Dec. 28 in '* Genevieve," " Dr. Dilworth," and " The Gold Seekers."
Professor Lavater Lee and his pupil Henry, gymnasts, were seen
here Jan. isth, 1849; "The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain '*
was presented 29th, with Mr. and Mrs. John Gilbert as the Phantom

i»5»D THE BOWERY THEATRE 125

and Miss Tatterby. '* The Locksmith of Stockholm " was presented
here, for the first time, Feb. 12th. '^ Last Days of Pompeii " was
given 19th. Tom Hyer the pugilist came 29th in " Tom and Jerry ; "
" Eagle Eye " was onered, 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 Wemyss in the title rdle. Van
Amburgh and his menagerie came April 2nd. J. W. Wallack, Jr.,
and wife appeared i6th in '' Macbeth ; " 17th, in ''The Lady of
Lyons;" i8th, in "Othello;" 19th, in "Money;" and 23rd,
" Richard IIL" They closed May Sth. On May 7, T. S. Hamblin,
Mrs. Shaw, John Ryder, and Redmund Ryan, who made his Ameri-
can d^but, acted together in " Macbeth." Ryan also played Terry
O'Rourke in " The Irish Tutor."

William Derr came here June 4th in " Mike Martin." -The season
dosed June 23rd. and was resumed Sept. 1 3th with ** Macbeth." John
Lester (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. ist, with John Lester
as Edward IV., and J. W. Wallack, Jr., as the Earl of Warwick.
" Hearts are Trumps " was first seen here Sth ; " Strathmore " 15th ;
•* Three Guardsmen " Nov. 12th ; and " The Four Musketeers, or Ten
Years After," was presented Dec. 24th. " The Wandering Jew "
was given Jan. 14th, 1850, when Bowes and Trurin made their
American d^but; "The Siege of Comom " was done 28th. W. R.
Derr appeared Feb. nth in "Putnam;" " Rookwood " was given
I Sth; and "Kit Carson" 20th. Eaton Stone the equestrian came
here March ist ; "The Oath of Office" was seen iSth. C. F.
Adams first acted in this city 29th, as RoUa, 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 i. 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 ist with the
*' Drunkard," Mr. Moorhouse appearing as Edward Middleton.
•* The Felon's Last Dream, or Jack Sheppard in France " was given
Aug. 12, with Susan Denin 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,
Mesdames J. W. Wallack, Jr., Gilbert, Jordan, Herbert, Walcot, Broad-
ley, and Needham, Misses C. C. Wemyss, 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
given Nov. nth. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr., appeared
Dec. 2nd in " The Avenger," and during four weeks acted in " The

126 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Cx8$i

Bridal," " Gisippus," " Pirate of the Isles," " Richard III.," " Hamlet,"
" Romeo and Juliet," " The Stranger," " Othello," with John R. Scott
in the cast. " Pizarro," and " Macbeth." " David Copperficld '* was
seen here Jan. 6th, 1851, with Susan Denin as David 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," " Charles
II.," and " The Creole Maiden " were played for John R. Scotf s
benefit, 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
house. 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. Thome. 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. ^^ ^^ ^^ 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 d^but May 12th, as the Duke of
York, to her father's " Richard III." " Raffaele" was seen here for
the first time i6th ; J. M. Cooke with his horses came 30th in " Put-
nam ; " ** Azael the Prodigal " was seen July 21st, with Annie Wal-
ters, afterwards Mrs. Geo. Jordan, as Lia, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Stone,
afterwards Mrs. Frank Drew, as Bocharis 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. nth
in " The Three Guardsmen." Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams came
1 8th in ** Ireland as It Is ;" " Shandy Maguire," for the first time,
25th ; " Paddy the Piper " 29th ; " Emerald Isle," and '* Bom to Good
Luck," Sept. 2nd. George H. Griffiths made his dibutin 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 loth, 1888. Cony, Taylor and Son,
the successors of Cony and Blanchard, and their dogs opened here
Oct. 6th in ** The Forest of Bondy ; " 9th 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 "
1 2th ; and "The Scalp Hunters" and "The Old Toll House," 17th.
Miss Amelia Parker made her d^but in New York at this house Nov-

iS5«3 THE BOWERY THEATRE 127

4tb, as Lucrezia Borgia. ** My Poor Dog Tray" was seen Dea 5th,
and "Jack Robinson and his Monkev/' 17th. The pantomime
*' Queen of the Coral Cave " was given here for the first time 22nd ;
** Raymond and Agnes," ** Cattle Stealers," and •* Hide and Seek "
was the generous bill for New Year's afternoon, Jan. ist, 1852, and
for the evening ** Pizarro," ** The Forest of Bondy," and ** Your Life 's
in Danger." *'The Dumb Man of Manchester" came 19th ; "Paul
ClifforcC or the Highwayman of 1770," 26th ; and William R.
Goodall acted Claude Melnotte Feb. nth.

** Romeo and Juliet " was played 16, Fanny Wallack as Juliet,
E. 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
IIL," Eddy as Gloster, Fanny Wallack as Elizabeth; and 28, Fanny
Wallack as Nancy Sykes, Maggie Mitchell as Oliver, and W. R.
Goodall as Bill Sykes. " Green Bushes " was done March 8, with
Edward Tilton, Goodall, Eddy, and Fanny Wallack in the cast ;
April 18, "Masaniello," Gertrude Dawes as Fenclla, and Goodall
as Alfonzo; 21, "Corsican Brothers:"

GS.'defFSn Twin Brother. Edward Eddy

Oriando . . . . M. W. Leffingwell

Coloona Geo. H. Griffiths

ChAteau Renaud Goodall

Montfiron Hamilton

Alfred de Meynard Sam W. Glenn

M. dei Franchi .... Mrs. Jordan
Emilie de Lcsparre . Mrs. Yeomans

Maria Carrie Hiffcrt

Coralie Maggie Mitchell

This was the d^but 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 rdle, and Eddy as TuUus Aufid-
ius; "Julius Caesar" was given June 12:

Bmtus T. S. Hamblin I Cassius E. Kddy

Marc Antony . . . Wm. Goodall | Portia Mrs. Grattan

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

July 7th Lola Montez 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.
^^ all those so-called benefits during her engagement, and while
Performing at the theatres in New York, Philadelphia, and Wash-

l^m^mmimm^l^mmmmi^m^maJU

128 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1853

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. Macallister, 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. Haller. 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, H. Stephens; Macduflf, Edward Eddy; Lady
Macbeth, Miss Wemyss (Mrs. Duffield). Dances were given by
Caroline and Adelaide Rousset, Miss Bulan, and Mons. Comet,
Mile. Frances, and Mons. Wiethoff, Frances, Henry, and Mons.
Corby ; and " Perfection *' and " Lola Montez " were also played.
"Manuel" was played Nov. 8th, with E. Eddy in the title
rdle, Robert Johnston as Dezelos, and Matilda Heron as Victoria.
"The Hebrew Son" Dec. 17, with Carrie Hiffert, Sam Johnston,
James Dunn, and Stevens in the cast.

Lotty Hough made her d^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-
gramme was: "La Bayadere," "Robert Macaire," and "Blue
Beard." "Pizarro," "The Bohemian Girl," and "The Mystery."

Thomas S. Hamblin 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-heartedness. 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 a rare variety of entertainments is concerned, he accom-
plished more than any other man in America. A singular fatality
seemed, 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
education. Probably a great share of the sense of the heroic which
a peculiar class of his admirers felt for Mr. Hamblin resulted from
the fact of his going into the office of TAe New York Herald^ a few

IS533 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
man 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 1^1500, while his

receipts seldom averaged over 1^125 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

s^^ason was a bad one. The following season his weekly salary

list was $830, while his total expenses averaged $1600. A

gr^^^at many nights the receipts did not reach $225. For the season

of 1850 the salary list was $707, and the total expenses $1800.

e receipts frequently fell to $120 nightly, and the loss some

eks was 1^540, $185, and $960. The profit of weeks was

^798, ^28.84, $100.80, $10.02, $92.95. In July, 1850, the salary

list was $506. The first week, that of Sept. 2, 1850, when J. W.

^^^allack appeared there, a profit of $3.69 was shown; his second

^^oek a profit of $81.52, and the third week a loss of $143.59; ^ind

tl^c fourth week showed another loss of $253.33. John R. Scott's

^^gagement made a profit of $238 on his first week and his second

^eek cleared $676.21. W. R. Derr made a profit for the house

^t $262.62. Hamblin's week beginning March 3, 1851, cleared

^'1.94, the total receipts being $1482.98. He made $62.31 his

^^cond week. The salaries for the season of 185 1-2 were $780.

130

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«54

The "Count of Monte Cristo " made $641.43 the first week; the
second week of its run there was a loss of $jo. 52, and the third
week a loss of $126. Mr. and Mrs. Barney 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 last week $364.40.

Miss Woodward made her debut Dec. 19th, as Parthenia in
" Ingomar. "

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

"Putnam" was acted here Jan. 8, 1854: W. R. Derr as Putnam,
Robert Johnston as Washington, and Eddy as Oneactach; "The
Shoemaker of Toulouse" was played Feb. 19; "Uncle Tom's
Cabin " Jan. 16, 1854. The dramatization was by Henry E. Stevens,
F. C. Wemyss was stage manager, and J. P. Waldron manager.

Uncle Tom T. D. Rice

Van Kroat Sam Glenn

Drover John .... John Winans

Eliza Mrs. Woodward

Cassy Mrs. Howard

Aunt Chloe .... Wm. Hamilton

Geo. Harris . . . Robt Johnston
Mr. Shelby . . . Wm. H. Hamblin

Eva Caroline Whitlock

Topsv Gertrude 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. Both of these gen-
tlemen had been to Williamsburg, and on their return some dis-
cussion rose 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
sport 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 d^but at the Chatham Theatre as JudasB
Iscariot in " The Destruction of Jerusalem. "

On March 17 "The Stranger" was played, with Mrs. T.
Hamblin (Mrs. Shaw) as Mrs. Haller, Miss C. Hiffert as Annett<
Edward Eddy, the Stranger, and Robert Johnston as Baron
fort. "Pizarro" was also played, with John R. Scott as Roll:
Mrs. Howard, Elvira, R. Johnston, Alonzo; i8th, "Jane Shore"
"Jack Sheppard *' were given : Mrs. Hamblin as Alicia; Mrs. Y<
mans (now Mrs. C. J. Edmunds) as Jack Sheppard ; 20, " Evadni

i<54]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

131

**The Rough Diamond/' and "The Husband's Secret/* Scott as Lu-
dovico, Eddy as Colonna and John Winans in the last two men-
tioned plays; 21, "Romeo and Juliet/' Mrs. Hamblin as Juliet,
Eddy as Romeo. 22nd, benefit of Mrs. Hamblin, when she appeared
as Bianca in " Fazio " and Pauline 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
VIL; " 28, " Love ; " 29, "The Gamester," with the farce, "My
Sister Kate/' James Dunn as Charles Unet; 31, Mrs. Hamblin as
Hamlet, R. Johnston the Ghost; April i, "Brutus;" 3rd, "Little
Katy, the Hot Corn Girl " was produced with the following cast :

Solon . . .
Rev. Mr. Pease
Jim Regan . .
Tom Tupman .
Walter Morgan
Mr. Morgan

. . Stone
. £d. Lamb
R. Johnston
John Winans
. Jas. Dunn
Wm. Hamblin

Katy ....
Wild Maggie .
Athalia Lovetree
Madaline . .
Mrs. Regan. .
Eliza Morgan .

. . A. Walters
Fanny Herring
. Miss A. Gray
Gertrude Dawes
. Mrs. Broadly
. Miss ClifiEord

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

Giarles Fenton . .
Farmer Acorn . . .
Geoi^ Acorn . . .
Mr. Timothy Toodles
lawyer Glib. . . .
Farmer Fenton . .

. Mr. Stone
S. Glenn
R. Johnston
Chas. Burke
Edward Lamb
. Mr. Byrne

I St Farmer Mr. Rodgers

2d Farmer Mr. Armand

3d Farmer Mr. Reed

Landlord Mr. Callahan

Mary Acorn . . . Fanny Herring
Mrs. Tabitha Toodles . Mrs. Yeomans

During the season Fanny Herring played Mose in " A Glance at

New York." The cast included Edward Lamb as George Parsells,

Bellamy as Major Gates, Post as Sykesy, Mrs. Place as Lize, and

Miss Melville as Jenny Bryant. Fanny Herring also appeared in

the drama as Lize at the National Theatre two years later — 1857.

** Heme the Hunter" was produced in Jan., 1856. Rachel Denvil

Was the Queen Catherine, and E. Lamb enacted Shoreditch. 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

^nrho seemed to me to look and act a boy on the stage.

On April 10, 1854, "Pizarro" was given, with Mrs. H. L. Clark
as Elvira, Eddy as Rolla; 11, "Othello," "La Tour de Nesle;"
13. for the benefit of Edward Eddy, "Belphegor," "The Ragpicker
of Paris," and "The Irish Lion," with Eddy as Belphegor, Jean,
JindTim Moore. April 14, "Rob Roy" and "Katy, the Hot Com
Girl;" 15, "Richard IH.," Eddy as Duke of Gloster, Mrs. H. L.

132 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CxSm

Clark as Queen Elizabeth ; 17," The Jealous Wife ; " 20, " Werner ; "
21, benefit of Mrs. Yeomans, when "The Corsican Brothers"
was acted ; 28, Robert Johnston appeared as Proteus in " The Two
Gentlemen of Verona," Eddy as Valentine, and Mrs. H. L. Clark,
Julia, for the benefit of Mr. Johnston; 29, "The Horse Thief"
was given, Fanny Herring acting Margaret Catchpole; Mrs.
Broadly, Dame Catchpole; John Winans, Gooseberry Pip.
May 8 "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was revived, with James Lingard
as Uncle Tom and Mrs. G. C. Howard as Topsy ; " The Lady of
the Lake " and " To Parents and Guardians " were played in con-
nection with "Uncle Tom;" 9, "Uncle Tom," "The Corsican
Brothers," and the farce "Taken In and Done For" were seen;
May 15 "Salvator Rosa, Poet, Painter, and Musician" was pre-
sented, with E. Eddy in the title rdle; 29, "Fazio," with Ellen
Gray as Bianca; and May 31 Eddy, for a benefit, acted in "The
Bellringer of Boston." June 5 "Faustus" was given, with this
cast:

Faustus ....
Mephistopheles .
Count di Casanova
Count Orsini . .

G. H. Griffiths
. . £. Eddy
. . S. Glenn
. . Jas. Dunn

Brevide £. Lamb

Wagner Miss HifEert

Lucetta Fanny Herring

Rosolio Mrs. Yeomans

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

Sir Rupert .... Robt. Johnston I Lady Una .
Baptista John Winans I Mrs. Bridget

Fanny Herring
Mrs. Broadley

June 21 the old prices were resumed, viz. : boxes, 25 cents; pit
and gallery, I2J^ 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-
back." "The Wandering Minstrel," and the third act of "Jack
Sheppard" were given for John Winans' benefit 29; July i, "Guy
Mannering," Mrs. Macready as Meg Merrilies, Winans as Dominie
Sampson ; " Venice Preserved " and " The Honeymoon " July 3, for
the benefit of Mrs. Macready; July 10, "Richard HI.," 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 Middleton in " The Drunkard ; " 24 Edward Eddy acted
Damon to Miss Woodward's Calanthe; Aug- 5 Marie Duret acted
Jack Sheppard; 6 Marie Duret played Miami in "Green Bushes;"
Aug. 21 "Love's Sacrifice" was the bill, with Susan Denin as -
Margaret Elmore, Robert Johnston, Mathew 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 Susai^^

iS5«D THE BOWERY THEATRE 133

Denin as Bianca. Sept. 4, " Sardanapalus " was produced in grand
style, with Mrs. T. S. Hamblin in the title rdle; Charles Pope
acted Salaenes; Ellen Gray, Myrrha; Sept. 14, Susan Denin acted
Romeo; 18, W. R. Derr as Mazeppa; 21, "Othello," Charles
Boniface as lago, G. J. Arnold as Othello.

Louisa Reeder opened Oct. 2, as Bianca in "Fazio;" G. J.
Arnold was the Fazio. "Rookwood" was acted 16, with William
R. Derr as Dick Turpin and Ellen Gray as Sybil. John R. Scott
had a benefit here Nov. 2, when "Othello," "The Soldier's
Daughter," 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 "Ireland and America," "The Irish Know Nothing,"
"Our Gal," and "Paddy Miles' Boy." George Lea, a well-known
manager, but not connected with this house, took a benefit Feb.
16, 1855. Admission was 25 and \2yi 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 Denvil (whose right name was Rachel Finney) made her
first professional appearance (having previously been a successful
amateur) at this theatre March i, 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 Boroihme" being the bill, with Mr. and Mrs. J.
J. Prior in the first play. Sam Glenn began an engagement 14th
in "The Dutch Actor." Louisa Wells took a benefit i8th, when
*' Rookwood " was acted, with Rachel Denvil as Dick Turpin.
•*Dark Days of the Revolution" came 21st, also M. V. Lingham,
as D'Artagnan in "The Three Guardsmen." E. Eddy appeared
26th in "Richard III.," with Rachel Denvil as the Queen; Eddy
played Hamlet 30th. May 5 "The Last Days of Pompeii" was
done, J. J. Prior being Arbaces. Fletcher appeared as Othello 6th.
Mrs. T. S. Hamblin was seen 9th as Hamlet; Kate Saxon 12th as
Celeste in " Love and Mystery ; " also Malone Raymond in " The

134 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Cx85«

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. P. Grattan,
Mrs. Malaprop. Fanny Denham 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
lago, June 17; Perry appeared as Octavian 3rd, and Julia Miles
played Maria in "A Glorious Minority." Perry was seen as
"Ingomar" Mar. 5th, with Rachel Denvil as Parthenia; also Miss
Denvil in "Jane Eyre." Perry was seen as Edward Middleton in
"The Drunkard" 7th. G. J. Arnold played Armand, to Susan
Denin Camille, 9th. F. S. Chanfrau and Mile. Albertine were seen
i6th in "The Stage Struck Barber" and "Toodles."

The house closed abruptly 17, but re-opened June 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,
Grosvenor, Ben Yates, Wm. Lingard, Haviland, T. Price, Car-
penter, Denham, 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 playing the leading part.
"Broadway and the Bowery," was given Nov. loth, with John E.
McDonough as Dick Turner.

It was on Thursday evening, Nov. 13, 1856, that Brougham
played in this city 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 7>^ p. M. He, with a portion of his company and invited
guests, then took stages for Jersey ferry, and started from Jersey
City 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 10.3a
The performances at the National, consisting of an equestrian and
a dramatic company, commenced at 7^, and terminated at lojisf
with "The Maniac Lover." John Brougham played Powhattan in
"Pocahontas," and the curtain rose for that performance at 10.30
and fell at 12 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,

1800]

THE BOWERY THEATRE

13s

consisted of James Dunn, Denham, Baker, Barry, Hughes, Jackson,
Burke, Carpenter, Duncan, Post, Fanny Denham (Mrs. W. A.
Rouse), Sallie Partington, Miss McDonough, Mrs. Scott, Miss
Salome, afterwards Mrs. Samuel Duffield, Emma Reignolds,
and others. " New York by Gaslight " was given Nov. 20th. Mr.
and Mrs. E. L. Davenport came December i. William Wheatley
appeared 25 in "The Dramatist.*'

" King John " was revived Dec. 29, with this cast :

King John . . . . E. L. Davenport

Arthur Kate Reignolds

Philip Conrad Clarke

Archduke Mr. Flood

Queen Elinor . . . Mrs. J. R. Scott
Blanche Miss Ingersoll

Hubert J. B. Howe

Philip Wm. Wheatley

Lewis Jas. Dunn

Cardinal D. Whiting

Chatillon Mr. Barry

Lady Constance Mrs. E. L. Davenport

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

Edward Eddy opened the house as manager July 18, 1857. The
next season commenced Sept. 2, 1857, and terminated in July,

1858. Aug. 7 of that year George L. Fox and James W. Lingard
l>ecame 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. H.
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 season
opened Aug. 8, 1859. Jan. 9, i860, the managers introduced the
Webb Sisters. Geo. Boniface withdrew, and Mr. Allen continued
the management until June i, 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
Mortimer, W. H. Stephens, Chas. Foster, W. Holland, R. Quin-
lan, D. Walter, Kate Denin Ryan, Mrs. W. H. Leighton, Christine

136 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CxWo

Zavistowski, Mrs. H. Jordan, Mrs. H. A. Perry, Hattie Arnold,
Mrs. M. E. Burroughs, Miss M. Newton, Emma Smith, Kate
Archer, Frankie Monell, Carrie Monell, A. Drew, S. Walters, M.
Parker, C. Leroy, 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,
as Gaspard in "The Lady of Lyons," E. L. Tilton playing Claude
Melnotte. Mr. Foster continued here for a long time, and, after
the death of N. 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 was followed May 8, 1870,
by "Twenty Years Dead;" Sept. 25, 1870, "The New York
Burglars, or Marriage by Moonlight ; " Oct. 9, a local drama called
"The Old Straw Man;" Nov. 27, "Neck and Neck, or the Hang-
man's Noose;" May 14, 1871, "The Gold Belt;" and Aug. 7,
1871, "Bertha, the Sewing Machine Girl." Then came "The
Rebel's Last Shot," "Cell 201," "Ups and Down," and "The
Swamp Angels."

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr., opened Sept 3 in "Macbeth,"
and played during their engagement: "Guy Mannering," "The
Bridal," "Werner," "The Stranger," "Richard IH.," "Michael
Erie, 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.
Wallack'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 As It Is," and "Bob
Nettles." During Mr. Chanfrau's engagement the company
played "Richard III. in Dutch," "The Persecuted Dutchman,"
"The Lady of the Lake," "The Warlock of the Glen," "Jack
Sheppard," "The Carpenter of Rouen," "My Cousin Tom," and
"The Ocean Child." Oct. 8, H. P. Grattan's play, adapted from
Harrison Ainsworth's story, and entitled "Old St. Paul's, or Th
Fire and Plague of London," was presented with this cast:

Charles Harry Jordan

Earl of Rochester . James W . Collier
Leonard Holt .... R. Johnston

Solomon Eagle ... E. L. Tiltoi

Annabel Kate Denii

Judith .... Mrs. Harry Jorda^cs.

itfcD THE BOWERY THEATRE 137

S. W. Glenn had a benefit 12th, presenting "The Serious
Family," "White Horse of the Peppers," and "Wizard of the
Wave. " Mr. Chanfrau returned, and played a round of his favorite
parts. James W. Collier had a benefit 15th, and on the following
evening Mrs. W. H. Leighton had her farewell benefit. Mr. and
Mrs. Ryan next appealed to their friends, when the following pro-
gramme was offered: "Linda," "Jack Sheppard," "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 Glance at
New York," with Frank Chanfrau as Mose: "The Old Guard,"
with Mark Smith as Haversack; "The Spectre Bridegroom," with
Hany Jordan as Diggory, Mr. Ferguson as Nicodemus, and
G. Brookes as Aldwinkle, 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 and
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, 1862. He closed his first season July 9. After
having been entirely altered and redecorated, it was reopened July
I4» 1862, with G. L. Fox as manager, G. C. Howard as acting
manager, and W. Tryon, treasurer. The company included Fanny
Herring, Rachel Denvil, Gillete, Emma Temple, Isabella Preston,
Emma Le Brun, Chas. T. Nichols, Sam Bradshaw, Mitchell, J. J.
^ior, G. W. Thompson, Harry Chapman, T. H. Munroe, Harry
Hotto, M. B. Pike, Harry Langdon, and Geo. L. and C. K. Fox.
pie opening bill was "Rattlin the Reefer," "How to Avoid
*>rafting," and "The Robber Knight." On July 21st "Macarthy,
?"* Peepo' Day," was presented, and Sept. 15, G. L. Fox appeared
J^ various dramas, farces, and pantomimes for a period of over one
*^^ndred and fifty consecutive nights. During the season Joseph

138 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Cx8«4

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 " Ben Leil. "

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 Stubbins, C. K. Fox as Sam Wax,
Louisa Browne as 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. Studley, Herbert; Fanny Herring, Leila;
Georgiana Reignolds, Princess Eveline; Emma Reignolds, Spirit
of the Devil's Ring; and Millie Sackett (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. and C. K. Fox, J. B. Studley, G. W. Thompson, Mr.
and Mrs. Harry Chapman, Chas. T. Nichols, John Herbert, J. J.
McCloskey, Tony Denier, S. Bradshaw, H. Holt, M. B. Pike and
wife (Millie Sackett), G. C. Davenport, Coburn, Mitchell, John-
son, Lewis, Mrs. S. Wilkins, Rachel Denvil, Fanny Herring,
Miss G. Reignolds, the Misses Henr>', 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, Clifton W.
Tayleure's farce, "Giles Scroggin's Ghost;" Nov. 9, "Lady
Audley's Secret;" Nov. 16, "Lilly Dawson, or the History of a
Night;" Dec. 5, "Jack Sheppard and his Dog;" Dec. 21, "Daft
Dan, the Cripple of the Dry Dock;" Jan. 4, 1864, Mrs. C. K.
Fox appeared in "Vamp, the Fireman's Dog; " Jan. 11," The Rag
Woman and her Dogs;" Jan. 18, "Lord Lovel and Ye Fair Nancy "
Bell," a burlesque by Mr. Tayleure; Jan. 25, the pantomime of 5
"The House that Jack Built;" Feb. 22, " Holly Bush Hall ; " Feb. ,
29, " The Gray Man of the Seven Trees ; " March 28, " The Tickets
of Leave Woman ; " April 9, " Pomp of Cudjo's Cave, or the Battle
Cry of Freedom; " and June 15, " Upper Ten and Lower Twenty.' ^
The season, which had been prosperous, terminated July 4, wit
a benefit to G. C. Howard, the acting manager.

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

I865D THE BOWERY THEATRE 139

Chapman, Mrs. J. Flood, Mrs. S. Wilkins, Rachel Denvil, Fanny
Herring, and others. Mile. Martinetti and Mons. Baptiston
superintended the ballet. "Ruy Bias," "An April Fool," and
"The Mason of Abbeyville" 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 Masonic drama, by C. W. Tayleure, called "The
Signet of King Solomon, or the Templar's Daughter," was given.
The farce of " The Area Belle " was played for the first time in New
Vork Aug. 29, with G. L. Fox as Pitcher, C. K. Fox as Bouncer,
md Mrs. Harry Chapman as Penelope. A benefit was given to
:he Masonic Mission Sept. 9; the farce "Going to the Races" was
leen on the 12th; on the 19th "The Knights of St. John, or the
Banner of Fire," was given; with the drama, "The Bull Fighter,"
3ct. 3rd ; Fanny Herring appeared as the heroine in a version of
•Leah the Forsaken," called "Lysiah the Abandoned," the loth.
The house was closed on Oct. 28, while the company played in
Brooklyn; and 31, anew drama, called "The Peddler Boy," was
>flFered. The next novelty was "The Night Owls of France,"
icted Nov. 14; Dec. 5 William St. Maur made his first appearance
'n America, as Buridan in "La Tour De Nesle," afterward remain-
ing a member of the stock company. Jan. 13, 1865, Fanny Herring
lad a farewell benefit. Fox presented " Old Dame Trot and Her
[Tomical Cat" 30, which ran for seven weeks, and was succeeded
March 21 by "The White Farm." On the 27th Laura Keene's
Irama, "The Workingmen of Paris," was presented, and April 2
* Uncle Tom's Cabin " was revived, with Mrs. G. C. Howard as
Fopsy. The original dramatization (in six acts) was played, and
was the only piece on the bill. This ran until April 15, after
vhich the theatre was closed until April 26, out of respect for the
nemory of the martyred President Lincoln. On the reopening the
-un of " Uncle Tom " 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, Fanny Herring appeared in a new play
::alled "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. 11. Mr. Fox opened his next season
^ug. 12, with W. H. Whalley, Wm. Marden, H. D. Guion, Wm.
St Maur, J. J. McCloskey, Louis Mestayer, W. T. Purcell, S.
Bradshaw, F. Ashbury, Charles Foster, G. L. and C. K. Fox, Mrs.
S. Wilkins, Mrs. Welsh Edwards, Rachel Denvil, Eily Moore,
f- Williams, Sarah Steele and Mile. Martinetti, dancer. G. C.

140 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Zi9B6

Howard was acting manager; C. K. Fox, stage manager. The
opening bill was "Damon and Pythias," "Fortune's Frolic/* and
"The Exile's Daughter," W. H. Wl|alley and Eily Moore making
their first appearances in New York, as Damon and Hermione in
the first-named play, and Sarah Steele made her d^but, 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;" "Sinbad 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. ist,
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; M^er Timony, Harlequin ; and Martinetti, Columbine. It
ran for ten weeks. May 7th Fanny Herring reappeared in "The
Devilkin," Emma Reignolds as Nellie; 14, "Rosina Meadows,"
"Camille" (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
a benefit Aug. i, when Edward Lamb, 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. i, 1866, with "Six Years
After, or Three Green Men." C. K. Fox, Harry Ryner, W. K.
Linyard, J. J. McCloskey, Wm. Marden, Chas. Foster, Gea Lin-
gard, Francis, Master Timothy, Harry Cunningham, Mrs. W. K.
Linyard (Emma Reignolds), Mrs. H. Ryner, Fanny Herring,
Georgiana 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 $1,000. Fanny Herring produced " Adrienne, or the
Secret of a Life" Dec. 3. It was announced as "a dramatization
from the French by Fanny Herring." The T. P. Cooke's "prize
drama," "True to the Core," was presented Dec. 17. James W.
Lingard, manager of the New Bowery Theatre, took a benefit Jan.

«a67D THE BOWERY THEATRE 141

2, 1867, when, in addition to the regular company, the volunteers
-were Kate Newton, Geo. C. Boniface, J. J. Prior, J. E. Nagle,
Geo. 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. W.
H. Whalley appeared 21st, playing "Macbeth;" and Feb. 15 he
had a benefit, when James W. Lingard appeared; 22d, Wm.
Marden had a benefit, and on the following Monday G. L. Fox
reappeared in "O'Neil the Great." On March 8 Mrs. H. C.
Ryner put forth her claims; 15, Fanny Herring took a benefit; 18,
** Uncle Tom's Cabin " was revived, with Mrs. G. C. Howard as
Topsy. It ran two weeks, Mrs. Howard having a benefit on the
28th, when J. W. Lingard played Uncle Tom instead of J. J.
McCloskey. April ist 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 Lady Macbeth. James Nunan, W. K. Linyard,

W. Jamieson, Wm. Marden, Chas. K. Fox, Emma Reignolds, and

Mrs. W. Jamieson were in the company. J. B. Studley appeared

June 3 in "The Three Guardsmen" and E. W. Marston then made

lis bow as the low comedian of the company. Jas. H. Budworth

opened June 10 in "Dutch Farce." Mr. and Mrs. Selden 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

liad a joint benefit. Geo. C. Davenport and R Connelly became

members of the company 15th. On 19 a benefit was given to W.

3. Freligh. On the 29th the Carlo Family, Eveline Lehman, Ida
Devere, Frank Gibbons, the Barlow Brothers, Sig. Constantine,
'W. A. Martin, and others appeared in ballet, gymnastic acts, and
3)antomime. Aug. i 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 1 2th Wm. Whalley returned; and on 16 R Connelly had a
T)enefit, assisted by many volunteers. On the 19 Leo Hudson and
Ceorge Clare began an engagement in equestrian drama. Benefits

142 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«M7

were then given as follows : 26, Joe Coburn and " Rockey " Moore,
pugilists; 27, Frank Evans and J: M. Ward; 28, Harry Pearson,
when J. Mortimer Murdoch made his d^but in America, as Richard
in "Janet Pride," and E. L. Tilton appeared for 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 ^5CX) each. Subsequently
a suit was commenced to recover the sum 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,cxx> on the
same, held by Wm. B. Astor by way of mortgage. In pursuance
of these instructions the sale was ordered. The original mortgage
given by Mr. Hamblin was only for $8,503.04. The auctioneer
first 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 property 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
again 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
knocked down at $106,000, the purchaser being Leopold
Bampeimer.

Wm. B. Freligh reopened the house for the next season Sept. 9,
1867. N. B. Clarke was stage manager, and the company includol
E. 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-
at this theatre. On the 16, "The Sea of Ice;" 23, Lizett^

X8683 THE BOWERY THEATRE 143

Bernard, played " Oriana ; " 30, Marietta Ravel, in " The French
Spy," came; Oct. 7, Mortimer Murdoch in "Louis XL" He
remained two weeks, also appearing in "Ruy Bias," "Black Eyed
Susan," "Pizarro," 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 Hopley," and other
dramas. Prof. Eugene Dieblin, magician, Frank A. Gibbons,
trapeze performer, Nelly Howard, and Annie Gibbons also ap-
peared. On Dec. 2nd James W. Lingard appeared, playing
"Blueskin," 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 new drama, by Thad B. Glover, called
"The Heart of the Great City," Mr. Johnston as Boyle, an idiotic
beggar, and with such success that the piece drew crowded houses
for two weeks. Dick Sands, jig dancer, and John Engler, 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 "The River 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. Edwin Blanchard in dog dramas. Master Foley and Ben
Goldsmith, variety artists, were also engaged.

Edward Eddy commenced Feb. 3, followed on the 10 by Julia
Daly, in "Our American Female Cousin." Mortimer Murdoch
came the 24, in his own drama, "The Romany," followed by "The
Creen Hills of the Far West." Kate Fisher returned March 9,
vrhen Conchito Ronzani appeared on the tight-rope. Fanny Her-
ring was seen April 6, Geo C. Boniface April 20, and May 1 1 ; W.
H. Whalley became the leading man. On 25 " Oliver Twist " was
given, with Whalley as Fagin, Marden as Bill Sykes, Marston as
Bumble, 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 Sons of Liberty." Marietta
R.a.^el 22, supported by R Coleman and R Connelly. On the 29
Prank Mordaunt and Fanny Herring appeared ; July 6 Ella Chap-
n^3.n joined, giving banjo solos and dances. Mr. Freligh had his
^^lual benefit on the loth, and the season closed on the following
^^^ning. A summer season was opened 13, with Butler's Panto-

144 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DWq

mime Troupe, comprising Robert Butler, Tom Vance, Amelia
Wells, Viro Ferrand, Carrie Edgar, Tom Bolas, Sallie Swift,
Billy Reeve, Joe Buckley, C E. Dobson, Frank Gibbons, and
C. A. Gardiner. To these were added, on the 27th, the Buisley
Family of gymnasts, and on Aug. 3 R. M. Carroll and sons, jig
dancers. Mr. Whalley had a benefit on Aug. 20. 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 Cliflford, C. F. Seabert, J. McCarthy, Sam
Drake, J. H. Bowes, J. J. McCloskey, Wm. Marden, Mrs. W. G.
Jones, Jenny Cliflford, H. Coleman, and Anna Newman were in
the company. Alex. Fitzgerald appeared Sept. 21 as George
Trueheart, in the play of that name. " The Crimson Shield, or the
Nymphs of the Rainbow," was given Oct 5, with a ballet imder
the direction of John E. McDonough. It enjoyed one month's
run. Boucicault's "After Dark " had its first performance in this
city Nov. 2. George Atkins, Alfred Stewart, Master Martin, and
Tom Bolas were in the cast. Jarrett & Palmer obtained a tem-
porary injunction restraining Mr. Freligh from playing "After
Dark." This was served on Nov. 12, 1868, but was vacated on
the following Saturday, and on 16 "After Dark" was again
announced.

"Ned Scarlet," by J. Foster; "The Red Scarf," by Augustin
Daly; "O'Neil the Great," and other pieces in which Sallie Par-
tington appeared, were next given. " After Dark " 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. 11 "Blueskin;" 18,
"Revolution in Spain;" 25, "Bridge of Notre Dame," "The ^
Ethiop," and the 30th, "The Lancashire Lass." On Feb. 22 -=
Marietta Zanfretta appeared in a tight-rope act, and March 8 J. C.
Foster's pantomime, "The Seven Dwarfs," was seen, with Robert—^
Butler as the Clown; James Sanford, Harlequin; John Foster,
Pantaloon; J. Burke, Sprite, and Mile. Eugenia Oberti, Colum —
bine, and the Miles. Jovetti, Vidal, and Evaline Constantine at th^
head of the ballet.

"The Fairy Spell" was seen May 3rd, also "The Soapfat Man,'*
in which Rachel Denvil, Mrs. Holmes, the Misses Cassie Troy
and Collins, and W. H. Whalley, 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. Blanchard, with their dogs,

i»7o3 THE BOWERY THEATRE 145

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 Zanfretta and Caron Troupe 14. Mr. Freligh 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 Pate-
man came in " The Dumb Man of Manchester " and " The Spitals-
fields Weavers; " Hawley and Miaco, gymnasts, appeared July 19.
James Smith, pedestrian. Marietta Ravel, and R 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, E.
Marden, J. H. Bowers, C. F. Seabert, Charles Foster, C. J.
£dmonds, 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 company.
•* The Scottish Chiefs " was the initial performance. On Oct. 4
Lreo Hudson appeared for two weeks in horse drama; 18 the
Robert Butler Pantomime Troupe, was seen with Mile. De Rosa and
Young Martinetti; and on 25 "Formosa" was produced; Nov. 8,
Watts Phillips* "Not Guilty" was given, and Harry Courtaine,
comic singer, made his first appearance. This gentleman was not
our present Harry Courtaine, but some one who assumed the name.
£dwin Blanchard, with his trained dogs, began an engagement
15th. The Torres Brothers, trapeze performers, arrived 22, and
£dward Firth, comic vocalist, Dec. 20. Jim and Pooley Mace,
Hnglish pugilists, appeared Jan. 10, 1870, in a sparring act, and a
new pantomime called " Buck, Buck, How Many Horns ? " was pro-
dluced 17 by the Butler Troupe. Jim Mace took a benefit Feb.
II, when John C. Heenan appeared in conjunction with him in a
sparring act. Mace was presented with a silver belt by Charles
V^hite.

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, 1879, she obtained a divorce from Philip
Vanderwerken, 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
^ March 12. James W. Lingard had a benefit on 11, and a new
drama, called "The Castle of Lorremar," was seen 14. Mile.
Rosetta and George Derious, gymnasts, appeared March 21, and
^^ 18 Harry Gurr, champion swimmer, M. Senyah, and the Miles.

(^eraldine and Bastian, trapezists, and M. Leon Giavelli, with a

146 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci«5

troupe of trained dogs, were seen. J. B. Howland and Thos. E
Jackson were added to the company. The Clodoche troupe c
dancers opened April 11. On 18 "New York in 1840-1870" wa
produced. Mile. Lawrence's band of tableau artists appeared 19
as did Lucy Adams, comic singer. Oliver Doud Byron was th
next attraction. Jem Mace took a benefit June 8. Marion Tayloi
from London, appeared in the burlesque of " Prince Amabel *' 2;
and O. B. Collins and Kate Raymond were the next stars, openiD
July 4th. A summer season was commenced 11, melodrama, fare
and variety performances constituting the programmes. Gea C
Davenport, Gus Williams, Viola Howard, and the Lawrence Troup
joined Aug. i. 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 Marden, George France, J. P. Winter, Charle

Foster, J. J. McCloskey, Maurice B. Pike, T. Barry, P. Connelly

J. Douglas, W. Forrest, W. Murray, S. France, M. Hofle, N. B

Clarke, Mrs. W. G. Jones, Polly Booth, Millie Sackett, 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. Th<

opening bill was "Macbeth," with E. T. Stetson as Macbeth,

Mrs. W. G. Jones as Lady Macbeth, William Marden as Macdu£F,

and N. B. Clarke as Banquo. J. J. McCloskey's drama "Darinj

Dick" was seen for the first time Sept. 5. On 12 John Murra]

made his New York d6but as Jotham Hook in " Moll Pitcher, th<

Fortune Teller of Lynn." Mr. Murray appeared 13 as Petei

Probity in "The Chimney Corner," and Pat Rooney 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 Gunmaker of Moscow." Sept. 19, McCloskey *s drama,

"Rory of the Hills, or Dhoud Dhu," was given for the first time

Sept. 26 came Charles Foster's drama, "New York Burglars, 01

Wedded by Moonlight." Marietta Ravel commenced Oct. 3 ii

"Jargtine, or the Pride of the 14th." "The Old Straw Man 01

New York " was first acted 10; "Through By Daylight," by J. J

McCloskey, was seen for the first time 17, with this cast:

Geo. Glenroy . . . . E. T. Stetson
Rufus Appleton . . . . J. Winter

Johnny Geo. France

Fleisman Maurice Pike

Han Bordieswinkle .... Fisher

Glenroy Chas. Foster

Van Duzan T. Barry

Clara Comstock Mrs. W. G. Jone

Mrs. Mickey Corrigan . Millie Sacket
Arthur Comstock ... W. Marde

Johnny Geo. Franc

Archy White .... P. Coxmdl
Mickey J. McCloskc

i»70

THE BOWERY THEATRE

147

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 of Brilliants *' was
acted the same night. The burlesque of " The Grand Duchess "
was seen 28, with Marion and Moses Fiske as the Grand Duchess
and Fritz. For Marion's farewell benefit, 29, "The Golden
Farmer," with E. T. Stetson as the Farmer, and George France
as Jemmy Twitcher; "The Grand Duchess," the musical sketch
of "Molly Dear," and "Mose, or A Glance at New York," were
played.

"Duty, or the Mariner's Compass," by Henry Leslie, was first
acted Oct. 31. " Fabian the Serf " was seen for the first time Nov.
7. "Far West, or the Bounding Fawn of the Prairies," a new
drama by J. J. McCloskey, was first acted 14. There was a lengthy
bill 17, consisting of "The Carpenter of Rouen," E. T. Stetson as
Marteau; "Nick of the Woods," Stetson as Bloody Nathan; and
•* Mose, or a Glance at New York. " " Brian Boroihme," " The New
York Fireman," and "Dick Turpin" were done 19. "The Life
and Adventures of Vidocq, the Thief Taker of Paris," by N. B.
Clarke, was seen 21. " La Tour de Nesle," "The Forty Thieves,"
and " The Pride of the Ocean" were given 26, and " Neck and Neck,
or the Hangman's Noose," was first seen here Nov. 28, with this

"Walter Wilmarth
Jim Johnson
^^dofphos . .

^lanrol Denman

£. T. Stetson

W. Marden

M. B. Pike

Polly Booth

. 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
^(elville sang comic songs, and Bobby Farrell did a song and dance,
ilarry Seymour's spectacle, ** Sunburst, or the O'Ruarc's Bride,"
"^^as seen for the first time Dec. 19. Blanche and Geo. Leopold,
2i.thletes, opened 27. For his benefit, 30, Mr. Stetson acted Hamlet.

Prank Drew made his first appearance in New York since his
5<5ur around the world Jan. 2, 1 871, at the matinee, as Jeremiah Clip
fo ** The Widow's Victim," and in the evening as Count de Brissac
*p ** 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
''"eland and Young America," Blanche and Geo. Leopold with gym-
^^tic performances, " Out on a Spree," Chas. Foster as Cotton,
*^rank Drew as Bolt, and *' The Free Trader," formed the Saturday
J^ight bill. Jan. 9, " The Dog of the Old Toll House, or The Vil-
*5^e Blacksmith," and, for the first time in America, was seen " A
^^Iden Fetter," with Frank Drew as Tom Tit. Edwin Blanchard's

148 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci»7i

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 : ** The Watch Dog, or
the Lost Casket," " Robert Emmett," and " The Terrible Tinker."
Edwin Blanchard, E. T. Stetson, Chas. Foster, Joseph Winter, J. J.
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
Fenton, Miss A. Wheeler, Sidney C. France, William Marden, 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. " Sec-
Saw," a pantomime by Hernandez Foster, was first produced Jan. 23 :
Clown, Hernandez Foster; Harlequin, Frank Foster; Pantaloon,
Jos. M. Sloan ; Columbine, Polly Booth. For Mrs. W. G. Jones'
benefit, Feb. 10, the bill was, " Second Love," " See-Saw," and " The
Brigands," with an olio in which Rollin Howard, Charles Sturgess,
John F. Oberist, and Calixa Lavalle appeared. J. C. Campbell be-
gan an engagement 13, in McCloskey'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 McCloskey's drama " On Hand, or True to the Last."
Johnny Allen made his dramatic dibut April 24, in '* Schneider, or
Dot House Von Der Rhine." Edmund R. Dalton was seen May 8
as Richelieu ; 9 as Claude Duval ; 10 as William Elwood in " New
York Burglars ; " 11, Jasper Roseblade in ** Waiting for the Verdict."
John Jones, the treasurer of the house, took a benefit and ofiFered
" The Soldier's Progress " (for the first time in America), Coleman's
drama, " The Mountaineers," and '* Who's Who? " W. H. Whalley
appeared 15, as Leonard Brandon in Charles Foster's drama, "The
Gold Belt." On Oct. 30th, for N. B. Clarke's benefit, " The Oc-
toroon" was given, with William H. Whalley as Wah-no-tee, and
George France as Salem Scudder. June i, "Green Bushes, or the
Huntress of the Mississippi," with Millie Sackett as Nellie O'Ncil,
Theo. Hamilton as Conner O'Kennedy, 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, June 5. ** 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 dibut
here 19, in " Over the Falls, or a Leap for Life." Jennie Morton
appeared 26 in a new play called " Love." Brougham's burlesque,

i«70 THE BOWERY THEATRE 149

'' Pocahontas " was giveir 30th, with Millie Sackett as Captain John
Smith, and Jennie Morton as Pocahontas. '* Cqpl as a Cucumber "
and " The Irish Tutor " were also given, with Thomas L. Donnelly as
Dr. OToole. The Hernandez Foster Pantomime Co. commenced July
10 in " Humpty 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 Bame Castle," with Thos. Grattan Riggs as
Lord Bame ; the third act of " Hamlet," J. B. Studley 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 "Pomp," J. C. Campbell as Pomp, Mrs. W. G.
Jones as Attakkapas Sue; double song and dance by Lord and
Waldron ; after which came "Robert Macaire," Geo. C. Boniface,
as Robert Macaire, 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
Slave's Revenge " were given. "The Dumb Man of Manchester,"
with Edwin Blanchard as Tom ; " The Poachers ; " John Clark
with clog dance, and Tom Bolas in Dutch songs were given for
Mr. Blanchard's benefit 21. "Through by Daylight," by J. J. Mc-
Closkey, its first performance, 24, when James M. Ward appeared
in the leading part. "Bertha, the Sewing Machine Girl," a
dramatization by Charles Foster of a New 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 John F. Poole's drama, "Shin Fane, or The Sham-
rock Green." This closed the summer season.

The fall and winter season opened Aug. 28, 1871, when G.
Swaine Buckley, the old minstrel performer, made his 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 "Dollars." 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 Sheppard," also on horseback. J. B.
Studley was seen 9 in "The Dream of Destiny." "El Hyder"
was done i ith ; " Money and 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 Ci«7«

rdle; the female minstrel scene in "The Three Fast Men," and
"The Rag Picker (rf Paris," with Studley as the Chiffonier, "Nick
of the Woods," and "The Gamecock of the Wilderness." Joseph
Murphy came 14th in Fred G. Maeder's play, " Help; " 16, a mating
benefit was given in aid of the sufferers by the Chicago fire;
Lucille Western, James A. Heme, W. H. Whalley, and the com-
pany appeared. For Mr. Murphy's benefit, 27, " The Robbers of the
Heath," "Larry Hoolagan," the concert scene from "Help," the
farce, "Joe, or the Nigger Busybody," with Murphy as Joe,
the Nigger. Charlotte Stanley opened Oct. 30, in Stanley Mc-
Kenna's drama, "Crime," 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 N. B.
Clarke's Irish drama, "The Irishman's Home, or the Dark Days of
the Green Isle." Then followed an olio: Peter Cannon in Irish
songs. Tommy Sully's Ethiopian sketch, Hughey Dougherty with
a stump speech, Frank Kerns and Johnny Queen with song and
dance, Sam Devere, banjo solo, James Clarke, Irish song and
dance, and Larry Tooley, with Dutch songs. The performance
concluded with "Cavaliers and Roundheads."

" Searching the Depths " was presented here for the first time by
Lewis Stoder 20. Dec. 4th, for the first and last time, " A Terrible
Temptation " was given. It was a dramatization by G. W. Mid-
dleton of Charles Reade's story of the same name. "The Soldier's
Progress, or the Horrors of War," first saw the light Dec. 7. Lucy
Rushton appeared 11 in " Red Hands," then acted for the first time
in this city. Agnes was played by Little Lillie Sackett — her
first appearance on the stage. Dick Ralph, who had left the min-
strel stage, made his d^but 18 in "Fate, or the New York News-
boy." Kate Fisher commenced another six nights' engagement at
the Christmas matinee in " Life for Life. " " Dick Turpin," " Joan
of Arc," and "A Christmas Spree" was the matinee bill; and fo
the evening "Mazeppa" and "Gale Breezely." Jan. i, 1872,
Charles Petrie made his New York d^but in a drama written fo;
him by J. W. Meath, entitled "Pedestin, or Cute the Reliable.*
Kate Raymond (Mrs. O. B. Collins) opened here Jan. 8 in a drams
byThad. W. Meighan, called "The Waifs of New York." Forherr
benefit, 19, "Jack Sheppard " was added to the bill, and O.
Collins appeared as Blueskin to the b^n^ficiaire' s Jack. G. Swain
Buckley reappeared Jan. 22 in " Zip " James M. Ward bega
another engagement 29, in "Through by Daylight." Feb. i
played Badger in "The Streets of New York," and for his benefi
2, gave, for the first time in this city, " Clan-na-Gael, or
Outlaw of '98," and acted William in "Black Eyed Susan."

Kate and Susan Den in, after an extended Australian to
appeared here Feb. 5 in the romantic drama, "Will Hatley, ^^z>r

ia7«3 THE BOWERY THEATRE 151

Faithful to the Last. " Emily Young was specially engaged for the

rdle of Averill. At the matinee Feb. 10, for their benefit, " East

L)mne " was played. Master Percy Roselle began an engagement

Feb. 12 in "The Boy Detective.** J. B. Studley returned 19th

in " Buffalo Bill. " After the piece had run four weeks with Mr.

Studley as the hero, Wm. H. Whalley succeeded him March 18.

"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

I. "The Beautiful Shoebinder of Lynn, or 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,

"The Educated 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.

"A 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

York. " Fanny Herring was seen 20th, in " The Female Detective, "

and "Sarah Tibbs,** a new farce, was also done, with E. W.

Marston, E. Barry, Charles Foster, Millie Sackett, and Miss

Oliver in the cast. " Dodging for a Wife,** "The Floating Beacon,"

and "The French Spy** were given May 21st. Charles Foster

took a benefit 22, in " Bertha, the Sewing Machine Girl '* and

"The Old Straw Man of New York.** On 23 J. P. Winter had a

benefit, and the bill was "The Ticket of Leave Man** and "Der

Freyschutz." For Mrs. W. G. Jones* benefit, 24, "Heaping Coals

of Fire** and "Unlucky Friday'* were played. On 25 Fanny

Herring played "Lysiah, the Abandoned *' for the matintSe, 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. H.

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 Peen-Sing. " The Swamp Angels,"

by Charles Foster, was first acted June la 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 VVm. Whalley, and Matilda J. Chummy to

I-effingwell'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 Ci»7«

act of "Richard HI. ;" Dan Waldron in a song and dance; "The
Irish Mormon," with Harry and Marion Macarthy as Brian O'Lynn
and Sheelah; Alice and Flora Newman, Highland Fling; Charles
Foster's "Actors on a Strike," in which Mr. Freligh 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 Shy lock, O. B. Collins
as Antonio, and Effie Johns as Portia. The bill concluded with
"The Irish Emigrant." J. Z. Little began his first engagement
at this theatre 15, in "Woman's Will," Chas. F. Seabert making
his first appearance as Devereux Power. " Oofty Gooft " (Gus
Phillips) appeared July 22, in " Yacup." In addition to " Yacup,"
"The Rival Dutchmen" was acted, with Geo. W. Thompson as
Jacob Wamshell and " Oofty Gooft " as Diedrich Bimmelbeck.

Wash Norton, the minstrel performer, having returned to this
city after an absence of six years (during which time he made a tour
of the world), appeared on the dramatic stage Aug. 5 in the drama
by Harry Gwynette, entitled "From 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 Eye,
the Girl Trapper," was first seen, with Fanny Herring as Hazel
Eye, W. L. Street (his first appearance here) as Cale Durg, 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 first played here 19, with J. B.
Studley as Mathias. T. G. Riggs reappeared 26 with his " Shin
Fane.* Yankee Locke opened Sept. 2 in Fred Marsden's "The
Bush Rangers." Yankee Locke remained two weeks, and for
his 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. W. 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-
laine Hardy, Polly Booth, Mrs. R. G. France, Annie Mortimer,
Miss E. Oliver, Emma Wheeler, Miss E. Glenwood, Bella Adams,
Ada St. Clair, Theresa St. Clair, Ida Friedenburg, R. Percy, W.
Hofle, 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-
geant's Wedding " formed the first bill. Zoe, styling herself
"The Cuban Sylph," appeared 23 in "The French Spy," supported
by S. C. France (his first appearance) as Mahommed. " Flowers

i*7S3

THE BOWERY THEATRE

153

of the Forest " 26, with Zoe as Cynthia, and 28 she played Myrtillo
in *' The Broken Sword " and Esmeralda in the drama of that name.
J. H. O'Neil, Maggie Delmar, Annie Delmar, Little Delmar, and
L. W. Harleigh appeared Sept. 30, in " Eph, or Before the Amend-
ment." Mr. O'Neil danced the "Quintessence of Old Virginia,"
and his song and dance, "Ginger Blue." "Cagliostro " was acted
Oct 7, with C. Harry Frank in the title rdle. The next star was
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 "Auramania," 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 Melnotte in "The Lady
of Lyons," and Sir Edward Mortimer in "The Iron Chest;" 9,
"Richard IIL," Warner as Richard, and Grace Rawlinson as
Lady Anne. "Counterfeit " was seen here Nov. 11, with the first
appearance of Spencer Pritchard as Geo. Hilton and Harry Amlar
as Peter G. Washington Green. J. Holmes Grover appeared 18 in
"L O. U." "The Lottery of Life" was given for the first time
here Dec 2, with this cast :

Temr Wm. Marden

Mordk Sdomoni Allcroft W. L Street

Sir WiltOQ Chas. Foster

Robert T. J. Martin

Coal OU Tommy . . . Geo. France
Dodger Chas. Manley

Bob Mawley ... £. W. Marston
Emily Summers . . Mrs. R. G. Jones
Miss Tartar . . Mrs. W. G. 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. Houne, one-
legged tight-rope 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
"Mike Martin, the Terror of the Highways" was given, with Kate
Fisher as Lightfoot. "The Swamp Angels," by Charles Foster,
was seen here 3a Mrs. W. G. Jones played Madge in " Crime "
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:

^rlic

^t>lii

«/.

. B. Studley
H. Meeker
T. Hamilton
Chas. Manley

Gnomdob H. Holmes

Janette .... Mrs. W. G. Jones

Niocelle Polly Booth

Princess Odyle . . Miss £. Oliver

154 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«73

Prof. Rosinsky acted John Schmitt in "The Dutchman's
Troubles" 12, 13; the pantomime "Will o' the Wisp" was done
Feb. 17th, with Abbott as Clown, J. M. Freeman as Pantaloon, Ed.
Valardias as Harlequin, and Mile. P. Barretta as Columbine. G. W.
Jester, ventriloquist, surnamed "The Man with the Talking Hand,**
also appeared. James Robertson made his first appearance here,
as the hero in "Michael Erie, or the Maniac Lover," March 14th.
"Destiny," a new drama by Barrett Sylvester, was seen 17, also
an Irish comedy, and the Fieldings appeared in a musical sketch
called "The Emerald Isle." "Hamlet" was played 19 for the
benefit of Wm. 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 Charles Foster, was seen for the
first time April 7. "Jack Sheppard," 12: Polly 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, Blueskin.

" Obliging a Friend " was offered for the first time in Ameri
14, on which date E. T. Stetson returned in " The Fastest Boy i
New York." Charles Foster's dramatization of "A Bad Lot" w
acted 21. "Wild Cat Ned" was a dramatization from The Nex^i
York Weekly s story, by Barrett Sylvester, and first acted 2 jig
"Held in Check," by Mary Watson, was first seen May 5, with ^
H. O'Neil as Corney Dugan. Belle and Jake Berry appeared ^S
in " Rip Van Winkle," Mr. Berry playing Rip, and Belle
Minnie. On 16, for the benefit of the officers, doorkeepers,
ushers, the Berrys appeared in a musical act, Alice Bennett s
a ballad, the Eighth Regiment Drum Corps appeared, and tie
dramas played were "The Soldier's Progress" and "The Mil/er
and His Men." Mr. Berry is now known as J. S. Berger. "Cuba
Libre, or O' Kelly's Mission," by Harry Seymour, was done /gi
It was founded on events enacted in Cuba, and the adventures of
J. J. O'Kelly, The New York Herald s correspondent. "The Boy
Burglar," by Stanley McKenna, was seen for the first time 26th.

The benefit of Wm. B. Freligh 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 "The Winning Hand." The contortionist. Young America,
appeared between the pieces. James J. Bartlett first appeared
here 9 in "Sun and Shadow; " 11, 12, in "The Devil's Crag;" 13*
as Captain Swyndleton Wilde in " Hazard " and Hugh De Brass in
"A Regular Fix." " Uanna, the Working Girl," was first played
16, when J. H. Rovve, his first appearance, played Alvin Dumont.
Ala, the European gymnast, appeared for the first time in this

•733

THE BOWERY THEATRE

^5S

tty 16, in his feat of bounding into space from the stage to the
:a^>eze, a distance of thirty-five feet.

Laura Alberta and G. W. Harrison, father and daughter, began

1 engagement 23 in "Out at Sea." Charles Foster's benefit took

lace 26th, with "The Death Trap," Foster acting De Plarken,

illy Malvern, daughter of Chas. Foster, made her first appearance

s Gertrude, and Chas. F. Seabert as the Baron. Jake Smith did

bone solo, and Chas. S. Newton's drama "Out at Sea" was

Ivcn. "Wedded, Yet no Wife," was another of TAf New Yotk

Veekly stories, dramatized and acted for the first time 3a For

reorge France's benefit, July 2, Harry Clifford played Sam

boeleaf in "The Man with the White Hat," J. Sandbrook sang a

lllad, song and dance by Bobby Newcomb; Chas. E. Dobson,

injo solo, and the comic drama "Sloppy Sam." "Jack and the

eanstalk " was first given here 7, with Hernandez Foster as the

lown. The pantomime of "The Magic Trumpet" 18, J. C.

ranklin and Geo. Murray, Nellie Wall and Hernandez Foster as

le pantomime four. John Pendy gave his imitations of the

.ondon Comique; the Girards, Russell, Julien, and Emil,

ipeared in their eccentric dancing. Little Frankie did a scrio-

nnic song, and Master Cawthorne gave his German eccentricities.

[arius Turck made his ddbut here 21, as Bob Flash in Fred

laeder's drama, "Lightning Bob." J. P. Winter made his first

ipearance this season as Graham Vanstone, J. Sambrook (his first

>pearance) as Charley Mason, D. Kelly (first appearance) as Mat

idley, and J. Mason (first appearance) as Superintendent, and

A. Gregston acted Manchester Bill, all in the same play. On

"The Idiot's Revenge, or the Millionaire's Daughter," was

en, with Will C. Burton as Sancho, and Minnie Rainforth

Susan Gaylove. "The Cigar Girl of Cuba," by Sam Hemple,

produced for the first time here on Aug. 4, with Hemple as

I Swap. Bobby Newcomb's specialty company commenced

Billy West, banjo; James Cronin, jig dancer; Harry D. Mann,

icter artist; G. K. Fortescue, burlesque comedian; Smith and

Iron, Adolph Kemp, gymnast; Lulu Delmay, John Morris,

;c artist, and Bobby Newcomb were in the company.

ectacular extravaganza, entitled "Mazeppa," was seen 15,

Helene Smith was the Mazeppa; Marie Le Brun, Olinska;

. K. Fortescue, Zemila. Geo. C. Charles opened in "The

on Hand" 18, and Sig. Canita made his first appearance at

catre in fifteen years as the Monkey in "The Monkey Boy."

alo Bill (Wm. F. Cody) commenced an engagement Aug. 25

I G. Maeder's play, "Buffalo Bill," with this cast:

ill By Himself

:k J. P. Winter

McKandlass W. H. Gregston

Mrs. Fielding .
Lillie Fielding .
Mah-no-tee . .

Mrs. R. G. France

Mrs. W. G Jones

Emma Wheeler

156 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1873

The next star was Greorge France, in " Marked for Life," Sept. 8.
The fall and winter season opened Sept 22, 1873, Ettie
Henderson appearing in "Little Sunshine," 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, R Howard, J. Stansil, Mrs. W. G.
Jones, Mrs. R. G. France, Mrs. P. C. Connelly, Polly Booth,
Belle Berry, Nellie Meeker, Tillie Malvern, Phoebe Malvern (daugh-
ters of Chas. Foster), Grey, Walker, Annie Norrie, Allie St Clair
and E. Wilmott Harry Seymour, stage manager; Charles Foster,
dramatist; and B. J. Deane (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;" "Nita,""The French Spy," and "The Flying
Dutchman," 8, 9; "Buried Alive," "Notre Dame," and "The
Broken Sword," 10; " The Irish Emigrant," " The French Spy," and
"Jack Sheppard" 11. On the 13th, E. T. Stetson appeared in
"Macbeth," "Richelieu" 14, "The Robbers" 15, "Othello" 16,
"Hamlet" 17, "Richard HL" 18. "Irish Love" 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 "Ginger Snaps," which gave place to "Black-
Eyed Susan," and on Friday and Saturday to "Notre Dame."
"Washed Ashore" 27 and 28, preceded by "A Kiss in the Dark."
The Fieldings continued their engagement, appearing between
the pieces in the musical sketches. 29, 30, 31, "Susan Hopley"
and " Satan. " " The Blacksmith of Antwerp " and " Captain Spruce
the Highwayman" were given Nov. i. "Daniel Boone" was
produced 3, preceded by "The German Donation." On the 10
Goshen, the giant, began in " The Giant's Causeway " for one week.
Up to Saturday " Daniel Boone " was acted with it, and then " Nick
of the Woods," "A Glance at New York," and "Der Freyschutz"
were performed. On the 17 Kate Raymond (Mrs. O. B. Collins)
began in "Our City," then presented for the first time on any
stage. It was preceded by " Heaven Defend the Right " and sup-
plemented by "Mose in the Bowery," which bill continued until
Friday; and on that and the following evening "Our City " and
"Jack Sheppard " (on horseback) formed the bill. On the 24th
Louise Sylvester began in "Nip," which was preceded by "1,000
Young Ladies for Cuba. " At the Thanksgiving mating, 27, " The

i»743 THE BOWERY THEATRE 157

Brigands of Spain," "Solon Shingle," "Toodles," and "Irishman's
Home " 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 Eye," which ran the week, "The
Forty Thieves " being added 19, 20. Louise Sylvester returned
in " The Pearl of Savoy " 22, " Fanchon " 23, " Uncle Tom'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 Jee
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 i. On the 12th Marius Turck began in
"Lightning Bob," preceded by "The Robber's Wife." 19, Frank
Frayne, 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
"Passion, 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 Kraemer.

Harry Clifford appeared in "Life and Death," 9 which ran until
the 12, when " Pomp " was revived for the rest of the week. " Lend
Me Your Lover " began the performance during the week. Louise
Sylvester and S. C. France came the i6th, the former acting in
"The Maid with the Milking Pail," and the latter in "Marked for
Life." Between the pieces a variety olio was given by the
Brothers Johanoflf, " ceiling walkers ; " Dunbar, Donaldson, Siegrist,
and Antonio, acrobats, and George Dunbar, juggler. A mating
iras given 23, when "A Steamboat Trip to New Jersey," feats
by the Brothers Johanoflf and George Dunbar, " Horseshoe Robin-
son," and "Tom Cringle's Log" were performed. In the evening
Xu>uise Sylvester played in "Sunlight Through the Mist," which
"W^LS preceded until Friday evening by feats by the Brothers Johanoff
^nd George Dunbar, character songs by Ella Wesner, who appeared
On Monday night only, and " A Steamboat Trip to New Jersey. "
iDuring the remainder of the week the bill was " Sunlight Through
^lie Mist," a variety olio, and "The French Spy." E. H. Lay
m on March 2 in "White Hair, or the Last of the Modocs," for

158 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci«74

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

On the i6th E. T. Stetson began in Stanley McKenna's dramas
"Revenge, or the Midnight Mask,*' then performed for the first
time. It ran one week, and was preceded by "The Mischievous
Nigger," with Charley White in the chief character; Willis Cobb's
troupe of performing dogs and a monkey and a goat; "The Mali-
cious Trespass," acted by Charles White, Robert Hall, and Thomas
Graham; and "The McFadden Family from the Sixth Ward," in
which 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 Boroihme " 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 " Neck and Neck " was substi*
tuted, and acted the rest of the week. J. B. Studley began on the
30 in "The Polish Jew," 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 "The McFaddens; " and sup-
plemented by "Life in the Backwoods," ran the entire week.
Louise Sylvester was the attraction during the week commencing
April 13 in "The Little Detective," preceded by "The Bogus
Indian " and Emmett & 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 " Old
Sleuth, the Detective," which was preceded by "A Night in a
Strange Hotel."

E. Eddy began an engagement 27, and W. L. Street was added
to the company. "Macbeth" was given 27, "Jean Remy " 28,
" Metamora " and " Robert Macaire " 29, " The Corsican Brothers "
and " The Broken Sword " 30, all preceded by " The Fellow that
Looks Like Me." May i, "Richard IIL," and 2, "Luke the
Laborer. " On the 7th J. A. Lord joined the company. 7, 8, " Old
Phil's Birthday," "Jenny Lind," the Wilson Brothers' feats, and
" The Flying Dutchman " were given. On the 9th, " Who Died
First > " " Jenny Lind," the Wilson Brothers, and " Oliver Twist ; "
II, Harry Lee joined the company; 11, 12, 13, 14, "Nick Whifl3es,"

M
M

liyO THE BOWERY THEATRE 159

''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," "Jonathan Bradford," "Handsome Jack," Prof. Fox,
the Wilson Brothers, Alice Daly, and the Grinnell Children in
their specialties made up the programme. On the i6th, the same
bill was repeated for the benefit of the Wilson Brothers. On the
i8th Millie Sackett, Jenny Wolz, M. B. Pike, and Wash T. Mel-
ville joined the company; 18, 19, 20 "Cast Upon the World " and
Pocahontas" were given; 21, for the benefit of Charles Foster,
The Swamp Angels," "The Man About Town," acted under the
title of "Tom Collins," a song by Charles Kanollman, the special-
tics of the Grinnell Children, and " Pocahontas " formed the bill.
On the 22nd, for the benefit of E. W. Marston, Harry Cunningham,
George France, and Tom Bolas volunteered; "Yankee 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 "Bred in the Bone," in which F. J. Post made his first appear-
ance. The drama was preceded by the sketch of " The McFaddens, "
by the Carrolls, and "Naval Engagements," in which Mrs. Sylves-
ter Post made her first appearance. June i Louie Lord made her
metropolitan d^but, acting in "Lady Audley's Secret," which was
preceded by the Carroll Family in "Holland on a Bust" and "I
Couldn't Stay A way, " and " The Dutch Actor," in which S. W.
Glenn made his first appearance this season. William B. Freligh
had a benefit 2, when the performances commenced at 3 p.m.
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 " I Could n't Stay Away,"
and 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. Thorne, and members of the regular com-
pany in the last act of "Richard HI. ;" Billy Pastor sang comic
songs; Frank Jones gave his specialty of "The Lively Moke,"
playing upon a number of musical instruments; Clark and Edwards
gave Dutch songs and dances; A. W. MafHin 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 Ethiopian sketch; Rogers and
Whitney gave songs and dances; James Roome, Charles Lord, C.
F. Seabert, Harry Richardson, and Melinda Nagle 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

l6o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Cit74

jig; Wm. Marden, J. C. Walsh, Louise Sylvester, and membenof
the stock company gave ** My Fellow Clerk ; " Marius Turck, sap-
ported by the regular company, played the fourth act of ** Enodi
Arden;" the Carrolls gave "The McFaddens;" Kynock and
Smithy skating specialties; Prof. Warie Allen, in his magical
trick called '' Chained to the Cross ; " Ari Holston and others per-
formed "Engaging a Vocalist; '' S. W. Glenn and the stodc, "The
Dutch Actor;" Thos. W. Keene, E. 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. Marv 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 bom in Cornwall, Eng., in 181 7. While almost a child she
was married to a doctor of the name of Shaw. She arrived in thb
country in 1835, and her American d^but was made at the St
Charles Theatre, New Orleans, as a star, under Mr. Caldweirs
management She first appeared at the Park Theatre, this city,
July 25, 1836. After a brief stay there she became a member oC
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
may be enumerated "Evadne," Constance in "The Love Chase ~
(notwithstanding the fact that Mrs. Jean Davenport Lander claims
to have been the original representative of that rdle 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 "The Last
Days of Pompeii," Albert in "William Tell," the heroines of
" Rienzi " and " Eugene Aram," and in the whole round 6f Shakes-
pearian characters, among which she stood beyond all rivals^
might be enumerated Queen Katherine in "Henry VHI.," Imogen
in "Cymbeline," Rosalind in "As You Like it," Lady Macb^h,
Viola in "The Twelfth Night," and Beatrice in "Much Ado Aboaf
Nothing;" to which may be added, as laurels in her chaplet 0
dramatic triumph. Lord Byron's Sardanapalus and Margan
Elmore in "Love's Sacrifice," and last, though not least, h
grand rendering of Talfourd's Ion, which, under her treatmei
became a classic of the English stage. For distinct articulat'
and clear, bell-like elocution, Mrs. Shaw was the model. I
face, from a front view, presented almost a perfect oval ; the 0
large, dark, and capable of every expression, from languish

w9h1 the bowery theatre i6i

endearment to fiercest hate, defiance, and withering scorn. When
to all these gifts was added a voice like the music of silver bells,
ind 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
{vofession. 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 Ganges; " July 3, for her
benefit, "The Three Rist Men" and other entertainments were
given; July 4, in "The Cataract of the Ganges " for the matinee,
and " Putnam " the night of July 4 For the week of July 6 there
was a dramatic and variety entertainment George Darrell opened
here July 13 in "Trump Cards;" July 20 "Bertha, the Sewing
Machine Girl" and "Robert Macaire" formed the bill; July 27
••Wallace, the Hero of Scotland " was seen.

The season closed August i and reopened Aug. 22, with
•"Rosina Meadows," "The Wreck Ashore," and "Bear Hunter."
Marietta Ravel began here Aug. 31 in "The French Spy." W. H.
Fayette played the same night in "Tracked to Death, or The Boy
Avenger." Sept 7 the drama "Passion's Perils" was given, and
Joignerg and William Delave, gymnasts, were seen. On Sept. 14
Mile. Sanyeah came in "Mazeppa;" Sept 21 W. G. Cogswell
played Macbeth; Sept. 28 Louise Sylvester was seen in "Nip;"
for her benefit, Oct 2, she acted in " Sunbeam " and " Aunt Char-
lotte's Maid." C R Bishop opened Oct 8 in " Hand and Glove"
and "Wanted, One Thousand Milliners."

Donald McKay, with his Warm Spring Indians, appeared in

"Kit Carson" Oct. 12, and give "The Broken Sword" Oct 19;

Billv Edwards, Arthur Chambers, Homer Lane, and Mr. McMahon,

pugilists, were seen in "Just in Time, or Life in New York," also

"Raymond and Agnes" Oct 26; Wm. Cody, in "BuflFalo Bill,"

cune Nov. 2; William A. Mestayer Nov. 9 in "Hoodlum, or Life

in San Francisco;" Fanny Herring came Nov. 16 in "The Tigress

dthe West," also "The Flying Dutchman;" Charlotte Stanley

ame Nov. 23 in "Crimes and Mysteries of Paris; " Jenny Morton

Nov. 30, in "Idlewild," also the same night Donald McKay with

Ws Indians, in the burlesque of " Pocahontas ; " J. J. McCloskey

came Dec 7 in "Smoke," and Maude Gray in her sensation "The

Statue of the Period " Louise Sylvester was seen Dec 14, in " The

Pearl of Savoy;" Dec. 21 J. B. Studley came in "Wandering

Stccnie," also Fred Percy's drama "To the Death;" Dec 28, the

pantomime "The Three Dwarfs" and "Waiting for the Verdict"

1 62 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci«7«

Jan. 4, 1875, Frank Jones in "The Black Hand;" Jan. 11, Mari-
etta Ravel in "The French Spy," and J. B. Studley in " Putnam; "
E. T. Stetson Jan. 18 in "Chances;" S. C. France Jan. 25 in
"Marked for Life;" J. B. Studley Feb. i in "Rogues of New
York;" "Blood Stained Hand" Feb. 8; A. H. Sheldon Feb. 15,
in " Wealth and Crime ;" Marie Zoe Feb. 22 in " Angel of Midnight ; "
and John Allen March i 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
Bludsoe; March 22, "Adventures of Vidocq; " March 29, "Around
the World in 80 Days," adapted from Jules Verne's story of that^
name by Pillett and J. Connelly. Edwin F. Thome acted JohcM
Archibald, and E. W. Marston, Mrs. W. G. Jones, Millie Sackett^.
and Saidee Montgomery were in the cast.

A matinee performance was given April 29 for the benefit of the
family of Dan Bryant. The programme was :

Mrs. Foster Mrs. Barrj

Jenny Foster . . Mrs. W. G. Jones
Bessie Bluebell . . . Millie Sackett

THE SNOW BIRD.

Ben W. J. Fleming

Sternhold Neil Gray

Sloppy Sam ... £. W. Marston

Followed by a scene from

THE WIFE, OR A TALE OF MANTUA.

Julian St Pierre . . . . F. Beatty | 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 Melnotte, Milnes Levick ; Beau-
seant, F. A. Tannehill, Sen. ; Col. Damas, W. H. Partello; Glavis,
Louis Meredith ; Deschappelles, Charles Manley; Gaspard, J. R
Browne; Landlord, W. A. Rouse; Pauline, Laura Linden; Mme.
Deschappelles, Fanny Denham Rouse ; and Widow Melnotte, Maiy
Hill. "The Rough Diamond" closed the performances, intro-
ducing E. W. Marston as Cousin Joe, W. H. Partello 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 cit
suddenly May 15, 1896.

Fred Hofele was the next manager, who opened June 29, 1878^—
with H. W. Mitchell, F. M. Welles, Frank E. Jamison, Edwan^

ifrCI THE BOWERY THEATRE 163

Brown* G. P. James, Zoe Gaynor, Nellie Wright, Ada Foster,
Chas. Foster, M. R Pike, Joseph P. Winter, J. B. Browne, G. W.
Harrison, Mrs. W. G. Jones, Millie Sackett, Tillie 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. Hofele 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 Jullien 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. He was afterwards at
Niblo's, under Mr. Wheatley'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 i, 1887. Bijou Heron (Mrs, Henry Miller)
is his daughter.

After Thomas Baker left Jullien'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. Dod worth. George Loder
was a very clever musician, who came here from England
with the Lyster 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 Jullien'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."

Itobert Chas. Foster I Marie .... Mrs. W. G. Jones

Bcrtnmd . . . Gea C. Davenport I

"The Gunmaker of Moscow " was next acted, with Jos, P.
Winter as Ruric, Ethel 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

164 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [xsao

Wife," "Shot in the Eye," and "The Two Drovers." Edwin
Brink was in the last two mentioned.

July 7 a benefit was given to Manager F. W. Hofele. Rose and
Harry Watkins took a benefit Oct. 4, when "Trodden Down, or
Under Two Flags," was played with this cast:

Fergus McCarthy )
The Eireonoch )
Robert O'Hara .
Lord Desmond
Lanty O'Reardon .
Haloran ....

Harry Watkins

. Maurice Pike
. Chas. Foster
. . Neil Grey
. Edwin Cleary

Mary . . . .
Blanche . . .
Herricke Wolfe
Lady Desmond
Nelue Friery .

. Rose Watkins

. . Amy Lee

. J. P. Winter

May Edroondson

MiUie Sackett

Also the local drama by Harry Watkins, " Dick Drift, or A Son of
the Streets," cast as follows:

Dick Drift .... Harry Watkins

Eve Walton Amy Lee

Becky Fikkle .... Rose Watkins
Judge Sturner .... Chas. Foster
Gilbert Blotter . J. Winston Murray
Julian Sturner .... J. P. Winter

Miles Henley
London Bill
Tim Swipes
Capt. Man ton
Alice Stumer
Mad Castile

. Edwin Bany
. • Neil Grey
. John Walsfa
. Edwin Cleary
Kade Glassford
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. Hofele's
management.

The house was opened as a German theatre Thursday, Sept. 11,
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 eflEective 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, Fiebach, Kelly, Krauft, Liebe, Horn, Ahl, Schlarg, Telle,
Weiss, Spitzner, Grothusen, Arnold, Camara, Grunewald, Swartz,
Conried, Adolfi, Dombronsky, Luke, Schoenfeld, Schuelle,
Schmitz, Puis, Hauser, Rohbeck, Wagner, Loe, Lenoir, Jurgens,
Weinacht, 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. Genee'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 appeared in

I880 THE BOWERY THEATRE 165

this country. Her American d^but was at this theatre Jan. 5,
1 88 1, in ''The Grand Duchess/' and as Mme. Favart she appeared
Jan. 10, II, 12. Although the German stage in this country has
been rich in popular soubrettes, such as, for instance, Mme.
L'Arronge, of the old Stadt, and, more lately, Fraulein Hevnold,
Mathilde Cottrelly, and Fraulein Januschowsky, Geistinger was
superior to all, and her fame as a soubrette 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 Stubel's d^but 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 Naherinn " ("The
Seamstress") was acted Nov. 20. "The Mascot" was heard in
German Dec. 5, with Jenny Stubel as Bettina. "Der 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 Bamay made his American d^but 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. Bamay acted Uriel Acosta, injured his hand, and
again suspended his engagement. On Jan. 26 Mr. Bamay reap-
peared, acting Narcisse. Feb. 10 Barnay played King Lear; Feb.
16, Lord Essex; Feb. 23, Wallenstein. On Feb. 26, Josephine
Gallmeyer appeared. March 19 Bamay 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. "Der Bettelstudent " was given for the first time
Oct 19. "Die Afrikareise" ("A Trip to Africa"), an operetta
by Von Suppe, was sung for the first time here Dec 27. Mme.
Janisch made her American d^but here March 10, 1884, as Kate in
**Heilbron." March 17 D. E. Bandmann appeared as Narcisse.
Oct I Herr Pategg, Frau Schamberg, Fraulein Hiller, Herr Wal-
ter, and Fraulein Randow made their American debuts in "Die
Karlischiiler." The German comedy, "Reif Reiflinger" was first
acted here Oct 4, when Fraulein Von Hahn and Herr Stoeckel
made their American debuts. " Gemachter Mann " had its first
American performance Oct. 8. "Der Huetten Besitzer," Oscar
Blumenthars German version of " Le Maitre des Forges," was first

1 66 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE ZMs

acted in America Oct 17. On Oct. 24 "Das Volk, Wie es Weint
und Lacht/' a German musical farce, was played for the first time in
America. Oct. 30, Sophie Janauschek made her d^but as Vatesha in
" Der Veilchenfresser. " On Oct. 31, American d^but of Herr Otto-
meyer as Hamlet, in German. " In Damen Stift " was acted Nov.
d 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
Langweilt," the German version of " Le Monde, ou I'On s'Ennuie,"
was first seen in America Nov. 19. Jan. 2, 1885, ^^^ comic opera,
"Nanon,"was sung in the original German. Millocker's " Gas-
parone" was sung Feb. 21. Adolph Sonnentahl made his Ameri-
can d^but 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;" matinee March 14, "Ein AttSche;"
March 14, "Kean," which was repeated March 16; "Fromont, Jr.
and Riesler, Sr." March 17, 18; "Hamlet" March 19, 20; mating
March 21, "Tochter des Fabricus;" evening, " Lorbeerbaum und
Bettelstab;" matinee March 23, "Kean;" evening March 23,
"Lorbeerbaum und Bettelstab;" 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 1 Pauline Hall made her
d^but in German opera in " Die Fledermaus. " " Der Nihilist *'
("Fedora") was acted for the first time in America April 28.
May I "Der Feldprediger, " by Millocker, was sung for the first
time here. This opera was anglicized by Sydney Rosenfeld 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. i Hannah Nobert-Hagen made her American
d^but as Marie in " Czar und Zimmerman. " Otto Ratjens, Ludwig
Ziehmann, Walter HofiFman, and Franz Wackwitz also made their
American debuts on that occasion. " Der Weg zum Herzen " (" The
Way to the Heart "\ a comedy by A L'Arronge, was played for
the first time in America Oct. 5, when Emil Becker, August
Walter, Hugo Hasskeri and ^douard Possanki made their Amer-
ican debuts. Herminie Fanto first appeared in America Oct. 9 as
Maria in "Maria und Magdalena." Selma Kronold made her
American d^but Oct. 13, as Agatha in "Der Freyschutz." "Der
Bettelstudent " 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 Sabinerinnen " was acted for
the first time in America. It was from this play that Aug. Daly
adapted "A Night Ofif." "Glockchen des Eremiten" was done

i8»7D THE BOWERY THEATRE 167

Oct. 24, for the first time in this country. It was a version of '* Les
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 der Sabinerinnen,"
was given Jan. 11 for the first time. On Feb. 27 the musical farce
" Pechschulner " 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 Rennon first appeared
in this country in " Undine. "

Mr. Amberg began the season of 1886-7 Oct. i, with the follow-
ing company: Fraulein Sophie Offeney, operatic soubrette, from
the Walhalla Theatre in Berlin; Fraulein Ada Bergen, the new
leading dramatic lady from the Residenz Theatre in the same city ;
Herr Ferdinand Ruedinger, tenor, from the Theatre an der Wein,
and late director of the Stadt Theatre in Bremen ; Conductors A.
Reese, from Berlin, and E. Steindorf, from Bremen ; Herr Walter
Hasskerl, 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.
" Der Zigeunerbaron " (" The Gypsy Baron ") was sung for the first
time in German at this theatre Oct 5, and Max Schnelle made his
d^but in the title rdle. "Don Caesar" was heard Oct. 7, when
Sophie Offeney, Paula Varndal, Rudolf Swinhold and Alex. Rued-
inger made their American debuts. "Hundert Jungfrauen,** a
German version of " Les Cent Vierges," was sung Oct. 29. "Von
Schrot und Kom " was seen for the first time in America March
10, 1887, when Emil Thomas made his American d^but. "Der
Vater der Debutant in " was acted in German March 16, also for the
first time. Betty Damhoffer (Mrs. Emil Thomas) made her Amer-
ican d^but April 11 in " Se Sind Sie Alle. "

The next season opened Oct. i, 1887, with the American debuts
of Jennie Bohner and Carl Muehe. "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 made
his American d^but Oct. 15 as Zacharius Braesig in "Inspector
Braesig." Heinrich Boetel's American d^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 1887, 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 D«w

the Court Theatre, Berlin, to appear there, Mr. Amberg cancelled
her contract with him and she sailed for Europe in March, 1888.
She died in Berlin Sept. 21, 1890. On Nov. 4, Junkermann plaved
"Hanna Nute" for the first time in America; Nov. 15 H^lene
Livingstone made her American d^but in " Alessandro Stradella."
Ernst Possart made his American d^but Dec. 2 in " Die Bluthoch-
zeit" ("Bartholomew's Night"). Emanuel Lederer, Adolph
Werter, and Mme. Emily Von Aichsberg also made their American
debuts on this occasion. Margaret Fish made her American
d^but as a German-speaking star Dec. 6 in " Der Glucksengel "
("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. Alathilde Cottrelly 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 Deinet, 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 Fallissement," by
B. Bjornson, a four-act drama once adapted, under the title of
"Bankruptcy," for Lawrence Barrett, but never done by him, was
played. "Richard IIL" was acted Jan. 7 for Possart's benefit.
During the performance he was presented with a gold watch. On
Feb. 21, he appeared as Lear for the first time in America.
" Othello " was acted Feb. 27, as a benefit to Oscar Krueger,
when Possart played lago 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 dibut, playing the title rdle 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 10 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 i6th, "Don Carlos,"
with Gertrude Giers as Prinzessin Von Eboli, Possart as Philip IL ;
March 17, Possart as Mephistopheles in "Faust," first time in
America; March 19, "Manfred." "Faust" was repeated March

X888J THE BOWERY THEATRE 169

20-24; March 21a matinee performance was given in memory of the
late Emperor William ; March 22, "Kabaleund Liebe;" March 23,
"Jungfrau Von Orleans," for the benefit of Gertrude Giers, with
Possart as Raoul; March 26, "Die Schoene Helena" ("La Belle
Helene"), for the benefit of Ferd. Schutz. On this evening Herr
Possart appeared at the Metropolitan Opera House in "Die Rau-
ber," for the benefit of the German Poliklinik. Ludwig Bamay,
Ernst Possart, and Gertrude Giers — 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 Joumalisten : *' Herr Bamay as Conrad, Herr Possart as
Schmock; April 5, "Hamlet," Bamay as the hero and Possart as
Polonius. On April9"Kean" was given. Bamay and Possart
appeared in it at the Thalia. April 10 " Hamlet" was repeated ;
April II, "Die Memoiren des Teufels," Barnay as Robert, Possart
as Jean Gautier; April 19 "Faust" was repeated, with Possart as
Mephistopheles, Barnay (first time here) as Faust, and Fraulein
K^eichenbach as Margarethe; April 25 Possart and Barnay appeared
in Blumenthal's "Der Probepfeil" ("The Trial Shaft"), with Pos-
sart as Rittmeister A. D. von Dedenroth, and Barnay as Bogumil
Krasinski, the pianist. Bamay played the piano with much
facility. He took a benefit April 27, in "William TelL" May 7
£inil 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 Bamay
sailed for Europe the next morning. Gertrude Giers appeared for
the last time May 9. " Narcisse " was given May 10, for the benefit
of Frieze and Raub. On May 11" Dr. Klaus " was seen, with
Possart in the title rdle; May 12, Possart appeared as Napoleon;
May 14 he played Dr. Klaus, and for his farewell appearance,
May 15, "Die Bluthochzeit" For the benefit of Manager Amberg
and the last night of the season (May 19), the programme consisted
of "Chefrenden," 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
Frau Niemann-Raabe, 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
Heinrich Conried had organized for the support of his stars had
never before appeared on any German stage in this country, and
could hardly be surpassed. Possart is one of Germany's very

I JO A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1889

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 "Unknown." 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
Irish Hearts." June 4, Arizona Joe was the star; June 11, Ada
Gray; June 18, Corinne, who, on June 25, closed the season of
the house.

The theatre reopened Aug. 6, 1888, as Jacob's Thalia Theatre:
G. Amberg, lessee, H. 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;" "My Partner" was done Sept. 3; "Hoodman Blind,"
Sept. 10; "Kindergarten," Sept. 17; "Passion's Slave," Sept 24;
"Over the Garden Wall," Oct. i; Chas. T. Ellis came Oct. 8, in
"Caspar the Yodler; " " Wages of Sin," Oct. 15; " Romany Rye,"
Oct. 22 ; Edwin Arden Oct. 29, in " Barred Out ; " " We, Us, and
Co.," Nov. 5. Fanny Louise Buckingham appeared Nov. 12 in
"Mazeppa;" "Zitka" was done Nov. 19; Mrs. McKee Rankin
came Nov. 26 in "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 "Under Cover;" Walter
Sanford was seen Dec. 24 in " Under the Lash ; " J. B. Polk Dec.
31, in "Mixed Pickles;" "Hoodman Blind" came Jan. 7, 1889;
"Uncle Tom's Cabin," Jan. 14; "True Irish Hearts," Jan. 21;
Edwin Mayo Jan. 28, in " Silver Age ; " " Beacon Lights " was seen
Feb. 4; Joseph Dowling in "Nobody's Claim," Feb. 11; "The
Streets of New York," Feb. 18; N. S. Wood Feb. 25, in "Waifs
of New York;" March 4 Florence Bindley was seen in "Dot;"
"The Lights o' London " was played March 11 ; "Romany Rye,"
March 18. Martin Hayden came March 25 in "Boy Hero;" April
I Pat and Kate Rooney were seen in "Pat's Wardrobe;" Hartley
Campbell's play, "Fate," April 8; James M. Hardie and Sarah
Von Leer in "On the Frontier," April 15; Kate Pursell April 22,
in "Queen of the Plains;" "Skipped by the Light of the Moon,"
April 29; "Peck's Bad Boy," May 6; James H. Wallick week of
May 1 3, in " Cattle King " and " Bandit King ; " " Boy Tramp," May
20; Gray and Stephens May 27, in "The Old Oaken Bucket"

199^3 THE BOWERY THEATRE 171

The season closed June i, and soon afterwards H. R. Jacobs
was dispossessed* It appears that the theatre was leased from
Mr. Kramer in July, 1886, to G. Amberg 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. Amberg 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. Amberg executed a
release to Mr. Jacobs of his profits, leaving him to receive a fixed
sum of ^25,cxxx 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 Rosenfeld Brothers leased the house. Many
alterations were made, and it reopened Sept. 4, 1891, with The
Liliputians in "The Pupil in Magic." "The Dwarf's Wedding"
followed Oct. 6. H. R. Jacobs, on Oct 19, commenced suit to
recover the money deposited by him with Amberg 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.
Amberg was reinstated by the Court of Appeals. The Meiningen
Company made their American d^but Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1891, in
•* Julius Caesar." 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 Teutbary Forest ") was
given Dec 7. The Meiningcns closed Dec 19. The theatre was
dark until Christmas Day, when it was reopened with " Around the
World in Eighty Days," in German. "Vor Sonnentaufgang "
(" Before Sunrise ") was given for the first time in America, Jan.
II, 1892. Joseph Kainz, who had been at Amberg*s theatre and
was enjoined from acting here, appeared Jan. 14 in "Dcr Traume
in Leben." "Mary Stuart " was given Jan. 18; "Die Rauber,"
Jan. 21 ; " Hamlet " Jaa 26, with Herr Joseph Kainz as the melan-
choly Dane.

1/2 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CxSg.

On Feb. 4 Kainz appeared as Leon in " Weh dem der 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 rdle, 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 d6but Feb.
19 in "Napoleon's end": Napoleon, Carl Weiser; Countess, Frl.
Griebe. Marie Barkany first appeared here Feb. 24, as the heroine
in "Die Waise aus Lowood,*' a dramatization of "Jane Eyre," with
Herr Weiser as Lord Rochester; "Preciosa," Feb. 25; "Der
Registrater auf Reisen," Feb. 26, with the American d^butof Emil
Thomas as Casar Wichtig. Frl. Barkany was prevented from act-
ing Feb. 27, in consequence of an injunction served at the instance
of the managers of the Amberg Theatre. " Merchant of Venice "
was seen March i ; Mathilde Cottrelly came March 8 in " Ein
Leitche Person ; *' " Der Goldonkel " March 1 1. 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, Ed. J. Connelly;
Guy Hamfat Mofake, Geo. D. Melville; Romeo, Frank Melville;
Sig. Lambago, George Caron; Jimmie, 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 rdle for the first and only time : Desdemona, Fru.
Werner; lago, Herr Steingade. "Two Dead Men" was acted
Saturday night, July 15. It was 12 o'clock when the fifth act was
reached, 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 !" was the cry.
The curtain was rung down, but not before, in lieu of bouquets, an
assortment of apples, eggs, and broken seats were cast upon the
stage 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 there.

VAUXHALL GARDEN THEATRE

THE place of amusement known as the Vauxhall Garden and
Theatre was situated on the west side of Fourth Avenue,
opposite Cooper 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

18443 VAUXHALL GARDEN THEATRE 173

May 10, 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 13, 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. Bamum 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. Bamum 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 E. 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 Neal," "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 ^^e 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 NEW YORK STAGE C«»S5

soubrette; Caroline Chapman, leading; Sylvester Bleecker, 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 Mestayer, Frank Chanfrau, A. W.
Fenno, John Nickinson, Mrs. H. 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 Cleo-
patra" were played, and for Benj. A. Baker's benefit the musical
comedy " John of Paris *' was given. 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, g^ve 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-

MUQ NIBLO'S GARDEN 175

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 Whittaker, 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. Whittaker, 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 ^250 as a license fee.

NIBLOS GARDEN

IN early years, say 1800, a circus and training ground for race
horses, called the Stadium, was established on the northeast
comer of Broadway and Prince Street. The site was a portion of
the old Bayard farm, and was purchased by S. Van Rensaelaer for
f iS>ooa Shortly after the war of 1812 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 manv 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 exotics; fountains gushed and threw their spray into

176 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1830

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.
Gilfert, 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 1,200 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 " Rosina "
on Aug. 6. The season terminated on Aug. 19, 1827. George
Holland appeared in "Whims of a Comedy."
The following is a copy of one of the programmes of the day:

THEATRE SANS SOUCI.

Last Night. Great Attraction.

Mr. Walton, Howard, Chapman, Mrs. Lacombe, Mrs. Blake, Mens. Mathisi
Herr Cline, and the Parisian dancers. Tuesday evening, Aug. 19, 1828, will be
presented the opera of *' Rosina." This is probably the only opportunity which
will ever occur of presenting this popular and admired opera, with decidedly the
strongest cast ever o£Eered in America :

Capt. Belville .... Jas. Howard Irishman AUen

Mr. Belvil .... Thomas Walton Rosina Mrs. Lacombe

William W. B. Chapman Phoebe .... Mrs. W. R. Blake

Song by Mr. Walton, after which Mons. Mathis will, for the first time,
astonish the audience by his surprising and peculiar feats of strength and agility,
and now, for the first time in New York, give his imitations of the celebrated
Sena Sama. He will also appear as the French Hercules and perform his won-
derful feats. Celebrated Indian War Dance by Mr. Schinotti; song, Mr.
Howard; Herr Cline on the elastic cord; duet by Howard and Walton; the
Parisian Dancers, Mons. Barbiere, Mme. Labasse, and Mile. Rosalie, who
appear in Trojan Pas de Trois ; the whole to conclude with Mons. Mathis ia
the comic scene " The Cobbler upon Stilts Five Feet High." Prices of admis-
sion : Boxes, 50 cts. ; pit, 25 cts. The entrance to the theatre is by the north gate
on Broadway.

On May 18, 1829, the "Sans Souci" was converted into a
concert saloon, and opened with a musical festival. Mr. Nibl
soon erected a larger and more perfect theatre which he callecS>
Niblo's Garden. The stage was 75 ft. wide, 67 ft. deep, an
44 ft high.

A programme of Niblo's in 1830 shows that the price of admi:
sion had been slightly increased. A ticket admitting a gentlem
and lady was sold for $1, but single tickets cost 75 cents. t/K,

NIBLO'S GARDEN 177

m Mitchell opened here June 3, 1834, with a large and tal-
company. Among the productions was " The Revolt of the
i," with Mmes. Dejardin and Vallee, Miss Partington,
ny, Mons. Marten, and Mr. Wells in the principal rdles.
2II was not successful. During the summer of 1837 a series
certs were given under the direction of a Mr. Watson, in
m to which the Ravels appeared. This induced the forma-
■ a vaudeville company by Joseph JefiFerson and John Sefton.
ampagnologian Bellringers first appeared in America Sept
:his house. The entrance from Broadway to the saloon was
d and the Garden enclosed and made comfortable, and in
[uence there was no postponement on account of bad weather.
14 Clementine De Bar — afterwards Mrs. J. B. Booth, Jr. —
her first appearance in New York on the occasion of Mrs.
t's benefit, playing Rosa in "John of Paris." The season

in the Garden on Sept. 23 with a benefit to Gabriel Ravel,
ramatic season closed Oct. 7. Among that company were
erson, Thayer, Thomas, Lewellen, Plumer, T. Bishop, Henry
ton, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Maeder,
.lexina Fisher. During that season J. W. Wallack, Jr.,
ed.

house was reopened in the spring of 1838 with concerts,

the direction of Mr. Watson, and a dramatic season was
meed June 11, under the management of John Sefton. The

Family alternated their performances with the dramatic
ny. The season ended Sept. 21. It was resumed June 5,
with concerts by Mr. and Mrs. Seguin, Mr. and Mrs. C. E.
(formerly Miss Horton), T. Bishop, and Mr. Maynard as
pals. These concerts were alternated with the performances
Ravel Family. The dramatic season commenced June 25,
V. E. Burton as the star. Aug. 28 the Ravel Family pro-
the pantomime of " The Green Monster " for the first time in
ca. The dramatic season closed Sept. 12, and the Ravels
ued their performances somewhat later in the month. Sept.
39, the National Theatre burning down, the lessee and man-
fames W. Wallack, leased Niblo's Garden, and removed his

company there, opening Oct. i with Charles Kean as
rd in., and "Yankee" Hill made his first appearance after
:um from Europe. The company engaged was without doubt

the very best ever seen at that time in America, and con-

of Jas. Browne, Lambert Jamison, Horncastle, Henry

:k, W. H. Williams, Slater, J. W. Wallack, Jr., A. J.

, Andrews, Powell, Walton, Gilbert, Rogers, Baldock,

r, Newton, Bennett, Stuart (call boy), Ferrers (prompter) ;

im Mitchell, stage manager; James Smith, treasurer; James

allack. Sen., manager; Mmes. H. Wallack, Plumer, Bailey,

178 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1840

Sefton, Russell, Rogers, Misses Monier and Ayres. The chorus
consisted of Thornton, Kavanagh, R. Duggan, Purnell, Soloman,
Coad, Williams, Meyers, Mrs. Coad, Ferrers, Baldock, Everard,
Thornton, Burnett, Taylor, Singleton, and Gault. Mcintosh was
musical director. John Vandenhoff 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 d^but, playing Julia in "The Hunchback." The opera
of " Gustavus " was produced here in magnificent style, with
Sheriff, Wilson, and Seguin in the cast Edwin Forrest closed
the season Nov. 18 with Macbeth. June i, 1840, the theatre
reopened with the Ravels and a dramatic company under the super-
vision of W. Chippendale, W. E. 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 d€but 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, ^^ ^^ok 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-
hoflf, 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
d^but 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

leared in this city in July, 1842, at the Park Theatre. In
smber, 1842, they returned to Europe. Mr. Buckstone died
ondon, Oct. 31, 1879, ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ seventy-seven. He had
' serious reverses the last years of his life, and appeals were
t several times on his behalf for aid to him and his family,
vas a prolific dramatic writer and was the author of many of
3est dramas, comedies, and farces in the English language.

of his sons, John C. and Rowland Buckstone, have acted
lis country.

le Ravels did not appear again until Sept. 20, and the season
d Oct. 27, a step that was rendered necessary by the airy

of the saloon and the increasing coolness of the weather.

I, 1842, the Ravels opened the season, playing four nights
ureek, and a dramatic company under W. Chippendale's man-
ent acted on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Aug. i
culm, or the Night Owl," was produced. The dramatic
»n closed Sept. 28, but the Ravels continued until Oct. 29.
>'s Theatre — disconnected from the gardens — was opened
19, 1843, by a company of French comedians and vocalists

New Orleans, La. The gardens were thrown open on June
th John Sefton as director of entertainments. The French
English companies played on alternate nights. Mr. Burton
Charles M. Walcot were in the company. It will doubtless
ise many enthusiastic attendants of the Italian opera to learn
in the summer of 1843 "Mme. Calve, a very delightful canta-
and a bewitching actress, appeared in the opera of ' L' Ambas-
:e.' " July 6 the Ravels appeared, and thereafter played four
s a week, the others being occupied by the French company.

9 the English performances were resumed. The farces of
i Blue Domino " and '' He 's Not a Miss " constituted the bill,
in the latter K L. Davenport made his first appearance in
York, playing Frederick Fitzallen. Sept. 15 a brief season
ilian opera was begun, and the season ended Sept. 23. June
44, Mr. Mitchell transferred his entire company, Mr. Walcot
Mrs. Timm excepted, from the Olympic to Niblo's Garden,
ing with an English version of "The Child of the Regiment,"
sung for the first time. Mary Taylor was the Marie,
e polka was first danced in New York at this house by Mary
>r and H. Wells, June 17, 1844, in a sketch called '^Polka-
a." On June 21 Wardle Corbyn reopened it, with John
gham as the stellar attraction, and John Dunn (Rascal Jack^
t his d^but in America. John Dunn died in Australia, sud-
r, Aug. 17, 1875, as he was proceeding to the Opera House to
in the farce "The Fool of the Family," with Mr. and Mrs.
s C. Williamson. He was seen suddenly to fall, and was
ediately conveyed in a cab to the hospital, where, upon being

l8o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»5o

examined, life was pronounced to be extinct. Mr. Dunn was a
general favorite. He was buried on Aug. i8 in the Melbourne
Cemetery. His real name was Donohue.

The summer season commenced June 4, W. Chippendale and
John Sefton managers. The company consisted of Henry and
Thomas Placide, Matthews (father of Julia Matthews), Mr. and
Mrs. 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
Academy in Broome Street), Mrs. Vernon, Julia Matthews and Miss
Hildreth (afterwards Mrs. W. E. Burton> In August "The
Poor Gentleman " was played, with Henry Placide as Dr. Ollapod,
Burton as Bramble, Brougham as Frederic, Chippendale as Hum-
phrey and Sefton as Stephen. June 16 Mr. Roberts, a light
comedian, made his American d^but. The French troupe began
Aug. 25 and played until Sept. 22. Oct. 13 Mrs. Crisp made her
American d^buL 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 la
July 7 Mile. Blangy, danseuse, made her first appearance in
America. Sept. 12 J. H. Hackett 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. Th&
fiames spread with such rapidity that in a very short time the=

whole block bounded by Broadway, Prince Street, Crosby Stree
and the new club-house, was consumed. The fire was supposed t
have originated under the stage. The Ravel Family were hea'
losers. Three years later, July 30, 1849, ^^^ summer theatre i
Niblo's Garden — rebuilt and surpassing in elegance all its pred
cessors — was thrown open under the general management of M
Chippendale, and with John Sefton as the stage director.
Ravels, who had returned from Europe, were the opening attra
tion. Aug. I, a dramatic company, the principal members
which were Charles Burke, W. Chippendale, John Sefton,
Andrews, Dawison, 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 Berton
made their American dibut The dramatic season closed Nov. 24,
but the Ravels continued, producing Dec 20 "Raoul, or the
Magic Star," for the first time. Their season terminated Jan. 8,
1850. May 13 it was reopened, with John Brougham and W.
Chippendale as the dramatic managers. Charlotte Cushman, who
had been a member of the stock company here some seasons previ-
ously, played Meg Merrilies June 10 for that night only, prior to

iHil NIBLO'S GARDEN l8l

fisiting Europe, where she remained a very brief time, arriving in
New York on the morning of Aug. 30, and commencing an engage-
ment that evening, playing Meg Merrilies, and closing the season,
Aug. 31, as Mrs. Haller in "The Stranger." Sept 2 the Ravels
returned and gave a long season, closing on Dec 3i» on which date
Adelaide Lehman, a member of that troupe, died from injuries
received by her clothes taking fire a few nights before. Jan. 23,
185 1, 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 Mme. Anna
Bishop.

On Feb. 3, 185 1, Mons. Jean Rousset 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 rWallack), John Dunn, John Sefton, Skerrett,
Humphrey Bland, J. Delmon Grace, John Moore, George Holman,
Mrs. J. W. Wallacic, 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. 191 John Dvott was seen as Armand in Mrs. Mowatt 's play
of that name. ''Armand" was originally produced at the Parle
Theatre, Sept. 27, 1847, with R L. 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 16, after two years' absence,
and alternated with the Ravels. Mme. Anna Thillon made her
aq>pearance Sept. 18, in the opera of " The Crown Diamonds " — its
first English performance in America. Oct 12 a season of Italian
m>era 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 Patti, 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 g^oss receipts were
given in aid of the Kossuth Fund. Gen. Louis Kossuth attended

1 82 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«5*

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. Ruf us Blake, Sir Anthony Absolute ; Miss
Wallack, Lydia; and Mary Taylor, Lucy.

The Artists' Union inaugurated a season of Italian opera Jan.
i6, 1852, with ''Don Pasquale." Bosio, Badiali, Lorini, San-
quirica, and Biondi were in the cast. The opera nights were
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In consequence of the prepara-
tions for "The Corsican Brothers," there was no performance
June 5, but June 8 saw its initial production, with Mrs. Vickery
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 comique, called "A Midsummer Night's Dream,**
was given for the first time in America. Elizabeth, Mme. Flcury
Jolly; Olivia, Mme. Pillot; Nelly, Mme. Diguet; Jeremy, Mon-
telat; Shakespeare, Mr. Diguet; 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 d^but, and Aug. 30 Emma Fitz-
Patrick and Charles Wheatleigh made their first appearance in
America as Letitia Hardy and Doricourt 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 i
Mile. Demelisse made her American d^but ; Sept. 2 was the first
night of "The Barber of Seville," a ballet divertissement with
Seiiorita 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. Lynne took a benefit, when the following volunteers
appeared: Jas. Browne, Mile. Ducy, Spanish dancer (first appear-
ance), W. Davidge, Wells, Schmidt, Mile. Th^r&se, Leon Javelli,
Chas. Winther, Master Jerome, La Petite Winther, T. D. Rice,
A. Sedgwick, S. Leach, Mr. and Mrs. Sloan, Chas. Wheatleigh,
Ada Harcourt, and Mrs. Hield.

On Oct 25, Amy Fitzpatrick played Constance in "The Love
Chase;" Oct 29 "London Assurance" was done with James

la^ NIBLO'S GARDEN 183

Browne as Sir Harcourt Courtley, Emma Fitzpatrick as Lady Gay,
Chas. Wheatleigh as Dazzle, Mrs. Sloan as Grace; Oct. 30 M.
If ege 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 Tcon-
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
first appearance in America Nov. 19, singing Edgar in " Lucia di
Lammermoor;" Nov. 22, "La Somnambula;" Nov. 30^ " Linda di
Chamouni; " Dec. 2, "Martha; " Dec. 6, "The Crown Diamonds;"
Dec 7, first night of Caroline Rousset 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 Fisher- Maeder, Lyster, and G. Herron 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 $1^ according to location. Mme. Sontag
sang Maria in "La Figlia del Regimento," Sig. Cesare Badiali
was the Sergeant, and Sig. Pozzolini, Tonio. On Jan. 17, "The
Barber of Seville;" Jan. 21, "Lucrezia 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 being the chief artist, and Max Maretzekand Sig.
Arditi conductors. The initial opera was "Don Pasquale," with
Marini, Salvi, Benevento, and Signora Alboni in the cast The
opera nights were Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
April 2, "La Figlia del Regimento;" April 4, "II Barbicre de
Scviglia;" 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 Hiffert in a song,
''A Morning Call," with the last appearance in America of Miss
Fitzpatrick as Mrs. Chillington; M. W. Leffingpvell 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. K Burton opened as Job Thombcrry in " John

184 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE &»«

Bull/' supported by the Chambers Street Theatre company. The
Ravel Family followed with "The Green Monster" and "The
White Knight." Mons. Antoine Ravel, Jerome Ravel, Fran-
cois Ravel, Marzetti, Paul Brilliant, De Melisse, Mme. Alex,
M. Blondin and the Martinetti 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. Maeder, and Leacn were in
Mme. Thillon's company. "The Bohemian Girl" was sung July
20 for the first time in six years. Mme. Anna Thillon (first time)
was the Arline, Mrs. Maeder the Gipsy Queen, Frazer (first
appearance) Thaddeus, and Hudson Devilsboof ; 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; Josi, Frazer; Pierre, Hudson; Count De Teimer,
Mr. Leach; Sept i, 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 Regi-
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 rdle, Steffanone as Elvira; Oct. 3, first appear-
ance in two years of Signora Bertucca Maretzek, when she sang
Rosina in "The Barber of Seville;" Oct. 4, first appearance of
Yrca Mathias in the ballet "Paquita."

The Ravels closed Oct. 20, with the pantomimes "Robert
Macaire " and "Medina." Nov. 4, the dancers Mile. Christine
Leeder, Mile. Melanie Droud, and M. Dumar made their American
d^but; on Nov. 25, 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 Antoine Ravel in the chief rdles. 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 Parthenia; on May 18, "Adrienne,
the Actress " : Adrienne, Mrs. Mowatt ; Maurice de Saxe, Barton
Hill; Abbe, Thos. B. De Walde. May 20, "King Rene's Daugh-
ter," with Mrs. Mowatt as lolanthe, and Barton Hill, Count Tris-
tan ; also "The Honeymoon " : Juliana, Mrs. Mowatt ; Duke Aranza,

i>S4D

NIBLO'S GARDEN

i8s

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 Mrs. Mowatt

Col. Damas .... Geo. Andrews
Claude Melnotte . . Walter Keeble

Glavis T. B. DeWalden

Beauseant Foster

Mme. Deschapelles . . . Mrs. Mann

The receipts were jl6,cxx). 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, Eng., 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, ^^ ^^^
Park Theatre, as Pauline, in "The Lady of Lyons."

Mme. Anna Thillon reappeared in English opera July 4, 1854,
supported by Frazer, Reynolds, Meyer, Lyster, A. Andrews, and
Mrs. Clara Fisher Maeder. They opened in "The Enchantress."
"The Bohemian Girl" was sung July 11. 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 Caesar," and the musical farce, "The Waterman," was
given, Mr. Frazer acting Tom Tug. On July 18 Mme. Thillon
took her benefit, and appeared as Arline in "The Bohemian Girl."
This was announced as her last appearance on the stage, but she
appeared Aug. 8 as Zerlina 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. Maeder, 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
rdle), "The Irish Lion," "Mischievous Annie" and "Charles XL"
John R. Scott was the Captain Copp and Harry Perry, Charles H.
Burton took a benefit Aug. 31, when "The Serious Family" was
acted with this cast :

1 86 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»5i

Aminidab Sleek Burton I Chas. Torrens C. Fisher

Murphy Maguire . . . Geo. Jordan | Lady Creamley . . . Mrs. Maeder

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 "Toodles." The
Ravels then reappeared, and on Sept 18 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
Faced Frenchman." The Ravels closed Oct. 21, with "Robert
Macaire," "Jocko," "La Perle d' Andalousie " and "Asphodel."
Jerome and Francois returned to France. Antoine and other mem-
bers of the company made a tour through the Southern States.

The Bateman 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
Bateman as the Dane. On Oct. 27 the Rousset Sisters appeared,
in conjunction with the Batemans. 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. II, and made her farewell appearance. Owing to illness,
Ellen Bateman did not appear. The first regularly organized com-
pany for the production of Italian opera 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. Horncastle, baritone; Miss Brienti, Frank
Boudinet, Thos. Baker, conductor, and Herr Herwig, leader. Al-
though they kept the boards from Nov. 20 to Jan. 3, 1855, ^^^
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 " The Savage and the Maiden " were sung.

A German opera company played through the month of March,
and the regular season began May 23, with the Pyne 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 Mme. Scheerer Johannsen made her first appearance in con-
junction with a German opera company that performed during
that month. Dec. i "Young America," a youth four years of age,
made his first appearance, performing on the tight rope. Dec.
15, the Pyne and Harrison Opera Company reappeared, and Charles

18583 NIBLO'S GARDEN 187

Guilmette made a first appearance. They continued until January,
1857. April 13, Maretzek commenced a season of Italian opera,
with Mme. 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 Sig^orina Theresa Rolla made
her d^but in the ballet of ** Paquita." The Ravels continued until
January, 1858, when they gave place to Dan Rice's Equestrian
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, G.
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
Gay, Charlotte Cushman ; Grace, Mary Devlin ; Pert, Ida Vernon ;
Sir Harcourt, H. Placide; Max, John Gilbert; Dazzle, Wm. R.
Blake; Meddle, John Brougham; and Charles Courtley, 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 Cool. 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 engagement, and on October 4 they appeared in " Pau-
vrette," 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 Pope 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 d^but of W. H. Maddocks. "Jessie Brown, or the Relief of
Lucknow," was acted Nov. 7, when George Pauncefort first ap-
peared in New York as Randall McGregor; "The Phantom" and
the "Young Actress," Dion Boucicault in the first drama, and
Agnes Robertson in the latter, it being the fifty-fifth night of that
actress.

Nov. 22 Gabriel and Francois Ravel reappeared with a company,
and played until Dec. 18. The house was then closed until James

1 88 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DMo

M. Nixon and company appeared January 27, 1859, ^^^ remained
until April I2. 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 i, 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:
** The 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,cxx) 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 Hayne was Eddy's first star, who opened April 18 as
Neal Caverly in "SeSor Valiente," with Eddy in the title rdle;
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 "La Bayadere" and "Two Buzzards"
were seen; June 3 Lucy Escott appeared as Diana Vernon in
"Rob Roy;" June 6 Miranda the tenor sang Thaddeus, and Lucy
Escott, Arline 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 "Dombey and Son," "Robert Macaire" and
"Pizarro" formed the bill. July 11 Wm. E. Burton appeared in
"The Breach of Promise" and "Toodles;" July 15 A. H. Daven-
port took a benefit, when Maggie Mitchell, F. B. Conway, Eph
Horn, Eddy, and many others volunteered. Maggie Mitchell
played Katty O'Sheal in the drama of that name July 16. Wm. K
Burton acted Capt. Cuttle in "Dombey and Son" July 18; Edwin-
Booth played lago to Chas. Pope's Othello and Sara Stevens"
Desdemona July 30. Francois and Gabriel Ravel appeared.
August I.

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 " Camille "
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.

iMo]

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, ^
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 dicKl 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, 1 86a The seats for the initial performance were sold at
auction. The company engaged to support Mr. Forrest comprised
D. 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,
Mme. 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, CharlesFisher, 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 his
American d^but as Toby Twinkle. " Still Waters Run Deep " was
given Oct 13, with Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Conway as Mr. and Mrs.
John 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 de Valerie D. H. Harkins
AbW Latoar . . . Charles Fisher
Robert Landry ... F. B. Conwav

iacques Legrand . . . James Canoll
Icboul Mr. Martin

Toupe Chester

Jocnsse T. E. Morris

Catharine Duval .Mrs. F. B. Con way
Cerisette Kate Fisher

Edwin F'orrest played "Othello" Oct. 30, with F. B. Conway as
lago, Chas. Fisher as Cassio, Chester as Roderigo, Mrs. F. B.
Conway as Desdcmona, and Mme. Ponisi as Kmelia. A benefit

190 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DWi

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. Westfeildt, D. Miranda,
F. Rudolphsen, Geo. Simpson, G. W. Morgan, Jerome Hopkins,
T. A. Hogan and Dr. C. A. Guilmette; the farce of ''Sudden
Thoughts; " and "All That Glitters Is Not Gold."

Nov. 15 "The Wreck Ashore," was played under the title of
"The Pirate Lover." "Louise de Lignerolles, or A Woman's
Devotion " was played Nov. 22, with this cast : Louise de Ligne-
rolles, Mrs. F. B. Conway; Colonel de Givry, F. B. Conway;
Henri de Lignerolles, D. H. Harkins; Cecile 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, 10, 12, and 14, with Mme. Ponisi as
Lady Macbeth, F. B. Conway as Macduff. "Richard III." was
Forrest's next assumption, Dec. 17, 19, 21, and 24.

Dec 22 a company of French Zouaves, who had distinguished
themselves during the Crimean War, made their d^but in America.
Their entertainment consisted of pantomime, ballet, and militarv
drill. On Christmas night, " Eugenia, or the New Found Home,
was played, and on Dec. 26 Forrest acted Spartacus in "The
Gladiator."

Jan. 5, 1861, Mr. Rarey, the horse-tamer, commenced a series
of lectures, which were repeated during Mr. Forrest's off nights.
Jan. 9, the fiftieth night of Mr. Forrest's engagement, he played
Damon in "Damon and Pythias." On Jan. 12 Blondin appeared,
and 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

Viscount Sirval . Brookhouse Bowler
Pierotto . . . Anna Kemp Bowler

Antonio Aynsley Cooke

Fanchetta Kate Fisher

Conductor .... Carl Anschatx

Forrest played "Jack Cade" 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 d^but as
Zerlina in "Fra Diavolo." Sig. Tophoflf and Annetta Galetti
danced in the opera. March 5, for the benefit of Aynsley Cooke,
and last night of the opera season, "The Bohemian Girl" was
given, and the following volunteers appeared: Mme. Theleure,
Mens. Wiethoff, Ben Yates, Sig. Tophoff and Mile. Galetti.

Frank Chanfrau began an engagement March 7, in "The
Widow's Victim " and " Toodles. " On March 9 the Ronzani Ballet
Troupe gave an entertainment. "La Bayadere" was rendered

NIBLO'S GARDEN

191

I 19, with the following cast: The Unknown, Brookhouse
x; Otifour, Aynsley Cooke; the Chapdhour, W. Cooke; and
la, Harriet Payne (Mrs. Aynsley Cooke).
March 28 James Nixon commenced, on the alternate nights
t balance of Forrest's season, with a circus company. Forrest
lated his engagement of ninety performances on March 29
Damon, for a benefit to the families of the New York Fire
tment of Volunteers.

•m April 29 to Dec. 23 of the same year (1861) the house
ned closed. Prof. Herrmann began an engagement Dec. 23
the management of Bernard Ullman. William Niblo retired
the lesseeship in May, 1861.

T. Stewart had the house improved in August, 1861. The
St benches were taken out and movable chairs substituted,
eason was begun Jan. 7, 1862, by the Wallack-Jarrett-Daven-
X)mpany, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr.,
Davenport, Wm. Wheatley, Thomas Placide, Geo. W. Ryer,
Smith, Lewis Baker, Harry Langdon, Walter Lennox, Sevan,
iaisdell, Charles Hale, Chas. Barron, R. Germon, Kingsland,
tt, Ferguson, Mrs. W. R. Blake, Julia Bennett Barrow, Julia
J and Josephine Henry. They opened in " The School for
lal," with Mark Smith as Sir Peter, Geo. Ryer as Sir Oliver,
am Wheatley as Charles, Jas. W. Wallack as Joseph, E. L.
iport as Sir Benjamin, Thomas Placide as Crabtree, Julia
;tt Barrow as Lady Teazle and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr. , as
Candour. On Jan. 8 " Hamlet " was given with Davenport
e hero, Wheatley as Laertes, Walladk as the Ghost, Geo.
as Claudius, Langdon as Horatio, T. Placide as First Grave-
r, Julia Bennett Barrow as Ophelia, and Mrs. Wallack as
q; Jan. 11, "Othello," Davenport as the Moor; Wallack,
On Jan. 13, "King of the Commons;" on Jan. 15 "Julius
r" was produced: Julius Caesar, Geo. Ryer; Cassius, Jas. W.
ick, Jr. ; Brutus, E. L. Davenport ; Mark Antony, Wm.
tley ; Casca, Mark Smith ; Portia, Julia Bennett Barrow. On
22 James Hackett joined the combination, and appeared as
aff in "King Henry IV.," supported by Wheatley, Ryer,
Smith, and others. On Jan. 23, "The Stranger" and "The
ymoon" were given. On Jan. 31 "The Merry Wives of
sor" was done with this cast:

Mrs. Ford . . Julia Bennett Barrow
Mrs. Page Mrs. James W. Wallack, Jr.
Anne Page . . . Josephine Henry

I Mr. Hackett

nd Mr. Wallack

igfa Evans . . Walter Lennox
w Mark Smith

Feb. 6, for the benefit of Mr. Hackett, "His Last Legs,"
•ost Office Mistake," "A Yankee in England," and "A Ken-
an in New York " were given.

192 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«*

On Feb. 11 Hackett 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
Stranger" and "The Honeymoon;" and "The Colleen Bawn"
was given Feb. 17 with this cast:

Eily O'Connor . . Mrs. John Wood

Shelah Mary Wells

Mrs. Cregan .... Mrs. Vtning
Ducie Blennerh asset Josephine Henry
Anne Chute . . . Emma Taylor

Myles na Coppalleen
Hardress Cregan .
Danny Mann . .
Father Tom . • .

John CoUini

L. R. Shewefl

Wm. ScaUan

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."
On April i, "Wild Oats" and "Black Eyed Susan/' April 2,

The Hunchback " : Master Walter, James W. Wallack, Jr. ; Sir
Thomas Clifford, Wheatley; Modus, Davenport; and Julia, Mrs.
Mary Gladstane, her first appearance here. On April 7 "The
Rivals" was presented with this memorable cast:

Sir Anthony Absolute . John Gilbert
Sir Lucius O'Trigger E. L. Davenport
Captain Absolute . . Wm. Wheatley

Bob Acres T. Placide

Faulkland . . . J. W. Wallack Jr.

David Wm. ScaUan

Lydia Languish . . Mrs. Gladstane

Julia Emma Tavlor

Mrs. Malaprop . . . Mary Wells
Lucy Mrs. Skerrett

April 8, for the benefit of Wm. Wheatley, " 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" K L.
Davenport acted Rolla, J. W. Wallack Pizarro, and Mrs. Wallack
Elvira. April 10 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
Nugues James Dunn

{ulio George Ryer
Metro . . . . D. B. Van Deren
Don Sylvio .... Wm. Wheatley

Dr. Mathanasius
Duke D*Aquila
Mumba Jumba
Page . . . .
Stella . . . .
Spirit of Good .

. Peter Richinjgs
Tames Collier
. Walter Lennox
. Fanny Denham
Caroline Richings
. Annetta Galetd

This ran until June 9, when Auber's opera, "The Syren,**
arranged by Caroline Richings, was produced and cast as follows :
Scopetto, E. L. Davenport; Duke de Popoli, John Gilbert; Bol-

Ufa] NIBLO'S GARDEN 1 93

baya, Peter Richings; Scipia, L. R. Shewell; Pecchione, Frank
Boudinot; Pietro, James Dunn; Grand Judge, Aug. S. Pennoyer;
Captain of Chasseurs, Mr. Maeder; Officer, Mr. Germon; Mathia,
Clara Fisher Maeder; Zerlina, Caroline Richings.

On June 23 the bill was "The Daughter of the Regiment," with
this cast :

Cartouche .... Peter Richings

Tonio L. R. Shewell

Hortensius . . . John T. Raymond
Loois Mr. Maeder

Notary .... Aug. S. Pennoyer

Maria Caroline Richings

Marchioness Qara Fisher Maeder

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 Maeder. Peter Richings
appeared as George Washington, and Caroline Richings as the
Goddess of Liberty in an allegory called "Washington." "The
Night Dancers " was done July 7, and the season closed July 14.

The house reopened July 21, with William Wheat ley 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. Scallan; 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, Marzetti, Axtel, Tophoff, Henry, Toledo, and
Madame Marzetti appeared ; a pas de deux by Mme. Marzetti and
Sig. Tophoff; a triple trapeze act by Young America; and the
^arce of "The Whites and the Browns," the characters in which
-vere sustained by J. G. Burnett, L. R. Shewell, Tom Placide, Mary
^ells, and Emma Taylor constituted the bill. On Sept. 13 Gabriel
Havel 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. McCullough,
[-W R. Shewell, J. G. Burnett, James Canoll, Edward Lamb, J. W.
-oilier, James Martin, George Becks, C. Kingsland, T. E. Morris,
arnes Ward, Wheatley, Mrs. Mary Gladstane, Mme. Ponisi, Mrs.
- R. Scott, Mary Wells, Josephine Henry, and Harvey B. Dod-
''Oxth as musical director. Forrest played for eight weeks, ap-
•^^ring on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of each
^o^k. He produced " Hamlet," " Richelieu," " Othello," " Damon
«cj Pythias," "Virginius," "King Lear," "Pizarro," "Richard
II.," "The Gladiator," "The Lady of Lyons," and "Jack Cade."
^nies H. Hackett appeared Tuesday and Saturday, from the open-
'^gof the season until Oct. 2?i. His impersonations were Falstaff,
«^ "King Henry IV." and in "The Merry Wives of Windsor;"

»3

194 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [is^

Sir Pertinax McSycophant, in " The Man of the World ;" Rip, in
"Rip Van Winkle;" Felix O'Callaghan, in "His Last Legs," and
Monsieur 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. i, and subsequent Tuesdays and Saturdays,
Matilda Heron appeared in " Camille," supported by L. R. Shewell
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 eight years, in "The
Broker of Bogota." Matilda Heron appeared as Camille on Mr.
Forrest's off nights until Dec. 9, when she produced a dramatiza-
tion of Mrs. Henry Wood's novel, "East Lynne," entitled "Edith,
or the Earl's Daughter," cast as follows:

Edith Matilda Heron

Fanchette . . . Josephine Henry
Mabel Keith . . Mrs. T. H. AUen
Miss Sempronia Morleigh Mary Wells
Justice Obadiah Grout Thos. Placide

James Tames T. Ward

Alfred Morleigh . John McCnlloag^
Sir Mortimer Rashton L. R. SheweO
Champinsus . . . Geoige Becks
Richard Keidi .... J. W. Collier

The dramatization was by B. E. Woolf. Mr. Forrest closed
Dec. 15, and Miss Heron on Dec. 20. James B. Roberts and the
stock company gave " Faust and Marguerite " Dec 22^ with this
cast:

Mephisto .... James B. Roberts

Faust L. R. Shewell

Brander A. W. Fenno

Valentine • . . . J. W. Lanergan

Marguerite .... Emily Thome

Martha Marv Wells

Helene .... Mrs. Mark Smith

Mr. Roberts had a benefit Jan. 13, 1863, Miss Thome following
Jan. 14, when she presented "Faust" and "A Loan of a Lover."
On Jan. 15, 16, 17 Daniel E. Bandmann acted Shylock in "The
Merchant of Venice," in English. On Jan. 19 Kate Bateman be-
gan an engagement in a play adapted from Mosenthal's " Deborah**
and then acted for the first time in English under the title oC
" Leah the Forsaken. " This was the cast :

Leah Bateman

Maddelena . . Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau
Madame Groschen Mrs. EmmaSkerrett
Sarah .... Mrs. H. P. Grattan
Rudolph Edwin Adams

Nathan . . . Jas. W. WaUack Jr.
Father Lorenz ... J. G. Burners
Father Hermann . . J. W. Lanerga^s
Ludwig Edward Launl)

It proved a great success and continued until March 16, when "Tbc
" Enchantress " was revived.

On March 20 Matilda Heron came in "Edith." On April 13,

iMd

NIBLO'S GARDEN

195

"Camille;" on April 20 Miss Heron presented "Aurora Floyd,"
dramatized by Charles Gayler, from Miss Braddon's novel, with
this cast :

Aurora Flovd . . . Matilda Heron
Lucy Floy a . . Mrs. Geo. C. Jordan

Mrs. PoweU Mary WeUs

Mrs. Alexander Floyd Mrs. J. R. Scott

Steve Hai|;reaves
John Mellish
Jas. Conyers . .

George Jamison
. L. K. Shewell
Frank Mordaont

Kate Bateman returned May 4 in "Leah/' and continued it
until May 25, when she acted Julia in "The Hunchback." On
May 27, 28 "Geraldine" was played, with H. L. Bateman (her
father) in the cast. Miss Bateman acted Bianca in "Fazio" for
her last performances, May 29 and 30.

A summer season opened June i, with the production of "The
Duke'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.
Dodworth. " The Duke's Motto " was thus cast :

Carrickfergns . . . .John Collins
Capt Henri de Lagardere Wm.Wheatlev
Prince De Gonzagues . L. R. SheweU
Hector Peyrolles . . Edward Lamb
Kegent Orleans ... J. W. Collier
Duke De Nevers . Frank Mordaunt

Lemuel J. G. Burnett

Malicome .... Mr. Simpson
Duchess De Nevers Madame Ponisi
Blanche .... Mrs. J. H. Allen
Zillah Mrs. Geo. Jordan

Owing to the illness of Mr. Wheatley, the run of " The Duke's
Kotto " was brought to a sudden termination with the performance
of Aug. 24, and the theatre was closed until Aug. 29, when it was re-
cniened with Daniel E. Bandmann as Shylock in '' The Merchant of
Venice," supported by L. R. Shewell, John McCuUough, J. G.
Jurnett, B. T. Ringgold, W. H. Leak, E. Lamb, E. B. Holmes,

• Martin, J. W. Blaisdell, C. Kingsland, J. T. Ward, Mme. Ponisi,
(rs. Emma Skerrett, Mrs. Reeves, Mrs. J. H. Allen, and Mrs. H.

• Grattan. L. J. Vincent was the stage manager. On Aug. 31,
;cl ^n Forrest reappeared on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and
|>^days, while Mr. Bandmann occupied the Tuesdays and Saturdays.
orrest opened in " Richelieu," Sept. 2, 3, 4, and Oct. i. The cast
"^^3 as follows :

^sien de Manprat John McCulloush Marion Mrs. Reeves

'^ Beringhen B. T. Ringgold Baradas L. R. Shewell

^•^h J. G. Burnett Louis W. H. Leak

J. Martin

On Sept. I, 1863, for the first time in New York, John Guido
'^thua's adaptation from the German of Brachvogel, entitled
^I'arcisse, or the Last of the Pompadours," was given with this

196 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Da*

Narcisse Rameau . D. £. Bandmann Marquise de Pompadour Mme. Ponid
Duke de Choiseul John McCullough Marquise D'Epinay Mrs. Emma Skerrett
Grimm W. H. Leak Mile. Doris Quinault Mrs. 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. Shewell Laertes, Mme. Ponisa
the Queen, and Mrs. Allen Ophelia.

Mr. Forrest played "Hamlet," Sept. 7, 9, 10, 11; ''Brutus"
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, widi music by
Robert Stoepel, entitled " Gamea, or the Jewish Mother": Gamea,
Felicita Vestvali ; Bianca, Mrs. Brougham-Robertson ; Silvia, Mrs.
J. H. Allen ; Martha, Mrs. H. P. Grattan ; Theresa, Mrs. Emma Sker-
rett ; Rutchioni, L. R. Shewell ; Octavio, J. W. Collier. The play was
repeated Oct. 3, 6, 10, 13, 20, 23, and 24. Mr. Forrest reappeared
Sept 30 and Oct. 19 as Damon ; Oct 2, 5, 7, and 12 as Spartacus
in "The Gladiator; " Oct. 8, 9, as Macbeth, when John Nuuan of
the New Bowery Theatre made his first appearance here, acting
Banquo; Oct 14, 15, and 16, as Jack Cade; Oct 2 1, 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 Camille. Mary Wells and John S. Hall now joined the company.
On Oct 28 Forrest reappeared as Febro in "The Broker of
Bogota," Mr. Wheatley reappearing, after two months' sickness, as
Caberro, in "The Broker of Bogota," repeated Oct 29 and 3a
Matilda Heron played Medea in the tragedy of that name Oct 31.
On Nov. 2 " Coriolanus " was acted for the first time in Niblo's
Garden. Mr. Forrest was the Coriolanus ; Shewell, Tullus Aufidius;
J. G. Burnett, Menenius Agrippa; McCullough, Comnius; Mme.
Ponisi, Volurania ; 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 sevea
years. Mr. Wheatley eclipsed all his former efforts in the produc-
tion of " Coriolanus." There were one hundred and fifty-fouc^
persons on the stage in the last scene of the first act. Mr. Fones^c
acted " Richard HL" Nov. 19. Matilda Heron appeared in '
the Earl's Daughter," Nov. 4. This was followed by Thomas B. I>
Walden's version of "Adrienne the Actress." Ada Clifton,
had now become a member of the company, acted in it.

An Italian opera company, under the management of Jacob
opened Nov. u in "La Favorita." The company consisted

I«4D

NIBLO'S GARDEN

197

Miles. Vera Lorini, Pauline Castri, and Morensi, and Signers Luigi
Stefani, Morelli, Barili, and Madame Ficher. The cast of " La
Favorita" was: Leonora, Mile. Vera Lorini (first appearance in
America); Inez, Mme. Ficher; Fernando, Sig. Luigi Stefani;
Alfonso, Sig. Morelli; Balthasar, Sig. Barili. The musical con-
ductor was Sig. Muzio. Pauline Castri made her American d^but
Nov. 14 as Lucia; Nov. 18 Matilda Heron acted Camille, and for her
last appearance, Nov. 21, Exlith. 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 Killamey;" Dec. 7,
" Irish Assurance " and " The Irish Boy and Yankee Girl," for one
week, followed Dec. 14 by ** The Magic Joke" and ** The Fairy
Circle." W. A. Chapman, Harry Pearson, and Mr. and Mrs. C. Wal-
cot, Jr. were now engaged. " All Hallow Eve " and " Yankee Court-
ship " were given week commencing Dec. 21, and ** Shandy
Maguire," " In and Out of Place," and " The Happy Man " Dec. 28.
" Shandy Maguire," " Law for Ladies," '* The Irish Tutor," and
kindred pieces filled up the time until Jan. 11, 1864, when Charles
Gayler's Irish drama, " The Connie Soogah," was produced for the
first time on any stage, with this cast :

LcMrd Berrysford ....}. Nunan
Hon. Redmond O'Connor B. T. Rin^old
Lacey O'Connor . . . J. W. Collier
Comey McGrath . Barney Williams
Jefrey Trickett . . . J. G. Burnett

Squire Maitland

£. B. Holmes | Mary Regan

Tim Re^:an . . . . J. W. BlaisdeU
Mrs. 0*Gorman . Mrs. H. P. Grattan
Eileen O' Gorman . . . Ada Clifton
Nelly Nolan . Mrs. Barney Williams
Elsie of the Glen . . . Mary Wells

Mrs. Reeves

" Connie Soogah " ran for five weeks ; after that " The Duke's
Motto " was revived Jan. 22, for one week. On Feb. 29 the Caro-
line Richings English Opera company in ** The Postilion of Long-
jumeau," with Caroline Richings as Madelaine, 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, ** IJnda di
Cbamounix ; " March 7, " The Daughter of the Regiment ; " March
'o, " La 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. Elise (Mrs. Jacques
fCrugcr) and Lina Windel in the ballet. Edwin Booth began an
^J^gagemcnt March 28, with '*The Fool's Revenge," for the first
^nae in New York, with this cast:

™« ■ luccio Edwin Booth Bernardo Ascolti . . C. De Forrest

J^^eotti Manfredi . . . .J. Nunan Krancesca Ada Gifton

^^ido Nfalatesti . . E. B. Holmes Fiordelsia (first appearance)
^^rafino Del Aquila . . J. \V. Collier Rose Eytinge

^Idassare Farelli . B. T. Rin^old Brigitta Mary Wells

^i« Maria Ordelaffi J. W. Blaisdell

198 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DM4

A benefit was given to the Sanitary Commission April 16,
afternoon and evening. *' Cinderella " was acted at the mating
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. Hackett 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 Demonio" was first presented. The Tarantella ballet was
composed by Sig. Ronzani, and was executed by Miles. Katarina,
Ella, Elise, Rosina, and a large corfis de ballet. The cast of " Bel
Demonio" was this:

Rannuccio J. G. Burnett

Angelo Felicita Vestvali

Count Camperali . . . . }. Nunan
Fabio Camperali . . . J. W. Collier
Cardinal Montalt . . . }. F. Hagan

Lena Rose £3rtinge

Countess Camperali . . Mary WeUs.
Abbess De Castro . . Mrs. Moore
Margarita . . Mrs. Emma Skerrett

" Bel Demonio " continued the attraction until July 2, when
"The Duke's Motto" was revived for one week, with William
Wheatley as Lagardere.

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 " Camille," Barney Macauley 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 Becks,
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 Duke'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 " Metamora " were also given, and Forrest closed
this engagement with " Coriolanus."

William Wheatley played Claude to Mme. Methua-Scheller's
Pauline in " The Lady of Lyons " Oct. 21. Maggie Mitchell opened

X865]

NIBLO'S GARDEN

199

Oct. 24 in " Fanchon/' 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 Connie Soogah," and the rest of their familiar plays. The
new Irish play, "The Shamrock," written for them by J. Burdette
Howe, was first acted here Jan. 3, 1865.

Jean Davenport made her first appearance since her marriage to
Gen. Lander, Feb. 6, in '* Misalliance, or Faith and Falsehood," with
this cast :

Ferdinand D'Orby . . Charles Pope

Count D'Orby . . . J. W. Blaisdcll

Marquis de Brevennes . J. F. Hagan

Master Goodwill . . . }. G. Burnett

Finesse Geo. Becks

Countess D'Orby . . . Mary Wells
Leonie Amauld . Mrs. F. B. Lander

Mrs. Lander afterwards appeared in "Adrienne the Actress,"
" The Lady of Lyons," " Love," " The Belle's Stratagem," ** The
Hunchback," and " Much Ado About Nothing." A benefit to the
Shakespeare Statue Fund was given Feb. 23, when " Camille" and
" Much Ado About Nothing," were played. Jean Davenport Lander
closed March 4. On March 6 D. E. Bandmann opened in " The
Beauforts." This was an adaptation in German, from the English,
of Lord Lytton's novel, " Night and Morning," by Charlotte Birch-
pfeiffer, and especially re-translated for Mr. Bandmann into English by
Alfred Ayres. During this engagement, Bandmann acted Shylock
and Narcisse. Lucille Western reappeared March 20 in " Blast
Lynne," and continued up to April i. 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
I in " Fanchon," followed by " The Pearl of Savoy," which kept the
stage until June 5. It was during Miss 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
Mitchell making her last appearance July 8.

The theatre was closed July 10 and 11, and July 12 Boucicault's
drama, " Arrah na Pogue, or the Wicklow Wedding," was presented
for the first time in America :

200 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D866

Shaun the Post . . T. H.Glcnney

(His first appearance in America.)

Col. Bagenal O'Grady . J. G. Burnett

Beamish McCoul . . W. £. Sheridan

Major Coffin . . . J. W. Blaisdell

Lord Lieutenant . . W. H. Norton

Sergeant W. L. Jamison

Winterbottom
Michael Feeny
Tim Coogan
Andy Regan
Arrah Mellish

Charles Peters

Wm. Scallan

C. T. Parsloe

£. B. Holmes

Josie Orton

Fanny Power . Mrs. Marie Maeder
Katty Mary Wells

This play ran until Sept. i6, and was succeeded Sept. i8 by the
Ravels, comprising Gabriel and Antoine Ravel, Young America,
Mathieu, Vandris, Garcia, Schmidt, and the Miles. Vandris, Marzetti,
and Desir^e, and the Marzetti family. The ballet of " The Alche-
mist" was given. They were followed Nov. lo 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 Perry (now Agnes Booth Schoefifel), Mrs.
Farren, Marie Maeder, C. Burke, 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," **Jack Cade." "Damon," "Metamora,"
" Spartacus," and Febro in " The Broker of Bogota." " Arrah na
Pogue " was acted on the other evenings of the week, Forrest's
ofiE nights.

Lucille Western appeared Dec. 25, for the first time in New York,
as Miami in " The Green Bushes." " East Lynnc " 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. Cowpcr (his first appearance in America). She
played ''Leah," "Fazio," and "The Lady of Lyons." Chas. H.
Morton, Dan Ralton, Gonzalles, and Miss A. Chapman were in all
her productions. On Jan. 19 Maggie Mitchell returned in " Fan-
chon," which continued the bill for four weeks. March 12, "The
Pearl of Savoy " was presented, and held the stage until March 26,
when " Little Barefoot " was played. " Margot " and " Pet of the
Petticoats " were given April 6, 7. " Hermance, the Child of For-
tune" was acted for the first time in this city April 14: Hermance,
Maggie Mitchell; Dame Cathon, Mary Wells; Duchess, Mrs. Geo.
Farren ; Anatole, 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; and Chas.
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.

iteq NIBLO'S GARDEN 20 1

There was a mating of "Leah" 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 11. On the
remaining nights of the week Ida Vernon played Kate Bateman's rdle
in •* Leah." May 14 Ida Vernon and Mr. Cowper played Pauline
and Claude Melnotte in " The Lady 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 Martinettis, SeRorita
Pepita, M. Von Hamme, and M. Romainville (the latter leader
ol the orchestra) began a summer season, which extended until
July 14, during which they appeared in ballet, pantomime, aerial
acts, and other entertainments. Julv 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 Limperti, Marra, and Susini; July 17, "II Tro-
vatore": Mile. Francisco Tabacchi, Amalia Patti, Signori Mas-
siroiliani, Bellini, and CoUetti; July 18, '* Norma": Miles. Ghioni
and Patti, and Signori Tamaro and Antonucchi ; July 20, '' Crispino
e la Comare": Mile. Pauline Canissa and Signori Bellini, Errani,
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 21.

The following season witnessed the production of " The Black
Crook." In consequence of the destruction by fire of the Academy
of Music, this city, Jarrett & Palmer, who were to have produced
** La Biche au Bois " there, had on their hands a number of artists
lyrought from Europe. They made an arrangement with William
Wheatley to utilize the ballet troupe, the chief scenic effects, of which
they had models, and the transformation scene. Mr. Wheatley
mrranged 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 $iSOO for the run of the piece, no matter what its duration
vnight be. If he failed to have it acted one single night (Sun-
day excepted) the contract was at an end, and fresh terms would
liave to be made. " The Black Crook " was announced for pro-
duction Sept.* 10, 1866, but, owing to the numerous changes in
^he piece, the building of a new stage and other delays, it was
not performed until Wednesday, Sept. 12, when it was given with

202 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D8M

Count Wolfenstein . J. W. Blaisdell
Rodolphe .... Geo C. Boniface
Von Puffengruntz . . . J. G. Burnett
Hertzog .... Chas. H. Morton

Greppo George Atkins

Dragonfin . . . Hernandez Foster

Zamiel £. B. Holmes

Skuldawelp Mr. Rendle

Red Glare Mr. Clark

Wol%ang E. Barry

Bruno Mr. Ellis

Casper Mr. Weaver

San Frank Little

Stalacta . . . Annie Kemp Bowler

Amina Rose Morton

Barbara Mary Wells

Carline .... Milly Cavendish
Rosetta .... Miss C. Whitlock

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 Wheatley and Leon J. Vincent.
Harvey J. Dodworth 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 most 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 d^but
in America of Geo. Atkins, Rose Norton, 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, 1871, having
been performed one hundred and two nights and twenty matinees.
A portion of the spectacle was performed a few additional times 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 d^but
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, La Petite Ravel, M. Von Hamme, and Mile. Louise
Billon 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 Kelsey was in the ballet,
as was her sister, Harriet. Feb. 23, 1869, she appeared as Stalacta.
She afterwards played soubrettes, and her last appearance on the
stage was in October, 1887, at Baltimore, Md., in "Lost in the

NIBLO'S GARDEN 203

ir." She died in this city Feb. 14, 1888. The success of " The
k Crook" was at that time unparalleled in our stage annals,
e Crook" was merely a spectacular sensation with the finest
ery of its kind ever shown in this country, and the ballet was
{teat attraction; for what was called the "play" was only a
id whereon were strung, like so many clothes-pins, — or pins
out clothes to speak of, — the limbs of about one hundred girls,
play is said to have brought to the theatre treasury $760,000.
rrett & Palmer can claim the credit of having popularized the
t in this country. As long ago as 1827 M. and Mme. Achille
ared as dancers at the Bowery Theatre, but the first real sensa-
was created by the ballet at the Park Theatre in 1829, in which
: M. and Mme. Vestris, M. and Mme. Achille, Mile. H61oise
Ravenot. Vestris afterwards appeared at the Bowery with great
ess. The Ravel Family had a ballet corps at the Park in 1832.
{36 Mile. Augusta appeared at the Park, and at the same theatre
(39. M. and Mme. Taglioni appeared in " La Sylphide," with
great success. Fanny Ellsler came in 1840, appearing in Mav
he Park Theatre. Mme. Marzetti danced at the Greenwich
ttre in February, 1847. In 1850 Franck & Espinosa's Ballet
ipe appeared at the old Broadway Theatre. In 1854 Wm. E.
on brought out the Rabineau Sisters, famous ballet dancers.
Ronzana Troupe appeared at the Old Bowery in October, 1857,
Lola Montez created a sensation the same year at the Old Broad-
The Nelson Sisters danced at this house (Niblo's)in 1860-61,
>ne of the best dancers that America has seen was Isabel Cubas,
inish girl, who appeared at the Winter Garden Theatre in 1863,
afterwards throughout the country under James M. Nixon's
igement, and danced on the nights Forrest did not act. I
rapanied that lady on her tour as her business manager. This
;s me up to Jarrett & Palmer's terpsichorean importations, which
issed all former enterprises of the kind. The next spectacular
ition was the fairy pantomime extravaganza, in a prologue and
J acts, entitled ** The White Fawn," produced for the first time
17, 1868. The text of the play was by James Mortimer. It
thus cast :

Dingdon .... Mark Smith | Finetta Lizzie Wilroore

t Tinculum . . £. H. Holmes ' Princess Aika . . . Lena Nfontague

s Leander . . . Lucy Kgerton ' Aqualina .... Fanny Stockton

Twaddledum . . Vining Howcrs ' Clown .... Harry Hemmings

la ... . Hernandez Foster , Harlequin .... Jas. Hemmings

I Saffronilla . . . Mary Wells Pantaloon . . . John H. Hemmings

Salmon . . . . Mr. Martin Columbine .... Amy Bennett

;ss Graceful . . Jenny Delacy !

ic premi&res danseuses were Marie Bonfanti, Louise Billon,
ista Sohlke, and Fontana, the ballets being arranged by MM.

204 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE LiM

Costa and Von Hamme. The Viennoise Ballet Troupe, numbering
forty dancers, had been imported from Europe by Jarrett & Palmer
and introduced the " Can-can " 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 Wheatley 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-five
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 ddbut as musical director. In the ballet
Fraulein Schlager appeared. The one hundredth performance
occurred April 25. Mile. De Rosa, danseuse, made American d^but
May 9. Mrs. Mark Smith appeared May 1 1 as Prince Leander,
and Belle Land on June i. The one hundred and fiftieth perform-
ance took place June 13. The last performance was given June 20.
E. B. Holmes played Mark Smith's r61e after July 3, and the last
performance.

For the next season Mr. Wheatley secured Bateman's French
Opera Bouffe company, which opened July 20, 1868, in Offenbach's
" Barbe Bleue," its first representation in America, with this cast :

Barbe Bleue M. Aujac

Count Oscar .... M. Lagriffoue
King Bobecke . . . . M. Francis
Princess Hermia . . Mile. Lambelle
Boulotte Mile. Irma

Prince Saphir .... Dardignac

Popolani M. Duchesne

Alvarez M. Edgard

Queen Mile. Duclos

The season closed Aug. 8, and Aug. 31 William Wheatley retired
from the management of the house.

William Wheatley's first appearance at this theatre occurred Jan. 7,
1862, when he formed one of the Davenport Wallack-Wheatley com-
pany. He became lessee July 21, 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 origin^, the product of genius, taste,
and study. The superiority of Mr. Wheatley's work consisted in his

NIBLO'S GARDEN 205

ct comprehension of the part assumed, the boldness and original-
r bis manner, the significance of his gestures, the astonishing
ility of his countenance, and the quick and piercing expression
8 eye. In the characters of Jaflfier, Belcour, Young Mirabel,
r, Rapid, Charles Surface, Tangent, Captain Absolute, Evelyn,
Handy, Romeo, Dick Dowlas, Claude Melnotte, and Doricourt.
d no superior and hardlv a rival.

e next managers of Nibfo's were Jarrett & Palmer, who began
rst season Oct. 12, with Edwin Forrest. In the company were
H. Clarke, Frank Mordaunt, Wm. Burroughs, Charles Warwick,
irnett, Owen Marlowe, Newton Russell, Mme. Ponisi, Annie
id, Lizzie Mahon, and W. Donaldson. Mr. Forrest's engagement
or four weeks, during which he played every evening, except
days, with this repertoire : " King Lear," " Richelieu," " Vir-
I," " Othello," ''Jack Cade," " Macbeth," " Damon and Pythias,"
i Gladiator," and " Metamora." On the Saturday evenings Ma-
Heron appeared in " Camille." Mrs. D. P. Bowers and J. C.
>Ilum began an engagement, Nov. 9, in " Elizabeth," assisted by
Bangs, Frank Mordaunt, Owen Marlowe, Walter Donaldson,
. Boniface, Sen., Burroughs, Mr. Geo. Stoddard, Mrs. Geo.
ace, and Miss Scott.

ticicault's ** After Dark " was given here for the first time, with
ast:

n Chumley . . Owen Marlowe
orge Mednurst McKee Rankin
OS Bellingham Alex. Fitzgerald

9in F. C. Hangs

Morris .... £. Colenian

Area Jack Belvil Rjran

Crumpets . . . . J. W. Brutone
Eliza (first appearance in America)

Louisa Moore
Rose Egerton (first appearance in Amer-

r Charles Peters I ica) Edith Challis

i James Freeman | Tommy Dodd . . . Emee Clark

Jan. 30, 1869, the Lydia Thompson Burlesque Troupe opened
; burlesque of ** The Forty Thieves." Lydia Thompson played
ro; Lisa Weber, Morgiana; Pauline Markham, Abdallah;
a Grattan, Orchobrand; Harry Beckett, Hassarac; W. J. Hill,
*aba; Geo. F. Ketchum, Casim; J. W. Brutone, Cogia; Lizzie
ly, Amber; Belle Land, Fairy Queen. In consequence of the
8 of Pauline Markham on Jan. 11, Edith Challis played her
and continued for several weeks. The burlesque was recon-
ted in April, and Clara Thompson appeared as Amber. Lizzie
jy was the Fairy Queen.

ly 19, 1869, John Brougham received a benefit, afternoon and
, the matinee performance taking place in Niblo*s Garden. The
:omprised " The School for Scandal," with a strong cast, and
eceipts were $3,467. The night performance took place at the
ch Theatre (now the Fourteenth Street), and tickets were sold
«culators for five or six dollars each. Both performances netted

206 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 Rae, J. W. Collier, T. J. Hind, J. C. Williamson,
R. Green, J. W. Leonard, Fred Maeder, Mrs. D. P. Bowers, Mrs.
John Sefton, Fanny Morant, and Pauline Markham. L. J. Vincent
was stage manager, and M. Connolly musical director.

" The Forty Thieves " 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. Brutone appeared.
The Clodoche troupe of French dancers — MM. Clodoche, Flagelot,
Normandie and La Comte — made their d^but in this piece; and
July 5 the Lauri Family and a female drum corps appeared. June 14
Eliza Weathersby first appeared in New York as Hafiz, and the fol-
lowing week, Lydia Thompson being ill, she took the part of Sinbad.

" Arrah Na Pogue " was revived Aug. 2, when Dan Bryant made
his first appearance in this theatre, and it was also the American
dibut of Dominick Murray, and the first appearance here of
Josephine Fiddes. This was the cast:

Shaun . .
Michael Feeny
Arrah Meelish
Fanny Power
Col. O'Grady

• . Dan Bryant

Dominick Murray

Rose Eytinge

Josephine Fiddes

Alex. Fitzgerald

Beamish McCoul
Major Coffin
The Sergeant
Winterbottom .

James Garden
C H. Rockwell
G. F. Ketchum

J. W. Brutone

Tom Burroughs
The Earl ol Eden
Sir John Talbot

{enny Boker
Irs. Boker . .
Bob Sanders

Charles R. Thome I Edith Burroughs

Ada Harland I Nellie . . . .

Mr. Johnson

Kate Newton

Annie Lonsdale

. . W. Holston

Dan Bryant took a benefit Sept. 3. "Formosa, or the Railroad to
Ruin," by Dion Boucicault, was produced Sept. 6, with this cast:

. Patti Mackworth
Isabel Freeman
Mrs. Dudley . . . Emma Skerrett
Countess . . . Ida Francis Leggett
Dr. Doremus . . . A. D. Braiuey
Spooner H. Rendle

Lucille Western opened Sept. 18 in " East Lynne," followed by
*' Oliver Twist," Sept. 25. Lotta appeared Nov. i in " Little NeU
and the Marchioness." Felix A. Vincent played Dick Swiveller,
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 done for the first time in
this city Dec. 20, with this cast :

Little Em'ly .
Rosa Dartle .
Mrs. Micawber
Peggotty . .
Betsy Trotwood
Mr. Micawber

. lone Burke
Kate Newton
Mary Maddern
. Mrs. Healy
Mrs. Bradshaw
George Boniface

Dan'l Peggotty . . . L. R. Shewell

Ham Peggotty . . . . F. C. Bangs

Uriah Heep . . . . F. A. Vincent

Steerforth F. G. Maeder

David Copperfield . . . Mr.

x870]

NIBLO'S GARDEN

207

Charles Fechter and Carlotta Leclercq made their American
d^but here Jan. 10, 1870, in "Ruy Bias," cast thus: Ruy Bias, Mr.
Fechter ; Don Salluste, L. R. Shewell ; Don Caesar, F. C. Bangs ;
Marquis de Santa Cruz, T. E. Morris ; Don Manuel Arras, Edmund
Collier. On Jan. 26 "The Duke's Motto" was given, with Fechter
in his original part of Lagardere, supported by the stock company
and Miss Leclercq. Feb. 21 Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams ap-
peared in '* Innisfallen, or The Men in the Gap," with this cast :
Terrence O'Ryan, B. Williams ; Katy Maguire, Mrs. B. Williams ;
Gerald O'Brian, C. R. Thome ; Buck Doran, J. B. Studley ; Miss
Delamere, Ida Vernon ; Mary O'Dwyer, lone Burke ; and Norah,
Lizzie Kelsey.

•• The 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 Telbin, 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 Post OfRce Mistake " (with John Sefton in the
cast), Dan Bryant and Dave Reed danced " Shoo Fly," Harry Jack-
son, Jr., recited " Shamus O'Brien," Mile. Roze and M. Ajax danced,
and Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams appeared in " The Latest from
New York." Wm. A. Moore was formerly manager for Mr. and
Mrs. 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 Oddssmdenz
Prince Pippin
Prince Doliius
Baron Nowitz
Twig^ette
Floanmugsen

W. B. Cahill

Lydia Thompson

Lina Edwin

. J. W. Brutone

. Alice Atherton

• £d. Chapman

Dame Floanmugsen . Harry Beckett
Princess Opalina . Pauline Markham

Lilliken
Grandmother
Baroness Giggle
First Hunter .

Eliza Weathersby

. . John Dunn

Miss Robinson

Jennie Hughes

This ran until May 2, when '' Mosquito," written expressly for
Miss Thompson by Alexandre Dumas, was produced for the first
tiine on any stage, and had this cast :

SSjuito) • • • Lydia Thompson
Diana de Mauleon Pauline Markham
Mme. Dubac . Mrs. C. M. Walcot
Mme. de Lucenay . . Lina Edwin
Quintana M. Lanergan

Valderama . .
Pierre La Rouge
Patti de Velours
M. de Mauleon
M. Matapas . .
Leon de Bealieu

. Neil Warner
Harry Jackson
W. B. Cahin
. . C. Foster
John Dunn
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 D»7o

Benson/' and this brought the engagement of the Lydia Thompson
company to a close.

On June 6 Watts Phfllips' melodrama " Not Guilty " was given
for the first time and with this cast :

Capt. Willoughby > Charles Walcot, Jr.
Silas Garrett \ ' •*

Owen S. Fawcett

{ack Snipe .
oe Triggs .
Robert Arnold
Mr. St. Clair
Isaac Vidder

C. H. Bradshaw

McKee Rankin

. James Taylor

F. F. Mackay

Polecat C H. Morton

Sergeant Wattles . . . W. L. Street
Police Sergeant ....£. Collier

Baker Mr. Eberle

Margaret Armitage Virginia Buchanan.
Alice Armitage Mrs. C. Walcot, Jr.
Polly Dobbs .... Irene Gay

The season closed June i8, 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
" Katy O'Neil," and 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
Rea, Claude Burroughs, Eugene Eberle, 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.
Leffingwell, Mrs. Edward Wright, Irene Gay (Mrs. Fred Maeder),
Lizzie Edwards, Marion Mordaunt, Wood Benson, James Curran,
J. W. Brutone, Mrs. Frank Rea, and Mrs. J. R. Healy; the curse
scene from " Leah," with Ella Burns (her second appearance on any
stage) as Leah, and Charles Walcot, Jr., as Rudolphe ; violin solo
by the infant wonder, James Speight ; Marion Taylor in " Very Little
Faust ; " Harry Josephs as the Gushing Blonde ; Mile. Idalie and Tito
Cellini in d pas de deux^ ** The Happy Man," Felix A. Vincent in
the leading rdle.

The season, 1870-71, opened under Jarrett & Palmer's management
Lotta appeared in October as Little Nell and the Marchioness in
" The Old Curiosity Shop." The next attraction was the Parepa
Rosa-Caroline Richings opera companies combined, under the direc-
tion of C. D. Hess. They opened October 24 with " Martha ; " Oct
25, " The Huguenots ; " Oct. 26, ** The Marriage of Figaro,'* cast as
follows :

Count Almaviva . . .A. Lawrence

Figaro S. C. Campbell

Dr. Bartolo .... Arthur Howell
Basilio . . . Brookhouse Bowler

Antonio £. Segutn

Countess Rose Hersee

Cherubino Zelda Seguin

Susanna . Caroline Richings-Bemard

On Oct. 27, " Fra Diavolo," with Rose Hersee as Zerlina ; Camp-
bell, Beppo; Seguin, Lord AUcash; Bowler, Fra Diavolo; Annie
Kemp Bowler, Lady AUcash. Oct. 28, " Trovatore ; " matinee Oct

I870] 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 . . Henri Drayton
Derrick von Beekman Warren White
Nicholas Vedder .... Wm. Hill

Dame Van Winkle Mrs. Henri Drayton
Alice Van Winkle . . Fannie Drajrton

Acts II and III.

Edward Gardner . . . Wm. Castle
Frederick Vilcseur . . Arthur Howell
Young Rip Van Winkle J. H. Chatterton

Dame Van Winkle Mrs. Henri Drayton
Alice Van Winkle Caroline Richings-

Bemard

Act IV.
Rip Van Winkle . . Henri Drajrton | Dame Van Duzer . . . Mrs. Mason

The company consisted of Mrs. Caroline Richings-Bemard, 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 Lawrence, John Chatterton (known
as Penigini), W. Kinross, 2^1da 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 London.
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 fond of 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 rdles, 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. i, 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, 1863, and afterwards played Romeo to the
Juliet of Mile. Stella CoUas. His remains were interred in Bromp-
ton Cemetery. The grave is next the one in which lie the remains
>f T. P. Cooke.

21 o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci»7i

" The Black Crook " was revived Dec. 12, and withdrawn April 8,
1 87 1, having been represented one hundred and twenty-two times.
A matinee performance, Jan. ig, 1871, was for the George Holland
Memorial Fund. The programme was : The San Francisco Min-
strels; Fannv Prestige in song and dance; Dan Bryant, Nelse
Seymour, ana Little Mac, in a sketch called " Daniel in the Bryant's
Den ; " Geo. Vandenhoff, recitation ; Lydia Thompson, several
members of " The Black Crook " company, including the g^rand
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. Teesdale and Fred Dewar.

" Richard HI.," with Mr. James Bennett as Richard on horseback,
was produced April 10, and cast as follows :

Richard James Bennett

Duke of Clarence . . Milnes Levick
Son of Clarence . . Miss A. Conway

Earl of Richmond .
Thomas Rotheram
Duke of Buckingham
Duke of Norfolk .
Earl of Oxford . .
Lord Hastings . .

Lord Stanley John Jack

Sir Thomas Vaughan . John Weaver
Sir William Catesby C. D. Broughton

Neil Warner

J. W. Brutone

. L. R. Shewell

T. C. Howard

Robert Watson

Theo. Hamilton

Sir James Blunt ... D. Watkins
First Murderer . . Alex. Fitzgerald
Second Murderer . . . H. A. Taylor
Lord Mayor of London . . K, Clitton

Margaret
Pa^e to Richard
Pnnce of Wales
Duke of York .
Elizabeth . .
Duchess of York
Lady Anne . .

Mme. Ponisi
Miss £. Montague
. Marie Le Bnm
. Minnie Maddem
. 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 many 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 Fechter. He^
had the ungainly stage walk of Barry Sullivan and Irving. Th^
following week Neil Warner played Richard, which enjoyed a run
three weeks. The Colley 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 Levick, T. C. Howard, and
Alex. Fitzgerald. May i 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 eng^e*

I870 NIBLO'S GARDEN 211

ment 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, Newcasde on Tyne. 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,
the Arkansas Traveller." He played for four weeks to large busi-
ness. John Collins followed June 5 in " Paul Clifford." " The
Colleen Bawn " was the next attraction, with Emma Howson and
Charles Wheatieigh in the cast. This was followed by Oliver Doud
Byron in "Across the Continent." A matinee performance, July 13,
was given for the farewell benefit of J. C. Williamson. " David
Copperfield " was acted, with this cast :

Micawber . . . John Brougham
Agnes Wickfield . Pauline Markham
Peggotty C. H. Morton

Uriah Heep .... Felix Rogers
David Copperfield . B. T. Ringgold

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 waltz entitled
" The Triumph of Love," by G. Operti. Then came selections from
" The Long Strike," with J. H. Stoddart as Moneypenny and Effie
Germon as Jane Leroyd. This was followed by " Oofty Gooft "
(Gus Phillips) in " Dutch-isms." " The Irish Emigrant was the
last piece, with J. C. Williamson, Chas. Fisher, and Eldith Challis as
principals.

The next season commenced Aug. 21, 1871, with J. K. Emmett in
** Fritz," supported by A. H. Hastings, C. H. Morton, E. K. Collier,
Rose Evans, Alice Brookes, Minnie Maddem, and Mrs. Julia Bru-
tone and others. On Aug. 18, "Carl the Fiddler" was produced,
A. H. Davenport, Ida Vernon, Frankie McClellan and Lizzie Mad-
dem 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 SnifTen. Mrs. E. Wright, Bessie Sudlow, Mary Carr, and
Susan Dennin were also in the cast. On Oct. 23 E. A. Sothem 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 D^T*

d^but, and John T. Raymond, H. R. Teesdale, and Mrs. Ivan C.
Michels their first appearance at this house. Dec. i8 "The Black
Crook" was revived and was withdrawn Feb. 24, 1872, having been
played 57 times. Kate Santley made her American d^but as Stalacta,
and the incidental attractions were the Majiltons, St. Felix Infant
ballet troupe, and Prof. Samwell'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
** Camille ; " Edwin Booth and company in " Taming of the Shrew ; "
Aug. Daly's company in the third act of " Divorce ; " Lester Wal-
lack's company in " His 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 " The 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 *' La Belle Sauvage," a new version
of " Pocahontas," 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 "Poll 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. Thorne, Jr., J. K. Mortimer, T. Owens,
A. H. Davenport, W. H. Pope, J. Anderson, Lizzie Price, Franldc
McClellan, and Emma Skerrett 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 ^4CX),ooo. Jarrctt-
& Palmer suffered a loss over $100,000, while the Messrs. Coffin an
Joseph C. Foster, owners of the scenery of " Lalla Rookh," — whic
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

««74D

NIBLO'S GARDEN

213

transferred from the Grand Opera House, and consequently were
saved. The house was rebuilt and was opened Nov. 30, 1872.

The initial performance was the spectacle of ** La> and Lotus/'
with this cast :

Prince Leo of Gaul . . Mile. Diani

Kohinoor H. Collard

Plutus Mr. Roberts

Electra Lizzie Kelsey

The Astronomer Royal . Philip Stoner
The Poet Laureate M. W. Leffingwcll
The Grand Hereditary Muddle

B. Maginley

Emperor Eagle . . Harry Gw3mette

Fidelio Bessie Sudlow

Gobo Moses W. Fiske

Snowflake Olivia Rand

Satanella Lulu Prior

Babette Laura 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 d^but. 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
Gwynette, Edmund K. Collier, J. W. Brutone, C. H. Morton, George
Atkins, W. Martin, Mrs. Edward Wright, Pauline Markham, Lizzie
Kelsey, Bessie Sudlow, and Addie Pearson. ** The Black Crook,"
revived for the fourth time, was the opening attraction. Miles.
Adele Boni and Emilia Gravassi, premier dancers, who made their
American d^but; 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
<d 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
Hertzog in ''The Black Crook" for the last time Sept. 13, and that
rftle 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 E. D. Davies closed.
Dec. 8 "The Black Crook" gave place to "The Children in the
Wood," in which the Yokes Family and Marie Bonfanti appeared.
It ran until Jan. 3, 1874, when "The Belles of the Kitchen" and
" Romeo Jaffier Jenkins " were produced. On Jan. 26, " Naval
Engagements " and " Fun in a Fog " formed the bill and ran the
week out. Feb. 2 and during the week " Nan the Good-for-Noth-
ing " and " The Wrong Man in the Right Place" were performed.
^<^b. 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 D»74

chen." The entertainments commenced with *' More Blunders Than
One." On Feb. i6, " Leather 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-
tainments were given at the Academy of Music, Niblo's, Booth's,
Lyceum, and Union Square Theatres. The total receipts were
^4,555. 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 ^i,8cxd. The fire department sold
5,960, police 1,887 tickets. The following is the programme of the
performance at this house : Mr. Leffingwell in '* Romeo Jaflier
Jenkins ; " the Berger 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 Transatlantique company from Europe began
April 20, and continued until May i, when Jarrett & Palmer's lease
ended, and the house was closed.

A benefit was given under the management of L'Union Fran9ai8e^
Lodge No. 17, F. and A. M., to send an aged couple in indigent cir-
cumstances home to France. Frank Mayo appeared in " Davy
Crockett," Carlotta Leclercq acted in the French language in '* Un
Caprice," by Alfred de Musset, and Mons. Espinosa and Marie
Bonfanti danced d 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. Thornc was the next lessee of this house. He opened
May 25, 1874, with Edward Eddy as stage manager. "The Lady
of the Lake " was the initial performance with this cast :

Roderick Dhu E. Eddy

Fitz James . . . Joseph Wheelock
Earl of Douglas . . . E. K. Collier
Malcolm Graeme .... B. Gale
John of Brent . . . . L. Mestayer
Red Murdock .... Mr. Walton

Malise C. Rosene

Allan Bane .... James Dunn
Brian the Recluse ... E. S. Tarr

l^ertrand J. Brutone

Officer Mr. WiUiams

Donald Mclvor . . . . Mr. Palmer

Clanranald Mr. Jamet

Randal Mr. Lewis

Stewarts Mr. AUen

Ellen Douelas .... lone Burke
Blanche of Devon . . Edith Challi
Lady Margaret .... Ida Verooi

Nat. C. Goodwin, Jr., was a member of the stock company, an<5
was playing utility business. Mr. Thome's management wa^
pecuniarily a failure.

lanD NIBLO'S GARDEN 215

*' Cryptogram ; or Lost and Won/' a dramatization of De Mille's
novel, was 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 Robert Johnston,
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 " Ivan-
hoe, or Rebecca the Jewess," followed July i, 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 SafTord (Mrs. Dan Mvron), since
known as Mrs. Dr. Gillespie, being in the cast. "The Bride of
Abydos" was done Aug. 24.

The Kiralfy Brothers — Imre and Bolossy — began the season Sept.
7, 1874, with a spectacle called "The Deluge." Lilly MacDonald
made her American d^but 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 ; Lcgree, 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. Walters ; Shelby, J. Tboman ;
Loker, Delancy 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. I. 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 Tom's Cabin, Feb. 22 ; " Cord and Creese."
March i ; " Paul Jones," March 8, with Edward Eddy as Long Tom
Coffin; Professor Herrmann 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
£. Arnold was announced as the manager. " Baba " 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 "Azurine." They continued until March 10, 1877,
vben 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.

21 6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1878

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. Marston, E. K. Collier, Henry Colton,
W. M. Ward, R. C. White, Annie Ward TiflFany, Agnes Proctor,
Marion Sackett, and S. B. Brown. It ran for two weeks. " The Three
Guardsmen," July 2, with this cast: D'Artag^an, 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 Proctor in the cast, followed for
four weeks. Then came " Law of the Land " for two weeks ;
" Masaniello " for two weeks ; the " Drunkard's Home," three
weeks ; " Three Guardsmen '* for two weeks ; W. J. Fleming, as
D'Artagnan ; " Streets of New York " for two weeks ; " The Duke's
Motto," 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 ** Love and Labor " was presented with this cast:

Harry Hinton . . Edwin F. Knowles

Walter Dean . . . . J. F. Heme

Jonathan Green . . . J. V. Melton

Ernest Arnold . . F. A. Tannehill

Barkeeper W. Lamb

Mrs. Dean . . Mrs. Sarah Baker

Mrs. Broad well . Mrs. J. H. Browne

June 10 " East Lynne " was produced with Ada Gray as Lady
Isabel. June 1 7, ** A Celebrated Case," with Edwin Varrey as Count
d'Aubetere, Edmund Collier, Jean; Frank Mordaunt, Dennis;
Richard Whiting, the Corporal ; Wm. H. Thorne, Seneschal ; Kate
Meek, Madeline; Little Eva French, Adrienne; Marie Chester,
Martha ; Maude Harrison, Adrienne ; Emily Baker, Valentine ;
Mary Hill, Duchess ; Mary Maddern, Chanoinesse ; and Bessie
Turner, Julie. "The Two Orphans" was produced July i, with
Kate Claxton and Emily Baker as Louise and Henriette. Mrs.
Louise Eldridge played Mme. Frochard; Lizzie Hudson, Florette;
Kate Meek, Marianne; Edmund Collier, Chevalier; Frank Mor-
daunt, Jacques ; Frank Evans, Pierre ; and James Peakes, Marquis
de Prcsles. July 8 ** East Lynne " was given with Gussie de Forrest
as Lady Isabel, and Edwin F. Thorne as Sir Francis ; on July 1 5 the
farce of ** The Man with the White Hat " and " Aurora Floyd "
formed the bill. " The Duke's Motto " was presented July 22, with
Edwin F. Thorne as Lagardere. Harry Dalton, the Regent ; Alex.

Allan Dean . . . Andrew Glassford

Mike Moran J. F. Peters

Mr. Broadwell . . . John £. Ince
Annie Dean .... Marie Prescott
Mrs. Hinton .... Marie Chester
Norah Rachel Noah

fj%2 NIBLO'S GARDEN 217

Fitzgerald, Prince Gonzagues ; Frank Tannehill, Sen., Carrickfergus ;
Gussie de Forrest, Blanche de Nevers ; Kitty Glassford, Zillah ;
and Lillian Shandley, Madelon. On July 23 Thome refused to plav
Lagardere, 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.
Heme acted the Duke. T. G. Riggs began for two weeks, July 29,
in *• Shin Fane." Aug. 1 2 " The Child Stealer " was done with
Annie Ward Tiffany as Jane Rutherford. 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 dav, as Aug. 19 I find Mr. Starin announced as proprietor and
Mr. Vmcent stage manager. " Three Years in a Man 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 Metkiff (his first appearance here) Premislaus.

On Sept. 5 a matinee benefit was given in aid of the yellow-
fever sufferers in the South. *' Billiards " was performed by Edwin
Thome and company. Incidental to the drama a match game at
billiards was played by William Sexton and Yank 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 ap|>eared 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 be played Sept. 16, but an injunction
vas served on the manager, preventing its production. Fanny
^uise Buckingham continued as Mazeppa a third week. Florence
*oster played Olinska the last three nights, owing to the illness of
wonie Ward Tiffany. On Sept. 23 " M'liss" was played, as Judge
awrence in the Supreme Court decided that Katie Mayhew was
e lawful owner of said play. The cast was as follows:

Wm. Morton J. F. Hcrnc

Yuba BiU C. J. Edmonds

Judge T. G. Riggs

Wong Kec J. E. Incc

Dct. 7, "The Corsican Brothers" followed, with Charles Pope as

twin heroes; Frank Roche, Chateau Renaud; H. Montgomery,

red Maynard (first appearance here) ; Ogden Stevens (first ap-

rance here), Montgiron ; Simcoe Lee, Orlando; T. G. Riggs,

>nna ; J. F. Heme, Giordano; J. E. Ince, Griffo, and Annie

"fiss Kate Mayhew

rm. Smith . . . Annie W. TifiEany
as. Greathouse . . Frank Roche
loael Torres F. A. Tannehill

21 8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dssx

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, Auguste and Louis, as the Roman Gladiators, a
ballet troupe led by Mile. Paglieri. 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 :

Maclow Otis A. Skinner

The Ape .... Young America

Madelon Amy Lee

Arbra John B. Studley

Andre C. J. Campbell

The King S. A. Hemple

Duke Don Ludas George Edeson

Peter .... Wm. Davidge, Jr.
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 d^but in New York. Dec. 1 5 was the first representa-
tion on any stage of the historical Irish drama entitled '' Hearts of
Steel," cast as follows : —

Terry George Clarke

Dcrmido' the Hills Charles Wheatleigh
Shane na Shrad . Gustavus Levick
Lieutenant Tom Burke D. £. Ralton
Duke of Sheffield . F. S. Hartshorn
Lord Walter . . . Andrew Jacques
Sir Francis Mowbray Otis A. Skinner

Phelin William B. Cahill

Father Fitzpa trick . . J. A. Kennedy
General Sarsfield . . . E. Kearney
Captain Reinhardt . . J. P. Winter
Sergeant Funkenhausen

Charles A. Gardner
Darby .... Thomas F. Kerrigan
Red Donohue . . . James Cooke
Adolphe Harry Hogan

Peter Kelley Mr. Barron

Blind McGee . . . Andy Sheenan
Paddy Grogan . . John J. O'Brien
PhU Milligan . . . Frank Norris
Johnny O^Reilly . . Samuel Hart
Ould Na^i, the Cook William Cronin
First Assistant Cook Mons. Jean Marie
Lady Alice . . Lillian Qeves Clark

. Alice Hastings

. Annie D. Ware

. Francis Brown

. . Rose Slate

. . Tessie Naylor

. . . Rose Stark

, . . Jessie Lee

. Kitty Brennan

Ellie

Lady Pauline
Judy Riley .
Mary O'Kelly
Kitty McNamara
Ann Mulcahy
Peggy Duffy
Jenny Boyle

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
Psycne . .
Nichette . .
Sidney . .
Franklin Fitts
Carot . . .

Maude Granger

Estelle Mortimer

Charlotte Neville

Frank Evans

Thos. H. Burns
. Chas. Webster

Sentinel .

Francesca

Phoebe

Oliver

Philippe

. . Mr. Denny

Signora Majeroni

Mrs. M. B. Snyder

C. A. McManus

. Eugene Elberts

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 "The Tourists in a Pull-

x«8aD

NIBLO'S GARDEN

219

man Palace Car " came ; " The Black Crook " was revived March 7 ;
"My Partner/' April 11; "The Shaughraun," April 18; May 2,
" Hazel Kirke ; " May 9, " Castles in Spain, or Castles in the Ajr."
The season closed May 21, and a summer term commenced May 30,
with *• All the Rage ; " June 6 Edward Rice's company was seen in
" Billee Taylor ; " June 20, " Uncle Tom's Cabin " was given, and
the season closed July 4.

John F. Poole and Edward G. Gilmore were the next managers,
and they opened the season August 15 with Bartley Campbell's
play " My Geraldine," Emily Rigl as Geraldine ; Sept. 5 " The
World " was given. Oct. 3, " Michael StrogofiE ; " 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. Emmett
appeared here Jan. 2, 1882, as Fritz; 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
Banker's Daughter." Feb. 6 " The DanischeflFs " 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 Streets of New York;" M. B. Curtis
came March 20, in " Sam'l of Posen ; " " The Black Crook " was
revived March 27. John McCullough commenced April 15 as
Brutus, and acted April 16 Richard III. ; April 17, Damon ; April
18, Othello, and closed April 21.

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. Edeson was stage manager. Mile. Milon, Mons. Arnold
Kiralfy, Haslam, Baldi, Saraco, Mile. Flindt, Hofschueler, 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 :

Vicomte de Flachon . Harold Fosberg
Maurice Peronne . . . C. G. Craig

Fusch Felix Morris

M. Bonneau John Jack

Baron de Gerin ... J. Marshall

Boulade O. B. Collins

Loabinot Logan Paul

Dirtv Dan M. St. John

Rafflard H. N. Wilson

Beauteous Blackbird . . C. Leighton
Father Franck ... A. A. Mellon

Pitou Walter Reynolds

Inspector of Police A. J. Spencer

Superinteodeot . . . .J. Mortimer

Soldier D. Archibald

Janitor £. Barbour

Peasant . . .
Captain of Police
Paul Merey . .
Mme. de Lannay
Marie ....
Mme. Bellegentier
Mme. Peronne .
Mother Black
Mme. Franck
Mme. Chauffat
Mile. Blanche
Hortense . .
Waiting Maid

. . F. Barker

. . T. Atkins

Master De Forrest

. . Kate Meek

SalUe Williams

Miss L. Daniels

Mrs. F. Williams

Mme. Ivan C. Michels

. . Miss G. Hathaway

. . . Florence Wood

. . Miss A. Russell

. . Miss R. Thome

Miss Egerton

Celestine Miss Clare

Little Marie . . . Bijou Fernandez

220 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DWs

Popular prices, as they were now known, were resumed here, and
were as follows : Reserved seats in orchestra circle and balcony, 50
cents; orchestra and balcony stalls, 75 cents; orchestra chairs,
li.oo; family circle, 25 cents. Jan. 28, 1884, Thomas W. Keene
commenced in " Richard HI.," cast as follows

Lord Mayor
Oxford
Blunt . .
T)rrrell
Prince of Wales
Duke of York .
Queen Elizabeth
Lady Anne . .
Duchess of York

. W. P. Sheldon

. £. A. Johnson

O. A. Nelson

Dwieht Gaylord

. . Katie Baker

Master Harry Tavlor

Constance Hamblin

Anna Warren Story

. Mrs. S. A. Baker

Duke of Gloster Thos. W. Keene

Kine^ Henry VL . . . Carl Ahrendt
Ricnmond . . J. Newton Gotthold
Duke of Buckingham . . P. C. Hagar
Lord Stanley . . . Alex. Corl^tt
Tressell .... Chas. B. Hanford

Norfolk Jerry Taylor

Catesby Eugene Moore

Ratcliffe A. B. Howard

Lieutenant of Tower . Frank Hennig

Feb. 4, Mrs. Langtry appeared as Lady Ormond in " A Wife's
Peril." 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 Gray," with this cast :

Sam

Grandfather Stanley D. C. Anderson
Mark Stanley . Joseph E. Whiting
Col. Peyton .... Horace Vinton
Sergeant Becker Geo. W. Thompson
Corporal Dennis Fagan D. J. Maguinnis
Squire Griggs . . . John Matthews
Pnvate SmiUi .... Chas. Kent
Uncle Josh ... C. H. Bradshaw

This drama was afterwards acted under the title of '* Ruth's De-
votion." The season of 1884-85 opened Aug. 18, with " The Seven
Ravens," cast thus:

James •
Ruth Peyton
Mrs. Stanley
Mary Stanley
Amanda . .
Mrs. Bloomer

Royal Roche
. . . B. Wan
Elizabeth Hudson

Virginia Buchanan

. . Nettie Guion

Henrietta Irving

Mrs. Clara Thropp

Count Walter . . Gustavus Levick

Gramsalbus J. W. Pigott

Rotto Fred Lotto

Rudeheart .... C. L. Farrell
Lovesoul Pauline Hall

Rosalind .... Blanche Thom<

Edwina Mattie Elarl

Blandine Carrie Walla

Orte Marion Cliftoi

It was a combination of drama, pantomime, opera, and ballet, an
was produced under the direction of Heinrich Conried. The firs
appearances in America were Mile. Theodore de Gillert, premiere
danseuse ; Mile. Va Lui, Nina Conti, Bctti 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 " Monte Cristo ; " Dec. i Maude Granger was
seen in " Lynwood." John F. Poole and Thomas Donnelly were now
the managers of the theatre; Dec. 22 Fanny Davenport played in
" Fedora i " Jan. 5, 1885, Lady " Clancarthy ; *' Jan. 12 Harrison and
Gourlay came in ** Skipped by the Light 01 the Moon ; " Jan. 19, " A
Bunch of Keys ; " Jan. 26, " Dreams ; " Feb. 2, for two weeks, ** May

i«5D

NIBLO'S GARDEN

221

Blossoms ; " Feb. i6, Thatcher, Primrose & West's Minstrels for
three weeks; March 9 "Shadows of a Great City" was seen;
March 23. J. H. Wallick in "The Bandit King; " April 6, M. B.
Curtis in '* Sam'l of Posen ; " April 20, Hanlon's *' Fantasma."

Mad£[e

Zurbu

Hakbar . . . .
Frifirido ....
Goddess of Liberty .

Lichen

Irate Father . . .
Lance

Fannie L. Knight

Oreste Bizarolli

Rudoleo Carmini

. Joseph Dexter

Bertha Lovejoj

Ella Langtry

J. F. McGovem

. W. H. Pelton

•>

was produced

Fantasma Kate Davis

Zamaliel Nat D. Jones

Pico Louis Pizzarello

Caasander ... Sig. Angelini

Arthur .... Gerolomo Pastorini

Lena Rosina Maschi

Pierrot Joe W. Harris

Fanner Gose . . . Lorenzo Cattanio
Fanner Happy .... Petro Mare

May 4, James O'Neill in *' Monte Cristo.
On June i, "Around the World in Eighty Days
by the Kiralfy Brothers, with the following cast :

Aouda Helen Tracy

Nemea Rose Wilson

Bessie Louise Allen

Nakahira Ricca Alien

Phineas Fogg . . Chas. Chappelle
MUes OTake ... £. J. Buckley

Fix J. F. Peters

Jean Francois Passepartout

Geo. R. Edeson
Mr. Blunt . . . W. H. Bartholomew
Arthur Maybum . . . L. Morton
Sir Roger Shewdryn . Wm. Howard

The next season opened Aug. 1 7 with Bartley Campbell's ** Clio/'
with this cast :

Foster Jones . .
Governor of Suez
An Aged Parsee
Brahmin Chief
Phil Tracy .
Jack Rivers .
Conductor
Chief Scout .
Dazum Aham
Barkeeper
Captain Collins

. J. Wakefield

. F. £. Kille

. M. S. Johns

A. H. Denham

W. Holliman

. W. Eastman

Frank Richmond

. . P. Toole

Jas. Van Pelt

. J. A. Cook

Wm. S. Hurd

Lucia (CUo) . . . Adele Belgarde

Didi Marion Elmore

Countess Ellice . . May Newman
Duchess de Montmartre

Mrs. Charles Poole

Fabian Frank Losee

Count Giovannie . . B.T.Ringgold
Pietro Thos. H. Bums

Paulo Harry Rich

Marquis Matto . . Harold Fosburg
Prince Zellah .... Harry Carter
Kine of France Edgar L. Davenport

PhilTipaux Jay Hunt

Sancho .... James Beckwith
Alsazage .... F. W. Strong
Spring Tommy Russell

This play was a failure, and Sept. 14 Rose Coghlan began an
engagement in '* Our Joan," cast thus :

Joan Rose Coghlan

Arthur Meredith . . Frazer Coulter
Captain Brandon . . B. R. Graham
Martin Travenna . . C. A. McManus
Joe Fengelly .... Luke Martin

George Travenna
Squire Vemoo
Williams . .
Alice Pengclly

. . George Deyo

Geo. F. Robinson

C. A. Richard

Clara Flagg

Lady Ruth Bumey Florence Robinson

Thatcher, Primrose & West's Minstrels followed Oct. 5, and were
succeeded, Oct. 26, by the Daly Brothers in "Vacation." The
Thatcher, Primrose & VVest Minstrels returned Nov. 2, and Nov. 16
James O'Neill came in *' Monte Cristo." "The Rat Catcher" was
produced Nov. 30, by the Kiralfy Brothers, with this cast :

222 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«6

Louise Miss Vinton

Hostess Ainsleigh

Roderick Bitter .... H. Leone
John Sauer .... G. Pullman

Lupin F. W. Baldwin

Seltzers H. WiUiams

Kleine Henry Koch

Powderstein .... A. Oxenford
Peter . . . Master John Oakley

Nettie Qara Lipman

Bertha Leona Clark

Celia Emily Beaumont

Grade Miss Knowlton

Singold, the Piper . . Hubert Wilke
Hans von Kronold . . J. F. Hagan
Walter Bur^ardt J. de Bois

Simpliciton Rumple . . Arthur Tams

Fresch Jay Hunt

Philip Strong . . . Walter Owen

Waxman Jas. Otley

Leechke C. Latona

Hippel J. Murphy

John Fresco . . Master Cleveland
Hilda von Kronold . . Julia Stuart
Martha . . . Mrs. G. C. Germon

Tina Annie Boyd

Dora L. Newman

Ad. NeuendorflF introduced the story of this spectacle to the Am-
erican stage as early as 1879, when, at the Germania, afterwards
Star Theatre, his German company sang an operatic version for
which he had composed the music, and H. Italiener had arranged the
libretto. " The Black Crook" was revived March 29, 1886. Henry
T. Chanfrau opened in ** Kit " May 24, followed by Ada Gray in
" East Lynne" May 31. "Bound 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 " Around the World in Eighty Days," cast as follows :

Aouda . .
Nemea . .
Bessie . .
Nakahira
Phineas Fogg
Miles O'Pake
Fix ...
Passepartout
Mr. Blunt .
Sir Roger Shewdryn
Barkeeper . . .

Dora Goldthwaite

. Rose Chesneau

. . Louise Allen

. . Ricca Allen

. . Jos. Slaytor

Hennr W. Mitchell

Claude Brooke

. Arthur Moulton

W. H. Bartholomew

Mr. Rubel

Frank Moore

Arthur Maybum . . Ed. Mortimer
Foster Jones .... J. Wakefield
Governor of Suez . . . W. J. Mason
An Aged Parsee ... M. S. John
Brahmin Chief .... Julias Harr

Phil. Tracy L. Reubel

Jack Rivers W. Eastman ^

Conductor Ed. Prince ^

Engineer P. Taylor -a

Chief Scout P. Toole s=

Governor of Tokio . James van Pdt

Mile. Vivien, premi&re danseuse, made her American d^but. Th
spectacle ran to excellent business, and was followed Sept. 13, fo
the first time in America, by Sardou's " Theodora." Cast :

Andreas .

Justinian .

Belisarius

Marcellus

Caribert .

Nicephorus

Euphratas

Endimon

Faber

Stryaz

Timocles

Agathon

Calchas

Lycostratas

J. H. Gilmour
Hudson Liston

John W. Rennie
Jay Wirt Kail

Edward Poland
. . J. Foster

Thos. Chapman
M. W. Rawley
William Gross

Herbert Chesley

John M. Moran
Eustice Atwell
Albert Teitjens

John E. Hynes

Tribonien
Friscus
Amron
Mundus
Constantiolus
Orythes .
Michel
Hypatius .
Antonina .
Tamyris .
Callirhoe
Macedonia
Iphis . .
Theodora .

James Fostesr
... J. Boyc^
Chas. Inward
William Bernstein
. . Thos. Albert
. Chester Hubert
. • . H. Adam
. . J. Mortimer
Emelie Rickaby
Isabelle Prestoa
• Mrs. Richards
. . May Somers
. . Rose Elliott
Lilian Olcott

M72

NIBLO'S GARDEN

223

This was the first appearance in this city of Miss Olcott and the
American premier of ** Theodora." For weeks the most elaborate
e£Forts 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 Bern-
hardt, 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,
discharge 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 Baron " 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, Charles Coghlan's
play, *' Enemies," and it was a failure. It was cast as follows :

Margaret Glenn . . Mrs. Langtry

LordDunderby . . . G. Raiemond

Hon. Arthur Blake . . S. Herbert
Sir Manvers Glenn Frederick A. Everill

Colonel Anderson Newton Dana

Captain Percival Glenn . . J. Came

Peter Darvel . . . H. A. Weaver

Richard Darvel
Mr. Domton
DaftWiUie .
Shaw . . .

Chas. F. Coghlan

G. Raiemond

Walter Lennox, Jr.

. . £. Mortimer

A Yeoman . . . . G. S. Stevens
SheriiFs Officer . . . Mr. Chambers

Waiter Mr. Burton

Footman £. Shelly

Joe Heely S. J. Browne

Coot W. Spencer

Aunt Anne C. Calvert

Mrs. Lawler .... Kate Pattison
Rose Heely .... Miss Calvert
Martha Brunei

Lawrence P. Barrett began an engagement May 2, 1887, in
Rienzi, the Last of the Tribunes/' with this cast:

Cola di Rienzi .

Stephen Colonna
John Ursini
Anselo . .
Sa^Ui . .

vaneipani

. Lawrence Barrett
. . Ben G. Rogers
. Chas. M. Couins
. Charles B. Welles
. Frederick Vroom
Kendall Weston
J. W. Albaugh, Jr.
. . W. M. Stuart

Camillo S. E. Springer

Alberti Chas. Koehler

Paolo J. M. Sturgeon

Tomaso J. L. Finney

Gaudia .... Minna K. Gale
Lady Colonna . . . Minnie Monk
Leila Savelli . . . Miriam O'Leary

•*Yorick's Love" was revived May 21. The exceedingly warm
^^ather caused business to be rather light. The engagement closed
Mav 28, with •* Richelieu." On May 30, " The Golden Giant " came
ith Mr. and Mrs. McKee Rankin in the cast. June 20 a new play

^Uled " Travers House " was presented for the first time on any stage
*th this cast:

224 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Zim

Father Antonio . . Howard Coveney
Maria .... Elizabeth Andrews

Stella Adele Bel^arde

Robert Llovd . . . Chas. B. Waite
Sir Reginald Travers . J. T. Sullivan
Elliott Adair . . Forrest Robinson
Mr. Bills Kenneth Lee

The Man of Night Nelson Wheatcroft
Lady Gertrude Travers

Adeline Stanhope
Valerie Toriani . . . Adele Belgarde
Mrs. Emery .... Carrie Jamison
Sarah Swaggers . Frankie McQellan

The next season opened Aug. 17 with •* Lagardere," a new version
of " The Duke's Motto " under the direction of the Kiralfy Bros.,
with this cast :

Henri de Lagadere Maurice Banymore
Due de Gonzagues . . Joseph Slay tor
Marquis de Chavenney Maurice Drew
Philippe d' Orleans . . G. F. Nash
Conte Maville . W. H. Bartholomew
Cocardasse . . . Harold Fosberg

Passepoil . .
Stanpitz . . .
Blanche de Caylus
Blanche de Nevers
Pepita ....

. W. H. LytcU

John de Gex

. . Helen Tracy

Mamie Floyd

Helen Sedgwick

Robarts Harper made his American d6but 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 Homestead."
Joseph JefiFerson began a week's engagement Nov. 21, in " Rip Van
Winkle." " She," dramatized by W. H. Gillette from Rider Hag-
gard's novel, had its first performance Nov. 29. " A Run of Luck "
bad its Christmas matinee, Dec. 26, and it closed its run Feb. 4,
1888. The cast was :

Harry Copsley .
John Copsley
Squire Selby . .
George Selby
Capt. 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 G. Ross

Frank Losee

D. J. Maguinnis

Frank E. Lamb

. W. J. Wheeler

C. A. Warde

R. S. Finley
. C. H. Miller
Russell Hunting

R. C. Varian

George Grahame

. . W. A. Carl

Captain Stevens . George A. Fisher
Tom Catchpole . . . F. L. Jamison
Telepaph Operator . W. K. Sylvester

Auctioneer
Railway Porter
Daisy Copsley
Mabel Selby .
Aunt Mary
Phoebe Wood
Mrs. Willmore
Mrs. Seymour.
Maude de Lacy
Parker . . .

S. E. Fredericks
. . J. W. Taylor
. Minnie Radciiffe
. . Belle Melville
Mrs. W. G. Jones
Marion Elmore
Florence Robinson
. . May Merrick
. . Edith Clinton
Karoline Beekman

Mary 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 :

Plum Smith . .
Saphocles . . .
Miss Creamlaid .
Toady Goldsmith .
Antonio Smitherini
Goldsmith . . .

W. A. Mestayer
Jos. A. Ott
. . Mary Gray
Marion Russell
Bernard Dyllyn
. . Sol Aiken

Smi£E .... Richard Gamella

SnufE Robert Gamella

Regent W. H. Sloan

BeOe Smith .... Annie Jackson
Persia Theresa Vaughn

18883

NIBLO'S GARDEN

225

The comic opera company known as " The Boston Ideals ** beg^
a season in ** Fra Diavolo," Feb. 20. Fra Diavolo, George Appleby;
Lord AUcashy Clement Bainbridge; Giacomo, J. C. Miron; Beppo,
W. H. Clark; Zerlina, Mile. Zelie de Lussan. This was the first
time 2^1ie 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 ''Dr.
Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." In the company were Rose Stahl, K P.
Sullivan, J. M. Colville, T. J. Hemdon, Dore 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 Rjrsoor . Newton Gotthold

Karloo John Malone

Duke of Alva . . J. H. Fitzpatrick
La TrcmouiUe . . . . W. F. Blande

Noircarmes Wm. Wallis

Jonas Max Firaian

Vargas Edward See

Captain Rincon Frederick DeVere

Mifiruel Charles Gotthold

Pedro F. A. Montrose

Galena Austin Forbes

Cornellis J. Roberts

Bakerseel G. Norton

Domingo W. Winter

CortadUia John Haslam

Charles A. Stockbridge

RafiEaella .... Charlotte Dean
Sarah Matthesson . . Ricca Allen

Gudule Annie Dunbar

Dolores Eleanor Carey

The premiere danseuse was Franciscina Paris, who made her
New York d^but on this occasion. Kate Claxton opened May 14,
for two weeks, in " The World against Her." The Redraund-Barry
company began May 28, and were followed by Hallen and Hart for
two weeks. June 11-16, " Uncle Tom's Cabin; " June 18-23, the
Lorenzo Bros, followed, and the season closed with *' Brother against
Brother."

The next season opened Aug. 18 with the spectacular pla^
** Matthias Sandorf," thus cast : Count, Wm. S. Harris ; Cape Mati-
form, Fred Devere; Sarcany, Robert Neil; Mme. Bathoiy, Cccile
Rush ; Pepita, Louise Allen ; Mitzie, Lillie Vane. Mme. Cappolini
and Mile. Paris were the danseuses. The Alexandron Brothers,
musical clowns, made their American d^but 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: Capt. Dearban, Wm. Whitecar;
Man of the Smithy, Thos. H. Glcnny; Ryver, Dominick Murray;
Silenah, Lizzie St. Quentin ; Lawyer Chantry, John A. EUsler ;
Jenny, Clara Coleman; Mother Hundreds, May Sylvie; Bertie,
Jameson Finney; Bianci, Alice Coleman; Mitts, Chas. Thropp;
Bondi, Geo. Baxnum; Alice, Laura Almosino.

226 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE LiBgo

" 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. i, 1889, and in
** Romeo and Juliet/' evenings of Jan. i and Jan. 3, and closed with
" Macbeth" the night of Jan. 5. John B. Studley was her leading
man. Lew Dockstader's Minstrels came Jan. 7; McKee Rankin,
Jan. 14, in " The Runaway Wife/' ** Paul Kavaur/' Jan. 21 was seen ;
" Harbor Lights/' Jan. 28 ; " The Water Queen/' Feb. 1 1, with Fred
Devere, Edward See, Helen Sedgwick, Rica Allen, and Hattie
Grinnell in the cast. Mile. Paris was premiere danseuse. Maude
Granger came March 4 in " Two Lives ; " Prof, and Mme. Herr-
mann were seen March 11 ; "A Dark Secret" was revealed March
18; "Erminie" came April i, 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; " " Camillc"
night and matinee, April 13 ; **Lady of Lyons," matinee, April 10
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 "Pat's
Wardrobe," May 20; "Octoroon" was June 3, with Eva Montford
as Zoe. " Jeannette Fortier " by Emily Soldene was seen June 10,
with Frank C. Bangs, Victory Bateman, Lillian Owens, Fred Cor-
bett, and Emily Soldene in the cast. Also F. A. Roberts, John
Burke, and Percy Hunting. The season closed July 15 and re-
opened Aug. 17, 1889, with "Antiope," when Mile. Carmencita,
Spanish danseuse, made her American dibut. 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 Pekin " was sung with
Louis Harrison as the star. The house was closed Oct. 7 and re-
opened Oct. 8 with " Roger La Honte " by the Terriss-Millward
company, consisting of Jessie Millward, William Terriss, 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 " Exiles " came Nov.
1 1, Adele Belgarde, Henry Aveling with Nestor Lennon 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,
Babette Rodney, Mattie Hornby, Jennie Reeves, Rose Franck,
Josie Lynne, Arthur Dunn, Topsy Venn, and Homie Weldon were
in the cast. Clara Qualitz did a skirt dance, night of Feb. 8. The

1890] NIBLO'S GARDEN 227

Conned Opera company opened for two weeks on Feb. 17 in
**The King's Fool," which had been put into English by John P.
Jackson. The cast was Philip, King of Navarre, J. F. McGovern ;
Prince Julius, Helen Bertram ; Yvonne, Delia Fox ; Felisa d'Amores,
Ada Glasca ; Corisanda, Jennie ReifiEarth ; 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 rdle, and
the supporting cast was Honore Albert Maxime, Charles Vanden-
hoflE ; Marquis de Vaux, C. C. Craig ; Gen. Delaroche, Robert W.
Drouet ; Col. La Hogue, George Conway ; Carrac, Joseph Ransome ;
Nanette Potin, Louise Rial; Scarlotte, Mary Timberman. "Little
Lord Fauntleroy " was seen March 17; " Kajanka," March 24; "The
Knights of Tyburn," April 7, for the first time on any stage, with this
cast : Mrs. Sheppard, Jeflfreys Lewis ; Jonathan Wild, A. H. Hast-
ings ; Sir Rowland Trenchard, Charles Chappelle ; Blueskin, E. J.
Lyons ; Owen Wood, Louis R. Grisel ; Kittleby, Seymour G. Hess ;
Mr. Darrell, Henri Stuart ; Figg, Barry Maxwell ; Hogarth, Gilmore
Scott ; Mrs. Wood, Louise Sylvester ; Winnifred, Elsie Sheridan ;
Jack Sheppard, Clara Louise Thompson. This play was given for
two weeks, and the theatre closed abruptly. Alex. Salvini com-
menced April 21 in "A Child of Naples," followed by " Don Caesar
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, Lysander Thompson, C. B. Kelly, and Lindsay Hurst in the
cast. "Around the World in Eighty Days" was again seen May 5,
cast thus : Aouda, Dorothy Rossmore ; Nemea, Marguerite St John ;
Bessie, Ella Salisbury ; Nakahira, Bella Wilson ; Phineas Fogg, W.
F. Clifton ; Miles O'Pake, Maurice Drew ; Fix, J. J. Wallace; Passe-
partout, W. H. Lytell; 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. BertoUo,
a transformation dancer, then made her American d6but There
were also, among the first appearances in America, Nellie Sennette,
Ada Menette, Ada Anson, the Dale Sisters, and Lincoln Sisters, all
dancers. John Sullivan, the prize fighter, was the next star. He made
his first appearance in this city as an ''actor," Sept. i, in ''Honest
Hearts," in which he played the rdle of a blacksmith. Emily Poigns-
ford, Virginia Nelson ; Mrs. Mary Daly, Mary Maddem ; Norah Daly,
Grace Ottillie; Martha 0*Neil, Carrie Rose Strong; John Daly,
Duncan B. Harrison and James Daly supported the star. The

228 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE ZiSgi

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."

Qaudius Nero
A^ppina . .
Nicodemus
Acte, his ward
Artemidorous .
Tigellinus . .
Poppsea Sabina

Wilton Lackaye
Alice Fisher

. George Heath

. Carrie Turner
Willard NeweU
Byron Douglas

Blanche Weaver

Acerronia .... Henrietta Lander

Lupus Rose Beaudet

Seneca James Lackaye

Lollario Franz Reina

Glodiana .... Frances Herbert
Galba Frederick Daily

Theodora de Gillett and Rosita, a Spanish danseuse, appeared, the
latter making her American d^but. 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 and His Merry, Merry Men, and Harlequin
who Killed Cock Robin " was the title of an English pantomime first
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 . . •
Robin Redbreast
Wren . . . .
Sparrow . . .
Queen Eglantine .

. Aida Jenoure
Louise Beaudet
Barbara Allen
. Edith Craske
Rose Sutherland
. LiUie Fording
. Elaine Eilson

Cissie

Bertie

The Baron

Clown .

Harlequin

Pantaloon

Columbine

Geo. K. Fortescoe
Wm. A. Mestayer
Joseph W. HerbJert
. Geo. H. Browne
. . J. R. Costello
. . . S. Healej
. Henry W.Dodd

Mons. A. Bertrand, ballet master ; Adele Cornalba, Edith Craske,
V. Chitten and C. Chitten, premieres ; "The Two Orphans" came
Jan. 9, 1 891, with Wilton Lackaye, Kate Claxton, and Kitty
Blanchard in the cast. ** Noah's Ark" by George Stout was acted
for the first time, Feb. 16, with this cast :

Mr. I. C. Jacques

By an original

. Marcus Proctor

. Loduski Young

. Julia de Grignan

Rachel Booth

Joe Jaggers ....
John Martin . . .
Michael McNamara .
Norah McNamara .
Mr. Charles Raymond
Charley Rajonond
Mr. M!aydew . . .
Mr. Belmont . . .
Algernon Fitzroy
Walter Herbert . .
Police Oflficer Smith .
Alderman McGowan .
Waiter at the Casino
Hans Voushed
A Terrible Elxample .
Mr. Nabob . . .

Willard Newell

Charles Sutton

Patrick Murphy

. . J. H. Ryan

Vernon Claries

George Neville

Lewis Shea

George Maddox

WiU E. Burton

Frank Garland

W. H. Leonard

T. F. Clark

Edwin Walton

Herman Sheldon
. Mr. G. Lewis

William Madden

Diamond Joe . .
Chestnut Vender .
One Lung . .

Marcus ....
Ruth Martin . .

Mary

Jacquette >
Kitty > * • ■
Blanche Dudley .
Rosa Sommers
Cora Pearl . . .
Carrie Masterson .
Mrs. Jaegers . . ,
Old Daddy Noah

Herr

. Adele Martinetd
F. S. Hastings
Dolly Gol(^
. Blanche Waters
. . Lizzie Gale

Sigmund Feinman

ii9>D

NIBLO'S GARDEN

229

** The Clemenceau Case " March 2, and was cast thus

Pierre Cemenceaii
Constantin Ritz
Serge Voinoff
Thomas Ritz
Cassafnoi .
Theodore
Bertin . .

Wilton Lackaye

Frazer Coulter

. Edson Dixon

N. C. Forrester

Wm. H. Pascoe

James Lewis

Chas. Murphy

Countess Dobronowka

Genevieve Reynolds
Madame Clemenceau N.C. Forrester
Madame Lesperon Vesta Dor^ Hastings
Lady Neiderneld . . . Harriet Ford
Georgette . . . Hattie Boardman
Iza, the wife . . Blanche Curtisse

. D. R. Young
John H. Ready
. John F. Pike

From " Sire to Son," March 9, with this cast:

Alfred Armitage . . Milton Nobles Jonas Hardy . .
Mrs. Waldaur .... Mav Bardell Abe Isaacs . . .

Anna Nl iss Wall Parsons ....

Peter Grimes ... L. F. Howard '

Billy Barry and Hugh Fay came March 16 for two weeks in
** McKenna's Flirtations." McKee Rankin was seen March 30 in
the " Canuck." " A Lucky Man " was given April 6 Samuel Blog-
C^ns, Louis Carpenter; Mrs. Samuel Bloggins, May Wilkes; Mrs.
Samuel Brown, Ruth Hamilton; Samuel Brown, Arthur Giles;
Daniel McGinty, J. H. Ryan ; Hans Plunger, Collin Varrey. Lydia
Thompson was seen, April 13, in "The Darzler;" " United States
Mail " came April 20. ** Beautiful Slave," 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 tihus :

Psamtick ... W. F. Rochester

Cyrus Wallace Macrery

The Sultan .... John J. Raffael
Fadia Minnie Marsh jdl

Janina Lotta Oilman

Mareeta Bettina Gerard

Samarantha . . . Augusta Roche
The Khedive . . . Ferris Hartman

The house was closed Sept. 5 for five weeks, and reopened Oct. 12
with " Beautiful Star " and this cast : The Kinf^, Tully Marshall ;
Queen Katherine, M. Pike ; Feintise, Mrs. Cecile Rush ; Rousette,
Ida Rush; A Fairy Queen, Nina Farrington, her American d^but;
Corsair, Harry C. Stanley; Corsine, Madge Carr; Princess Belle,
Ruth Mattheissen ; 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;
Gas Williams, Dec. 7, in " Keppler's 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," " Man and Wife," called the
" Athlete," previously produced as " A Bad Man " years before.
Augustin Daly presented an adaptation of this novel at the Fifth

230 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [jBg^

Avenue Theatre as " Man and Wife," Clara Morris acting Ann Syl-
vester, the heroine. Mayo played " Davy Crockett *' 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 ; *' Master and Man" came Jan. 4, 1892; ** Hands
Across the Sea " was seen Jan. 11, and " Evangeline," Jan. 18, for
two weeks. In the company were Hilda Thomas, Ruth Davenport,
James S. Maffit, Richard Harlow, Estelle Clinton, Sadie Stephens,
George A. Schiller, Edwin S. Tarr, Tom Reilly, and Ben J. Miles.

" Bunch of Keys " was done Feb. i ; " East Lynne," Feb. 8, with
Ada Gray as Lady Isabel ; "Wide, Wide World" came Feb. 15;
" Money Mad," Feb. 22, with Emily Rigl as Kate. Steve Brodie,
who acquired a reputation as a " bridge jumper," made his d^but
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 Vemona, Ida Stembler, Oscar Girard,
and Edwin Chapman in the cast. ** A Bad Penny," " Uncle Dan,"
and " A Bric-i-Brac Shop " formed the programme for the week of
March 14, with Lydia Thompson the star. The cast of " A
Penny " was :

Charles Hyde .
Harry Goodwin

" Uncle Dan " :

Harry Hanscombe I Richard Hyde

. . Alf Hampton I Hopkins, a servant

Louis Hoi
G. V. Devei

Major Talbot .
Sidney Wingfield

Alf Hampton
Louis Howard

Rose Annie Daml^ss

Kitty Wingfield . Lydia Thompscnz

closed with " A Bric-i-Brac Shop " :

Wardour Streetor Harry Branscombe
Banevay Streetor . . . Alf Hampton

Fritz Louis Howard

Chinese Dragon H. W. Montgomery

Beau G. Dev^^sf

Belle Annie DamK ^

Watteau Shepherd . Emmie Fosses: "«te
Watteau Shepherd . Lydia Thomp^<3a

** U and I," a farce comedy, was seen March 21 ; the " Evangeline'
company returned March 28, and the following week were seen in
" Robinson Crusoe." The Hi Henry Burlesque company, witi
Muldoon the wrestler, came March 11, for three weeks. E. G. Git
mere's lease of this house expired 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 company reappeared Sept. 5, commencing
afternoon with a travesty on ** The Tar and The Tartar," called
" Ta-Ra-Ra," also " A Rustic Reception ; " " Uncle Tom's Cabin"
came Sept. 12; Lillie 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 Howard

I894D NIBLO'S GARDEN 23 1

Burlesque company came Oct. 17 ; and " Current Cash," Oct. 24,
with these players in the cast : Henry Lee, M. 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 " Alvin
Joslin;" "Midnight Special" was seen Dec. 12; Edwin Mayo
came Dec. 19, for the first time in New York, in " After Twenty
Years ; " " Manhood " was presented Dec. 26 for two weeks, with
this cast : George Ashford, Edwin Thome ; Derrick Murkley, James
Tighe ; Captain Sidney Stansfield, Loudon McCormick ; Blue Peter,
James E. Sullivan ; Detective Grudden, Samuel Edwards ; Sandy
Sugnall, James Kearney ; Dennis Rafferty, Charles Burke ; Kate
Ashford, Emma Stockman ; Margery, Kate Hughes ; Peggy Rafiferty,
Mrs. Blanche Sherwood ; Grandmother Ashford, Mrs. James Kearney.

The theatre was closed week of Jan. 9, 1893, and was reopened
Jan. 16 with the military drama **Shiloh," by Sam Dubois, with
this cast: Colonel Randolph, J. L. Carhart; Percy Randolph, M. L.
Alsop ; 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 Peterman,
Dick Gorman ; Phil Jones, H. G. Carlton ; Gordon Horrocks,
Myron LefBngwell ; Uncle Ephraim, Lew Simmons ; Judge
Belmont, George Hamilton; Confederate Prisoner, Delancy Bar-
clay; Captain Caldwell, Charles Godfrey; Mrs. Marie Randolph,
Henrietta Osborne; Mrs. Belmont, Isabelle Preston; Alice Bel-
mont, Mary Le Vera ; and Aunt Polly, Lizzie Gale. Ada Gray
appeared Feb. 6 in " East Lynne ; " ** Uncle Tom's Cabin " came
ag^in 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 McKee 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 "Diamond Breaker" came March 13 ; "The
Clemenceau Case,** March 20; and 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 "A Trip to Mars," 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 ** A Pupil in Magic*' by the Lilliputians. On Jan. i,
1894, " Under the City Lamps,** 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 C1895

Bonehill came Jan. 15 in "The Playmates; " "She," Jan. 22; "A
Kentucky Girl/' Jan. 29 ; " The Stowaway," Feb. 5 ; " Pulse of New
York," Feb. 12; "Soudan," Feb. 19; "Nobody's Claim," Feb. 26;
"Tornado," March 5 ; " Sport McAllister," March 12 ; and " Power
of Gold," March 19 ; Prof. Cromwell commenced a series of lectures
Sunday night, March 25 ; " The Rambler from Claire " was seen
March 26 ; " Lost in New York," April 2 ; " Pay Train," April 9 ;
" The Hustler," April 16 ; " South before the War," April 23 ; " The
World Against Him," April 30 ; John L. Sullivan the pugilist came
again May 7 ; " A Flag of Truce," May 14 ; " The Westerner," May
21, with Al Lipman as the star; the Georgia (colored) Minstrels
came May 11 ; " The Hearts of New York," May 18 ; " Master and
Man," 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
of the Czar" with this cast: Hector Dilworth, Edward Brandt;
Alexis Silvitch, James Wall; Norman Dayrell, Arnold Reeves;
ChristofiF Kerovitch, Harry S. Duffield ; Clara Ferona, 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 Tide of Life," Sept. 17;
" The Shaughraun," Sept. 24 ; cast thus : Captain Molineux, Harry
Mainhall; Robert Ffolliott, Frank Lander; Father Dolan, Cripde
Palmoni; Corry Kinchella, George Hoey; Harvey Duff, George
Denham ; Conn, Edward J. Heron ; Sergeant Jones, Nelson Comp-
ton; Sullivan, Charles Nevins; Doyle, C. J. Vincent; Claire Ffol-
liott, Victory Bateman ; Arte O'Neale, Annie Barclay ; Mrs. O'Kelly,
Nellie Maskell ; and Moya, Lottie Williams. Amy Lee came Oct. i
in " Pawn Ticket 210 ; " " Slaves of Gold " came Oct. 8 ; " Ticket of
Leave Man," Oct. 15, with Harry Mainhall as Bob Brierly, and
Victory Bateman as May Edwards ; " Prodigal Daughter," Oct. 22 ;
"Country Circus," Oct. 29; "A Tale of Corsica," Nov. 5, by
George Hoey, for 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; Steffana Ferrante, Victory Bateman; lima. Lisle Leigh;
Doria, Lottie Williams; Pichu, Edward J. Heron. This play was
originally called " A Priest's Vow ; " " The White Squadron " was
done Nov. 12; Nelly McHenry came Nov. 19, in "A Night at the
Circus ; " *' Under the Lash " was seen Nov. 26 ; " Stowaway," Dec.
3 ; Charles L. Davis in " Alvin Joslin," Dec. 10; J. B. Maclae, Dec.
17, in "Side Show;" ** Youth," Dec. 24; '* Prodigal Daughter,"
Dec. 31, for two weeks; ** Ivy Leaf," Jan. 14, 1895; "Down in
Dixie," Jan. 21, for two weeks; Katie Emmett, Feb. 4, in "Killar
ney ; " " McFadden's Elopement," Feb. 11 ; " Still Alarm," Feb 18;

I895D THE RICHMOND HILL THEATRE 233

" Land of the Midnight Sun," Feb. 25 ; " Power of Gold." March 4,
" Hustler/' March 15 ; and " My Aunt Bridget," March 18. At the
conclusion of the third act of *• My Aunt Bridget " Mr. Monroe made
a speech, and said that it had 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 ofiE by two of the actors, and
was not able to appear again. It was stated that she had sprained
her ankle, and was sufiEering 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 Treyser, Ben F. Grinnell ; Joe Nervey, Thomas J.
Grady; Tompkins Blazer, Harry McDowell; Boyce Alton, Milo J.
Knill ; Dora, Mamie Ryan ; Polly, Mabel Florence ; Miss Recalmer,
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 Mortier 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 D^

opened Nov. 14, 1831, by Richard Russell, who had the following
company : T. Abthorpe Cooper, Wilson, Finn, Holland, Kilner, Foote,
Langton, Judah, C. Thorne, Moreland, Russell, Field, Mestayer,
Meer, Moses Phillips, Lennox, Lindsley, Kenny, Wray, and Philli-
more ; Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Thorne, Mrs. Meer, Mrs. Read, Mrs. Bel-
cour, Mrs. Lindsley, and Miss Coleman. An opening address was
written for the occasion by Fitz Greene Halleck, and the opening
pieces were " The Road to Ruin " and " The Turnpike Gate." " Last
of the Mohicans " was acted Dec. 27 ; " Discarded Daughter," Jan. 17,
1832. Miss Smith, afterwards Mrs. Groves, made her d6but Feb. 8
as Rose in " Is He Jealous ?" " Hamlet" was played March i 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, Lennox ; GriflEen,
Mestayer; Victorine, Mary DufiE ; Jean, Farren; Julian, Mrs. Russell ;
Thercse, 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, 1 841, and Miss Clarke died in New York=:
in February 21, 1853. Mary Dutf made her New York d6but at this^
theatre April 9, as Helen Worrett in " Man and Wife ; " Dan Marbl^a
appeared March 6 as Damon. The season closed April 30 ; Johi
Barnes, after altering the house, opened it May 23, 1832, wil
an equestrian company, and continued until July 28, but the alan
caused by the cholera epedimic caused the temporary closing of th-
house. It was reopened Oct 6, with Italian opera, under Sig.
renzo Daponte, the early friend of Mozart. He engaged as director
Antonio Bagioli, the father of Teresa Bagioli, who was afterward tl%e
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 Placci; Dandini, L. Fornasari;
Clorinda, Lorenza Marozzi; Cenerentola, Signora Afina Stella;
Tibbe, Teresa Veduci; Sig. Saccamani on Oct. 11 in the title
rdle. It had previously been presented at the Park Theatre by
Garcia under the title rdle of " Cinderella." ** Elsie e Claudio " was
sung for the first time in America, Oct. 17, when Signora Ade-
laide Pedrotti made her American d6but as Elsie ; " L'ltalianna in
Algeri" was given Nov. 17, and ** II Pirata," Dec. 5, with Mme.
Pedrotti as Imogene. The season was a failure.

The dramatic season began Jan. i, 1833. Clara Woodhull made
her d6but, Jan. 3, as Amelia in " Lover's Vows ; " Mrs. Barnes
played Romeo, Jan. 7, with Alexina Fisher as Juliet; and "Cold

18463 THE RICHMOND HILL THEATRE 235

Stricken " was given Jan. 22 ; Charles J. Houpt made his American
d^but, Jan. 31, as "The Stranger." He married Emily Mestayer,
retired from the stage, and became a dentist. He died in California
in 1851. 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 d^but 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 rdle. The dramatic season
was resumed June i, with "The Belle's Stratagem" and "Nature
and Philosophy." Mr. and Mrs. William Henry first appeared in
New York here. July 2, James S. Charles made his d^but 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 d^but as Jaffier in "Venice Preserved," Mr.
IngersoU playing Pierre.

Moses S. Phillips was the manager of theHheatre in July. The
season ended Aug. 17. Most of the stock company were of Ameri-
can birth, including Thayer C. Thorne, T. Placide, Hyatt, Virginia
Monier, and Alexina Fisher. During the summer of 1833 Charles
R. Thome was the manager. On August 2, Murdoch acted lago
to Ingersoll's Othello. Annette Hawley Nelson (Mrs. Johh
Brougham) leased this house for the summer of 1836, 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 Flynn 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 GREENWICH THEATRE

Sole proprietors, Messrs. Myers & Tomlinson ; manager, John G. Myers ;
acting and stage manager, H. P. Grattan ; treasurer, O. M. Tomlinson ; deputy
treasurer, Warren Draper.

FRIDAY EVENING, Aprils,
with " Romeo and Juliet *'

Romeo, Cara Ellis; Mcrcutio, H. P. Grattan ; Juliet, Mrs. W. H. Crisp; Lady
Capnlet, Mrs. Hautonville.

To conclude with ** Don Giovanni."

Don Giovanni, Julia Drake; Don Guzman, H. Chapman; Leperello, Mrs. H.
Cbapman ; Bride, H. Fallee.

236 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C^M

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, it 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. E. 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 waUc.

THE BOWERY AMPHITHEATRE

THE Bowery Amphitheatre occupied Nos. 37 and 39 Bowery,
was built in in 1833, by the Zoological Institute (or Flatfoots),
and was first used as a menagerie. In 1835 ^^ ^^^^ remodelled into
an amphitheatre, with a stage and ring, and occupied by June, Titos,
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,
1844, for ^200. 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, jmd 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 bim.
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 d

1^3] THE BOWERY AMPHITHEATRE 237

him altogether after his trial jig at Jayne'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 white woman, besides), and died early and miserably.

In 1849 ^^^ 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 Seth B. Howe's company. Nov. i, 1852, the circus
troupes of Richard Sands & Co., and John J. Nathans & Co., com-
menced, with John J. Nathans, Richard Sands, Masters M. and J.
Sands, Antonio ("Tony") Pastor, Wm. Kingcade, W. J.Smith,
William Pastor, Philo Nathans, B. Huntington, J. Hanldns, Sam
Lathrop, and John Lovell, clowns.

Richard Sands was announced, Dec. 6, 1852, to perform his anti-
podeal 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 TAe 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 Thorne opened in his cannon-ball performance.
Among the other acts were Master Jesse Sands (trick equestrian),
Emma 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. Tourniairc, the
equestrienne, with her stud of horses, opened March 11. Dan
Emmet, the old time minstrel performer, appeared April 5, for one
week, in his selection of new songs. Charles Sherwood, the original
** Pete Jenkins," began. The season terminated April 16, but the

238 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»o

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 Ben Jennings and Alex Rockwell ;
John Shay, equestrian director. May 5, Levi J. North commenced
with his trained horse, Tammany. On May 23, Donna Margueretta,
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 Barbier von Sevilla. "
Mueller as Figaro ; Vineke, Bassilio ; Quint, Count Almaviva ,• Oehr-
lein, Dr. Bartolo ; and Signora Martini D'Ormy as Rosene. A benefit

was given Nov. 18 for the sufferers of the stranded ship New Era

"Wild Oats'* was performed in German. July 5, 1858, a combina — ^
tion of talent from the Ravel family was secured for one perform — ^
ance. The artists were Lina Windel, M. Collet, A. Lehman, Angel<
and Mme. Chiarini, Sig. 2^nfretta, Misses H. and A. Gale, thi
Denier Bros. (Tony and John), Ben Yates, and M. Alexander.

The A. H. Davenport Dramatic Association gave " Black-Eye^i^

Susan," July 28, with Edwin Adams as William, and Miss L. Wq<

son as Susan. ** The Idiot Witness " was also acted with Maggie Ne^B
son as Dame Tugscutt. " Bombastes Furioso " was the afterpiec^^.
J. B. Howe leased the house, and opened it Aug. 2 with an Aroeri.-
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 Pennoyer, 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. ** Tannhauser " 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 danseuse. German performances were given by Kril-

i«0 THE BOWERY AMPHITHEATRE 239

ling» Otto Hoym, Meaubert, Fortner, Kleur, Knorr, Manvers, Conn-
beim, Schmidt, Isidor, Lehman, Lotti, Hohifelder, Kleidhom,
Wiethoff, 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, Mme. Becker-Grann, Mme.

Von Berkel, Mme. Mertzke, Mme. Fredericke Walter, Anna

Klein, Cecillia Fortner, Herren Otto Hoym, Lehmann, Schwann,

Niemeyer, Quint, Graff, Fortner, Klein, Knorr, Carl Merbitz,

and Lewens formed the company. The important productions

were Scribe's '' A Glass of Water ; " Kruger's '' Das Maedchen

von Dorfe " (The Village Maid) ; Kruezer's " Ani^ Worth-

mann ; " Lorzing's ** Czar und Zimmerman," " Peter the Great,"

••Hamlet," " Der Freischutz," " Der Stumme von Portici,"

" 2Jampa," "The Postillion of Longjumeau," " Gloeckner von Notre

Dame," Toepler's "Der Best Fon," Bendix's " Steifutter," "Der

Major," " George Washington," " Der Maschinenbauer," " Der

Mozartgeige," " Der Peter Kronau," Schiller's " Kabal und Liebc,"

Charlotte Birchpfeiffer's ** Herinan nee," ** Die Jungfrau von

Orleans," " Narcisse," " The Son of the Jongleur," " Major Schill,"

•* Fifteen Years of Prison Life," " Die Zwei-Scrgeanten," " Adrienne

Lccouvrieur," ** Don Carlos," " Marie Anne," " The Fisherman's

Daughter," by Messrs. Stalknecht and Dr. Arming, of this city ;

" Romeo and Juliet," " Hinko," " Lamm und Loewe," " Night and

Morning," " Der Waise von Berlin, " Goemer's *• Orphan of Berlin,"

•* The Maid of Fanoland," Gutzkow's " Ella Rosa," " Eine Reichc

Frau," " Orpheus der Underwelt," first time in New York ; ** Storen-

frcid," " Uriel Acosta," " Memoirs of Satan," " The Devil and the

Tailor," ** The Englishman in Paris," ** Die Lieder des Musikanter,"

•The Prisoner's Daughter," "Cato von Eisen," "Down with the

esuits," '* Das Wiehtelmaenchen," and " Cora." The season closed

I May, and a series of operatic representations were given, with

Ime. Johanna Rosser, from the Ducal Theatre, Darmstadt, as

iroa donna. The dramatic season closed in June.

D. E. Bandmann appeared during the season of 1862-63 as

unlet and Shylock. The Ronzani Ballet Troupe opened July 29,

53. For the season of 1863-64, Otto Hoym continued the

nager, and among the principals who appeared were D. E.

idmann, Herr Fritze, Herr Reiffahrt, Manager Hoym, Louis

orr, Mme. Methua-Scheller, Becker-Grahn, Steigler-Fuchs, and

s Meyer. P. L. Jarvis was the next manager, who opened Aug.

864, with M. B. Pike as stage manager. The company was an

srican one, and consisted of Joseph E. Nagle, George W.

mpson, S. Bradshaw, Harry Cunningham, F'rank Evans, W.

ells, E. N. Haviland. W. Mitchell, J. Cobum, Geo. France,

240 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D^

Harry Hotto, Mrs. Marie Le 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. 1 5 , but the house reopened Sept. 3 as a
variety theatre, called The Varieties. John F. Poole and Thomas
Donnelly became the managers Aug. 19, 1865, with George R.
Edeson 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 the 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 comer of Leonard 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. Ferrero

Gianetto Sig. Fabj

Fernando Sig. Porto

Magistrate Sig. De Rosa

Isaac Sig. Sapignolli

Georgio Sig. Placd

Gregoire Sis. Kichaiid

Pippo MaronceDi

Lucia Signora Mazoza

Ninetta .... Clemantine Fanti

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 bagnoires^ or private boxes, for
the dilletanti. The stage was very large, and afforded every facility
for grand spectacles; the dome was magnificent beyond descrip-
tion. The building cost |ii 10,000, the ground lot costing, besides,
ji6s,ooo.

Being situated in an inconvenient and poor neighborhood, the

i83«3 THE NATIONAL THEATRE 241

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, 1^1400. Sig. Rivafinoli was the manager, and Sig. Maron-
celli, the Italian patriot, was the leader. Among the operas pro-
duced were Rossini's " Barbiere di Seviglia," Nov. 25 ; " Donna del
Lago," Nov. 28; Cimarosa's " II Matrimonio Segreto," Jan. 4, 1834;
Pacini's " Gli Arabi Nelle Gallic," Jan. 20 ; Rossini's " Mathilde di
Shabran e Coradino," Feb. 19; and "La Cenerentola," March i.
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 Maroncelli, the friend and
fellow-prisoner of Silvio Pellico, 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; Lorenzo, Plumer (who afterwards became
a negro minstrel) ; Launcelot, Thomas Placide ; 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 D«35

in " Henry IV.," and as Irus, in " Ion." Long before this his
mother (Cornelia Frances Thomas) had married Joseph Je£Fersoo
(the third). Burke went West with his parents, and was not seen in
New York again until July 19, 1847, when he acted Ebenezer Calf
in"01e 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 Bowbell 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
Bowery. His last appearance on the stage was Feb. 11, 1854, at
the Chestnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, as Ichabod Cnine in
*' Murrell, the Land Pirate." His first wife was Margaret Murcoyne,
who died in 1849. His second 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 ^e, 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 Jefierson's half-brother,
and Jefierson has been heard to say : " We get as near Burke as we
can, and he who gets nearest succeeds best." Burke was excellent
as Rip Van Winkle. The lines: "Are we so soon forgot when «e
are 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. 1 5, 1836, a benefit was

i«37D THE NATIONAL THEATRE 243

given to Thomas Hamblin, when " Henry IV." was produced, with
this cast : Hotspur, T. Hamblin; Falstaff, J. H. Hackett; 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 even-
ing's performance concluded with " The Wept of the Wish-ton-Wish,"
Mme. Celeste as Nahramattah. The price 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 Tentation " was first
played here Oct. 26.

This theatre was sold at auction in November, 1836, for 1^75,000,
and purchased by Mr. Mauran, a merchant of this city, and James H.
Hackett, 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. 17 ; Celeste commenced Dec.
19, in '' Maid of Cashmere ; " Wm. R. Blake began an engagement,
Dec. 22 ; Celeste, for her benefit, Deq. 24, appeared in "The Devil's
Daughter," and in "The French Spy;" John R. Scott came here
January 4, 1837, ^^ " Virginius ; " Jan. 5, as Bertulphe in " The Rother
erf Bruges ; " Jan. 6, as St. Pierre in " The Wife ; " Jan. 7, Shylock ;
Jan. II, " 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 melodramatic play called " The St^r Spangled Banner ; " Feb.
17, Scott appeared as " Walder, the Avenger;" March i, 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
Winkle ; " the spectacular play " St. George apd 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 Tu^ in " The Waterman," April 27,
when the season closed. It reop|ened 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 Cusbman'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 Dass

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 Ayres
(first appearance in this city), Miss Kemble, Emma Wbeatley, Mes-
dames Rogers, Carter, Hautonville, Everard,McGuinn, Miss Berrel,
Melville Coffin, Wm. VandenhofT (first appearance in America), J.
H. Hackett, Henry Horncastle (first appearance in America), Gann,
James S. Browne (first appearance in America), Abbott, W. H. Wil-
liams, J. W. Wallack, Jr., Woodhull, Baldock, Ben De Bar, Gilbert,
Fercival,Caines, Hatton, Jones, and Henry Wallack, stage manager.
Vandenboff 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, Vandenboff played Othello to Wallack's
lago ; Sept. 23, "The Comedy of Errors " was given with Barnes and
Hackett as the Two Dromios ; Sept. 25, "Julius Caesar," Vanden-
hofT as Brutus, Henry Wallack as Cassius; Ben De Bar played Da-
mon to W. H. Williams' Pythias in the farce of " Damon and I^thias.*'
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 Sefton (Ann Duff Waring, afterwards Mrs. J. W.
Wallack, Jr.) joined the company Oct. 24, 1837, inaking her first
appearance as Emilia to Wallack's Othello, and also as Tilburina in
" The Critic." Vandenboff acted King Lear, Oct. 25, and, ior 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 Samud
Woodhuirs 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 d6but as Beatrice
to Wallack's Benedict in " Much Ado About Nothing." She was
shortly afterwards married to Ben 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 Maltravers." 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 inflammt-
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 T/ie Polyanthus.

1838] THE NATIONAL THEATRE 245

Sept. 3, 1838, Edwin Forrest began an engagement in " Damon
and Pythias." Mr. Forbes was engaged for Pythias, and the rest of
the cast was : Matthews as Dionysius ; Rogers, Damocles ; Russell,
Lucullus ; Miss Monier, Calanthe ; Mrs. Sefton, Hermion ; and Mrs.
Cantor as Aria. Mr. Barrett also appeared the same night as Jeremy
Diddler in " Raising the Wind.'* On Sept. 4, Forrest acted Claude
Melnotte; Sept 5, Othello to the Cassio of Barrett, lago of Forbes,
Desdemona of 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, ** Mctamora," J. W. Wsd-
lack, Jr., as Fitz Arnold; Sept. 11, "King Lear," Mr. Oxley (his first
appearance at this theatre) as Edgar; Sept. 13, " Hamlet," Oxley as
the Ghost; Sept. 15, 17, ** Gladiator," Forrest as Spartacus, Oxley as
Phasarius ; Sept. 18, " Damon sLnd Pythias," Oxley as Pythias. Sig.
De Begnis made his first appearance in America on the same even-
ing, singing Figaro in " II Barbiere di Siviglia ; " Joseph Duggen
made his American d6but. On Sept. 19, Forrest acted " William
Tell," and the opera bouffe, " II Fanatico Per La Musica " was given
for the first time in this country, with Sig. De Begnis as Don Febeo.
Mr. Lambert made his American d^but Sept. 18, as Griffin Hoff in the
farce, " Shocking Events ;" Sept 20, Forrest as Brutus, in *' Brutus,
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-
notte, Mrs. Barrett, Pauline, and Mrs. Rivers (her first appearance
in America), the Widow Melnotte. Forrest closed Sept. 22, with
"The Gladiator," for the benefit of Sig. De Begnis. James W. Wal-
lack began an engagement Sept. 24, as Rolla in ^* Pizarro," Mrs.
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. Planche's drama, " The Child of the Wreck," had
its first American representation Oct. i.

Edmon Sheppard Conner made his first appearance here Oct. 18,
1838, in ** Luke the Laborer." He was bom 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 of five, acting Laperouse
in the play of that name. He made his d6but 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. Sorber of this city, who died a
few years after his marriage. He next married Charlotte Mary

246 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dajs

Sanford Barnes (daughter of John and Mary Barnes), Dec. 29, 1847.
She died 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 sevend 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 1885, when he played *' Richelieu" for the 1 1 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 Nickleby,"
Angelo in '' Tortesa," and was the originator of several other char-
acters. He was the second person to act Bloody Nathan in "The
Jibenainosay," Joseph 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
ofT a jii,ooo 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. Leslie Allen, J. H.
McGonigle, F. F. Mackay, Frederick Chippendale, Alex. Fisher,
Charles Wheatlcigh, Frank 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

Hartman Matthews

Albert .... J. W. Wallack, Jr.

Greindel Lambert

Mad. Tremens . . . .Mrs. Russell

Frantz W. H. Williams

Christopher Baldock

Karl Everard

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 Diddler in ** Raising the Wind."

I«38]

THE NATIONAL THEATRE

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. 6. 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. " The Indian Girl " 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 W. B. Bernard. To Celeste belongs
the credit of having first introduced on the British stage an American
drama written by an American. On Oct. 10, Celeste gave " 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. 13 for a rehearsal
of " Amilie, or the Love Test," which was presented here Oct. 15
with this cast :

Gen. Count der Teimer Edward Seguin

Jose Speckbacher Wilson

Anderl Brenner . . . Horncastle

Michael Ames

Wilhelm Percival

Amilie Miss Shirreff

Barbet Mrs. Cantor

Gervaise W. H. Williams

Jean Piednoir Blakely

Paul Pesta Andrews

Hans Meyer Duggan

Courier Stuart

Lelia Mrs. W. Penson

Horncastle 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 London, April 7, 1809.
One of his greatest successes was in Adam's " Postilion of Longu-
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
dibut, 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 Lad," and " PoU-Dang-It, How D'ye Do ? " She also
danced the sailor's hornpipe. For twelve nights was the house
crowded to see " Amilie." The dancers, Josephine Stephan, Mme.
Hazard, Mons. P. H. Hazard, Rosalie and Sophia Mallet, with a

248 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dajs

corps de ballet from Europe, made their American d6but Oct. 29.
" The Maid of Croissey," 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 J6se-
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
Kean as Sir Edward Mortimer, T. D. Rice as Bone Squash, Vanden-
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.
14, Metamora; Nov. 15, Virginius; Nov. 16, Spartacus, and on the
same night the farce, " Modern Antiques," was played. For his
farewell and benefit Nov. 17, Forrest acted " Metamora," and Carwin
in " Therese, or the Orphan of Geneva." Mme. 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 stage. Sterling Coyne's American historical drama,
"The Star of the Forest, or Virginia in the Olden Time," with
Celeste as Wyanokee, the Indian Queen. For the benefit of 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 Dieu et La Bayadere,"
with Celeste as Zelica, 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 seiily a shawl dance, chorus
dance, palanquin dance, and, with Miss Bell, ** La Bayadere." The
opera of ** Amilie " was revived Dec. 3, with Miss Shirre£E, 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; Lord Allcash, Latham (his first appearance);
Giacomo, Seguin ; Lorenzo, Horncastle ; Matteo, Blakely ; Lady
Allcash, Mrs. Sefton; Zerlina, Miss Shirreff; Beppo, 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, 1838, with Mrs. Hardwick as Mrs. Mortimer,
James Browne as Lieut. Kingston, Mrs. William Sefton as Mrs. Pon-
tifex, and Blakely as Short. For his benefit, Dec. 19, Wilson appeared

18393

THE NATIONAL THEATRE

249

as James V. in " Cramond Brig, or the Gudeman of Ballengiech."
Miss Shirreff 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 Aboeline in the drama of that name,
and Sylvester Daggerwood, with imitations of Hallam, Hodgkinson,
Bernard, Cook, Twaits, Harwood, Cooper, Kean, and Macready ; he
also appeared as Scaramouch in " Don Juan."

Thomas Hamblin began an engagement Dec. 31, as Hamlet.
Jan. I, 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 Arbaces, in " The Last Days of Pom-
peii ; " Jan. 10 Master Burke played as Sir Patrick O'Plenipo 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. 11, for his benefit, Hamblin
acted Octavian in " The Mountaineers," and Arbaces in " The Last
Days of Pompeii." Celeste reappeared Jan. 14, as Anglae, in the
fairy spectacle "The Spirit of Air," for the first time here ; Jan. 21,
" The Wept of Wish-ton-wish." Mr. Hamblin reappeared Jan. 22,
as Arbaces ; Jan. 25 " Nicholas Nicklcby " was given for the first
time, just five days before its production at the Park Theatre. This
was the cast :

Smike Mrs. Sefton

Ralph Nickleby Blakely

Newman Noggs . . . Lambert
Nicholas . . . J. W. Wallack, Jr.

Mantilini Conner

Squeers . . . . Mitchell

Lealey Percival

Browdie .... W. H. Williams
Cfuard Baldock

Miss Squeers .
Mrs. Nickleby .
Kate Nickleby .
Mad. Mantilini .
Miss Knagg . .
Miss Price . .
Mrs. Squeers
Miss Jones . .

Mrs. Penson

Mrs. Stickney

. Miss Monier

. Mrs. Rogers

Mrs. Cantor

Miss Ayres

. Mrs. Russell

Mrs. Baldock

*' 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 D«39

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 ** The Mummy ; " 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
'' Englishman 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. 1 1, as Rosina in " The Barber of Seville" with
this cast :

Figaro Sig. De Beenis

Basilic Latham

Fiorello Andrews

Notary Everard

Rosina Mrs. Seguin

Bartolo Mr. Seguin

Almaviva Homcasde

Bertha Mrs. Penson

Mrs. Seguin'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 icxx) 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 sing-
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, Zelda 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 jii50,cxx>, and it
was distributed mainly between her daughter, Maria C. Seguin,,^.
Mrs. Zelda Seguin, widow of her late son, Edward S. C. Seguin, an
her grandson, Edward S. R. Seguin. She left to her executors i
trust for her daughter 1^50,000, in addition to making her the sol
residuary legatee of her estate. To her grandson, Edward S. R
Seguin, she left the income of ji30,ocx), and to Zelda Seguin the i
come of Ji20,ocx), unless she remarried, in which case the fun
became a part of the residuary estate.

'* Conrad and Medora, or the Pacha's Bridal," was presented fc^r
the first time in America Feb. 28, 1839, with this cast:

i«»3

THE NATIONAL THEATRE

251

Conrsul Wilson

Epsuninondas Latham

Medora Miss ShirrefT

Zoe Mrs. Sefton

Omnxl W. H. WilUams

Zelica Miss Thornton

The Pacha Segpin

Gulnare Mrs. Bailey

Anselmo Percivsu

««

Rob Roy " was given March 4, with Wilson as Rob Rov, and
Mrs. Bailev as Diana Vernon. Mrs. Seguin appeared Marcn 5 in
" Cinderella/' with this cast :

Prince Felix Wilson Dandini Seguin

Alidora Andrews Baron Pompolino .... Latham

Pedro W. H. Williams Paije Mary Taylor

Qnderella Mrs. Seeuin Thisbe Mrs. Stickney

Clorinda Mrs. Sefton Fairy Queen . . .Miss Thornton

Fint Fairy . . Mrs. Rachel Cantor

Miss Thornton was a pupil of Mr. Horncastle, and this was her
dA>ut. 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, Mrs. Seguin.
" Lafitte, the Firate of the Gulf/' was presented March 1 1 ; March
15, " Love in a Village," with Wilson as Hawthorn, Miss Shirreff
as Rosette, and Mrs. Bailey as Lucinda. During the opera Miss
Shirreff sang " Meet Me in the Willow Glen," " With Rapture
Dwelling," and the duet ** Love Like a Shadow Flies," with Wilson.
Mrs. Bailey sang " Say, My Heart, Why Wildly Beating ? " " Even
as the Sun," and with Andrews the duet "Ah! Deign a kind
Reply." "Guy Mannering" 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. I^iley
as Chenibino, Seguin as Figaro, Mrs. Seguin as Countess Almaviva,
and Miss Shirreff as Suzanna. For Wm. Marshall's benefit, March
35, "The Marriage of Figaro; " an instrumental concert by Master
St. Luke, a youthful Faganini, 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. " Clan, or
the Maid of Milan,'* was presented March 20, Miss Shirreff appear-
ing in the title rdle, and Wilson as Jocosa.

" Nick of the Woods," written expressly for this theatre, was pro-
duced April I with this cast :

Col. Bmce Lambert Richard Braxly Matthews

Ralph Stackpole Blakely 1 Kdith Mrs. Sefton

Natnan Slaughter . . . E.S.Conner
Roland Forester . J. W. Wallack, Jr.

Tillie Doe Miss Monier

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 D«39

Baldock, the Female Slave ; Mrs. Sefton, Servia ; 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 " Tortesa, the Usurer." The new domestic drama " Adam
Gray" was played 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. W. Sweeney, banjo player, made his
first appearance in this city. The operetta of " No " was also acted,
with Mrs. Bailey as Maria, and Horncastle as Frederick. "Tortesa"
was seen for the last time April 18, for the benefit of N. P. Willis,
author of the play. Manager Wallack took a benefit April 19, when
" Amilie " was given, also " Spring and Autumn " : Wallack as Rattle,
W. E. Burton as Simon Slack, and Mrs. Russell as Mrs. Rattle.

W. E. Burton returned 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 Dunder, Conner as Peter the Great, J. W. Wallack, Jr.,
as Count de Marville. 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, ** My Great Aunt, or
Good Husbands Make Good Wives," with Burton as William Faith-
ful, and, also for the first time, " State Secrets," with Burton as
Gregory Thimblewell, the bill concluding with '* The Waterman."
For Mr. Burton's benefit, April 26, " Stage Hall" 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. Z., 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 :

Donald Wilson

Hela Se^in

Bailie Macwhapple .... Blakely

Christie W. H. Williams

Hobbie Baldock

Sandy Bunner

Atorath Rogers

Fiend Walton

Eolia Miss Shirre£F

Jessie Mrs. Bailey

Dame Gourlie ... Mrs. Sticknev

Peasant Mrs. BaldocK

Etheria Mary Taylor

" The Mountain Sylph " kept the stage for one week, and was fol-
lowed, May 6, by " Amilie." " The Middy Ashore " had its first per-
formance May II. The opera of ** Cinderella " was presented May 13^
with the first appearance here of Mr. Morley, as Baron Fompolino
while Miss Shirreff*was the Cinderella, for the first time in New Yor
The comic opera, " John of Paris " was sung, for the first time he
May 16 ; the Scottish melodrama ** Gilderoy," with Wilson as Joe
Muir, and Miss Shirreff as Lilias Logan, was done May 17; Ho
castle took a benefit May 22, when was presented a new drama, e

i9»l THE NATIONAL THEATRE 253

titled " The Spaniard's Revenge, or the Bridal Day," by Joseph F.
Duggan, followed by a concert, in which Mary Taylor sang " Tarrv
Not, Dearest," '' Farewell to the Mountain ; " song, by Seguin ; bal-
lads by Mrs. Seguin ; song by Homcastle ; duet by Horncastle and
Seguin ; and a laughing trio by Mr. and Mrs. Seguin and Homcastle.
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 Gratiano, 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 bom in the
lap of luxurious fortune, scattering bis 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 Shirreff as Agnes and Mrs. Bailey as Ann. The
afterpiece was '' Nehemiah Hector, or the Yankee Duellist," with
Dr. Valentine in the title rdle, 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
Sanford Barnes, afterwards wife of Edmon S. Conner, appeared in
the title rdle of her own play, called " Octavia Bragaldi, or the
Confession." Harrison, his first appearance in ten vears, acted
Francesca. The afterpiece was " Family Jars, or the Mistaken
Fathers," in which Mr. Barnes made his d^but as Delph. On June
25 " Octavia Bragaldi " was repeated, also "The Comedy of Errors,"
with Barnes as Dromio of Syracuse, Lambert as Dromio of Ephesus,
J. Wallack as Antipholis of Syracuse, and Harrison as Antipholis of
Ephesus ; June 26, Miss Barnes as Bianca, and Harrison as Fazio in

254 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«4o

the play of that name. The season closed June 28, with a benefit
to Charlotte Barnes, when she appeared in " Octavia Bragaldi/' and
in the farce, " Personation," Harrison acting the dual rdle of Lord
Henry and M. Laroche. The farce " Sprigs of Laurel " was also
acted, with Barnes as Nipperkin.

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, Banner,
Johns, Stuart, Baldock, Barnett, Miss Thornton, Miss Monier, Mrs.
Everard, Mrs. Baldock, Mrs. Scfton, 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. Scfton, Lady Macbeth. During the season " Tortesa "
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 HL, 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 Leonard 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 i 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
rdle; the farce "Love Laughs at Locksmiths," and (first time
here) " Othello Travestie " were acted. The New York Brass Band
appeared in full uniform. Rossini's " La Gazza Ladra, or the Maid
of Palaiseau," was sung for the first time here, June 6, with this
cast:

Albert Wilson

Manville Seguin

Grand Provost Jones

Isaac Blakely

Felix Mrs. Bailey

Annette Mrs. Shirreff

Lenoir Morlej

Marcel Homcasde

Frances Baldodc

Claudine Mrs. Stickney

In October a new house was built, and opened Oct. 12, 1840,
under Alexander Wilson's management, with the comedietta " Per-
fection," Rpas de deuXf and an opera founded on Irving's " Tales of

i84xD THE NATIONAL THEATRE 255

the Alhambra." Bad 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 m magnificent style. Burton played
Schnapps, and Harry Lewis the Spirit. Mrs. Russell, sister of Mrs.
Harry Watkins, made her d^but as Fluvia, in " The Naiad Queen."
Mrs. Russell was divorced in 1847. While playing at Burton's
Chambers Street Theatre, in 1849, ^^^ ^^^^ married to John Hoey,
and retired from the stage for some time. She re-appeared 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 Petrie 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 Miss Clarendon, in the cast. Wil-
son played Othello ; Booth, lago; 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 '' Semiramis, the Daughter
of Air," was done. May 24. This was an alteration of a play by
Burton. Isherwood 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. " Love, 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. He
reappeared in 1837 as a low comedian at Providence, R. I., and he

256 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE I1S41

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, F^., Feb. 15, 1887.

Jacob Wondcrly Thoman made his first appearance in this 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
Pelby, an old Boston manager, and Rosalie Pelby, formerly Rosalie
French, and afterwards Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Wm. Pelby. Her
mother originally acted under the name of Miss Mortimer. Thoman's
second wife (Miss Pelby) 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 bad 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 :

" Ladies and gentlemen, I 'd have you for to know,
I 'se got a little darkey here to jump Jim Crow."

Mr. Jefferson first appeared in London, Eng., as Rip, Sept. 4,
1865, at the Adelphi Theatre. The first stage representation of
" Rip Van Winkle" 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 was produced at the Queen's Theatre,
London, Eng., during the season of 1828-29. Mr. Gates was the

1841] THE FRANKUN THEATRE 257

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 JeflFerson,
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. Hackett's drawing. Joseph
Jefferson, Jr., followed and combined all the different versions ; but,
being dissatisfied with the drama, he engaged Dion 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-
soU as Damon, William Sefton as Pvthias, Geo. Goodenow as 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.bl, 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 aU the dresses and scenery
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-

258 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D^

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; JefiEerson, 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. Dufi*, Blake, Kent, Alexina Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson,
Mr. and Mrs. J. Stickney, Mr. and Mrs^Lewellen, Amelia Verity,
Mary Gannon, and Misses E. and J. Anderson. Oct. 5, 1835, "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 Yor^ stage. She retired and took
up her residence in New Orleans, anQ in 1850 became a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Mary Dim 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, ^^^ 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. '^^^ 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 I 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 bom 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

1838] THE FRANKLIN THEATRE 259

R. DufiF, 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 18 10, and made her d^but 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 Cartkagenian^ at
Carthage, N. Y., The Watertown (N. Y.) Register, and The Black
River Times. He returned to theatrical work in 1846 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 1, 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 Sefton (Ann Duff Waring, afterward Mrs. J. W.
Wallack, Jr.) opened Aug. 7. 1837. The bouse was now under the
management of Mr. Earle, from London, who began Nov. 13, 1837,
and auer a month's direction resigned the management to Mr. Flynn,
the tragedian, who, six months afterwards, gave the theatre into the
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. I 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. 1 3 in the farce " An Agreeable Sur-
prise " : Lingo, 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

26o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE ZiB»

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
players before the public. Rosina Shaw was married to Charles
Howard 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 d^but Dec. 13 as Young Norval
in '* Douglas." After the death of her father, Mary Shaw married
Arthur Livermore 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 i869-7a
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 ^^ Peal's
Museum, Baltimore, Md. Charlotte was wedded to Dr. Fred Houck,
of Baltimore, Md., in 1843. He died in 185 1. 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 Sefton; The
Artful Dodger, Mrs. C. R. Thorne; Bill Sykes, C. R. Thome;
Nancy Sykes, Mrs. W. R. Blake ; Oliver Twist, his first appearance,
Chas. Mestayer. '' The Thousand Isles " was produced here on
Feb. 2, with J. P. Adams in title r61e ; " The Main Question " was
given Feb. 19 ; "Timon of Athens," adapted to the modem stage by
N. H. Bannister, was played for the first time in this city April 8;
" Here She Goes, and There She Goes " was first given Feb. 25,

1839.
Edward Eddy made his first appearance in public at this theatre,

May 9, 1839, for Goodenow's benefit. He gave a recitation of "The
Indian's Lament." Barney Williams, then sixteen years old, made
his d^but July 28, 1840, as Pat Rooney. It was a benefit perform-
ance. Barney had been a '* super " for some time. Small, agile,

1841] THE FRANKUN THEATRE 26 1

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 f better known as "Yankee"
Hill) as Hill's Tneatre. The company from the Park Theatre came
here Jan. 11, 1841. " Money" was produced for the first time in
this city Feb. i, and the theatre was crowded for two weeks to
witness it.

Mrs. Marietta Judah made her New York d6but 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 185 1 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 i, 1883. She was bom 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 d^but
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 dulness 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 ** La 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
Bamum. This was late in 1848. Two performances were given
daily, consisting of a series of tableaux vivanfs, 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, Lea
exhibited on the stage magic-lantern views, and many a " country
cousin " found him or herself here who thought it was Purdv's place
of amusement. A brass band was stationed on the balcony to

262 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1^36

attract the stranger. '' Uncle Tom's Cabin " was seen here Sept. 12,
1853. The last entertainment ever given in this building occurred
Saturday, April 22, 1854. The following is a copy of the
programme :

FRANKUN MUSEUM

Price of admission — Seats in Private Boxes, qo cts. ; orchestra seats, with
cushioned armchairs, 37 ^ cts. ; boxes, 25 cts. ; gallery, i2}i cts. Exclusive prl»
vate boxes, accommodating four persons, $2.

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 of ** Uncle Tom's Cabin " exhibited in twenty-four tableaux, illustnt-
ing all the events of that play.

Miscellaneous and Terpsichorean Divertissement

Hungarian Warbling Mulligan, Spencer, Jones & Pearson

Fancy Dance Miss Lea

Banjo Solo Jones

Bloomer Dance J. Mulligan, Thos. DonneQy

Spanish Tranca Sig. Blin

{mius taking lessons on the banjo MuUigan and Jooei
)ance Thos. Donnelly

Posturing Sig. Blin

Fancy Dance Miss Lea

Ballad Mr. Sanfofd

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 Euterpian Hall, where miscellaneous entertain-
ments were given, such as lectures and panoramas. The following
is a copy of the opening bill :

tHfl THE CITY THEATRE 263

BROADWAY THEATRE-

(LATE EUTERPIAN HALL)

The manager b^ leave to inform the public that this establishment, which
has been fitted up m the most magnificent and costly style, will open for the
season

THIS EVENING, August 28, 1836.

The performance will commence with an Overture by Kupner.

The Prologue, or Opening Address, by Louise H. Medina,
in the form of a Dramatic Masque.

After which the Comedy,

JOHN BULL. — Hon. Tom Shuffleton, Mr. Flynn; Dennis Bulgruddery, Mr.

Greene; Mary Thomberry, Mrs. Flynn.

To conclude with

THE FOUR SISTERS. — Mr. Beauchamp, 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 Boices, 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-
nidi & Palmer, for the performance of Italian Marionettes. '* Blue
Beard, or Female Curiosity," and the ballet of " La Sylphide " 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 Monier'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 [x^

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 Henr^ 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 ofiE 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, Tileston & Co. It was opened
Sept. 13, 1837, by Willard & Blake, as the 01)rmpic 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)^ 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 ist, 1838 :

OLYMPIC

Boxes, 50 cts. ; pit, 25 cts.
Stage manager, W. Sefton ; prompter, Mr. Beckwell.

RICHARD III.

Tressell Kirby

Ratcliffe Jerry Merryfield

Lord Stanley Jones

Lord Mayor Adams

Tyrrel Sheridan

Norfolk Sutton

Lieutenant McDongal

Duchess of York . . • Mrs. Jones

Richard III C. Eaton

Richmond Wm. Sefton

Buckingham . . . Wm. R. Blake

Queen Mrs. Blake

Lady Anne Mrs. Cowell

King Henry Beckwell

Prince of Wales . . . Kate Ludlow
Duke of York .... Master Blake
Catesby John Nickinson

To conclude with (for the first time) the Irish drama

ERIN-GO-BRAGH, or A TALE OF MUNSTER.

Duke Dorgan .... Wm. Sefton
Lewey Madigan (with song)

John Nickinson

Prince Kinchela Kirby

Mr. Hammond Adams

Fed Beckwell

Brian Sheridan

Jack Jerry Merryfield

Jib Sutton

Sheriff McDougal

Judith Mrs. Jones

Cathleen Mrs. Mandeville

Nelly Kate Ludlow

Pennic McLaughlin . . Mrs. Blake

The curtain will rise at 7 o*clock. Doors open at half -past 6.

X839D MITCHELL'S 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 Maeder 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, ^h^n
William Mitchell first took charge and associated with him in the
direction of afifairs 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, Homcastle, Anderson, Powell, Everard,
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 "347 Broadway"
was presented, with Browne as Thomas Tomkins and Homcastle as
Charles Crazz.

"The Irish Lion " was first seen here Dec. 26, with Mossop as
Tom Moore, Homcastle as Capt. Dixon, Mrs. Sharpe as Miss Echo,
and Mrs. Jones as Mrs. Cranny. " Yellow Kids " was played the
same evening, with an opera-ballet 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 D840

30, with James Browne as Macaire, Mitchell as Strop, Anderson as
Dumont, Everard as Germeiul, Russell as Charles, Miss Randolph
as Clementine, and Mrs. Plumer as Marie. Jan. 6, 1840, James
Browne took a benefit and presented "A Nabob for an Hour," a
burlesque entitled " Chrononhotonthologos, the Most Tragical
Tragedy that ever was Tragedized," "Don Giovanni," and the first
act of "Robert Macaire." "The Savage and the Maiden," ar-
ranged from a scene in "Nicholas Nickleby," by Mr. Homcastle,
was first produced Jan. 15 with this cast:

Crummies Mitchell

Nicholas Nickleby . . Homcastle

Light Comedian Baker

Countryman Everard

Ninetta Crummies . La Petite Celeste
Miss Belvawny .... Mrs. Johnson
Miss Bravassa .... Miss Randall
Miss Ledbrook . . . Miss Singleton

Smike Miss Randolph

Folair Harry Russell

Leuville Johnson

Old Man Roberts

Mrs. Crummies . . . Mrs. Plumer

Grudden Mrs. Jones

Miss Snevellicci . . . Mrs. Penson

" The Olympic Revels, or Prometheus and Pandora, " a mytho-
logical and allegorical burletta, was first seen Jan. 20, thus cast :

Prometheus Mrs. Penson

Jupiter Homcastle
leptune Roberts

Bacchus Anderson

Momus Johnson

Esculapius Raymond

Cupid La Petite Celeste

Ganymede Mrs. Bamett

Juno Mrs. Plumer

Swiss Boy Mr. Mitchell

Pandora Mrs. Bailey

Hercules Holland

Plutus

Vulcan

Mars

Mercury Miss ConduL'

Minerva Joncsa

Hope Miss Singleton

The farce "Christening" was first acted here Jan. 24.
burlesque "Billy Taylor, the Gay Young Fellow," was first doi
Jan. 27:

WiUiam Taylor .... MitcheU

Capt. Flatbottom Russell

Ben Blockhead Baker

Mary Wagstaff .... Mrs. Bailey

Carolus Lantemius . . Homcastie

Old Nicholas Andersoi?

Kitty Sligo Mrs. Pensoa

" 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. 10, and the musical and comical burlesque, " Ham-
let Travesty" Feb. 13, thus cast:

Hamlet Mitchell

Claudius Anderson

Polonius Johnson

Horatio Edwin

Laertes Russell

Rosencrantz ... . . Baker

Ghost Everard

Gravedigger Jackson

Osric Miss Singleton

Ophelia Mrs. Penson

Gertrude Mrs. Plumer

9^2 MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC 267

''Manfred/' a travesty of Lord Byron's play, was given for the
irst time Feb. 24, and the cast was :

kfan-Fred Mitchell

kguin Everard

VusoQ Edwin

ihirrefiE Mist Singleton

City Charley Johnson

Annie Starlde .... Mrs. Plumer

Hazard Rotsell

Celeste .... La Petite Celeste

This had a longer run than any piece up to that time in America.
t was written by G. A' Beckett.

Jane Reynolds, who had appeared successfully at the National
rheatre, opened here March 9, as Mad Galochard in ''The King's
jardener, or Nipped in the Bud," and as Victoria in "Irresistible
Tadets."

The burletta of " Blue Jackets, or The Naval Service " was acted
if arch 16, and "The Man with the Carpet Bag," March 2a The
iperetta " The Waterman " March 23, with Edwin as Tom Tug and
Miss Reynolds as Wilhelmina. " Asmodeus in New York, or the
IDevil's Diary," was done April 13. The new comic burlesque
Millet, "La Musquitoe," was first seen May 21. The appearance
It the Park Theatre of Fanny Elssler furnished Mitchell food for
t capital burlesque. He appeared in female attire and danced
'La Crack-a-Vien," a burlesque on her "La Cracovienne." It
iras billed as follows: "First time in this or any other country, a
lew comic burlesque, entitled, ' La Musquitoe,' in which Monsieur
If itchell will make his first appearance as une Premier Danseuse,
ind show his agility in a variety of terpsichorean efforts of all
M>rts in the genuine Bolerocachucacacavonienne style. The ballet
8 founded on the well-known properties of the musquito, whose
nte renders the patient exceedingly impatient, and throws him
Bto a fit of slapping and scratching, and swearing delirium, com-
nonly termed the Xacoethes Scratcfundi^* causing the unfortunate
>eing to cut capers for a considerable number of legs of mutton."

Mitchell took a benefit June 18, when "La Musquitoe," "The
tfoung Widow," and "The Savage and the Maiden" were acted
On June 20 Edwin took a benefit, when "Sea Service on Shore,"
'The Young Widow," "The Festival of Apollo," and "The Savage
ind the Maiden" were given. "The Spirit of the Rhine," by
Seo. Loder, was first seen here June 22. Mons. Klishnig appeared
fune 29, in "Gig Gig, or the Frog, the Tiger, and the Sapajon."
For Mrs. Plumer's benefit, July i, 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
^pe," was also presented, with Mons. Klishnig as Jocko.

The next season began Sept. 7, with " The Son of the Sun, or
iie Fate of the Phaeton," with this cast:

268 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci«4o

Jupiter Cmmingham

Apollo Edwin

Phaeton Mrs. Timm

Pan Roberts

Boreas Smith

Eunis Baker

Bacchus Williams

Venus Miss Sinrleton

Juno Mrs. Watts

Qymene Mrs. Baldock

This burletta 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 . .
Vice President Dollar
Shilling Usher . . •
Mrs. Half Eaele . .
Mrs. Half Dollar . .

Graham

. . Edwin

. . Russell

Mrs. Watts

Mrs. Timms

SHINPLASTERS.

Gen. Postnote . . . Wm. Mitchell
Maj. Newark .... Cunninciiam
Capt New York .... Roberti
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 "His Last Legs." "Nine Tailors
Make a Man " was done Sept. lo; the new drama "The Vagabond"
was first acted Sept. 14, and C. R. Howard made bis first appear-
ance here as Frank Poppleton in "Too Late for Dinner." For
Mossop's benefit, Sept. 17, Lambert made his first appearance here
as Griffinhoof in "Shocking Events." "Nicholas Nickleby" had
its first representation here (first act only) Sept. 21, which was
also the first presentation here of " Faint Heart Never Won Fair
Lady. " 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
Maiden, or Crummies and His Daughter," was revived.

The first act of the drama founded on "Nicholas Nickleby" fol-
lowed, with Mrs. Russell as Mrs. Squeers, Mrs. Montgomery as the
Servant, and Mitchell as Squeers. On Sept. 26 the " Hamlet Trav-
esty " was revived ; and on Sept. 28, the " comical tragedy " of " The
Bipeds," with Mitchell as Abrahamides. The new National Opera
House not being ready for opening, Mr. Homcastle was secured
for a few nights, and appeared Sept. 30 as Swelvino in the burlesque
ballet of "The Roof Scrambler," and as Seguin the Spirit in a
revival of the musical burletta, "Man-Fred." Oct. i, 2, 3, Hom-
castle 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 Poorhouse."
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 Homcastle

Swiss Boy Mitchell

Pandora Mrs. Timm

Jupiter Edwin

Neptune Roberts

Hercules B. Baker

Momus Shorten

Mars Bamett

Ganymede Mrs. Bamett

Hope Miss Singleton

Plutus WUUams

Vulcan Cunninj^ham

Minerva Mrs. Flynn

Cupid La Petite Celeste

" The Savage and the Maiden " had its 70th performance Oct 9.
Buckstone's farce, "Damon and Pythias," was acted Oct. 12, with
Exlwin as Damon and Homcastle as PVthias; also the burlesque,
"Billy Taylor, the Gay Young Fellow. Julia Tumbull made her
d£but here in a dance between the farces. On the 15th Alexan-
der Allan's extravaganza, written expressly for this house, called
" 1940, or Crummies in Search of Novelty," was given with this
cast:

Cmmmles Mitchell

Alljm Russell

Miss Thomasina Bella . . Graham

Wriggle Edwin

Isaac Walton Roberts

Schniederkin Barnett

Fancy Mrs. Timm

Alexina Black . . Mrs. Montgomery

Melpomene Mrs. Watts

Thalia Julia Tumbull

Clotho Miss Randall

Lackoesis .... Miss Singleton

The burletta "No" had its first performance here Oct. 21, and
"The Little Back Parlor" was first acted Oct. 30. A new and
original burlesque operatic ballet on " The Bayadere, or the Maid
of Cashmere," by J. Homcastle, "Buy It, Dear, 'Tis Made of
Cashmere," was produced Nov. 2d with the following cast:

The Unknown Edwin

Brutus Bumble Graham

Antique Anna .... Mrs. Watts

Plumpa Mrs. Baldock

Pooby Pet . . . . Miss Singleton

Longy Miss Randall

Dumpy Miss Flynn

Chopilda Cunnineham

Snivellum Roberts

Mile. Tinker .... Mrs. Timm
La Belle Fatty Ma . . Mr. Russell

Chloe Miss Tumbull

Fatiste Mrs. Bamett

Peeky Mrs. Montgomery

Among the songs introduced were: "Here on the Stoop,"
"Active am I," "Broom, Buy a Broom," "Vait, Sare, 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. 18, with

270 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE LiHi

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
Liberty," illustrative of events in the history of America. The
farce, "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 thing
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 ma;r be as well to state that JULIA TURNBULL and MR. RUSSEU
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 the Astor, or A Row at Rehearsal,"
acted for the first time on any stage.

Apollo MitcheD

Juno Mrs. Timm

Minerva Mrs. Watts

Venus Miss Singleton

Jove Mitchell

Mars Cunningham

Mercury !^win

Ganymede Mrs. Baldock

Dec. 24 saw the first production of the burlesque on " La Gazza
Ladra, or The Maid of Palaiseau," called, "The Cats in the Larder,
or The Maid with a Parasol." This was the cast :

Fernando Villyebilly . . . Mitchell

Fitzfritte Cunningham

William Russell

Ikey Ikey Graham

Blazes Roberts

Sam Parr Mitchell

Kitter Homcastle

Besky Millar .... Mrs. Timm

Belinda Miss Tumbull

Mrs. Firtzello Velscore . Mrs. Watts

Jannetta Mrs. Timm

Miss Hockenisnivy . Miss Tumbull

Mr. Millar B. Baker

Mrs. Kitter .... Miss Singleton
Ghost Mrs. Watts

April 15, 1841, Mrs. Timm played Mr. Folairin "The Savage and
the Maiden." "Sleeping Beauty" was acted here for the first time
April 19. Wardle Corbyn, the treasurer, had a benefit May 5.

ii4i] MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC 271

"The Tableaux of the Tyrol" had its first representation May 10.
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. Loder took his benefit June 3, when Mr.
Pritchard, of the Park, and Charles Howard, of the National
Theatre, acted Charles II. and Ruy Gomez in "Faint Heart Never
Won Fair Lady." Edwin had a oenefit June 4, when Nickinson
appeared as Mons. Jacques, in the burletta of that name, and Mrs.
Pritchard and Mrs. Hautonville played Sophia and 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 stoutlv opposed it, remarking that the weather having been
$0 fault the place had not had a /bir chance. However, the prices
were reduced from 25 cents to I2>^ 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, Fitz Greene Halleck, J. Prescott 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 Stryker's Bay, and the theatre continued
in Mitchell's possession.

The next season opened Sept. 13, 1841, with Wm. Mitchell,
Homcastle, Nickinson, B. Baker, Edwin, Graham, Roberts, Clarke,
Barnett, Horton, Mrs. Timm, Lydia Singleton, Miss Randall,
Mrs. Watts, Mrs. Baldock, Mrs. Montgomery, Mrs. Barnett,
Savage, White, H. Wells, Strebor, Wined, Miss Wood, Mrs.
Lansing, La Petite Salter, Mrs. Everard, Miss Jamison, Miss R.
Edwin, Miss Woodcock, and others in the company. Wardle
Corbyn was treasurer; Bengough, scenic artist; and Geo. Loder,
musical conductor. The opening pieces were " Old Olympians,"
a sketch by Homcastle, introducing Mitchell as Crummies, fol-
lowed by, for the first time, an extravaganza called "Bob Bang, or
Central America," and the new farce, "Out of Luck, or His Grace
the Duke." "A Familiar Friend" was a farce actc^ for the first
time Sept. 17. " The Wreck, or the Isle of Beauty," a fairy burletta

272 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D84.

by Homcastle, was seen Sept. 20. "Aldgate Pump" was first
played in America Sept. 27. " A Lady and a Gentleman in a Pe-
culiarly Perplexing Predicament " had its first performance in this
country Oct. 4 :

A Lady Mrs. Timm I A Gentleman Mitchell

A Landlady .... Miss Singleton |

The first act of the operatic ballet, " La Bayadere, or the Maid of
Cashmere," had its first representation here Oct 11. H. Wells and
Miss Wells made their d^but here as Selim and Zoloe. " The Two
Greens " was also (first time) acted. In announcing the continued
performance of "A Lady and a Gentleman," eta, the management
stated as follows :

The scene is covered with paper hangings by Brown of Canal Street; the Im-
perial Hearthrug — real as Imported; the Statuary by Coffee of Canal Street;
the White Dimity from Vann's Cheap Store; Mr. Mitchell's Costume by Coz of
Fulton Street; Mrs. Timm's Costume by Mrs. Manvells; 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 Yard and a Half of Rag Carpet of
American Manufacture ; The Second-Hand Fender from O'Dooley's of Centre
Street ; The Chicken — positively real and roasted — horn Fulton Market

" Mephistophiles, or the Three Wishes," by Horncastle, 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
Foreigners," another new farce, was acted Dec. 6. "Eliza Clup-
pins, or the Bones of the Unburied One," a drama, was given for
the 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 burlesque by a local gentleman, was seen Dec. 31.
" 1940, or Crummies in Search of Novelty," was revived Jan. 10,
1842. For Mitchell's benefit, Jan. 13, Mr. Ranger acted Clermont
in "The Artist's Wife." "A Hasty Conclusion" was first done
Jan. 17. Wardle 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 ; Horncastle
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. "Asmodeus in New York, or the
Devil's Diary," was given Jan. 24. "Middle Temple, or Which
Is My Son?" was seen Jan. 31. The musical burlesque "Richard
No. in." was produced Feb. 10, and cast as follows:

I«4«l

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

273

Richard MitcheU

Henry King Niclcinson

Baclcy Gammon . . . Homcastle

Richmud Graliam

Stand and Lie Edwin

Catspaw Roberts

Rardifie Clarice

Ueat. Jenkins B. Baker

Gnawfork Bamett

Oxhead White

Tarheel Horton

Ctt£^ Moran

Sally Ann Miss RoberU

Mrs. McKween Singleton

Dutch Bess of New York Mrs. Watts

** 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-de-Veal Homcastle

Nidanid Edwin

Akierman Lollipop . . . Nickinson

Peter Prode Graham

Paul Pretty Boy Clarke

Qaderella Mrs. Timm

On March 30 "One Hundred and Two, or the Veteran and His
Progeny," a dramatic sketch, was given for the first time, cast
thus:

Bessy Boxer-ears . . Miss Singleton
Cissy Sycuff .... Mrs. Watte
Biddy Mac Put-it-all-to^hte

Mrs. Mossop
Jody O'Mach-to-the-point

Roberte

Gaibois MitcheU

{erome Nickinson
*ierre Homcastle

Aototne Clarke

Mme. Leronde .... Mrs. Watte

Theodore Emily Edwin

Isabel Mrs. Mossop

Lotdse Mrs. Timm

Boz " was the title of a burlesque first acted April 1 1 :

Homcastle

Sam Weller MitcheU

Joaty Green Ferguson

Mrs. Novelgobble . . . Mrs. Watte

Betty Mrs. Mossop

Miss Johnson . . . Miss Singleton

** The Loves of the Angels " was first acted in this country April
37. It had had a run of over one hundred nights at the Strand
Theatre, London, Eng., and here had this cast:

Imp MitcheU

Korah Homcastle

Hanoch Nickinson

Lills Mrs. Mossop

Nama Mrs. Everard

Reuben Edwin

Lea Mrs. Watte

Zaraph Mrs. Timm

Rubi Miss Sinffleton

Malech (first I4»pearance) Miss Walters

''All 's Fair in Love, or the Russian Troupe," was a farcetta by
Homcastle, first acted May 7. For Edwin's benefit. May 1 1, Yankee
Hill 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 [1842

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 Nickinson I Will Master Roberts

Mrs. Croaker .... Mrs. Watts I

THE MONTHS

January Moran

February White

March Homcastle

April Miss Sin^eton

May Mrs. Timm

June Mrs. Bamett

Time Baker

July Graham

August Mrs. Monts^mecy

September Horton

October Mitchell

November Clarice

December Everard

Nature Mrs. Mossop

"Kate Kearney" was given May 21, with Mr. Mossop as Lanty
O'Lochlin. "The Savage and the Maiden" was also acted, and
Mr. and Master Wood did a broadsword combat.

The season closed June 6, 1842, when Mitchell had a benefit
The following was the announcement :

GRAND COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT

GIVEN BY MR. MITCHELL TO HIMSELF.

The seats 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 As tor 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 confusion, 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 provi(£d with them previously), and proceed at once in a grand cavalcade
to the interior, where they will seat themselves as comfortably as possible, and
laugh and applaud incessantly. It is particularly requested that those who can-
not get front seats will sit on the Imck 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 horses tails behind as before.

The entertainment consisted of "Twelve Months;" "Valet De
Sham " (Miss Ayres as Clipper); "John Jones," with John Sefton
as Guy Goldrich ; and the burlesque " Richard No. 3. "

184*3

MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC

275

The next season opened Sept. 12, i^gj^ with this company: Wm.
Mitchell, John Nickinson, Geo. Graham, Charles Walcot, B. A.
Baker, James Dunn, Everard, McKean, Geo. Clarke, Rosenthall,
Bamett, Davis, Mrs. Timm, Mrs. Mossop, Mrs. Watts, Miss
Singleton, Mrs. Everard, Miss Roberts, Constantia Clarke, Matilda
Phillips, Mrs. G. Loder, Mrs. Cooper, Mary Taylor, Mrs. Mont-
gomery, and Mrs. Bamett. Marks was leader of the orchestra.
Bengough, scenic artist; Wardle Corbyn, treasurer; G. Loder,
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. Stoneall. Her right name was Scallan, and she was
a sister of William Scallan, the Irish comedian. Mrs. Clara
Stoneall 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.

"Petty Sins and Pretty Sinners'* was seen here for the first
time, and with this cast :

Reuben Snaffler .... Nickinson
Harnr Wilder .... C. Walcot

Sarah Constantia Clarke

Miriam Miss Singleton

Lncy Mary Taylor

Jacob Everard

Ruth Mrs. Mossop

Rachael Mrs. Timm

Anne Mrs. Loder

Susanna Mrs. Everard

This was Charles VValcot's first appearance at this house. His
right name was Charles Walcot Melton. RosenthalFs d^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 d^but occurred as Minerva, in "Midas." J. M. Field
first appeared here Sept. 19, as Perigine Milky, in " Nervo Vitalics,
or What Next ? " then acted for the first time.

"The Olympic Revels" was revived Sept 26, with Mary Taylor
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, or Life in the
Clouds," was given. Field took a benefit Oct. 7, when "House
Room " was acted. Field as Major Slender Purse ; " Jupiter Jealous "
was played, followed by a lecture on theatrics, by Dr. Heavybevy,
illustrated by a telescopic diorama of the theatric heavens; various
experiments, — pirouetics, theatrical research, etc. ; " Raising the
Wind " was the afterpiece, with Field as Jeremy Diddler.

"Amilie, or the Love Test," had its first representation here
Oct. 12, with this cast:

276 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1843

Gen. Count der Teimer . • Raymond
Jose Speckbacher . . . Mary Taylor

Paul Pesta James Dunn

Hans MtjtT C. Walcot

Wilhelm Everard

Lelia Mrs. Mossop

Gervaise Graham

Anderl Miss Singleton

Jean Nickinson

Michael Qarke

Amilie Mrs. Timm

Barbet Mrs. Loder

The Mr. Raymond mentioned in the above cast was Stephen C.
Massett ("Jeems Pipes of Pipesville "), who had appeared as an
actor the season prior to this in Buffalo, where he joined an
amateur society and made his d^but 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 "Fra Diavolo." He died at St
Vincent Hospital, this city, August 20, 1898 in the eighty-first
year of his age. The farce " A Lover by Proxy " was given :

Harry Lawless .... J. M. Field

Bromley Nickinson

Harriet .... Constantia Clarke

Blushington C WalooC

Kate Mrs. Mossop

Servant Mrs. Loder

" Lucky Stars, or the Cobbler of Cripplegate " was first acted in
America at this theatre Oct. 19. "Don Giovanni in Gotham,"
written by Charles Walcot, was played for the first time Nov. 7,
with this cast :

Melissa Snorter . Constantia Clarke
Count Schnutendeish . . Roaenthall
Malibran Sweet . . . Mary Taylor

Squire Tim B. Baker

Miss Tickletoby . . . Mrs. Watts

Don Giovanni .... Mrs. Timm

Don Guzman C. Walcot

Laporello Graham

Mons. Kickshaw . . John Nickinson
Nicholas Appolyon . . James Dunn
Gentleman Jack Clarke

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. 3a 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 Langley.

" The Captain of the Watch " had its first performance in
America Dec. 26, with this cast:

Viscount de Ligney
Ordolf de Courtnay

Walcot I Officer of the Watch .... Banett
Garke I Kristina Mrs. Mossop

"Fra Diavolo, or the Inn of Terracina," was produced Jan. 4,
1843, with this cast:

Fra Diavolo .... Mrs. Timm

Lord Allcash C. Walcot

Lorenzo James Dunn

Beppo Wm. Mitchell

Zerhna Mary Taylor

Lady Allcash . . . Lydia SinglettMi

I843D MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC 277

" Beauty and the Beast " was presented here for the first time in
America Jan. 20, cast thus :

Beauty Walcot

Croton Pump Nickinson

John Quill Mitchell

Black Cupid .... Master Wood

Marygolden Mrs. Mosaop

Queen of Roses . . . Miss Clarke

The Olympic novelty called "Mr. Liston," with Mitchell as
Simon Liston, was done Feb. 13 for Wardle Corbyn's benefit
'' Blue Beard " was another extravaganza, in which Mitchell enacted
the sanguinary wife-killing tyrant* It was produced for the first
time March i. A dramatic eccentricity called "Antony and Cleo-
patra" was acted for the first time in America March i. 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 Bloomingdale Inn " was first played March 28. Mrs. Mossop
took a benefit April 7, when the bill was " 1940, or Crummies in
Search of Novelty," dance by Master Wood, the " Roof Scrambler,"
an olio in which Mary Taylor, Mrs. Timm, and Miss Singleton
sang; the first appearance at this house of the comedian William
Warren, acting Abel Day in "The Honest Thieves," followed by
an olio in which Mrs. Herbert (from the Bowery) 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 d6but 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 OTrigger in "The Rivals."
The following season he went to the Boston 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. 21,
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 Nursey 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 II, when the attraction was "Cats in the Larder," "The
Four Sisters," Mitchell as Sam 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, Eytinge and

278 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1843

Kate Horn volunteering as Frank Fox and Caroline Popkins. The
burlesque " Humpback " was the afterpiece. The travesty ** Amy
Lee, or Who Loves Best ? " by Ben. A. Baker, was first given Dec
13. It was a travesty on the opera of " Amilie." Lydia Singleton
took her farewell benefit Dec. 28. This lady retired from the stage
and married Mr. Johnson, a well-to-do merchant of this city.
The second act of " Guy Mannering " was given May 9, for James
Dunn's benefit, for the first time in this theatre. Mr. Dunn acted
Henry Bertram. " Humpback " and " Sam Parr " were also seen,
and a concert was given, in which Dunn sang "The Day When
We Went Gypsy ing," 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 duet "All 's Well;" Mary Taylor sang "Away
to the Mountain's Brow," and Dunn, Walcot, Rosenthall, and Ray-
mond sang the glee "Lutzow's Wild Hunt." Miss Grover 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 d^but here Sept. 4, 1843, in "A Day
After the Fair" and "The Bill of Fare." He continued here
until 1849. ^ remarkable thing about this gentleman and this
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 modem 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
seat, make a profound bow to all present, and solemnly retire,
leaving all astonished at his sudden recovery. He was a great

i«43] 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 are, and we '11 take care of you." He then put his hands into
his pockets, and searching first one, then the other, exclaimed,
" I ' ve lost all my tickets ! " " No, you have n't, neither ; here they
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." On
the i6th 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 Comer," 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

28o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1843

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 roimd
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. Tayleure, Geo. W.
Hows, John Brougham, Aug. Fenno, Jas. Schonberg, Wm. Davidge,
A. C. Wheeler ("Nym Crinkle"), Wm. Winter and Henry
Sedley (chairman). Theo. 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

«i5,554-35-

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, and 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 Laura
Keene'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 d^but at the Chatham Theatre during the season

I845D MITCHELL'S OLYMPIC 281

of 1825-26 as Frederick Bramble, in "The Poor Gentleman."
In 1839 b^ 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, 1863, as Geoffrey Dale, in "The Last Man," at Laura
Keene'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
appear before you." His last words on the New York stage were:
"Heaven's blessing on the last man!" His last appearance on
the stage was made April 21, 1863, at the Boston Theatre, as Sir
Peter Teazle. Here is a copy of the programme of that night :

THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL.

Sir Peter Teazle . . . W. R. Blake
Charles Surface . George Vandenhoff
Joseph Surface . . . . F. £. Aiken
Oliver Surface .... Sam Emery

Crabtree W. Scallan

Sir Benjamin Backbite ... J. Duff

Moses W. H. Curtiss

Careless W. J. LeMoyne

Rowley J. Biddies

Trip Mr. Parkes

Snauce Mr. Jones

Joseph's Servant Brown

Lady Sneerwell's servant Holmes

Lady Teazle .... Mrs. Barrow
Mrs. Candour . . . Rachel Johnson
Lady Sneerwell .... Mary Carr
Maria Mrs. Sedley 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
are 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 are not in favor of a
repetition.

From 1 841 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,

zSz A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D848

Mrs. Bootbi Miscs^ Taylor, Wm. Conover, and John Nickinson being
aiuoug it2$. principal players. Mr. Mitchell was ever on the alert
toi' youug, Jini pcetty ladies, those who could act as well as look
chaiming, aod tiie gathered around him from Dame Nature's con-
servatory a lovely bouquet: Miss Singleton, the pretty young
widow R. Bedeck, Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Plumer, and Mrs. W. Pen-
sou , Harry Homcastle, Harry Russell, James Everard, and David
Aaviersott were also connected with the company. George Loder
coucinu^ musical director, but Harry Marks was the leader.
LoUer married Mrs. Baldock. This lady was a great favorite at
the Olympic. Afterwards she went to California, and died in
Sau Fmncisco Nov. 2, 1855. The scene painter was Bengougb,
who married Mitchell's daughter.

Benjamin A. Baker, who died in New York Sept. 6, 1890, was
prompter and actor. He first appeared here Dec. 9, 1839, ^^^
remained eleven years. He rang up the curtain the first and the
last night of Mitchell's management. June 3, 1844, ^^^ 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 "The Magic Arrow." William
Conover and Constantia Clarke were great favorites here. " Dick
Whittington and His Cat," was one of Miss Clarke's first suc-
cesses. " Don Caesar 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
habitu6s 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 Conover, in the char-
acter of Crummies, was the lecturer. Conover died in this city
in 1851.

" A Glance at New 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:

X848J

MITCHELUS 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."

Kabri Mr. Holland

Prince Rudolphe . . . Mr. Arnold

Nico Mr. Conover

Jacopa Henry

Lestong Bleecker

Madame Kabri .... Mrs. Henry

Annette Miss Roberts

The Fairy Blanche . . Miss 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."

Georfife Allen . . .

. . . George Arnold
Dinah Miss Phillips

rge

Gregory Grizzle . Peter Cunningham
Peter Prog .... 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. Bums

Music arranged by E. Wool!

New dresses by Mr. Roberts

Mose Frank Chanfrau

Harry Gordon .... Geo. Arnold
George Parsells . . . George Clark
Jake W. Conover

Mike Sylvester Bleecker

Major Gates Levere

Mrs. Morton .... Mrs. Henry

This sketch was performed for four weeks in five scenes, subse-
quently, with the following characters introduced :

Eliza Stubbins
Ben . . .
Jenny . . .

Mary Taylor

Mr. Seymour

Miss Barber

Mr. Morton Mr. Henry

Sam .... Master Frank Drew

As soon as Mary Taylor recovered from her illness, five more
scenes were introduced and the part of Lize 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,
and nearly every day on his way to the theatre was in the habit ojf
dropping in at the Broadway House, on the comer of Grand Street,
to get a sixpenny plate of corned beef. One day, while enjoying

284 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Da^s

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 I 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 Sun office. •

Ben. A. Baker, after Chanfrau had created a great deal of mer-
riment by successive 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 it
at once. "The characters are 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 rdles, 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 oflF, 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 mercheen 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

1848] MITCHELUS OLYMPIC 285

it. Porgfy Joe of Catharine Market was created later by Jack
Winans at the Chatham in " New York As It Is. "

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 everv 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 Brierly 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 monev, 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 rdles were Leander in Planche's burlesque
"Hero and Leander," and Margot in "The Poultry Dealer." She
was in those days a beauty, fresh and plump, with a foot that
Thania might have envied, eyes that sparkled like dew-drops in
the earlv sun, a sweet ever ready laugh, and a vivacious nature
which ntted her admirably for the burlesques and comediettas.
"Our Mary" Taylor and Constantia Clarke contested with her the
palm of popularity. Mary Taylor could outsing her; Clarke could
outact her; vet 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 I 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, "Boz in America" was
played here, with Homcastle 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 Homcastle's

286 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«4»

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 d^but 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 Bags, in Celeste's "St. Mary's
Eve;" Beppo, in "Fra Diavolo;" and Pedrigo Potts, 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 Henry Horncastle, Edwin, Chas. Walcot, W.
Conover, Geo. 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 ;^i2,ooo. He
achieved greater success in eccentric parts than in broad, low

i85Pj 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 K 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
Hon. Anthony Hawkstone, and the extravaganza " Jennyphobia "
with George Skerret as Visjuice and Mr. Conover as Seeds. The
performance closed with "Alcestis." Sept. 21 "Dobson & Co.,"
"Alcestis," "Actress of All Work," and " Jennyphobia " was the
bill. Burton's management closed Sept. 26. He 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. 11 by W. A. Asche & Co., with a
vaudeville company, consisting of W. Copland, Mr. McDougal,
Linden, Miss Sheppard, Joseph Jefferson, and Mrs. Henry. The
programme was : " A Struggle for the Pants," " Peep at 6 p.m. " and
"My Precious Betsy." During the evening the Ethiopian Rabel
Family gave feats in legerdemain. This management closed Nov.
19. The house was afterwards let for various kinds of entertain-
ments, and to any one who could pay the rent.

288 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1853

'^Burgthairs 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 Tyrolienne dance executed by Demoiselle
ThSrSse La Tourier formed the programme. June 20 " Die Schulc
der Verlietten" ("The Love Chase") was acted; June 24, "Der
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 stafiF 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
Califomians 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, but 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 Bourd-
cault was announced to appear in a course of ''literary soirte."
They were in the form of lectures, and were entitled " Sketches ol
European Society," *' Woman and Her Rights (?) and Her Wrongs,"
" My Literary Life, or the Vicissitudes of a Man of Letters in
London and Paris," and "The Story of the Stage." Dion Board-
cault 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.

I864D HOPE CHAPEL 289

He was heralded in bis advertisements with a considerable flourisb
of trumpets as tbe successful autbor of ** London Assurance/' '' Old
Heads and Young Hearts," " Tbe Irisb Heiress," and otber plays.
But in spite of bis success as a dramatic autbor, tbe public somebow
could n't be persuaded to accept bim as a lecturer, and tbis in tbe
face of tbe fact tbat be bad promised faitbfully to initiate tbem — as
it were — into tbe mysteries of London fashionable life, and tell tbem
funny stories about tbe living originals from wbom be drew tbe
characters of Sir Harcourt Courtly, Dazzle, Dolly Spanker, and Lady
Gay. It was all in vain, however. The public either did n't believe
tbe 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 be 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 tbe balcony
scene from " Romeo and Juliet," and scenes from " Julius Caesar,"
" Tbe School for Scandal," " The Honeymoon," and " Tbe 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. Donaddson beginning
bis season with a minstrel company. Their stay was a brief one.
" The Academy of Minstrels " was the next name given to this bouse.
It was opened Aug. 20, 1856, by Frank Hussev 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. Cbilds, Carroll B. Isaacs, H. Heron, Buckley, and Gibson. Sept 3,
Adolph Nicbolls, violinist, and M. J. Solomons, clarionetist, joined,
and a few days later the place was suddenly closed.

Tbe house underwent many changes of management for the next
five years. Lola Montez 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, 1861, "Blind Tom " first appeared in this city. Panoramas,
concerts, lectiu-es, continued the attractions presented here for a long
time.

Tbe 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 D"

" The Bohemian Girl," " Beauty and the Beast," followed. In the
organization were Sallie and Julia Holman, Mrs. Harriet Holman,
Alfred Holman, W. H. 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, W. H. Stratton (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 WoodnifiFe's
Glassblowers. Effendi Oscanyan, the Turkish lecturer, took this
place for a few nights, and rechristened it "The Meddah." Sig.
Blitz, Jr., opened here with his ventriloquial 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, Henrv
Leslie, P. Rafferty, Scotch tenor ; Agnes Sutherland, the Scottish
nightingale, and Maggie McLeod, 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. Lasseme, J. S.
Thompson, F. Bergner, Mary M. Ruton, Mrs. S. P. McDonald,
Hattie M. Gibbs, Mrs. Therese McKenna, M. Louis Dachauer, Mrs.
C. E. Whelan, Henry Byron, Stephen Massett, and George Guy ; and
readings, lectures, and literary entertainments by Henry Morford,
Mrs. Prosser, Mr. and Mrs. George Vandenhoff, Mrs. H. C. WatsoD,
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 i, 1866, 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 either 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 tree of rent. They
opened Oct. i. In the company were Edwin Kelly, Francis Leon,

itetD 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
33, 1867, and went on a brief travelling tour, returning and opened
their second season July 29, 1867. They now had in their organiza-
tion Delehanty and Hengler, 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^
Theatre, this city, April 17, 1884, ^^^^ ^i^ 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
died at Greenpoint, L. L, Aug. 21, 1888.

In consequence of the shooting and killing of Thomas Sharpe
(brother of Sam Sharpley, the well known minstrel performer) by
Edwin Kelly ,^ 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. H.
Butler, Heywood, 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. Nay lor, 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.

Thecompanv 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, $i,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
opened their last season they had in their first part thirty-five peo-

' See history of Madison Square Theatre for particulars.

292 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [iWq

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.
Surridge, Leslie and Raynor, the Guy Brothers, R. M. Carroll, M.
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. Reeder,
at a rental of 1^15,000. Mr. Reeder was a real estate broker, un-
known in theatrical affairs. It was opened Jany. 17, 1869, ^ ^^
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, " Lucrezia Borgia,
M. D.," were given for the initial performance. Elise Holt made
her first appearance in New York as Genarro, and James Lewis was
Lucrezia. 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 De Bracy Fanny Prestige

Rebecca James Lewis Cedric Belvil Ryan

Rowena Emily Pitt Black Knight . . . . C. T. Parsloe

Ivanhoe Minnie Jackson Isaac £. Coleman

Prince John Mary Pitt Sir Brian Harry Wall

This ran until April 19, when "Lucrezia Borgia" was revived.

F. C. Burnand's burlesque, " Paris," localized by C K. Rattray, was
produced April 28 with this cast :

Jupiter Minnie Jackson

Cupid Belvil Ryan

Castor C. T. Parsloe

Pollux Geo. Middleton

Orion Harry Wan

Paris Elise Holt

(Enone Jas. Lewis

Venus Viola Crocker

Mercury Emily Pitt

Juno . . .... Mary Pitt

On May 8 the Elise Holt company closed, and were followed by the
Wilmore-Rogers London combination, May 10, 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 Fran^ais," 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 time in New York. The cast was :

tmtl

KELLY & LEON'S

293

The Statue .... Jennie Wilmore

Galatea Lixzie Wilmore

Cambysses Felix Rogers

Pygmalion .... Minnie Jacl^n
Venus Emily Pitt

Psyche Mary Pitt

King Astyages . . . . C. T. Parsloe

Harpagus 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 17, 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
closed quickly July 24. Minnie Jackson Cushman 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
Wesner, 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 Brennans, Master
Sniffin, Rollin Howard, Louise Boshell, Mile. Devere, 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 r<^gime were the Zanfretta
Family, Billy Devere, Eph Horn, George Warren, Clifford, the Caron
Family, Mile. Lupo, 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 D«7o

Charley White, Harry Bloodgood, J. H. Bud worth, Frank Gibbons,
John Burke, Andy Leavitt, Billy Carter, M. Gallagher, J. S. Forbes,
W. Devere, Thompson, Lane, Parker, and a ballet troupe. To those
were subsequently added M. Wietojff, Mile. Dacoste, Ida Devere,
Cool Burgess, Emily and Betty Rigl, Delevanti Brothers, Geo. C.
Davenport, H. T. Mudge, ** Gen. Grant, Jr.," Harry CliflFord, Watson,
and Wells. The house was closed only a week, as Charles White
reopened it on Nov. 29. The attraction offered was Allen, Petten-
gill, Delehanty & Hengler's Minstrels, consisting of Johnny Allen,
Chas. Pettengill, Gustave Bideaux, Delehanty, T. M. Hengler, 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. Gustave 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 1879,
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. I, 1900. James Taylor, a London comic singer, leased
the house and opened Jan. 10, 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 secured, consisting
of Sam Price, James Clarke, Sig. Brochelli, F. Fraulig, Cool Burgess,
S. S. Purdy, W. H. Brockway, J. R. Clinton, Quilter and Goodrich,
F. Meyering, J. B. Carter, J. C. Withers, L. W. Ball, G. Field, F.
Lake, Charles Eslinger, Master R. Loech, James Martin, Fred
Evans, George Bright, Joe Bright, and J. H. Surridge. The bur-
lesque of " Frow Frow," a travesty on '* Frou Frou," was first pro-
duced April 18. Francis Leon acted Frow Frow. May 2, " La Belle
L. N.," a burlesque on Offenbach's opera, " La Belle H616ne," was
first acted. 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 d^but on the bones end, and did a bone solo in the
olio. John H. O'Neil, from California, appeared in " Essence of Old
Virginny ; " May 23 RoUin Howard, " wench dancer," and Cooper
and 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
" Frow Frow." At the close of Kelly & Leon's season Lina Edwin
leased the hall and reopened the house Sept. 12, 1870. It was now

i«70 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 Bush," was presented.
Edwin F. Thorne, Walter Grisdale, Harry Jackson, J. H. Broughton,
Miss M. Wood, Eugene Eberle, J. H. Chatterton (since known as
Sig. Perugini), Fred Marsden, Amelia Harris, Lillie Eldridge, and
J. B. Donniker (leader) constituted the company. The burlesque
of " Black Ey'd Suzing, or that Leetle Bill Wich was Taken Hup,"
was the afterpiece ; cast thus :

Captain Crosstree . . Stuart Robson

Susan Lina Edwin

William Emma Cline

Dolly Emily Lewis

Gnatbrain .... Dora Herbert

Dame Hatley . . . Han^ Josephs

Hatchet Geo. Jordan

High Admiral . . Chas. Parsloe, Jr.

Baker James Collins

Doggrass .... Eugene Eberle

On Oct. 8 " Bamaby Rudge " was given ; and on Oct. 10, " Major Dc
Boots," originally called " Everybody's Friend," with Stuart Robson in
the leading character, and the burlesque of " Law-son-am-ble-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 Lina Edwin re-
appeared as Cinderella in the burlesque of that name, and also in
the burlesque of '' La Somnambula." Oct. 31 Harry Beckett made
his bow as Widow Twankey in the burlesque '* Aladdin," and
Stuart Robson acted Captain Crosstree. On Nov. 28 " Jack
Sheppard " was produced, with Lina Edwin as Wild Jack, Thomas
Whiffin as Blueskin, and John Hall, an Australian comedian, as
Mrs. Sheppard. Marion Taylor and Ada Harland (now Mrs.
Brander Mathews) were in the cast. Myron W. Leffingpvell, Sr.,
was the stage manager, and appeared as Romeo Jaffier Jenkins,
in " Too Much For Good Nature," on Nov. 7. John E. McDonough
produced, Nov. 29, an opera bouffe, called ** Idle 'Prentice " (" Jack
Sheppard"). A matinee performance was given Jan. 19, 187 1, in
aid ot the George Holland Fund. Master Harry Janvier, aged six
years, sang several songs. " His Last 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, Fred Marsden, Belle Howitt, Aggie Wood, and
Blanche Galton.

Laura Keene appeared here Jan. 25, 1871, in '^ Hunted Down, or
the Two Lives of Mary Leigh." Laura Keene, Frank Mordaunt,
Hart Conway, George Becks, Milton Rainford, F. Dovey, Emma
Maddem, Amelia Harris, Emma Warren, Minnie Maddern, 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 D»7«

(Alice Dunning) in "A Silent Protector." Mr. Lingard gave a
number of his sketches, and " David 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 Aristaeus, and L. Terry (her
first appearance in America) as Queen Prospero. Geo. Clarke
was the next manager of the house. He produced De Leon's
" Pluck" April 17, with Mark Bates, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. C. Boni&ce,
Sol Smith, Thos. E. Morris, lone Burke, Lillie Eldridge, and Harry
Eytinge in the company. " Rank," came May 9, 1871, with Lina
Edwin as Doe. Maynard, Edwin Wyndham, E. F. Taylor, Chas.
Hale, T. P. Cooke, Emma Germaine, Kate Melnotte, 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
Aimee Opera Bou£Fe company appeared in " La Perichole." Oct.
23 a benefit for the victims of the Point Pitre fires was gfiven. The
next production was *' Fleur de Th£," made popular in English as
"The Pearl of Pekin." 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 g^dually
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 Lydia Thompson Burlesque company.
He died in London, Eng., Oct. 22, 1880. Aggie Wood died m
St. Luke's Hospital, this city, July 17, 1881. Myron Winslow
Leffingwell 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 Claxton's company, and his last appearance on any stage
was in the above-mentioned character at Hooky's Theatre,
Chicago.

Albert W. Aiken commenced a season March 11, which proved
a dire failure and closed March 23. April i Henry Green wall 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. 16.

♦ I ■. X t v*/ •--* • -t •'. IC-

i84oJ THE CHATHAM THEATRE 297

Nov. 25 Kelly & Leon again tempted fortune, and their season
was terminated bv the building being entirely destroyed by fire
on the morning of 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 II, 1839, ^^^^ 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.
Thorne, Emily Mestayer, Mrs. Judah, Mrs. Blake, J. Hudson,
Kirby, C. R. Thorne, Stevens, and C. Mestayer. 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. 21 "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. B. 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, 1840), managed it for two
weeks to a losing business, when Mr. Flynn, fearing a continued
loss, sold his interest to Mr. Thome for $5cx>. The latter gentle-
man kept the house open for four years with success. Such stars
as the elder Booth, T. D. Rice, John Sefton, M. and Mme. Le
Compte, Mme. Celeste, John R. Scott, Henry Wallack, Mary
DuB, James S. Browne, Bill Williams, Henry Placide, 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 Thorne sold out to his stage manager, Mr.
Stevens, and A. W. Jackson.

Feb. 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 i. William Henry Sedley Smith first appeared
Nov. 3, acting Edgar to the King Lear 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 of his
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 soubrettes 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 Dolly Lovechild in "The Christening." She died in this city
Sept. 26, 1861. Mr. Smith was a successful stage manager, hav-
ing filled that position at 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
Domton. 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
produced 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 of Rouen." He had
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

18^6] THE CHATHAM THEATRE 299

Lady of Lyons" and as RoUa in "Pizarro." Josephine Clifton
volunteered, and played Pauline.

Adelaide Phillips first acted in this city here Feb. i, 1843.
Joshua S. Silsbee 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 East Canaan,
Ct., Aug. 23, 1879. ^r* Silsbee died in California Dec. 22, 1855,
and his widow sold " Our American Cousin " to Wm. Wheatley
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
breadth 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 every action was provocative of mirth, and his
jokes were laden with health and happiness. Mr. Silsbee' s re-
mains were carried to Yerba Buena Park Cemetery, San Francisco.
Some one had a marble tombstone erected to mark his last resting
place, on which is the following:

"JOSHUA SILSBEE,
Died Dec. 22, 1855,
Aged 42.

The soul of origin divine,

God's glorious image freed from clay,
In Heaven's eternal sphere shall shine

A star of day."

R. F. Greeley, author of "Mysteries of Paris," took a benefit
here Dec. 8, 1843, ^^^ ^^^ programme was "Crime and Repent-
ance," with George Jamison, H. P. Grattan, D. C. Anderson,
Cbeesebrough, Hall, Scott, Williams, Mrs. Preston, and Fanny
Herring in the cast.

April 8, 1845, Ben De Bar was made stage manager; subse-
quently he and William S. Deverna, 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, 1846, 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

300 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DM

was killed by a fall from a balcony-box of the theatre. This was
his bedroom also, at times, and, having just returned from the
races, he groped his way at midnight to the fatal box. Fancying
that he 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 PaA
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.
Thorne was the first white woman ever seen in many of the towns in
Central America. Mr. Thome and his wife both played "The
Juveniles" at the Richmond Hill Theatre. Shortly after that be
organized a small dramatic company to travel up the Erie 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, Thome
visited Nicaragua and gave the first show ever witnessed on the
banks of the Chagres River, and all the company's travelling was
done on mules. On Thome's return to New York he b«:aine
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 the 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 burlesque, "Metamora," was acted
with Brougham as Metamora, Mrs. Brougham as Tapiokee, Miss
Hildreth as Oceana, Edwin Varrey as Old Tar, and J. Herbert as
Paddy Vaughn. Previous to the burlesque Brougham's " Living

it47D 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 d6but here Oct. 21. Elder G. G.
Addams appeared in November, 1847, as Richard HI., 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 thank 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 me, 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 are
actors; and, for my own part, I can't see 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 givea Among Mr.
Thome's actors was J. H. Kirby. So successful was he in " The
Carpenter of Rouen " that Thorne increased his salary to twenty
dollars a week. The prices of admission 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 Degrees
of Crime" — the old-fashioned "blood and thunder" style, on
which the curtain did not drop until one o'clock in the morning.

302 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«49

except on Saturday nights. He died in 1848, aged thirty-eight
years. Early excesses had told upon a naturally fine constitution.

A popular actress was Mrs. Sophia La Forrest, formerly Sophia
Eberle, the sister of Mrs. F. W. (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 Ewen (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 Buntline's "Mysteries
and Miseries of New York " was produced Sept. 4, with Chanfrau
as Mose. There were two Lizes — Emily Mestayer and Mrs.
McLean. Oct. 9 a burlesque extravaganza called " Mr. McGreedy "
(Macready) was presented. Chanfrau played the quadruple role
of Hamlet, Mose, Capt. Cuttle, and Jimmy Twitcher. William B.
Chapman's "Mose in California" was produced Feb. 12, 1849, ^^
had a two weeks' run. Lester Wallack had acted "Don Caesar
de Bazan" July 17, 1848.

"New York As It Is," by Ben A. Baker, was first produced
March 17. It was similar to "A Glance at New York," but Mr.
Baker had introduced new characters. Charles Burke was stage
manager. 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 Enchanter, or the Wizard of the
Mountain," was first acted May 7, 1849. On May 15 "His First
Peccadillo " was acted for the first time in this theatre. W. Chap-
man was Jonathan; H. O. Pardey, Slyman; J. Herbert, Corkscrew;
W. Chapman, lonadab; E. L. Tilton, Furbish; Ben Yates, Cab-
man; Mrs. Isherwood, Rosanna; and Mrs. Chapman, Clara. Jef-
ferson first appeared in New York May 17, 1849, ^^ ^^is theatre,
acting Little Pickle in "The Spoiled Child."

Thomas Flynn died in this city of cholera June 23, 1849. ^^
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

1850]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

303

great influence among its members. In later years, however,
domestic misfortunes led him to intemperance and idleness, which
finally degenerated into complete helplessness and destitution.

The season closed Aug. 25, and reopened Sept 10, 1849, with
Chanfrau as lessee. Mrs. F. B. Conway, afterward manager of
the Park and Brooklyn theatres, made her d^but on the stage here
Dec. 6, 1849. S^^ ^^^ known as Sarah Crocker. Chanfrau
appeared here Feb. 18, 1850, as Claude Melnotte and Mose. He
continued playing at intervals until April 12, 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 Middleton . . H. Watkins
Arden Rencelaw . . . . C Venna

Farmer Gates J. Herbert

Mrs. Wilson Miss Smith

Miss Spindle .... Mrs. Henry

Julia . .
Bill Dowton
Cribbs
Mary . .

Miss Lockyer
. . Joe Jefferson

C. W. Taylor
Mrs. C. £. Muzzy

On June 24 Chanfrau appeared in "Mose in China," which was
still another of the Mose series, and of which Ben Baker was the
author. It ran until July 6, when the Chatham's season closed.

A. H. Purdy assumed control of this house July 8, 1850, when
Mrs. H. P. Grattan, appeared as Amelia in "Wild Oats." Her
first appearance here was Sept. 7, 1840. She was the original in
this city, and at this house, of Madelon in "The Carpenter of
Rouen," Nov. 16, 1840, with J. Hudson Kirby as Marteau. Mrs.
Grattan, 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 "The Ladies* Club." Her last appearance on
the stage was at the Union League Theatre, this city, Oct. 10,
1876, as Prudence, in "Camille," on the occasion of the d^but of
Adelaide Cherie as Camille. She died in this city Dec. 14, 1876.
"The New York Fireman " was first acted here July 29, 1850.

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. 8,
the burlesque " The Female Forty Thieves " was first played here
by Mrs. Charles Mestayer (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, and
Emily Mestayer as Louise, followed by an olio introducing the
Caropanalogians, and concluding with "The Carpenter of Rouen,"

304 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D850

Joseph Proctor as Marteau. " Mose " was acted by Chanfrau Oct
21. This was Chanfrau's last season at this house. Mr. and Mrs.
Barney 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, and "The People's Lawyer," Burke as Solon Shingle, and
H. Watkins as Howard. " Black Eyed Susan " was the afterpiece,
H. Watkins as William, and Emily Mestayer 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 drama,
entitled "Nature's Nobleman the Mechanic, or the Ship Car-
penter of New York," and Harry Watkins was the author. His
prize play was produced Dec. 2, 1850, with this cast:

Herman Grey .
Old Job Ironsides
Alex Jerrold . .
Julia Hartley .
Nelly ....
Marma . . .

. H. Watkins
. John Ellsler
John Le Favor
Emily Mestayer
Sarah Crocter
Miss Hautonville

Timothy Tippler . . . . G. L. Fox

June Joseph Dunn

Whistling Jakes . . . John Herbert

Ike Geo. 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 Homellsville, N. Y., April 15, 1901, sixty-three years of age.

J. H. Pardey has been credited with the authorship of this play,
but erroneously. Three days after " Nature's Nobleman " was
produced, J. H. Pardey received permission from Harry Watkins

l»50

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

305

to use that title for 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. H. Pardey.
Mr. Watkins, 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 nw '* Stage Records,** to which 3rou refer, and cannot explain the cause
of it, as I find, on turning to my manuscript catalogue of plays, your name
attached to it as author. How Mr. Pardey's became substituted I am unable to
divine. Joseph N. Ireland.

The pantomime of " The Grolden Axe " was produced Dec. 24.
Fox played the Farmer, and Thompson was the Caleb. George
E. ("Yankee") Locke appeared Feb. 10, 185 1, as Solomon Swap
in ''Jonatham in England." On Feb. 3, 185 1, Fox first appeared
in burlesque — " Pizarabos, or Who Shot Rollabus ? " thus cast :

Rollabus L. Fox

Nohika Attaliba . ... J. Herbert
Taffi-Hoka-Ma . . Emily Mestayer

Davilla G. Whytal

Sig. Val Verda . . . Frank Drew
Alonzo de Moliro ... J. Murray

High Vocalist . . . Joseph Dunn

Ono*0-Rino J. Addams

Pizarabos C. W. Taylor

Fibbetto T. dine

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 as Richmond. No announcement of the change was
made to the audience, and Edwin Booth is said to have been verv
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. Hautonville

April I, J. B. Booth reappeared as '^ Richard IIL," 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
'* Brutus,*' with this cast :

3o6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D^

Lucius Junius Brutus . . J. R. Scott
Sextus Tarquin J. L. Brandon

Colatinus J. Cook

Valerius C. W. Taylor

Horatius R. Marsh

Tarquinia
Lucretia .
Priestess .
Titus . .
Aruns . .

Sarah Crocker

Mary Charles

Mrs. Hautonville

. Harry Watkins

• 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 Boy 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 City/' cast thus:

Oscar Melville
Hardman . .
Caleb . • .
Will Chandt
Servant •
Delia White .

H. Watkins
. Thompson
C. W. Taylor
Geo. L. Fox
T. Cline
Sarah Crocker

Widow White .
Ernest Trueman
Alfred Somers .
Mickey Wallop .
Helen Hardman
Jane Tastie . .

Mrs. Hantonvine
. . 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, to Hield*s lago, at Sanford's Opera House, Phil-
adelphia, for Paul Berger'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 churchyaixl, 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 ia
New York was July 2, 1829, as Malcolm to J. B. Booth's Macbeth,
at the Park Theatre for the benefit of Mr. Booth. He next appeared,
in Boston, at the Tremont, as Peter in " Speed the Plough. " H^
had but ten lines to speak, having a message to deliver to Sic
Abel Handy, as follows : " Mashed all to pieces ; " which he deliv-
ered, " Smashed all to patent axletrees ! " He was not permitted to
speak on the stage again for three months, being placed among the
mutes in groups and ballets. He afterwards became one of the great-

i«5>]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

307

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 verv short time he enjoyed a reputation throughout
the country which others had been vainlv 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. R Booth, Sr., reappeared in "Othello,"

; laying lago; N. B. Clarke, Othello; Arnold, Cassio; C. W.
aylor, 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 James 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 bom in 18 18, and looks to-day as hale and
hearty as he did twenty years ago. He has been retired from the
wofession for years, living on a farm of his own at Franklin,
Essex County, N. J.

•*Sweetlips, or the Magic Deer," by James Pilgrim, was pro-
duced March 2. W. G. Jones 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

Otft Acton Bradshaw

Dionjsiiis L. Fox

Andrew Stokes . . . John Herbert

Rnilian Barry

Bfaoade Toulmin

Constable Morrison

Dame Oatfiekl . . Mrs. Hautonville
Edwin Gaee . . Mrs. W. G. Jones

Wilford C. W. Taylor

Mark N. B. Qarke

Hans H. Seymour

There was also given "The New York Fireman," W. G. Jones
** Frederick Jerome, and "Land Sharks and Sea Gulls," in which
Mrs. Jones played Polly.

On April 5, 1852, "The Carpenter of Rouen " was given, and
thus cast:

3o8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dl$«

Marteau W. G. Jones

Duke N. B. Clarke

Marvine Stafford

Magistrate J. Cooke

Perot Wm. Fredericks

Madelon .... Mrs. H. F. Nichols
Mme. Grander . . Mrs. Hautonville
Agnes Mrs. Bamett

It was followed by a sailor's hornpipe, executed by Ben Yates
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, "Quintin Matsys, or the Blacksmith of Antwerp," with
this cast :

Steinhart
Raprecht
Agnes .

W. S. Fredericks

. . R. G. Marsh

Mrs. H. F. Nichols

Blanche . .
Frank Meris

Mrs. W. G. Tones
. . N. B. Oaiie

"Rebels and Tories, or the Shoemaker of New York in 1774,"
and the farce of " The Ragged School " were also acted. April
30, "Crossing the Line," "Carrier and His Dogs," with E
Blanchard and his dog Hester in the cast, and " The Blacksmith of
Antwerp." Mrs. Frank Drew acted Blanche. On May 3 was
produced an original, whimsical, operatical, fairy spectacle by C.
W. Taylor, called " Salamander, 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 >
Lewy de Franky )
Chevalier de dem Hard
Baron de Gridiron . .
Mons de Mainyard

. L. Fox

F. Drew

. Hawke

Stafford

Marquis de Muffinhead . . . Siple

Sniffe John Herbert

Emma Lee .... Mrs. F. Drew
Widow Muttoneillia . Mrs. Bannister
Sticky Pineknot . . . R. G. Manh

"Yankee Jack, or the Buccaneer of the Gulf," was a dramatiza-
tion by James Pilgrim, and received this cast:

Yankee Jack .... W. G. Jones

Douks My Daddy L. Fox

Gaspar John Herbert

Donna Gertrude . Mrs. H. F. Nichols

Phoebe Mrs. Martini

Harry Goodwill . . Miss Hathaway
Don Garcia .... C. W. Taylor
Conrado N. B. Clarke

1851] THE CHATHAM THEATRE 309

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 — ^^ ^^c 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 Lady
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 Seguin 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 are 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'd 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 d^but as Ruy Gomez. " The Greek Slave,
or the Spectre Gambler," was acted May 27, with W. G. Jones
as Loredano; 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 11, "Damon and Pythias", with
John R. Scott as Damon; W. G Jones as Pythias; N. B. Clarke,
Dionysius; Mrs. W. G Jones, Hermione; and Fanny Wallack as
Calanthe. "The Wild Boy of Bohemia" was done the same night.

3IO A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D85»

with E. Blanchard as the Wild Boy. Fanny Wallack's engage-
ment ended June 12. N. B. Clarke's drama, "Rebels and Tories/'
was repeated June 25. Edward Lamb made his first appearance
as a professional actor here July 8, as Martin Heywood in "The
Rent Day." He died at Brooklyn, N. Y., July 5, 1887.

Chas. W. Couldock appeared here as a star, and acted Luke
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 N. B. 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 Stage-Struck Yankee."
Aug. 4 Locke acted Gregory Goosedown in "The Yankee Foot-
man," Professor Honey and son did some acrobatic feats, Maiv
Partington and Ben Yates executed a double fling, and " Kenneth
was repeated. C. W. Taylor's prize temperance drama, for which
^300 is said to have been paid, was acted for the first time Aug. 9^
It was called "Adrian Grey, or the Redemption." The cast was:

CHARACTERS IN THE APOTHEOSIS.

The Genius of Temperance Miss Baiber

Fairy Sylphs . Misses Armstrong and S. Partington, Mrs. Mack and Mrs. Kirliy

Faith MissSaycn

Hope Miss Ciaik

Virtue Miss C. Partingtoo

Charity Missfike

Mirth Miss Young

Drunkenness . . . . S. M. Siple

Madness Marsh

Famine Toulmin

Theft Mack

Murder Fredericks

CHARACTERS IN PART FIRST. THE TEMPTED.
Adrian Grey, the Victim Mr. W. G. Jones

j^ eS } ^^* y^'^s °*^° °^ *^^ ^'^ ^^ PhiUdeiphia J ; ; ; ; ^-^

Mr. Jasper Godfrey . C. W. Taylor

Edward Irving J. Cooke

Walter Bates Stafford

David Glooml^ .... Herbert
First Police Officer .... Carter

Second Officer CUnc

Mrs. Godfrey . . . Mrs. Bannister
Agnes Grey . . Mrs. H. F. Nichols
Clara Miss M. Charles

CHARACTERS IN PART SECOND. THE DESERTED.
Adrian Grev, a Gamester and Inebriate W. G. Jones

faSJlStl wandering Loafer, j ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : : : ; VyS

Edward Irving .... J. Cooke First Police Officer .... Carter

Walter Bates Stafford

David Gloomley .... Herbert

Mr. Marsden Toulmin

First Villager Mack

Second Officer Clinc

Agnes Grey . . Mrs. H. F. Nichols
Mrs. Jasper Godfrey . Mrs. Bannister
Clara Irving . . Miss M. Charles

t«5S3

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

CHARACTERS IN PART THIRD. THE RECLAIMED.

Adrian Grey, the Redeemed W. G. Tones

Edward Irving J. Cooke

&fflt}™eve. and drunkards { ; ; ; ; ; '^/^

Walter Bates StafEord

Mr. Marsden Toulmin

David Gloomley .... Herbert
Agnes Grey Mrs. Nichols

During 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. i6, C. W. Couldock reappeared for six nights. C. W.
Taylor's dramatization of " Uncle Tom's Cabin " was first produced
Aug. 23, and thus cast :

Edward Wilmot . . . W. G. Jones

Uncle Tom C. W. Taylor

Barley Hammond . . . N. B. Clarke

Jasper Skeggs J. Herbert

Rory Marks Toulmin

Arthur Sedley . . . . J. M. Cooke

Joe Adams S. M. Siple

Sam Spriger StafiEord

Bill Rawson Carter

Moma Wilmot . Mrs. H. F. Nichols
Aont Chloe .... Miss Thompson

Litde Ariel . . . Master J. Murray

Sam Jenks R. G. Marsn

Andy Smutt . . . W. S. Fredericks

Jake Javis Thos. Cline

Seth Crank Mack

Landlord Mitchell

Crazy Mag (Topsy) Mrs. W. G. Jones
Mrs. Arthur Sedley . Mrs. Bannister

Emmeline Miss Barber

Phillis .... Miss Armstrong

On Sept. 10 " Landsharks and Sea Gulls " was given, followed
by tight-rope evolutions by Master Jerome, wooden shoe-dance by
Leon Javelli, Highland fling by La Petite Winther, 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 "New Notions," introducing Louis Mestayer
as Major Wheeler, and "The Young Widow," followed the prize
Irish drama of "Eva, or the Last King of Leinster." 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 "O'Neil 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 D«o

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. Lingard, H. Stone, Diamond, Herbert, Mack, Raymond,
Mitchell, Smith, Master Murray; Mesdames G. C. Howard, Ban-
nister, Bradshaw; Misses Lingard, Barber, Sanders, and Cordelia
Howard. Business had been very bad for some time, and Mr.
Purdy, 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. Germon
St. Qair .... G. C. Howard
Gumption Cute ... C. K. Fox
Phineas Fletcher . . . . G. L. Fox

Marks J. Herbert

Tom Loker Geo. Lingard

Mr. Wilson Toulmin

Eliza Mrs. W. G. Jones

Chloe Mrs. Jas. Lingard

Haly £d. Lamb

Mrs. Shelby
Eva . . .
Aunt Ophelia
Geo. Harris
Legree . .
Deacon Perry
Emelia . .
Gassy . .
Topsy . .
Geo. Shelby

.... Rose

Cordelia Howard

. Mrs. Bradshaw

S. M. Siple

. . N. B. Clarke

. Jas. W. Lingard

Miss M. Barber

. Mrs. Bannister

Mrs. G. C. Howard

. . 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 I E'er 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. 15a 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 under 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 seats 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 Com Girl,"
dramatized by C. W. Taylor, was acted for the first time. The
cast was:

1854]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

3»3

Eugene Sedley .
Missionary . .
Qinton Travers
Frank Brezely
Harry Elworth

. J. J. Prior

Jas. Lingard

N. B. Clarke

. F. Blake

Harry Stone

Edward Lavine
Little Katy
Elenor . . .
WUdMeg . .

. . J. B. Howe

Cordelia Howard

Mrs. J. J. Prior

Mrs. 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
matinee, and repeated the following Friday afternoon. "Katy,
the Hot Com Girl " was acted Tuesday and Thursday matinees,
Feb. 7-9, and "Uncle Tom's Cabin" matinees 8-1 1, and the
evenings of the week. After March 1 1 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

Carler J. J. Prior

Horace J. B. Howe

Louise Mrs. J. J. Prior

Barabas Mrs. Fox

De Lascour . . . • N. B. Garke

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 Saturday matindes until July. "The Sea of 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 born at Providence, R. I., in 1848. Her
mother was the once celebrated Caroline Fox, so popular as a
child actress throughout the New England 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
Tom's 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 England, 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 Dis4

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. Purdv 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 matintes, as did Henry Ward Beecher, 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 at Jersey City, N. J., Nov. 15, 1873. Her 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 Fkrk.
She played Letitia Hardy in " The Belle's Stratagem " and Leonora
in " Lover's Quarrels " July 2, 1822. She was then known as Mrs.
Legg. In 1827 she acted the title rdle 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 "Uncle Tom's Cabin" of which I can find any record
was written by Professor Hewett, of Baltimore, Md., and was pro-
duced at the 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 oflfset to that book, and was called " Uncle Tom's
Cabin 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.
23, 1852. Its author was Charles Western Taylor, and it was a
failure, and ran only eleven nights.

George L Aiken's version was first acted at the Museum, Troy,

XSSO

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

315

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 Mrs. Anna Marble was produced. Cordelia
Howard played Eva; Geo. C. 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. Germon was Uncle Tom ; Gea L. Aiken,
George Harris, and Mrs. G. C. Germon was Eliza. Gea 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,
1S53, at the Museum, under W. C. Forbes' management. During
the same month and year a version by MM. De Wailly and Texier
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.

The George Aiken version was first done in Philadelphia Sept
26, 1853, at the Chestnut Street Theatre, with this cast:

Uncle Tom . .
Geo. Harris
Gumption Cute
Phineas Fletcher
St Qair .
Tom Loker
Legree
Hadey .
Alf Mann

John Gilbert

Au£. Fenno

Jos. Jefferson

Jos. Parker

R. A. Sheppard

Waiters

. . Mason

H. Davenport

. John Jack

Old Shelbv Uhl

Geo. Sheloy Brim

Marks John S. Clarke

Skeggs AUen

Wilson and > .-.,„. . ,

Deacon Perry; • • William Loomis

Topsy Lizzie Weston

Aunt Ophelia . . . Mrs. J. Gilbert

The next dramatization of "Uncle Tom" was by Clifton W.
Tayleure, produced at the Detroit, Mich., Theatre, Oct 2, 1852,
with this cast :

Uncle Tom . . Lancing K. Dougherty
George Harris . . By the Dramatist

Haley W. Powell

Sam J. B. Tozer

Shelby . . . . W. C Dunnavant

Eliza Cordelia Cappell

Eva Josie Cappell

Mrs. Shelby . . . Mrs. S. Cappell
Topsy Miss Jackson

In November, 1852, a version called "Slave Life," by Mark
Lemon and Tom Taylor was acted at the Adelphi Theatre, London,
England.

H. J. Conway's version was produced for the first time at the
Museum, Boston, Mass., Nov. 15, 1852, and was entitled "Uncle
Tom's Cabin, or Life Among the Lowly." It had this cast :

3l6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1854

Shelby R. Stephens

Geo. Shelby (first act) Matilda Hart
Penetrate Partysides . . W. Warren
Geo. Harris . . . . £. F. Keach

Simon Legree J. Da vies

Uncle Tom F. Whitman

Eva Helen Western

Geo. Shelby (fifth act) . . Palmer

Haley T. Joyce

St. Clair J. A. Smith

Driver John .... J. P. Price

Adolph G. H. Finn

Sam J. Adams

Loker S. Palmer

Marks D. Ralton

Wilson J. L. Munroe

Pompey Gray

Eliza Cordelia Cappell

A version was done at the Franklin Museum, this city, Sept 12,
1853. H. J. Conway's version was first done at Bamum's Museum
(Broadway and Ann Street) Nov. 7, 1853, and cast thus:

Cassy

Emeune

Little Mose . . . .

Eliza

Mrs. Shelby . . .
Aunty Vermont . . .

Topsy

Mrs. St Clair . . .

Cassy

Aunt Chloe . . . .
LitUe Polly . . . .
Mammy ....

Rose

Jane

Marie St Clair Mrs.

Chloe

Eva

. Mrs. Tyrrell

Miss Parker

Master Preston

Mrs. Wulf Fries

. Lucy Cutler

Mrs. Thoman

Miss Gassinokie

Mme. Rodinski

. Mrs. Vincent

IsabeUa Preston

. Annie Clarke

Miss Fredericks

Louise Cutler

. May Preston

Joseph Jefferson

. Mrs. Cappell

Louisa Parker

Shelby .... Sylvester Bleecker
Geo. Shelby (first act) Sallie Bishop
Geo. Shelby (fifth act) CJeo. C. Charles

Tom Loker Mr. Charles

Little Mose Miss Smith

Peter Martin Smith

Uncle Tom J. L. Munroe

Driver John .... F, L. Munroe

Sam Thompson

Legree H. F. Daly

Penetrate Partysides Thos. Hadaway
Pompey .... W. Cunningham

St. Clair C. W. Clarke

Eliza Emily Mestayer

Aunt Vermont . . Rowena Granice

Topsv .... Marv Ann Charies

Dinan Mrs. Burroughs

Rose Miss Fl3rnn

Manning Miss Brown

Lotty Miss Wilson

Haley Wcntworth

Sambo G. Clarke

Adolph A. Andrews

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

Geo. Harris Howard

Aunt Chloe . . . .Mrs. Burroughs

Eva Miss Chiarini

Cassy Mrs. Bellamy

At the Old Bowery Theatre Henry E. Stevens* version was first
acted Jan. 16, 1854.

Uncle Tom T. D. Rice Eva Caroline Whitlock

Geo. Harris . . . . R. Johnston Eliza .... Caroline Woodward

Van Krout Sam Glenn Shelby Thos. Hamblin

Driver John .... John Winans Cassy Mrs. Howard

St. Clair Jas. C. Dunn

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 Kunkel 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 and Twenty-third Street), Oct 2,

X8543

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

317

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 Kunkel was the Uncle Tom, and Gracie Wade
the Eva. "Uncle Tom" was done at Booth's Theatre (Twenty-
third Street and Sixth Avenue), Feb. 18, 1878 : George Kunkel
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 Aiken's version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was produced
at the Winter Garden Theatre in this city, under the management
of Wayne Olwine and John Moore, for the first time Dec. 18, 1858,
with this cast :

Uncle Tom .... H. C. Jordan

Phineas Carroll Hicks

Wilson Whiting

Marks T. Baker

Aunt Ophelia . Mrs. H. C. Jordan

Chloe Miss White

St. Clair G. C. Howard

Geo. Harris . . • • Delmon Grace

Haley J. Carroll

Shelby J. M. Ward

Eliza Ada Clifton

Marie St. Clair . . . Lizzie Walton

Eva Cordelia Howard

Topsy . . . Mrs. G. C Howard

It was revived Feb. 25, 1862, and cast thus:

Uncle Tom . . . Charles Walcot

Le^ee Barton Hill

Phineas Fletcher . . Wm. Davidge
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

Eliza .... 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 "Uncle Tom's
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. G. C. Howard
Aunt Ophelia . . . Lottie Hough
£va Mary Bullock

S. C. Campbell appeared in the fifth act as Adolphus, and sang
**St Clair's Lament." The drama was produced at Bamum's
Museum (539 Broadway) May 21, 1866, and thus cast:

Uncle Tom . . . . W. L. Jamison

Phineas T. Hadaway

Topsy . . . . Mrs. G. C. Howard
Aunt Ophelia . Mrs. W. L. Jamison
Chloe Jennie Cleaver

Deacon Perry Bridgman

St. Clair M. N. Haviland

Geo. Harris . . . . H. F. Daly

Haley J. H. Johnston

Eliza Mrs. J. J. Prior

Eva Anna Prior

Emeline Addie Le Brun

31 8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1854

Oct 89 18669 it was acted at the New Bowery Theatre.

. J. W. Lingard
. • G. Brooke

Uncle Tom ....
Phineas Fletcher 7
Deacon Perry f

WUson N. B. Clarke

Gumption Cute Seabert

Aunt Ophelia • • Mn. Harry Jackson

Topsy
Geo. Harris
Eliza and Cassy

Florence La Fond

. Walter Grisdale

Mrs. W. G. Jones

Leeree . . . • G. W. Thompson

Hsuey Joseph Wmter

Eva Lulu Prior

It was produced at the Olympic (formerly Laura Keene's) Sept
16, 1869.

Topsy . .
Aunt Ophelia
Deacon Peny
Geo. Harris .
Ski

Uncle Tom

Mrs. G. C. Howard

Mrs. T. J. Hind

• . Geo. L. Fox

. J. K. Mortimer

. E. T. Sinclair

Asa Cushman

Eliza Ida Vernon

Eva Miss Cushman

Lawyer Marks .... C. K. Foz

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, ^^^ ^^^ ca^^ ^'^^^*

Uncle Tom C. Farwell

George Harris . . W. H. Hamilton
Legree .... Gea C. Middleton

St. Clair J. Bradley

Topsy Frank Budwortn

Marie Elsie Moore

Ophelia . . . Miss Rose Summers

Marks M. B. Pike

Eva Annr Lee

Eliza Nellie Meeker

Chloe Ida Vernon

" Uncle Tom " had another production at the Olympic (formerly
Laura Keene's) Oct 20, 1879. ^^ ^^ ^ dramatization by Robert
Johnston.

Uncle Tom .
Topsy . .
Eva . . .
Haley . .
George Harris
Legree . .

John B. Studley

. Jennie Yeamans

. . Eva French

Frank Whittaker

De Loss Kine

Frank A. TannehiU

Marks Louis Mestayer

Senator Bird . . . Charles Foster

Sam Thomas Owens

Aunt Ophelia . . Mrs. W. G. Jones
Mrs. Senator Bird Frances Kemble

One of the strongest casts this drama had was at Booth's
Theatre, this city, Dec. 20, 1880, by Jarrett and Palmer:

Legree
Uncle Tom
Fletcher .
Marks . •
Geo. Harris
St aair .
Emeline .
Geo. Shelby)
Haley j

. Lewis Morrison
. A. H. Hastings
Chas. Wheatleigh
Harry Courtaine
. Ogden Stevens
. Nelson Decker
Josie Wilmer

Louis F. Barrett

Mrs. St Qaii

• . . . Mabel Loner

Topsy . ,

Marie Bates

Eva . . .

ZoeTuttle

Ophelia . .

. • • Mrs. W. A. Rouse

Cassy • . .

. . . . Jennie Carroll

Eliza . . .

. . Blanche De Bar

Auctioneer

. . . W. A. LavcDc

ii(H]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

319

^ Uncle Tom/* dramatized by Clay Greene, was done at the
Hollis Street Theatre, Boston, Aug. 18, 1888. The cast was an
expensive one, but the production was a failure.

Phioeas Fletcher
Uncle Tom . .
Simon Legree .
Marks. . . .
George Harris .
Henry St. Clair
Tom Xoker . .
George Shelby .

Frank Mordaont

Milt G. Bariow

• Frank Losee

Harnr Webber

. Niark Price

J. N. Long

W. L. Denlson

TnUy Marshall

Eva . . .
Eliza Harris
Gassy . .
Aunt Ophelia
Chloe . . .

?ueen*Lisabeth
opsy . . .

. Carrie Webber
. Unie Eklridge
Mercedes Malarmi
. Louisa Eldridge
. . Addie Darts
. • Looise Rial
. Alice Harrison

Uncle Tom " was produced at the Academy of Music, this city,
March 4, 1901.

Eliza Mabel Amber

Eva GeorgieOlp

Ophdia Annie Yeamans

Gassy Emily Rigl

Uncle Tom
Phineas .
Legree
Geo. Harris
Marks .

Wilton Lackaye

Odell WiUiams

Theo RoberU

Wm. Harcourt

L. R. Stockwell

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 de I'Oncle Tom;" in
German, "Uncle Tom's HUtte;" in Danish, " Onkel Tomo's ; " in
Dutch, " Der Negerhut ; " in Flemish, " De Hut Von Onkle Tom ; "
in Hungarian, "Tama's Batya;" in Italian, "La Campana della
zie Tommazo;" in Polish, "ChataWujaTomaza;" in Portuguese,
''A Cabana du Pai Thomaz;" in Spanish, "La Cabafia del Tio
Tomas;" in Russian, "Khizhina Dyadi Toma;" and in Sw^ish,
•• Onkel 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. Stiahn 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 fortv
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," 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 the Second, or 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 appeared as Damon

320 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«54

in "Damon and Pythias," and Herr 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 "The Shoemaker of Toulouse" was given
July I.

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 Pie" Herbert), Geo. Lin-
gard, Terry, Lyons, H. Stone, Chas. Toulmin, W. Harris, Mrs.
H. F. Nichols, Miss Hathaway, Mrs. W. G. Jones, Mrs. N. H.
Bannister, Miss Barber, E. Parker, Mme. Jeubillee, 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. G. Jones

Alonzo H. F. Daly

High Priest .... C. W. Taylor

"The French Spy" was acted, with Miss Hathaway as Henri
St. Alme, 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. Waddletongue ; July 28 Harry Peny
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. i, " Nick of the Woods,"
John R. Scott as Bloody Nathan ; Aug. 2, Scott as Sir Giles Over-
reach ; Aug. 4, " Don Caesar de Bazan ; " Aug. 5, Scott in the title
r61e of "Count Ugolino;" Aug. 14, as Brutus, to Daly's Titus;
Aug. 16, Sir Edward Mortimer in "The Iron Chest;" Aug. 18,
"King Lear;" Aug. 28, "Othello," Scott as the Moor; J. A
Leonard, lago; 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 HL;" Sept. 7 John R.%
Scott appeared as Hamlet; Sept. 8, King Lear; Sept. 9, Macbeth;
Sept. II, C. W. Taylor's version of Mrs. Stephens* story, "Fashion
and Famine," for the first time, Cordelia Howard playing Julia.
Oct. 2, John R. Scott acted Triboulet in "The King's Jester;"
"Fashion and Famine" and "The Magic Rose" were played the
same night; Oct. 6 Scott was the Long Tom Coffin in "The
Pilot;" Oct. II, the bill was "Julius Caesar," "Follies of a
Night," and "Crossing the Line,** Scott acting Marc Antony;

isssJ

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

321

•t

•9

Oct. 13, "Rob Roy" and "French Spy;" Oct. 14, "Nick of the
Woods." Oct. 16 "Ben Bolt" was played with Scott in the
title rdle, John Owens as Christian Comfort, Mrs. W. G. Jones
as May, and G. L. Fox as 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, Rea, 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,*' Othello ;
Nov. I, "Hamlet;" Nov 11 "El Hyder," "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,
"The Cradle of Liberty;" Nov. 24, "Brian Boroihme;" Nov. 27,
an equestrian company was added to the attraction, consisting of
Mons. and Mme. Toumiare, Mile. Josephine, Mons. and Mme.
Benois, La Petite Marie, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Carroll, W. H.
Stout, William Kennedy, J. Ellsler, B. Jennings and son, and
Masters Theodore and Ferdinand.

On Jan. 15, 1855, "The Knights of Arva, or O'Connor the
Rash," was given for the first time at this theatre; also on the
same night the pantomime "Asphpdel, or the Magic Pen," and
Mile. Lang, danseuse, from the Boston*. ^bt^tres^v-vtci^peiared.
" Cherry and Fair Star " was acted week ending Jan. 20J also " Jack
Sheppard," Mrs. Yeomans as Jack in the first act, while Annie
Hathaway assumed the rdle in the second and third acts. Geo. L.
Fox was the Blueskin. "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. Steers and
William Handcock, the treasurers of the house, when was offered
the burletta " Asmodeus. "

Cario Annie Hathaway

Antonio Owen

Don Rafael Aiken

Isabel Mrs. Wray

Cassilda Miss Barber

Ferdinand 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 Maiden ; " 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.
Yates, after which "Bombastes Furioso," with Taylor, Mitchell,
Geo. L. Fox, and Mrs. Yeomans in the cast This was followed
by the song and dance of "Old Bob Ridley," by W. Blair, banjo
solo by Dick Berthelon; dance, "Virginia Twist, by Mert Sexton,
followed by "Limerick Boy," with Fanny Herring in the cast.

322 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci^

Sailor's 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, he 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 he was kept with bed and
board, not for what he could do, but for what he 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, freshness, 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 "Ireland as it Is."
H. Howard opened the same night as Dan O'Carolan; 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 Macready
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 Comers;" dance by Miss La FoUe; song
by Miss Barber, and the drama, "False Colors." Frances La
Folle, the danseuse, took her benefit March 2, and her programme
consisted of "Estelle Grant, or the Lost Wife;" the musical
extravaganza, "Buy it Dear, 'tis Made of Cashmere," with trial
dance between Miss La Folle and G. L. Fox; "Woman's the
Devil," a farce never before played here; Henson's Ethiopian
Operatic Troupe, Miss La Folle and Miss Gimber in a double
dance; F. Sweezy and G. Stanley in the Ethiopian polka; Stan-
ley, ban joist; Mr. and Miss Hampton, Donnybrook Fair Jig;
Harry Bluff, the ballad singer; Devere, Sailor's Hornpipe; Pro-
fessor Schlim in the Highland fiing, and Miss La Folle, in the
"Fireman's Hornpipe." On May i four pieces were acted: "The
Sonnambulist," the fairy extravaganza, "Romance of the Nose,"
" The Limerick Boy " and " Frisky Cobbler. " John Diamond did

iHs]

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

323

his jie after the first piece, and Billy Wood and Miss La Folle did
a double dance.

Wm. Handcock, the treasurer, took another benefit May 11, and
the attraction was : ** Fortunes of War, " H. B. Macarthy as Lanty,
and Mrs. J. P. Brelsf ord as Margaret ; accordeon solo by E. Pike ;
Dutch song by Little Lavinia Bishop ; ballad by Charles Melville ;
"The Falls of Clyde," D. Oakley as Fanner Enfield, Miss
Hathaway as Ellen Enfield; "Wilful Murder;" dance by Mert
Sexton; also the spectacle "Forty Thieves." On May 24 "El
Hyder " was produced, with this cast :

£1 Hyder Frank Aiken

Hsmet Georve Aiken

Hairy Clifton . . Annie Hathaway
Matt Mizien . . . . H. Howard
Schander Geo. Lingard

Korran W. Chapman

Omar W. MitcheU

Hafir G. L. Fox

Chereddid. . . . Master J. Murray
Ansae Mrs. Wray

This was followed by C. W. Taylor's dramatization of Chas. J.
Peterson's story, "Kate Aylesford, or the Refugees."

Chas. Aylesford . . . . F. Aiken
Laurence Herman C. W. Taylor

Major Gordon .... H. Howard

Dick Arrison G. Aiken

Solon Cute L. Fox

Job Croak T. Hampton

Lieat Vinton . . . . C. McMillan

Phillip Denton H. Owen

Walt Runnells . . . . W. Mitchell
Tom Mullen . . . . H. Chapman
English Officer . . . . G. J. Arnold
Kate Aylesfocd . . Miss Hathaway

The bill concluded with the comic pantomime "Lovers in
Trouble," with W. Wood, G. L. Fox, Miss La Folle, Mrs. Hamp-
ton, T. Hampton, C. McMillan, and Mme. Jeubillee in the cast
Mav 25 G. L. 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 Wm. B. English, was produced during the season
of 1855.

Mr. Meadows .
Harry Mendon .
JeChro Baxter .
Geo. Milton
Florence . . .

C. W. Taylor

H. Howard

G. L Fox

F. Aiken
T. Hampton

Tom Belfofd . . . . T. McMellan
Geo. Stanley .... G. J. Arnold

George P. Cline

Rosina Meadows . Mitt A. Hathaway

This drama had its first representation on March 21, 1843, at the
National Theatre, Boston, Mass. " Harry Bumham " was revived
lone 9, with C. W. Taylor as Gen. Washington, Frank Aiken as
Harry Bumham, G. L. 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 Piperlay,
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 [1855

"Uncle Tom's Cabin "was revived June 11, 1855. "The In-
visible Prince " was presented June 13, in addition to " Uncle Tom."
"The Rebel Chief," by H. Grattan Plunkett, was acted June 25.
The author played in it» for his first appearance in this city in ten
years. On the same night " 1955, or icx) Years Hence" was pro-
duced. " The Hot Com Girl, " " Actress of all Work, " and " 195 5 "
were acted June 28.

"Fashion and Famine" was 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's His Mother?" was a musical extrava-
ganza by H. B. Mattison, first acted July 2, with "Roll of the
Drum." Seven pieces were acted matinee and evening July 4.
In the afternoon: "Flag of Our Union," "City Secrets," and
"The Spitfire." Evening: "Paddy the Piper," "Fountain of
Beauty," "City Secrets," and for the first time here J. P. Adams'
national drama, "Mother Baily, or the Heroine of Connecticut"
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 Caesar de Bazan, and
Mrs. H. F. Nichols as Maritana; the mythological three-act drama,
"H — 11 on Earth, or Good and Evil," was also played. Frank
Aiken assumed four characters, G. L. 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 " Pizarro,"
July 10, and Elizabeth Walton made her d^but as Margery in
" The Rough Diamond. " " The Stranger " was given July 1 1, with
Scott as the Stranger, Mrs. Nichols as Mrs. Haller. "Rob Roy"
July 12, Scott in title rdle. "Wacousta, or the Indian Curse,"
]uly 23, John R. Scott as Wacousta, Mrs. Nichols as Oucanasta.

"Norman Leslie" was produced Aug. 6, with John R. Scott
as the hero. Miss Hathaway acted the dual rdle of Madame Louise
and the Duchess. "Mazulm, or the Night Owl," commenced its
second week on this date, with Geo. W. Smith, M. WiethoflF, M.
Schmidt and Mile. Th^rSse in the cast. "O'Neal the Great" was
acted Aug. 13, with John R. Scott as Donald Moore O'Brien, and
Miss Hathaway as Eleanor. John R. Scott closed his engagement
Sept. 13 with a benefit, and offered "O'Neal the Great," "The
Armorer of Tyre": W. M. Foster as Gio and Balbec, and Mrs.
S. B. Wilkins as Marina; also the pantomime the "Four Lovers,"
J. H. Allen appeared Sept. 14 as Duke Aranza, and Ada Clifton
(pupil of Clara Fisher Maeder) made her first appearance on
any stage as Juliana in "The Honeymoon." Mrs, J. H. Allen

issq

THE CHATHAM THEATRE

3^5

appeared Sept. 15, as Mrs. Chillington in "A Morning CalL"
''Black 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. 19 in "Macbeth."

Macbeth
Macduff
Banqao
Duncan
Lady Macbeth

. John R. Scott

. . J. H. AUen

S. B. Wilkins

C. W. Taylor

Mrs. S. B. Wilkins

First Singing Witch . Fanny Herring

Second Singing Witch Miss McWilliams

Malcolm D. Oakley

Second Witch G. L. Fox

Third Witch .... T. Herbert
Hecate C. W. Taylor

"Magic Pills" followed, with G. L. Fox as Dandy Grinaldo,
Mens. Schmidt as Colordo, Mile. Th6r&e, 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 as Aben Hamet, J. H. Allen as Rinaldo, Mrs. S. B. Wil-
kins as Oriana, D. Oakley as Orcan, Fanny Herring as Isadore.
" Moll Pitcher, or the Fortune Teller of Lynn," by Dr. J. S. Jones,
was given Nov. 5, Miss Hathaway as Moll, Mrs. S. B. Wilkins as
Rosalie, J. H. Allen as Maladine. "Gypsy Bess, or Hal of the
Heath," by C. W. Taylor, was acted for the first time week Nov.
5; also the comic pantomime, "Les Moissonneurs, or the White
Statue." "Wept of the Wish-ton-wish" was revived Nov. 22,
with J. H. Allen as Connanchet, Chas. Warwick as Uncas, D.
Oakley as Heathcoat, and Miss Hathaway as Narramattah. " Capt.
Kyd, or the Witch of Hurl Gate," was first played here Nov. 26;

The French Spy" Nov. 30, with Annie Hathaway as the heroine.

Rebels and Tories, or the Mechanics of New York," by N. B.
Clarke, was revived Dec. 20; also, for the first time in America,

King Charming, or the Blue Bird of Paradise," with this cast:

t€

««

King Charming . . Miss Hathaway
Hen Peckt .... C. W. Taylor

Nobby J. Herbert

Tinsel D. Oakley

Prcttjr De Silveria

Tontina Miss Roberts

Soussio C. McMillan

Qneen Mrs. Wray

Sal Volatile G. J. Arnold

Hocus Pocus G. L. Fox

Fiorina Fanny Herring

Spirit of Hartshorn . . P. Timony

"The Female Privateer, or the Pine Tree Flag of 1773," by
James Pilgrim, was first played here Jan. 7, 1856. Mrs. Hampton
appeared as Julie, and executed a dance. " Asphodel, or the Magic
Pen," and "The Knight of Arva" were acted Jan. 14. "The
People's Lawyer" was done Jan. 21, 22, with G. L. Fox as Solon
Shingle. John R. Scott appeared Jan. 28 as Sir William in
"Wallace." In act first Henrietta Lang did a Highland Fling.

"The Invasion of Ireland, or the Oath of McMurrogh," bv C
W. Taylor, first saw the light here Feb. 4, 1856. " The Ice Witch,

326 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DV

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 the Humbug," C. W. Taylor's equestrian burlesque, was
given Feb. 20. "Silver Knife, or the Hunters of the Rocky
Mountains," an Indian drama by Pilgrim, had its first perfor-
mance here March 3. "Arabian Nights, or the Green Baboon,"
by Thomas W. Pittman, a young graduate of the New York bar,
was first acted March 10. 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 People's Lawyer,"
" The Old Guard " (Taylor as Haversack), the extravaganza " The
Savage and the Maiden," the burlesque "Cinder-Nelly," "The
Frisky Cobbler," the "Fire Raiser," "O'Flanigan and the Fairies"
(G. L. Fox as Phelin O'Flanigan), the "Fair Lovers" and the
burlesque " Mazeppa the 2d " was the programme March 28, for
T. C. Steers' benefit. "The Last Nail, or the Drunkard's Doom,"
with G. L. Fox as Waldeck; the "Magic Trumpet," G. L. Fox as
the clown, and " Brian Boroihme " were done April 2. " Nick of
the Woods, or the Jibbenainosay " was played April 5, with J. H.
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 Beane, and H. F.
Stone. "The Orange Girl of Venice," by C. W. Taylor, had its
first production April 7, with this cast:

Carlotti J. H. AUen

Nicoletti G. L. Fox

Jacopo C. W. Taylor

Leonsurdo C. Warwick

Count Uberoni ... S. B. Wilkins
Gideimo D. Oakley

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-
Lamp, or the Female Guard," had its initial representation.
" The Irish Princess " was a prize historical drama acted here
June 4.

"Raoul, or the Magic Star" was first played here June 11, 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
Gudule. " The Tailor of Tamworth " was the afterpiece, with Tom

Lady Foscari .
Market Girl . .

Mrs. H. F. Nichols

. . Miss HamptOQ

Leoni ....

. . . G. A. Beane

Odo ....

. . Asa Cushman

Eugenia . . .

. . Miss Hathaway

Quanette . .

. . Fanny Herring

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THE CHATHAM THEATRE

327

Hampton as Gregory Thimblcwell, M. Pike as the Calverton
Hal. J. H. Allen acted Quinten Matsys, and G. L. Fox Simmell
Simmerken in "The Blacksmith of Antwerp" June 23, 24. "The
Battle of Brandywine, or the Green Riders of Santee," by N. B.
Clarke, was given July 2, 3, 4. "Pongo, the Intelligent Ape"
was a pantomime produced Julv 7, and in it H. Stone, Geo.
Beane, 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 11.

"Nicaragua, or Gen. Walker's Victories," by E. F. Distin, first
saw the light July 23, with this cast :

Juan Castello .... J. H. Allen

Gen. Valle Dc Silveria

Ivory Black .... A. Cushman

Gen. Goardiolo . . . . D. Oakley

Maj. Ponciano . . . W. Mitchell

Cranberry Cockles . . T. Hampton

Christine . . . Mrs. H. F. Nicnols

Jefferson Squash . . . . G. L. Fox
Col. Buckeye . . . . S. B. Wilkins
Gen. Valle . . . . S. W. Bradshaw
Hans Pikeltuhb ... H. F. Stone
Gen. Mora .... M. B. Pike
Paulina .... Mrs. W. G. Jones

"The Lord of the Isles, or the Battle of Bannockbum," by C. W.
Taylor, was seen Aug. 4. A. H. Purdy had a benefit Aug. 6, when
La Petite Alice (Zavistowski) appeared in a dance. "Captain
Kyd," "Pongo," '^The Lord of the Isles," and "The Old Toll-
House, or the Carrier and His Dog," were the afternoon and even-
ing plays. What was termed a " grand demonstration to Cordelia
Howard " occurred Saturday afternoon and evening, Aug. 3a At
the matinee "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was acted for the 374th time.
In the evening, for the first time at this theatre, the drama " Ida
May" was given, and the pantomime "The Magic Trumpet,**
and the last act of "The Lord of the Isles."

The sixth year of Mr. Purdy's management began Sept. i, 1856.
In the morning a statue of Gen. George Washington was erected
on the top 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," "Jessie, the
Returned Wanderer," dance by Adelaide Price, and the Marseillaise
sung by Fanny 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. Cushman,
Tom Hampton, W. H. Brown, Master Murray, G. L. Fox, C. W.

328 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D857

Taylor, M. B. Pike, J. Reed, J. Beane, Master Andrews, Mme. dc
Mello, 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.

" Imogene, or the Spectre Bride, " was played Sept. 1 5, for the first
time in twelve years. "Dred, or the Dismal Swamp," by C. W.
Taylor, was given Sept. 22 : Little Cordelia Howard as Tom Tit,
Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Howard as Edward Clayton and Nina Grordon.
For the matinee Oct. 18, "Uncle Tom's Cabin." On Oct 31 four
pieces were acted: "Uncle Tom's Cabin," "The Four Lovers,"
"Dominique," and "State Secrets." "The Old Homestead " was
the title of a new drama by Geo. L. Aiken, taken from Mrs. Ann
S. Stephens' romance, first acted Nov. 3, with this cast :

Mary Fuller
Mr. Chester
Job Peters .
udge Sharpe
ones . .
Smith . •
Esmond
Selina Bowers

{

Cordelia Howard
G. C. Howard
. G. L. Fox
. D. Oakley
. Bradshaw
M. B. Pike
H. F. Stone
Mrs. G. C. Howard

Mrs. Chester . . . Fannv Herring

Mrs. Famum Mrs. Wray

Uncle Nathan . . . . C. W. Tavlor
Fred Famum .... F. £. Auceo

Fuller Geo. Beane

Aimt Hannah . . . Mme. de Mello

Laura Mrs. £. Fox

Isabel Chester . . Miss Cushman

"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
" Planche, 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 " Planche," the burlesque of " Pizzaro-
bus, or the Death of Rollabus," "The Limerick Boy," and a
"brigand military melange" by herself, Miss Price, and six other
ladies. "Wissihicken, or the Heroes of 1776" was seen Jan. 19.
"Mary, Queen of Scots," was played for 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. "Orrin the Gold Beater," 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.

"Excelsior, or Life's Struggles," a local drama by John F.
Poole, "The Red Gnome," " Robert Macaire " (first act), — Geo.
L. Fox as Jacques Strop, C. P. Salisbury as Germent, — and "Wil-
liam Tell" was the attraction Feb. 27, for C. W. Taylor's benefit

if5»D 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," and a new drama by Thompson Townsend,
called "Mary's Dream," were acted for the first time March 16.
G. L. Fox was the Clam-eel; Fanny Herring, Count De Varville;
and Annie Hathaway, Armand. "Life in Brooklyn; Its Lights
and Shades, Its Virtues and Its Vices," by John F. Poole, had its
initial performance March 23.

"Karmel the Scout," by Geo. L. Aiken, was played April 13.
F. E. Aiken had a benefit April 24, when he acted Karmel, and
Annie Hathaway Rosalie in George Aiken's drama. "The Rose
of Sharon," "Clam-eel," and "Rory O'Moore" were also played,
together with a dance by Sile Weed and Wm. Anderson. A
dramatization of Sylvanus Cobb's story, "The Mystic Bride," was
done April 27. " Cleopatra, or the Battle of Actium," a spectacular
drama by C. W. Taylor, was first seen here May 5. "The White
Knight, or the Unknown Crusader," was done May 18. " Ups and
Downs of New York Life, or City Revelations, a local play by
George L. Aiken, and the pantomime of " Magic Pills " was the
progiWime June 8. C. W. Taylor's pictorial spectacle, "Bona-
parte, or the Siege of Moscow," was seen May 22.

Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Howard and Cordelia Howard made their
reappearance July 20, after their European tour, of course, in
^ Uncle Tom." Mrs. Radinski made her d^but on this occasion,
as Clari in "The Maid of Milan." Four pieces were acted July 27,
viz.: the drama "Ida May," "Manager's Dream, or icx) Years
Hence," the pantomime of "The Golden Axe," and "Norah
Creina. " Aug. 3 " The Fast Men of New York " was done, and
Charles J. Foster made his d^but as Harry Hallyard in " My Poll
and Partner Joe."

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. W. G. Jones, Miss F. Colbum, J. B. Howe, J. H.
Allen, H. W. Ellis, Annie Wilkes, L. H. Everett, Geo. A. Beane,
C W. Taylor, F. C. Allen, Mrs. H. F. Nichols, and Julia Daly.
Gea L. Fox was stage manager, and continued until July 8, 1858,
when he withdrew from the house. " The Warning Hand, or the
Statue Lover," " Yankee Courtship," and " Lord of the 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," was first acted Jan. 4, 1858. A. H. Purdy took a
benefit, matinee and evening, Jan. 6. The afternoon programme was
" 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 D858

Watch" made up the bill. Jan. 18, "Linda the Cigar Girl,"
"Widow's Victim," and "Lady of the Lake." Chanfrau appeared
Jan. 25, in "Mose in California^" the burlesque of "Novelty" and
"Jonathan Bradford." Feb. i, "Mysteries and Miseries of New
York," with Chanfrau in the principal rdle; Feb. 8, "The Sea, or
the Child of the Ocean," and "A Glance at New York;" Feb.
15, the drama " Almoni, the Scourge of the Missouri," and "The
Galley Slaves;" Feb. 22, " Cormlenilhau, or the Drowned Crew,"
"The Red Gnome," and "Sarah the Jewess;" March i, "New
York Girls and Brooklyn Boys ; " March 8, " Wealth and Worth "
and the burlesque " Cinder Nelly ; " March 15, "Jessie Brown, or
Havelock's Last Victory," J. H. Allen acting Donald Leslie,
and Fanny Herring, Jessie Brown. March 29, "Jessie Brown"
and "Damon and Pythias," Dan Harkins acting Damon; April
5, "Life of the Mormons at Salt Lake," C. W. Taylor as Brig-
ham Young. " The Inquisition " had its first performance April
12. Harnr 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 of Malta," was first played May 17, with
a new drama entitled "The Emerald Ring," by G. L. Aiken;
May 19, " The Indian King, or the Life of Metamora ; " May 26,
the Irish historical drama " Ban Oussel 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 Carlo Family, 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. L. Fox 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 "Nick 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 and 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 Famille Benoiton," produced at
Wallack's Theatre under the title of "The Fast Family." Mr.

1858D THE CHATHAM THEATRE 331

Young was incapacitated from pursuing his profession for a long
time, on account of illness. He died in London, Eng. , in May, 1876.
The Dead Boxer, or the Fatal Blow " was first acted July 19.
Ambition, or the Throne, the Scaffold, and the Tomb," served to
introduce Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Holt. Robert Johnston and
Joseph Proctor were seen in "William Tell" Aug. 3; "Julius
Caesar" 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 duet by W. M. Reeve and Lizzie Whelby; comic scene by
Tony and John Denier; the fifth act of "Richard HI.," 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 Beane next executed
a dance, and Miss Winthrop sang. The performance closed with
"The Minute Spy" by T. Law, with this cast:

PhiUip W. M. Ward

Capt. Champ . . . Wm. Henderson

Jack W. M. Reeve

Kingston . . . . Mr. Law
R. Kingston W. Petrie

Isabella .... Charlotte Crampton

Little Rifle I. N. Carr

Enock H. 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. "

The 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. Boniface, Mrs. W. G. Jones,
"Yankee" Locke, E. Blanchard, Billy O'Neil, Agnes Clare,
Alex. Fitzgerald, Geo. A. Beane, J. Bridgman, Rosa Cline, and
Mrs. Bradshaw. The opening bill was: "Azim Al Barmeki,"
"Paddy's Wedding," "Nick WhifHes," and "Brian O'Lynn."
Edward Eddy canM Sept 27, in "Richard IIL" "The Poor of
New York " was g^en Oct. 4. James W. Wallack, Jr., opened in
" The Bridal " Oct 1 1, with Mme, Ponisi as Evadne. " King Henry
IV." was done Oct. 18, Wallack as Hotspur, and Henry J. Wallack
as FalstafiF. On Oct. 29 " Kenneth " was played with this cast :

Kenneth G. C. Boniface Sir Eth W. A. Harris

Marquis J. Nunan Weird Woman of the Glen Mme. Ponisi

Lord Malcolm R. S. Meldnim Lady Evalina Mrs. W. G. Jones

Sir Jas. Lindsley . . . C. McMillan Ivar H. Chapman

Sir Donald R. Smith Geoffiy G. Thompson

Angus Winter . . . G. A. Beane Earl of Glengyle J. Bridpnan

Sir Induff H. F. Stone Spirit of Marguerite Miss Osbom

332 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«59

Josephine West followed with a dance, after which came
"Cherry and Fair Star," cast thus:

Sanguinbeck .... A. Fitzgerald

Tcpac A. W. Young

Giaper J. Nunan

Noureddin . . . . W. A. Harris
Hassanbad .... J. Bridgman
The King .... L. H. Petersen

Fire King H. F. Stone

Hunters Edeson

Cherry .... Mrs. W. G. Tones

Papillo Miss West

Ananno Miss Colbum

First Hunter ... R. S. Mddmm

The " Purse " was the afterpiece :

Edmund .... R. S. Meldrum
Sally .... Mrs. W. G. Jones

WiU Steady .... A. Fitzfirerald

Baron J. Bri&man

Theodore H. F. Stone

"Knights of the Mist" was acted Nov. 8, with J. B. Howe as
John, alias Jack Sheppard, Charles Hale as Blueskin, and Mrs.
J. J. Prior as Joan Sheppard. Robert Johnston appeared Dec 2
in "The Rag Picker of New York."

Charlotte Crampton appeared here Jan. 3, 1859, ^^ "Mazeppa,**
introducing her trained horses, Alexander and Black Eagle. Miss
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
of Santee," all with horses ; also, " The Cincinnati Tragedy " (writ-
ten for her), " Hamlet," Shylock, in the " Merchant of Venice," and
" Lucrezia Borgia." On Jan. 7 she acted " Richard HI." on horse-
back, and closed her engagement Jan. 1 5. 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 Macauley'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. ^Aarlotte Crampton
was bom at Louisville, Ky., in 18 16. SheMtr 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 HI., lago, 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

tssd

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 first 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 vivandiere 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, the Cigar Girl." This was followed by "Po-
ca-hon-tas," with Chanfrau as Powhattan, and "The Mysteries and
Miseries of New York," Chanfrau as Mose ; Jan. 1 1, " Mose in Cali-
fornia;" Jan. 14, "Our Yankee Cousin," Chanfrau as Asa Trench-
ard, J. 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 IH., with Charlotte
Crampton as Queen Elizabeth, and followed with " Hamlet," "The
Iron Chest," "Louis XL," and "A New Way to Pay Old Debts."
George Beane 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 L. Aiken, stage manager. " The
Hidden Hand" was presented May 12, with this cast:

Old Hurricane . . Geo. A. Beane
Hubert Grejrson ... G. L. Aiken

Wool W. M. Reeve

Black Donald .... J. M. Ward
Capitola Rosa Cline

Clara Day Miss Nelson

Gabriel .... Geo. W. Thompson

Traverse I. N. Carr

Mrs. Condiment . . . Mrs. 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-
£^mar;" 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 D«»

Adah Isaacs 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, was April 30, 1860^
when she appeared under the name of Mrs. John C. Heenan, 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 Mazeppa. She was divorced from
R. H. Newell in October, 1865, and was married to James Barkley
Aug. 21, 1866, in this city. She died at Paris, France, Aug. 10^
18^. Her real name was Adelaide McCord, and she was not bom
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 rdle 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 Purdy 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. As a 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-
quired but by years of constant practice. Her dancing of " Las
Madeillano " was done with that grace and abandon that ranked her
as a finished and fascinating danseuse. She also made a capital
Jack Sheppard. She first appeared in London, Eng., Oct. 3,
1864, as Mazeppa, at Astley's Theatre, and so great was her suc-
cess that she appeared there twice a day. She made her d^but in
Paris, Dec. 30, 1866, at the Th^Stre Gaiet^ in "Les Pirates dc
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 Astley'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 Th^itre
ChStelet, Paris, in "Les Pirates de la Savanne," but being taken
ill a few days previously, she was prevented from fulfilling the

iHoD THE CHATHAM THEATRE 335

contract. Miss Menken took Paris by storm. Her beauty had
turned the heads of all the men of Paris. The splendor of her
life, her eorgeous 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,
fhn^ was one of Adah Menken's worshippers.

When Miss Menken was taken ill the medical men at Paris were

f muzzled at first with the symptoms, and Miss Menken herself be-
ieved 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 are redolent of
bright and beautiful thoughts, and while very young she produced
many poems and tales. 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 Pire la Chaise cemetery, Paris.
On April 21, 1869, her lifelong friend/ Edwin James, the New
York journalist, had her remains transferred to Mont Pamasse
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 Knowest." The monument forms a striking contrast to
the former one in Pire la Chaise, where nothing marked her rest-
ing place but a small black wooden shield, with her name painted
opon 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,ocx) francs.

Between 3 and 4 o'clock Sunday morning, July 10, 1859, fire
was discovered in this theatre, supposed to have been caused by
the firing of g^ns in the piece performed the night previous. The
damage amounted to about {50a "Little Lola" opened here
Aug. 4 in "Little Nelly, or The Old Curiosity Shop;" Aug. 8

336 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci«6o

W. M. Ward became stage manager. William Henderson on that
date made his first appearance here in several years, acting Marteau
in " The Carpenter of Rouen. " W. H. Chapman took a benefit Aug.
12, and MoUie Williams played Ninette in ''The Savage and the
Maiden;" 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 asParthenia; Aug. 24 ''Richard HI."
was given, with Miss Hathaway as Gloster, Fanny Herring as
Richmond; Aug. 27, "Macbeth," Hathaway in the title rdle,
Rachel Denvil as Lady Macbeth. Miss C. Le Roy and "Yankee"
Lefler appeared Aug. 29 in "The Hunter's Bride," "The Wan-
dering Boys," and "Married Blind." "Rosina Meadows" was
played Sept. 5.

In November many alterations were made in the house, and it was
opened Nov. 14, with Lafe Nixon & Aymar's Circus, and was called
the Chatham Amphitheatre. Aymar & 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 Wells (Mrs. Lafe Nixon) in the
leading rdle. 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 marri^
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 Lefler. The opening bill consisted of
"Lucrezia Borgia," "Lend Me Five Shillings," and "The Merry
Cobblers," W. H. Meeker and Rachel Denvil being the principals.

March 11, Yankee Lefler appeared in "Ten Nights in a Wki-
room." The house was closed in a few nights to reopen March 8,
i860, as the National Concert Saloon, with pretty waiter girls.
The prices of admission were: Boxes, 12 cents; pit, 6 cents. The
next managers were J. Howard Rogers and Joseph C. Foster. They
commenced March 6 with "The Willow Copse" and "The Gipsy
Farmer, 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 Your Colors, or the Stars and Stripes,"
was played with J. H. Allen in the leading rdle. "The Stage-
Struck Chambermaid" was the afterpiece, in which Mrs. Frank
Rea 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 Beane. On Dec. 25 German dra-

ii40 PALMO'S OPERA HOUSE 337

matic performances were given by Mroe. 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 Hooley'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. Cowperthwait & Co., furniture dealers.

PALMaS 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 CM des Mille Colonnes,
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 :

PALMOS N.Y. OPERA HOUSE.

Admission $1 to all parts of the house. Doors open at 7.
Performance to commence at half-past seven.

The public are respectfully informed that this establishment will open for the
season on

SATURDAY EVENING, FEB. 3, 1844.

The performance will commence with the
OVERTURE I PURITANI

338 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DUs

After which, first time in New York, the grand opera, in three acts, bj
Bellini, of

I PURITANI.

Lord Walton Sig. Majer

Henrietta of France Signora /ubertani
Sir Bruno Noberton . Sig. Albertazd

Elvira Signora Borghese

Sir George Sig. Valtellini

Sir Richard . . . -Sig. Majocchi
Lord Arthur Talbot . . Sig. Perozzi

The whole under the direction of SIGNOR VALTELLINL

The orchestra will comprise thirty-two Professors.

Leader and Director, SIG. RAPETTL Maestro and Director of the Cboms,
D. J. ETIENNE.

The Drop Curtain by SIGNORS GUIDICINI and MONACHESSL The
architectural Scenery painted by SIG. M. BRAGALDI, assisted by 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 town, so that a large car,
well lighted and warmed, will start after the theatre closes, and police officers wiO
be in attendance to prevent disorder. The car will run from the comer of Cham-
bers and Centre Streets, as far as Forty-second Street.

" La Sonnambula " was given May 1 1, for the first time in this
city in Italian, followed May 22 by "L'Elisir d'Amore," for the
first time in New York in Italian. The season closed June 14,
but was resumed July i for Mme. Ceriti Damoreau, who sang in
''L'ltaliani 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 La
Borghese in all the stateliness 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 Borghese'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

1845D PALMO'S OPERA HOUSE 339

future dawned before him. Then Borghese, the magnificent,
stalked with queen-like 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 a sense of duty; but that
dignitary remained in his chair, his violin firmly tucked under his
arm. Borghese 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 comet to pieces. " Pay you to-morrow ! '* shouted Palmo, in
a state of frenzy. "To-night's the time," suggested the comet
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 grand 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 Borghese 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
oflScials 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 Aug. 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-
bleton's Opera House, and here Lynch, Kavanagh, Nelson I^neass

•mv"

340 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [184$

and others, performed in those burlesques that S. S. Sanford and the
Buckleys made so popular. Nelson Kneass was bom 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 neg^o
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. Kneass happened to be in Pittsburg, Pa. , and was
asked to set '* Ben Bolt " to music. Kneass was a clever musician,
but his fame as a composer rests solely upon his chance connection
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 10^
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 published in Geo. P. Morris' New York Mirror, Sept.
2. It became popular everywhere. It was sung in the streets
of London, and replies to it and parodies of it abounded among
the ballad singers. A domestic drama of which the song formed
the basis was written and played at Burton's Chambers 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 Beauseant 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. Dinneford leased this house and opened it April
7, 1845. I^ ^^ ^^ ^^^s theatre that George VandenhofE and his
daughter Charlotte attempted to revive the classic tragedy " Antig-
one," with a facsimile of a Greek theatre and stage and Mendels-
sohn's music. A new Grecian proscenium was painted, and a
double stage erected. The tragedy, produced in Athens 450 years

i«47D PALMO'S OPERA HOUSE 341

before the Christian era, had been translated into English by W.
Bartholomew. Vandenhoff had been a very popular actor with the
** pitites " 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 d6but Aug. 22.
James H. Hackett leased the theatre in the fall of 1 846. Mile. Blangy
danced here. Messrs. Chippendale and John Sefton were engaged
to manage it by a Mr. Smith, who had a carpet store on Broadway,
and the season was one of the shortest on record — one night only.
Jan. 4, 1847, ^^ Italian opera season was beg^n under the manage-
ment of Signers 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 Lom-
bardi " was sung. This season terminated March 31. April 9
began another season of Italian opera, but this lasted only until
June 7, 1847.

342 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Cx«4»

John Sefton became the manager, Aug. ii, 1847, ^^^ opened
Aug. i6» with the Ravel Family and a dramatic company, in-
cluding Charles Walcot, T. Placide, Byrne, Vache, 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 Pkrk
Theatre company, consisting of John Dyott, W. B. Chapman,
Frank Rea, D. Anderson, John Povey, Mmes. 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 afEair. He opened, however, July 10, 1848, and gave it
his own name.

BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE

THE whole establishment had a thorough renovation; a new
proscenium was erected, and private boxes constructed; a
new drop curtain was painted by Mr. Hielge. John Brougham was
stage manager. "Maidens, Beware! " "Raising the Wind," "The
Irish Dragoon,'* and three ballet divertisements 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, R 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, open-
ing 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 i8th, Edwin
Varrey and Mrs. Thos. J. Hind made their New York d^but
"Dombey and Son" was first produced July 24, with this cast:

Dombey Varrey

Carker Marshall

Bagstock and Bunsby John Brougham

Toots O. B. Raymond

Walter Gay .... Jas. C. Dunn
Sol GiUs E. N. Thayer

Capt. Cuttle . . . Wm. E. Burton

Edith Mrs. Knight

Mrs. Skewton . . . Mrs. Hughes

Florence Miss J. Hill

Susan Nipper

Mrs. (Nelson) Brougham

"Dombey and Son " 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.

iMD 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 a night royalty as long as the piece was acted. The
Lehmans were then engaged, and at the expiration of three weeks
" Dombey and Son " was reproduced.

Geo. Clifford Jordan played for the first time in this city Julv
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 Keene'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:

Dombey .... John Nickinson

Carker George Jordan

Bagstock and Bunsby John Brougham

Toots O. B. Raymond

Sol Gills Marshall

Walter Gay ... J. Delmon Grace
Capt Cuttle . . . Wro. £. Burton
Brogley Hamilton

The Native . . . . C T. Parsloe
Rob the Grinder . . . Frank Rea
Florence . . . Charlotte Nickinson

Edith Mrs. A. Knight

Mrs. Skewton . . . Mrs. Vernon
Susan Nipper . . Mrs. Brougham
Flowers Miss WiUiams

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 " Lady 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

Blacky" 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 Melnotte. 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 first
scene, she forgot her lines, and was finally compelled to read tie
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 applame,
Belle West sang ** My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose. " Again,
another acquaintance recollected that our heroine danced, and Belle
was compelled to execute a grand pas seul. 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. Its first 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, James 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 he could get all the fun out of it
b^ writing up the character of Toodles and cutting the play con*
siderably. The cast at this theatre was :

Timothy Toodles . . W. E. Burton
Fanner Acorn . . . Henry L3mne
Geom Acorn . . . George Jordan
Old Fenton Hamilton

Chas. Fenton
Lawyer Glit
Mrs. Toodles
Mary Acoro

J. D. Grace
O. B. Raymond
. Mrs. Vernon
Mrs. A. Knight

Mr. Burton announced the drama to be the creation of his own
genius, and it made a hit. Other 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 Toodles," "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." "The 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

i««D BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 345

Theatre about 1832. Mr. Davidge, father of the late William
Davidge, Sr., sustained the character of Mr. Twinkle Toodles.
Mr. Burton changed the language of the text in the second scene
of the first act of "The Fanner's Daughter," without anv improve-
ment to the same; called the hero Timothy, instead ot Twinkle,
and altered the title of the piece to plain " Toodles ; " 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. 10, 1849, J^^^^ 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 Celia) 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
•*Lucy-did-Sham-amour." "Valentine and Orson," by Brougham,
was acted Aug. 14, and an allegorical sketch from his pen, called
"The Revolt of the Sextons," was given Aug. 24, for the first
time. On Aug. 25 W. Wright made his American d£but as Bill
Downey, in the "Unfinished Gentleman," played for the first time
in America; Aug. 31 Thomas J. Hind made his American d6but
as Sir Charles Cropland in " The Heir at Law " for the benefit of
W. Wright.

The next season began Sept. 3, 1849, ^^^ ^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^ company:
C. W. Clarke, S. Leach, Holman, Josephine Russell (afterward
Mrs. John Hoey), Mrs. Holman, Caroline HiflFert, Miss E. Barber
and Miss Malvina ^Mrs. W. J. Florence). On Sept. 7 the "Cap-
ture of Captain Cuttle " (additional extracts from " Dombey & Son "
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
dihut here on Sept. 24 as Katherine Kloper in "Lola Montez,*'
and as Kitty Clover in "Mr. and Mrs. Peter White." She was
afterwards connected for several seasons with Wallack's Theatre.
Her husband died in Liverpool, Eng., May 26, 1861. On her re-
turn to America she joined Wallack's company at Broadwav and
Broome Street. She was in retirement from 1862 until the fall of
1878. In April, 1868, she was married to "Dr." William Lindsay,
and 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 Cx^jo

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. B. Johnston appeared Sept i, 1848, as Wigler in **The Valet
de Sham/' and afterward became a great favorite at many of 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 Keene's Theatre, May 27,
1861. Oct 10 "Burton's New York Directory, or The Codcney
in America, " a local burlesque, was first acted ; Oct. 24 a travesty
of "Don Caesar de Bazan," called "Dan Keyser de Bassoon," by
Brougham, was first played ; Dec. 3 " The Serious 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. £. Burton
Chas. Torrens . . . C. W. Clarke
Capt Murphy Maguire John Brougham
Frank Vincent . . Stephen Leach
Lady Sowerby Creamly Mrs. Hughes

Mrs. Chas. Torrens Josephine RusseD
Mrs. Ormsby Deknaine

Caroline Chapman
Emma Torrens Miss HOI

Buckstone's comedy " Leap Year " was first played in America,
and at this house, March i, 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 " readied
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 Hennr Placide opened as Sir Abel Handy
in "Speed the Plough." "The Merry Wives of Windsor" was
played June 24, with Charles Bass as Falstaflf, 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 Skerrett (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
Skerrett, Levere, 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:

x«5x] BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 347

Sir Peter Teazle
Joseph Surface
Sir Benjamin
Moses . . .

. Wm. Rufus Blake
. Humphrey Bland
. . . Geo. Jordan
. . Geo. Skerrett

Sir Oliver . .
Charles Surface
Crabtree . .
Lady Teazle .

Wm. £. Burton

. . . J. 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 d£but Sept 22, as Hermione in "A Winter's Tale;" Nov. 2
James H. Hackett 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.
Northall's version of "David Copperfield " was played for the first
time, and the cast was :

Micawber .
Steerforth .
PegKOtty .
UrEl . .
Rose Dartle
Wickfield .
Mrs. Micawber
EmUy . . .

. . . Burton
J. W. Lester
. W. R. Blake
. T. B. Johnston
Mrs. J. Russell
. . Mr. Henry
. Mrs. Skerrett
. Miss J. Hill

Copperfield .... Geo. Jordan

Traddles Mr. Levere

Ham Humphrey Bland

Betsy Trotwood . . . Mrs. Hughes
Mrs. Steerforth . Mrs. Gea Holman
Mrs. Gummidge .... Mrs. Henry
Martha Lizzie Weston

Dec. 5 "The Road to Ruin " was played with this cast :

Goldfinch Burton

Domton W. R. Blake

Harry Domton ... J. W. Lester
Wilford Geo. Jordan

Sillnr T. B. Johnston

Widow Farren . . . Mrs. Hughes
Jenny Mrs. Skerrett

Emma Skerrett died at Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 26, 1887. She
first came to America in 1844, and made her d6but 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 soubrettes she was very
successful. Dec. 19 "Married an Actress," by J. M. Field, was
played for the first time in America.

May 19, 185 1, W. Rufus 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 CH9»

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.
Pardey's play, "A Nature's Nobleman," was produced for the first
time Oct. 20, when J. W. Lester (Wallack) 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. 21
" Dombcy & Son " was again played with Mary Taylor as Toots,
Fanny Wallack as Edith, and Caroline Chapman as Susan Nipper.
Jan. 14, 1852, Mrs. Hughes took a benefit, when "Paul Ry,"
"School for Scandal," "Serious Family," and "Young America"
formed the programme. March 11 Miss J. Hill had a benefit,
when "Dombey & Son" was revived with this cast:

Cuttle W. E. Burton

Dombey (ist time) .... J. Dyott
Edith (ist time) . . . Miss Weston
Bagstock (ist time) . . Mr. Russell
Mrs. Skewton . . . Mrs. Hughes

Susan Nipper (ist time) Manr Taykr
Toots T. B. Johnston

Bunsby J. H. Bland

Carker Mr. Hobnan

Manr

ik.

March 29 "Twelfth Night" was acted, with Burton as Toby
Belch, J. W. Lester as Aguecheek, W. R. Blake as Malvolio^
H. Placide as 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. Lester 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. Skerrett, Mrs. Hughes, and Miss Weston were in the
cast.

" The Englishman in Paris " was played with Burton as Hip-
pington Mix. "Twelfth Night" was acted June i.

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 d^but as Mrs. Galochard in "The King's Gardener." The
other American first appearances were W. 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, Gourley, Mattison, Lawson, Paul, Mr. and Mrs. Skerrett,
Miss Weston, Mrs. Hughes, Misses J. Hill, Mortimer, and John-

iHs2 BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 349

son, Mons. Frederic, ballet master; John Cooke, musical director.
Lysander S. Thompson made his American d6but 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 Zekiel 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 bom, not that of an
actor dressed like a country lout.

On Aug. 24 " David Copperfield " was acted ; Sept. 1 1 was the
benefit and last appearance of Cornelius Logan; Oct. 4 "The
School for Scandal" had the following cast:

Sir Peter Placide

Sir Oliver Burton

Joseph Dyott

Charles Fisher

Mn. Candour . . . . M. Skerrett

Crabtree T. B. Tohnston

Moses Thompson

Lady Teazle L. Weston

Lady Sneerwell . . . Mrs. Hughes
Sir benjamin .... Wm. Norton

Oct. 8, "Grandfather Whitehead," with Placide in the title
rdle; Oct. 25 Placide appeared as Haversack in "The Old Guard,"
and Col. Hardy in " Paul Pry " for his benefit. " David Copper-
field" was acted Oct. 27. Harry Watkins began here Jan. 10^
i853> in his own comedietta "Laugh and Grow Fat," cast thus:

Whimsical Eaton . . . H. Watkhis

Dr. Caustic C. Parsloe

Tom Belton Levere

BuUen Holman

Policeman Lawson

Patients .... Smith and Keyser
Adele Eaton Mrs. Fish

Old Eaton .... Geo. Skerrett

Dumps T. B. Johnston

SnifEen Fisk

Lucas Gourley

Waiter Paul

Servant Mattison

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

Mme. St Julienne .... Mrs. Fish

Mons. Albert Levere

Her Father C. Parsloe

Her Brother Mr. Fish

Jean Jacques Placide

Sally Trot Mrs. Hughes

French Steward .... Layskin
Commissk>ner Parsloe

Lady VoUtil Miss Weston

Hon. Frederic Froth . . . Holman

Capt Gobble Russell

Mr. Haskitt C. Fisher

Coralie Mrs. Dyott

Annette Miss Fisher

Prompter Anderton

Thomas Trot Barton

Capt of Steamboat Fish

Waiter Gourley

350 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dass

This play by Mr. Watkins was rechristened "The Quack
Martyr, or A Dyspeptic in Search of a Cure." "A Midsummer
Night's Dream " was the next production (Feb. 3), and it enjoyed
a run until March 3, 1853. Charles Fisher was the Theseus ; Wm.
E. Burton, the unctuous and adipose Bottom ; Master Chas. Parsloe,
Puck; Titania, Mrs. Burton; Miss Raymond, Oberon; Lottie
Hough, Hermia, and Mrs. Buckland, Helena. " The Merry Wives
of Windsor" was played March 14, cast as follows:

Sir John Falstaif
Dr. Caius . . .
Justice Shallow .
Page ....
Sir Hugh Evans
Anne Page . .

. . Burton
. T. Placide
Geo. Skerrett
Chas. Fisher
T. B. Johnston
Mrs. Bernard

Fenton G. Holman

Host .... Lysander Thompson

Pistol Wm. H. Norton

Mrs. Ford .... Mrs. J. Dyott

Mrs. Page Mrs. Skerrett

Dame ^ckly . . . 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. James W. Wallack, Jr., appeared as Hercules the Huron,
C. Fisher as Luscellus, Mrs. Skerrett as Hortense, and Mrs.
Hughes, Mad Kirkabon. May 21 Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams
began an engagement in " Uncle Pat's Cabin '' 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. 10, 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. Radcliffe, Messrs. John Moore, Brown, and
Sinclair, Miss Alderman, and Annie Walters. The old favorites
who remained were Henry Placide, H. Russell, Charles Fisher,
Gourley, Lawson, Keyser, Mr. and Mrs. Holman, Wenslee, 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 Holland
reappeared in this city, after an absence of three years, as Sunny-
side. "A Duel in the Dark," and "The Secret, or The Hole in
the Wall." Julia Pelby first appeared at this theatre Sept 12, in
"Dombey and Son," with this cast:

Capt Cuttle Burton

Dombey G. Barrett

Toots T. B. Johnston

Walter Gay Levere

Edith (ist time) . . .Mrs. Buckland
Mrs. Skewton . . . Mrs. Hughes
Mrs. Flowers . . . Miss Florence

Carker Holman

Joe Baj?stock RusseQ

SolGiUs Moore

Jack Bunsby Norton

Withers C. Parsloe,Jr.

Florence Dombey . . Mrs. Burton
Susan Nipper .... Julia Pelby

"Trying It On," with G. Andrews as Jobstock; Jordan, Wal-
singham; Potts, Radcliffe Tittlebat ; Mrs. Buckland, Fanny; Mrs.

i«53D BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 351

f»

Cooke, Mrs. Jobstock, and Mrs. Hough, Lucy. On Sept. 13,
"Serious Family" and "Heir at Law;" Sept. 14, "Toodles;"
Sept. 15, "Dombeyand Son;" Sept. 16, "David Copperfield/'with
Julia Pelby as Mrs. Micawber; "Wanted, a Thousand Milliners"
and "A Duel in the Dark;" Sept. 22 and 30 "David Copper-
field" was again repeated, and Sept. 23 we had "Dombeyand Son."
" Twelfth Night " was played Oct. 3, with Burton as Toby Belch,
G. H. Barrett as Sir Andrew, Fisher as Malvolio, 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 Actress," a musical interlude,
by Dion Boucicault, altered from an old farce called " The Man-
ager's Daughter." After a season of three months in this city.
Miss Robertson went to Boston in January, 1854, and made her
d£but at the Boston Museum, then under the management of Moses
Kimball. So great was her success that her engagement was pro-
longed from two to four weeks, then to six, and subsequently to eight
wedcs. 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 seats 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.
From here she visited the principal cities South and West with
great success. She reappeared in this city in the summer O^^y 0
of 1856, at Wallack's Theatre, under the management of William
Stuart. From there she returned to Burton's Theatre.

Agnes Robertson was a ward of Charles Kean, when Mr. Bouci-
cault was a literary man-of-all-work at the Princess Theatre, Lon-
don, Eng., of which Kean 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 mis^e, for the first Mrs. Boucicault died on
the Continent of Europe before he espoused Miss Robertson. On
Jan. 15, 1889, this lady was granted a divorce by the Court in
London, 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 15 "The

352 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»54

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 :

Theseus Fisher

Egeus Moore

Lysander Jordan

Demetrius Norton

Philostrate Levere

Bottom Burton

Quince Johnston

Oberon Miss Raymond

Titania Mrs. Burton

First Fairy Miss Walten

Peach Blossom . . Kate Pennqyer

Snug RoaseD

Flute. G. Barrett

Hermia ••...• Mrs. Hoqgfa

Helena Mrs. Buddand

Puck .... Master Chas. Parsloe
Indian Prince .... SaUie Holmaa

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. Apil
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:

Trinculo Johnston

Stephano Pladde

The Harpy .... Master Pardoe

Ariel Mrs. C. B. Hil

Miranda Miss Ravmoad

Iris Mrs. HoQgjh

Ino Mrs. Jansen

Prospero Fisher

Antonio Norton

Alonzo G. Andrews

Sebastian Holman

Ferdinand Jordan

Gonzalo Moore

Caliban Burton

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 Sowerby in "A Phenomenon in a
Smock Frock." "David Copperfield" was acted Sept. 8, with
Fisher as Peggotty, for the first time. Sept. 13 "A Midsummer
Night's Dream " was revived ; Sept. 19 for the first time the neW
play, "Sunshine Through the Clouds," was given. On Sept. 23
the new and original comedy, called "Nowadays" was presented;

1854] 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 here of the old comedy, *' The
Poor Soldier;" Nov. 3, first performance in America of Jerrold's
comedy, " The Heart of Gold ; " Nov. 10 " She Stoops to Conquer,"
was given, with Burton as Tony Lumpkin, one of his very best and
most popular characters. On Nov. 16 was the first performance of
the new American play, by T. B. De Walden, entitled, "The Upper
Ten and Lower Twenty, " cast thus :

Crookpath Burton

Simper Jordan

Zuke Johnston

Tom Andrews

Jacob Fisher

Mrs. Crookpath . . Miss Raymond
Nancy Notion .... Mrs. Hough

It had a run of four weeks, and gave way, Dec. 11, to Bouci-
cault's local burletta, called "Apollo in New York," with this
cast:

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

Juno Mrs. Holman

Venus Mrs. Hough

MEMBERS OF THE WOMAN'S RIGHTS CONVENTION.

Mrs. Hoax Smith
Mrs. Bloomer
Lucretia Pott

Miss 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. '* Apollo in New York " was one of the worst failures
ever seen in New York. Particular pains were taken to ridicule
Maine Liquor Law and the " Woman's Rights " movement.

Harry B. Macarthy, who made his American d6but about this
time at this theatre, died at San Francisco, Cal., Nov. 8, 1888.

He was bom in England in 1834, came to America in 1849, ^^^
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

354 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1855

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 dazed
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 Keene'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 i, 1865, ^^
congestion of the brain. She was a pretty actress and a charming
vocalist. Her last appearance on the stage was at Nashville,
Tenn., and her last part was Nannie in "The Organ Grinder and
His Adopted Daughter."

On Dec. 18 a benefit was tendered to Morris Bamett, 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 plav
of that name; Dec. 25 the comedy entitled "A Nice Young Man, '
by J. E. Durivage, was played for the first time in thirty years.
Jan. I, 185s, the Rev. George Croly's comedy "Sophia's Supper,
or Pride Shall Have a Fall," was played, with Annie Lee as Vic-
toria ; Jan. 1 1 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 Morris Bamett' s American comedy, "Our Set, or the
Vacant Consulship," cast thus:

Dr. Lacauer Burton

Spoonbill (first appearance here)

T. B. De Walden
Hon. Mr. Waverer .... Moore

Mrs. Waverer . . . Mrs. Hughes
Ignatius Poodle .... Marc£aot

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, "Woman's Life in
Three Eras: Maid, Wife, and Mother." Feb. 5, Anna Cora
Mowatt's comedy, "Fashion," had this cast:

Adam Trueman (first time) Wm. Burton

Count Geo. Jordan

Mrs. Tiffany .... Mrs. Cooke
Prudence Mrs. Burton

Tiffany C. Fisher

Snobson .... T. B. JohnstoD
Gertrude Mrs. Hough

The first performance of "The Player's Plot, or the Manager and
the Minister," occurred Feb. 6, 1855, with this cast:

Balthazar Burton I Florival .

Delia Miss Macarthy | Leopold .

J<mlin
Fisher

i»53D 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 d^but as Albert
in "William Tell." March 22 Harry Hall first appeared on the
American stage, as Dennis Bulgruddery in "John Bull;" April 3
Mrs. Alexina Fisher Baker made her bow here as Widow Cheerly.
"Janet Pride" was played April 4, for the first time in this city.
May 7 George Holland appeared for the first time in several months.
The season closed June 2.

The season of 1855-50 began Sept 3, with the following com-
panv: Bradley (first appearance in New York), Milton Rainford,
William Burke, John Dyott, Fred Lyster, M. W. LeflSngwell, Car-
penter, Rosalie Durand, Kate Reignolds, the Misses Knowles,
Robinson, Hall, Maxwell, Chas. Jordan, G. F. Marchant, Holman
Moore, Gardiner, Fredericks, Gourley, Wenslee, Chas. Parsloe,
Paul Lawson, Keyser, Shirley, 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 :

Ebenezer Sadden . . . Mr. Burton

Mr. Jabber G.Jordan

Mr. Hudson Gourley

Cecil Gardiner

Gibbs Fredericks

Georee C. Parsloe

Mrs. Trapper .... Mrs. Hughes

Matilda Mrs. Burton

Isidora Mrs. Holman

Celestine Miss Knowles

Mary (her first apoearance)

Miss MiUer

Bailiff Lawson Jessy Miss Florence

Richard Kemp I Miss Hawkins Mrs. Bell

This was followed by " A Kiss in the Dark : "

Mr. Selim Pettibone Mr. W. Burke
Frank Fathom, Esq., (her first appear-
ance here) Mr. Marchant
Mrs. Pettibone . . . Miss Knowles

Mary Miss Robinson

The Unknown Female (her first ap-
pearance) Miss Smith

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 previously at Bamum'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 d^but Oct 11, 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 D«5»

with Burton as Polonius, Emily Thorne as Ophelia, and Mrs.
Thome as Gertrude. Harry Perry first appeared at this theatre
Jan. 19, 1856, as Gossamer in " Laugh When You Can." He died
in San Francisco, Cal., Jan. 22, 1862. His second and last wife
was Marion Agnes Land Rookes, afterwards Mrs. J. B. Booth, and
now the wife of John Schoeffel. Mr. Perry married this lady Feb.
II, 1 861, 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 foj strong drink ruined him.

J. H. McVicker, who had been in Europe, opened here Feb. 4
1856, as Sam Patch. He also played Peter Pomerov 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 Pomeroy, 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. 13, cast thus:

Leontes H. A. Perry

Mamillius Miss Gourley

CamlUo Bradley

Antigonus Rainford

Dion Gardiner

Cleomenes Russell

Florizel Re}molds

Archidamus Gfourley

Autolycus Burton

Thasius Fredericks

Phocion Holman

Hermione .... Mrs. A. Parker

Perdita Miss £. Thome

Paulina Mrs. Hughes

Polixenes Leffin^fell

The Shepherd Moore

The Clown Setchcll

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 Letitia 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, H. Jordan the Emperor, Setchell, Gourmand and Mrs. E.
Thorne the Fairy Favorable. J. H. McVicker made his last appear-

iBsQ BURTON'S CHAMBERS STREET THEATRE 357

ance here March 25. "Ganem, the Slave of Love," was first acted
here March 27, Julia Mills made her d^but here as Fetnah. " The
Queen of Spades, or the Gambler's Secret," by Boucicault, was
first played April 4. Mrs. C. Howard took a benefit April 1 5, and
acted the principal character in " A Scene in the Life of an Unpro-
tected Female, " and sang " Maid, Wife, and Widow, " also " To-Day
I 'm Sixty-Two ; " April 16, was the first night of the comedy " 'T is
111 Playing With Edged Tools;" April 28 "The Evil Genius" was
presented for the first time in America. May i Burton began a
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 Downey in " The Unfinished Gentleman. " He sang his
eccentric song, "Bartlemy Fair," introducing many ludicrous imi-
tations. "David Copperfield" was revived May 12:

Willdiis Micawber .... Barton

Traddles D. Setchell

Martha Mrs. Hough

PcMOtty .
Unsui Heep
Rose Dartle

Chas. Howard

Rainfofd

Amelia Parker

This was Chas. Howard's first appearance here. *' Catching an
Heiress " was the farce, with Mrs. C. Howard and Lionel Goldsmidt
in the cast.

Agnes Robertson began an engagement May 19, in ''Andy
Blake," "Jennv 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." "Violet, or
the Life of an Actress " had its first performance May 24, for the
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 : "

Shylock . . . . W. M. Fleming
Launc^ot Gobbo . . Geo. Holland
Bassanio Prior

Jessica Mrs. Fleming

Nerissa Fanny Dean

Portia Miss Lesdenier

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
bridf one, and the house was closed and continued dark until Sept.
6, 1856, when it was reopened for a farewell performance of William
E. 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 [1856

Aminidab Sleek Burton

Frank Vincent . . . Geo. Holman
Widow Delmaine . . Mrs. Parker
Lady Creamly . . . Mrs. Hughes

Murphy Maguire
Chas. Torrens
Mrs. Torrens . .

C. Fisher
. John Moore
Mrs. Holman

This was followed by " Toodles : "

Toodles Burton

Charles Fenton . . . . C. Warwick
Farmer Acorn . . . . G. Holman
Mrs. Toodles .... Mrs. Hughes

Frank John Moore

George M. Rainford

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, and 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. Burton was the original Amini-
dab Sleek in this country, and played it altogether over six hun-
dred times. Dan Setchell was a great favorite for several seasons.
William M. Demilt 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 bom 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 Toodles were as 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 — a 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
fifty-eight years. The value of his property in Hudson Street was
estimated at $30,ocx). His estate at Glen Cove was worth $140, 00a
The theatre in Chambers Street, then rented for the Federal Court
at $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 Pavilion Theatre, London, Eng. W. E. Burton was mar-
ried to her April 10, 1823, ^^^ lived with her until July 19, 1834,

I857D 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
£. L. Davenport as Rover, Burton as George Thunder, Charles
Fisher as John Dorey, Mark Smith asEphraim Smooth, and Thomas
Placide 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. de Mello,
William H. Hamblin, Charles Foster, Lionel Goldsmidt, Louis
Mestayer, Frank Rea, Harry Russell, Lawrence P. Barrett, and
R. C. France, stage 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. 5-10 "Fazio," L. P. Barrett in the
title rdle, Mrs. McMahon as Bianca; Jan. 24-26, "The Stranger,"
Barrett as the Stranger, the star as Mrs. Haller ; 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 Kruger, "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. 11, "The
School for Scandal;" Feb. 13 Mrs. Coleman Pope acted Camille
with Barrett as Armand. Mrs. McMahon closed Feb. 14 with
"The Hunchback." Mr. France, the stage manager, retired from
the profession in 1867.

Harry Watkins and E. L. Davenport were the next lessees open-
ing Feb. 23, 1857. 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. E. L 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 Henrade, executed a

360 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«57

pas seuL Ernestine afterwards became Mrs. William R. Floyd.
"Our Country's Sinews" and "Faint Heart Never Won Fair
Lady " were the plays produced. The first named had this cast :

Henrman Gray . . E. L. Davenport

Jew H. Watkins

Old Job Ironsides . W. H. Hamblin

Col. Hartley Mr. France

Julia Hartley Mrs. Frost

Nelly Miss Melissa

Alex. Jerrold .... A. Fitzgerald

Tippler Jas. C^mon

Whistling Jakes Brown

Martha Mrs. Elmore

Feb. 25 "The Drunkard" was acted together with "Black Eyed
Susan," Harry Watkins as Edward Middleton. E. L. Davenport
played William in "Black Eyed Susan," and Watkins, Gnat-
brain. On Feb. 26 "Pizarro" 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 the second and third play Ernestine and Aimie
Henrade did 2i pas de deux; Feb. 27, "Brutus," "Laugh When
You Can," and "Coroner's Inquest" formed the bill; Feb. 28,
"Coroner's Inquest," "Laagh and Grow Fat," the farce "Mons.
Tonson," and "Lord Damley."

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 L.
Davenport as Charity. "Live and Let Live" was also acted;
March 5 Anna Cora Mowatt's comedy, " Fashion, or Life in New
York," was done. E. L. Davenport played Adam Trueman, H.
Watkins, Snobson, and Mrs. R 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" formed the
programme. Conrad Clarke made his first appearance here as
Florinel in the first piece; March 9 Wilkins' play, "The Scalp
Hunters," was acted for the first time in this city; March 12 the
five-act play "Egyptian," followed by a benefit, March 14, forE
L. Davenport, when three acts of "The Egyptian," song by Fanny
Denham, comic song by Jas. Connor, "The Robber's Wife," and
"The Scalp Hunters," was the programme; March 16, T. W.
Meighan's drama, "Modern Insanity" and "Black Eyed Susan;"
March 19 Harry Watkins took a benefit, when the " Green Hills
of the West," a fancy dance by Salome Secor (afterwards Mrs. S.
Duffield), "Eccentricity Crinoline," and song by Fanny Denham
were given. March 21, " Richard III." and " Green Hills ; " March
23, for the first time in America, John H. Wilkins' drama, "The
Man with the Red Beard;" March 27, first time on any stage,
"The Sheriff's Wife," written by Mr. Morris, a lawyer of this city.

ta^Sl WHITE'S MELODEON 361

Mrs. E. L. Davenport acted the leading rdle; March 28, "The
Merchant of Venice," also the Scotch drama "Lord Damley," and
the play of "Wealth." The season terminated March 31, with the
"Bride of Lammermoor," "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 rent^ 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 j^ 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

A SMALL hall known as "The Pinteaux," situated a few doors
below the old New York Hospital near Duane Street, 1846-
47. Here musical entertainments were given by first class artists ;
also a minstrel company, composed of Gus Mead, David Jacobs,
John Turpin Kitts, Raymond, and others. Model artists exhib-
ited here also.

WHITE'S MELODEON

A PLACE of amusement known as "White's Melodeon" 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
Serenaders was its principal attraction. It was destroyed by (ire

362 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [xM

in October, 1847, but was at once rebuilt and reopened by Charley
White. The shilling tickets (i2j^ 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, i^ ^^ 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; Bill Smith, bones (Smith was noted for his large mouth);
Frank Stanton, banjo; Clem Titus, violin jig player, and Zeke
Backus, violin jig and reel accompanist* One of the gpreatest
successes was George White's singing of " Run, Nigger, Run, the
M. P. Will Catch You," and "Come Back, 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. Tableaux vivants were among
Mr. Lea's attractions.

NOVELTY HALL

A HUMBLE place of amusement called " Novelty Hall " was
situated at the N. E. comer 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 Flannery), 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 6% cents. Spanish money was accepted in pnsf-
erence to our own money. For instance, if you wanted to go to
the Bowery Theatre in those days you could get into the pit for
a Spanish shilling (j2% 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;
Richard and others of note.

1^73 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 Pat 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 P. T. Barnura with the "Fejee
Mermaid." Mr. Lyman was manager, under the assumed name
of Prof. J. Griffin. Bamum continued here only one week.

PALMO'S CONCERT ROOM

ON the comer of Broadway and Chambers Street was " Palmo'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. Sanford, 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, 1857, by E. P. Christy's Minstrels.
George Christy was bones and E^l H. Pierce 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,
and 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 fleld to himself, and well did he profit by it. In 1854
he abandoned the business. In a fit of temporary insanity be
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«iS7

as he was comparatively uneducated, he was not invariably happy
in his choice of them. Hence, when laboring under this aprehen-
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 K R Christy, George
Christy (Harrington), L. Durand, and T. Vaughn. They were then
called the Virginia Minstrels, and travelled principally in the West-
ern and Southern country. Soon after their organiaation^ Enom
Dickerson and Zeke Bachus were added to the company, and they
thenassumed the nameof " 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, ^ dispute
arose between George Christy (real name Harrington) and E. 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. 21, 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, Keenan,
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 Dea 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 of 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 Donniker, and Frank Raynor. Their last
performance here was on Saturday night, Feb. 21, 1857, for the
benefit of Larry Hyer, brother of Tom Hyer, the pugilist. The
Bryant Brothers' Minstrels opened here the following Monday.
Dan, Neil, and Jerry Bryant secured T. Prendergast, Dick Carroll,
Tommy Pell, G. W. H. Griffin, Chas. Fox, old Dan Emmett, and
others at that time well known in the profession. The house was
opened in a very modest way, Feb. 23. Their success was assured

i«CI 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 company
and Pell's Serenaders 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 instrumentalic 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 Dea 6, David S. Wambold, the tenor, who
had just returned from Europe, appeared, as did James Unswortb,
banjoist.

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. H. Savori, W. L. Hobbs, N. W.
Gould, M. A. Scott, Dan Emmett, Paul Berger, 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 I, 1861. Jerry Bryant died in this city April 8, 1861, of
congestion of the brain. 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 unfreshened?

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, Nelse Seymour, W. L. Hobbs, Dan Emmett, T.
J. Pell, G. S. Fowler, G. W. Charles, Jas. Morrison, Frank Leslie,
J. H. Savori, J. W. Hilton, T. Gettings, Little Mac, and, towards
the close of the season, W. W. Newcomb.

The next season began Aug. 10, 1863, and continued until July
9^ 1864, with the following company: Dan and Neil Bryant, Nelse
Seymour, J. H. Savori, Frank Leslie, J. W. Hilton, Jas. Morri-
ton, G. S. Connor, Dan Emmett, Dave Reed, G. S. Fowler, Rollin
Howard, T. Gettings, Joseph Garatagua, W. L. Hobbs, Little Mac,
Grier, 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. Templeton, 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 [1867

doorkeeper. In May the company was strengthened by the addi-
tion of Frank Moran, and " Micky " Warren.

Their last season began Sept. 11, 1865, with the following
company: Dan and Neil Bryant,* Eph Horn, Nelse Seymour,
Dan Emmett, James Morrison, G. S. Fowler, J. S. Cox, N. W.
Gould, Dave Reed, Jules Stratton, M. Warren, J. H. Savori, W.
R. Grier, Signor Persini, Chas. W. Templeton, F. Boniface, D. C
Winans, R. W. Buchanan, and J. Ross. On Nov. 27 Little Mac
made his first appearance in two years, and the following gentle-
men joined during the season in the order named: Jan. i, 1866,
Charles Henry and J. Garatagua; Jan. 10, Rollin Howard; Jan.
I5> 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 10, 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 Clinetop Sisters, Millie
Young, Millie Flora, Viro Farrand, Lizzie Whelby, Lena Forrest,
Mile. Josephine, Julia Melville, Ella Morley, Chas. White, Blanche
Stanley, Bob Hart, Frank Kerns, "Wash" 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, Herr Christian Holm, George Warren, George Winship,
Ben Goldsmith, C. E. Collins, Signor Chiriski, Dick Ralph, Silas
Baldwin, Morrissey, Little, Signor Faranta, Master Stevie, Annetta
Galetti, 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 :

Dance Lizzie Shaw

Song and Dance . . Broadway Boys
Fancy Dance . . . Viro Famuid

Overture David Braham

The Black Actors

Geo. Winship and Geo. Warren

THE SKILLEGANS.
Frank Kerns, Geo. Winship, and Geo. Warren.

1S68] THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE 367

The ballet by Moos. Gross!, entitled

THE COQUETTE.

Characters by Millie Flora, Helene Smith, Florence Wells, Laura Le Ckdre
(afterwards Mrs. Josh Hart, now Mrs. Will Sands), Viro Farrand, Jennie Lor-
raine, Lizzie Shaw, Millie Young and Georgie Natalie.

Charley White's Comicality :

THE STUPID SERVANT.

Dance Florence Wells

Clog Dance . . . Broadway Boys
Overture Orchestra

John Breakall . . . Charley White
dr. Fitzgig Josh Hart

Dance Millie Flora

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. Butler, 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, Hughey Dougherty, S. S. Purdy, John Queen, Charles
Pettengill, H. Stanley, Dick Sands, Robert Edeson, C. E. Col-
lins, C. Gardiner, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Ryan, Master Barney, Ada
Tesroan, 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. 3, Laura Le Claire and
Josh Hart; Sept. 24, Fanny Forrest, Frank, William, and George
Asbton; Oct. 8, Annetta Galetti and Mons. Cardella; 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 ^ioo,cxx). Col. Alvah
Mann then commenced the erection of it, and, after spending
$14,000, was obliged to call in the aid of Mr. Raymond in order

368 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Cn«

to complete the building. The lot upon which this theatre was
built was on the east side of Broadway between Pearl and Anthony
(now Worth) Streets, at what are now known as 326 and 328 Broaci-
way. It would accommodate 4,500 persons, having seats for 4,00a
There was an immense pit to which only men and boys were ad-
mitted. The price of admission was twenty-five cents and the
seats 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 Haymarket 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 corps dratnatique. Here

\ Edwin Forrest and W. C. Macready won their greatest laurels.

j 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 unsuited to his years.
He would persist in playing Claude Melnotte 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, Mesdames Watts, Bernard, Sargeant,
and Chapman, the Misses Gordon, Fitzjames, George VandenhofiF,
G. Chapman, H. Bernard, J. Everard, Dennison, William Fred-
ericks, E. Shaw, J. Bernard, J. Kingsley, 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, costumer; Samuel Wallis, prop-
erties ; Mr. Galbraith, stage carpenter and machinist. The initial
performance was "The School for Scandal," given with this cast:

Sir Peter Teazle . . . H. Wallack

Lady Teazle .... Rose Telbin

Sir Oliver Surface . . . . T. Vache

Maria Mrs. Sargeant

Mrs. Candour
Joseph Surface
Charles Surface

Mrs. Winstanley
Thos. Lynoe
Geo. Barrett

The afterpiece was " Used Up : "

Sir Charles Coldstream . . T. Lester I Lady Clutterbuck . . Miss Gordon
Sir Adonis Uach . . . . H. Hunt | Mary Wurzell Mrs. Watts

««47D

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

369

The first performance of " The School for Scandal " on any stage
occurred on May 8, 1777, at the Dniry Lane Theatre, London,
Eng. The cast was:

Crabtree Mr. Parsons

Rowley Mr. Aicldn

Moses Mr. Baddley

Lady Teazle . . . Mrs. Abingdon
Lady Sneerwell . . . Miss Sherry
Mrs. Candour . . . .Miss Pope
Maria Miss P. Hopkins

Sir Peter Teazle . .
Sir Oliver Surface .
Sir Harry Bamper .
Sir Benjamin Backbite
Joseph Surface . .
Charles Surface . .
Careless ....
Snake

Mr. King

Mr. Yates
Mr. Gawdry

Mr. Dodd
Mr. Palmer

Mr. Smith
Mr. Farren
Mr. Packer

On the next evening "Love's Sacrifice" was given, with Mr.
Vandenhoff as Matthew Elmore, and Fanny Wallack as Margaret.
In the same week was played "The Lady of Lyons," with Geo.
Vandenhoff 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 ... J. Lester

Adonis Leach li. HuDt

Tom Saville Kingsley

Wunell Everard

John Truebrace Vachc

Vennel Dennison

Lady Clutterbuck . . Miss Gordon
Mary Warzell . . . Mrs. Watts

This was followed by a series of acts by Professor Risley and
sons, after which the farce "Who Do They Take Me For? " was
acted for the first time. The comedietta " Ladies, Beware I " was
the afterpiece. The Asiatic ballet "L'Almee, or une Oriental
Vision," in two acts, was given for the first time in America,
Oct. 21. Mons. H. Monplaisir and Mme. Adele Monplaisir were
the Nadhir and Haidee. This ballet and " The Inconstant " were
played Oct. 30, with G. Vandenhoff as Mirabel, Vache as Old
Mirabel, Lester as Duratete, and Rose Telbin as Oriana. Nov. i,
for the first time in America, the ballet " La Jeune Dalmate, Ou,
Le Retour 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, E. Shaw as Stout, G. Vandenhoff 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,"
Lester as Marquis, Dawson as De Merville, Hadaway as Gogue-
nond, and Rose Telbin 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. Sargeant as Charles
II., Fanny Wallack as Duchess De Torrenueva, and Mrs. Hields as
Donna Leona " La Jeune Dalmate " was given for the last time

370 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«47

Nov. i6;"Les Deux Roses, or a Neapolitan Festival," had its first
representation Nov. i/ by Mons. and Mme. Adele Monplaisir;
Nov. i8 Geo. VandenhoflF acted Young Wilding in "The Liar,"
Miss Gordon as Miss Godfrey, and Mrs. Watts as Kitty; Nov. 20^
"Belle's Stratagem," Fleming as Sir Geo. Touchwood, G. Van-
denhojff as Doricourt, Henry Wallack, Hardy; Lester, Flutter;
Fredericks, Saville; Dawson, Courtall; Mrs. Sargeant, Lady
Frances; Fanny Wallack, Letitia Hardy; and Mrs. Winstanley
as Mrs. Rackett. This was followed by the " Country Squire, or
Two Days at the Hall." The farce "A Trip to Kissengen," 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. " Pizarro "
was played Nov. 27. " The Flowers of the Forest " was presented
here for the first time Nov. 29, with this cast :

Hugh Lavrock . Wm. S. Fredericks

Leyboume Kingsley

Beadle Everard

Gilbert Chapman

Lady Agnes .... Mrs. Sarfi;eant
Abigail Mrs. Watts

Winnifred .... Mrs. Chapman

Alfred Flemipe

Linton Bemara

Mayfield Allen

Cheap John . . . Thos. Hadaway
Countryman ..... Thompsoii

" The Love Chase " was given Dec 3, and cast thus : Fanny
Wallack acted Constance ; Rose Telbin, Lydia ; Mrs. Winstanle/t
Widow Green; Henry Wallack, Sir William Fondlove; Fleming,
Waller; and Lester, Wildrake.

James Murdoch began an engagement here Dec. 6, acting Claude
Melnotte in the "Lady of Lyons; " G. Barrett as Col. Dumas;
Fanny Wallack, Pauline; Mrs. Winstanley, Mme. Deschapelles;
Mrs. Watts, Widow Melnotte. " Ernestine " was first acted here
the same night with this cast :

Viscount Fredericks

Frederick Lester

Charles Dawson

Ernestine .... Fanny Wallack

Juliette Miss Matthews

Marie Miss Telbin

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. 10, "The Stranger"
and "Wild Oats" for Murdoch's benefit and last appearance; Dec
II, "The Maid of Croissy," Fleming as Sergeant Austerliti.
Mme. Anna Bishop appeared here in Italian and English operas,
Dec. 13. Bochsa was muscial director. "Lucrezia Borgia," in
Italian, was the initial performance, cast thus:

Lucrezia Borgia . Mme. Anna Bishop
Apostolo Gazella .... Pierson

Jepho Charles

Vitelozzo .... Mme. Boulard

Gubetta . •
Grenarro . •
Maffio Orsini .

. . . Sig. Otto
. W. H. Reeves
G. A. Macfarrcn

i«4»D THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE 371

On Dea 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
Vicomte, Vache as Marquis, Brough as Antonio, Everard as Paolo,
Benetti as the Steward, and Mme. G. Macfarren as Pierotto; Dec
18-20, "La Sonnambula," in English, with Sig. Valtellina 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
Jules De Montangon . W. H. Reeves
Marqais Vieux Brough

Sans Regret Everard

Ninka Mrs. Watts

Previous to the opera "The Captain of the Watch," with Lester
as Viscount de 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
d'Amore); Cavatina from "Lucrezia Borgia," by Sig. Valtellina;
dance by Miles. Celeste and St. Clair, and a selection from "Tan-
credi " by Mme. Anna Bishop, formed the bill. Signora Ciocca
and Sig. Morra began Dec 25 in ballet ; " George Barnwell " was
also presented, with Fleming in the title rdle, Mrs. Hield as Mill-
wood, Mrs. Watts as Lucy, and Mrs. Sargeant 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 Purcell, 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
Law," and also appeared as Phil Purcell. 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
Orleans," was acted, previous to Lover's "Macarthy Moore."
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 Caesar de Bazan" had its
first performance here with Lester in the title rdle. Fanny Wal-

372 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«4»

lack acted Maritana. " John Bull " was played for the first time
here Jan. 14.

Tom Shuffleton Barrett Dennis Brulgruddery . . . Slutw

Job Thomberry Vache Dan T. Hadaws^

Simon Rochdale Everard Peregrine Fleming

Frank Rochdale Dawson John Bun Chapman

Lady Caroline .... Miss Telbin Mary Thomberry . Fanny WaUack
Mrs. Bru^uddery . Mrs. Winstsmley

On Jan. 15 "The School for Scandal" was given, with Barrett
as Sir Peter Teazle, Vache as Sir Oliver, Fredericks as Joseph,
Lester as Charles, Hadaway as Crabtree, G. Chapman as Moses,
Rose Telbin as Lady Teazle, and Mrs. Winstanley as Mrs. Can-
dour. Mrs. Farren made her first appearance in this city Jan. 17,
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 Mme. Augusta in a dance; then the screen scene from "The
School for Scandal," Barrett as Sir Peter, Lynne as Joseph, Lester
as Charles, and Mrs. Farren as Lady Teazle ; next Sig^ora 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 Societv" 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. Far-
ren'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.

Duncan Everard

Malcolm Dawson

Donalbain Miss Webb

Macduff Fleming

Banquo Fredericks

Lady Macbeth . Mrs. J. W. Wallad
Gentlewoman . . . Mrs. Chapman

First Witch Hadsiwaj

Second Witch . . . W. Chapman
Thu-d Witch Vichc

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,
lago; Mrs. Wallack, Emilia; Fanny Wallack, Desdemona; Jan.
26, "Macbeth," James Stark (his first appearance) as Malcolm;
also the new farce " Box and Cox " (first time), Hadaway as Box,

I«4fl

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 HI.;" 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, Bassanio; Lester, Gratiano; Hadaway, Launcelot
Gobbo; Feb. 7, "Werner, or the Inheritance," Fleming as Ulrich;
*Thc Soldier's Daughter" was also acted, with Mrs. J. W. Wal-
lack as Widow Cheerly ; 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 Hey-
wood* Mrs. Farren reappeared Feb. 14, as Constance in "The
Love Chase," Feb. 15, as Beatrice in "Much Ado About Noth-
ing." George Vandenhoff was the Benedict. "The Irish Valet "
was the farce, with D. Anderson as Old Melbourne. J. M. Wes-
ton's adaptation of " Lucrezia Borgia " had its first production in
this city Feb. 16, with Mrs. Farren in the title rdle; Feb. 17,
*The Stranger," Mrs. Farren as Mrs. Haller, G. Vandenhoff as
the Stranger; "Lucrezia Borgia;" Feb. 18, "The Wonder," Van-
denhoff as Don Felix, Mrs. Farren as Donna Violante; Feb. 19,
* Ransom," "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady," and "Lucrezia
Borgia," were presented for Mrs. Farren's benefit, this lady acting
^uline Le Blanc in the first piece. Duchess De Torrenueva (Mrs.
as Donna Leonora), and Lucrezia Borgia. Wm. Ruf us Blake
engaged as stage manager Feb. 21, and opened as Jesse Rural
in "Old Heads and Young Hearts," — his first appearance. The
play was acted until March i, when "London Assurance" was
given for the first time in this theatre, and with this cast:

Sir Harcoart . .
Chas. Courtley •
DoOy Spanker
Lady Gay Spanker
Grace Harkaway
Max Harkaway .

"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. Ander-
•on opened his first engagement here March 20, as Othello, G.
Vandenhoff as lago, Lester as Cassio, Fanny Wallack as Desde-
mona, Mrs. Hield as Emilia; March 21, "Hamlet," Anderson in
title rdle, Mr. Brydges as Claudius, Fleming as Laertes, Lester

Wm. R. Blake

G. VandeDhoff

J. M. Dawson

Fanny Wallack

Rose Telbin

Thos. Vache

Dazzle J. Lester

Mark Meddle .... T. Hadaway

Cool Kinfpdey

Solomon Gallot

Pert Mrs. Watts

374 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DM

as Osric, Fanny Wallack as Ophelia; March 22, "The Lady of
Lyons," J. R. Anderson as Claude Melnotte, D. C. Anderson as
Mons. Deschapelles, Fanny Wallack as Pauline ; " Used Up " ¥ras
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 Melnotte and
Petruchio.

Talfourd's tragedy, called "Glencoe, or the Last of the Mac-
donalds," was acted for the first time in America, March 27, with
this cast :

Halbert Macdonald . J. R. Anderson
Henry Macdonald .... Fleming
Alaster Macdonald . . Rose Telbin

John Macdonald £. Shaw

Robert Campbell .... Fredericks
Angus D. C. Andersoo

On March 30 " The Elder Brother " was played :

Charles Anderson

Maclian Vache

Catholic Priest Hunt

Lady Macdonald . . . Mrs. Hield
Helen Campbell . . Fanny Wallack

On March 31 Jas. R. Anderson acted Alfred Evelyn in "Money."
April I Anderson took his farewell, and acted Charles in "The
Elder Brother " and " The Stranger." Mile. Blangy, Mons Boux-
ary, Mons. Wiethoflf, and Miss Vallee made their d6h\xt in the
ballet, "The Sylphide." The ballet of " Giselle, or the Willies,"
had its first production April 6. Also for the first time in
America "Mourir Pour la Patrie" 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 April 10, and cast thus :

Antoine du Vernet . . W. R. Blake
Felix Dubois .... John Lester
Mons. Dupres . . . D. C. Anderson

Legrand Kineslej

Louis Miss Wallis

Mme. La Rose . . Fanny 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 ' Blake

Frank Meredith Fleming

Lavender Kyd Dawson

Jack Swift .... John Brougham

Tom Badger . . . . T. Hadaway

Williams Thompson

Rosabel Fanny Wallack

Barbary Mrs. Winstanley

Blossom Mrs. Watts

This was John Brougham's first appearance at the Broadway
Theatre. The afternoon of April 22 the large damask drop-curtain
caught fire from contact with a movable light, and the carpenters

18483 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 Pray. Anna was married to Joseph Littell, after
whose death she married William J. Florence. Maria married
Charles Mestayer, 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 OTlenipo in ''The Irish Ambassador," and
in the title rdle of " Teddy the Tiler ; " May 2, repeated Paudeen
O'Rafiferty in "Bom to Good Luck," and O'Callaghan in "His
Last Legs;" Mays "The Irish Post," "Teddy the Tiler," and
" Married Rake " were done; May 4, " The Irish 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. O'Rourke in "Soldier of Fortune, or the Irish Settler"
(by Webster and Boucicault), and Terence O'Grady in "The Irish
Post." For his benefit, 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 Nervous Man," its first performance in this
theatre; May 10, "Born to Good Luck." Collins closed his
eng^ement May 13, with "Grandfather Whitehead," Blake in
the title rdle, and Collins as Dennis Macarthy and Paudeen
O'Rafiferty in "Wrong Passenger " and "Bom to Good Luck."

John Collins was born 181 1, 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 Covent 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 DM

He reappeared in London, Oct. 3, 1864. He went to Australia
in 1866, and acted Carrickfergus 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, George Vandenhoflf, Titus Quintus Fulvius, and Fanny Wsd-
lack, Sophronia; May 16, "The Elder Brother;" May 17, "The
Lady of Lyons;" May 18, "Money;" May 19, "Gisippus;" Mav
20, for the first time at this theatre, "The Patrician'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 i, "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 as Cosey), and Rosalvi in " The Hunter of the
Alps." Henry Schriever, violinist, made his American d^but at
this house June 5. " Town and Country " was acted June 8, with
this cast:

Plastic J. M. Dawson

Cosey W. R. Blake

Trot Thos. Vache

Owen Glenroy Fredericks

Glenroy Flemiiu^

Reuben Glenroy . Geo. Vandenbofi
Hawbuck .... Thos. Hadaway
Ross D. C. Anderson

A benefit was given June 10 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 cast:

Daniel Dowlas Blake

Dick Dowlas Lester

Dr. Pangloss Vache

Henry Moreland .... McDonald
Deborah Mrs. Winstanley

Caroline Mrs. Sargeant

Steadfast Fredericks

Zeikeil Homespun . . . Hadaway

John GaUot

Cicely Miss Tclbin

" 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., began a return engagement June 21 in "Othello,"
Wallack as the Moor, Vandenhoff as lago; 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

it49]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

377

of Errors," Vache and Hadaway as the two Dromios, Kingsley and
Shaw acting Antipholus of Ephesus and Syracuse. "The Poor
Gentleman" was given July i, with Blake as Robert Bramble.
The season closed July 4, 1848. A summer season was begun July
6, by the Monplaisir oallet troupe, embracing the names of Mons.
and Adele Monplaisir, Mons. Bartbolomin, Corby, Grossi, Comet,
Anna Bulan, Mme. Bartholomin, Mile. Blondeau, and Mile. Walde-
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 Fille Mai Gard^e " was a new ballet, first 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 lago.

The first great success of the season was the spectacle " Monte
Cristo," act^ for the first time in America Dec. 25, 1848. It
had a run of fifty nights, with this cast :

Haydee Fanny Wallack

Albert Baker

Emanuel Lonsdale

Danelars C. Pope

Old Dantes C. Bernard

Mons. Villef ort Mathews

Craconte Isherwood

Edmond Dantes . . . . J. Lester

Mons. Morrell T. Vache

Abb^ Faria John D^ott

Femand 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 Macready 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, Fannv Wallack, Lady Macbeth. May 10 was the night
of the Astor Place Opera House riot. Forrest played Spartacus
in "The Gladiator," and Fanny Wallack was the Julia. "Mac-
beth " was played at the Astor Place Opera House with Macready
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 Pyne and Harrison Opera Company, was first
sung in America May 30, 1849, ^^^ enjoyed a run of twenty nights.
It had this cast :

378 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE &««

Don Sylvio Harrison

Dr. Mathanasius . . . D. Whiting

Rainier Borvais

Chief of Senate .... Walters
Chief of Appious . . . C. Bernard

Sancho AUea

Mathias G. Rea

Stella Louisa Pyne

Blue Domino . . . Mrs. Barnard
Jose L. J. Vincent

The season of 1849-50 began Sept. 17, 1849. Wm, Rufus
Blake was acting manager and the company was: Anderson,
John Dyott, Shaw, W. Fredericks, D. Whiting, Chas. Pope,
Mi lot, Stuart, P. C. Byrne, W. B. Chapman, Conrad, Warden,
J. Warwick, J. Lester, T. J. Hind, Ghent, Harris, Thompson,
Mesdames Hield, Knight, Blake, Loder, Kate Horn, Carman,
Thompson, Flynn, Warwick, Lewis, Marshall, and Wrench.
James Hudson, the Irish comedian, made his American d^but 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 Haymarket Theatre, London. He made his ap-
pearance as Paudeen O'Raflferty 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 la He made an ample fortune and at
last accounts, was comfortably situated in a ch&teau one mile from
Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.

Charles W. Couldock made his American d^but Oct 8, playing
the Stranger to Charlotte Cushman's Mrs. Haller. During that
engagement 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 "

OtheUo Couldock

Cassio Geo. Jordan

Roderigo Shaw

Ludovico P. C. Byrne

Duke C. Pope

Emilia Mrs. Hidd

lago J. Dyott

Brabantio .... W. Fredericks

Messenger T. Hind

Desdemona Mrs. Knight

" MACBETH "

Macbeth C. Couldock

Malcolm P. C. Byrne

Rosse Harris

Macduff J. Dyott

Seward C. Pope

First Witch Chapman

Second Witch Blake

Gentlewoman .... Mrs. Loder

Banquo W. Fredericks

Lady Macbeth . . Charlotte Cushman

Fleance Miss Walters

Officer Chapinan

PhjTsician T. Hind

Hecate D. Whiting

Second Apparition . . Miss Carman

The Singing Witches were Mesdames Loder, Knight, Wilson, Kate Horn,
Olivia, and Hanman.

18493

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

379

"KING LEAR"

King Lear . . . . C. W. Couldock
Duke of Albany . . . P. C. B^e
Earl of Kent . . . W. Fredericks

Edgar J. Dyott

Physician C. Pope

.... Mrs. Knight

Cordelia

Goneril Mrs. Hield

Rt^ran Kate Horn

Gloucester D. WhitiM

£/lmund Harris

Hendd T. J. Hind

"HENRY VIII"

King Henry W. R. Blake

Duke of Buckingham

Wm. Fredericks
Duke of Suffolk . . . P. C. Byrne
Earl of Surrey .

Cromwell
Thomas Lovell .
Queen Katherine

. . Geo. Jordan
... J. Dyott
. . T. J. Hind
Charlotte Cushman

Lady Denny Mrs. Hield

Agatha Miss Carman

Cardinal Couldock

Bishop C. Pope

Sands Chapman

Gardiner J. Lester

Anne BuUen .... Kate Horn
Patience Mrs. Loder

Mr. Couldock was bom in London, Eng., April 26, 18 15, and
his American dibut 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 Mme. 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 Laura Keene's company at the Olympic Theatre. For
about twenty years, from 1859, ^^ was one of our best stars.
When the Madison Square Theatre was dedicated, Feb. 4, 1880,
Mr. Couldock played Dunstan Kirke in " Hazel Kirke. " He had
originated the character when the play was first produced under
the title of "An Iron Will," at Low's Opera House, Providence,
R. I., Oct. 27, 1879. He 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," Emma Vaders as Ophelia.
Carl Ahrendt as Polonius, John T. Malone as the King, Mrs.
Augusta Foster as the Queen, Charles Hanford as Horatio, H. C.
Barton as Rosencrantz, and Edwin Boyle as Guildenstern. The
screen scene from " School for Scandal " was presented by the fol-
lowing delightful cast: Lady Teazle, Fanny Davenport ; Sir Peter
Teazle, John Gilbert ; Charles Surface, R. B. Mantell, and Joseph
Surface, J. H. Barnes. Mr. Couldock then appeared before the

380 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1849

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 no words adequate to express mv feelings. I am utterl]^ unable to tell
vou how much I am indebted to all, both before and behind the curtain. The latter
nave kindly said they do not ask my thanks, saying they are amply repaid if I am
made happy. They have made me so. I am proud to think tnat my fifty 3rears
of service have been so greatly appreciated by you all. Thanks I have for others
who offered to appear here this aitemoon, but who were unable to do so because
time would not permit I never kept play-bills in my life, but I shall keep the
bill of this afternoon as long as I live as a reminder ot a red-letter day of my life.
Such a collection of names of great actors was never before seen on such a pro-
namme, and I doubt if it ever will be again as long as I live. Again I return
wanks for your sympathetic approval.

The quarrel scene from "Julius Caesar" was then given with
Lawrence Barrett as Cassius and John T. Malone as Brutus. This
was followed by the third act of "The Rivals," with Mrs. John
Drew as Mrs. Malaprop, Joseph Jefferson as Bob Acres, James
O'Neill as Sir Lucius O'Trigger, Kyrle Bellew as Captain Abso-
lute, Annie Robe as Lydia Laiiguish, and G. W. Denham as
David. Mr. Couldock's lago and Hamlet were his best perform-
ances thirty years ago. His greatest fame, however, was achieved
in the rdle of Louis XL, 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 Comer," 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. 27, 1898.

Julia Daly made her dibut 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,
and died at Newfield, N. J., of paralysis, Aug. 21, 1887.

Kate Bateman made her first appearance in this city Dec 10,
1849, ^s Richmond in "Richard IH." 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; Glaize, 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, Bamum, and
Jenny Lind," was given. J. H. Wilton appeared in two characters
and sang his buffo scena, "All to Astonish the Browns," the "Echo
Song," and "Take this Lute."

i8so]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

381

McKean Buchanan made his d^but 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 casts :

"THE INCONSTANT"

Old Mirabel D. Whiting I Duretete Jordan

Young Mirabel . . . Jas. Murdocn Dugard W. Fredericks

Petit Stuart

Orianna Mrs. Knight

Bisarre Kate Horn

Lamace Mrs. Loder

First Bravo C. Pope

Second Bravo .... Thompson

Third Bravo Mathews

Fourth Bravo T. Hind

"THE DRAMATIST"

Lord Scratch D. Whiting

Floriviue Geo. Jordan

Peter Mathews

Latdj Waitford .... Mrs. Hield
Mariana Kate Horn

Neville Stuart

Willoughby Fredericks

Vapid J. Murdoch

Lady Courtney .... Mrs. Olivia

The season of 1850 began, Aug. 19, with "The School for Scan-
dal/' thus cast:

Lady Sneerwell .... Mrs. Hield

Moses Henry Scharf

Sir Oliver Surface . . G. H. Barrett

Snake Wm. Harris

Trip T.J. Hind

Maria .... Josie Gougenheim
Mrs. Candour . . . Mrs. Abbott

Sir Peter Teazle (first appearance in

America) Wm. Davidge

Chas. Surface . . . F. B. Conway
Lady Teazle . . . Miss Anderton

Crabtree D. Whiting

Sir Benjamin Mr. Shaw

Careless Rejmolds

Rowley Mr. Mathews

This was followed with a dance by Mile. Adeline and a ballet,
and concluded with ''A Thumping Legacy." Mr. Davidge at once
became a favorite. He afterwards acted brief engagements in almost
every city of consequence in the States. William Pleater Davidge
was bom inLondon, Eng., April 17, 18 14, 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 Druiy Lane, the failure of which
concern induced him to accept the oner of E. A. Marshall for a
two seasons' eng^ement afterwards extended to five. He died at
Cheyenne, Wy., at 12.15 o'clock A.M., Aug. 7, 1888, on the rail-
way train. lie was at the time a member of the Madison Square

382 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«5o

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 Eccles 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, Launcelot
Gobbo, Eccles, Soloman Probity, Bottom in "A Midsummer
Night's Dream;" and he was the original personator in New York
of Dick Deadeye in "H. 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 Eury-
culus and his companions go to the island of Circe, and are 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. Davidge wrote a pamphlet, entitled
"The Drama Defended," 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.

i«50

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

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. 20.
''Money" was presented with this fine cast Aug. 24:

Sir John Wm. Davidge

Evel3m F. Conway

Lord Glossmore . . W. S. Fredericks

Sir Frederick Sbaw

Stout D. Whiting

Graves . . .
Dudley Smooth
Sharp . . .
Old Member
Clara Douglas .

, . H. Scharf
. . Rejrnolds
. . Mathews
T. J. Hind
Miss AndertoQ

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, 185 1, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr.,
began a week's engagement " King of the Commons " was played
with this cast :

King James V. of Scotland

J. W. WaUack, Jr.

Adam Weir las. Stark

Lord Seton McDougal

Lord Small T. Hadaway

Lord Kilmauss .... C. Bernard

Madeleine Weir . Mrs. J. W. Wallack
Widow Barton . . Mrs. Chapman
Geo. Weir ... W. S. Fredericks
Malcolm Young .... Fleming
Mungo Small J. Lester

Aug. 26 the Ravels appeared here.

Mme. Elizabeth Ponisi, whose maiden name was Hansom, made
her American d^but in Philadelphia, Oct 7, 1850. She came to
this theatre and made her bow Nov. 11, 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.
10, 1859, ^^ married to Samuel Wallis, who died in November,
1884. So successful was Mme. Ponisi that she was at once secured
as the 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 best
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 D^

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, D. C, Feb. 20, 1899, aged eighty-
one years.

F. Bartlett Conway was a good "all 'round*' actor. He was
considered the best John Mildmay in " Still Waters Run Deep "
ever seen on the American stage. He was also excellent as
Armand in ''Camille." He made bis American d£but 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 was
gifted with an intellect of strong anal)rtic power, sufficient to fit
out half a dozen leading ladies. She had a fine, expressive face,
a voice full and melodious, a carriage graceful and womanly. Her
maiden name was Sarah Crocker, and she was a sister to Mrs. D. P.
Bowers. Her first appearance in New York was at the National
Theatre. She died in Brooklyn, April 25, 1875.
T Julia Bennett Barrow made her American d^but at this house
Feb. 24, 1851. "Belphegor" was first acted in this city March 3,
followed March 7 by "All that Glitters is Not Gold," for the first
time in this city.

March 19 Edwin Forrest appeared as Hamlet with this cast:

Laertes Grace

Polonius D. Whiting

Francisco L. J. Vincent

Gertrude Mrs. Abbott

Ophelia Mme. Ponisi

Hamlet Forrest

Horatio Lanergan

Osric Grosvenor

First Grayedigger . . . W. Davidge
Player Queen . . . Mrs. Seymour
Claudius Leffingwell

Mr. Forrest played Damon March 31 and April i.

Eliza Logan, afterwards Mrs. George Wood, made her d^but in
this city May 21, as Pauline, 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, and 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, and a singularly sweet voice capable of much modu-
lation. Her last appearance upon the stage in this city was at Wal-
lack's Theatre (Broadway and Broome Street), during a summer
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 of Yates Levi of Georgia, entitled
"Venetia, or the Italian Bride," in which she impersonated the

ia$i3 THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE 385

title rdle. 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 d€but at this
theatre, June 30, as Hamlet. A. J. Neaiie 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 d6but Sept 29. 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. J. Hind
Sergt Dubourg . . F. B. Conway
Achme Bey C. Pope

Osmin Gonrlay

Mme. Dubourg . . . Mrs. Henry
Col. Bemelle .... Gus Fenno
Tony Bavard . . . . W. Davidge

" Metamora " was played Nov. 24 with this cast :

Metamora .... Edwin Forrest

Kaweshine T. Hind

Nahmeokee Mme. Ponisi

Sir Arthur T. Barry

Walter F. B. Conway

Wolf Reynokls

Essington D. Whiting

Mordaunt C. Pope

Capt Church Matthews

Oceana Kate Horn

"The Cataract of the Ganges" was next produced with this
notable cast:

Mokarra F. B. Conway

Acktar Matthews

Ivan Lanergan

Matali Mrs. Vernon

Princess Miss Bernard

Mordaunt C. Pope

Robinson W. Davidee

Tannine Mme. Ponui

Ulra Joeie Gougenheim

"Ingomar" was first acted in this city Dec. i, with F. B. Con-
way in the title rdle, and Mme. Ponisi as Parthenia. "Ingomar"
was originally a German play, " Der Sohn der Wildniss, " written
by Franz Joseph Von Muench-Bellinghausen. It was first trans-

«5

386 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [i^i

lated into English in 1848, by Charles Anthon, of this city, who
called it ''The Son of the Wilderness." Constantia Clarke of the
Olympic Theatre took a benefit here Dec. 6, when the programme
consisted of "Ladies, Beware," "Follies of a Night," witi 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 the 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, 185 1, 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 1^
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. 11, 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 down, 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

1850 THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE 387

watched the scene. 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. "

Dea 29 Lola Montez made her American d£but 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 see 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
"Lola Montez in Bavaria," written by Charles T. P. Ware, a 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 onlv fifteen and he twenty years old, and Lola, their only
child, was oom 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
Lolaists and anti-Lolaists. For a time Lola held her ground. She
had herself created Countess of Lansfeld, 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. Heald, a rich young gentleman of good family.

Lola Montez, in 185 1, 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, i86a 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»5»

when she returned the lady had ^1500 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 Waverley 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. L 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 fimeral 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 ^3oa 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 oi
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 Cliflford," with John Collins in the title
rdle. It had its first representation Jan. 19. Eklwin 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

'H*l

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 :

Vir|^u8 EUlwin Forrest

IcUms F. B. CoDway

Numitorios T. J. Hind

Sirdns Chas. Pope

Virginia Miss Crocker

Dentatus Tbos. Barry

Appius Claudius .... A. Fenno
Servia Mrs. Abbott

He closed this brilliant engagement May i.

Edwin Forrest first appeared on the London stage Oct 16, 1836^
at the Druiy 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 b^n 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 "The Gladiator," which terminated his engagement. On April
23, 1849, ^^ 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 i, 1849. '^^ divorce case ended
in January, 185Z His last appearance before the public was as a
reader, in Boston, Mass., Saturday, Nov. 30, 187Z He died in
Philadelphia, Dec. 12, of that year, and was buried Dec. 16, 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 disp<)si-
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.
His 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 reten-

390 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«5»

tive as marble, applied in solitude solely to study, could not foil
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 for 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

t»5«3

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 nearlv
forty years he was a demi-god with the play-going public, and, witn
but a limited repertory, he preserved a hold upon their affections
equal to that which hais 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 Fenno 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:

Mercutio J. Dyott

Friar John Mattfaewi

Peter Scharf

Pase Miss Lewis

Lady Montague . . . Miss Cannin
Lady Capolet .... Mrs. Knight
Juliet Miss Anderton

Romeo . . . ..Charlotte Cusbman

Paris HUl

Montague T. J. Hind

Capulet D. Whiting

Friar Laurence . . . Wm. Fredericks

Balthazar Byrne

Nurse Mrs. Hield

On May 1 3 she appeared as Lady Gay Spanker in " London
Assurance," with John Brougham as Dazzle; May 14 she acted
Agnes in "The Banker's Wife," with C. W. Couldock as Charles
De Brement; also Juliana 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 Camaval i, Seville," assisted by the
old-time ballet-master, George W. Smith. "The Poor Relation "
was acted the same night, with Mrs. F. B. Conway, formerly 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 Twitcher, 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 "Lola Montez in Bavaria," Thomas Bany as King Louis, and
Conway as D'Abel; May 31 Lola acted Maoelaine in "St. Mary's
Eve ; " June 3 " The Willow Copse " was played, with Celeste as

392 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D^

Rose Fielding, Conway as Luke Fielding. Celeste returned to
Europe June igt June 7 the opera "La 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 "Bom 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 :

Kate Miss Carman

Say C. Pope

Duke of Buckingham . . T. J. Hind

Wat Worthy D. Whiting

Friar Lacy T. Barry

Widow Cade Mrs. Henry

Child of Aylmere . . . Miss Wallis

Jack Cade .... Edwin Forrest
)ake of SufEolk Lyster

Lord ClifiFord .... Aug. Fenno

Mowbray Reynolds

Sutton Henry Rogers

Courtnay Gourlay

Marianne Mme. Ponisi

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 Despair,"
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, 185 1, at Castle Garden,
on the occasion of the beneRt to Thomas Hamblin. 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. 23, during which he played in "Richelieu," "Damon and
Pythias," "Pizarro," "Othello," "King Lear," " Virginius," "The
Broker of Bogota," "Jack Cade," "Hamlet," "Brutus," "The
Gladiator," "Metamora," and "The Lady of Lyons." Annie
Lonsdale appeared as Nan in "The Good for Nothing," Oct 2.
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. I, 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 Williamses returned here Nov. i. " Ingomar " was
given, with Thomas Barry as Polydor, Mrs. Henry as Actia, Con-
way as Ingomar, Julia Dean as Parthenia, and Chas. Pope as
Alastor; 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 ap-

i«5«D THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE 393

peared 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," "Armand," "Anne Blake," and
Martha Gibbs in "All that Glitters is not Gold." On Dec. 13,
the fairv spectacle and romantic opera entitled "The Peri," by
James G. Maeder, 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
Reynoldson. She was the adopted daughter of Peter Richings.
Her first appearance in public was as a pianist in Philadelphia,
Nov. 20, 1847, and her d^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, 1866. Miss Richings was married to rierre
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 Mannering," 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 DHs

Ladies and Gbntlbmbn — 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 place,
the wishes of m^ family in the second, and sacred duties in the last, render the
measure imperative.

There are two imporant events in a man's existence : the first when he springs
firom boyhood into either commercial or public life, and the other when he tmta
from manhood into the sere and yellow leaf to gradually decav until he is sum-
moned by his Divine Master to shuffle ofiE this mortal coil, i have passed from
the first to the second stage, the turning-point of man's life, having reached the
age of seventy years, and forty-five of service before the American public. That
is a period when 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
me, I will, with your permission, five a briex 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. i8, 1871.

On Dec. 27 Mme. Marietta Alboni made her first appearance
in America in Rossini's opera, "ha, Cenerentola," with this cast:

Don Ramire . . . Sig. Sangiovanni
Don Maenifico . . . Sifi[. Revere
Alldora (first ap. in America) Sig. Barilli
Cenerentola . . . Marietta Alboni

Dandini Sie. Coletti

Clorindi . . . Signora Avogadro
Tisbe .... Signora Albcrtazzi

Sig. Arditi was the conductor, Mr. Roberts, leader. The opera
was followed by the ballet divertissement "Rosita." Jan. i, 1853,
was given the "ballet fantastique," called "A Fairy Midsummer
Night's Dream," by Mens. Corby and Mile. Bulan. Jan. 4 Alboni
appeared in "La Figlia del Regimento":

La Mancbisa .... Sig. Avagadro

Sulpizio Sig. Revere

Corporal Sig. Crens

Maria Mme. Alboni

Tonio .... Sig. Sangiovanni
Orsensio Rohr

On Jan. 10 "La Sonnambula," was sung, with Alboni as Amina,
Mme. Seidenburg (first appearance) as Lisa, Sig. Pellequini (first
appearance in America) as Elvino, Sig. Banti as Rodolfo, and Sig.
Rohr as Alessio. " La Barbiere de Seviglia," Jan. 17:

Rosina Mme. Alboni

Almiviva .... Sig. Sangiovanni

Figaro Sig. Coletti

Berta Sig. Avagadro

Dr. Bartolo .... Sig, Revere

Basilio Sig. Barilli

Fiorello Sig. Ximenes

On Jan. 24, " La Sonnambula *' :

Rodolfo Sig. Barili

Amina Mme. Alboni

Lisa Mme. Seidenburg

Teresa Sig. Avagadro

Elvino Sig. Vietti

Alessio Sig. Rohr

For Alboni's benefit Jan. 25, " La Cenerentola" was repeated.

This terminated Alboni's engagement. She returned to Europe
in six months. She was considered the greatest contralto of the
world. At last accounts, she was living in Paris.

iteD THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE 395

A company of magicians and actors, consisting of fifteen artists
from China, gave the Rrst Chinese performance ever presented in
this city, ^win 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 White Slaves of England." After a
brief rest Mr. Forrest reappeared March 7, acting in "Jack Cade/*
"King Lear," "Hamlet,^' "Richelieu," "Pizarro," "Virginius,"
"The Gladiator," "Othello," "The Broker of Bogota," "Meta-
mora," "The Lady of Lyons," "Damon and Pythias," "Brutus,"
William Tell," "Venice Preserved," and "Bertram;" May 2
Macbeth " was acted, and ran for twenty nights with this cast:

Macbeth Forrest

Macdu£F F. B. CoDway

Duncan Duff

Lady Macbeth . . . Mme. Ponisi

Witches W. Davidge, D. Whiting, and T. Barry

Malcolm . . . . A. H. Davenport

Banquo Chas. Pope

Hecate J. Grosvenor

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. Davidge took a benefit
May 31, when "Rob Roy" was acted, with Prof. Anderson as
the Macgregor. Julia Dean appeared June i as Julia in "The
Hunchback," and ^terwards 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. Silsbee as
Jonathan Ploughboy in "The Forest Rose," and Nathan Tucker
in "A Wife for a Day." He had just returned from a professional
tour in 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; Mesdames Vernon, Barnard, Fisk,
Henry, and Abbott; Misses A. Gougenheim, Pentland, Josev
Gougenheim, 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 Ci^ss

Madelaine Julia Dean Chariotte Miss Barnanl

Adelaide . . Miss A. Gougenheim Bertrand C Pope

Catherine Mrs. Henry Remey Davenport

Marguerite Mrs. Fiske

This was followed by "The Love Chase," compressed into three
acts, with this cast :

Sir William Fondlove . D. Whiting

Master Walter C. Pope

Master Wildrake . . F. B. Conway

Master Trueworth Dun

Widow Green .... Mrs. Vernon

Constance Julia Dean

Servant L. J. Vincent

Amelia Miss Duckworth

Alice Mrs. Henry

Phoebe Miss Pentland

Phasarius F. B. Conway

Jovius T. J. Hind

Lucius C Pope

Senona Mme. Ponisi

This was her closing performance. Edwin Forrest returned
Sept. 19, as Damon, to Conway's Pythias; and also played in
" Richelieu," " Hamlet," " Pizarro," " Macbeth," " Othello,'^ ''The
Lady of Lyons," "Jack Cade," and on Oct 7 in "The Gladiator,"
cast thus :

Spartacus £. Forrest

Crassus A. Fenno

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. la 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 HI. , " " The Elder Brother, " with Fanny Morant as Ange-
lina, "Civilization," "Hamlet," "Richard IH.," "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
her d^but at this house Nov. 28 in " Love," " The Hunchback," " The
Maid of Mariendorpt," "The Wife," "Ingomar," "Adrienne,"
" Love," " The Lady of Lyons," and " Camille," for the first time in
New York, with this cast : Armand, F. B. Conway ; Gustave, San-
ford; Helen, Gougenheim; Camille, Jean Davenport. John Collins
reappeared Dec. 12, in "The Irish Guardian, or Dublin Days in
1765," also in "The Happy Man." Milnes Levick appeared here
as Alfred Highflyer in "A Roland for an Oliver." He was after-
ward engaged for Bamum's Museum, making his d^but as George
Harris in "Uncle Tom's Cabin," where he continued to act for
the four succeeding years, and during that time wrote two plays
— "The Limekiln Man" and "Sybil's Cave" — which were both
played here, achieving success. He was next engaged by Laura
Keene, and after Sothem, who had made his first success as Lord
Dundreary, left that theatre, Mr. Levick appeared in that character.

itsO

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 Bamum's Museum and afterwards went to Chicago,
Illy for a season; Mr. Bamum again sent for him, and engaged
him as stage manager and leading man. During that season he
wrote and produced another play entitled "Pale 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. Fechter 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 :

Mokam F. B. CoDway Jack Robinson . . . . W. David|;e

Mordaunt C. Pope Zamine Mme. Ponisi

Ivan M. Lanergan Ubra Josey Googenheim

Natali Mrs. 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:

Thesius F. B. Conway

Lysander Lanergan

Demetrius Grosvenor

Egeus Matthews

Bottom Davidge

?uince Howard
ack Viola Crocker

Oberon Mme. Ponisi

Titania Mrs. Abbott

Philostrate Walters

Snout Henry

Starveling Cutter

Hippolita Mrs. Warren

Hermia Mrs. Na^le

Helena A. Gou^nhemi

First Fairy Miss Fish

Second Fairy . . Miss Duckworth
Peachblossom .... Miss Henry

Cobweb Miss £. Wallis

Moth Master Wallis

Mustard Seed . . . Miss S. Henry

Snug Fiske

Flute D. Whiting

Sinking Fairies, Mesdames Julia Gould, Ritzer, Wiedenholdt, Perry, Hunt,
Behn, Hutchings, Liverati, and Adoni.

Principal Dancing Fairies, MUe. Leeder, Adelaide Price, and Miss Josephine,
with a grand ballet.

The plav at Burton's ran until March 6, and at the Broadway
until March 11. 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 D«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:

KiDg Lear £. Forrest

Albany C. Pope

Earl of Kent T. Barry

Edgar F. B. Conwajr

Conlelia Mme. Ponisi

Goneril Mrs. Abbott

Regan Miss Oocker

Gloster D. Whiting

Edmund A. Fenno

Old Man Matthews

Third Knight ... G. H. Barrett
Herald Burgess

Mr. Forrest also acted in "Damon and Pythias," "Othello,"
"The Lady of Lyons," "Jack Cade," "The Gladiator," "Meta-
mora," and "The Merchant of Venice." Julia Dean came again
April I, 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 " Leonor De Guzman " was seen, and April 27, " Isabel,
or the Fatal Mask." May i came Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams,
who were succeeded by James R. Anderson May 15 as " Richard
IIL," who also played in "Civilization," "King Lear," "King of
the Commons," "The Lady of Lyons," "Macbeth," "Gissippus,"
"Hamlet," "The Elder Brother, ''^ 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

Bumand C Pope

Steward Grosvenor

Physician Henry

A Herald Wright

Fool Fanny Morant

Goneril Mrs. Abbott

Cordelia Mme. 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 Kjiight Cutter

Third Knight C. Barnard

Regan Mrs. Warren

" Faustus " was produced May 29 with this cast :

Faustus C. Pope

Count de Casanova . . D. Whiting

Montolio Lanergan

Crognoso Matthews

Adine Mme. Ponisi

Rosolio . . . Miss. A. Gougenheim

Janet Miss Williams

Mephistophiles . . F. B. Conway

Waraer W. Davidge

PaoTe L. J. Vincent

Lucetta .... Josej Goueenheim
Manette .... Miss Ricnardsoo

The carnival scene was a magnificent picture. There were one
hundred persons in grotesque costume, and a ballet introducing
Mile. Leeder, 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

18543

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. Pope gave place to D. Hanchett,
W. Davidge, F. B. Conway, Mme. Ponisi, the Gougenheim sisters,
and Mrs. Abbott remained. George H. Barrett, familiarly called
"Gentleman George," was the stage manager, N. B. Clarke was
prompter, H. Farren played Claude Melnotte, Lanergan was the
Beauseant, Louisa Howard (American d^but) the Pauline, and
Mrs. France Mme. Deschapelles. On Aug. 22, " The School for
Scandal " cast thus :

Sir Peter Teazle . . . . H. FarreD

Sir Oliver D. WhitiDg

Charles Surface . . . F. B. Conway
Joseph D. Hanchett

Crabtree W. Davidge

Lady Teazle . . . Louisa Howard
Mrs. Candour . . . Mrs. Abbott
Maria Miss Murtage

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, 1 84 1. 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

Laneley Lanergan

Louis Mrs. Nagle

Drayton Mr. France

Dovey M. W. Leffinewell

Susan Josey Gougenneim

Jean Davenport appeared Aug. 28, in "Camille."
Edward L. Davenport made bis first appearance since his return
from Europe, Sept. 11, in "Othello":

400 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D854

Othello .... £. L. Davenport
Brabantio . . . M. W. Leffingwell

Roderigo Grosvenor

Desdemona Mme. Ponisi

lago F. C. Conway

Cassio Gallagher

Montano Lanergan

Emilia Miss Abbott

'' As Like as Two Peas ** was also acted, with Davidge as Rich-
ards and Miss Gougenheim 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 Cade," "Damon and Pythias,"
Othello," "The Gladiator," "Metamora," "King Lear" "The
Merchant of Venice," "The Lady of Lyons," and closed Oct 7,
with " Brutus, or The Fall of Tarquin." The cast of " Metamora"
was:

Metamora .... Edwin Forrest

Otab Walters

Nabmeokee Mme. Ponisi

Lord Fitzamold . . . D. Hanchett
Mordaont Crocker

Officer Leon J. Vincent

Oceana .... Josev Goofi^nheim
Sir Arthur . . . . M. LeffingweQ
Errington D. Whiting

A season of English opera was then begun by the Pyne & Harri«
son Opera Company.

Louisa Pyne made her American d^but 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 Yoik
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, Borrani, Reeves, and Cam-
vens. "The Bohemian Girl" was sung Oct. 12, and "Maritana"
Oct. 19, with this cast :

Charles II Reeves

Don Jos^ Borrani

Lazarillo .... Miss Susan Pyne

Don Caesar W. Harrison

Montefiori D. Whiting

Maritana Louisa Pyne

Oct. 23 W. Harrison took his first benefit in America, when he
repeated " Don Caesar. " After a tour of the principal cities, Louisa
Pyne sailed for England May 20, 1857, ^"d 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 Torrenueva. Agnes Robertson appeared as Milly in

itssD

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

401

''The Maid of the Milking Pail/' and as Maria in "The Young
Actress." "The Invisible Prince" was first played here by Agnes
Robertson Nov. 3. On Nov. 10 she took a benefit, when she
was seen in "Andy Blake" and "The Young Actress." She took
another benefit Nov. ly, and Dion Bourcicault appeared in "Used
Up." Nov. 20 the Pyne & Harrison company returned for four
nights. They sang in " Maritana," for the benefit of Vincent Wal-
lace, the composer. The American Dramatic Fund Association
took a benefit Nov. 24. " Faustus, or 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 "Adrienne the
Actress," "Ingomar," "Camille," and "Evadne." Dec. 11 "A
Midsummer Night's Dream " was revived. Marie Zoe took a
benefit Dec. 16, when the bill consisted of "A Midsummer
Night's Dream" and "Antony and Cleopatra." The Pyne &
Harrison company returned Dec. 18 in "Fra Diavolo," with this
cast:

Fra Diavolo Harrison

Lorenzo Reeves

Beppo * Meyer

Zerhna Louisa Pyne

Lord Allcash . . . . D. Whiting

Matteo Ray

Giacomo Borrani

Lady Allcash .... Miss Pjme

»»

"The Beggar's Opera" was given Dec. 22; "The Enchantress"
Dec. 25, when the ballet was increased, with Marie Zoe as premier.
"Guy Mannering " was acted Jan. i, 1855, " Cinderella " Jan. 15,
and the opera company closed Feb. 17, with a benefit to Louisa
Pyne.

Edward L. Davenport appeared here Feb. 19 in "Hamlet,
for the first time in New York, and afterwards in "Othello,
"Brutus," "St. Marc," "Pizarro," "Civilization," and "The
Egyptian." March 2, Mrs. E. L. Davenport made her Ameri-
can d^but. E. L. Davenport became a successful star and a fine
actor. He played Macduff to Mr. Macready'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 scenes, and simply said: "Animal
anima I (Soul I soul I) " 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 C1855

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. i, 1877.

''The Hunchback " was acted March 6, 1855, with this cast:

WilUam L. J. AHncent

Helen Mrs. Abbott

Julia Miss McKeah

Master Walter . . . F. B. Conway
Sir Thomas .... Delmon Grace

Fathom Wm. Davidge

Master Wilford Sanford

March 12 Eloise Bridges made her d6but as Pauline in ''The
Lady of Lyons. " She continued for two weeks. Kate Reignolds
appeared here April 17. E. L. Davenport played "Richard III."
May 24, which had this cast:

Lady Amie Mrs. Abbott

Queen Elizabeth . . . Mme. Ponisi

Tressel Laner^

Lord Mayor D. Whitmg

Duchess of York . . . Mrs. Henry

Earl of Richmond
Henry the Sixth
Prince of Wales
Duke of York . .
Duke of Buckingham
Duke of Norfolk

. . D. Grace

W. Lcflingwell

Miss A. Wallis

. . E. WaUis

. D. Hanchett

Grosvenor

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 Gougenheim as Nan. Mr. Davenport
closed May 25, with the following programme: "William Tell,"
" Merchant of Venice, " and " Black Eyed Susan. " Fanny Vining
(Mrs. E. L. Davenport) appeared as Portia and Susan. ^Ingo-
mar" was seen May 29, and thus cast:

Ingomar F. B. Conway

Novio Horton

AUstor Lanergan

The Timarch . . M. W. Leffingwell

Myron D. Hanchett

Neocles McDouall

Adrastus Henry

Actea Mrs. Henry

Ambivar Crocker

Polydor D. Whiting

Amyntus J. Vincent

Parthenia Mme. Ponisi

The Gougenheim Sisters had a benefit May 30, when " Masks
and Faces" was played, with this cast:

Colley Cibber . . M. W. Leffingwdl

Triplet F. B. Conway

Kitty Clive .... Mrs. Seymour
Mrs. Triplet Mrs. Nagie

Sir Charles Pomander . . . Sanford

Snarl Grosvenor

Peg Woffington ... J. Gougenheim
Mrs. Vane ... A. Gougenheim
Ernest Vane Lanergan

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
Notary and the Duchess," and "The Hope of the Family." June
I F. B. Conway had a benefit, when he acted Luke Fielding, and
Mrs. Conway (formerly Miss Crocker) Rose Fielding in "The
Willow Copse." June 2 Rosalie Durand and Wm. H. Reeves

Antonio Wright

Francesca Mme. Ponisi

Pope C, Fisher

Rene Leon J. Vincent

Risata Miss J. Mannit

«t5«D THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE 403

appeared as Arline and Thaddeus in "The Bohemian Girl." June
28 the Williamses came in "Shandy Maguire/' "Our Gal," and
"Barney the Baron." Miss Duckworth acted Ellen in the first
play. Aug. 6 Gabriel Ravel, Martinetti Family, Mile. Celestine
Franck, Mons. Collet, H. Wells and company were seen. Sept
17 K L. Davenport returned as Richard III. : Mrs. Buckland as
Lady Anne, Mme. 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. Boker's play, "Francesca da Rimini," was first acted here, for
the second time on any stage, with this cast :

Malatesta D. Whiting

Landotte ....£. L. Davenport

Paolo M. Lanergan

Florenzi WUlet

Beppo Allen

Henrico Fordyck

This play held the stage until Oct 5, when "The Lady of
Lyons " was acted, with Mrs. K L. Davenport as Pauline, E. L.
Davenport as Claude Melnotte, and Mrs. William R. Blake as
Mme. Deschapelles. "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," "Metamora," "The Gladiator," "Mac-
beth," "Coriolanus," "Jack Cade," "Damon and Pythias," and
"The Lady of Lyons." Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams were the
next stars, Oct 29, follow^ Nov. 12 by Julia Dean, who continued
until Dec. 12. Her repertory was as follows: "The Hunchback,''
"Evadne," "Fazio," "Love," "Adrienne the Actress," "Lucrezia
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 benefit took place for the American Dramatic Fund,
when "The Rivals," Christy & Wood's Minstrels, and the Marsh
Troupe in " Beauty and the Beast " were seen. There was 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 . Mrs.H. C.Watson
King Henpeckt . . . . D. Whiting

Natty Seymour

Fairy Miss Duckworth

gueen Tyana . . . Mme. Ponisi
rincess Fiorina . . Julia Manners
Axurine Emma Harding

"The Sea of Ice" was produced Jan. 14, 1856, with Canoll
as Raoul de Lascours, and Mme. Ponisi as Louise de Lascours.

404 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE UH^

J. W. Wallacky 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 Hortense. Feb. i "Romeo and
Juliet" was played, with Wallack as Mercutio, Chas. Fisher as
Romeo, and Jane Coombs as Juliet. Feb. 7 " King Charming **
was revived, with Mme. Ponisi as King Charming also ''The Sea
of Ice," with Mma Ponisi as Ogarita, Charles Fisher as Carlos.
Mr. Lenton, 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. "Heme 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

Trystam C. Fisher

Shoreditch . . . . W. A. Chapman

Morgan Ringgold

Wyndham L. J. Vincent

Janette Mrs. Seymour

Geraldine .... Mrs. Buckland

Henry VIII Harcourt

Duke of Richmond ... A. Fenno
Anne Boleyn . . . Miss 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 Zamine. "Timour the
Tartar" was presented March 17. "That Blessed Baby" and

Mazeppa " were given March 24, with CanoU as Mazeppa. The

Keller Troupe " appeared in their tableaux vivants of " The De-
scent from the Cross "and several other Scriptural subjects, April
I. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams returned April 14. Old Joe
Cowell took a benefit June 23, in "The Turnpike Gate," "Ireland
and America," and "Irish Assurance." This was Cowell's last
appearance on the stage here. He returned to England with his
grand-daughter, Kate Bateman, and died in London Nov. 14, 1863.
His 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

((

ISSQ

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

405

Love Chase," and "The Hunchback;" June 7 Boothroyd Fair-
clough acted Sir Giles Overreach in "A New Way to ray Old
Del^" On June 9 Wm. R. Blake played Sir Peter Teazle.
Mme. Ponisi took a benefit June 11, 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
1875-76. He died at Deerfield, N. H., Feb. 27, 1881. He was
a member of the company of the Howard Athenaeum, Boston, when
it first opened, Oct. 13, 1845. ^^^ ^^^^ appearance in New York
was at the Chatham Theatre, acting Jupiter in Brougham's bur-
lesque, "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 R 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 & McNamee 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
& McNamee 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 la 30 Thursday morning,
Sept 4. 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. Le Brun,
Mrs. Beane, L' Estrange, Hayes, Emma Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Monell, Waters, Josephine, Wallis, Lizzie Weston Davenport, Mrs.
Seymour, Mrs. Warren, Mrs. Wemyss, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rufus
Blake, Heniy Loraine, Marcus Elmore, Edwards, Gourlay, Wright,
T. Placide, Seymour, J. Canoll, Myron S. Eytingc, 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 Melnotte . . Henry Loraine

Beauseant J. Canoll

Glavis Grosvenor

Col Damas Edwards

Pauline . . Lizzie Weston Davenport
Mme. Deschapellet . Mrs. W. R. Blake
Widow Melnotte .... Mrs. Henry

4o6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci«57
This was followed by " A Roland for an Oliver " :

Sir Mark C. Edwards

Fixture Thos. Placide

Post Boy Wright

Maria Darlington . Lizzie W. Davenport

Alfred Highflyer . . A. H. Davenport

Selbome Grosyenor

Mrs. Fixture Mrs. Place

This was the first appearance in America of H. Loraine, and the
d^but at this house of A H. Davenport, Thos. Placide, and Mrs.
Place.

A brief season of German opera began Dec 29, with "Fidelio,"
thus cast:

Leonore Mme. Johannsen

Don Fernando Sharer

Don Pizarro Weinlich

Jacquino Bentler

Manzelore .... Mrs. Von Berker

Florestan Pickaneser

Roco Oehrlein

The conductor was Carl Bergman, and Theo. Thomas the leader.
The opera nights were Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; Dec. 31,
*• Der Freischutz " 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 Locksmith;" Jan. 9, 13, 15, the comic opera "The Czar and
the Carpenter;" Jan. 10, "Othello;" Jan. 11 the company gave
a Sunday evening concert ; Jan. 12, "King Lear;" Jan. 14, "Vir-
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, "Brutus;"
Jan. 31, "Richard HI.;" Feb. 2, 4, 6, "Jack Cade." Forrest
was then taken ill, and did not appear again until Feb. 14, when
"Jack Cade" 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 Nabob for an
Hour," with Thos. Placide as Dick, and Henry Placide as Sam;
Feb. 18, 20, Edwin Forrest was seen in "William Tell;" Feb.
19, "The Poor Gentleman," with Henry Placide as Dr. Ollapod
and Wm. Rufus Blake (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:

«»57D

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

407

Dr. Ollapod H. Pladde

Robert Bramble ... W. R. Blake
Lieut WorthingtOQ . Marcus Elmore
Stephen Harrowby . . . T. Pladde

Emily Worthington . . Lirzie Weston

Davenport
Frederick . . . . A. H. Davenport

Sir Charles S. Eytinffe

Lucretia McTab . . Mrs. W. R. Blake

On Feb. 25, "The Comedy of Errors;" Feb. 26, "The Old
Guard;" Feb. 28, for the benefit of Henry Placide, when he
acted Dufard in "First Night," Blake in "The Last Man," and
Dromio in "The 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, "Jack Cade;" March 7, "Romeo and Juliet;"
March 9, and all the week, old comedies were acted. On March
16, a spectacular drama by H. J. Conway, entitled "The Ele-
phants of Ino Kami " was nrst produced, when Sands & Nathan's
performing elephants, Victoria and Albert, appeared.

April 6 "The Last Days of Pompeii" was given, with this
cast:

Arbaces
Njrdia .

. . . . H. Loraine 1 Lyden A. H. Davenport

. Lizzie W. Davenport | lone Mme. Ponisi

On April 10, "Madeline, or the Foundling of Paris;" April 20,
Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Davenport were seen in "De Soto," its first
production here; April 29, for his benefit, Davenport acted Brutus,
to the Cassius of J. W. Wallack, Jr. Loraine was the Mark Antony,
and Mrs. R L. Davenport was Portia; May 4 saw the first pro-
duction of Charles Gayler's play, "The Son of the Night;" May
18 "Faustus"was given, with Mme. Ponisi as Faustus, Barrett
as Count Ossini, and Mrs. R 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
Sir Robert
Simpkins .

Charles Mathews

Chippendale

Mrs. John Sloan

Robert Royland ....

Mrs. Mopus . . . Mrs.

Matilda Mrs. Stoddard

>. Eytinge
Archibah

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

4o8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1858

character of Affable Hawk, in "A Game of Speculation." Chip-
pendale was the Prospectus; Mrs. J. H. Stoddard, Julia; J. S.
Browne, Earthworm; and S. Eytinge, Hardcore. Oct 2 "The
Busybody " was done, with Mathews as Marplot, F. B. Conway as
Sir George Airy, and Mrs. F. B. Conway as Miranda. This was
followed by Kate Pennoyer 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, Cesare
Cechetti, and a large corps de ballet. " The Morning Call " was
the farce, with Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Conway in the principal rdles.
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," "Macbeth," "Pizarro,"
" Damon and Pythias," and " The Bride of Lammermoor." 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
purposes.

The house was reopened Dec. 14, with Van Am burgh & Co.'s
cage of wild animals and an equestrian company, consisting of Van
Amburgh, Eaton Stone, the bareback rider, the Nicolo Family,
R. Hemmings, 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 annoimced
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 Mme. Olinza, tight-rope artist, appeared Jan. 25.

James Melville, bareback equestrian from Australia, made his
first appearance here Jan. 31, 1858. He was one of the best and
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. " Gulliver 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. Bihin,

iHQ 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 i Mme. Toumiaire (after-
wards known as Mrs. W. C. Brown, died in Philadelphia, April
12, 1901, aged seventy-six years), equestrienne, first appeared here.
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, Sam Lathrop, R. White, and
Nicolo were in the cast.

After an extended European tour, D. W. Waller reappeared
April 5, in "The Duchess of Malfi," — Mrs. Waller making her
American d^but on this occasion as Marina, in the same tragedy,
her husband playing Ferdinand. Mr. Rogers made his American
d^but the same night as Narcissus, in "The Dancing Barbers."
F. C. Wemyss was stage manager; N. L. Griflin, 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
Merrilies 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
niggedness of its features. Mrs. Waller retired from the stage
several years ago, and died in New York, Feb. 28, 1899. On
April 21 Ben Yates took a benefit. April 27 J. J. McCloskey
reappeared in this city, and made his d^but, acting John Strong,
in "Your Life 's in Danger." He continued at this theatre, under
Edward Eddy's management, and played in all the horse-dramas,
roost 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 Wallack'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

41 o A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1851

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-
nounced that he was about to retire. A committee of citizens got
up a benefit for him, at Castle Garden, Aug. 12, 185 1, 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
Park ! 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 modem 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 for a benefit to T. D. (" Daddy ") Rice,
May 14. "Day After the Wedding," "Lavater, or Not a Bad
Judge," Robertson's Band, and Peel's Minstrels were the attrac-
tions. On May 22 H. B. Phillips took a benefit The attraction
was "The Windmill," "London Assurance," "Virginia Mummy"
(T. D. Rice as the Mummy), " The Dancing Barber " (Jas. Rogers
in the cast), and "The Limerick Boy," with Billy O'Neil as Paddy
Miles. Lola Montez began a 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. Fenno as Sir Edward Ardent. "The
Miller's Maid " was the afterpiece, with Alice Grey as Phcebe,
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 Ha)me closed
Nov. 6, and was followed Nov. 8 by James H. Hackett 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 and benefit, Hackett appeared, for the first time in
twelve years, as Sir Pertinax McSycophant in " The Man of the
World; ' also as Mons. Mallet. Mme. 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 lago. Barry Sullivan made his American d^but
here, Nov. 22, in " Hamlet " :

i<50]

THE OLD BROADWAY THEATRE

411

Hamlet Sullivan

Ophelia. Alice Grey

Ghost N. B. Clarke

Horatio H. Bland

Queen Mme. Ponisi

"The Lady of Lyons," "Macbeth," "The Merchant of Venice,"
"Taming of the Shrew," and " Richelieu," He closed his engage-
ment Nov. 27, with "Richard HL" The owner of the theatre
sold it to James R. Whiting for $27$,ocxx The scenery and prop-
erties were also sold under a chattel mortgage at an enormous
sacrifice. The house was leased by Edward Eddy, who made con-
siderable alterations, and reopened Dec 18. A. W. Fenno was
stage manager. The company was: Fanny Morant, Alice Grey,
D. C. Anderson, Humphrey Bland, J. O. Sefton, E. F. Taylor,
Geo. L. Aiken, A T. Blake, Salveria, A. W. Fenno, J. J.
McCloskey, C. Walters, M. B. Pike, L Irving, Sampson, Hope,
Mrs. G. C. Germon (first appearance in this city), Fanny Clifford
(first appearance in this city), Jane Mosely, Naomie Porter, Fanny
Westford, Clara Denn, Roe Deering, Miss L. Mason, and Mr. and
Mrs. E. Eddy. Julia Dean Hayne was the opening star, in "The
Lady of Lyons," cast thus:

Deschapelles .... A. T. Blake
Landlord . . . . J. J. McGoskey
Widow Melnotte . . Mrs. Harden
Mme. Deschapelles]|. . Mrs. Germon

Pauline Julia Dean

Claude Melnotte £. Eddy

Col. Dumas . . . D. C. Anderson

Beauseant Walters

Glavis G. L. Aiken

Sands, Nathans & Co.'s Circus appeared here Dec 29, with
Emeline Loyal, Mons. and Mme. De Bache, Charles, Ida, and
Virginia Sherwood, Majilton, Geo. Dunbar, Philo Nathans,
Charles Rivers, Darius Shay, Maurice Sands, De 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, ^^^ ^^^ company closed Jan. 8. ''Putnam, the Iron
Son of ^76/* was produced Jan. 10, with D. C. Anderson as Gen.
George Washington, and Mme. Ponisi as Violetta. " Rookwood "
and "Robinson Crusoe" were played Jan. 17; "Blue Beard," Jan.
21 ; "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 Pearson made his American d^but Feb. 14 as Giles Harren
in "The Villagers." At the outbreak of the Civil War, early in
1861, he joined the 79th Raiment 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 1861-62. 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 [i^

or Ireland and America lOO Years Ago. " " Antony and Cleopatra "
was presented March 7, and ran till 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 £. 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 performances of

"ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA."

The first will commence at 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, 1859,

which will be produced on a scale of splendor never before equalled in this tstj.
Every scene in the play is new ! Every costume in the play is new ! ! Every
property in the play is new ! ! ! 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 Caesar . . . . J. B. Howe
Sextus Pompeius . . . C. Walters
Domitius Enobarbus . . H. Pearson

Eros Mr. Fletcher

Scams J. O. Sefton

Dercetas J. Lanagan

Demetrious M. B. Pike

Philo J. J. McCloskey

Agrippa Alex. Fitzgerald

Proculeius Mr. Harden

Thvreus Mr. Bradley

Gailus Mr. Simpson

Menas N. B. Clarke

Varrius S. Wright

Taurus Mr. Hope

Silius Emma Keough

Alexas G. L. Aiken

Mardian Mr. Silveria

Canidius J. Chester

Seleucus Mr. Cooper

Diomedes H. Da^

Cleopatra Mme. Ponisi

Octavia Alice Grey

Charmion . . . Mrs. G. C. Germon
Iris Ada Oare

Principal Danseuse Ducy Barre

"FORTUNE'S FROLIC."
Robin Roughhead, with song, " I Likes a Drop of Good Beer " . Mr. Pearsoo

Frank Mr. Fletcher

Clown Mr. Pike

Nan Miss Osborne

Snacks J. Lanagan

Rattle Mr. Fitzgerald

Dolly Miss Keough

Margery Mrs. Germon

This building was shortly afterwards torn down and warehouses
built on its sita

X8483 THE ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE 413

TEETOLLER'S HALL

A LITTLE playhouse called Teetoller*s 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. 16,
1843, with Dick Pelham, Billy Whitlock, Frank Brower, and Dan
Emmett, and among those who from time to time figured in their
ranks were Harry Mestayer, T. G. Booth, H. Robinson, Barney
Williams, Tony Pastor, and Charley Whita

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 ot^arvenus^ - - ^
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 Patti, with the opera of ''Emani," em-
bracing in the cast the following artists — their first appearance in
this country: Teresa Trufli, Adelindo Vietti, Antonio Avignone,
S. Rosi, Angiola Mora, Felix Genevesi, and Severo Strini; An-
tonio Barilli, director; John Sefton, acting manager, and Sig.
Biondi, stage manager. The lady who afterwards became Mme.
Patti-Strakosch, made her appearance here on December i as
Agnese in "Beatrice di Tenda" under the name of Signorina
Amali Patti. 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 d^but
here 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 1848, and gave a series of performances, including
ballet, farce, opera, comedy, and tragedy, ending Oct 25, after a
very successful seasoa Included in tne company were Henry

414 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Cit«

Placide, Chippendale, J. M. Dawson, Manvers, Miss Roberts
(afterwards Mrs. Clara Stoneall), and Rose Telbin.

After an absence from New York of three years, Macready reap-
peared here Sept. 4, 1848, under the management of Chippendale
& Sefton. He opened as Macbeth, with Ryder as Macduff, and
Mrs. W. G. Jones, Lady Macbeth. The engagement closed Sept
25, with "The Merchant of Venice." William Niblo was lessee
of the house. " Roberto Devereaux ** was first sung in this country
Jan. 15, 1849: Roberto, Mazzoleni; Queen Elizabeth, Medori;
Duke of Nottingham, Bellini; Lady 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 :

Bleeding Officer .... McDouaQ

Physician C. Bemaid

Chamberlains . Colladine and BattishiH

First Witch Lynne

Second Witch C Bass

Third Witch G. Holland

Hecate Sidney Pearscm

Lady Macbeth . . Fanny Wallack
Gentlewoman . . . Mrs. G. Loder

Macbeth Edwin Forrest

Macdnff John R. Scott

Duncan £. Tilton

Banquo C. W. Clarke

Malcolm .... F. S. Chanfrau

Rosse J. M. Dawson

Lennox £d. Warden

Donaldbain .... Kate Denin

Fleance Susan Denin

Seyton Gallot

Mary Taylor, Mesdames C. E. Horn, Bailey, Finn, Knight, Lam-
bert, Wright, and Nichols, the Misses L. Kirkham, Miles, Phillips,
Barton, Smithon, Harding, and Lambert, Messrs. Giubieli, G.
Loder, H. C. Watson, B. Massett, 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 Distin and his three sons, who gave selections
from " Lucia di Lammermoor " 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 . . .
Harmoxiy . .
Robert Bramble
Miss Woodbum
Mrs. Placid . <

W. R. Blake

Chas. Bass

C. Walcot

C. Wemyss

Rose Telbin

Lord Norland
Placid . .
Porter . . .
Miss Spinter

. . John Gilbert

£. Shsiw

. W. B. Chapman

. . Mrs. Vernon

Wm. Niblo and J. H. Hackett next leased this establishment
in order to present Mr. Macready, and announced him for May 8,
1849. ^^ W3S 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 10 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. Macready' s appear-

i«493 THE ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE 415

ance 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 the ENGLISH AUTOCRATIC Opera Hornet We advo-
cate no violence, but a free expression of opinion to all public men. WASH-
INGTON FOREVBR ! Stand by your Lawful Rights!

American Committbb.

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 doma A
larg^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 vociferous 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
heard, 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 0»m

on their way. In a few minutes afterwards the National Guaxxii
made their appearance, and attempted to force a passage through
the crowd to the theatre. The mob hissed and hooted at them, and
finally attacked them with stones, which were at hand in oonse*
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. Ao
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 itilied
and renewed the attack with greater vigor than before. Paving
stones and other missiles were then discharged at them in greit
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 Gat-
eral Sandford then issued an order for more troops, and two brus
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 hea\7
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

ia49D THE ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE 417

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
bv an army. Finally, in the last scene of the act, Mr. Matsell,
Cfhief 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. Macready'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, Grovernor's Guards; a detachment of the Flying Ar-
tilleiy, 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 loss of
life which has resulted from tne maintenance of the law, darinfi^ the past night,
reminds all the citizens that the peace of the city must be maintained.

He calls on all good citizens to sustain the mzf^stncy. The e£Eorts of the
mnthorides will be considerate — will be humane, but they ought to be and mutt
be firm.

He recommends all citizens for some days to remain as quiet as possible
within their own dwellings, and to abstain from swelling Dublic assemblages, and
from all acts that tend to encourage the riotously dispoMcl.

The effect of crowds is to expose the innocent to the injury arisinjr from the
measures which may be taken. The peace of the city must and shaU be main-
tained by the whole civil and military power of 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-citizens, who have volunteered to maintain
the suprenuury of the law. C. S. Woodhull, Mayor.

Mayor's Office, May 11, 1849.

Macready's friends insisting that he should disguise himself,
he borrowed a drab surtout from Mr. Arnold, and a cap from John
Sefton, and, accompanied by Robert Emmet, went to the stage

«7

, I

•"

41 8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci«5o

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. Macready sat up all tiight, and at four o'clock the next
morning, was conveyed in a carriage up Fifth Avenue, to New
Rochelle, and after breakfasting he took the train for Boston, where
he remained until May 23, when he sailed on the "Hibemia" 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 rebaptized 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 {i2,ocx) yearly
rental, and reopened with Italian opera in November, 1849. Th®
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. He at 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 aflFair
that the expenses outran the receipts by ;^i,coo. At the close of
his first season of opera Maretzek was ;^3,6oo 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.

itsO THE ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE 419

leased this house, and opened with Marie Duret. George Van-
denhoff was conjointly starred with her. On the eve of taking a
benefit at Baldwin*8 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
matinee entertainment, and the weather being very severe, was
a complete failure. Being in destitute circumstances, an appeal
for assistance was made to the profession. This was in Febniarv,
i8ga 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 d^but
in America was made of Mme. Celestine Frank, premier danseuse;
Mile. Victoria Frank, Mile. Espinosa, pantomimist, and Mons.
Gredule. Emily Waldegrave was also in the organization. Mr.
Kreutzer and Mons. Eigenschenk were leaders. The company
consisted of John Nickinson, Jos. Cowell (his first appearance in
New York for twelve years), Mrs. John Sefton, 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 Maretzek's management was begun in 1850*
a month after the whole town had gone crazy over Jenny Lind.
Sefior Marty y Torrens brought to Castle Garden for a summer
season the company from the Tacon Theatre, Havana. At its
head were Bottesini and Arditi ; it contained three soprani, Bosio,
Steffanoni, and Tedesco; Vietti, the contralto; SaUi, Bettini,
and Lorini, tenors; Badiali and Corradi Letti, baritones; and
Masini and Colleti, 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 an opposition had to be defeated
or conciliated Maretzek chose the path of peace, and secured all
the artists except Tedesco. 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,ooa

Virginia Whiting Lorini (daughter of David Whiting) appeared
here Jan. 28, 1851. The house was now known as "The Theatre
Fran^ise." On April 7 the French companv opened in "Les
Petites Misires de la Vie, " — Hermaine, Mile. Leonore, Mile.
Adrienne, Mr. Durien, and Mr. Floriel in the cast. " Les Deux
Amis, ou La Courte Faille," was also given, with Mme. Antonin,
Mile. Angeline, Mr. Floriel, Paravel Dorichet, Grandin, Durien,
and Mr. Eugene in the chief characters. Max Maretzek began his

420 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D85»

third season of Italian opera June 3, 185 1, 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 mined the
victor. The Astor House then closed its doors. In consequence
of an accident to Sig. Beneventano 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; Genarro, Sig. Lorini; Alfonsor, Sig. Marini; June 5,
" Lucia di Lammermoor;" June 6, "Emani," with Signora Truffi
Benedetti as Alvira, Sig. Bettini, Emani; Beneventano, Carlo;
and Marini as Sylva; June 9, 13, "Don Giovanni;" June 10,
"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 dSbut of Sig. A. Bosia

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 d6but
of Catherine Hayes, leased this house and appeared Sept. 22, 1851.
He closed Oct. 16. On Nov. 3 Maretzek began a twenty nights'
season of Italian opera. "Norma" was the initial performance
with Signora Bosio, Signora A. Bertucca and Signorina Steffanoni
in the principal rdles. On Nov. 20 the French company began in
"La Dame de St Tropez," with Mile. Paul as Mile. Leo Pickaid,
Robert Kemp and Mr. Dubriel in the chief rdles. The one act
vaudeville, "God and Devil," was also presented by Mr. Emeste
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 Liederkranz, 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. 19, 1852.
In his company were Teresa Parodi, Amalia Patti, Lorenzo Salvi,
Balbina Steffanoni, Pico Vietti, Costi, Beneventano, Rosi, Sig.
Patti, Signorina Nevina, Bertucca, and Vietti. Jan. 31 Maretzdc

fSsa] THE ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE 42 1

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 balconv, sofas,
dress boxes, and parquet, and twenty-five cents to the amphitheatre.
Feb. 6 " Robert le Diable " was sung, with Sig. Salvi (his first
appearance in America) as Robert. Julia Tumbull and corps de
bcUUt appeared in the grand scene of the opera, also a musical
band in the fourth act; Feb. 27 Signorina 6. Stefifanoni took a
benefit, and the prices of admission were advanced. Sig. L.
Salvi volunteered. The programme consisted of ''La Gazza
Ladra," the last scene of ''Lucia di Lammermoor," with Salvi
as Edgardo, Signora Pico as Pippo, Sig. Vietti as Giannetti, Sig.
Beneventano as Fernando, Marini as Podesta, Costini as Lucia,
and Rosi as Fabrizio. Salvi's benefit occurred March i, when
'^ Robert le Diable" was sung, for the last time. "La Gazza
Ladra" was repeated March 3 for Marini's benefit, and the sea-
son 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 $1,000 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 d^but 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 lago, G. C. Jordan as Cassio, Arnold
as Brabantio, Harris as Montano, Miss Vickery as Emilia, and
Charlotte Wyette (first appearance in New York) as Desdemona;
Mr. Brooke also played in "Hamlet," "A New Way to Pay Old
Debts," "Merchant of Venice," "The Hunchback," "The Wife,"
and on May 19, in "The Corsican Brothers," 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 " :

Sam M. W. Leffingwell

Tucky Sermoor

Obi Woman Bowes

Kitty Mn. Mason

Karfo Mr. Stevens

Capt. Orford Hamilton

Mr. Ormond Sam Glenn

Quashee Moore

Rosa Maggie Mitchell

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 Itm

27, 1852, by Frank S. Chanfrau, with Jas. Stark as King Lear.
" Mose " was produced, with Chanfrau in the title rdle, and Clara
Fisher Maeder as Lize. Sept. i this house was called ''The
New York Theatre/' and Sept. 3 Eliza Logan appeared as Bianca
in "Fazio." "The 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.
Thome opened this house Sept. 13, with M. W. Leffing^ell,
Miss Wyette, Mr. Davenport, Mrs. Penson, Fanny Herring,
O'Connor, and Harry Watkins in his company. The Bateman
Children, Kate and Ellen, were the first attraction, in "The
Young Couple," — Ellen as Charles de Bienville, Kate as Henri-
etta de Vigny. The fifth act "Richard HI.," Ellen as Richard,
Kate as Richmond. In consequence of the illness of Mr. Thome
(who had not left his bed since the opening night) the house
closed in two weeks. Mr. Thome 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, R.
Johnston as the Ghost, Harry Watkins as Laertes, Keene as Polo-
nius, A. H. Davenport as Horatio, M. W. Leffingwell as first grave-
digger, Mrs. Jones as Gertrude, and Mrs. Charles Thome as Ophelia.
This house would seat 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, and he was bom 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.

f«50 THE SOCIETY UBRARY 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-
sisted of Plumer Archer, J. Parrel 1, W. Roark, Nelson Kneass,
J. Murphy, Richard M. Hooley, Mr. Tichenor, and T. F. Briggs.
On Sept. 22, 1852, the panorama entitled "Gen. Winfield Scott in
Mexico" was unrolled. In Feb., 1853, Risley'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, ^ ^ performer on the accordeon.

STOPPANNI HALL

ON the comer of Walker Street and at 396 Broadway was
Stoppanni Hall, opened by Charley White in December,
1848, with a minstrel company callea White's Serenaders.
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
Panorama of the Mississippi was on exhibition here in September,
185a On Dec. 3, 1851, P. T. Bamum 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. Bamum exhibited
the Aztec Children here in December, 1851. Kimberly'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 ZiMsi

ford, 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 April
17, and went to the Astor Place Opera House.

TRIPLER HALL

ONE of the largest music halls in the world was '* Tripler 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 dSbut of Jenny Lind, 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, styles,
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 series 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, 185 1. 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 & Brennon, of San Francisco. One of the most
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 seats 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 j(ii,25a 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 seats for the gratifi-
cation of the gentler sex. The profit accruing to Miss Hayes

il5«D TRIPLER 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. ir, 1861, leaving X 16,000.

Prof. Anderson reappeared Oct. 17, 185 1, Mme. Biscaccianti
gave a concert Nov. i, 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 VandenhoflF gave a dramatic
and poetical reading March 12. Vandenhoff gave a recitation of
Youne Lochinvar. Jenny Lind gave her last concert but one in
America, May 18-20 at 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 Theo. Eisfeldt, con-
ductor. Jenny Lind sang the scene from "Der Freischiitz," an
air from "Beatrice di Tenda," a selection from "Les 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 Europe, June i, 1853. Adelina Patti, announced
"as not yet eight years of age," gave a concert Sept. 22, and
sang Jenny Lind's Echo 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.
Father Mathew, the great apostle of temperance. Alfred Jaell,
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, 185 1, this place was sold at
auction and purchased by John La Farge for {47,000. Its name
was then changed to Metropolitan Hall.

Balls, lectures, and political meetings were held here. Octavia
Delille 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 Cx^

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, however,
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. Belletti, and an orchestra, conducted by Mr. Eis-
f eldt ; 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.

Camille Urso, the violinist, aged eleven years, gave her first con-
cert in America Oct. 29. William H. Frye began a course of lec-
tures on music Nov. 13. Mme. 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 JuUien,
violinist, gave a concert Feb. 22. He was assisted by Henrietta
Sontag, Carl Eckhert, Sig. Badiali, Sig. Rozzolini, and Rocco.
March 31 Elizabeth T. Greenwald, 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
performers. 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 Caesar" and "The School for Scandal." Ole Bull, who
made his American d^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*
series 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. Jullien, 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. 18, 1854, as the
New York Theatre and Metropolitan Opera House.

Henry Willard and Harry Eytinge were the managers, and Julia

««54D

TRIPLER 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 Melnotte ....£. Eddy

Glavis Louis Mestayer

Damas L. Thompson

Beauseant Geo. Boniface

Widow Melnotte . . . Mrs. Jordan
Mme. Deschapelles . . Archbold
Gaspard .... Chas. Warwick
Mons. Deschapelles . . . C Smith
Landlord James Conner

€4

€t

After the play came a dance by Mons. Schmidt and Mile. Th^rise
and the performance closed with "Mr. and Mrs. Peter White,"
with Mrs. Emma Skerrett, Annie Lonsdale, Mrs. Woodward, and
others in the cast. On Sept. 19 "The Hunchback," was given,
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,'^' "Ingomar," "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 Belle of the Faubourg " was given Sept. 30, " Isabel, or the
Fatal Marriage," Oct. 2; "Romeo and Juliet," Oct. 4; "Lucrezia
Borgia," Oct. 5. Sunday evening concerts were begun Oct 8,
with Marion Macarthy. Les FrSres Viennese — Carli, Friednish,
August, and Otto — were the vocal performers. Oct 9 Miss
Makeah made her New York d^but as Parthenia, in "Ingomar."
W. Marshall made his first appearance in New York in five years,
and acted Ingomar. Oct 10 Miss Makeah acted Beatrice, in
"Much Ado About Nothing;" Harry Eytinge was the Benedick.
Oct II, "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 Makeah, afterwards Mrs. Geo. Vandenhofif, 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, lago; Melinda Jones, Desdemona; and Mrs. Jordan,
Emilia. Oct. 17 "Julius Caesar" was seen, with Marshall as
Brutus, Eddy as Cassius; C. Pope, Marc Antony; Oct. 18, "Wil-
liam Tell" and "Pizarro;" 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. Ollapod, Mrs. F. B. Con-
way as Miss Worthington, and Mrs. Archbold as Miss McTab;
Oct. 23 Alexina Fisher Baker and John Lewis Baker appeared in

428 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D^

"Ion." Oct. 24, "The Foundling of Paris," followed, Oct. 25, by
"Satan in Paris;" Oct 26, "Jane Shore;" Oct. 27, "Wallace;^'
Oct. 28, " The Ragpicker of Paris ; " Oct. 30, " The Mystic Bell
of Ronquerolles, or the Memoir of the Devil," Eddy as Nicholas.
Nov. I Emily Lesdernier made her d^but as Evadne; Nov. 2,
"Corsican Brothers," Eddy as the twin heroes. Nov. 6 Julia
Dean reappeared and acted Juliet in " Romeo and Juliet ; " after-
wards "Lucrezia Borgia," "The Duke's Wager," "Ingomar,"
"Isabel, or the Fatal Marriage," and for her benefit, "Tortesa,
the Usurer." Julia Dean acted Marian in "The Wrecker's
Daughter," Nov. 20. Nov. 21, "Pizarro" with E. Eddy as RoUa,
George Boniface as Pizarro, Mrs. F. B. Conway as Cora, and Me-
linda Jones as Elvira; Nov. 22 saw "Finished Picture;" Nov. 24,
"The Hunchback" and "Madelaine, or The Foundling of Paris;"
Nov. 27, 28, "Griselda," with Mrs. Farren in the title rdle; Nov.
29, "The Stranger." Dec. 2 Jessie McLean made her d6but 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, McKean 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. McKean
Buchanan made his d6but 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, "The Lost Son."
The circus season closed Jan. 22, when, in addition to equestrian
performances, "The Virgin of the Sun" and "The 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. la
The next manager was James H. Hackett, 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
Felicita Vestvali, who sang Arsace. Feb. 19 was the benefit of
James H. Hackett, when " La Traviata " was given. The prices
during this engagement were : Orchestra seats, $y ; balcony seats,
$6; parquet and circle, $5; 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

i«55D 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 30 OF SEPTEMBER.

It will consist of Comeille's tragedy, entitled

"LES HORACES."

Mile. Rachel will appear as Camille.

The performance will begin at 7I o'clock |)recisely, with Jules de Premeray's
new comedy, in two acts, in which tne 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 Lebrun, with Mile. Rachel as Marie.

Prices of admission to Mile. Rachel's performances :

Orchestra Seats, Parquet and First I Parquet Circle $3

Circle $2 1 Upper Circle $1

Raphael Ftux, manager of the Rachel company.

Miles. Dina and Lia F61ix, M. Dieudonne, 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
boxes 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 with 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 meagreness 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 DHs

beauty, and the expression of her countenance was one of the most
unhappy I have ever seen; but her worn, weary aspect, her sad»
mournful eyes, were not ill-suited to the tragic rdles 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 the fatigue of her sea voyage. Yet, notwith-
standing these drawbacks, her Camille was a magnificent piece ci
acting. The 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 " 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 ofif 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 {i,ocx> to the
widows and orphans of the victims of the yellow fever at New
Orleans. She went to Boston, where she made her d£but 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 Phedre and Le
Moineau de Lesbie. 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 the 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 F61ix, 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, and it was
her last appearance on any stage. She acted Adrienne Lecou-

18553 TRIPLER HALL 43 1

vreur. 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 Sarden, 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 ** Les Horaces *' at the d^but here of Rachel. She was
two years the senior of Rachel. She was a comedienne, and was
engaged at the Gymnase and the Comedie, Paris. She died in
Paris, Jan. 13, 1877. I^ *s said that her declining years were de-
voted to the vending of cosmetics, which implies that but little of
Rachel's gpreat wealth descended to her. There were two other
sisters, Dina and Lia.

The Rachel season terminated Oct. 20, and the house was closed
for alterations. Laura Keene 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-
nounced to be indisposed, but 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 Keene, offering a reward of $5CX) 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; Mons. Monplaisir, ballet-master;
Thomas Baker, leader of orchestra.

432 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CH*

The house was now christened "Laura Keene's Varieties.*' The
cast of " Old Heads and Young Hearts " was :

Eaii Pompiar .... Mr. McDouall

Col. Rocket H. Hall

Littleton Coke . . . . G. Jordan

Jesse Rural Chas. Bass

(First appearance in four years).

Tom Coke Mr. Chandler

Bob T. B. Johntoa

Countess Pompiar . Mrs. Carpenter

Lady Alice Laura Keeoe

Miss Rocket .... Lottie Hoqgh

Laura Keene managed to play her part in the comedy, but broke
down while reciting an original poetical address. Dec. 29 ** Dreams
of Delusion *' was seen, with Kate Reignolds as Amabel ; Dec 31,
** Dreams of Delusion " and ** Masks and Faces. " The latter phy
had this cast :

Sir Charles Geo. Jordan

Ernest Vane .... F. Chandler
Colly Cibber ... Mr. McDouall

James Quin M. Wemyss

Snarl T. B. Johnson

Triplet Chas. Bass

Mrs. Vane .... Kate Reignoldi
Mrs. Triplet . . . Mrs. Carpenter

Cleopatra Miss Henry

Roxalina Miss Carman

Kittie Clive .... Lottie Hough
Margaret Woffington . Laura Keene

Jan. 7, 1856, "King of the Court" was given for the first time,
Geo. Jordan as Louis, C. Bass as Marquis, Kate Reignolds as
Adrienne, and Laura Keene as Louise. Rosalie Durand made her
d6but here as Thirise. " 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. 21, "The Lady of Lyons," Mary Wells as Mma
Deschapelles (her first appearance here); Jan. 24, ^ Money,"
Annie Lee (her first appearance here) as Georgina Vesey; Jan.
26, the drama, "The Violet," and the burlesque, "Midas;" Feb.
4, the farce, "The School for Tigers;" Feb 8, "The Love Chase,"
and first appearance of Conrad Clarke, acting Master Walter; Feb.
II, "Belphegor the Mountebank, or the Pride of Birth," Mrs. Les-
dernier making her appearance as Madame De Barbleu; Feb. 15,
"Masks and Faces;" Feb. 18, "Serious Family," Louis Mestayer
(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
Fashion Emily Lesdemier

Novelty Rosalie Dnraod

Fortune .... Kate Reignolds

The first tableau was "Toodles," 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-

iH«D

TRIPLER HALL

433

man; fifth tableau, ''Pauline;" sixth, ''A Midsummer Night's
Dream ; " seventh, Shakespeare ; eighth, " Uncle Tom ; " ninth,
''Heme, the Hunter;" tenth and last tableau, "The Apotheosis
of Washington." Feb. 25 "Look Before You Leap," was givea
March 3 " Two Loves and a Life " was played for the first time in
America, with this cast :

Father RaddifiEe H. HaU

John Daw .... T. B. Johnsoo

Capt. Jansen Lyster

Sampson Potts .... Frank Kea

Fanner Mr. Carpenter

Annie Kate Reignolds

This drama held the boards until March 15, when "She Stoops
to Conquer" was acted. "Camille, or A Moral of Life," adapted
and rearranged with manv novel effects expressly for this establish-
ment, was acted for the nrst time, March 17, and thus cast:

Sir Gervase Geo. Jordan

William S. K. Chester

Musgrave Wemyss

Capt. Dormer . . . . Mr. Howard

Standish S. Trevor

Ruth Ravenscar . . . Laura Keene

Armand Duval . . . Geo. Jordan
Count De Giray . . . Mr. Chandler

Dr. Lesage Mr. McDouall

Arthur Trevor

Gustave Howard

Nanine Kate Reignolds

Mile. Marie Miss Tree

M. Duval
Gaston .
St. Gauden
Camille
Nichette
Prudence
MUe. Anais

Chas. Bass

T. B. Tohnson

. Mr. wemyss

. Laura Keene

Annie Lewis

Mary Wells

Miss McEionoogh

Spirit of Camille's Mother Emily Lesdemier

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 Keene in
four acts and six tableaux, with an apotheosis. April 5 "The
Bride of I^mmermoor," 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. Hall
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. Mary's Eve," 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.

May 5 the musical burlesque, "Norma," and "Slightly Re-
moved," were acted for the first time. An original American
comedy called "My Wife's Mirror," was given May 10, for the
first time. "Diane, or Hands, not Hearts" was seen May 12, for
the first time. Mrs. John R. Scott was in the cast. For Rosalie

434 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DV

Durand's benefit, May 24, "The Daughter of the Regiment" and
"Novelty" (fifty-seventh and last time) was done. This termi-
nated Rosalie Durand's engagement here. May 26 John Brougham's
dramatization of " Jane Eyre " was acted for the first time. Laura
Keene made her reappearance, after a long illness, in the title rdle.
This was the cast :

Lord Theodore .

Brocklehorst . .
Lady Blanche

Dowager . . .

Mrs. Gryce . .

Grace Pool . • .
The Maniac Wife

G. K. Diddnsoii
. . . CBass
Kate Reignoldt

Mai^Wellt

Mrs. J. R. Scott

Mrs. Carpenter

Mrs. Janris

Rochester George Jordan

Col. Dent H. Hall

John Downey ... T. B. Johnson

Jane Eyre Laura Keene

Lady May Ada Clare

Mrs. Col. Dent . .Miss McDonough
Miss Temple . . . Annie Walters
Miss Sentcherd . • Emily Lesdernier

Chas. Bass had a benefit June 5, with "The Rivals/* first ap-
pearance here of Mrs. H. P. Grattan as Mrs. Malaprop, and the
comedy "It Takes Two to Make a Bargain." Charles Loveday
appeared June 10, as Frederick Flighty in "Married Rake.
"The Spitalfield's Weaver" was seen for the first time at this
house, June 14, at the benefit of H. Hall. "Clarissa Harlowe,
or the History of a Young Lady," was given June 16, for the first
time, and with this cast :

Lord Robert . . . G. K. Dickinson
Capt. James Harlowe . Chas. Loveday
Clarissa Harlowe . . Laura Keene
Jenny Kate Reignolds

Patrick . .
Mrs. Harlowe
Arabella
Mrs. Smith

Geo. Jofdm
. . Mary Welis
. iLmily J.<es(lenuer
. Mrs. J. R. Scott

The season closed June 21, 1856, with a benefit to Laura Keene,
when "The School for Scandal " was played with this cast :

Sir Peter Teazle C. Bass

Sir Oliver Wemyss

Charles Geo. Jordan

Joseph G. K. Dickinson

Crabtree .... T. B. Johnson

Sir Benjamin Loveday

Rowley McDouaU

Moses H. Hall

Trip Reeve

Snake Chester

Careless Howard

Sir Harry Wilson

William Carpenter

Lady Teazle .... Laura Keene
Maria . . . Mrs. T. B. Johnson
Lady Sneerwell . • Emily Lesdernier
Mrs. Candour .... Mary Wells
Mary Mrs. J. R. Scott

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. But on May 19 she paid La Farge, at his residence,
$2,875, ^^^ 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

itsQ

TRIPLER HALL

435

her season, June 21, 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
was: Agnes Robertson, Polly and Louise Marshall, Fanny Vining
(Mrs. E. L. Davenport^, Sallie St. Clair, Fanny Brown, Mrs.
Milton Rainford, Mrs. (fharles Howard, Mrs. Hughes, Georgiette
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 Barre (dancer), E. L. Davenport, Dion Bourci-
cault, Thomas Placide, Charles Fisher, Mark Smith, D. Howard,
Harcourt, L. C. Bishop, John Moore, Dan Setchell, Milton Rain-
ford, Everett, Tree, Winslee, Geo. Holman, Gourlay, C. Parsloe^
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 Anthonv Absolote Mark Smith

Capt Absoiote . . Charles Fisher

Sir Lucius D. Howard

Falkland Mr. Rainford

Bob Acres Burton

David Thos. Placide

Fafi^ John Moore

Lyaia Mrs. C. Howard

{ulia Mrs. A. Parker
irs. Malaprop .... Mrs. Hughes
Lucy Fanny Brown

This was followed by a dance by Geo. W. Smith and Ducy Barre,
after which " The Loan of a Lover," with Geo. Holman as Capt.
Amesfort, Thomas Placide as Peter Spyk, Gourley 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 Lisette 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,
'* Charity's Love." Polly Marshall made her American d^but Sept.
22, as Fanny Gribbles 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 OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dl*

England Sept. 11, 1862, where she died. Her first appearance cm
the stage was at Covent Garden Theatre, London, Sept. 7, 1840, as
Robin in " The Merry Wives of Windsor," to Hartley's FalstafiE, and
as the Fairy Dewdrop in the extravaganza '* The Sleeping Beauty.*
"The Witch Wife" was a new play first acted Sept 25. **Tlic
Queen's Husband " was first acted here Oct, 2, followed by "The Poor
Scholar " and " Twice Killed," all the same night. " The Wreckers,
or a Dream at Sea," had its initial performance Oct 9. K. 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 Placide as Crabtree, Dan Setcheil
as Trip, Mrs. E. L. Davenport as Lady Teazle, and Louisa Howard
(her first appearance) as Maria; Oct. 27 the new play of " Self" was
presented and cast thus :

Mrs. Apex .
May Apex .
Mrs. Radius
Mrs. Codliver

. • Mrs. A. Parker

Mrs. £. L. Davenpoft

. . Mrs. C Howard

. . PoOy Marshall

Unit Burton

Apex C. Fisher

Charles Morton

Cypher T. Placide

Promptcash .... D. Setdiell

It had a run of twelve nights. ** Presented at Court, or the City
Heiress," had its first representation here Nov. 10, with 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 the Reign of Terror ; " Nov. 28 a new drama by
Bourcicault, entitled " Victor and Hortense," and the extravaganza,
" Blue Belle, a Fairy Tale," were first acted. The cast of ** Victor
and Hortense " was :

Chaplor Mr. McRae

Hortense . . . Ag^es Robertson
Mme. Pommard . . .Mrs. Hu^es

The last new ballet divertissement, " Les Nymphs Des Bois," was
danced by Mile. Ducy Barre, Geo. Smith, and corps de dallet /** Blut
Belle " was cast as follows :

Victor Dion Bourcicault

Mallard Mark Smith

Michael Dan Setcheil

The Countess . . . Polly MarshaO

The Count Mark Smith

Blind Fiddler .... Fanny Brown
Jelva Miss L. Marshall

Bob Barleycorn Burton

Kickeriwiski .... Dan Setcheil

Coupee J. Moore

Sig. Gargellini Holman

Blue Bell . . . Agnes Robertson

Dec. 5, for the first time here, "The Phantom" was seen ; Dec. 8,
"The Rights and Wrongs of Woman;" Dec. 9 "The Toodles"
was acted ; Dec. 10 " The Slave Actress," a new play, was given
with this cast:

Emperor Paul Rainford Von Fiezenspan Burton

Prince Feodar Morton Fobwei D. Setcheil

Piotze C. Fisher Marie Jane Coombi

Petrouvna .... Polly Marshall j

IH7D

TRIPLER HALL

437

This was the first appearance at this theatre of Jane Coombs ;
Dec 1 5 Burton played Bob Tyke, in " The School of Reform ; " Dec.
i6, " Dombey and Son " (first time here) and " Paul Pry." Polly
Marshall was seen as Susan Nipper for the first time. Dec. 22,
** The J^ous Wife/' when Julia Bennett Barrow made her first ap-
pearance in this city in several years, acting Mrs. Oakley ; Dec. 26,
*' Twelfth Night/' Mrs. Barrow as Viola, Jane Coombs as Olivia,
Pblly 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 I The Princess .... Mre. Barrow

Caspar Fabian .... C. Fisher | Madaline Sara Sterens

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 HypoUte, 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,
or Woman's Heart ; " Jan. 26, first time in New York, " Olympia,"
written for Mrs. Barrow. Jam. 29 she was seen as Rosalind in '' As
You Uke It."

John Brougham appeared Feb. 2, as Dennis Bulgpruddery 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 her d^but here
March 2, for Mrs. C. Howard's benefit. Charles Howard made his
first appearance this season, acting Charles H.; March 9, J. W.
Wallack, Jr., (first appearance at this theatre) in " Wat Tyler," with
this cast:

Richard Sara Stevens

RoJand Rainford

Sir Robert Cbas. Fisher

Maud Mrs. Dunn

Fieri Wharton ... L. P. Barrett
John Ball Morton

Sir WiUiam Tree

Wat Tyler J. W. Wallack

Alice Mrs. A. Plunkett

Robin Mark Smith

Markhaun Holman

" 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 Ponsard's comedy of " The Bourse," by T. B, De Walden. " The
Rales of the House, or the Revolt of the Boarders," was a farce with
the scene laid in a Bleecker Street boarding-house. It was first acted
March 28. " The Honeymoon " was presented the same night, with

438 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«57

J. W. Wallack, Jr., as Duke Aranza. " A Winter's Tale " was per-
formed April 6, with Sara Stevens as Perdita, J. W. Wallack, Jr., as
Leontes, Charles Fisher as Polixenes, Burton as Autolycus, and Polly
Marshall as Dorcas.

The Pyne & Harrison Opera company appeared, April 14, in
" The Crown Diamonds/' Harrison as Don Henrique, S. Leach as
Reboliedo, Horncastle as the Count, Susan Pyne as Diana, and
Louisa Pyne as Catarina, in which character she introduced the
echo song of "The Skylark." E. MoUenhauer was conductor.
April 16, "The Bohemian Girl;" April 18, "The Daughter of the
Regiment; " April 21, "Maritana," when W. V. Wallace, the com-
poser of the opera, was the conductor, for this night only ; April 23,
"La Sonnambula;" April 25, "Fra Diavolo'* and "Midas," witii
Louisa Pyne as Apollo. The Pyne and Harrison company made
their last appearance in America (as an organization) Friday, May i,
in aid of the Widows and Orphans' Fund of the New York Fire de-
partment, in a gjand 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. This vi^as their
farewell of America. April 20 " Paul Shark," was first acted here,
and April 27, "Hearts are Trumps, or the Grambler's Daughter."
" Our Best Society," founded on " Potiphar's Papers," was revived
April 29.

Edwin Booth appeared May 4, in " Richard HI." :

Richard Booth

King Henry Mark Smith

?^ueen Elizabeth . . Amelia Parker
ady Anne .... Sara Stevens

Mr. Booth continued till May 30, and acted Sir Giles Overreach;
Shylock ; " King Lear; " " Richard III. ; " " Romeo and Juliet," Mrs.
E. L. Davenport as Juliet, Charles Fisher as Mercutio, and Mrs.
Hughes as the Nurse ; " Hamlet," L. P. Barrett as Laertes ; Claude
Melnotte in " The Lady of Lyons ;" lago, to Charles Fisher's Othello;
Sir Edwin Mortimer in " The Iron Chest ; " Julian St. Pierre in "The
Wife ; " " The Stranger ; " Pescara in " The Apostate ; " " Richelieu ;"
Brutus, Sara Stevens acting Tarquinia, Charles Fisher as Sextus
Tarquin, L. P. Barrett as Titus, 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 " The Stage Struck Taylor."
The season closed June 6, with " Married Life." A summer season
began June 8, with Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence the stars.

On June 9, 1857, A. H. Davenport, familiarly known as "Dolly

Richmond C. Fisher

Duchess of York . .Mrs. Rainfoni
Tressel L. P. Barrett

i«57D TRIPLER HALL 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 i, 1857. "Dolly" was armed with a re-
volver, and fearing a serious termination to this Imeuie, some one
threw up " Dolly's " arm and the pbtol was discharged in the air.
June 29 "Sunshine Through the Clouds," "Trying it On," and
" Catching a Governor," with Julia Daly as Katherine Klopper in
the latter piece, was the programme. " Black Eyed Susan " was
seen July i, with Charles Fisher as William and Mrs. Holman
as Susan. Boothroyd Fairclough also appeared as Richard HL
"The Naiad Queen" was presented Julv 3, with Lizzie Weston
Davenport as the Naiad Queen, and Mile. Katarina did a dance.
Wm. Wood, the pantomimist, was also in the play. July*2i 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'Shiel ; Aug. 4 Susan Denin acted Widow Del-
maine in "The Serious Family; " Aug. 10 Maggie Mitchell played
Narramattah in " The Wept of the Wish-ton- Wish," also Cleopatra
in the farce of " Anthony and Cleopatra ; " Aug. n, Narramattah and
"The French Spy." She closed Aug. 15, with "SaUn 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, CoUetti, and Luigia Caranti. " Lucrezia Borgia"
was the first opera ; Aug. 21 Vestvali sang, and Sig. Giannoni (first
appearance in New York) was Tebaldo in " Giulietta e Romeo ; "
Aug. 28 " Emani " 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, ^^^ ^^^ company
consisting of Susan Denin, Mrs. W. H. Smith, Sallie St. Clair,
Mrs. Seymour, Josie Orton, Ada Clifton, Miss Denham, Amelia
Parker, Miss Miller, W. H. Briggs, L. P. Barrett, Jas. Seymour,
Charles Fisher, Mark Smith, John Moore, Dan Setchell, J. L.
Barrett, Mrs. Holman, Bishop, McRae, Paul, Lawson, Baccianti,
Hurley, Gledhill, Sherley, Vernon, De Silveria ; John Moore, stage
manager ; Henry C. Jarrett, acting manager. Edwin Booth appeared
as Sir Giles Overreach on the opening night, and afterwards as
Richelieu ; Pescara, 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

440 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [ilsy

later in " Hamlet," " The Stranger," " The Dramatist, or Catch Him
Who Can," and " Money," with Wm. E. Burton as Graves, Bte. W.
H. Smith (her first appearance) as Lady Franklin. On Sept. i6^
he played Rover in ** Wild Oats," and Petrucbio in " Taming of the
Shrew," Susan Denin acting Katharina. Murdoch afterwards ap-
peared as Charles de Moor in ** The Robbers ; " as Duke Arana 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 Bianca in " Fazio," Charles Foster
as Fazio, Ada Clifton as Aldabella ; 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 Denin's Juliet, with
Mrs. Hughes as the Nurse in " Romeo and Juliet." Oct. i Miss
Cushman was seen as Mrs. Haller in " The Stranger ; " and later as
Rosalind in " As You Like It ; " Meg Merrilies in " Guy Manner-
ing ; " Bianca in " Fazio," and Tisbe in " The Actress of Padua.*
She terminated her engagement Oct. 22, as M^ Merrilies, and Mrs.
Simpson in '' Simpson & Co." She reappeared Oct. 27, as Lad^
Macbeth. Charles Fisher acted Macbeth, Geo. Boniface, Macduff;
L. P. Barrett, Banquo ; Mark Smith, John Moore, and Dan Setchdl
were the three witches. Later she acted Tisbe in " The Actress of
Padua ; " Romeo, to Susan Denin's Juliet ; Meg Merrilies, and ** Janet
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 VIH.," and on Nov. 13 was
seen as Cardinal Wolsey in the same play. The same night she
played Lady Clifton in " Lesson of the Heart ; '* Nov. 14, " London
Assurance" was given with this cast:

Lady Gay Cushman

Mark Meddle Burton

Sir Harcourt .... Mark Smith

Max Harkaway . . . Susan Denin

Dazzle Charles Fisher

Charles W. Briggs

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 appeared as a dock rat and an Irish apple
woman. J. Rogers, a comedian from London, made his American
d^but Dec. 2, as Tom Tippler in " You *re Sure to be Shot ; " the

itsQ

TRIPLER HALL

441

travesty ''Hamlet" was alto 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 Courtley; 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 Brouffhaun

Sir Peter Mark Smith

Lady Teazle . Lizzie W. Davenport
Mrs. Candour Mrs. W. H. Smith

Joseph C. Fisher

Crabtree John Moore

Trip Dan Setchell

Moses Seymour

Brougham's burlesque, ** Columbus el Filibustero/' with Brougham
as Columbus, Mark Smith as Ferdinand, and 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 Bachelor's Wife," written for this theatre, was
produced Jan. 11, 1858, with Charles Mathews and John Brougham
m the cast. " Twelfth Night " was done Jan. 17, with this cast:

Sir Andrew Aguecheek . C. Matthews
Toby Belch . . . Wm. E. Burton

Fabun Dan SetcheU

Olivia Amelia Parker

Maria .... Mrs. W. H. Smith

Orsini .
Malvolio
VioU .
Sebastian

• • • . . Briffgs

C« Fisher

. Uzxie W. Davenport
. . . L. P. Barrett

" Old Heads and Young Hearts " was given Jan. 27, with Charles
Mathews as Littleton Coke, and Chas. 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 Falstaff .... Burton ' Sir Hogh . .

Master Slender Walcot j The JoUy Host

Master Ford Fisher Justice Shallow

Master Page Brings I Dr. Caius

Pistol Setchell j Bardolph . .

Fenton Holman Corporal Njm

Mrs Ford . . Lizzie W. Davenport ' Mrs. Page
Dame Quickly . . . Mrs. Hughes ; Anne Page

C. Mathews
Brougham
Mark Smith
John Moore
. Seymour
McRae
Amelia Parker
. Miss MiUer

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,
or the Young Virgfinian," was first played here Feb. 12. Mathews'
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 Ci«5B

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
Savage and the Maiden/' was seen for the first time here. Burton
appeared as Crummels. March i Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Davenport
appeared in " Richard HI." and later in the " Struggle for Gold,"
" Othello," and March 10, for the first time on any stage, the Amer-
ican drama "The Coup d'etat." On March 16 a new play was
produced for the first time, entitled " The Mormons, or Life in Salt
Lake City," by Thomas Dunn English. The Hutchinson Brothers,
gymnasts, made their American d^but 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 by Brougham, called "The Great Tragic Revival," was
produced. April 26 was the first night of a new drama called " A
Life Among the Players of England and America." On May i five
plays were acted, viz : " My Friend in the Straps," a new play by
Brougham called " The Musard Ball, or Love at the Academy," "This
House to be Sold," " The Man Without a Head," and " Love and
Murder." J. H. Hackett played Falstafif May 7, in "The First Part
of King Henry VI." A season of Italian Opera was begun May 10,
by La Grange, Ronconi, Mme. Avagadro, Tiberini, Giorgio Ronconi,
Barilli, and Sig. Nicolao ; " L' Elisir d'Amore " was given. May 12,
"II Barbiere;" May 14, " Linda di Chamounix;" matinee May 15,
" L* Elisir d'Amore." A summer season was opened May 17, witi
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews in "A Cure for the Heartache."
Mathews closed May 22. The Ronzani Ballet troupe commenced
May 23, when Annetta Galetti made 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" May 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 Throne, the Tomb, and the Scaffold"
was played. In August Mr. Burton advertised this house for sale
or for rent.

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

iHTJ

TRIPLER HALL

443

Marie Colson

Marchesa Morra

Otensio Corradi

the opening star, and played for two weeks. The week of Sept. 13
the "stock" was the attraction. The Strakosch Italian Opera com-
pany appeared Sept. 13, in '' Lucrezia Borgia," and " Rory O'Moore ''
was acted by the dramatic company ; Sept. 14 Mme. Colson made
her American d^but in ** La Figlia del Reggimento " :

Tonio Labocetta

Sulpizio BarilU

Un Caporale Kiebe

Sept. 15 J. B. Roberts appeared as Sir Giles Overreach in " A New
Way to Pay Old Debts ; " Sept. 16 " 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 I^r." The opera nights were
then fixed for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sept. 2 1 Marietta
Gazzaniga appeared as Leonore, Mme. Strakosch as Azucena, Bri-
gnoli as Manrico, Amodio as Count di Luna, and Barilli as Fernando
in " II Trovatore ; " " Richelieu " was done Sept. 22. Harry Loraine
made his first appearance at this theatre, Sept. 24, acting Othello ; J.
B. Roberts was lago. 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 *' Lucrezia Borgia."
The Lucy Escott English Opera troupe first appeared in America
at thb house Oct. 4, 1858, and consisted of Lucy Escott, Emma
Heywood, Harriet Payne (Mrs. Aynesley Cook), Henry Squires,
Brookhouse Bowler, Charles Durand, Aynesley Cook, and Edward
ReylofiF, musical conductor. ** II Trovatore " was the first opera :

Leonore Lucj Escott Count di Luna . . . Chas. Durand

Inez Miss White Manrico Henry Squires

Azucena .... Emma Heywood 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 eflFcct : " 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 d6but in
** I Puritani." It was reopened Nov. 11, 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 &•»

Laura Keene in getting possession of the theatre. In this specula-
tion Mr. Burton lost a large sum of money, and bad he continued
much longer he might have been a ruined man. Wayne Olwine and
John Moore were the next lessees, who opened with the following
company: Ada Clifton, Annie Lonsdale, Mrs. H. C. Jordan, Wayne
Olwine, John Moore, Joseph Whiting, Delmon Grace, G. C. Jorcian,
T. Baker, and H. Russell. Peter and Caroline Richings were the
first stars, and the opening play was " Extremes." Peter Richings
was Mark Mayberry ; Caroline Richings, Mrs. Crosby ; John Moore,
Higg^ns; 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
" Clari, the Maid of Milan," when Julia Daly (Mrs. Wayne Olwine)
first appeared here as Veshina in the latter opera. Miss Vanden-
hoff and Mr. Swinboume appeared in ** Woman's Heart " (first time
in 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 Harris Ada Clifton Eva Cordelia Howard

Aunt Ophelia . . Mrs. H. Jordan Topsy . . . Mrs. G. C. Howard

Marie St Clair . . . Lizzie Walton St. Clair G. C. Howard

Chloe Miss White Phineas Carroll Hicks

Uncle Tom .... H. C. Jordan Wilson J. Whiting

Marks T. Baker Shelby Wm. Waid

Geo. Harris .... Delmon Grace

Barry Sullivan appeared in " Hamlet " Dec. 20, and later played in
" Richelieu ; " " The Lady of Lyons ; " •' The Gamester ; " " Richard
III. ; " " Money ; " " 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
Bouxary Ballet troupe, consisting of Celestine Franck, Mons. and
Mme. Bouxary, Ducy Barre, Vilardi Zolossy, and Mons. Gredfler,
came Jan. 6. " Oliver Twist *' Jan. 8, with Cordelia Howard and her
parents in the cast; Joseph Proctor appeared Jan. 10 in " Virginius,"
with John Moore as Dentatus 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. "Our Female
American Cousin" was acted Jan. 31, with this cast:

Thomas Hamblin

Sir William Appleby ... J. Canoll
Clarence Fitzherbert . Wayne Olwine
Gerald Appleby . . . Dehnon Grace

Parmelia Julia Daly

James Geo. Brooks

Lady Appleby . Mrs. H. C. Jordan
Lady Mixington . . . Mrs. H. Moore
Briclget Miss Tom Baker

s«593

TRIPLER 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
Olga .... Mrs. F. B. Conway

Peter F. B. Conway

Prince Charles Fisher

Count Menzikoff
Admiral . . .
Count Ivan . .

. W. Reynokls

. . . Dawson

W. H. Maddocks

" A Kiss in the Dark " followed, with Dawson as Selim Pettibone,
Fanny Denham Rouse as Mary, Miss Miller as Mrs. Selim Petti-
bone, and Mrs. Le Brun as the Unknown. '' Camille " was played
April 8, with F. B. Conway as Armand, Chas. Fisher as M. Duval,
Mrs. W. H. Smith as Babillard, and Mrs. F. B. Conway as Helene.
** Mesalliance, or Faith and Falsehood," was acted April 13, with
this cast:

Leonie 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 . .
Master Goodwin
Finesse . . .
Magistrate
Doctor . . .
D'Auville . .
Keeper of Prison

Chas. Fisher
. • G. Farren
. F. B. Conway
W. H. Maddocks
. W. R. Bhke
. . . Howard
Cunningham

This was Barton Hill's and G. Farren's first appearance in New
York. It was stated that '' Mesalliance " was an original play, but
Barton Hill created considerable surprise at the first rehearssd 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 Mrs. 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 Mav 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
the Actress " was gfiven May 10; "The Hunchback," May 13 ; the
new play " Mona Lisa," and the last act of *' Masks and Faces," May
14, when the season closed.

A summer season commenced May 16, with James H. Hackett as
Sir John Falstaff in "The Merry Wives of Windsor." Hackett
acted "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Kentuckian's Trip to New
York," May 19; Catherine Lucette and Captain Morton Price made
their American d6but May 23, in " A Delicate Ground," " All 's Fair
in Love," and *• Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady." " Louise dc
LigneroUes, or A Wife's Devotion," was first acted here May 26. A

benefit for the Mount Veraon 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, and with this cast :

Lady Flora . . . Adelaide Phillips

Marie Kate Duckworth

Dame Popinjay . Mrs. W. H. Smith
Count Ernest . . Chas. Guilmette

Annette .... Catharine Locette

Claude W. H. Cooke

Gipsey Lucy E^scott

Jacques .... A Gent of this City

The theatre closed July 5, for alterations and repairs, and reopened
June 8, with the following company: Wra. Rufus Blake, John
Brougham, John Dyott, C. Barton Hill, David Whiting, S. Baker,
Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Conway, Charles M. Walcot, George Holland,
S. B. Duffield, W. Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. H. Howard, Mrs. W. H.
Smith, Sara Stevens, Ada Clifton, and Viola Crocker. E. Mollenhauer,
leader; A. T. Whitney, treasurer; F. B. Conway, manager. Old
comedies were acted for two weeks, including "The Rivals," John
Brougham as Sir Lucius OTrigger, W. R. Blake as Sir Anthony, F.
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 Assurance ;" and *' The Rivals." Brougham's
play, " Art and Artifice," was done June 20, with this cast :

Quentin Matsys . . . F. B. Conway
Monty Wilde . . . John Brougham

Martin John Dyott

HansWiezle C. Walcot

Hermyn Van Twylt . . Geo. Holland

Jacob Vilt T. Hodges

Alyte .... Mrs. F. B. Conway

Gertrude Ada Clifton

Thekea .... Mrs. W. H. Smith

This play was originally produced at the Old Bowery Theatre.

S. B. Duffield was the next lessee and manager, and 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," written for Geo. Holland, followed, with
Holland as Terry, Sara Wax, and Mile. Dumpolino, Davey as Ster-
ling, Mary Gannon as Polly ; after which came " Columbus el Fili-
bustero." "Bleak House" was acted July 11. 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 said to have
cost j^20,ooo. The curtain opening was 36 feet wide and 28 feet
high. The stage, one of the largest in the world, was 100 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 Bourcicault's
version of " A Cricket on the Hearth," was given with this fine cast:

ia6o3

TRIPLER HALL

447

{ohn Perrybingle
)ot . . . .
Tilly Slowboy .
Caleb Plummer
Bertha . . .

Harry Pearson

Affiles Kobertson

Mrs. John Wood

Joseph Je£Eerson

Sara Stevens

Edward Plummer
Mrs. Fielding
Tackleton . . .
May Fielding . .

. A. H. Davenport

Mrs. W. R. BUike

T. B. Johnson

. Mrs. J. H. Allen

William Stuart was manager.

''The Octoroon" was plaved 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 :

McCloskey F. C. Bangs

Pete Geo. Jamison

Dora Sunnyside . Mrs. J. H. Stoddart
Mrs. Peyton . . Mrs. W. R. Blake
Zoe Mrs. J. H. AUen

Salem Scndder . . Joseph Jefferson

Sunn3rside Geo. Holland

Geo. Peyton . . . A. H. Davenport

Paul lone Burke

Wah-no-tee H. Pearson

Matilda Heron appeared Jan. 23, with for the first time in this
city, her adaptation of Latour's play, ** Lesbia " :

Galieno George Jordan

Sholuro Georee Jamison

Raspo T. fi. Johnson

Lesbia Matilda Heron

Viola Louise Allen

Orseolo .... J. W. Wallack, Jr.
The Doge J. H. Stoddart

The theatre closed Feb. i, for a rehearsal of Joseph Jefferson's
adaptation of Dickens' '' Oliver Twist/' produced Feb. 2, with this
cast:

Nancv Sikes .... Matilda Heron
Bill Sikes .... George Jordan

Bumble George Holland

Oliver Twist lone Burke

Brownlow J. H. Stoddart

Fagin . . .
Artful Dodger
Mrs. Coraey .
Fanny . . .

J. W. Wallack, Jr.

. . T. B. Johnson

Mrs. W. R. Blake

. . Mme. Ponisi

Basil . .
Mme. Latour
Benedict

. . . . H. Pearson

Mrs. Henry Vining

Chas. Kemble Mason

Feb. 20 Mrs. John Wood appeared. ''Ivanhoe" was played
March 5, with Mrs. Wood in the principal r61e. Kate Bateroan re-
appeared March 19, after an absence ot five years, in " Evangeline."

Evangeline .... Kate Bateman
Baptiste .... Joseph Jefferson

Gaoriel George Jordan

Father Felicien . . . J. H. Stoddart

A season of Italian opera began April 11, under the direction of
Max Maretzek, with " Lucia di Lammermoor." Mons. and Mme.
Gassier and Errani, were in the organization. Sig. Stigelli first
appeared April 16, in " Emani." Mme. Fabri was the Elvira. " La
Juive " was sung for the first time in America, by Maretzek company
April 30. Julia Dean Hayne appeared June 5, as Pauline in "The
Lady of Lyons." John T. Raymond was seen in a farce. E. G. P.
Wilicins' " Young New York," was done June 1 1 . Jamison's original
drama " The Old Plantation, or the Real Uncle Tom," was acted for
the first time June 21, i860.

448 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE ijmo

Mme. Hetty Julia Dean

Uncle Tom . . . Geo. W. Jamison

Daisy Sara Stevens

Talbot Humphrey Bland

Pete Harry Jordan

Robert C. Barton Hill

Edward Melville . . . B. Ringeold
Aunt Hester .... Miss DenEam
Virginia Mrs. H. Bland

Julia Dean Hayne took her farewell benefit June 29, when she
acted Mrs. Chillington in '' A Morning Call/' and Katharina, to C.
Barton Hill's Petruchio, in " The Taming of the Shrew." July 3,
Agnes Robertson was seen in " Jessie Brown, or the Relief of Luck-
now ; " July 7, " The Colleen Bawn," was played with Ag^es Robert-
son as Eileen O'Connor, Boucicault as Myles na Coppaleen, Kate
Reignolds as Ann Chute, Mme. Ponisi as Mrs. Cregan, T. B. John-
son as Danny Mann, and J. H. Stoddart as Kyrle Daly. The
Ravels, for the first time in twenty-five years, left Niblo's to appear
at an uptown theatre. They appeared here July 23, in " Kim Ka,"
and " Vol au Vent." In the organization were Gabriel and Francois
Ravel, George M. Lehman, Miss Francis, Mile. Leontine, Miss
Shaw, Miss Chiarini, Young America, and Mons. TophofT. William
Rufiis Blake took a benefit July 19, when ** Grandfather Whitehead,"
" The Latest fi-om New York," the fourth act of " The Merchant of
Venice," " The Last Man," and dancing by Mme. 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. Wsdlack, Jr., Geo. Jordan, Blake, A. W.
Youn^, John Dyott, A. H. Davenport, and Mary Gannon.

Prof. John Anderson, the " Wizard of the North," rented the house
for three weeks, and began Aug. 20. The season of 1 860-1 com-
menced Sept. 10, with Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams in " All Hallow
Eve," " An Hour in Seville," " The Irish Tiger," and the National
anthem "The Star Spangled Banner." A. W. Jackson was the
manager, and Wm. S. Fredericks stage manager. The company was
as follows : Ada Clifton, Sophie Gimber, Mrs. Duffield, Mrs. Thome,
Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau, Mrs. John Sefton, Mrs. Greorge Stoddart, C.
W. Couldock, Wm. Davidge, J. H. Stoddart, Geo. Stoddart, Chas.
R. Thorne, Jr., Owen Marlowe, M. V. Lingham, John Dyott, & D.
Johnson, and others. ** Phelim O'Donnell and the Leprachaun,"
was first acted Sept. 21, with Barney Williams in the title rdle.
The play was not a success. The extravaganza " The Mag^c 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
trapeze.

Charlotte Cushman, after an absence of three years, appeared here
Oct. I, in "The Stranger." John Dyott was engaged as special
support. This play was repeated Oct. 2. " Fazio " was acted Oct.

i860

TRIPLER HALL

449

3, 4» 5, and Ada Clifton played Aldabella to Miss Cushman's Bianca.
** Romeo and Juliet " followed, with Miss Cushman as Romeo and
Mrs. D. P. Bowers as Juliet; Oct. i6, 17, "Macbeth," the star as
Lady Macbeth, Couldock as Macbeth, John Dyott as Macduff; Oct.
19 she acted Juliana in " The Honeymoon," and Queen Katherine
in fourth act of "Henry VHI.;" Oct. 20, "Guy Mannering" was
given:

Meg Merrilies
Col. Mannering .
Henry Bertram .
Dominie Sampson
Dandy Dinmoot .

C. Cushman

M. V. Lingham

James Dunn

. . Davidge

Couldock

Franco Chas. Edwin

Jock Jabus Evans

Barnes Mr. Clarke

Miss Mannering .... Miss Oifton
Lucy Bertram . . . Mrs. Chanfraa

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 Wolsey in " Henry VHI." She closed Oct. 24, when Miss
Powell made her d6but 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. Duffield, Queen Gertrude. Nov. 29 " The Apos-
tate " was given, with John B. Studley (his first appearance here)
as Hemeya, The same evening " Betsy Baker " and " My Young
Wife and Old Umbrella " were played. " Richelieu " was acted Nov.
30, and later " Richard HL" and " Othello ; " " Romeo and Juliet "
Dec. 19, when Amy Elliott (real name Dinsroore) 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
Winkle." Jan. i, 1861, Mr. Jefferson acted Newman Noggs, in
" Nicholas Nickleby," Lullaby in " A Conjugal Lesson," and Diggory
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 Dinsmore, appeared
Jan. 22, as Julia in " The Hunchback," with John Dyott as Master
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. i, " Macbeth " Feb. 4, Booth
as Macbeth for the first time in this city. " The Iron Chest " and
"Don Cxsar de Bazan" Feb. 8, and Feb. 11, "The Merchant of

450 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE ZMi

Venice," Booth acting Shylock for the first time. " Othello " Feb.
1 8, with Booth as Othello, and J. W. Wallack, Jr., as lago. Charlotte
Cushman reappeared Feb. 25, in " Oliver Twist" :

Fagan J. W. Wallack, Jr.

Biff Sikcs .... J. B. Studlcy
Artful Dodger . . . S. D. Johnson
Beadle Bumble . . . Wm. Davidge

Fang Owen Marlowe

Oliver Twist . . Mrs. Geo. Stoddait
Nancy Sikes . . Charlotte Cushman

*' Guy Mannering " was presented March 11, with Cushman as
Meg Merrilies and J. W. Wallack as Dandy Dinmont. For her
benefit she acted Lady Teazle, Wallack as Charles Surface, and
Ranger as Sir Peter Teazle. Jane Coombs appeared here March 11,
as Margaret Elmore, in " Love's Sacrifice." " The Lady of 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 ''The Hidden Hand,"
Chanfrau as Wool, Robert Johnston as Old Hurricane (his first
appearance at this theatre). Annette Ince made her New Yoric
d^but March 27, as the Countess in *' Love." She afterwards acted
Parthenia to Robert Johnston's Ingomar.

John Sleeper Clarke made his New York d^but April i , in Tom
Taylor's " Babes in the Wood," acted for the first time in America,
and with this cast :

Jeremiah Beetle . . . John S. Clarke
Frank Rushton .... Barton Hill
Earl of Lazenby . . J. H. Stoddart
Tommy Slidell . . . Owen Marlowe
Sir George Loosestrife George Stoddart

Todd S. D. Johnson

Peacock Miss Tree

Mrs. Beetle . . Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau
Trotter Mrs. Dunn

William Davidge took a benefit April 13, when he played Jem
Baggs in ** Wandering Minstrel," and Charles Dillon acted Bdphegor.
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. Walcot's "Hiawatha, or Ardent
Spirits and Laughing Waters," was presented May 6. Jefferson
took a benefit May 13, when "Jenny Lind" and "Mazeppa" were
given. Mrs. John Wood appeared May 16, as Don Leander to
Jefferson's Prince Furibond in " The Invisible Prince." The farce
" Bowled Out," had its first representation in America May 22. The
cast was : Ezeldel, 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. " Our
American Cousin at Home, or Lord Dundreary Abroad " was given

I88x^

TRIPLER HALL

45 »

May 25, with E. A. Sothern as Dundreary and Brother Sam, to the
Binney of Wm. Rufus Blake.

Lawrence Barrett, Charles Fisher, and Mrs. Howard appeared July
I, in Sothem's adaptation from the French entitled "Suspense."
Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau had her benefit July 10, when Mark Smith, F.
S. Chanfrau, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Norton, Mr. and Mrs. George
Boniface were seen in " The Stage Struck Barber ; " " To Parents
and Guardians," and "Raising the Wind." Mark Smith went to
Europe in 1874. On his way to the railway train in Paris, he was
seized with apoplexy, and died Aug. 11, 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 of the American stage.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. J. Florence appeared July 15, 1861, and con*
tinned to the close of the season, Aug. 17. John S. Clarke opened
a preliminary season, Aug. 19, with Mrs. E. N. Thayer, Mrs. Alexina
Fisher Baker, Mrs. F. 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. Lothian, Miss
Bennett, Alexina Fisher Baker, Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau, Mrs. W. R.
Blake, Mrs. Owen Marlowe, Emma Skerrett, Barton Hill, Lewis
Baker, A. H. Davenport, Owen Marlowe, J. H. Stoddart, Harry
Pearson, and others. The first novelty was the burlesque of " Cin-
derella," with this cast :

Cinderella .... Mrs. John Wood
Miss Patchoulia .... Ada Clifton
Miss Rondelitia . Mrs. Emma Skerrett
Baroness Soldoff . Mrs. W. R. Blake

Prince Rodolph . . A. H. Davenport
Baron Soldoff .... Lewis Baker
Capillare 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," she said,
" and the boy won't do so any more." That put the audience in a

f^ood humor and turned the tide in favor of the actor, who was
orgiven.

" 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 Bracegirdle. Senorita Isa-

452 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D861

bel Cubas, the Spanish danseuse, and Senor Juan Ximines made
their American d^but on this occasion. Cubas continued as one of
the attractions for a week, after which she went to Boston, and
appeared on the "ofiE 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 of dramas consisted of
'* The Wizard Skiff," " Masaniello " 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 " Wept 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 MoUen-
hauer took his place. '' The Cup and the Lip " was a dramatization
from the French of "Le Testament de C^sar Girodot," and was
given here for the first time Oct. 7, with this cast :

Isadore Girodot
Celestin . .
Mens. Massias
Lanp^lumeau .
Lucien . .
Mens. 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

Hortense 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
" Napoleon the Great," and " Lavater, 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 ** The Octoroon," for
the first time, Oct. 23. Julia Daly was the next star, and appeared
in " Our Female American Cousin " Nov. 11. "The Octoroon " was
also given, with Dolly Davenport as Salem Scudder. Then came
Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams for seven weeks, who began Nov. 18,
and closed Jan. 4, 1862. Harry Morford's new play '* Secesh," first
saw light Dec. 2. It was a failure. The Williamses produced a new
Irish drama, called " The Lily of Killarney, 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 Night." Cubas and Ximines (male
dancer) appeared Feb. 3. John S. Clarke was seen Feb. 10, as
Aminadab Sleek in ** The Serious Family." Davidge, Saphor Evans,
and Jeffries executed a comic dance incidental to the comedy.

I86a3

TRIPLER HALL

453

Florence Upperton . . Matilda Heron
Molly Hardtoil • Mrs. Mary Gladstane
Eliza Hookie .... Annie Wilkes
Mrs. Upperton . Mrs. H. P. Grattan
Madame Hookie . Mrs. Charles Walcot

Alice Fanny Brown

Susan Minnie Monk

Mrs. Chandler
Misery . . . .
Edward Hardtoil
Charles Upperton
Mr. Prosper . .
Tom Leman . .
Mr. Curtus . .

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" was reproduced Feb. 25, with Fanny
Brown as Topsy. 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 ** The
Belle of the Season," which had this cast:

. . • Ada Monk
. . . Miss Flynn
. . . Barton Hill
. A. H. Davenport
. . . J. J. Prior
. W. Davidgc, Sr.
Charles Walcot, Jr.

This was the first appearance in this city of Mary Gladstane,
and the first appearance at this theatre of J. J. Prior.

" Camille " was revived March 24, with Matilda Heron as the
heroine, Barton Hill as Armand, and Chas. Walcot as De Varville.
"Sybil," an American tragedy, by John Savage, was first acted
April 7, with this cast :

Svbil Matilda Heron Mr. Lowe W. Davidge

Eostache Gifden . • . Barton Hill Mrs. Hardy .... Mrs. Walcot

Rufos Wolfe J. T. Prior William Acton . . A. H. Davenport

Barnabas C. Walcot, Jr. Janette Fanny Brown

"Dolly" Davenport took a benefit April 12, and had the follow-
ing volunteers: Geo. L. Fox, Eph Horn, J. Nunan, Maurice B.
Pike, and Fanny Herring. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams reap-
peared April 14 and 15, for the benefit of N. B. Clarke. Kate
Bateman 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. Davidge, Fathom;
Grosvenor and Rand (their first appearance here), as Master Wil-
ford and Lord Tinsel; Miss Bateman, 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. Davidge, as Meddle. "Geraldine" was revived May
12. A new play by H. L. Bateman, entitled "Rose Gregorio, or
the Corsican Vendetta," was first acted. May 21, and thus cast:

Albert .
Antonio .
Gregorio
Spagazza
Cerespo .

Jas. W. Wallack, Jr.

, . . Edwin Adams

T. B. De Walden

. . A. D. Bradley

. . A. H. Davenport

Rosa Gregorio . . . Miss Bateman
Marita .... Mrs. W. R. Blake
Yacintha .... Mrs. T. J. Hind
Carina Mrs. CThanlran

This was the last appearance of Mrs. William Rufus Blake,
formerly Caroline Placide, on the stage. She was engaged for
the following season at Laura Keene's Theatre, but an attack of

454 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D««

nervous prostration prevented her from appearing. She died at
Long Branchy N. J., May 21, i88r. 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 Blades De Walden (right name Blades) reappeared on
the New York stage during Kate Bateman's engagement. Mr.
De Walden had played at the old Park Theatre Dec 20, 1844,
acting Belmour in ''Is He Jealous?" but did not achieve marked
success. Feeling 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 cases successful. He
was the author of ''Sam," in which F. S. Chanfrau achieved a
notable success. May 9, 1857, 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 tales by J. Fenimore
Cooper, and entitled "The Life and Death of Natty Bumpa"
He died in this city, Sept. 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 Gayler, with Emily Thorne, lone Burke, Mary 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. Evans,
Jeffries, T. E. Morris, and Sam Hemple in the cast. This
was Emily Thome's American d^but. "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 Female Cousin." The
roller skater, Jackson Haines, appeared during Fleming's season.
Isabella Freeman appeared July 21 in "The Merchant of Venice,"
with Fleming as Shylock. Mary Provost played Lady Gay Spanker
in " London Assurance " July 23 for the benefit of W. M. Fleming.
The next star was Cecile Rush, 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 Parents 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 " Fanchon " was acted July 29, by

1863] TRIPLER HALL 455

Miss Rush. Mrs. Sedley 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
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Sedley Smith. She made her d^but
at Boston, Mass., in June, 1862. She opened at Laura Keene's
Varieties (afterwards Olympic), as Margery, Oct. i, 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, Bums Club, and
Thistle Society. "The Vermont Wool Dealer," "A Roland for
an Oliver," "Irish Lion," "Cramond Brig," and a concert by
Madame Strakosch, Signor Sbriglia, Mr. 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.

Emeline Claire made her American d^but Aug. 5, as Juliana in
"The Honejrmoon." The Excelsior Sickles Brigade had a benefit
Aug. 6, when " The Hunchback " was played, with Jane Coombs,
M. Miranda, Harry Pearson, Emily Thome, 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,
Delmon Grace, J. F. Hagan, Hind, Bilby, Wilkins, Ryer, Dav-
idge, Sr., Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Scott, Mrs.
Walcot, Mrs. Skerrett, Miss Brown, Mrs. Floyd, and Lewis Baker.
Kate Bateman was the star for four weeks, supported by Edwin
Adams and J. W. Wallack, Jr. For her benefit, Sept. 26 she
presented "Beatrice, the Madonna of Art" Edwin Booth ap-
peared Sept. 29. He had but lately returned from Europe. Dur-
ing his engagement of seven weeks the plays produced were:
"Othello," "The Merchant of Venice," "Bmtus," "Richelieu,"
" Hamlet," " Richard HL," " Romeo and Juliet," "The Apostate,"
"The Lady of Lyons," "Don Caesar de 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. 1 7, by Charles W. Couldock as Peter Probity in " The
Chimney Comer. Isabel Cubas also appeared in " The French
Spy."

Edwin 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 III. , " and " Richelieu. " He also

456 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«»%

appeared as lago. Mary Provost came Feb. 23 as Parthenia to
Barrett's Ingomar, and Feb. 25 she was seen in "The King's
Rival." March 2 "Lucie d'Arville," a drama of her own, was
given by Miss Provost and cast as follows: Eugene, Lawrence
Barrett; Papelin, Wm. Davidge; Chevalier de Pitry, J. F. Hagan;
Gardiner, T. E. Morris; Lucie, Mary Provost; Countess, Fanny
Brown. Dan Setchell played Captain Cuttle in "Dombey and
Son," and Mme. Vanderpants in "Wanted, One Thousand Milli-
ners," March 19, for the benefit of S. Davis. John T. Ra3rmond
and Walter Lennox, who had some difficulty with Laura Keene,
took a benefit March 20. " The Loan of a Lover " was played, with
Mrs. John Wood as Gertrude.

Lucille Western appeared here March 23, in "East Lynne."
The terms of this engagement with Manager A W. Jackson were
that she should receive one half the gross receipts, if they were
over ^^700 nightly, while, if they were below that figure, she should
share all above $^$0. The receipts were never so low as Ji/oa
"East Lynne," which Lucille Western had bought of Clifton W.
Tayleure for Jiioo, ran at this house from March 23 to April 15,
inclusive. Her performance in "The Child Stealer" will long 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 Twist," "The Child Stealer," "Lucrezia Borgia,"
"Handy Andy," "Green Bushes," "Rosina Meadows," "Flowers
of the Forest," "Robber's Wife," "East Lynne," "Camille,"
"Gamea," "Masks and Faces," "Satan in Paris," "Oliver Twist,"
" The Eton Boy," " The Loan of a Lover," " The Actress of Padua,"
"The French Spy," "Don Caesar de Bazan," Mrs. Haller 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 by T. B. De Walden, with
this cast: Peter Waxen, John S. Clarke; Jacob Crookly, L. P.
Barrett; Hon. Felix Filer, A. H. Davenport; Capt. George
Evelyn, J. F. Hagan; Marion Evelyn, Ada Clifton; Minnie,
Fanny Brown; Jane Mordaunt, Mrs. Howard

Mile. Felicita Vestvali came here March 25 in English opera,
under the direction of Carl Anschutz. "Orpheus, or The Trial
of Love," was given for the first time in New York: Orpheus,
Felicita Vestvali; Eurydice, Johanna Rotter; Goddess of Love,
Mina Geary; Hymen, Miss Kemble; Spirit of Good, Miss Drome;
Pluto, M. Fouche. "Deborah," a version of "Leah," by Isaac C
Pray, May 30, with this cast:

Joseph Lawrence Barrett

Reuben . - . . A. H. Davenport
Nathan .... George Jamison
Pastor Zeuner . . . Harry Pearson
Lorenzo T. E. Morris

Dr. Haus James Martin

Abraham T. J. Hind

Hanna Ann Hyatt

Deborah .... Catherine Selden

i8^D TRIPLER HALL 457

"II Trovatore" was given in Italian for three nights, commenc-
ing June I, Mile. Vestvali as Azucena, Mile. Cairoli as Leonora,
Sig. Errani as Manrico, Sig. Mancusi as Di 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 McCuUough, Dan Setchell, and Mrs. Mary
Gladstane.

The opera of "The Corsican Bride," by Edward MoUenhauer,
was first sung June 15, with this cast: Rosa, Mme. Rotter Dief en-
bach; Marita, Mme. La Roche; Antoine, Mr. Quint; Gregorio,
Mr. Weinlich; De Lenville, Mr. Hartmann; Spagazi, Urchs. A
H. Davenport took a benefit June 16, and among the volunteers
were G. L. Fox, Fanny Herring, Dan Bryant, Little Mack, S. C.
Campbell, T. J. Hemdon, J. A. Graver, Mile. Pauline, M. Bap-
tista, Mrs. H. P. Grattan, Fanny Brown, Mrs. William Floyd,
Mrs. Isabella Preston, Thomas Cline, Morris, Hagan, Dewit, and
Styles. The bill was the burlesque of "Camille," in which Mrs.
W. B. Chippendale made her first appearance as Nannette; "The
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," Madelaine
Henriques 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 hera "The
Secret " was also played, with Geo. Holland as Thomas and Wil-
liam Reynolds (his last appearance on any stage) as Dupuis. A
summer season was commenced July 6 by Emily Thome and Mark
Smith, with Dan Setchell, A. H. Davenport, Sol Smith, Jr., T.
E. Morris, C. T. Parsloe, 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, 1,000 Milliners," with
Setchell as Madame Vanderpants, and "A Regular Fix," was
the opening bill. July 13 a new burlesque in two acts, entitled
" Leah, the Forsook," was seen : Leah, a shrewish maiden, Setchell ;
Rudolph, Emily Thome; Madelina, Mark Smith; Nathan, Sol
Smith, Jr. ; The Doctor, A. H. Davenport. The afterpiece was
"Califomia Diamonds," acted here for the first time: Kerr Mud-
geon, Dan Setchell; Danby Symes, Mark Smith; Rigsby, Sol
Smith, Jr.; Mrs. Kerr Mudgeon, Emily Thome; Mrs. Danby
Symes, Mrs. H. P. Grattan. On July 20 Dan Setchell took a
benefit, when " Leah, the Forsook" was repeated, and the farce of
" A Regular Fix ; " July 23, " The Wrongs and 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 D«4

Humphrey Bland began a preliminary season Aug 17, 1863. The
company consisted of Anna Cowell, Mrs. Humphrey Bland, Mrs.
J. R. Scott, M. V, Lingham, J. H. Stoddart, Frank Rea, H.
Russell, Charles Hale, A H. Davenport, T. E. 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 tour.

Mrs. Bowers was seen in " Caraille " Aug. 26. " Lady Audley's
Secret" was played Sept. i, with this cast:

Lady Audley .
Alicia Audley
Phcebe Marks
Mrs. Dawson
Mrs. Mosley .
Mrs. Oakley .
Miss Oaklev .
Robert AucUey

Mrs. D. P. Bowers
. Mrs. H. Bland
Mrs. Mark Smith
. Mrs. Harrison
Mrs. J. R. Scott
. . Miss Flynn
. . Miss Henry
Lawrence Barrett

Mary Miss Aim

Luke Marks . . . . W. H. Norton
George Talboys . . A. H. Dayenport
Sir Michael Audley . T. £. Morris

Dr. Dawson H. Russell

Captain Maiden .... Frank Rea
Sir Harry Towers .... H. WaD
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. F. 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 " The Russian Admi-
ral, or The Lion of the Day," " The Toodles " and " A Kiss in the
Dark." " The Babes in the Wood," " The Russian Admiral " and
•* My Neighbor's Wife " was the bill Oct. 26. Mr. and Mrs. W. J.
Florence came Nov. 2. "The Ticket of Leave Man" was act«i
Nov. 30, for the first time in America, and with this cast :

James Dalton
Hawkshaw
Melter Moss .
Green Jones .
Mr. Gibson .
Sam Willoughby

A. H. Davenport
. . J. F. Hagan
Humphrey Bland
. Vining Bowers
. . T. J. Hind
Mrs. W. R. Floyd

Bob Brierly . . . . W. J. Florence

Maltby T. E. Morris

May Edwards . Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau
Mrs. WiUoughby . . Mrs. T. J. Hind
Emily St Evremond

Mrs. W. J. Florence

'* The Ticket of Leave 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 " Lorlie's Wedding."

Avonia Jones Brooke appeared April 4, in a play never before
produced, entitled *' Judith, The Daughter," with this cast :

Holofemes .... Charles Barron
Athomel .... A. H. Davenport

Gabatha H. Bland

Maccabeus .... T. E. Morris
Rameses J. F. Hagan

Aj^ele Mrs. Chanfran

Miahra Mrs. T. Hind

Mosera Mrs. Bland

Ithra Mrs. Wm. Flojd

Judith Avonia Jones

IW4D TRIPLER HALL 459

April 23, " Romeo and Juliet" was played, when Avonia Jones gave
the 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, Mercutio. 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 Parthenia in " Ingomar." She first played in
San Francisco, Cal., March 14, 1859, at Maguire's Opera House as
"Adrienne the Actress." She then visited Australia. She made
her d^but in London Nov. 5, 186 1, at Drury Lane Theatre as 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 eve. She was a popular and profitable
star. At her death*bed her rather 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 Lord Dundreary and
Samuel Guptolomus Rosslyn in " Our American Cousin at Home."
T. J. Hemdon played Asa, Dan Bryant and Frank Brower volun-
teered. " The Ticket of Leave Man " was acted. May 1 7, Byron's
burlesque, " Fra Diavolo."

The season closed June 20, with a benefit to A. H. Davenport,
when Lotta appeared in song and dance ; Robert Heller, the magi-
cian, and the play, " Robert Macaire," 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
Returned Volunteer" and "The Honeymoon," with Mrs. W. G.
Gladstane 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. Blaisdell,
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
the auditorium. The company was: Charles Walcot, Jr., W. F.
Burroughs, Owen S. Fawcett, S. K. Chester, J. G. Hanley, E. A.
Eberle, Williams, Parkes, 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 D«*

" 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 Brierly 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 tiie great Booth, who played m " Julius Caesar," for the
benefit of the Shakespeare Monument Funl. The prices of admis-
sion were $$ for orchestra chairs, ;$i.5o\to parquette and dress
circle, and ;$i to family circle. The orchestra seats were run back
into the parquette, taking up five rows of seats, making 150 extra
orchestra seats. 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 iliu of the city, and one of the
most intelligent I have ever seen in any theatre.

"JULIUS CiESAR"

Junius Brutus Booth . . . Cassias

Edwin Booth Brutus

John Wilkes Booth . Marc Antony
Julius Caesar, first appearance,

Edwin Varrcy
Casca, first appearance,
Octavius Caesar
Trebonius . .

Decius Brutus .
Metellus Cimber
Titinius . . .
Cinna . . • .
Varro . . . .

C. K. Mason
C. Walcot, Jr.

S. K. Chester
J. W. Burgess
. T. S. Cline

C. S. Thomas
. . J. Duell
S. D. Johnson

Pindaros . . .
Soothsayer . .
Popilius Lena .
Servius . . .
Clitus . . .
Lucina . . .
First Plebeian .
Second Plebeian
Third Plebeian .
Fourth Plebeian
Portia . . .
Calphumia . •

. . £.Post
. . P. Evans
Nelson Decker
W. F. Burroughs
B. F. Williams
Fanny Prestige
. E. A. Eberle
O. S. Fawcett
A. E. Anderson
. S. F. Oliver
Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau
Mrs. C. Walcot, Jr.

Edwin Booth commenced his one-hundred-night run of " Hamlet"
Nov. 26. This was the cast :

Hamlet Edwin Booth

Claudius Edwin Varrey

Ghost C. K. Mason

Polonius . . . . G. H. Andrews

Laertes J. G. Hanley

Horatio .... CM. Walcot, Jr.

Osric O. S. Fawcett

Rosencranz . . . W. F. Burroughs

Guildenstern E. Duell

Marcellus J. W. Burgess

Bernardo E. Post

Francisco .... Nelson Decker
First Actor . . . . S. K. Chester
Second Actor . . . . A. E. Evans
First Gravedigeer . Thomas Placidc
Second Graveaigger . . E. A. Eberie

Priest P. Everddl

Queen Gertrude

Mrs. James W. Wallack, Jr.
Ophelia . . . Mrs. F. S. Chanfran
Actress .... Mrs. S. K. Chester

I865D

TRIPLER HALL

461

At the close of the performance on Jan. 22, 1865, a committee
appeared on the stage, and the chairman, Mr. Fullerton, 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 Ferat**
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, 1865." Before the
hundred nights terminated S. K. Chester took Edwin Varrey's place
as Claudius, and Eugene A. Eberle played the First Gravedigger. A
matinee performance of '' Hamlet " was given by Mr. Booth, March
4, and in the evening of that date " The Octoroon " was acted for
the benefit of Chas. M. Walcot, Jr. " Othello " was played March
23, and matinee March 24. Edwin Booth was the lago, 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 "Corporal Cartouche, or the For-
lorn Hope," an English adaptation by Stephen Fiske of D'Ennery
and Cormon's "Le Vieux Corporal," was first acted, and with
this cast:

Corporal Cartouche . Henrv Placide
Pierre Fouchard . . . C. W. Clarke
General Roquebert . . J. G. Hanley
Lucien .... CM. Walcot, Jr.

Tavemey S. K. Chester

Picard C. K. Mason

Pigoche E. A. Eberle

Potichon O. S. Fawcett

Nina de Rantzberry . . Ada Clifton

Catherine Mary Carr

Genevieve . . . Mrs. C. Walcot, Jr.
Marietta . . . Mrs. Sedley Brown

This was Henry Placide's first appearance in New York after a
long absence. It ran until May i, when Placide app)eared as Sam
Nobbs in " A Nabob for an Hour," and in the title rdle of " Grand-
father Whitehead." During the run of " Corporal Cartouche," the
house was closed ten days (May 15 to May 26), in consequence of
the death of the President. Mr. Placide's engagement terminated
May 15.

"Jcanie Deans" 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 Penarvon," orig-
inally acted in London as " The Hidden Hand," was first acted here
May 8, and thus cast :

Madoch Goch .... Barton Hill
Lord Penarvon . . . J. G. Hanley
Sir Caradoc . . CM. Walcot, Jr.

Caerleon T. S. Cline

Lady Gryffid . Mrs. Jas. Wallack, Jr.

Morgan Price ... Mr. Burroughs
Lady Penarvon .... Ada Clifton

Enid Effie Germon

Gwynned Vechan . Mrs. S. K. Chester

462 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C«5

Henry Placide made his last appearance on the New York stage
May 13. He died January 23, 1870. Jean Hosmer appeared as
Camille, May 29, John Dyott as Mons. Duval, Barton Hill, Armand.
In all the leading rdles she was ably supported by Barton HilL
Miss Hosmer closed the season July 7, and during her eight weeks'
engagement appeared in " Camille," " Evadne," " Lucrezia Borgia,"
"The Lady of Lyons," "Fazio," "The Wife," " The Jealous Wife."
" Ingomar," and " Mary Tudor." This lady bad a checkered career.
She was born at Silver Creek, Colo., in 1842. Her first appearance
on the stage was in the ballet in 1850 at the Metropolitan Theatre,
Bu£Ealo, N. Y. In i860, she spoke her first lines and Barton Hill
taught her to deliver them. She adopted as a stage name that of
Jennie Stanley. In a few years she joined Edwin Booth as bis
support under the name of Jean Stanley. One night in Memphis,
Tenn. she acted Florinda to Booth's Pescara in " The Apostate " so
acceptably that in response to unanimous calls, he led her before the
curtain, and then stepped back, and with folded arms, waited until
she received the hearty plaudits of the audience. This was an un-
exampled compliment from a star. She resumed the name of Hosmer
in 1863, and, deciding to become a star, appeared as Juliet at the
Chestnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, Dec. 23, Barton Hill playing
Romeo. After this engagement, her sister died and she did not
appear again until May 29, 1865, when she played at this theatre
as Bianca in " Fazio," Countess in " Love," " Camille," " Lucrezia
Borgia," and in many other tragedies. One night when Edwin
Booth and Miss Hosmer were playing in ''The Taming of the
Shrew," Booth, in one of his waits, blackened his moustache, and
when he kissed Katherine in the last act, his moustache left a
black streak on her face. That was the only joke I ever knew
Edwin Booth to play.

P. T. Barnum, havmg been burned out at his Museum, Broadway
and Ann Street, opened here July 22, with his pantomime company,
in "The Green Monster, or the White Knight and the Giant
Warrior." The company consisted of Tony Denier (clown), Chas.
K. Fox (pantaloon), Leon Chenat (harlequin), Mile. Auriol (colum-
bine), Mons. Baptistin, Master Timothy, M. Antonio, Jean Lewis,
Anderson, T. F. Edwards, Hunter, Howell Martin, Scott Stevens,
Miss C. Monell, Miss J. Monell, Miss J. Anson, Miss J. Fenton, and
Miss M. Henry. There were also on exhibition Rosina Richardson,
the fat woman ; Anna Swan, Nova Scotian giantess; the Circassian
Family, and W. B. Harrison, extemporaneous singer. The Nicolo
Brothers appeared the following week, and Young Nicolo did the
flying trapeze act the next week. July 3 1 the ballet of " The Beauty
of Seville" was given, and Carrie Augusta Moore, the lady skater,
appeared. Aug. 7, **The Midnight Assault," a pantomime ballet,
arranged by Mons. Grossi, was presented, also the pantomime, " Love

i96si TRIPLER HALL 463

Among the Bonnets." "The Witch of the Black Cavern, or the
Golden Pills of Magic," was presented Aug. 14. " Mons. Dechalu-
meau" was given Aug. 21, followed by "Jocko, the Brazilian Ape/'
on Aug. 28. Bamum closed here Sept. 2.

The next season began Sept. 6, with the following company : C.
M. Walcot, Jr., Welsh Edwards, Claude Blenan (Burroughs), W. S.
Andrews, S. K. Chester, E. De la Rue, Howard, Connell, Duell,
Sutton, Nelson Decker, Hogan, Osborne, W. F. Burroughs, Evelyn,
Mrs. C. M. Walcot, Jr., Mrs. Chester, Rose Eytinge, Mary Carr,
Kate Morton, Eiiie Germon, and others. William Stuart was
manager; J. G. Hanley, stage manager. John S. Clarke opened the
season in •* Everybody's Friend " and " The Toodles ; " Alice Grey
appeared as Mrs. Swansdown in the first named play. Rose Eytinge
having been taken ill. Claude Burroughs (who was burned to death
in the Brooklyn Theatre fire, Dec. 5, 1876) made his New York d^but
as Trap in " Everybody's Friend." " Our American Cousin " was
revived Sept. 30, with J. S. Clarke as Asa Trenchard, W. S. Andrews
as Lord Dundreary, John Dyott as Abel Murcott, Charles Peters as
Binney, Rose Eytinge as Florence Trenchard, Mrs. Walcot, Jr., as
Mary Meredith, and Mary Carr as Mrs. Mountchesenton. Mrs. H.
A. Perry (now Agnes Booth Schoeffel) played Florence Trenchard
from Oct. 10 to Oct. 23 ; Rose Eytinge played May Edwards in " Ticket
of Leave Man " Oct. 26. Florence La Fond made her d^but as Sam
Willoughby. John Brougham appeared Oct. 30 as Dr. Savage in his
own comedy " Playing with Fire ; " Nov. 13, " Flies in the Web," con-
densed from his own comedy of "The Game of Love." For his
farewell benefit, Nov. 17, Brougham played Capt Cuttle in " Dombey
and Son," and his engagement terminated Nov. 18. John S. Clarke
was seen Nov. 20, in the " Ticket of Leave Man," with C. K. Mason
as Mr. Gibson. A four-act condensed version of " The Octoroon "
was played Nov. 27, with Clarke as Salem Scudder, J. G. Hanley as
Wahnotee, Dyott as Jacob McCloskey, Rose Eytinge as Zoe, Eliza-
beth Andrews as Mrs. Peyton. " The Comedy of Errors " was given
Dec. 28, John S. Clarke and W. S. Andrews as the Two Dromios.

William Stuart, one of the managers of this theatre, whose right
name was Edmund C. Flaherty, died at the new Harlem Hospital,
this city, Dec. 27, 1886. He came to America about 1855, and for
a long time was a contributor to TA^ New York Tribune. His first
attempt at managing a theatre was at Wallack's, Broadway and
Broome Street, in conjunction with Dion Bourcicault. His next
venture in management was at this theatre, backed by Riggs, the
Washington, D. C, banker. His last experiment was at the Park
Theatre, Broadway and Twenty-second Street. I wonder how many
readers recall the first " polyglot performance " of " Othello " in this
country — Dec. 29, 1 866. It was a remarkable rendition of " Othello."
This was the memorable cast :

464 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Lm

Othello .... Bogumil Dawison

lago Edwin Booth

Cassio J. N. Gotthold

Brabantio . . . . M. W. Leffingwell

Duke W. A. Donaldson

Roderigo W. S. Andrews

Gratiano J. Duell

Ludovico N. Decker

Montano Mr. Duff

Messenger J. Lewis

Paulo Jas. Hogan

Antonio .... W. F. Burrouiiis
Desdemona . Mme. Methua-Schder
Emilia Ida Vemoa

Mme. Scheller addressed her remarks to Othello in German, and
to lago 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 Herr 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 Kemble Mason the King,
W. A. Donaldson Horatio, Effie Germon 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 Mr. 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 round 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. Parkes 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 Baradas . . J. H. Taylor
Adrien De Mauprat . Charles Barron

Joseph John Dvott

Louis XIII. . . . W. A. Donalason
Sieur De Beringhen . W. S. Andrews

Huguet C. K. Mason

Fran9ois .... W. F. Burroughs

Gaston J. Duell

Governor of Bastile Humphrey Bland
Julia De Mortimar . Rose Eytinge

Marion Delorme

Marie Wilkins

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
Dyott's benefit occurred Feb. 14, when ** Rob Roy " was acted. W.
D. Shield, the famous Scotch comedian, made his first appearance
in New York as Bailie Nicol Jarvie. On Feb. 21 Edward Dc

18663

TRIPLER HALL

465

Mondion made his d^but as Claude Melnotte in "The Lady of
Lyons," to Ida Vernon's Pauline. Pillets 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 Keeler
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. H. P.
Grattan joined the company April 30. Mr. and Mrs. Williams closed
May 26. C. M. Walcot had a benefit May 28, presenting " The
Colleen Bawn," and the season closed May 29, with a repetition of
the same bill. John Brougham began a summer season June 4, with
" Playing with Fire." Lena Prentice made her first New York
appearance as Mrs. Waverley. "Pocahontas" was given May 18.
James C. Dunn played Capt. John Smith ; Emily Melville, Poca-
hontas ; and Fanny Stocqueller, Poo-tee-pet. " The Nervous Man "
was seen July 2, and July 9 Brougham's reconstructed version of
"Columbus" was presented. Aug. 13, "O'DonnelFs Mission," by
Brougham, was acted for the first time on any stage, and with this
cast:

Roderick O'Donnell . John Broueham
Cardinal Alberoni . . T. E. Morris
Abb^ Le Renard . CM. Walcot, Jr.
Sir Reginald Blount . . . J. C. Dunn

La Roche H. B. Phillips

Zadock W. S. Andrews

Patrick O'Connor . . H. H. Wall
Fallon Macarthy . . Nelson Decker

Martin O'Reilly .... J. Huriey

Maurice Daly J. Oliver

Ennis Macdermott . . . . J. Hill

El Mortaro J. G. Burnett

Eva de Zuniga . . . Miss E. Johnson
Juanita Mary Can-
Susanna Jennie Morton

Paquita Lena Francis

Mr. Brougham closed Sept. i. The theatre was then leased. Sept
3, for two weeks by J. W. Watson (author of ''Beautiful Snow"),
for the production of a new play of his, adapted from the French,
and entitled ** The Charlatan,'' which had this cast :

Cagliostro J. N. Gotthold

Marquis de Montalieur . W. Davidge
Arthur Cleveland . . . James Duff
Cardinal Jovelli . . . C. K. Mason
Maroncelli .... W. S. Higgins

Marquis de Fronzac . W. A. Donaldson
Count d*Ostalis . . W. S. Andrews
Marchioness de Montalieu

Annie Levering
Annette Hattie Thomas

Having proved a failure it was withdrawn after the third per-
formance, and John Brougham reappeared in " O'Donnell's Mission "

466 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Dw

Sept. 6, and continued until Sept 17, when the Buislay troupe of
g}rmnasts, acrobats, and pantomimists opened and continued until
Oct. 6.

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. Leffingwell, William
Davidge, J. Duell, W. A. Donaldson, J. Du£F, Leslie, John Sutton,
Hinton, Decker, Mrs. G. C. Boniface, Mrs. LefEngp^ell, Minnie
and Adah Monk, E. Johnson, Elizabeth Andrews, and Miss Gushing.
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 " Lady Audley'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 :

Donna Diana . . Mrs. D. P. Bowers
Donna Fenisa . . Miss £. Johnson
Donna Laura . . Mrs. G. C. Boni^e
Floretta . . Mrs. M. W. Leffingwell

Don Caesar . . . J. C. McCbUom
Don Guzman . . . W. S. Andrews

Don Luis J. Doff

Perin .... M. W. Leffingwell

Nov. 12 "East Lynne" 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, Herr Bog^mil Dawison appeared as Richard III. in German,
supported by the Thalia Theatre company. Nov. 26 a season of
Italian opera was beg^n by Max Maretzek. Edwin Booth reBpfeaor-
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 Louise Kellogg, Miss
Stockton, Rosa Bonheur, Mile. Natalie Testa, Senora Carmen Poch,
Signori Mazzeoleni, Georgio Ronconi, Antonucci Testa, Bellini,
Bernardi, Fleury, Ricardi, Dubreuil, Forsati, and Baraglia; Carl
Bergmann and Sig. Torriani, conductors. The operas produced up
to Dec. 28, when the season closed, were: "Crispino," " Fra Dia-
volo," "L'fitoile du 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 opera as Prascovia, in " L'fitoile du Nord."

Amelia, better known as Minnie Hauck, was bom 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

18673

TRIPLER HALL

467

young girl scarcely fifteen walked into the g^lery choir with her
father, 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 replv. He got two copies of Cherubini's
" Ave Maria," and handing her one he took his seat at the organ
with the other. He play^ 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 ! ' " Before 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 earn something with which to assist her needy parents. At
every appearance in 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.

Booth appeared in " Hamlet," Mme. Methua-Scheller 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 Caesar de Bazan," " The Stranger," " Taming of
the Shrew," " The Apostate," " Othello," " Brutus, or The Fall of
Tarquin," " The Fool's Revenge," and " Romeo and Juliet." A ma-
tinee benefit took place Dec. 27, for Jas. W. Lingard, 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, 1^7. "The Merchant of Venice" was presented Jan. 28,
with this cast :

Shylock Edwin Booth

Launcelot Gobbo W. S. Andrews

Old Gobbo Wm. David^e,

Portia . . . Mme. Methua-SchelTer

Nerissa Miss M. Gushing

Jessica Miss J. Morton

Edwin Booth commenced a series of farewell performances March
18 with "Hamlet;" and afterwards " Ruy Bias," "Richelieu."
" The Apostate," and " Brutus, 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 prog^mme announced was " Our
American Cousin " and " The Jenny Lind " farce. John Brougham
was announced to appear here April 3, in his new play, "The

Dnke of Venice

W. A. Donaldson

Prince of Aragon . . . .J. Duff
Antonio .... M. W. Lemngwell
Bassanio .... J. N. Gotthold

Gratiano Mr. Hill

Lorenzo .... Marshall Oliver

468 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CiH»

Lottery of Life." The fire was discovered at a little before nine o'clock
in the morning by 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 1(40,000. Mme. Methua-Scheller lost her wardrobe
and jewelry. The fire was supposed to have arisen from a defective
heater under the stage, but this was 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.

FELLOW'S 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, east side, in the City Assembly Rooms Building. It
was first opened on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6, 185a Shordy
after it became known as the American, and was occupied by Henry
Wood's Minstrels in 185 1. 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 ](i2,oco. 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 Bolt,*' and also did " Char-
coal Sketches." They continued about two weeks. On Dec. 3 a
benefit 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. 11, 1858, by Buckley's Serenaders. J. Mulligan
and Dick Sliter, the jig dancer, joined them. Eph Horn appeared
with them Feb. 2. The Buckleys closed Feb. 27, and went on a
travelling tour. PeeFs 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. Winchell, T. J. Peel, G. W. ("Pony") Moore,

i860] FELLOW'S OPERA HOUSE 469

J. Unsworth, J. W. Adams, Napoleon W. Gould, A. Condit, A. W.
Williams, A. Ascher, 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, ^^ ^^^
" bone end." E. Bowers also came on that date. Among the new
people were : Goldon, clog dancer ; Master Charles, " wench " dancer,
and R. Abecco, harpist

Geo. Christy and R. M. Hooley 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. Bud worth 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 danseuse, Eph. Horn, Charles White, Ned Davis, D.
S. Wambold, R. Abecco, and M. Lewis 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 Marden (now Mrs. C. Wilkinson), C. Wilkinson, B. Brown,
and Salisbury. It was christened the Broadway Boudoir. "The
Four Sisters," " The Maid with the Milking Pail " and " Woman's
Whims " were the initial pieces. Billy O'Neil joined Jan. 30. Busi-
ness was not good, and the house closed.

Harry Watkins leased 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 Sallie Singleton, Mrs. Harriet
Holman, Mrs. H. Moore, Mrs. H. Eckhardt, Sallie Holman, Harry
Watkins, Joseph E. Nagle, Welsh Edwards, Joseph Wheelock, C.
Kingsley, Walters, Ellis, J. S. Rogers, O. B. Mason, Hilson, I^u:y,
Charles Wilkinson, and Ed. Gooding. Watkins' dramatization of
"The Hidden Hand" was the initial performance. Mrs. Howard
acted Capitola; Watkins, 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 he did not appear in the cast as he went to see the
execution. March 12 Charles Gayler's "The Romance of a Very
Poor Young Man" was acted for the first time; March 28 "The
Pioneer Patriot, or the Maid of the War Path," was first acted here
and continued for one week, except March 30, when Mrs. Howard
took a benefit, and the bill was ** The Irish Heiress," with Mrs.
Howard as Kate O'Brien, after which came 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 Ci«3

Lady," also by the Holman Family. " The Two Buzzards *' closed
the entertainment. Harry Watkins retired March 30. The house
reopened April 7, i860 as "Mrs. Brougham's Theatre.*' Colin
Stuart, Edwards, Josephine Ruth, Mrs. Brougham Robertson,
Dickinson, Plunkett, 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 . . G. K. Dickinson
Sir Lucius O'Triggcr. H. G. Plunkett

Fag Mr. Wilmott

Falkland .... Richard Cooke
Mrs. Malaprop . . Mrs. Brougham

Acres Walter HiU

David John Newton

Lydia Julia James

Julia Lizzie Walton

Lucy Ida Vernon

This was the American d^but 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'Neil was acting manager and Josh Hart stage manager. The
company were Isaac Whelpley, Tom Brookfield, 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 Schultze (afterwards Mrs.
Robert W. Butler), Matilda Schultze and Emily Le Maire (afterwards
known as Mile. Eugenie). 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.
McAndrews appeared Jan. 10. On May 20 Charley White's bur-
lesque, " Mazeppa," with Chas. White as Mazeppa, 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 had. His performance of " The Cure " was equal to
the original, Mr. Stead of London. There were also in the company
Frances Leroy, Augusta Walby, Millie Flora, Mary Blake, Louise
Walby, Sallie Wesner, Kittie Lee, Bob Hart, Charley White, James
Wambold, Tommy Gettings, George Warren, Tom Rigg^, 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. Maffitt and W. H. Bartholomew appeared in panto-
mime. In June Nelly Gray, dancer; Flora and Harry Leslie, Irish

1865] FELLOW'S OPERA HOUSE 471

jig dancers; Kate Harrison, danseuse; Eva Brent* vocalist; J. W.
McAndrews, Wm. B. Harrison, extemporaneous singer ; Adele Calla,
vocalist ; and Annie Harrison, were added to the force.

During the seasons of i86o-6i-€2, 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 Wambold, J.
T. Boyce, Nelse Seymour, W. H. Bartholomew, J. Pierce, W. Emer-
son, Ed. Murray, W. H. Burke, Master Tommy, Lizzie Schultze, Ida
and Emma Ross, Mary Blake, Mile. Flora, Annette Le Point, Flor-
ence Wells, Julia Melville, Lottie Le Point, Emma Schell, 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 Le Point, Millie Flora, Lizzie Schultze and a carps de ballet.
In September, 1865, 1*- 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'Neil was one of the greatest fovorites
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 Melboume,
Australia, Aug. 5, 1868.

Mr. Butler died in New York June 14, 1885. Bob Hart made his
minstrel d^but 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 Koster & 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. La 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 Bonifacct William Conover, 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, ^^^ Archie
Madden's benefit. Shortly after that he joined the circus, and for

472 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DHa

years travelled as the greatest cannon-ball performer ever seen in
America. With Henry Majilton he performed the "La Perchc
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 the " La Perche " and " Trapeze " acts. They were
performing at Franconi's Hippodrome, in this city, and did those acts
in May, 1853, but I am told that La Thome did the ''La Perche"
act at least one week previously. His last season with a circus was
in 1858. He appeared at the Art Union, 497 Broad way, 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. The last 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 1(15,000. 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, 1850, 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 series of years. Instead of that, one of
the parties took advantage of his legal rights, and, because on the
instant Brougham did not furnish 1(15,000, the amount of his
demand, the sheriff entered and took possession of the theatre.

lasO BROUGHAM'S LYCEUM 473

Mr. Brougham secured a good working company, among whom were
Charlotte Cushman, George Jordan, Mrs. Emma Skerrett, Frank
Chippendale, H. Lynne, Clara Fisher Maeder, Mrs. Foster, Mrs.
George Loder, 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 Phoebus, in
" Esmeralda.'' This lady came to America in the Fall of 185 1, from
London, and made her American d^but in Italian opera, under the
direction of Max Maretzek. She also sang at Sunday evening
concerts at Tripler Hall, with Mme. Anna Bishop and others. She
sang in the opera ** The Ambassadress " at this theatre, with Mary
Taylor in the title rdle, and appeared as Mercury in the extravaganza
of " The World Fair," by John Brougham. She remained at this
house until the close of the season of 1853-54, when she went to
California to support Mme. 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 i860, 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 Parepa-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, 111. (where she had
been living for some years), Jan. 29, 1893. 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 m the Strand, London, Aug. 28, 1824. Her first appear-
ance in public was as a vocalist when she was only ten years of age.

On the opening night at Brougham's Lyceum the bill consisted
in part of a sort of human panorama called '* Brougham & Co." It
was followed by ** Crimson Crimes," in which, as Mr. Fright, John
E. Owens made his announced first appearance in New York. Jan.
6, 185 1, Brougham's dramatization of ''David Copperfield" was
given, with the author as Micawber. Another of his sketches called
" A Row at the Lyceum," was done April 22. Some of the actors
appeared in the private boxes and others in the parquet May 13

474 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Ci85«

Mrs. J. W. Wallack, Jr., acted Lady 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 11."
The season closed July 8, 1851, with a benefit to G. W. Smith, when
Leon Espinosa, M. Szolossy, Miss Malvina, Mile. Albertine and the
beneficiary had a terpsichorean 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. H. ("Dolly") Davenport made his first appearance at this
house during the first season, acting Box, in '' Box and Cox," for &e
benefit of David S. Psdmer. In 1853 he regularly resumed the pro-
fession, and appeared at the Old Broadway Theatre, acting Montano
in "Othello," and Capt. Charles in "Who Speaks First?" 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 Frankie McClellan (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.

" Moneymarket," adapted from Balzac's "Mercadet," by John
Brougham, was first seen here Nov. 10. Feb. 2, 1852, Mrs.
Catherine Sinclair Forrest made her first appearance on the stage
as Lady Teazle, in " The School for Scandal." In consequence of
the great excitement aroused by the Forrest divorce pase, 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

lasa] BROUGHAM'S LYCEUM 475

in the galleries for Forrest^ mingled with various side-notes. At
length Mn 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 Buren, for Barney McCabe, Ann Flowers,
Ned Buntline, and Capt. Rynders, 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 1(4,000. George
Vandenhoff gave this lady all the dramatic instruction she ever had
prior to her d^but.

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 Lady of Lyons" he appeared. Their share of the receipts
for the first eight nights of their joint performance was 1(879.87 >^
each. Mrs. Forrest was then taken ill, and did not resume acting
till the first of March. Mrs. Forrest was the daughter of John
Sinclair, a well known English tenor singer, who made his American
d^but Sept. 24, 183 1, at the Old Park Theatre, and died in England
Sept. 22, 1857. Catherine was his eldest daughter. She married
Edwin Forrest in England, from whom she separated March i, 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 [iss*

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 California
and Australia, supported by Henry Sedley, son of William Henry
Sedley Smith. She made her d^but on the London stage Sept. 7,
1857, at the Haymarket Theatre, as Beatrice in "Much Ado About
Nothing." Mr. Sedley retired from the stage, and became one of
the editors of TAe 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 Davenport
played for one week. Wardle Corbyn and James Buckland 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 Thisbe.
" The Live Indian," with John E. Owens in his original character,
closed the performance. May 13 Adelina Patti sang the "Echo"
song and the finale to "La Cenerentola ; " May 14 "A Practical
Man," " Victorine, or I '11 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 Rufus Blake
Sir Lucius .... John Brougham
Mrs. Malaprop . . . Mrs. Vernon

Julia Kate Horn

Falkland .... Humphrey Bland

Captain Absolute . . . F. B. Conway
Lydia Languish . . . Julia Bennett

Lucy Mrs. C. Walcot

Bob Acres Mr. Palmer

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 d
Robert Kemp. Mrs. Sinclair Forrest made her first appearance in
the French language, playing Lady Anne in the French drama of
" Elle Est Folle." This was her last appearance prior to her de-
parture for Europe. G. V. Brooke appeared as Hamlet June 16,
Shylockjune 18, Richard HI. 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

iis»l WALLACK'S LYCEUM 477

Sylvester Daggerwood 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. Wallack was 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. R. Blake, J. W. Lester (afterwards known as Lester Wallack),
Chas. Hale, Reynolds, Lyster, C. Bernard, Baker, Hunt, D. Thomp-
son, Stuart (E. A. Sothern), John Brougham, C. K. Mason, A. Baker,
F. A. Vincent, H. B. Phillips (prompter), Frank Rea, 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, Deane, Mrs. Chas. Hale, Mrs. F. Rea, Miss Cramer, Malvina
(Mrs. W. J. Florence), Mrs. Hughes, Barton, and Scott; John W.
Lester, stage manager; Chas. Wallack, treasurer. It was opened as
Wallack'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 Kemble 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 1 1, 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 Kemble, and a cousin of Fanny Kemble.

Sept. 9, "The Poor Gentleman," with Seguin as Humphrey Dob-
bin, bis first appearance at this theatre; Sept 10, "John Bull,"
Chas. Hale as Dan (his first appearance here); Sept. 11, "Used
Up," " The Boarding School," and the farce '^ Raising the Wind ; "
Sept. 13, "A Cure for the Heartache; " 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 Keene, who was announced from Mme. Vestris' Lyceum
Theatre, London, when she appeared in "The Will," as Albina
Mandeville. The farce of " His Last Legs " was also given. " The
Will" was repeated until Sept. 25, when "The Rivals" was played,
with Laura Keene as Lydia Languish, William Rufus Blake as Sir
Anthony, John Brougham as OTrigger, Charles Walcot as Acres,
Mrs. Blake as Mrs. Malaprop, Mrs. Buckland as Julia, and Mr.

478 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE li9^

Lester (Wallack) as Jack Absolute; Sept. 27, first time in this
country of " Mephistopheles, or an Ambassador from Below/'
Laura Keene playing Pepito, a boy, and Honesta, the bride.
" Mephistopheles," "The Boarding School," and "Happy Man,"
was the bill Sept. 28 ; Sept. 29, " Rivals " and " Mephistopheles , "
Oct. I, "Two Can Play at that Game," "Popping the Question,"
and " Mephistopheles ; " Oct. 4, " The School for Scandal/' with
this cast:

Sir Peter Teazle . . . W. R. Blake

Chas. Surface J. Lester

Sir Benjamin C. Walcot

Rowley Chippendale

Snake F. Rea

Trip F. A. Vincent

Sir Harry Ljrster

Lady Teazle .... Laura Keene

Lady Sneerwell . . . Mrs. Walcot

Sir Oliver J. Brougham

Joseph C. K. Mason

Crabtree C. Hak

Moses Seguin

Careless Reynolds

Mrs. Candour . . . Mrs. Brougham
Maria Mrs. Chas. iiale

Oct. 1 1 saw the first performance here of " The Last Man," W.
R. Blake as Geoffrey Dale; also "Two Can Play at that Game,"
and, 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
Keene as Beatrice. It held |he 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.
" Poor Cousin Walter," " Spring and Autumn " and " The Happy
Man" was the bill 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. 29, for the first time in America,
" The Twelve Labors of Hercules ; " Nov. 30, for Mr. Blake's bene-
fit, " Old Heads and Young Hearts " was pven, for the first time in
this theatre, with Blake as Jessie 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 " A Practical Man." For Mr.
Walcot's benefit, Dec. 9, " Money " was seen, for the first time here,
and thus cast :

Alfred Evelyn (first time) John Lester

Sir John Chippendale

Stout J. Brougham

Sir Frederick Reynolds

Sharp Rea

Clara Douglas . . . Laura Keene

Georgiana Vesey
Lord Glossmore
Graves . . .
Dudley Smooth
Lady Franklin .

Mrs. Stephens

F. A. Vincent

. . C. Walcot

. C. K. Mason

Mrs. Brougham

IS53]

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

479

Dec. 13 '' London Assurance" was presented, with Blake as Sir
Harcourt, Walcot as Charles, and Laura Keene as Lady Gay ; Dec.
14, " The Way to get Married ; " Dec. 17, " 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 tale entitled ''Mysterious Rappings" (first time here), with
" The Happy Man," made up the bill ; Dea 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 Domton ; Lester, Harry Dornton ; and Brougham, Mr.
Sulky. " The Irish Heiress " was first acted at this theatre Jan. 17,
with Walcot as Sir William, Brougham as Major Fuss, and Laura
Keene as Norah. For Laura Keene'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 Melnotte, for the first time, and it held the stage until
Feb 14, when " Old Heads and Young Hearts " was revived. Feb.
2 1 two novelties were presented for the first time here. One was,
" Twould Puzzle a Conjurer," by the author of " Paul Pry," and the
other the operetta called " First Come, First 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 Beauvare John Lester

Lucien Reynolds

Cyrillc F. Chippendale

Pauline Laura Keene

Mme. De Nerval . . . Mrs. Cramer

Harriet Mrs. Hale

Gabrielle .... Mrs. Stephens
Es 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 Wonders "
was seen April 18 : Blake as Goldkemp, Brougham as Trumes, 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 Reynolds

Qaudio C. Walcot

Leonato C. K. Mason

Borachio H. B. Phillips

Dogberry W. R. Blake

Sexton F. A. Vincent

Beatrice Laura Keene

Hero Mrs. C Hale

Benedick J. W. WaUack

Don John Chandler

Antonio .... F. Chippendale

Conrade F. Rea

Verges Chas. Hale

Oatcake Oliver

Balthazar Lyster

Friar C. Bernard

Ursula Mrs. Stephens

480 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE &•»

March 10, 12, 13 and 14, Wallack acted Shylock. John Lester
had a benefit May 16, when he played Sir Charles Coldstream in
'* Used Up/' and his father, Don Caesar, in '' Don Caesar de Bazan,"
a fovorite r61e 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 Keene Mrs. Haller, for the first time. June 6,
** As You Like It," was acted for Laura Keene's benefit, with this
cast :

Duke Frederick . . . . C. Bernard

Jaques J. Wallack

Oliver Reynolds

Banished Duke . . . C. K. Mason

Orlando J. Lester

Touchstone C. Walcot

WiUiam C. B. Hale

Rosalind Laura Keene

Audrey Mrs. Brougham

Le Beau F. A. Vincent

Amiens Julia Gould

Jaques de Bois Lee

Charles H. B. Phil

Corin F. Chii

Eustace

Louis Thompson

Celia Mrs. Conorer

Phebe Mrs. C. Hale

This play was continued up to and inclusive of June 13, when die
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, Dyott, F. A. Vincent, F. Chippendale,
Lyster, Chandler, Geo. Browne, Burke, Rea, Bernard, Oliver, Thomas,
Wallack, Laura Keene, Mrs. F. B. Conway, Mrs. Brougham, Mrs.
Cramer, Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Conover, Miss Esmond, Mrs. C. Walcot,
Miss Tayleure, Mrs. Blake, Mrs. Isherwood, Mrs. Browne, Joha
Gould, Miss Nerval, and Miss Osborne.

The opening bill was ** Love in a Maze," Lysander Thompson
making his first appearance here as Tony Nettletop. 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 d^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 Lady 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 Keene, and Mrs. Brougham
acted, for the first time, respectively, the r61es 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
*rurvev\!rv>p .... J. Brougham
.Uriuhce .... F. Chipjjendalc

Skimpolc C. Walcot

The PebilitateU Cousin . .J. Lester
i'A\A. Hawdon Chandler

Cavins Burke

Robert Richards

Lady Dedlock . . . Laura Keene
Esther Summerson (first appearance)

Therese Esmoode
Hortense .... Mrs. Brmigfaan

I*S33

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

481

Julia Skimpole . . • Miss Osborne
Laura Skimpole . . . Miss Bishop
Inspector Bucket . . L. Thompson

Krook F. Rea

Richard Rejrnolds

Tulkiaghom John Dyott

Nov. 7 Bourcicault's comedy, •* Love and Money " was given for
the first time in America.

Mercury .
Beadle . .
Volumnia .
Mrs. Jellaby
Ada Clare .

. . . Lyster
Geo. Browne

Mrs. Isherwood
Mrs. Cramer

. Mrs. Conover

Mrs. Fox French
Baroness . . .
Lady Augusta
Matilda. . . .
Sally ....
The Macdunnon of

. . . Mrs. Blake
. . Mrs. Conover
Mrs. H. B. PhiUips
. . Miss Esmonde
Mrs. Brougham
Dunnum

Chas. Walcot

Lord Fipley J. Lester

Hon. Chas. Plantagenet . J. Brougham

Sol Sykes W. R. Blake

Craven Acton . . . Mr. Reynolds
Hon. Helen Plantagenet . Laura Keene
Rose Lawless . . .Mrs. Stephens
Mrs. Warren . . . Mrs. Isherwood
Withers Felix Vincent

Nov. 22 Laura Keene 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 Keene played Clara Douglas in " Money." Nov. 26 she was
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 " Laura Keene
had suddenly determined to try her fortunes in the South, without
paying the usual compliments at parting either to her admirers or
her manager." Mrs. F. B. Conway appeared in the character for
which Laura Keene had been cast. Laura Keene 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 :

Sam Sarcasm . . . . W. R. Blake Count Pare John Lester

Major John Brougham Wildfire C. Walcot

Pliant L. Thompson Gadus F. A. Vincent

Dr. Dartyl .... F. Chippendale Widow Venture . • Mrs. Brougham
Lily Venture .... Mrs. Stephens

" The Game of Life " by Brougham, was given here for the first
time on any stage Dec. 12, Fanny Dean making her first appearance
on any stage as Matilda Smiler ; Dec. 1 5 " The Miller's Maid " was
seen, Lysander Thompson acting Giles. Dec. 26 a chrono-historical
holiday sketch called ** Old Time and New Time " was given with
this cast :

CHARACTERS IN FACT.

Mynheer Steenwyck Lysander Thompson

Paulus Pipenbreekar Lyster

Heindrick Bipensenschmoken Geo. Browne

Kip Wolversen F. Rea

Vrow Von Cowenhoven Miss Fisher

Gertrude Miss Osborne

Vrow Wolversen Mist Bishop

482 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [hm

CHARACTERS IN FANCY

Von Cowenhoven L3r8ander ThompMa

Old Time F. Chippcndde

Middle Time Mrs. Stepheat

Present Time Miss Steveas

Electric Telegraph Mr. Ridardi

Dr. Law Mr. Ljster

Jan. 27, 1854, "Love" and "Money" were presented; Jan. 30,
" The Love Chase," when Mrs. John Hoey 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, " Folly as it
Flies," for the first time here; Feb. 17, " Ernestine," for the benefit
of C Walcot; March i, benefit of J. Lester, Congreve's "Love fcr
Love" was acted for the first time in America, and with this cast:

Sampson Legend . . . W. R. Blake

Foresight L. Thompson

Scandal John Dyott

Angelica .... Mrs. John Hoey

{enny Mrs. PhiUips
^urse Mrs. Isherwood

J. Letter

Valentine Legend •

Ben •

Tattle . C.

Mrs. Foresight . . . Mrs. Cramer
Mrs. Frail .... Mrs. Broqgfaam

John Broogfaaa
1. Walcot

** Prison and Palace," a comedy from the French, was given with
this cast :

Count SchwalofiE . Lysander Thompson Alexis J. Leslcr

Elizabeth . • . Mrs. F. B. Conway Alexander Rmolds

Feodora Mrs. Stephens Draken H. B. Phillips

" Grandfather Whitehead" was acted March 31, when Miss Viob
first appeared here, acting Edward. ".Man and Wife " was presented
April 6, for the first time in many years. ** Hearts at Fault " was
first played April 27, with Wm. R. Blake as Sparrow, J. Lester as
Hawke, Mrs. Hoey as Lady Lurewell, and Mrs. Stephens as Emily.
J. W. Wallack's first appearance this season was made May 8, as
Benedick, in ** Much Ado About Nothing." Mrs. F. B. Conway
acted as Beatrice for the first time ; May 1 5 Wallack acted Shylock ;
May 19, Rover in " Wild Oats ; " May 20, Martin Heywood 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 cast
was:

Helen . . . .
Mrs. Wertzburg .

Mrs. F. B. ConvaT
. . . Mrs. Blake

Erasmus Bookworm . J. W. Wallack
Keppelcranck .... J. Brougham
Wertzburg . . . . F. Chippendale

June S 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

*»S4l

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

483

India/' were played. June 2 1 the theatre was opened for a benefit
to Sig. La Manna, when " A Morning Call/' violin solo, by Paul
Julien, ballet divertissement, introducing Seiiorita Soto, the Rousset
Sisters, Mile. Leeder, Adelaide Price, and Mons. Corby, song by
Carlotta Pozzoni, and '' Delicate Ground " formed the bill.

Mr. Wallack began his third season Sept 7, 1854, with ''The
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 bv
SeSorita Soto in a pas seul, 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 Sowerberry,
Jeflfreys, 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. Stephens

Armand Stewart

Blanche . . . Miss Marian Steele
Marchioness .... Mrs. Cramer

Oct. 19, " London Assurance " was acted, with Rose Bennett as
Lady Gay Spanker, Mrs. Hoey as Grace ; Nov. i Wallack appeared
as Allesandro in "The Brigands,'' Mrs. John Hoey as Maria Grazie;
Nov. 20 Wallack took a benefit in " The Honeymoon," which had
this cast :

Rohuide J. Lester

Lopez F. A. Vincent

Juliana Rose Bennett

Zamora Mrs. Conover

Duke Aranza J. Wallack

Jacques W. R. Blake

Lampedo H. B. Phillips

Balthazar .... F. Chippendsue
Volante 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,"
was given with this cast :

Sni3rth of Smyth Hall . . Brougham
Mr. MyrUe .... W. R. Blake
Crawley Webb J. Lester

Caroline Rose Bennett

Maude Mrs. John Hoey

Annette .... Mrs. Brougham

On Nov. 28 SeSorita 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 anv original play brought out in the city for a long
time. Blake played Mons. Zouvret; Stewart was the King; Rose
Bennett, Dora ; Mrs. Stephens, Cecile; and John Lester, the Chevalier.

484 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»55

" A Gentleman from Ireland," by F. O'Brien was seen Dec. 11, with
John Brougham as Gerald Fitz Maurice. Mrs. Hoey and Mrs«
Conover were the daughters, and Dyott the old man. An adapta-
tion from the French, called ** The Sisters," was acted for the first
time Dec. 27. Jan. 15, 1855," a dramatization of Bulwer's "Night
and Morning " was produced and thus cast :

Phillip Norton J. Lester

Peter Plaskwith ... W. R. Blake
Sydney Morton Stewart

Gawtrey Brougham

Mrs. Beaufort ... - Mrs. Conover
Fanny Rose Bennett

Lester Wallack's benefit occurred Jan. 29, when he appeared as
Reuben Glcnroy (for the first time) in ** Town and Country," and as
PuflF in " The Critic ; " Feb. 6 Mrs. Mowatt's play " Fashion," was
given for the benefit of William R. Blake, who played Adam
Trueman ; J. TLester, 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
Claribel, Mrs. Hoey as Eleanor. The season closed June 5, with a
benefit to J. Lester, 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. Underbill, of The Tribune,
the Modus, and Charles T. P. Ware the Master Walter. The per-
formers were all literary people.

Ada Clare was professionally known as Agnes Stanfield. Her
right name was Jane McEthenney. 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 was
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 th^ dog. Mrs. Noyes' wounds healed rapidly, and it was
thought that she had nothing to fear. She accepted an engagement
to perform with Lucille Western during a brief tour, and acted at
Rochester, N. Y., on March 2. She was taken ill on the stage, and

tSssD

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

48s

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 Hoey,
Mrs. Vernon, Kate Saxon, Mrs. C. Walcot, Mrs. Stephens, Mrs.
Brougham, Mrs. Sylvester, Mary Gannon, Mrs. Conover, Mrs.
Stewart, the Misses Thompson, Carman, Connor, Bishop, and Tree,
Henry Placide, C. Walcot, H. B. Phillips, Harrison, Peters, Colby,
Jeflfries, Oliver, Burke, Baker, Lysander 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 *' Game of Love," was the initial per-
formance Sept. 12, 1855, and had this cast :

Paul Welden J. Lester

Counsellor (first appearance here)

H. Placide
Jacob (first appearance here)

Geo. Holland
Phoebe (first appearance here)

Mrs. Vernon

Perkins Mrs. Stephens

Ted Murphy Brouj^ham

Lawrence Stoadart

Alice Mrs. Hoey

Mrs. De Merfie . . . Mrs. Brougham
Mary Miss Carman

" Mother and Child Are Doing Well " introduced to the patrons of
the house W. H. Norton as Lieut. O'Scupper; Oct 11 "Lavater,
or Not a Bad Judge," and " ;f 500 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 Name?" was presented for the first time on
any stage Oct. 19.

"Asmodeus, or the Little Devil," had its first representation
Oct. 22, when Georgina 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

Sam Skymsher . . . . G. Holland

Montague Flopper Peters

Mrs. Popples .... Mrs. Hoey
Mrs. Beamish . . . Mrs. Brougham
Mrs. Martingale . . .Mrs. Vernon

Arlington Veneer
Capt. Hawkshaw
Jacob Malmsey .
Miss Netley . .
Miss Daw . •
Mincing . . .

Brougham

. . Stewart

. . Morton

Kate Saxon

Mrs. Sylvester

Miss Melville

" The Waterman," was played here Nov. 3, with Georgina Hodson
as Tom Tug. " Manifest Destiny" first acted on any stage Nov. 5,
with J. Lester as Jack Metable, Geo. Holland as Greeneye, H. Hail
as Ephrairo, Mrs. Hoey as Mme. Greeneye. '' A Lady in Difficulties "

486 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DHs

was revived Nov. 13, and Mary Grannon reappeared as Mme.
Denhoff, after a long illness. "The Dowager" 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

James Burke

Florence Mrs. Hoey

Jane Miss Pine

Charles Howard .... Stewart

AUemboume Harrisoo

Gertrude Mary Gannon

Mrs. Middleton . . . Mrs. Vernon

" Rule a Wife and have a Wife " was seen for the first time here
Nov. 24, for the benefit of J. Lester. For Mrs. Hoey's benefit, Dec. i,
J. Lester acted Mr. Oakley, for the first time, in " The Jealous Wife."
" The First Night " was given Dec. 10, with H. Placide in his original
character of Mons. Achille Talma Dufard. " Pauline '* was revived
Dec. 13, with Mrs. Hoey as Pauline; Dec. 18, "A Bold Stroke for a
Husband " was done, when Emeline 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 Guardians " was given Dec. 20, when George Holland
appeared as Waddilove, Master George Le Roy Holland as Master
Joseph Brower, and Master E. M. Holland as Master Thompson.

Brougham's burlesque " Pocahontas, or the Gentle Savage," had
its first performance on any stage Dec 24, cast as follows :

John Smith C. Walcot

Thomas Brown . . H. B. Phillips

William Jones Simpson

Mynheer RolfiE C. Peters

Benjamin Hare

John Junk Thompson

Henry Halyard Johns

William Buntiin Reddy

Barnabus Binnacle .... James
Pow-ha-tan .... John Brougham

Quash-al-jaw Burke

Opo-dil-doc Levere

Col-o-gog . . . . J. H. Stoddart

Jin-go Jefiries

Kreen-fay-saloon .... Harrison

Ip-pah-Kak Oliver

Sas-sy-poil Samneb

Kod-fiv-royl Reynolds

Kal-o-mel Carver

Pocahontas . . Georgina Hodson
Kross-as-kan-bee . .Miss Thompson
Di-mun-di . . . Mrs. H. B. Phillips
Dro-may-jah .... Mrs. Norton
Lum-pa-shuga . . . Mrs. Stewart
Oso-charming .... Miss Carman

Luv-lie-kreeta Miss Pine

0-you-Jewel . . . Miss Thompson
D2ui-lln-duck . . . .Miss Melville
Wee-cha-ven-do Mrs. Sylvester

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 make 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

lasc]

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 Hodson (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 I 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 bov, 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," " Lavater," and " An Awkward Arrival," were produced.
'* Dick Humphrey's Dinner " was given, for the first time, Feb. 4.
"Pocahontas" revived Feb. 12; "John Bull" Feb. 18, when John
Dyott made his first appearance this season, acting Peregrin, Henry
Flacide as Joe Thornberry, and Mrs. Vernon as Brulg^ddery. '' The
Rivals," Feb. 19, had this cast :

Sir Anthonv H. Pladde

Capt Absolate J. Lester

Sir Loden .... John Brougham

Falkland John Dyott

Acres Chas. Walcot

David George Holland

Mrs. Malaprop .... Mrs. Vernon
Lydia Miss Raymond

{alia Mrs. Hoey
«ucy Mrs. Conover

"Knights of the Round Table" was presented Feb. 25, for the
first time in America, with J. Lester as Capt. Cozens, Dyott as
D'Arcy, Norton as Grantley, Brougham as Smithy Walcot as Tom
Tittler, Mrs. Hoey as Perdita, 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, ''Tho

488 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D«*

Merchant of Venice." March 27, " As You Like It," when Louise
Howard made her American d^but as Rosalind; J. W. Wallack
acted Jaques. April 7, " London Assurance " had tida cast :

Dazzle . .
Charles . .
Sir Harcourt
Meddle . .
Max . . .

J. W. Wallack

. . J. Lester

John Brougham

. . C. Walcot

W. H. Norton

Spanker C. Peters

Cool T. B. Dc WaWen

Lady Gay .... Louise Howard
Grace Mrs. Hoey

"The Merchant of Venice" was played April 19; April 21, "The
Honeymoon;" "The Wife" April 30, Wallack as Julian St. 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 CliflFord, 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 Belch, Dyott as Malvolio,
Mrs. Hoey as Viola. For Mrs. Hoey*s benefit, May 31, " Wives as
They 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 11, with a benefit to J. Lester,
when " Charles XII." and " Tit for Tat " were played.

July I, 1856, William Stuart opened this house as the summer
garden, T. B. Johnston, J. G. Burnett, Dion Bourcicault, J. B. Howe,
A. 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 Clavering . J. B. Howe
Sir Hugh Neville . . . Dan Ralton
Sir Guy Musgrave . . . Eytinge
Davy T. B. Johnston

Lucy Peveryl . . Agnes Robertson

EUen Miss Allcyne

Maude Ada Clare

Janet .... Mrs. H. P. Grattan

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 carme 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-

185«]

WALLACK'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. 19 a benefit was given to the company here,
when '' David Copperfield " was acted, and thus cast :

David Copperfield . . . Wentworth

Traddles Levere

Wilkins Micawber .... Burnett

Pcggotty J. B. Howe

Betsy Trotwood . Mrs. H. P. Grattan
Mrs. Steerforth . . . .Mrs. Cooke
Mrs. Gummidge . . . Miss Deering

Steerforth Eytinge

Uriah Heap . . . . T. B. Johnston

Wilkins Viola Grattan

Ham C. Peters

Wickfield C. Burnett, Jr.

Rose Dartle .... Mrs. Hough
Mrs. Micawber . . . Miss AUeyne
Emily .... Mrs. T. B. Johnston

Agnes Miss Wilton

Mary 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 Derwent-Water," Warren as Michael, and J. B. Howe 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 Mzynt . . . E. A. Sothem

St. Leger J. G. Burnett

St. Martin . . . . H. B. Phillips

Flora Mrs. Hocy

Ellen Mrs. Allen

Mary Mary Gannon

Martha Mrs. Sylvester

Mrs. Muffins ... Mrs. Thompson

Fly G. Holland

Gregory Peters

Sandi .... Charlotte Thompson

Wallack was proprietor ; Stuart, lessee : Dion Bourcicault, general
director; J. Lester, stage manager; H. B Phillips, prompter; Theo.
Moss, treasurer. E. A. Sothem was the Mr. Stewart of previous
seasons. Sept. 22 '' The Rivals " was given, with W. R. Blake as
Sir Anthony, Dyott as Falkland, Sothem as Acres, Mrs. Hoey as
Julia, Mary Gannon as Lydia, and Mrs. Vernon as Mrs. Malaprop;
Sept. 23, " The Poor Gentleman," with Reynolds (his first appear-
ance) as Sir Charles. Colin Stuart made his d6but here Sept. 24,
as Lord Charles Roebeck in ** Old Heads and Young Hearts." G.
S. Lee appeared as Sulky, Sept. 25, in " The Road to Ruin." Fanny

490 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [tfto

Dean's first appearanoe was the same dat^ as Miss Dainty in '^Who
Stole the Podcetbook ? "^ C. Waloot was seen as Sir Haiooart
Cbortley in "Londcm Assurance/' Sept 29.

Gisrles J. Lester

Dssde .... Dion Boordcanlt

Meddle W. R. Blake

Spanker Peters

Max

Lady Jay (first tine) •

Grace

Pot

Mis-Hbcf

Agnes Robertson was engaged for eighteen nights* and appeared
in these plays: ''Milly;" ''The Young Actress;" "The Chan-
deon; " ** The Phantom ; " *' The Prima Donna ;'' and f or her bst
night, Oct 18, ** Life of an Actress/' and " Andy Bhke." Oct so
Wallack was seen m ** Hamlet; *' Oct 37» " Much Ado About Noth-
ing/' when Sara Stevens made her first appearance here as Hero;
Oct. 30, " Iron Chest ; " Nov. 3, " London Assurance," widi WaBadc
as Dazzle; Nov. 5, *'Ab You Like It;" Nov. 6, "The Wife;*
Nov. 8, "Stranger;" Nov. 13, "The Honeymoon;" Nov. 14,
"Rent Day;" Nov. 1 5, " The Merchant of Venice ; " Nov. 17, "Don
Caesar de Bazan/' For his benefit and last nq^ht, Walbck acted,
Nov. 33, Shylock, arranged in four acts, and D»Bk Dashall in "My
Aunt."

James Anderson and Agnes Ellsworthy made their d6bnt Nov. 34,
in " Clouds and Sunshine, or Love's Revenge," with diis cast:

The Duke de Richeliea . • Rejmokb
The Cotmt Roaaefenille • . C. Stuart
The Marquia Mardlly • E. A. Sothem

James Andereoa

DavkLLeaUe •
Diaoa ....
Coontesa Dunoia
Clemence • .

Jcha Dyott

Mis. Svhpttlw
Mary GaaBOa

Dec. I, 4, "Ingomar;" Dec. 3, "Elder Brother;" Dec 6, for
Agnes EUsworthy's benefit, she acted Pauline in "The Lady of
Lvons/' to Anderson's Claude Melnotte, and Katherine in " Taming
01 the Shrew," Anderson acting Petruchio; Dec. 9, "OtheDo"
Anderson as the Moor, Dyott as lago, Sothem as Cassio, Wakot
as Roderigo, Miss Ellsworthy as Desdemona, and Mrs. Hoey ss
Emilia; Dec. 11, "Hamlet," with Anderson as the Dane, Blake as
Polonius, Walcot as Osric, Dyott as the GhOst, Sothem as Laertes»
Miss Ellsworthy as Ophelia ; Dec 12, " The Lady of Lyons,**
Anderson as Claude, Miss Ellsworthy as Pauline, and for Andmoo's
benefit, Dec. 13, " Clouds and Sunshine," and his own adaptation of
" The Elder Brother," which closed bis engagement H. B. Phillipt
acted Sir Lucius OTrigger in " The Rivals " Dec. 16. " Hiawatha,
or Ardent Spirits and Laughing Water," by Chas. Walcot, was
called on the bills ** An Atrocious Outrage," and was first seen here
Christmas night, Dec. 25.

i»57D

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

491

Mrs. John Hoey took a benefit Jan. 14, 1857, and acted Margaret
Elmore in '' Love's Sacrifice." Mrs. John Wood played Minnie in
•* Somebody Else/' and sang " I '11 Be No Submissive Wife." For
her benefit Jan. 17, Mrs. 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 All 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. Sothem was the Armand. This was Sothem'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 Sothem if he could
study Armand in time. To his amazement Sothem informed him
that he was already " up " in it, and the next moming he came to
rehearsal " letter perfect." Miss Heron's success was pronounced,
and for the first time in his life Sothem 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 d6but was
marked bv a heavy storm of snow. The house was half full. Never-
theless sne clutched the dramatic diadem with a bound. Next
morning Fry, in the TAe Tribune, uttered a multitude of adjectives
in her honor. Seymour, in The TtPtes, 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 graciou*-
ness and French charm. She came through a window when vou
expected her through a door. She was much like Bemhardt, fuU of
wild, curious and unexpected flights. The play ran forty-five nights,
and, when withdrawn, was attracting crowded houses. The cast of
" Camille " was :

Mens. Duval G. S. Lee

Armand £. A. Sothern

Count de Varville .... Reynolds

Gaston Colin Stuart

Gustave Levere

Nanine . . . Charlotte Thompson
Nichette .... Mrs. J. H. Allen

Olympe Mrs. Sothem

Prudence Mrs. Vernon

Camille Matilda Heron

"Medea" was produced Feb. 16 with this cast:

Jason Sothern

Orpheus H. B. Phillips

Creen G. S. Lee

Cerinthian De Silveria

Guard Oliver

Medea Matilda Heron

Creusa Mrs. J. H. Allen

lanthe Mrs. Sylvester

Lvkaom Lavinia Bishop

Melanthus .... Miss Sylvester

492 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CUs?

March i6 the new tragedy, entitled "Lconore, or the Worid's
Own/' by Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, was played for the first time, and
with this cast :

Edward John Dyott The Flower Girl Charlotte Thompson

Lothair E. A. Sothera Orzetti Jcffiies

Lorenzo C. Walcot The Prince G. S. Lee

Leonora Matilda Heron Amaefi H. B. Phillips

The Countess . . . Mrs. J. H. Allen Boniface C. Peten

Katchen Mrs. Vernon Louleu Miss Peten

Bertha Mary Gannon Zingara Miss Sylvester

Suzanne Fanny Dean

March 31, Matilda Heron acted Bianca in "Fazio," and terminated
her engagement April 4, with ** Camille " 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 Geo.
Holland's benefit; "Old Heads and Young Hearts ; " "Town and
Country;" "London Assurance," and "The Game of Life" for
Blake's benefit, when he appeared in his original character of Adam
Greenleaf and Mrs. J. H. Allen played Lytsel Wyndham for the first
time, and Mrs. Brougham, Widow Joybell, her first appearance
in twelve months ; April 29, " Po-ca-hon-tas " was revived. " A
Decided Case," written for this house, was produced April 3a The
theatre was closed May 4, 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 first time,
May 6. Mrs. Brougham made her second and last appearance May
9, as Dobson in " A Pretty Piece of Business," and as Widow Joybcll
in "The Game of Life," tor the benefit of John Brougham. J. W.
Wallack reappeared here as Rienzi in the play of that name, and
later was seen in " The Merchant of Venice," " The Wife," ** Don
Caesar," " The Iron Chest," " As You Like It," " The Rent Day," and
" 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. Hoey's sister) made her New York debut
as Jenny Leatherlungs 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 duet, " I Had a Dream the Other Night," with E. A. Sothera.
" The Wonder," was also acted, with Mrs. Hoey as Violante, Wallack
as Don Felix, Dyott as Col. Britten, and Mary Gannon as Flora.
"The Serious Family" was given June i, with this cast :

Capt. Murphy Maguire J. W. Wallack Frank Levcre

Aminadab Sleek . . . . C. Walcot
Lady Sowerby Creamly .Mrs. Vernon
Graham . . . Charlotte Thompson
Charlei Torrens J. Lester

Frank

Mrs. Charles Torrens . . Mrs. Hoey
Mrs. Delmaine . . . Mary Gannoo
Emma Mrs. J. H. .-Mien

18573 WALLACK'S LYCEUM 493

This was Mr. Wallack's first performance of this rdle 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. Wallack 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 for which at this time he was not
physicallv fitted, though he had gained a reputation in them twenW
years before. He insisted upon appearing in those parts for whicn
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 Bianca in " Fazio ; " Romeo, in " Romeo and Juliet," to Mrs.
Hoey's Juliet ; and Ion in the play of that name. The season closed
June 13, with a benefit to Mrs. Wallack, when she acted Lady Gay
Spanker in " London Assurance ; " H. Placide played Sir Harcourt,
and J. Lester, Charles Courtley. 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 Letitia 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 Savage and the Maiden," were
acted, introducing J. S. Browne and others.

Eliza Log^ began an engagement here June 18, appearing as
Evadne; afterwards continued until July 11, acting in "The Hunch-
back," " Romeo and Juliet," " The Lady of Lyons," "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 in the burlesque ; Aug. 4, " The Invisible
Prince;" Aug. 10, "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 betiefit Aug. 18, when T. D.
Rice gave his comic version of " Othello," lind Katen acted Shylock,
in " The Merchant of Venice."

The house was reopened Sept. 3, by William Stuart, with " Lon-
don Assurance," thus cast :

494 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DH?

Sir Harcourt C. Walcot Max . . * W. H. Norton

Charles Courtley .... J. Lester Meddle W. R. Blake

Dazzle Bourcicault Cool A. H. Davenport

Dolly Spanker .... John Wood Solomon RnsseO

Lady Gay .... Mrs. John Wood Pert Mary Gannon

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, Cbas. Walcot, John Dyott, A. H. Daven-
port, David Whiting, Joseph Grosvenor, E. A. Sothem, JeflWcs,
C. Peters, J. H. Bamett, Colin Stuart, Owen, T. B. Johnston, Oliver,
Geo. Holland, H. B. Phillips, Mrs. Hoey, Mary Gannon, Mrs. Vernon,
Mrs. J. H. Allen, Mrs. H. B. Phillips, Mrs. W. H. 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 French of Mario Uchard, entitled "Flammina." 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, " London Assurance ; " " The
Chameleon" was also acted the same night. Oct. 12 "The Last
Man" was played, with W. R. Blake as Geoffrey Dale; Oct. 13,
" Old Heads and Young Hearts ; " Oct. 16, " Past and Present,"
for the first time ; Oct. 22, O. S. Leland's comedy, '* Caprice, or
Lover and Husband," was first seen, and with this cast :

Sir Edward Mordaunt . . .J. Lester
Lord Dorrington . . W. H. Norton

Inspector Smith Tree

Lady Mordaunt .... Mrs. Hoey

CoL Villiers . . . A. H. Davenport

Brush H. Russell

Thomas Parsloe

Lucy Mary Gannon

Oct. 28, "Invisible Husband;" Nov. 10, 11, 12, "Uncle Foozle,"
Blake in the title r61e. " Maiden Wife, or Romance After Marriage,"
written by Goodnib and Warden for this theatre, was produced, with
this cast :

Count C. Walcot

Victor A. H. Davenport

Griselda Mrs. Hoej

Ernest J. Lester

Mudwit Blake

Lomie Sara Stevens

Marietta Mary Gannon

"The Poor of New York" was given, for the first time, Dec. 8
(the house being closed Dec. 7 for rehearsal). It was supposed to
be written expressly to illustrate the severe phases of suffering in
this citv — among the high and the low — in consequence of the
crisis 01 1857. ^^ reality it was an adaptation from the French of
** Les Pauvres de Paris," and had previously been done in London
as ** Fraud and Its Victims." Here it was thus cast :

i«5»3

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

495

Adam Fairweather Blake

Gideon Bloodgood .... Norton
Paul Fairweather . A. H. Davenport
Mrs. Fairweather . . . Mrs. Budce
Alida Bloodgood . . . Mrs. Hoey
Badger J. Lester

Edwards

Levere

Pufiy J^^° Sloan

Dan T. B. Johnston

Mrs. Poffy Mrs Cooke

Luqr Mrs. J. H. Alien

This drama held the stage until Jan. g, 1858, when Mrs. Hoey
took a benefit and presented "Andy Blake" and "Sketches in
India." "The Poor of New York" was again produced Jan. 11.
"The Vicar of Wakefield" was produced Jan. 25, for J. Lester's
benefit. Blake acted Dr. Primrose ; Lester, Birchell ; A. H. Daven-
port, Squire Thomhill ; Mary Gannon, Miss Skeggs, 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 Brown, or the relief of Luck-
now," by Bourcicault, acted for the first time, and with this cast:

The Nana Sahib . Dion Bourcicault
Randal McGregor . . . .J. Lester
Geordie McGregor . A. H. Davenport

Rev. 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 Reeves

Effie Miss Reeves

Mary Miss Orton

During the play Agnes Robertson sang "Auld Lang Syne,"
"Charlie Is My Darling," "Oh, Why Left I My Home?" "My
Boy Jammie, Talc 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

Stokely, first appearance this season

J. CanoU
Jauvis Thos. E. Morris

Lewson . . . . A. H. Davenport

Dawson Levere

Bates Grosvenor

Mrs. Beverly Mrs. Stark

April 6 the Starks appeared in " The Lady of Lyons," and later
in " Richelieu," " Othello," " Hamlet," " The Stranger," and " Tam-
ing of the Shrew."

Edwin Booth and E. L. Davenport appeared April 12, as lago
and Othello, for Henry C. Jarrett's benefit ; Mrs. Hoey was Desde-
roona ; A. H. Davenport, Cassio ; and Mrs. J. H. Allen, Emilia. 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 Lavender . . A. H. Davenport

Sir Crcesus D. Whiting

Mopps Sloan

Lady Lavender . . Mrs. J. H. Allen
Ladv Harbottle . . . Mrs. Vernon
Baroara Miss Tree

Wormby Grosvenor

Tom Parsloe

Porter Oliver

Servant Cobum

Marian Mary Gannon

Minette Miss Pyne

496 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»5»

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 this cast :

Arthur Morris Lester

Du Lacemay Tree

Baptiste Jeffries

Amelia Mrs. Hoey

Mme. Bothera . . . Mary Gannon

Dr. Bothera Blake

Lameuret • . . . A. H. Davenport

De Sabres Grosvenor

Joseph Panloe

John Dyott had his benefit May 10, when " The Belle's Stratagem,"
and " The Wandering Minstrel," were acted, and Lionel Goldsmidt
played Jim Baggs, and sang ** Villikins and his Dinah." Between
the pieces A. Watters recited "The Raven." " Frozen Lake" was
seen for the first time May 13. Mrs. Hoey's benefit, and last appear-
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 Perring. Charles T. Parsloe, Jr.,
played Dolly Spanker for the first time, and Mark Smith was the
Sir Harcourt. The performance closed with a dance by Miss Gale.
The theatre was closed May 24, for a rehearsal of " Deseret Deserted,
or the Last Days of Brigham Young." John P. Cooke arranged the
music, and the cast was :

Brigham Young Blake

Young Brigham Parsloe

Mahomet D. Whiting

Susey Mrs. Allen

First Enslaver .... Miss Gale
Thad Fascinatrix . . Miss Jackson

Elder Hyde Decker

Lucifer Sparks J. Lester

|Tom Scott . . . . A. H. Davenport
Sawney OTlab . . . T. B. Johnston

Arabella Miss Orton

Marion Mary Gannon

Sairey Miss Tree

Second Enrapturess . Miss H. Goll
Fourth Bewitcher . . 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 Mandeville, 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 imitations of
celebrated actors ; Ada Clifton acted Mrs. Rattleton ; Annie Leland,
Mrs. Twitter; Frank Hodges was the Twitter; Jeffries, Pelham
Podge, and Carrie Knight as Jane Chatterly. Then came a clog

18583

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

497

dance by Ben Yates, after which Matt Peel's Caropbeirs 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. Holman
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. Early 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 Rhine-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 Irish Free Lover," was done for the first time on any
stage. The Florences closed Aug. 28, and the next stars were 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. Miranda

The Count .... C. Guilmette

Devilshoof Rudolphson

Florestein G. Holman

Gipsy Queen .... Mrs. Holmaa

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 Wheatleigh, John Dyott, H. B.
Phillips, John Sloan, W. R. Floyd, F. Chippendale, C. Bernard,
Chandler, Levere, Rogers, Tree, Hodges, Lascelles, C. Parsloe, Mrs.
John Hoey, Mrs. Vernon, Mary Gannon, Mrs. John Sloan, Mrs. H.
P. Grattan, Miss Tree, Mrs. W. R. Floyd, Mrs. Reeves, Miss Carman,
Miss Pine, Orton, Stella, Cross, Wright, and Gourlay. The opening
play was " Neptune's Defeat, or the Seizure of the Seas," and for the
first time in America, " Nothing Venture Nothing Win," in which
Charles Wheatleigh made his first appearance here as the Marquis.
** Marriage by Lottery" was first acted here Oct 18, and with this
cast:

Wilful Waverlv J. Lester

Herbert Manifest Floyd

Charlotte Mrs. Sloan

Warner Miss Tree

Grimsby Sloan

Mrs. Pointer .... Mrs. Vernon
Harriet Pointer .... Mrs. Floyd

This was the first appearance 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 Wain-

498 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1858

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 Merryweather
Arthur Beaufort
Herbert Vane
Charles Hearty .
Deuce ....
Mrs. Grafton

John Brougham

Lester W^ack

Charles Wheatleieh

Thos. Chandler

. . . John Sloan

. . Mrs. G rattan

Helen Grafton .... Mrs. Hoej
Blanche Gay .... Mary Gannoo

Thomas F. Chippendale

Robinson LasceHes

Newsboy C. Parsloe

Hackman Bernard

This is the first time that Lester Wallack ever acted under his
own name.

Nov. 12, Tom Taylor's '* Going to the Bad, or My Scotch Aunt,"
had his first representation in this country, and was thus cast:

Horace Hardingham . Lester Wallack
Peter: Potts]3 . . . John Brougham

Chas. Wheaueigh

Dashwood
Major Heele .
Bevis Marks .
Lucy Johnson
Bella Dashwood

John Dvott
. John Sloan
. Mrs. Hoey
Mary Gannon

Mrs. Pockinghome

Ernestine Henrade

Chas. Rushout Chandler

Davis Bernard

Choker Cobom

Fullalove Miss Pyne

Mary Miss Tree

" Blue and Cherry " was first acted Nov. 19, with Lester Wallack
as Lord Dorsett; Mrs. Hoey, Lady Emily; Mary Gannon, Rose;
John Dyott, CoL Pompley, and Levere as Ormonde. Nov. 27, a new
farce by Brougham, called " Take Care of Little Charley," was given
with Viola Plunkett as Charley, Brougham as Mickey Fogerty, C. T.
Parsloe, Jr. as Bunker, 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 Peter Teazle . . . W. Ranger
Charles Surface . . . Lester Wallack

Joseph Surface J. Dvott

Sir Oliver J. Brougnam

Rowley F. Chippendale

Crabtree J. Sloan

Moses H. B. Phillips

Sir Benjamin Backbite
Trip . . .
Lady Teazle .
Maria . . .
Mrs. Candour
Lady Sneerwell

C. Wheatleigh
. W. Floyd
. Mrs. Hoey
. Mrs. Sloan
Mrs. Vernon
Miss Henrade

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 the School for
Old Gentlemen," a comedy by Mr. Ranger, was first acted here
Dec. I.

J. W. Wallack made his first appearance in two years Dec. 9,
acting Shylock in '* The Merchant of Venice," with this cast :

««59D

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

499

Duke of Venice .... Chippendale
Prince of Morocco . . . Wneatleigh

Prince of Arragon Floyd

Antonio Dvott

Bassanio Lester Walfack

Gratiano Broueham

Portia Mrs. Hoey

Nerissa Mary Gannon

Lorenzo F. C. Bangs

Shylock Wallack

Launcelot Gobbo .... Young
Old Gobbo . . . . H. B. PhiUips
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. Dclmar .... J. W. Wallack
Leon Delmar . . . Lester Wallack
Eugene .... Chas. Wheatleigh

Capt Belmont Levere

Giunare Mr. Sloan

Zaida Josie Orton

Aura Miss £. Henrade

Blanche Mary Gannon

Mrs. McShake .... Mrs. Vernon
The Emir Mohammed . . . Dyott

Amineh Mrs. Hoey

Sultan of Myra Bangs

Oflan Agan Brougham

Oglon Chippendale

C. T. Pj

Uyd

^arsloe

After a run of one hundred and two nights, it was withdrawn
April 4, when '' As You Like It " was act^, 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 ; Wheatleigh, 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 rrhirteenth 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 onlv appearance
in public. He died in this city Dec. 25, 1864. Mr. Wallack's most
notable characters were Shylock, Benedick, Jaques, Martin Hey-
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, must 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 HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D859

Frank Hawthorne
Dr. Playfair . .
Robin Wildbriar
Lionel ....
Lucy Vavasour .
Mrs. Vavasour .
Mrs. Wildbriar .

. . Lester Wallack

• . J. Broueham

. . . C. Walcot

. . C. Wheatleigh

. . . Mrs. Hoey
Mrs. H. P. GratUn

. . Mrs. Vernon

Everard
Augustus .
James . .
Cunningham
Jenny . .
Euphemia
Jemima

F. C. Bangs
. Wm. Floyd
. . . Young
F. Chippendale
Mary Gannon
Miss Henrade
. Miss Tree

John Dyott acted Sir Anthony Absolute in " The Rivals," May 24.
The season closed June 6, with a benefit to Lester Wallack, but a
performance of " Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady/' and " Knights
of the Round Table " (with Floyd as Grantley) 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,
"Temptation." Harry Langdon acted Tom Bobolink, his first
appearance in New York, and Mrs. Bradshaw made her first appear-
ance in this theatre, as Mrs. Grimgisken. " Lalla Rookh, or the Fire
Worshippers," was given June 18. H. L. Bateman became manager
of the house Aug. 22, and introduced Matilda Heron, in Mrs.
Bateman's play " Geraldine, or Love's Victory." It ran until Sept.
14. C. W. Couldock, M. W. LefEngwell, Wm. Davidge, Charles M.
Walcot 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. Bangs, John Sloan, John Sefton, W. R. Floyd,
Levere, Chas. T. Parsloe, Jr., Cobum, Mary Gannon, Mrs. John
Hoey, 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 Stoepcl leader of orchestra,
Theo. Moss, treasurer. " The Ruling Passion " was seen for the first
time, on the opening night, with this cast :

Job Singleheart .
Tom Dexter . .
Maurice O^Connor
Hercules Harebell
Honeydew . .

W. R. Blake

Lester Wallack

John Brougham

. C. Walcot

. John Dyott

Mrs. Honeydew .
Augusta • . ,
Tilly . . . ,
Widow HoUister

Mrs. Walcot

Mrs. Hoey

Mary Gannon

Mrs. Vernon

"Ticklish Times" was the farce in which Mrs. A, W. Young
made her first 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 Walcot

David Sloan

Falkland Dyott

Lydia Mary Gannon

Fag Levere

Coachman Jackson

Mrs. Malaprop . . . Mrs. Vernon

Julia Mrs. Hoey

Lucy Julia Tree

iSteJ

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

SOI

Oct. 13, ''The School for Scandal/' and thus admirably cast :

Lady Sneerwell . . .

Sir Peter Teazle Blake

Charles Sur^e . . . Lester Wallack

Sir Oliver Brougham

Benjamin Backbite . . . Walcot

Joseph Dvott

Lady Teazle Mrs. Hoey

Mana Mrs. Sloan

7
Crabtree . .

Trip . . .

Careless . .

Snake . . .

Mrs. Candour

Mrs. Walcot

Moore

. . Young

. . Floyd

Levere

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 Mr. Brougham, on the trombone,
and Walcot, on the violoncello ; Duo Concertante, trombone and
violoncello, Brougham and Walcot; Duo di Voce, Instrumental,
" How Many Beans Make Five ? " by Brougham, 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 Mr. Walcot's benefit,
with this cast :

Lord Ogleby Walcot

Canton Brougham

Lovewell Dyott

Sterling Moore

Trust Miss Carman

Miss Sterling .... Mrs. Hoey

Fanny Mrs. Sloan

Mrs. Heidleberg . • Mrs. Vernon

Betty Marv Gannon

Chambermaid .... julia Tree
Brusch Lester Wallack

Sterling Coyne's " Everybody's Friend " was played Dec. 7, for
the first time in America, and cast as follows :

Felix Featherly . . . Lester Wallack
Major Wellington De Boots . Walcot
Mrs. Featherly .... Mrs. Hoey
Mrs. Swansdown . . Marv Gannon
Mrs. Major De Boots . . Miss Floyd

Fanny Julia Tree

Icebrook Brougham

Trap C. Parsloe

Cook Miss Carman

" Knocks and Noses " had its first performance Dec. 26. Blake
acted Kabri ; Floyd, Prince of Avignon ; and Mrs. Walcot, Mrs.
Kabri. ^'A Husband to Order" was given, for the first time in
America, Jan. 3, i860, with this cast:

Baron de Beaupre Sloan

Phillipeau Blake

iosephine Mrs. Hoey
I me. Phillipeau . . Mrs. Vernon

Pierre Marceau . . . Lester Wallack

Anatole Walcot

Elise Mary Gannon

502 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D»>

"The Romance of a Poor Young Man/' first acted in America
Jan. 24, with this cast :

Manuel . . .

Dr. Desmarets .
Louise Van Berger

Mme. Ldroque .

Marguerite . .
Mme. Aubrey
Mile. Helouin

Lester Wallack

Brougham

Mrs. C. Walcot

Mrs. Vernon

Mrs. Hoey

Mary Gannon

Fanny Morant

Christine Fannv

M. de Brevannes . . . C. Walcot

Gasper John Dyott

Alain Young

M. Nouret Lewc

Yvonnett C. Parsloe

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 "The Romance of a Poor Young
Man/' and '* Leading Strings/' for the first time in America, formed
the bill. April 7 " Leading Strings " had this cast :

Frank Leveson .
Mrs. Leveson
Flora Mackenzie
Edith . . . .

. Lester Wallack
. . Mrs. Hoey
. Mary Gannon
Mrs. John Sloan

Binnings Blake

John Young

Milford Baker

Balfour Cobom

'' Box and Cox Married and Settled/' was done the same night
under the name of " Marriage Bliss/' with Brougham as Box, Wal-
cot as Cox, Mrs. Vernon as Mrs. Box, Mary Gannon as Mrs. Cox,
and Miss Carman as Mrs. Bouncer. Congreve's comedy, ** Love for
Love," was seen, for the first time in six years, April 1 1 , f or 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 Walcot

Joseph Dyott

Lady Teazle Mrs. Hoey

Lady Sneerwell . . . Mrs. Walcot
Mrs. Candour . . . Mrs. Vernon

Crabtree Moore

Moses Sloan

Trip Young

Careless W. R. Floyd

Snake Levere

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 cast :

Tom Dexter .
Solomon Frazer
Major McTurk
Lovibond . .
Colepepper .
Clavering . .
Mrs. Rabbits

Lester Wallack
. . Blake
Brougham
. Walcot
. . Dyott
. . Floyd
Mrs. Young

Moleskin . .
Capt. Smart .
Hardistry . .
Mrs. Seabright
Mrs. Lovibond
Mrs. Colepepper

. . . Sloan
. . Levere
. . Bernard
. Mrs. Hoey
Marv Gannon
. Mrs. Sloan

l86o3

WALLACK'S 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 e£Fects, stuffed himself out and ap-
peared as Capt. Cuttle and Toodles. He closed Aug. 25. The first
night that Mr. Florence played Cuttle, Aug. Fenno, who was a
spiritualisti 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 table 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 d6but 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 T. 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 :

Grace Henrietta Irving

Pert Emma ReignoldS

Charles Aug. Fenno

Meddle W. Ellerton

Martin Cook

Sir Harcourt ... W. M. Fleming

Max C. W. Tavlor

Dolly W. R. Floyd

Dazzle J. H. Allen

Simpson Ben Porter

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 Barrymore
(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
Barrymore, and another at Porter, who fell, mortally wounded in the
stomach, and died within forty minutes. Barrymore 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 Comer. The remains were taken to Evergreen
Cemetery. During the winter of 1887 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 IMo

" The Secret/' announced as " Domestic Mysteries," was played
by George Holland. Thomas, J. M. Ward, Andrews, Chas. Parsloc,
Jr., Kate Fisher, and Miss Wray were in the cast. George Jordan
had a benefit Sept. 6, when " Dreams of Delusion " was g^ven, Sara
Stevens appearing as Lady Harleigh. This was followed 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, ** Living Too Fast," closed the enter-
tainment, Mrs. George Jordan acting Julia, and Charles Thome (bis
first appearance here), Plausible.

The next season opened Sept. 13, i860, with the following com-
pany : W. R. Blake, Charles Walcot, Sr., W. R. Floyd, A. H. (Dolly)
Davenport, W. H. Norton, Sloan, Young, T. Hamblin, Jr., Moore,
C. T. Parsloe, Jr., Oliver, Parkes, Cobum, Henry and John Lester
Wallack, Mrs. Hoey, 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 *' The Royal-
ist, or Forty Years Ago," was the opening play, with this cast :

Henri de Flavieneu . Lester Wallack
Baron Montricnard . W. R. Blake
M. De Grignon . . Charles Walcot
Greve Mr. Parkes

Corporal Donville . . . Mr. Cobam

Pierre Mr. Oliver

Countess D'Autreval . . Mrs. Hoey
Leonie Mary Gannon

Brougham's " Playing with Fire," was acted Oct. 2, for the first
time on any stage, and thus cast :

Doctor Savage . . . Lester Wallack
Uncle Timothy ... W. R. Blake
Herbert Waverly . . W. H. Norton
Pinchbeck . . . A. H. Davenport

Richard Mr. Cobum

Thonoas Mr. Oliver

Mrs. Herbert Waverly Mrs. Hoey

Mrs. Dr. Savage . . Miss Gannon
Widow Crabstick . . Mrs. Vernon

Perkins Miss Tree

Mary Anne .... 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 two years, made his first appearance, and Mrs. Sloan was seen
for the first time this season. Mrs. John Hoey 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 :

Harnr Dornton . . . Lester Wallack
Old Dornton .... W. R. Blake

Goldfinch Chas. Walcot

Silky Mr. Sloan

Sulky W. H. Norton

Milford W. R. Floyd

Marker Mr. Parsloc

Widow Warren . . . Mrs. Vernon

Sophia Miss Gannon

Jenny Miss Tree

i86o3

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

505

Charles Walcot took his benefit Nov. 26, and presented "She
Stoops to Conauer," and " Rural Felicity." " The Model Hypocrite "
was produced for the first time Dec. 3, and thus cast:

W. R. Blake Countess de aermoot Miss Morant

Marshal D'Estigny
La Touche . .
Hector de Renville
M. St. Friex . .
Leonard . . .
Eugenie de Blossac

Lester Wallack

Mr. Reynolds

W. R. Floyd

W. H. Norton
Mrs. Hoey

Jeannette (first appearance 00 any stage)

A voung lady

Berthollet Mrs. Reeves

Mme. Courtin ... Miss Carman

It was an adaptation by George Farren from Emilie De Girardin's
" Mons. TartufiFe." This play was only partly successful, and was
withdrawn after Dec. 17.

The "young lady" who played Jeannette was Madelaine Henriques.
She had previously appeared in amateur theatricals. She stepped
gracefully from private life, to a most enviable career on the stage.
She 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' art, but the innate spirit of the
woman. She took leave of the stage April 20, 1867, having been
married to Louis J. Jennings, of The New York Times, 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
rdles 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 extraondinary
beauty. In such rdles 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; Lorcl Danberv, W. R. Blake; Willowear,
Chas. Walcot ; George, Parkes ; Mrs. Lorimer, Mrs. Hoey ; Hester,
Miss Gannon ; Lady Susan Courtly, Fanny Morant.

Charles Mathews* comedy " The Dowager," was seen Dec. 21, with
this cast: Lord Alfred Lindsay (his original part)» Chas. Walcot;
Sir Frederick Chasemore, W. H. Norton; Edgar Beauchamp,
W. R. Floyd ; Robert, C. T. Parsloe ; Dowager Countess of Trcsillian,
Mrs. Hoey ; Lady Bloomer, Mrs. Sloan ; Margaret, Miss Reeves.
•• Fast Men of the Olden Time," was revived Dec. 24, and thus cast:

Charles I (first appearance at this
theatre) . . . . T. S. Hamblin Jr.

Earl of Rochester
Duke of Buckingham
Lycurgus Muddle .
Starvemouse . . .
Jeremiah Thin . .
Dunstable ....

Lester Wallack
Mr. Reynolds
W. R. Blake

W. H. Norton

Mr. Young

W. R. Floyd

Balaam .Mr. Sk>an

Joskin C. T. Parsloe

Gruff Barney Mr. Oliver

Countess of Lovelaugh Mrs. Hoey

Lady Gay Mrs. Sloan

Silvia Golden . . . Miss Gannon
Aunt Rebecca . . . Mrs. Vernon
BeU Julia Tree

5o6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE C1861

This play had previously been called "Rochester." "Pauline"
was played Dec. 31 :

Count Horace de Beauvale

Lester Wallack
Lucien de Nerval . . Mr. Reynolds

Henri T. S. Hamblin

Max W. R. Floyd

CyriUe C. T. Parsloe

Leon de Beauchamp . . Mr. Norton

Pauline Mrs. Hocy

Gabrielle Mrs. Sloan

Mme. de Nerval . . Mrs. Walcot
Harriet WUdfort . . Mrs. Reeves
EsteUe JuUa 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. Sloane as Ga-
brielle. " The Lady of St Tropez," 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
Dr. Gerfaint . .
M. Langlois . .
Count D'Auberieve

Lester Wallack

W. H. Norton

Mrs. Reynolds

. John Moore

. Mr. Youns^

. Wm. Floyd

Jerome C. Bernard

£douard George Browne

Hortense D'Auberieve . . Mrs. Hoey
Pauline Langlois . . Miss Gannon

Charlotte Miss Morant

Moinette Mrs. Walcot

Town and Country " was played Feb. 6, with this cast :

Reuben Glenroy
Kit Cosey
Mr. Trot . .
Plastic . . .
Jakey Hawbuck
Capt. Glenroy
Rev. Owen Glenroy

Lester Wallack

W. R. Blake

. Mr. Young

. Wm. Floyd

Mr. Sloan

Wm. H. Norton

. John Moore

Hon. Mrs. Glenroy
Rosalie Somers .
Mrs. Moreen
Mrs. Trot . . .
Goody Hawbuck
Tamlin . . .

Mrs. Hoey

Mrs. Sloan

Mrs. Vernon

Mrs. Walcot

Miss Carman

Julia Tree

" Old Heads and Young Hearts," Feb. 7, had this cast :

Jessie Rural . .
Lord Roebuck .
Lyttleton Coke .
Earl of Pompion
Colonel RocKett

W. R. Blake

. Wm. Floyd

Lester Wallack

. John Moore

Wm. Norton

Tom Coke .... Mr. Reynolds
Countess of Pompion . Mrs. Vernon

Lady Alice Mrs. Hocy

Miss Rockett . . . Miss Gannon

On Feb. 11," Wild Oats " was given :

Sir George Thunder . . Wm. Blake

Rover Lester Wallack

Harry Thunder .... Wm. Floyd
Ephraim Smooth . . . Mr. Young
John Dory Mr. Norton

Farmer Gammon

Sim

Lady Amaranth .
Jennie Gammon
Amelia . . . .

Mr. Moore

Mr. Sloan

Mrs. Hocy

Miss Gannon

Mrs. Walcot

Feb. 13, " The Captain of the Watch " : Viscount de Ligny, Lester
Wallack ; Adolph de Courtray, Mr. Floyd ; Baron Vanderpotter, Mr.
Moore ; Officer of the Watch, Mr. Parkes; Katryna, Miss Gannon;
Kristina, Mrs. Sloan. Also, " The Soldier's Daughter," with this
cast:

I86t3

WALLACK'S LYCEUM

507

Governor Heartall
Frank Heartall .
Mr. Malfort . .
Timothy Quaint .
Capt. Woodley .

. Mr. Blake

Mr. Wallack

Mr. Reynolds

. Mr. Youne

Mr. Floyd

Ferrit Mr. Moore

Widow Churley .... Mrs. Hoey

Mrs. Malfort Mrs. Sloan

Julia Miss Reeves

Susan Julia Tree

Lester Wallack's (?) comedv, " Central Park, or the House with
two Doors/' was first acted Feb. 14 :

. Mr. Blake Mrs. Ker Flamberry • Miss Gannon

Lester Wallack Flora Myrtle . . . Miss Henriqucs

Mr. Reynolds Mittens Mrs. Reeves

. Mr. Norton Bridget Tooligan . . . Julia Tree
A. W. Young

Theodore Moss, the treasurer of the house, took his annual benefit
March 11, and offered "A Bold Stroke for a Husband," with this
cast:

Ker Flamberry
Wyndham Otis
Harrv Dunsford
Mr. Myrtle
Robert Crutch

Don Julio . .
Don Cxsar .
Don Vincentio
Don Carlos
Don Garcia •

Lester Wallack
. Mr. Blake
. Mr. Walcot
. Mr. Norton
Mr. Reynolds
. Mr. Parkes

Donna Olivia
Minetta . .
Donna Victoria
Donna Marcella
Donna Laura
Sancha . .

Mrs. Hoey
Miss Gannon
Miss Morant

Mrs. Sloan
Miss Reeves
Miss Carman

Diego . . .

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."

Charles Courtley

Sir Harcourt Courtley

Mark Meddle . .

Dazzle

Max Harkaway . .

Mr. Wallack

. Mr. Walcot

Mr. Blake

Mr. Reynolds

• Mr. Norton

Dolly Spanker .
Cool ....
Lady Gay Spanker
Grace Harkaway
Pert

Mr. Floyd
. Mr. Young
. Mrs. Hoey
Miss Gannon

Julia Tree

Walcot took his benefit March 18, in '' Knights of the Round
Table " :

Captain Cozzens
Sir Ralph Bootle
General Grantley
Leonard Darcy .
Count Livoerurtz

WaUack

Reynolds

Norton

. Floyd

Hamblin

Baron Griefenklaus . . . Parsloe

TomTittier Walcot

PerdiU Mrs. Hoey

Peggy Poplin . . . Miss Gannon
Duress de Castlemere . Mrs. Reeves

For Fanny Morant's benefit, March 20, " Money " had this cast :

Alfred Evelyn Wallack

Sir John Vesey Moore

Lord Glossmore Reynolds

Sir Frederick Blount .... Floyd

Stout Young

Graves Walcot

Captain Dudley Smooth . . Norton
Clara Douglas .... Mrs. Hoey
Lady Franklyn (first time)

Miss Morant
Georgiana Mrs. Sloan

" She Stoops to Conquer," was given for thefirst time here March 25 :

Mr. Hardcastle ... W. R. Blake

Young Marlowe
Tony Lumpkin . .
Hastings .
Sir Charles Marlowe

Wallack

Walcot

Reynolds

. Moore

Young

Mrs. Hardcastle . . Mrs. Vernon
Miss Hardcastle . . . Mrs. Hoey

Miss Neville Mrs. Sloan

Susan Miss Tree

5o8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE Cx86i

E. G. P. Wilkins' comedy " Henriette," was seen here March 27,
and thus cast :

Rosalie Latoar .... Mrs. Sloan

Marianna Miss Gaxmon

Madame De Blossiere Miss Morant
Madame Solange . . Mrs. Walcot

Emile Lefevre Wallack

M. Latour Young

M. De Blossiere .... Norton

Paul Floyd

Henriette Mrs. Hoey

It held the boards until April 21, when "Love for Love
given, with this cast :

Sir Sampson Legend .... Blake

Valentine Wallack

Scandal Norton

Tattle Walcot

Ben Reynolds

Foresight Young

»»

was

Jeremy Floyd

Buckram Parsloe

Angeline Mrs. Hoey

Mrs. Foresight . Mrs. Chas. Walcot
Mrs. Trail .... Fanny Morant
Mrs. Prue .... Mary Gannon

" The Heir at Law " had this cast :

Lord Duberly Blake

Doctor Pangloss Young

Dick Dowlas . . . . . Walcot
Zekiel Homespun .... Norton
Steadfast Reynolds

Moreland Floyd

Cicely Homespun . . . Mrs. Hoey
Lady Duberly . . . Mrs. Vernon
Caroline Dormer . • Miss Reeves

Boucicault's '' Love and Money *' was played April 28, cast thus :

Lord Fipley . . . Lester Wallack
The McDunnnm . . . C. Walcot
Claude Plantagenet . Mr. Re3molds

Sykes Wm. Norton

Craven Acton ... W. R. Floyd

Helen ....
Rose Lawless
Baroness .
Mrs. Fox French
Sally . . . .

Mrs. Hoey

Mary Gannoa

Miss Reeves

Mrs. Vernon

Mrs. Walcot

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.

May 6 " Jessie Brown, or the Relief of Lucknow/' was seen with
this cast :

S weenie Young

Cassidy W. R. Floyd

Amy Mrs. Hoey

Charlie Master Reeves

Effie Miss Reeves

Jessie Brown . . . Fanny Morant

Nena Sahib .... W. H. Norton

Achmet Mr. James

Randall Macgregor . Lester Wallack
Georgie Macgregor . . . Reynolds
Rev. David Blount . . H. Pearson

Alice Mary Gannon

Mary Miss Tree

This was Harry Pearson's first appearance at this theatre.

The theatre remained closed until May 22, 1861, when it was
reopened by Robert W. Butler as the Broadway Music Hall, with
Aynesley Cook, Billy O'Neill, Tony Pastor, Annetta Galetti, Mods.

I86a3

NEW YORK ATHENiEUM

509

Velarde, Clara Harrington, Ben Yates, Add Weaver, Master Barney,
Tim Norton, Billy Arlington, Mile. Katrina, Lizzie Schultze, Ma-
tilda Schultze, Julia Christine, Sophie Wilton, Mons. La Thome,
stage manager. A. J. Leavitt, Ben Cotton, Billy Birch, J. O. Sefton,
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.
Schroeder-Duemmler ; Amina, Mrs. Schreiner-Kronfeldt ; Max, Herr
Quinn ; Caspar, Herr Weinlich ; Cuno, Herr Ochslein.

This house was reopened March i, Lewis Baker and Geo. Ryer
managers. They christened it The New York ATHENiEUM. " Uncle
Tom's Cabin, or Lights and Shadows of Southern I jfe," by a mem-
ber of the Pennsylvania judiciary, was produced with this cast :

St. Gair G. C Howard

Uncle Tom Geo. Ryer

Eva Mary Bullock

Topsy . . ,
Aunt Ophelia
Eliza . . .

Mrs. G. C. Howard

. . Lotty Hough

Mrs. F. S. uhanfrau

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, Mme. Ponisi, 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 Mary Provost's Theatre.
Samuel Colville and John L. Baker were the managers when John
Wilkes Booth appeared as Richard IIL, beginning his only engage-
ment in this city, though on one subsequent occasion he played in
" Julius Caesar," 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 IIL," " The
Robbers," "Hamlet." "The Apostate." " Macbeth," and "The Mer-
chant of Venice." He took his benefit March 21, in " Richard III." :

Gloster .... J. Wilkes Booth
Queen Elizabeth . . . Mrs. Farren
Earl of Richmond . . . E. L. Tilton
King Henry Geo. Ryer

Wilkes Booth's last appearance on the stage was at Ford's Theatre*
Washington, D. C, March 18, 1865, as Pescara in "The Apostate,"
for the benefit of John E. McCuIIough. 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 " oflf night." Booth
died Thursdayi April 27, 1865. He gave promise of becoming a

Lady Anne .... Mrs. Chanfrau
Duke of York . . . Mary Bullock
Tressel Lewis Baker

5IO A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE D««

great actor. He had in him much of the spontaneous fire of his
^ther, whose performance of Richard III. was simply terrific in its
dramatic intensity. He was one of the handsomest actors that ever
graced the modem stage. He possessed g^cious manners and a
form of almost perfect symmetry. As Richard, he 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 he *' 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 Richmonds
he refers to ; his beaver was lost in the fray, his hair flying belter
skelter, his 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 Clifibrd. 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) ^5CX) 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. " Eus-
tache Baudin " was the opening play, given with this cast :

Eustache C. W. Taylor

Marcel G. L. Fox

Lambert £. Clarke

Delbois Chas. Nichols

Mons. Purcelet . . J. J. McCloskey
Capt. Lahair . . . Geo Davenport

Mons. Manchre Bradshaw

Duke J. R. Spackman

Louise (aged 10) . . Marr Bollock
Capt. Brissac . . . . M. B. Pike
Pomponneau C. K. Fox

Louise ^^Z ^^i^bc^^

Countess . . . Mrs. H. F. Grattan

Manon Agnes Gaire

Louise (aged 4) Marie

** The Invisible Prince " was the afterpiece, with Fanny Herring as
Don Leander, Mrs. J. R. Scott as Sanguino, G. L. Fox as Furibund.
The company was as follows : Mrs. H. P. Grattan, Agnes Claire, the

IW43 MARY PROVOST'S THEATRE 51 1

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. McCloskey, L. Brad-
shaw, Mitchell, George Davenport, Greer, James Pilgrim, Miss
Francis, danseuse. 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 "Medea" 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 d^but 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 rechristened it The New
Idea, but that name soon gave place to The German Opera 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,
Gra£F, Rudolphsen, and Weinlich. ''Martha" was the initial per-
formance, followed by " Der Freischiitz," " Alessandro Stradella,"
"Czar und Zimmerman," "The Child of the Regiment," "The
Seraglio," " Postillion of Lonjumeau," " Fidelio," " Der Wildschutz,"
" Mason and Locksmith," " Le Nozze de 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, M. and Mme.
Mathieu, ^douard Velarde, Virginia Chiarini, Marietta Zanfretta,
Gustavus Geary, Johannes Senia, Antonio Grossi, Camille 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 either side, built on the
stage a forty-foot ring full of sawdust, and christened the house The
Broadway Amphitheatre. The stars of Mr. Lent's circus were
the Melville Family, Jimmy Reynolds and Joe Pentland as clowns,
Tom King the vaulter, Mme. Tourniaire, S. P. and Robert Stickney,
Wallace and his trained bears. Mr. Lent 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 D«s

•-

and in reward of talent, restored it approximately to its wbiloin
attractiveness and patronage. Its title was now Th£ Broadway
Theatre. Beginning May 2, the Broadway bad 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 Kemble'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, £. Post,
Howard, Manly, Campbell, Maxwell, and Mrs. Sloan. Thomas E.
Mills was the stage manager. The cast of " 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
Cousin at Home," with Thomas J. Herndon as Asa Trenchard.
James Martin, James Seymour, Fanny Browne, and Marie Boniface,
were also in the company. June 27 "The Octoroon" was given,
with Chanfrau as Salem Scudder and Jennie Parker as Zee. The
season closed July 4, and a summer term of four weeks commenced
July II, with Helen Western as the star, in "The French Spy,"
followed by " Don Caesar de 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 Lawyer."
In the dramatic company were : G. D. Chaplin, C. P. de Groot, George
Metkiff, Mrs. G. F. Tyrrell, Alice Placide, 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. 21, with Owens as Dr. Ollapod; 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, 1865.
"Dot, or the Cricket on the Hearth," was given March 13, with
this cast:

Caleb Plummer .
John Peerybingle
Edward Plummer

. John E. Owens
George Jamison

. George Metkiff

Tackleton W. J. Fleming

Dot Alice Placide

Bertha . . .
May Fielding
Mrs. Fielding
Tilly Slowboy

Henrietta Osborne

Miss C. Adams

Mrs. T. J. Hind

Mrs. G. F. Tyrrell

iMsD THE BROADWAY THEATRE 513

Owens' engagement terminated April 13, the theatre being closed
April 14, in consequence of the assassination of President Lincoln,
aftd continued closed until April 26, when it reopened with the re-
appearance in this city of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kean, 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 Keans'
engagement was the selling of the seats at auction. The first choice
was purchased by James H. Hackett. 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 VHI." and " The Jealous
Wife." "Louis XL" was given April 15, Mr. Kean as Louis,
George Jamison as Cotier, J. F. Cathcart (his first appearance in
New York) as the Due de Nemours, George 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 XL," April 29 ; ** Henry VHL," May i ; " Louis XL," May
2; "King John," May 3; "Much Ado About Nothing," May 4;
"Hamlet" (benefit), May 5; and ''Henry VHL" and "Jealous
Wife," terminated their engagement May 6. The receipts of the
opening performance were ^1,921.54. The largest house was on
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 ^8,777.19.

John E. Owens commenced another engagement May 8, in " The
People's Lawyer" and "The Live Indian." He closed May 26,
when he took a benefit in "The Happiest Day of My Life" and
" The People's Lawyer." The theatre was closed May 27, but was
reopened 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 Colville began June 10 a summer season with Mr. and
Mrs. Harry Watkins, in a variety of characters, their engagement
continuing until July i. Thev opened in "The Peasant Peeress"
and " It Takes Two to Quarrel." In the first piece Harry Watkins
played Perkyn Pyefinch; Mrs. Watkins, Lucy Loveknot; G. D.
Chaplin, Lord Musgrave. In the company were Charles de Groot,
J. H. Rogers, M. B. Pike, Geo. Radclifle, Mesdames Tyrrell, Minnie
Monk, and Cole. " The Hidden Hand " and " The Pioneer Patriot "
followed. On July 3 Kate Reignolds appeared and W. H. Sedley
Smith supported her part of the time. " The Angel of Midnight " was
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. Mestayer appeared. W. H.
Sedley Smith made his bow July 24, as Gov. Heartall in "The

514 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE DM6

Soldier's Daughter," to the Widow Checrly of Kate Reig^olds, who
also played Milly in ** The Maid with the Milking Pail " the same
evening. For her benefit, Aug. 4, Kate Reignolds offered '* Andy
Blake " and " The Jealous Wife." An adaptation of Sardou's play
of " Piccolini " was given Aug. 7, and the season closed with a
benefit to Samuel Colville, Aug. 14, when Frank Drew played Tim
O'Brien in "The Irish Emigrant" and Tactic in "Acting Mad."
Eugene A. Eberle commenced at this house during Kate Reignolds*
engagement, as Sam Peppys in " Nell Gwynn " when J. B. Curran
retired from the company.

The next season was opened by Mr. Wood, Aug. 28, 1865, with
Mr. and Mrs. Kean's farewell to this city. G. H. Gilbert was Mr.
Wood's stage manager, and the business manager was Clifton W.
Tayleure. The engagement of the Keans was for twenty-three per-
formances. They were supported by Jas. F. Cathcart, George
Everett, and Miss Chapman. During their three weeks' stay they
appeared in " Henry VIII." first act of " The Jealous Wife," " Louis
XI.," "The Merchant of Venice" (with the fifth act), "Hamlet,"
" Macbeth," " King Lear," " The Stranger," " Othello," " The Won-
der," and " Richard II." They closed Sept. 22. Frank Drew, the
Irish comedian, appeared Saturday evenings, Sept. 2 and 9, in
"Handy Andy," a burlesque of "Camille," and "The Widow's
Victim." The Keans did not play but once each Saturday (the
matinee). Boothroyd Fairclough finished the week by pla)ring
" Richelieu " afternoon and evening of Sept. 23. After an absence
of thirteen years, Mme. Celeste made her appearance Sept. 25, in
" The Woman in Red." She played the triple rdle of Miriam,
Rudiga, and the Countess ; Sept. 28, " The French Spy " and " A
Kiss in the Dark." Her engagement closed Oct. 7, followed Oct. 9
by F. S. Chanfrau in the comedy of " Sam," by T. B. De Walden.
A special engagement was made with Olive Logan for this play.
The cast of " Sam " was thus :

Sam F. S. Chanfrau

Gen. Roslyn . . . . W. C. Forbes
Hon. Geo. Copley (his first appearance
in New York) . . . F. J. Evans
James Plushley . . W. H. Hamblin
Sir Edward Ashton . . H. Jordan
Richard Jenkins . C. T. Parsloe, Jr.

Chas. John Thomas W. H. Beekman
Bill Crockett . . . T. B. De Walden
Hon. Laura Roslyn . . Olive Logan
Lady Copley . . Mrs. G. F. Tyrrell
Hon. Emily Copley Henrietta Osborne
Miss Euphemia Roslyn . Saidee Cole

This engagement closed Jan. 6, 1866, and during its last nights
** Sam " was supplemented by *' Mose."

Jan. 8 John E. Owens made his first appearance since his return
from London. He opened in a condensed version of ** The People's
Lawyer " called ** Solon Shingle/* and was supported by W. C.
Forbes, J. W. Albaugh, F. J. Evans, H. L. Hinton, W. H. Hamblin,
H. Jordan, J. D. Bilby, F. W. Williams, J. B. Carpenter, \V. H.

1866] THE BROADWAY THEATRE 515

Beekman, Mrs. T. J. Hind, and Saidee Cole. " The Live Indian '*
was played Feb. 5, when T. W. Keene and Thos. L. Donnelly joined
the company. John K. Mortimer made his first appearance here
March 5, as Herbert Fitzherbcrt 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 "The Streets
of New York/' Bagshot in " Bull in a China Shop," Snorkey in
" Under the Gaslight." Alfred Jingle in " Pickwick Papers," and
Jack Ryver in " A Flash of Lightning."

On the night of March 19, 1866, 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
you 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 rdle 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 ;i loser ninety-nine times where a less ambitious
player would have left the table a moderate winner. It was his
piission for cards, quite as much as his partiality for stimulants, that
made him reckless as to professional engagements, 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
great occasions.

Adah Isaacs Menken, whom Mr. Wood had secured for four weeks,
commenced a summer season April 30. and played •• Mazcp|)a" for
three weeks to crowded houses. Subsequently she played William
in *• Black Kyed Susan " and •* The French Spy." She closed May
25, 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 wa«
seen in ** The French Spy " and ** Pet of the Petticoats ; " and later
in ** The Corsican 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

5l6 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE CxM6

Roy/' in which Eloise Bridges, J. M. Foster, W. D. Shiels, and G.
W. Middleton appeared; Irish song and dance by Kathleen O'Neil;
dancing by Mile. Rosita ; gymnastic performances by Prof. Donnel-
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. Nagle, M. W. Leffingwell, John Jack, 0.
B. Doud, G. C. Davenport, W. L. Jamison, G. W. Reed, W. H. Bcek-
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, Braisteed, Smith, Scott, Germain, Cassie
Troy, and Ella Turner. Samuel Colville was business manager.
James Stark made his first app>earance in this city in several years.
He opened as Richelieu, supported by M. W. Leffingwell as Baradas,
G. C. Davenport as De Beringhen, Mr. Nagle as De Mauprat, and
Alice Grey as Julie de Mortimer.

" The Robbers " was played Aug. 25, when John H. Jack made his
first appearance in this city, as the Count de Moor. " Napoleon *'
was the title of a new drama acted Aug. 29, with this cast :

Marshal Lannes . . . . J. H. Jack
Marshal Duroc . . G. W. Stoddart
Clotilde de Lamarque . . Alice Grey
Empress Josephine . . Celia Logan
Thdr^se La Belli^re . . Ella Turner

Napoleon James Stark

Gustave St. Aubin . . . J. E. Nagle
Fouch^ . . . . M. W. Leffingwell
General Rapp . . . W. L. Jamison

Pipo G. C. Davenport

Ducorel Frank J. Evans

Lucia Dean sang the " Marseillaise ** at the close of this play.
** The Stranger," " Ingomar," ** Pizarro,*' " Taming of the Shrew,"
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 had not played in this city since he sup-
ported Miss Bateman at Niblo's Garden, appeared Sept. 10 as Robert
Landry in ** The Dead Heart '* supported by Alice Grey as Catherine
Duvall, Mr. Nagle as the Abbe Latour, W. L. Jamison as the Count
St. Valerie, G. W. Stoddart as Arthur St. Valerie, and M. W. Lef-
fingwell as Anatole Toupet.

**The Heretic," Judge Robert Conrad's play, written originally
for Edwin Forrest, was produced Sept. 17. Adrien de Teligny,
Edwin Adams; Raymond de Clemont, J. E. Nagle; Eleanor de
Teligny, 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 Thos. J.
Miller, on behalf of the Neptune Club.

J. H. Hackett appeared here Sept. 24, as Falstaflf in " The Merry
Wives of Windsor" : John Jack as Justice Shallow, Dan Simons (his

H67]

THE BROADWAY THEATRE

5^7

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 Pearl of Savoy," fol-
lowed by ** Fanchon " and " Little Barefoot." Charles Dillon came
Nov. 5, supported by James W. Lanergan. •* King Lear," " Bel-
phegor," *• Othello." "Louis XL," "Macbeth," "The Merchant of
Venice," " The Wonder," " Much Ado About Nothing," " A New
Way to Pay Old Debts," and " Richard HL," were presented during
the engagement, which was a failure. Kate Reignolds came Nov.
26. as Donna Violante in " The Wonder." Wilkic Collins' " Arma-
dale," dramatized by Olive Logan, was given Dec. 3, with this cast :

Miss Gwilt . . . Kate Reienolds

Mrs. Milroy Celia Logan

Miss Pentecost . Mrs. H. Chapman
Midwinter J. £. Nagle

Allan Armadale . . G. W. Stoddart

Pedgift T. H. DonneUjr

Doctor Le Doux ... J. H. Jack

E. L. Davenport began here Dec 8, as Damon, and the following
week he acted *' St. Marc," " The Stranger," " The Honeymoon,"*
" Hamlet," " Wild Oats," and '* Black Eyed Susan." Mr. Daven-
port's series of eight performances, including one mating, closed
Dec. 15, and he was followed by John E. Owens Dec. 19. *' Chloro-
form, or New York in 1867," was acted Dec. 31. G. H. Gilbert
(husband of Mrs. Gilbert^ died of consumption Dec. 12. Tlie lease
of this house was transferred by Geo. Wood to Barney Williams,
April I, 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.
Hackett 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 " Leah,"
'* The Flowers of the Forest," " Masks and Faces," " Oliver Twist,"
and *• Atonement, or the Child Stealer." J. W. Blaisdell, Hattie
Thome and W. £. Sheridan in the companv. 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;
McKee 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 Fairlie and Anna Catherick, Julia Dean Hayne;
Marion Halcombe, Hattie Thome; Sir Percival Glyde, C H. Rock-
well ; Walter Heartwright, 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.

51 8 A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK STAGE [1867

July 29 John Jack took a benefit. The bill was " The Victims "
and " Delicate Ground," " Out to Nurse " and " The Artful Dodger."
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. EUerton with song, Mr. Quillan, C. H. Rockwell,
Miss S. Germain, Blanche Chapman, Peck, and Madan appeared.
Juh'^ 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'Alroy W. J. Florence
Captain Hawtree . . Owen Marlowe

Eccles Wm. Davidge

Sam Gerridge . . . Edward Lamb

Marquise St. Maur Mrs. G. H. Gilbert
Esther Eccles . Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau
Polly Eccles . . 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. Danvers, Folwell, New-
combe, Mrs. G. H. Gilbert, Mrs. George Stoddart, Mrs. H. Chapman,
Kate Newton, Isabel Freeman, Ella Turner, Cave, Smith, Blaisdell,
S. Lowring, E. Warren, and L. Warren.

Edwin Forrest appeared here Sept. 2, in "Virginius." Barton
Hill and Miss Lillie 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
HL," "Damon and Pythias," "King Lear," "Macbeth," "Jack
Cade," " The Gladiator," " Metamora," " Pizarro," and " Hamlet."
He closed Oct. 11. On several occasions he was supported by Mme

i«57D THE BROADWAY THEATRE 519

Ponisi. 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 Miss E. V. Proudfoot as Juliet. This
lady died in New York, April 20, 1877. Her real name was Lewis,
and she was the sister of W. H. Pope, 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 Ince. 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 ** Dress Rehearsal." John Sefton played at the
matin6e, and at Philadelphia in the evening. Mr. Sefton's last
appearance on the stage was here, as Jemmy Twitcher, for the
benefit of Barton Hill. His first appearance in New York city was
Jan. 3, i860. He died in this city Sept. 19. 1868.

Sophie Miles, an Australian actress, made her American d^but
Oct. 12, as Ophelia in " Hamlet," for the benefit of Harry Eytinge.

Julia Dean Hayne, supported by Frank I^wler, appeared Oct. 14,
in "The Woman in White," also later in "The Duke's Wager."
" The Wife's Secret," and " Lucrezia Borgia." For 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. Hayne 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 Cx8«

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 Lake 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; I
want air." Before the woman could cross the room» a g^p made
her hurry to the bed — Julia Dean was dead.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. J. Florence began an eng^ement at this house
Oct. 28, 1867, in " Inshavogfue, or the Wearing of the Green," with
the farce, " Thrice Married/* The cast of " Inshavogue " was:

Bryan Maguire . . . W. J. Florence

Sir Roderick J. H. Jack

Harry Carrington . . Frank Evans

Kate Dwyer .... Kate Newton
Lady Dwyer . . Mrs. G. H. Gflbcrt
Biddy Malone . Mrs. G. W. Stoddait

" The Ticket of Leave Man " was given Nov. 11, with this cast:

Bob Brierly Florence ( Sharpe

Hawkshaw .... McKee Rankin

Green Jones G. Stoddart

Gibson John Jack

Maltby Goodman

Burton Jordan

£. MarUe

Jackson Peck

May Edwards . . . Kate Newton
Mrs. Willoughby Mrs. G. H. GUbert
Emily St Evremond

Mrs. W. 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; Fanner
Allen, John H. Jack; William, Theo. Hamilton; Luke, F. J. Evans.
"Lady Audley*s Secret" followed Dec. 23. Jan. 11, 1868, " Peep 0'
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'Cree; and Mrs. H. Chapman, Moll Shee. For her
benefit, Jan. 24, Mrs. F. B. Conway played Romeo, to the Juliet of
Mrs. D. P. Bowers. Jan. 27 Lotta appeared in "Little Nell;"
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 Sallie Brass.
Feb. 17, "Family Jars" and "Pet of the Petticoats," and Lotta's
engagement closed Feb. 22. A matinee was given Feb. 3, for J.
Delmon Grace. Mr. Grace died at Providence, R. L, Nov. 15, 1876.

F. S. Chanfrau came Feb. 24, in " Sam," Chas. Parsloe, Jr., in his
original character, and March 24, " Joe," by T. B. De WaJden, was
first acted, and with this cast :

18683

THE BROADWAY THEATRE

52»

Joe Woodburn

STdSs : : : : ; : : : : : : : : : : : :K.s.cha„fr,u

Hans Strawckenheimmer

Brutus Boggs . . . C. Parsloe Jr.
Cooper Flaw .... Charles Hale
Wiley Whirl .... Geo. Stoddart
Letty Honeydrop . . Kate Newton

Edith Flaw . • . Isabel Freeman

Molly Maggs Ella Bums

Miss Melinda Aspen

Mrs. G. H. Gilbert

Bob G. Jordan

Patsey . . . Master Willie Heme

Davy Master Henry

Bessie Fallon . . . Blanche Grey
Rose Fallon . . . Kitty Blanchard
Mrs. Fallon . . Mrs. G. H. Gilbert
Mrs. Dowderry . . . Amelia Harris
Ann Ella Turner

Chanfrau appeared April 6, in ** The Widow's Victim '* and ** Our
American Cousin at Home." April 13 Mr. and Mrs. Barney Wil-
liams began an engagement in " The Fairy Circle/' followed later
by " Customs of the Country." " In and Out of Place," " Bom to
Good Luck," "Connecticut Courtship," "The Happy Man," ** Rory
O'Moore," " The Connie Soogah," " All Hallow E'en," " Latest from
New York," " Shandy Maguire," and " An Hour in Service." April
20 a benefit for the American Dramatic Fund took place. Matilda
Heron played "Camille" the week commencing June i, and the
season terminated June 6. A summer season opened June 10, with
" A Flash of Lightning," by Augustin Daly, and had this cast :

Jack Ryver ... J. K. Mortimer
Fred Chauncey . . McKee Rankin

Skiffley James Garden

Mr. Garry Fallon . . . J. H. Jack
Sam Pidge . . . J. C. Williamson
Bennedetto . . . . G. F. Browne

Engineer H. C. Ryner

Terry H. Murdoch

It was played until Aug. 3, when Mr. and Mrs. Harry Watkins
appeared in ** Trodden Down, or Under Two Flags."

** Foul Play" was presented Aug. 24, with the New York Theatre
company, which consisted of J. G. Burnett, Fred G. Maeder, W. H.
Whalley, M. Lanagan, Mary Wells, and Louise Hawthorne. McKee
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 sherifT 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 wav 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 NEW YORK STAGE D»9

in amazement, when presently the order was given to fire, and
Stephen Wilson and 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
from 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 Garden, J. H.
Taylor, Kate Newton, George Becks, John H. Jack, and Mrs. G. H.
Gilbert were in her company. " Mary Stuart" was given Sept. 18,
for Mrs. Lander's benefit W. J. Florence (without Mrs. Florence)
appeared here Sept. 28, in " No Thoroughfare." This was a drama-
tization 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 " L'Abtme."

Jules Obenreizer . W. J. Florence
George Vendale . . . James Carden

Walter Wilding Mr. Hall

Joey Ladle . . . J. C. Williamson
Mr. Bintry J. H. Jack

Mr. Wheeler .... Mr. Beekman
Marguerite .... Kate Newton
Sally Goldstraw . Mrs. Emma Skerett
Unknown Female Mrs. G. H. Gilbert
Mrs. Wheeler . . . Mrs. Blaisdell

The farce "Thrice Married," in addition to "No Thoroughfare,"
was given Oct. 26, for Mrs. W. J. Florence's first api>earance this
season. " Dombey and Son," and " The Young Actress," Oct. 30, for
Mrs. Florence's benefit.

" The Ticket of Leave Man " was revived Nov, 2. Mrs. Lander
reappeared Nov. 9 for two weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams
played Nov. 23 in **The Fairy Circle; " Nov. 30, ** Ireland As It Is"
and "Connecticut Courtship;" Dec. 3, "Shandy McGuire" and
"In and Out of Place." "The Emerald Ring " had its first produc-
tion Dec. 7, with this cast :

Mike Barney Williams

Geraldine Kate Newton

Sidney Loftus . . J. C. Williamson
Sir Oscar O'Neill Hield

Maggie Macarthy
Ralph Dedlight .
Brabazon Fawney

Mrs. Williams

James Garden

John H. Jack

Emma Skerrett, Mrs. G. H. Gilbert, Hall, and Johnson, were in
the cast. The Williamses 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. ** The Live
Indian" was given Feb. 8, and Owens closed Feb. 13. Marie Zoe
appeared in ** Nita, or Woman's Constancy," Feb. 15. Feb. 22 "The
Angel of Midnight *' was seen ; March i,"The Wept-of-VVish-ton-
Wish."

Kate Reignolds began an engagement March 8, as Grace Holdcn

1869] THE BROADWAY THEATRE 523

in Cheltnam'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 Mrs. Barney Williams reappeared April 5, 1869, in "The
Emerald Ring." Mr. Williams took a benefit April 23, and when
called before the curtain he pronounced the valedictory of the house.
On 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 matinde 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
Swiveller," from Dickens* '* Old Curiosity Shop," and " Caste," with
volunteers from Wallack's Theatre. Harry Pray (brother of Mrs.
Barney Williams), the treasurer of the house, took a benefit April
26, when Mr. and Mrs. Barney 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 ** Ireland as It Was," with
Barney Williams as Ragged Pat, Mrs. Barney Williams as Judy
OTrot, followed by a pas de deux by Sig. Novissimo (his first
appearance in New York) and Marie Bonfanti. Next came the
farce of "The Returned Volunteer," W. J. Florence as William
Williams 444 N. Y. V. Betty and Emily Rigl then danced " The
Kiss Waltz." Abner 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, Dan Harkins, J. C. Williamson, Mr. Jordan, Emma
Skerrett, Miss Cave, John H. Jack, Hield, Costello, 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 the 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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