OF . I 111 fcl HA * THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES GIFT OF Kenneth MacKenna \^f til I, li I' l!rK> tap I X e I 'H 1 THE HISTORY OF THE BOSTON THEATRE 1854-1901 BY EUGENE TOMPKINS MANAGER FROM 1878 TO 1901 COMPILED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF QUINCY KILBY TREASURER FROM 1886 TO 1901 BOSTON AND NEW YORK HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY Ritoerafie prros 1908 COPYRIGHT, 1908, BY EUGENE TOMPK1NS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED College Library PREFACE THE history of the Boston Theatre might easily be made to furnish material sufficient to fill an encyclopedia. To bring it into a single volume of this size has necessitated leaving out all criticism and practically all biography. I have tried to make the book as interesting as possible in its limited space and to prevent its becoming a mere catalogue. The compilation of this work had its beginning in a collec- tion of photographs made by my father, before and during the time that he was connected with the Boston Theatre. Inherit- ing from him a taste for such matters, I continued to collect portraits of the many celebrities who appeared there. Having been from boyhood a regular attendant at its performances and being thoroughly familiar with its happenings even before my business connection therewith, I felt the interest in its his- tory which has found expression in this book. More fortunate than many chroniclers, I have had at hand the bound volumes of its programmes as well as the statement-books which show the receipts at all performances. To these I could add my own recollections of tw T enty-three years as manager and my memo- ries of many talks with my father about the fortunes of the magnificent old playhouse. I have also been fortunate in enlisting the services of Mr. Quincy Kilby, who has entered heart and soul into the work of collecting lacking photographs and of verifying all data. I have tried to be accurate in all matters pertaining to dates and the spelling of names. Actors in the course of years some- times change the spelling of their names or drop a superfluous PREFACE name or initial, and actresses often marry. When such changes have appeared I have followed the wording of the programmes at the time of performance. When receipts are quoted they are absolutely correct, as I have been most particular in their verification. In collecting the portraits I have found that everybody who could help has been willing and even anxious to do so. For the loan of rare photographs and for valuable assistance in research, I am indebted to Frank Carlos Griffith, Napier Lothian, John Bouve Clapp, Robert Gould Shaw, E. R. Byram, Douglas Taylor of New York, Frank Dumont of Philadel- phia, Joseph H. Wheeler, William H. Lee, Charles E. Red- mond, Walter Baker, Frank E. Chase, Dexter Smith, Wilbor A. Shea, Edwin Warner, Lycurgus Pitman, John M. Ward, Fred L. Crocker, George B. Young, Mrs. Rachel France, W. H. Bartholomew, H. H. Kelt, Miss H. A. Bullard, Fred H. Nazro, Mrs. J. M. Barnard, Denison R. Slade, Mrs. Emma Snelling, Frank H. Robie, Mrs. C. E. Lauriat, George E. Owen, W. V. Alexander of the " Ladies' Home Journal," and Miss Agnes C. Doyle, Miss Barbara Duncan, and Edwin F. Rice of the Boston Public Library. The Notes and Queries Department of the Boston " Tran- script" has also rendered valuable service in the discovery of rare pictures and the identification of actors. I wish to express here my gratitude to all who have so cheer- fully given their time and loaned their treasures to make this work a success. I hope that the book itself may give as much pleasure to its readers as its making has given me. EUGENE TOMPKINS. 92 State Street, Boston, Mass. CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 II. THE FIRST NIGHT .... 14 III. THE SEASON OF 1854-55 ... 24 IV. THE SEASON OF 1855-56 ... 35 V. THE SEASON OF 1856-57 ... 46 VI. THE SEASON OF 1857-58 ... 60 VII. THE SEASON OF 1858-59 ... 68 VIII. THE SEASON OF 1859-60 ... 78 IX. THE SEASON OF 1860-61 ... 84 X. THE SEASON OF 1861-62 ... 88 XI. THE SEASON OF 1862-63 ... 96 XII. THE SEASON OF 1863-64 ... 103 XIII. THE SEASON OF 1864-65 . . .111 XIV. THE SEASON OF 1865-66 ... 118 XV. THE SEASON OF 1866-67 . . .127 XVI. THE SEASON OF 1867-68 ... 135 XVII. THE SEASON OF 1868-69 . . .148 XVIII. THE SEASON OF 1869-70 ... 158 XIX. THE SEASON OF 1870-71 . . . 166 XX. THE SEASON OF 1871-72 ... 175 XXI. THE SEASON OF 1872-73 . . .189 XXII. THE SEASON OF 1873-74 ... 200 XXIII. THE SEASON OF 1874-75 . . .211 XXIV. THE SEASON OF 1875-76 ... 218 vii CONTENTS XXV. THE SEASON OF 1876-77 . . . 233 XXVI. THK SEASON OF 1877-78 ... 244 XXVII. THK SEASON OF 1878-79 . . 254 XXVIII. THK SEASON OF 1879-80 . . 266 XXIX. THK SEASON OF 1880-81 . . .275 XXX. THE SEASON OF 1881-82 ... 283 XXXI. THE SEASON OF 1882-83 . . .294 XXXII. THE SEASON OF 1883-84 ... 304 XXXIII. THE SEASON OF 1884-85 . . .313 XXXIV. THE SEASON OF 1885-86 . . . 322 XXXV. THE SEASON OF 1886-87 . . .336 XXXVI. THE SEASON OF 1887-88 . . . 348 XXXVII. THE SEASON OF 1888-89 . . .357 XXXVIII. THE SEASON OF 1889-90 ... 366 XXXIX. THE SEASON OF 1890 91 . . .376 XL. THE SEASON OF 1891-92 ... 387 XLI. THE SEASON OF 1892-93 . . .396 XLII. THE SEASON OF 1893-94 ... 407 XLIII. THE SEASON OF 1894-95 . . .418 XLIV. THE SEASON OF 1895-96 ... 429 XLV. THE SEASON OF 1896-97 . . .444 XLVI. THE SEASON OF 1897-98 . . 453 XLVII. THE SEASON OF 1898-99 . . .462 XLVIII. THE SEASON OF 1899-1900 . . 471 XLIX. THE SEASON OF 1900-01 . . .477 INDEX . . . 485 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Adams, Charles R., 247. Adams, Edwin, 69. Adams, Maude, 369. Aimee, Marie, 205. Akerstrom, Ullie, 356. Albani, Mme., 299. Aldrich, Louis, 119, 123, 129. Allen, C. Leslie, 190, 249. Allen, D. R., 129. Allen, Viola, 309. Alexis, Grand Duke, 175. Alvarez, Albert, 466. Alvary, Max, 435. Amodio, Signor, 31. Anderson, Mary, 246. Anderson, Prof., the Wizard of the North, 82. Arnott, R. (Russell Clarke), 129. Arthur, Julia, 468. Arthur, President Chester A., 294. Atkinson, Charles F., 221. Auditorium, Frontispiece. Aujac, Mons., 153. Backus, Charley, 206. Backus, E. Y., 254. Balcony Foyer, 14. Balcony Vestibule, 11. Balfe, Louise, 377, 380. Ballet Group from "Michael Strogoff," 287. Bandmann, Daniel E., 104, 354. Banks, Maude, 358. Barnabee, H. C., 263, 352. Barrett, Lawrence, as The Man o' Airlie, 211. Barrett, Wilson, 367. Barron, Charles, 93. Barrow, Julia Bennett, 17. Barry, Billy, 350. Barry, Thomas, 4. Barry, Mrs. Thomas, 192, 229, 289, 307. Barry more, Maurice, 213. Bartholomew, W. H., 192. Bascombe, H. L., 119, 129. Bateman, Kate, 81. Beebe, Mary, 262, 263. Beecher, Henry Ward, 144. Behrens, Conrad, 435. Bellew, Kyrle, 440. Bellini, Signor, 112. Bennett, James, 24. Bernhardt, Sarah, 281, 482. Berthald, Barron, 435. Biddies, Clara, 18. Bidwell, Dollie, 161. Bimboni, Oreste, 445. Bingham, T., 129. Birch, Billy, 209. Bishop, Madame Anna, 98. Blake, William Rufus, 97. Blinding Scene in "Michael Strogoff," 291. Blind Tom, 467. Blondin, 32. Bloodgood, Harry, 236. Bonaplata-Bau, Mme., 445. Bonfanti, Marie, 278. Booth, Edwin, 51, 61, 72, 129. Booth, J. B., 127, 129. Bosisio, Signora, 121. Boston Theatre Company, 1865-1866, 119. Boston Theatre Company, 1866-1867, 129. Boston Theatre draped in memory of Pre- sident Garfield, 285. Boston Theatre Exterior, 5. Boucicault, Dion, 215. Bowers, Mrs. D. P., 100, 154. Braham, Leonora, 272. Brandt, Marianne, 319. Brignoli, Signor, 48. Brodie, Steve, 419. Brougham, John, 132. Browne, J. H., 119, 129. IX LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Browne. Mrs. J. II.. 119, 129. Browne, Master Johnny, 119. Buckley, E. J., 249. Buffalo Bill, 189. Bull. Ole, 234. Buntline, Ned, 189. Burgess. Neil, 391. Burke, Father Tom, 191. Bums, Thomas H., 119. Burroughs, W. F., 129. Burt, I,aura, 404. Burton, William E., 72. Butler. Benjamin F., 241. Byron, Edwin, the Boy Tragedian, 221. Byron, Oliver Doud, 185. Calve, Emma, 474. Campanari, Giuseppe, 369. Campbell. Bartley. 267. Campbell, S. C., 161. Canfield, Eugene, 370. Capoul, Victor, 177. Carmencita, 392. Carreno, Teresa, 228. Carroll, R. M., 209. Cary, Annie Louise, 205. Castle, William, 164. Cayvan, Georgia E., 263. Chandelier, 13. Chanfrau, F. S., 162, 190. Chanfrau, Mrs. F. S., 195. Chapin, Rev. E. H., 136. Clair, George, 119. Clarke, Annie, 340. Clarke, George H., 111. Clarke, Rev. James Freeman, 146. Clarke, John S., 129, 131. Clarke, Russell, 119, 129. Claxton, Kate, 229. Cline, Maggie, 438. Cluer, Susie. 129. Coes, George H., 197. Collier, Willie, 886. Collings, W. H., 119. Collins, P. A., 349. Collyer, Dan, 377. Collyer, Rev. Robert, 136. Comer, Thomas, 95. Conway, Mrs. F. B., 154. Cotjuelin, Constant, 482. Corbett, James J., 388, 451. Corden, Juliet, 355. Corinne, 303. Cormani, Lucia, 307. Cornalba, Elena, 278. Couldock, C. W., 85, 334. Coulter, Frazer, 304, 307. Cowper, John C., 123. Crane, William H., 207, 339, 441. Campanini, Italo, 204. Craven, John T., 284, 303. Creswick, William, 176. Cubas, Isabella, 89. Cudworth, Rev. Warren H., 136. Curtain, 483. Custis, George William, 169. Curtis, M. B., 324. Cushman, Charlotte, 66, 85, 191. Cushman, Major Pauline, 109. Dado, Signor, 445. Dailey, Peter, 415. Daly, H. F., 24. Daly, Julia, 88. Damrosch German Opera Company in 1896, 435. Damrosch, Leopold, 300. Damrosch, Walter, 423. Daniels, Frank, 329. Darclee, Mme. Hariclee, 445. Dauvray, Helene, 178. Davenport, E. L., 28, 29. Davenport, Fanny, 120 (two portraits), 361. Davies, H. Rees, 249. Davies, Phosbe, 404. Davis, Jessie Bartlett, 453. Davitt, Michael, 341. De Angelis, Jefferson, 457. Dean, Julia, 24, 25. De' Anna, Signor, 445. De Belleville, Frederic, 451. De Belocca, Anna, 278. Delehanty, W. H., 177. Del Puente, Signor, 203. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS De Lussan, Zelie, 328. De Reszke, Edouard, 473. De Reszke, Jean, 465. Diagram, 1st page, 6. Diagram, 4th page, 7. Dickinson, Anna, 160. Didiee, Mme., 52. Dillon, John, 382. Di Marchi, Signor, 445. Di Murska, lima, 260. Dixey, Henry E., 266. Dockstader, Lew, 359. Donaldson, W. A., 35. Dougherty, Hughey, 156. Downing, Robert, 345. Drew, John, 273. Drew, Mrs. John, 424, 441. Dumas, Alexandre, 93. Dumont, Frank, 219. Dunn, Arthur, 400. Durell, Lillian, 402. Durot, Signor, 445. Duse, Eleonora, 439. Eames, Emma, 472. Eddinger, Lawrence, 377. Eddinger, Wallie, 377, 381. Edouin, Willie, 252. Elliott, Maxine, 448. Ellsworth, Colonel E. E., 83. Emerson, Billy, 214. Emery, Sam, 97. Emmett, J. K., 338. Emmoins, Lizzie, 71. Evans, Charles E., 409. "Exiles, The," in 1877, 249. Fabbri, Mme., 81. Fechter, Charles, 162, 171. Field, Kate, 343. Fisher, Charles, 176. Fisk, James, Jr., 152. Fiske, John, 397. Fitzsimmons, Robert, 416. Florence, W. J., 103. Florence, Mrs. W. J., 103. Fohstrom, Alma, 326. Formes, Carl, 70. Forrest, Edwin, 26, 47 (five portraits). Forrester, N. C., 35. Forsberg, S. H., 119, 129. Foster, Eugene, 478. Fougere, Eugenie, 421. Fox, C. K., 160. Fox, Delia, 457. Fox, George L., 158. Foy, Edwin, 406. Foyer, 3. Frail, Horace, 119. France, Rosa, 290, 307. France, Shirley H., 119. Francis, Ida, 287. Frothingham, George, 263, 265. Fuller, Loie, 393. Fuller the Skater, 153. Fursch-madi, Mme., 303. Gadski, Johanna, 435. Gannett, Rev. E. S., 145. Gazzaniga, Signorina, 49. Gericke, William, 350. Germon, Erne, 179. Gerster, Etelka, 260. Getz, Charles S., 203. Gilbert, John, 16, 24. Gilmore, P. S., 109. Gilroy, Mamie, 400. Golden, Richard, 401. Gomersal, William, 119. Gomersal, Mrs. William, 119. Gottschalk, 101. Goodwin, N. C., Jr., 214, 441, 352. Gould, Howard, 292. Grand Staircase Leading to First Balcony, 1. Grant, President U. S., 179. Gray, Ada, 334. Grisi, Mme., 29. Grismer, Joseph R., 404. Gruening, Wilhelm, 435. t Hackett, J. H., 30. Hale, Rev. Edward Everett, 137. Hall, Pauline, 413. Hallen, Fred, 395. XI LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Ilanloii. Alfred. 90. Ilanlon Brothers, 00. Ilanloii, George, 90. Ilunlon. William. 90. HardenlxTgh. Fnuik, 129. ILirlun. Otis. 372. Harrigaii and Hart. 15)8. Harrigan. Edward, 198. Harris. Charles S.. 478. Harris. William, 468. Harrisoti. William, 30. IIarn>ltl. Jeannie, 377. Hart. Joseph. 395. Hart. Tony. 198. Hastn-iter. Helene. 332. Hauk, Minnie. 13*. 260. Hawk, Harry, 377. 379. Held. Anna, 447. Hengler, Thomas, 177. Hensler. Elise, 40 (two portraits). Hepworth, Rev. George H., 115. Herl>ert, Victor, 426. Hermann, Adelaide, 208. 469. Hermann. Alexander, 90, 208. Hermann, Charles, 90. Hermanns, Joseph, 107. Hermanns. The Two, 90. Herne. James A., 338, 422, 462. Heron, Matilda, 51. Hinekley, Isabella. 86. "H. M. S. Pinafore," in 1879, 263. Hoey. William, 409. Holland, E. M., 441. Holland, Joseph, 441. Holt, Elise, 150. Hopper, DeWolf, 459. Horn, Eph, 124. Howard, T. C., 119. Howe, J. B., 24. Hoyt, Charles H., 383. Huguet, Mme., 445. Hunter. Mrs. T. M., 249. Huntington, Agnes, 325. Ince. John E., 288. 289. Ingersoll, Robert G., 410. Innes, the band leader, 438. Interior of the Boston Theatre in 1P96, 431. Irma, Mile., 152. Irving, Henry, 308. Irwin, May, 365. Jackson, Peter, 414. "Jalma," in 1883, 307. James, Louis, 249 (two portraits), 255 (two portraits). Janauschek, Madame, 149. Januschowsky, Georgina von, 362. Jarrett, Henry C., 115. Jefferson, Joseph, 91, 156, 396, 441. Jefferson, Thomas. 464. Jefferson, William W., 464. Jewett, Sara, 242. Joannes, Count, 107. Johannsen, Mme., 52. Jones, Carrie, 202. Jones, Mrs. W. G., 377, 381. Jose, R. J., 360. Juch, Emma, 342. Judic, Mme., 323. Kammerlee, Gus, 263. Karl, Tom, 263, 353. Kean, Charles, 123. Kean, Mrs. Charles, 123. Keene, Laura, 114. Keene, Thomas W., 266. Kellogg, Clara Louise, 87. Kendal, W 7 . H., 390. Kendal, Mrs. W. H., 390. Kidder, Kathryn, 437. Kilby, Quincy, 336. Kilpatrick, Gen. Judson F., 169. Kimball, Jennie, 119. Kingdon, Edith, 302, 307. Kit and the Beats, 190. Klafsky, Katharina, 435. Koppitz, Charles, 119, 125. Laborde, Mme., 70. Ladies' Parlor, 2, 14. La Grange, Mme., 48. Lamb, Frank, 307. Lambele, Aline, 142. Xll LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Lander, Mrs. Jean Davenport, 235. Langtry, Mrs., 340. Leclercq, Carlotta, 163. Le Moyne, W. J., 100. Leman, Walter M., 129. Lennon, Nestor, 377. Leotard the gymnast, 149. Leslie, E. M., 129. Leslie, Mrs. E. M., 129. Levick, Gustavus, 227. Levy, Jules, 385. Lewis, Catherine, 268. Lewis, Horace, 254. Lewis, James, 150. Lewis, Walter, 377. Liberati, Signor, 421. Liliuokalani, Queen, 346. Lingard, Dickie, 267. Little Nell, the California Diamond, 178. Livermore, Mary A., 301. Locke, D. R., 168. Locke, George E. (Yankee), 173. Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth, 279. Losee, Frank, 377, 380. Lothian, Napier, 135. Lotta, 148 (two portraits), 165. Lucca, Pauline, 192. Lucette, Madeline, 272. Ludwig, William, 351. "Macbeth" Programme, 151. MacDonald, W. H., 353. Mace, Jem, 172. Mack, Andrew, 449. Maffitt, James S., 193. Maguinnis, D. J., 190, 289, 303. Majiltons, 184. Majilton, Charles, 184. Majilton, Frank, 184. Majilton, Marie, 184. Manola, Marion, 412. Mansfield, Richard, 374. Mapleson, J. H., 259, 445. Maretzek, Max, 46. Mario, Signor, 34. Markham, Pauline, 166. Marlowe, Julia, 404. 441. Marshall, Mrs. Margaret, 119. Marshall, Wyzeman, 98. Marteau, Henri, 401. Mason, John B., 412. Materna, Amalia, 319, 413. Mather, Margaret, 310, 455. Mathews, Charles, 62 (two portraits). Maurel, Victor, 203. May, Edna, 454. Mayo, Frank, 118, 119, 204. Mazzolini, Signor, 106. McCarthy, Justin, 341. McCarty, Lawrence, 322. McCullough, Isabelle, 263. McCullough, John, 92, 226. Melba, Nellie, 456. Menken, Adah Isaacs, 94. Menken and Dumas, 93. M'Glenen, H. A., 124. Milbank, George, 272. Miles, General Nelson A., 426. Miller, Henry, 414. Miron, J. C., 372. Mitchell, Charles, 324. Mitchell, Maggie, 105. Modjeska, Helena, 433. Montgomery, Walter, 170. Moretti, Eleanor, 377. Morlacchi Ballet, 159. Morris, Billy, 73. Morris, Clara, 242. Morris, Lon, 73. Muldoon, William, 327. Murdoch, H. S., 216. Murdoch, James E., 112, 295. Murphy, Cornelius D., 463. Murphy, Joseph, 238. Murphy, Tim, 372. Murray, Rev. W. H. H., 344. Nasby, Petroleum V., 168. Neilson, Adelaide, 194. Neuendorf, Ad, 362. Nevada, Emma, 317. Neville, Henry, 377, 379. Newcomb, Bobby, 214. Nielsen, Alice, 463. Xlll LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Nilsson, Christine, 179, 182. Nini Patte en TAir and Pupil, 399. Noah, Rachel, 113, 119, 129, 289, 305. Nordica, Mnie., 8*6. Nye, Bill, 367. Oates, Alice, 207. O'Brien, William, 347. Oesterle, Kate, 377. O'Gorman, Kditli. the Escaped Nun, 171. Olcott, Chauncey, 475. O'Neil, Nance, 458. O'Neill, James, 447. O'Reilly, John Boyle, 364. O'Rell, Max (Paul Blouet), 371. Orton, Josephine, 116. Osgood, Rev. Samuel, 137. Owens, John E., 125. Paderewski, Ignace, 432. Palmer, Minnie, 320. Palmieri, Signora, 224. Pappenheim, Eugenie, 239. Paquerette, Mile., 408. Parepa Rosa, 133. Parks, George R., 283. Parsloe, Charles T., 118. Parsons. Thomas W., 20. Pastor, Tony, 231. Patti, Adelina, 79. Patti, Carlotta, 89. Paur, Emil, 434. Peakes, Henry, 119. Peakes, James G., 119. Pell, Johnny, 75. Perry, Agnes, 128, 129. Phillips, Adelaide, 35, 39, 263. Piccolomini, Signora, 77. Pixley, Annie, 276. Plancon, Pol, 473. Pomeroy, Louise, 236. Pond, Fred E., 418. Poole, Nellie, 287. Popovici, Demeter, 435. Potter, Mrs. James Brown, 432. Powers, Miss, 307. Presbrey. Eugene W., 244. Prescott, Jennie, 287. Prescott, W. P., 118. Price, Mark, 233, 249. Primrose and West, 297. Prince of Wales in 1860, 84. Proctor, F. F., 270. Proctor, Joseph, 42, 125. Programme of Opening Night, 15. Putnam, Rev. Dr., 146. Putnam, Katie, 219. Pyne, Louisa, 28. Pyne, Susan, 43. Rachel, 37. Raft Scene in "Michael Strogoff," 289. Randaccio, Signer, 445. Ravel, Antoine, 32. Ravel, Gabriel, 32, 64. Ravel, Jerome, 32. Ravels, 32. Ravelli, Signor, 299. Raymond, John T., 235. Razzle Dazzle Trio, 372. Redmond, John, 472. Redmund, William, 283, 289, 307. Reed, Charlie, 386. Rehan, Ada, 273. Reignolds, Kate, 139. Remenyi the violinist, 389. Reynolds, J. P., 119, 129. Rhea, Hortense, 323. Rice, Fannie, 441. Richards, George, 370. Richings, Caroline, 123, 140. Richings, Peter, 123. Riddle, George, 213. Rignold, George, 224. Ristori, Adelaide, 131. "Rivals, The," in 1896, 441. Roberts, J. B., 133. Robertson, Agnes, 50. Robson and Crane, 326. Robson, Stuart, 168. Rogers. Gus, 467. Rogers, Max, 467. Roosevelt, Blanche, 279. Roosevelt, Theodore, 240. XIV LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Rosa, Carl, 133. Rose, Belle, 377. Rose, Harry, 377. Roselle, Amy, 182. Roze-Mapleson, Marie, 251, 258. Rudersdorf, Erminie, 201. Rummel, Franz, 261. Russell, Lillian, 403 (two portraits), 457. Russell, Sol Smith, 459. Salmoiraghi, Signorina, 399. Salvini, Alexander, 310, 394. Salvini, Tommaso, 202. Sandow, Eugen, 425. Santley, Kate, 181. Sauret, Emile, 234. Scalchi, Sofia, 318, 445. Scallan, William, 119. Scene from " The Devil's Bridge," 35. Scene from "The Tempest," 41. Scene from "The Wife," 24. Scheff, Fritzi, 481. Schiller, Mme. Methua, 106. Schilling, Mina, 435. Schoolcraft, Luke, 196. Scott, J. R., 119, 129. Scott-Siddons, Mrs., 161. Scotti, A., 481. Seabrooke, Thomas Q., 466. Seating Plan, in 1854, 8, 9. Seating Plan in 1870, 167. Seguin, Zelda, 141. Seidl, Anton, 363. Selwyn, John H., 178. Sembrich, Marcella, 309. Setchell, Dan, 67, 76. Sheridan and Mack, 172. Shewell, Limington R., 63, 200, 225, 249. Simpson, Dan, 110. Skinner, Otis, 275. Smiley, Emma, 202. Smith, Mark, 88. Smith, Si, 110. Smoking Room, 14. Sorrentino, Eugenio, 454. Sothern, E. A., 182, 230 (in three characters). Sothern, E. H., 436. "Soudan, The," in 1890, 377. Sousa, John Philip, 420. Spear, G. G. (Old Spear), 173. Springer, S. E., 296, 307, 377. Sternberg, Constantine, 280. Stetson, Evaline, 287. Stewart, Mrs. E. F., 129. St. Felix Infant Ballet, 184. Stigelli, Signer, 86. St. Maur, W. H., 129. Stone, Marie, 328. Strakosch, Max, 71. Studley, S. L., 262. Suck, August, 19 (two portraits). Sullivan, Barry, 220. Sullivan, John L., 327. Sullivan, T. D., 419. Sully, Dan, 329. Taber, Robert, 441. Tamberlik, Signer, 201. Tanner, Cora, 344. Taylor, Emma, 63. Taylor, James W., 479. Tempest, Marie, 405. Ternina, Milka, 435, 465. Terry, Ellen, 308. Texas Jack, 189. Thatcher, George, 261. Thayer, Benjamin W., 218. Thomas, Augustus, 384. Thomas, Theodore, 332. Thompson, Denman, 270, 387. Thompson, Lydia, 166, 245. Thome, Charles R., Jr., 128, 129. Thorne, Emily, 101. Thorne, Fred, 227. Thorne, Grace, 296, 303, 307. Thursby, Emma, 216. Titiens, Teresa, 228. Tompkins, Eugene, 337. Tompkins, Orlando, 315. Tornaghi, Jole, 408. Torriani, Signora, 206. Tostee, Mile., 142. Train, George Francis, 373. Trowbridge, J. C., 74. XV LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Turtle, Zoc, 256. I'ghetti, Signor, 445. tJlmur, Geraldine. 280. Urso, Camilla, 104, 288. Vandenhoff, Charles H., 212. Vandenhoff. George, 38. Vandeiihotf, Mrs. George, 38. Vanoni, Marie, 400. Van Zandt, Jennie, 116. Varian, Mme., 92. Vestvali, Felicita, 45. Viale, Hosina, 307. Vokes family, 187. Vokes, Fawdon, 187. Vokes, Fred, 187. Vokes, Harry, 411. Vokes, Jessie, 187. Vokes. Kosina, 187. Vokes, Victoria, 187. Wain wright, Marie, 249, 251. Wallack, James W., 91. Wallack, Lester, 190. Walsh, Blanche, 448. Ward and Vokes 411. Ward, Genevieve, 261. Ward, John ("Hap"), 411. Ward, John M., 313. Warfield, David, 458. Warner, Neil, 168. Warren, W r illiam 113. Washington Street Entrance, 14. Watterson, Henry, 434. Weathersby, Eli/a, 181. Western, Lucille, 126. Wheatleigh, Charles, 178. Wheelock, Joseph, 225. White Fawn Ballet, 143. Whitney, Myron W., 263. Wilhelmj the violinist, 258. Wilkins, Marie, 226. Williams, Barney, 36. Williams, Mrs. Barney, 36. Williams, Gus, 373. Williamson, J. C., 253. Wilson, Francis, 441. Wilson, George W., 212. \Vilson, Katie, 307. Winston, Jeannie, 281. Wood, Mrs. John, 33, 184. Woodhull, Fred, 129. Woodruff, Master Harry, 275. Wylie, D. B., 119. Yale, Charles H., 221. Yohe, May, 360. "Young America," Master John Haslam, 96. Ysaye the violinist, 422. Zanfretta, Marietta, 65. Zerrahn, Carl, 99. Zoe, Marie, the Cuban Sylph, 108. Zoyara, Ella, 80. THE HISTORY OF THE BOSTON THEATRE Grand Staircase leading to First Balcony THE HISTORY OF THE BOSTON THEATRE THE ah CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION * first mention in literature of the present Boston The- atre is found in "A Record of the Boston Stage," by William W. Clapp, Jr., published in 1853, in which the author quotes from a letter written to him by Thomas Barry, say- ing, "You will have, sooner or later, a first-class theatre in Boston, and if properly built and properly conducted, it will prove a boon to the public and a fortune to the manager." THE BOSTON THEATRE Mr. Clapp adds : " These are the prophetic words of a veteran actor and manager. May we live to see them historical facts in some future 'Record of the Stage' in Boston." Mr. Ladies' Parlor Barry's prediction was soon fulfilled in part, although it was many years before the theatre was a source of any consider- able profit to its managers. The Boston Theatre was opened in 1854, and was so far in 2 "p o THE BOSTON THEATRE advance of the times that even to-day no theatre in the world has been able to surpass it in all important particulars. In beauty of line, in acoustic properties, in ventilation, in ease Thomas Barry and economy of heating, in generosity of entrances and lobbies, in comfort and celerity of exit, in size and capabilities of stage, it has been a model for all the large theatres that have since been constructed in this country. No other theatre in the world 4 o CQ a A THE BOSTON THEATRE v-^p of me OT^ has presented so many notabilities to the public, from tra- gedians and grand opera singers to negro minstrels and vari- ety performers, from orators and clergymen to ballet dancers and athletes. Scarcely any world-famous artist in the last fifty years has missed making his or her appearance at the Boston Theatre, and myriads of words of praise have fallen from their lips for its beauty, its comfort, and its un- paralleled acoustics. The old Boston The- atre on Federal Street was destroyed in 1852, and the Tremont The- atre having gone into the possession of a re- ligious society, it was felt that an adequate place of amusement was needed in the city. Consequently, on April 28, 1852, a meeting which had been called by Joseph Leonard, the auctioneer, was held at the Revere House to consider the building of a new theatre. The meeting was called to order by Joseph N. Howe. E.G. Bates was chosen chairman and B. F. Stevens secretary. Addresses were made by Mayor Benjamin Seaver, Gardner 6 Manager. Thomas JJarry. Assistant Manager ....Jb7tn/J3. WrigTa-. Treasurer WtfKam' /lison- Bar, Setper. Ik A.WILLIAMS &. CO ?(? W(if7ujigton/ Street. BOSTON. 1857. First Page of Diagram INTRODUCTION m_ RULES AND REGULATIONS ID) Office, for securing seats to lAf -fluffs a/tst u open- from/ JIsl.Af.tfimns/Aout fA* d dose of tTie 'performances . Seats- fan- be secured Three stays- in, Brewer, and other prominent citizens, and a committee, con- sisting of John E. Bates, Gardner Brewer, Otis Rich, and John E. Thayer, was appointed to select a site and solicit sub- scriptions. Among those who signed the petition for a charter were David Sears, Oli- ver Ditson, and Gen- eral John S. Tyler. On May 15, 1852, the Boston Theatre Com- pany was incorporated, with a capital stock of $200,000, which was afterwards increased to $250,000, the price of the shares being placed at $1000 each. The Melodeon estate on Washington Street was bought, together with the rear land, which had been owned by the Boston Gaslight Company, the total cost reaching $163,348.80. A prize of $500 was offered for the best design of a theatre, and was won by H. Noury, the building being constructed from his design by the Boston architects, E. C. and J. E. Cabot and Jonathan Preston, the latter being appointed supervisor. The building covers 26,149 feet of land and has 7 (irurteffus usher.t with.' bttdges always t'n ntten tfat# to conduct visitors to their seats- . A Jfffll' witt b stritcfo 5 minutes- pn-rwns to the of the curtain/ while r of the, flay or .Pantonuiht and tyon* bretti con- always be procured at t/i?.oic (.>r*ices erpeofed t/> be it? ' Auditorium/, or at the Bookstore of x ~ - -- - ~~ "~ y Fourth Page of Diagram THE BOSTON THEATRE BOSTON THEATRE. a present seating capacity of 3140. Comparatively few struc- tural changes have been made in the theatre since it was built, the greatest being in 1888, when ten feet were cut from the front of the stage, thus bringing the audience so much nearer the players. In 1890 the great cut-glass chandelier was taken down and its place was filled by eight smaller electric clusters, thus removing all dan- O | I I I ! 1 I ! I. . I. .-. !-!. I I __ ger of accident from the fall of the whole or a part of the massive structure, a danger far more apparent than real, yet still within the bounds of possi- bility. This chande- lier was of immense size and weight, and was composed of thousands of cut-glass prisms. When lighted, it had the appearance of a great glowing jewel, and was the ad- miration and delight of generations of the- atre-goers. A strange comment on the un- certainty of fashion is Seating Plan 1854 Second Page of Diagram furnished by the fact that when this chandelier, which had cost thousands of dollars, was taken down, nobody could be 8 INTRODUCTION BOSTON THEATRE. found to purchase it, or even to remove it for the value of the material of which it was composed. It was dismantled and stored above the dome of the theatre, where it now lies, neglected and forgotten, within a few feet of the scene of its long-time glory. The construction of the dome was a work of genius in engineering, as it was |lH L-t a serious problem to carry so large an ex- panse of ceiling with- out help from below. It was here that wire lathing was used for the first time on re- cord, as it was not practicable to sustain so great an area of plastering with ordin- ary wooden laths. The paneled clock over the proscenium was unique in its nov- elty, and is still the only one of the kind in this country, though its counterpart may be seen at the Hoftheater in Dresden, Saxony. The staircase which leads from the Washington Street lobby to the upper gallery is ingeniously contrived to be self-support- 9 jfi Seating Plan 1854 Third Page of Diagram ing and in no way dependent upon the walls beside it, but springing free and clear from the basement below. Its integ- rity is shown in the fact that in all its more than fifty years of service it has borne its burden of millions of hurrying human beings without a crack or strain of any kind. It is spiral in form and measures nine feet in width, being constructed of oak, which even now shows but few signs of wear from the countless feet that have trodden its broad surfaces. The grand staircase leading from the main lobby to the first balcony also shows the excellence of its material, there being practically no appearance of wear after its half-century of faithful service. The ladies' room on the first floor, the smoking-room on the second floor, and the spacious lobbies of the family circle and gallery occupy in themselves an area greater than the entire auditorium of many a smaller theatre. Although the seating capacity of the house is so much larger than that of any other in the city, it is a pleasing fact that the sign " Standing Room Only" has been shown oftener in the Boston Theatre than in any other local playhouse. The auditorium is ninety feet in diameter and is almost circular in shape, flattening slightly towards the stage. The distance from the curtain to the back of the auditorium is eighty-four feet. The height of the dome is fifty-four feet. The four private boxes on either side of the auditorium should be considered principally as an architectural feature, as they were intentionally kept in the background, that they might not interfere with the view from the orchestra circle or balconies. The stage backs on Mason Street, where are the stage-door for the use of actors and working staff, and the great scene- doors, which have height enough to admit the largest pieces of 10 > >> s THE BOSTON THEATRE scenery and sufficient width to permit the passage of tally-ho coaches, fire-engines, or the bulkiest properties that may be needed. The proscenium opening is forty-eight feet in width by forty-one in height. There is a sub-cellar beneath the stage with a depth of about thirty feet, which allows the sinking of the highest flats and wings. The stage itself is irregular in shape, being much deeper on the side toward the south. Its capabilities are known the world over, and it has been since its first construction a standard for commodiousness and mechan- ical perfection. In addition to the actors, singers, and performers in all other branches of the amusement profession who have been seen here, an army of supernumeraries has trodden its boards, thousands of whom have gained name and fame in divers fields of useful- ness. Comparatively few are the students of Harvard College, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and many kindred institutions, who have not appeared at least once before a Boston Theatre audience as one of the villagers, soldiery, or mob in the great operatic, spectacular, and melodramatic pro- ductions for which the theatre has long been famous. A large proportion of the prominent citizens of nearby Massachusetts cities has also been seen there serving as members of reception committees, seated behind some famous orator or statesman, as he addressed his audience on an absorbing topic of the day. The little stage-door on Mason Street could conjure up a pro- cession of ghostly visitors of other days, unequaled by the shadows from any other such portal in the world. Well might W. E. Henley's lines be inscribed above it: The curtain falls, the play is played; The beggar packs beside the beau ; INTRODUCTION The monarch troops and troops the maid; The thunder huddles with the snow. Where are the revelers high and low? The clashing swords ? The lover's call ? The dancers gleaming row on row? Into the night go one and all. The Great Chandelier Washington Street Entrance Ladies' Parlor Balcony Foyer Smoking-Room CHAPTER II THE FIRST NIGHT THOMAS BARRY took a trip to Europe in the early part of 1854 in the interest of the Boston Theatre. While there he wrote the following letters to J. B. Wright. These letters are now- in the possession of Robert Gould Shaw of this city, who has kindly loaned them for reproduction in this book. 43 St. James's Place, St. James's Street, London, May 19, 1854. MY DEAR WRIGHT,--! returned from Paris last night, having been absent nine days. Prior to my departure I engaged Mr. Wood for the first low comedy and his wife for the cham- bermaids. They are both young and clever, great favorites, and considered equal to any artists on the English stage. When I told Webster of the engagement he expressed his 14 THE FIRST NIGHT surprise at their going to America, and said that he had intended offer- ing them terms for the Adelphi. Finding the price here asked for theatrical dresses fifty per cent more than I had expected, I determined to make the wardrobe up in Amer- ica and asked Brooke to spare me Howell as our costumer. He con- sented, and Howell is engaged for that business and likewise to act and assist on the stage as may be required. Johnson and Howell must work together amicably. In Paris I was offered the ward- robe belonging to the Strasburg Theatre at a very low price, and purchased it. Many of the costumes are of silk velvet, scarcely worn, and made by the great costumer of Paris, Nounon. I likewise bought a fine lot of stage jewelry, foil stones, chain armor, etc. I found a theatrical library in London of bound and marked books which I will send to Boston. Prior to closing this letter I will drive to my agent's, and if he has any news to communicate, I will give you in a P. S. 15 Ijostan Cfteata. . . N AC N IFICENT^N EvTl'HE ATRE U, UU, IV Ont*M -JJ W f, b H*ra4 toitocMI !! EM U * C.WM UpbolMMT for I!M Kakxn Md Pn.ut BOIC.V I; Doe, Huhae It Co. . ta* PWUag vatt. Oa Monday Evening, September 11,1854, __ GRAND OVERTURE, to OuUlftume TeU-Roslnl ADBRE88 fct. .ill opm i il CoMly. to Aa*. W Aa brMdBor. I - F ! ". (i Ui I (tow DM SM&OT Md Wu. *(.' (frwii Bwuc'i TVfi>, N Tofi, W Cm kppv M..K "** * - . crrr-- j ,*r* mtft Programme of the Opening Night THE BOSTON THEATRE Theatricals are dull in Paris, and the glory of the French stage appears to have set without the hope of a speedy rising. There is no startling talent to be met with, the actresses are plain, almost ugly, the ballet in- different, and I see nothing superior to our own stage except the scenery, gorgeous costumes, and instrumental music, which is perfection. During the course of the coming week I shall probably make some en- gagements. Do not write to me after the 3d of June, as I shall sail from Liverpool on the 17th. I wish the day was come, for I long to be home again. I went on board the Africa a sick man, and sickness has stuck to me more or less ever since. The weather here is dreadful, a cold rain, no sun, more like a New York winter than anything else. I crossed the English Channel in a gale of wind, the sea break- ing over our little iron steamer and drenching the passengers to the skin. Let others travel for pleasure. I have had enough of it. My best thanks for your attention to business. Act as for yourself; whatever you do is right. With best wishes, believe me Yours most truly, THOMAS BARRY. J. B. WRIGHT, ESQ. P. S. If Miss Emma Taylor is pretty and clever, try to get her at the $18 per week. I have not been able to see my agent. 16 John Gilbert THE FIRST NIGHT but I understand he has no news to communicate. Our ward- robe will be first-rate, the most beautiful and complete in America. The costumes making here are perfect. 43 St. James's Place, London, July 11, 1854. MY DEAR WRIGHT, - - 1 have taken my passage on the Africa and shall sail on Saturday. I have engaged a whole family for the sake of obtaining two pretty girls 19 and 17. The eldest, who is to play our first walking ladies, has led the business in the country and is a very good actress. The young- est is to do anything. Both can sing and are pretty. The father was for years the first old man at York and can play Irishmen, etc. He is to make himself use- ful in second old men and re- spectable business. His wife (his second) is quite a young and handsome woman and plays chambermaids. She is to make herself useful. They have four young children from 13 to 5, good for Duke of York, etc. As the day for my departure approaches, business accumu- lates and I have only time to write a few lines. My best respects to Mrs. W., your mother, and all friends. Very truly yours, THOMAS BARRY. J. B. WRIGHT, ESQ. 17 Julia Bennett Barrow THE BOSTON THEATRE The family referred to was the Biddies family, and the young and pretty girl of 17 who was to do anything became Mrs. Thomas Barry before very long. Although not in the first production, she was present on that occasion and occupied a seat in Mr. Barry's private box. The opening night was a great success, the auditorium being crowded with a throng repre- senting the brains, wealth, and fashion of the city. It was an occasion which it would be im- possible to duplicate in these later days, for no one building could hold so large a proportion of all that is so absolutely the best of the community. The audience was kindly and enthusiastic, and the star of success shone brightly over the new enterprise. A copy of the opening programme is shown on page 15. The box-office statement for that evening shows the following receipts : Clara Biddies 3 Boxes 171 Balcony 1109 Parquet 360 First Tier at 347 Second Tier at 845 Gallery at at $1.00 at 50 c 50 c 50 c 25 c $19.00 171.00 554.50 180.00 173.50 211.25 $1309.25 18 THE FIRST NIGHT Free tickets: Dr. Wyman, 6; Judges, 6; Dr. Parsons, 2; Corporation, 12; Press, 24; others, 14: total, 64. There were 2915 people in the theatre, the gallery not being entirely filled. The stockholders had the privilege of free admission to the theatre at all times, excepting to the stage, dressing-rooms, and offices, or, in lieu of admission, two seats reserved in any part of the theatre, the price not to exceed one dollar each, and the tickets to be called for before ten o'clock in the morning on the day of performance. The Mr. Comer who played Sir Lucius O'Trigger in "The Rivals" was Thomas Comer, the musical director, who thus set an example w r hich was later followed by Napier Lothian, who left the leader's desk to appear as principal support to Maggie Mitchell and to Lotta on the occasion of his bene- fits, and who once saved a performance by substituting at short notice for Louis James as Captain Molyneux in "The Shaughraun," in support of Dion Boucicault. The one single individual who was connected with this per- formance and with the anniversary performance fifty years later was Au- gust Suck, who played the violoncello in the or- chestra. On his way to rehearsal on the morning of September 11, 1854, he stopped at a photo- grapher's and had his picture taken. That picture is herewith reproduced, together with one showing him as he looked fifty years later. 19 August Suck Sept. 11, 1854 August Suck 1904 THE BOSTON THEATRE Miss Clara Biddies, who became the wife of Mr. Thomas Barry, was in after-years the leading lady of the theatre. Some time after Mr. Barry's death she married William Redmund, who was the leading man of the theatre for the seasons of 1881-82, 1882-83, and 1883-84. She died in New York in 1906 and was buried in the fam- ily lot in Boston. The Prize Address, which was recited by John Gilbert, - he thus having the honor of speaking the first lines from the Boston Theatre stage, - proved to have been written by Thomas W. Parsons, a poet best known by his translation of Dante's works. The prize was one hundred dollars. The address was in the form of an ode in ten-syllable metre, and concluded as follows : Thomas W. Parsons Such rites have been where now this temple stands, The savage dramas of the Indian bands. Near the blue lake and by the midnight fire, See the red artist and the naked choir, When the great sachem with his Pequot court, After the fray, assembled at the sport. See 't was but yesterday their dance describe The hunt, the fray, the triumph of their tribe. These too were artists, but their show is done: Their last spectator was the setting sun. THE FIRST NIGHT " In Charles's days, when tragedy was mean, Once the light muse went slipshod on the scene. Was Charles alone at fault? Historian tell. We love the sturdy Puritan too well. What though the drama drooped beneath his ban, Spite of the bigot, we revere the man. What though he left polluted arts behind, He brought his sword, his Bible and his mind. "Something of that austerity be yours, Since Folly loves what easy Taste endures. Let our purged altar and its blameless priest Honor the three-hilled city of the East, That to the wise our theatre may seem A nobler school, a loftier Academe. And Shakespeare's mine, transplanted to the shore Whose rocks are gold, whose sands are shining ore (Or far as Freedom's onward march may draw Arts, without arms, and without conquest, Law), A sacred well, from whose o'erflowing brink Each generation in its turn may drink. So shall your children thank you, not alone For wealth of empire grasping every zone, But write these words on Memory's grateful page : ' Sons of the Pilgrims, you redeemed our stage.' ' Mr. Parsons's work was enthusiastically praised, one critic going so far as to say that it was the best of all his poems. An interesting contrast to the ode is found in a pamphlet issued in the autumn of 1854, bearing the imprint of John P. Jewett & Company, who are best remembered as the original publishers of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The title-page of the pamphlet reads: 21 THE BOSTON THEATRE THE LOVE OF PLEASURE. A DISCOURSE OCCASIONED BY THE OPENING OF A NEW THEATRE IN BOSTON. DELIVERED IN MT. VERNON CHURCH, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1854, BY EDWARD N. KIRK. Published in accordance with the wishes of the Mt. Vernon Association of Young Men. The preface tells that the sermon was repeated on the fol- lowing Sunday by request, and with the pastor's consent was issued to the public as a Sermon for the Times. The principal part of the discourse is directed against pleasure in general, the clergyman saying, "It is evil to seek pleasure in anything rather than in God, more than in Him." Later he says, though this part of the sermon was evidently delivered on the second Sunday : "One manager recently promised his audience, in opening a new playhouse, that those beautiful walls should be polluted by no vulgarity or profaneness ; and yet I find one of the plays enacted that very evening sprinkled with many genteel oaths ; besides one sufficiently vulgar. You would think from the prize essay then read that we were going to have a Puritan theatre here, to which Cotton Mather himself and Elder Brewster might consistently go. But, alas ! what an entertainment to begin our improving theatricals with, 'The Loan of a Lover,' 'The Rivals,' two silly, coarse exhibitions of that affection which lies at the bottom of all domestic happiness, and of the 22 THE FIRST NIGHT stability of the Commonwealth. No, Bostonians, this kind of entertainment becomes neither you, your origin, your history, your position, nor the age of the world. It is not amusement we want, while life presents such serious duties, and destiny is so near. The silly Athenians were amusing themselves while demagogues were bartering their liberties, and Philip was forg- ing their chains. Slavery alone is making serious work enough for us. Annexation is hurrying our country to the edge of a whirlpool. Is this a time for luxurious playhouses and silly comedies ? Shame, sons of the Pilgrims, heirs of American institutions, formers of American destiny ! It is not amuse- ment we want; but something infinitely higher. I know that respectable citizens sanction the movement. But I take my stand on history, common sense, and Scripture; and say, it is a serious evil to any community. It will fortify sin, augment crime, multiply wretchedness, lower the tone of morals, and hinder the progress of Christianity. You have opened a splendid suite of rooms. But they will, in all prob- ability, prove a splendid pitfall for some of our beloved young men. Merchants have said, 'It is necessary to our trade; we must draw traders to our city.' But what will they think if they pay for that trade with the ruined characters of young men in their employment ? If this is so important a part of the commercial apparatus of our city, then our young mer- chants must naturally patronize it. If the master esteems it so highly, the apprentice must visit it. But the history of these costly entertainments shows that, next to gambling-houses, theatres have furnished the strongest temptations to dishonesty in clerks." H. F. Daly James Bennett John Gilbert Julia Dean J. B. Howe Scene from " The Wife " CHAPTER III THE SEASON OF 1854-55 THE stock company filled the first four weeks of the season, their offerings being "The Rivals," "The Loan of a Lover," "The Wonder," "Mr. and Mrs. Peter White," "The Love Chase," "The Merchant of Venice," "The Swiss Cot- tage," "John Bull," "A New Way to Pay Old Debts," "The Poor Gentleman," "The Wandering Minstrel," " Virginius," " The Two Gregories," " A Kiss in the Dark," and " Man and Wife." J. B. Howe and Messrs. Biddies and Lyster made their debut in " The Wonder," on Wednesday, September 13. Adelaide Biddies and Messrs. Forrester and Morris were first seen on Friday, the 15th, while James Bennett did not appear 24 THE SEASON OF 1854-55 until Monday, September 18, when he played Shylock in " The Merchant of Venice." At first the theatre was open only on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings, it being against the law to give performances on Saturday evenings, on account of the Puritan Sabbath's beginning at sundown on Saturday. The first matinee was that of " Man and Wife " and " Mr. and Mrs. Peter White" on October 7, after which they became general, although when Edwin Forrest came that season he played only at the evening per- formances, the matinees being given by the stock company. There were four dramatic stars this season, Julia Dean, Edwin Forrest, James H. Hackett, and E. L. Davenport, all of whom chanced to be Ameri- cans, while Mr. Davenport was of Boston birth. Julia Dean was the first star, opening on October 9, and re- maining four weeks, in "The Hunchback," "The Lady of Lyons," "The Wife," "The Love Chase," "Love," "The Stranger," "Evadne," "The Honeymoon," "The Gamester," "Romeo and Juliet," "In- gomar," and "The Follies of a Night." The company always played an afterpiece in addition to the star's offering. Edwin Forrest followed on November 6, opening in "Richelieu" and remaining three weeks, during which time he was seen in 25 Julia Dean THE BOSTON THEATRE "Damon and Pythias," "A New Way to Pay Old Debts," "Virginias," "King Lear," "Othello," "The Gladiator," "Metamora," "Jack Cade," and "Hamlet." During Mr. Forrest's engagement John Gilbert was not in any of the casts. The following letter, loaned by Robert Gould Shaw, gives some light on the subject : Baltimore, December 17, 1854. MY DEAR MR. BARRY, - - From the expression which you used to me while I had the pleasure to be with you last in Boston, I inferred that you could not justify my conduct towards Mr. Gilbert in refusing him per- mission to act with me during my late engagement there. When I briefly re- plied to your expression I supposed I had answered your objections. But thinking the matter over since, I am not so cer- tain that I had convinced you of my un- deniable right to pursue the course I then adopted, so I will now state more fully my views of the question. It is an axiom that a man in a state of liberty may choose his own associates and if he find one to be treacherous and un- worthy he may discard him. Therefore I discard Mr. Gilbert. Again, I never believed in the hypocrisy which tells us to love one's enemies. My religion is to love the good and eschew the evil. Therefore I eschew Mr. Gilbert. Physical cowardice may be forgiven, but I never 26 Edwin Forrest THE SEASON OF 1854-55 forgave a moral coward, and therefore I forgive not Mr. Gilbert. He who insists on associating, professionally or otherwise, with another known to despise him, is a wretch unworthy the name of man. Consequently Mr. Gilbert is unworthy the name of man. But, sir, besides all this I have an undisputable right to choose from the company such actors as I consider will render me the most agreeable as well as the most efficient support. In my rejection of Mr. Gilbert I took the earliest care not to jeopardize any of the interests of your theatre, for I advised you in ample time of my resolution, warning you of my inten- tions and giving my reasons therefor, so that you might choose between the services of Mr. Gilbert and my own. For while I claim the right in these matters to choose for myself, I un- hesitatingly concede the same right to another. And now if after this expression of my view r s relative to this thing, you still hold to the opinion that my conduct was un- justifiable, you cannot with the slightest propriety ask me to fulfil another engagement so long as Mr. Gilbert remains in your company, for I pledge you my word as a man that he shall never under any circumstances act with me again. Yours truly, THOS. BARRY, ESQ. ED WIN FORREST. Mr. Forrest's hatred of Mr. Gilbert is supposed to have been caused by the fact that when Catherine Sinclair Forrest obtained the decision in her favor in the Forrest divorce suit, Mr. Gilbert publicly said that he was glad of it. The first opera company to visit the Boston Theatre was an English Opera Company headed by Louisa Pyne, Miss Pyne, 27 THE BOSTON THEATRE W. Harrison, Borrani, Whiting, Reeves, and Meyer, who opened on November 27, 1854, in Auber's Comic Opera, "Crown Diamonds," then heard for the first time in Boston. This ran the entire week and was followed by two more weeks of "Maritana," "La Sonnambula," "The Bo- hemian Girl," "Fra Diavolo," and "The Beggar's Opera." The regular company assisted in the smaller parts in these operas and also played a farce each evening. The stock corn- Louisa Pyne pany filled the fortnight beginning De- cember 18 with "The Merry Wives of Windsor" (John Gilbert as Falstaff), "Hamlet" (James Bennett as Hamlet), "The School for Scandal," "Money," 'The Merchant of Venice" (James Bennett as Shylock), and "Richard III" (James Bennett as Richard and Mrs. H. P. Grattan as Queen Eliza- beth) . Farces were played every even- ing also. E. L. Davenport began a starring engagement on January 1, 1855, his plays being " Hamlet," " Othello," " St. 28 E. L. Davenport as Hamlet THE SEASON OF 1854-55 Marc," "The Stranger," "Black-Eyed Susan." In the latter piece he sang " A Yankee Ship and a Yankee Crew," and in conjunction with Adelaide Biddies danced a double sailor's hornpipe. For his benefit on Friday, January 12, he played "The Wife," "The Morning Call," and "Black-Eyed Susan." The first Italian Opera Company in the theatre was that headed by Ma- dame Grisi and Signer Mario, who were supported Richard III," "Brutus," and E. L. Davenport Madame Grisi by Signorina Donovani, Susrmi, Ba- diali, Lorini, and others. Arditi was the conductor, Amati Dubreuil the stage-manager, and Soto, Ciocca, and G. W. Smith led the ballet. The opera company sang only on Mon- day, Wednesday, and Friday nights and Saturday matinees, the stock company filling the Tuesday and Thursday evenings. "I Puritani" was the first Italian opera to be 29 THE BOSTON THEATRE heard, being followed by "Lucrezia Borgia," "La Favorita," "The Barber of Seville," "Norma," "Don Pasquale," "Don Giovanni," and "Semiramide." James H. Hackett played Falstaff in "Henry IV" on January 30 and February 6, and the same character in "The Merry Wives of Windsor" on February 1. He was also seen in "The Kentuckians" and "Monsieur Mallet" on February 8. This opera company opened on January 15 and remained four weeks, being followed on Monday, February 12, by a spectacular production of " The Invisible Prince, or the Island of Tranquil Delights," which ran, with some interruptions, for five weeks. J.H. Hackett as Falstaff During its run benefits were given to Mrs. Barrow, Mrs. John Wood, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Pauncefort,and Mr. Gilbert. Mrs. Hudson Kirby of the stock company made her first appearance in America on Monday, March 5, 1855, in the part of Julia in "The Hunchback," Mrs. Barrow being the Helen. Julia Dean, who had now become Mrs. Julia Hayne, opened on March 19 in "The Wife," playing "The Lady of Lyons" on Tuesday, while on Wednesday she produced "The Priestess," a new five-act tragedy, written for this theatre by a "Popular and Success- ful American Author." This was played on 30 W. Harrison THE SEASON OF 1854-55 Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and all the next week. The performance of Friday, March 23, was for the author's benefit, but we are not told who the author was. The stock company filled the next two weeks, begin- ning April 2, and "The Priestess" was revived on April 5 and 6, with Mrs. Hudson Kirby in the star role of Norma. Julia Hayne had a farewell benefit on Monday, April 9, when she w r as seen in "The Jealous Wife" and "The Honey- moon." A "Norma Travestie" was presented on April 11, 12, and 13, with John Gilbert as Norma. The Pyne and Harrison English Opera Company returned on April 16 and remained three weeks, presenting the operas of "Cinderella," ^& |^k "The Beggar's Opera," "Guy Manner- ^ ing," "La Sonnambula," "Fra Dia- volo," "The Bohemian Girl," and "Crown Diamonds." The stock company filled the next two weeks, beginning May 7, with "Rule a Wife and Have a Wife," "The Bridal," "The Jealous Wife," "The Priestess," Amodio "Henry IV," "The Invisible Prince," "King John," "As You Like it," "Twelfth Night," "Wild Oats," "The King and the Mimic," and various farces. An Italian Opera Company opened on May 21 and stayed three weeks, the principals being Steffenone, Vestvali, Ber- tucca-Maretzek, Brignoli, Badiali, Coletti, Amodio, and Rocco. The opening bill was "William Tell," for the first time 31 THE BOSTON THEATRE Jerome, Antoine, and Gabriel Ravel in Boston, the other operas being "Lucrezia Borgia," "II Trovatore," "Lucia di Lammermoor," and "Ri- goletto." On the afternoon of May 9, "Masaniello" was given, with the last scene of "Lucia," Mile. Zoe making her first ap- pearance in the city as the dumb girl in the former piece, while Harrison Mil- lard also made his first appearance here as Ed- gardo, in the latter opera. Niblo's Celebrated Ravel Troupe made their first appearance on Tuesday, June 5, 18,55, the principals being Fran9ois Ravel, Blondin the tight- rope walker, Paul Brilliant, Maugin, Marzetti, Thilman, Axel, lone, Mme. Marzetti, Victorine Franck, Miles. Thil- man, Axel, Cherini, Gilbert, and Flora, Julie, Anna, and Caroline Lehman. Their opening bill was "The Green Monster" and "Soldier for Love." Appearing at first on the off-nights of the opera, they afterward filled all the time from June 12 to July 5, their pantomimes including " Le Diable Amoureux," in which Yrca Mathias made her debut, " Robert Ma- Blondin THE SEASON OF 1854-55 caire," "Raoul, or the Magic Star," "Genevieve," "M. De- chalumeau," " Jeannetle and Jeannot," "Godenski," "La Prima Donna," " Medina," " The Isle of Nymphs," and " The Magic Flute." A single performance of opera was given on Monday, June 18, 1855, when "Norma" and the finale to "Lucia" were sung by Anna de la Grange, Signora Seidenburg, Raffaelle Mirati, Morelli, Barattini, and Ma- dame Morra. Arditi was the conductor. At the Washington Street entrance of the theatre the outside door was originally constructed to slide up and down in grooves at the sides. Being very heavy, it was counterweighted so that it might be easily raised. On the opening night it stuck fast when about four feet above the threshold, and could be moved neither up nor down, in consequence of which all early comers were obliged to stoop low and enter in a most undignified position. Before the evening was over, however, the trouble was cor- rected and the later arrivals entered with their normal erect- ness. On Thursday, January 11, 1855, this door being again out of order, the counterweights were removed and the door was supported by a piece of joist while the necessary repairs were being made. A curious onlooker, despite an emphatic 33 Mrs. John Wood THE BOSTON THEATRE warning, leaned against the supporting timber and knocked it down, causing the heavy door to fall upon him, killing him instantly. Mr. Barry mentions this fact in the statement book which he kept, which book is in the possession of Mrs. Whit- comb, a daughter of Mr. Barry, who is still a resident of Bos- ton. Mr. Barry also notes that on Monday, May 28, 1855, there was a mass meeting at Faneuil Hall, ten thousand per- sons being present. This apparently had no ill effect upon the business of the theatre, as the opera com- pany sang "II Trovatore" on that evening to the larg- est house of its engagement, the receipts being $1369.50. On Wednesday, July 4, 1855, it was very hot, a cir- cus was exhibiting in town, and there were fireworks on the Common, making a Mario combination which had a disastrous effect on business, the Ravels playing that night to $189. The largest receipts for a single night that season were drawn by the Italian opera company of which Grisi and Mario were the stars. The date was Monday, January 22, the opera was "Norma." and the receipts were $4225. Mr. Forrester Mr. Donaldson Miss Phillips Scene from " The Devil's Bridge " CHAPTER IV THE SEASON OF 1855-56 THE following was the staff for the season of 1855-56: Thomas Barry, manager; J. B. Wright, assistant man- ager; Hayes and Selwin, scenic artists; F. Fleming, treasurer; H. W. Fenno, ticket-agent; Thomas Comer, musical direct- or. The company were Mr. Belton (from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, his first appearance in America), John Gilbert, John Wood, H. F. Daly, Stoddart, W. H. Cur- tis, Moses Fiske, Donaldson, Cowell, G. W. Johnson, S. D. Johnson, G. Johnson, N. T. Davenport, T. E. Morris, John 35 THE BOSTON THEATRE H. Sel win, Forrester, Price, Holmes, Dayton, Gouldson, Barry, Mrs. Barrow, Mrs. Hudson Kirby, Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Gilbert, Mrs. Belton, Adelaide Bid- dies, Emma Taylor, Clara Biddies, Mrs. Dixon, Misses Walker, Smith, Rose, Christy, Robinson, Walters, and How- ell. The season opened on September 10 with the com- pany in "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Betty Mar- tin." The bill was changed at every performance for a fortnight, the offerings being "The Stranger," "Wild Oats," "The Poor Gentle- man," "The Hunchback," "Paul Pry," "The School for Scandal," "A Cure for the Heartache," "Twelfth Night," "Wives as They Were and Maids as They Are," with a different farce each evening. Mr. and Mrs. George Yandenhoff played the week of September 24 in "Hamlet," "Money," "Town and Country," "The School for Scandal," and "The Lady of Lyons." Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams opened on October 1 and remained three weeks, offering ' The Custom of the Country," " Born to Good Mrs Barney Luck," "Barnev the Baron," "The Irish Williams Barney Williams 36 THE SEASON OF 1855-56 Tiger," "Ireland as It Is," "Our Gal," "Patience and Per- severance," "Irish Assurance and Yankee Modesty," "The Happy Man," "Ireland and America," "Law for Ladies," "Teddy the Tiler," "The Fairy Circle," "The Irish Am- bassador," "In and Out of Place," "The Irish Tutor," "Shandy Maguire," "O'Flanagan and the Fairies," "The Limerick Boy," "Yankee Courting," "The Modern Mephis- topheles," "Brian O'Linn," "The Bashful Man," and "The Irish Thrush and the Swedish Nightin- gale." Among the songs sung by Mr. and Mrs. Williams were " Bobbing Around," " Independence Day," "Jordan is a Hard Road to Travel ," " Widow Machree," " Whis- key in the Jug," " Our Mary Anne," "Shelalah Gramarchree," and "St. Patrick's Day." Rachel, the great French actress, and her company of French players opened on October 22 in "Horaces," her other plays being "Phedre," "Angelo," "Andromaque," "Mary Stuart," "Adrienne Lecouvreur," "Polyeucte," and "Le Moi- neau de Lesbie." Rachel was taken ill and was unable to perform on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 30 and 31. On the latter date the regular company played "Wives as They Were and Maids as They Are." She appeared again on Thursday, November 1, as Adrienne and on Friday she played "Virginie" and sang "La Marseillaise." The prices 37 Rachel THE BOSTON THEATRE for this engagement were one, two, and three dollars a seat, and the receipts for the eight performances footed up $28,090, an average of over $3500 per performance. At the foot of the programmes were the following notes : "Notice. The Management disclaims all connection with Speculators who sell Tickets with a premium, and especially George Vandenhoff Mrs. George Vandenhoff with an office of the kind established in the same house as his office. "Notice. The Lessee respectfully announces that having relinquished all interest in and control of the Theatre during the Performances of Mile. Rachel, the admissions thereto, during that brief period, are under the control of Monsieur Raphael Felix, absolutely." Edwin Forrest came on November 5 for four weeks in his tragic repertory. John Gilbert did not appear in Mr. Forrest's plays or in the accompanying afterpieces during this engage- ment, but did appear in the bill at the Saturday matinee, December 1, the first performance after Mr. Forrest had concluded his engagement. THE SEASON OF 1855-56 Adelaide Phillips made her first appearance after her return from Italy on December 2 and remained that week, singing in "The Devil's Bridge," "The Du- enna," and "The Cabinet," the other parts in these pieces being assumed by members of the stock company. At her benefit on De- cember 7, 1855, she was also seen in the last act of " Giulietta e Ro- meo," Mrs. John Wood singing Juliet to her Romeo. Miss Phil- lips had heretofore been known to the public as a dancer. The company filled the weeks of December 10 and 17 with vari- ous comedies, John Gilbert and Thomas Barry having benefits during that time. "The Tempest" was given an elaborate production on December 24, 1855, with this cast: Adelaide Phillips Prospero Antonio Alonzo Sebastiano Ferdinand Gonzalo Caliban Trinculo Stephano Shipmaster Boatswain The Harpy Thomas Barry. Mr. Donaldson. Mr. Co well. N. T. Davenport. Mr. Belton. Mr. Morris. John Gilbert. W. H. Curtis. John Wood. Mr. Daymond. Mr. Price. Master Joe Johnson. THE BOSTON THEATRE Ariel Miranda Iris Juno Ceres Mrs. John Wood. Mrs. Barrow. Emma Taylor. Clara Biddies. Mrs. John Wood. A line on the programme states : "The Play of 'The Tem- pest' heretofore performed in this city was Dryden's with Davenant's additions. The Poetry of Shakespeare will be presented on this occasion, without addition and with but few necessary curtailments." ' The Tempest" ran two weeks, with accom- panying farces. E. L. Davenport came on January 7 for a starring engage- ment, Opening in " St. On \VedneS- Elise Hensler ^ oston g '- r ' w ^ married a king Elise Hensler From a photograph taken about the time of her marriage to King Don Fernando of Portugal day, January 9, "The Tempest" was revived, Mr. Davenport taking the part of Prospero, formerly played by Mr. Barry. He continued in this part for the remainder of his two weeks' engagement, with but three interruptions, when he played "Richard III" twice and "Macbeth" once. Italian opera, with Max Ma- retzek as conductor and Amati Dubreuil as stage-manager, filled 40 ' * :--m^-\''^m/W'^i ' ^ THE BOSTON THEATRE the weeks of January 21, 28, February 4, 11, and 18, the principals being La Grange, Nantier Didiee, Elise Hensler, Brignoli, Amodio, Gasparoni, Morelli, Arnoldi, Harrison Millard, Rovere, and Salviani. Elise Hensler made her first appearance on January 25, 1856, in "Linda di Chamouni." She was a Boston girl who was born in 1836, her father being a merchant tailor named Conrad Hensler, who lived at 32 Carver Street. After two years' study in Paris and Milan, 1853-55, she made her American dbut in 1855 at the Academy of Music, New York, with Madame La Grange. In the sixties she sang at the Opera House in Lisbon with great success. Her mother was her constant companion. King Don Fernando (grandfather of King Carlos, who was assas- sinated in 1908, and first cousin to Queen Victoria of England and her husband. Prince Al- bert) met Miss Hensler at a musicale in Lisbon and soon after married her for his second wife on June 10, 1869, in the Royal Chapel of Pena Castle, Cintra. Before her marriage the title of Countess of Edla was conferred upon her by the Duke of Saxe-Coburg, brother of Don Fernando, her name at once appearing in the Alman- ach de Gotha. Her only sister married Doctor Daniel Denison 42 Joseph Proctor THE SEASON OF 1855-56 Slade (Harvard College, 1844). Elise, now a widow, lives in Lis- bon, beloved and respected by all. (This sketch of Miss Hens- ler's life was contributed by her nephew, Denison R. Slade.) Joseph Proctor was seen in his repertoire of tragic roles on the off-nights of the opera. W. M. Fleming, late manager of the National Theatre, had a benefit on February 12, when he was seen as Shylock and Dandy Dinmont, Mrs. Fleming assuming the role of Nerissa. Wyzeman Marshall ap- peared for the week of Febru- ary 25 in "Zafari," a play by Dr. J. S. Jones, which then had its first presentation on any stage. During the next week Mr. Marshall played "Ham- let," "Pizarro," "Julius Cae- sar," and "Macbeth." On Monday, March 10, "Olympia," written for Mrs. Barrow by a gentleman of this city, had its premiere. "After which, Mrs. Barrow, by desire and by permission of the author, will illustrate in Indian costume portions of Professor Longfellow's celebrated poem of Hiawatha." At Mrs. Hudson Kirby's benefit on March 24, James Ben- nett made his reappearance as St. Pierre in "The Wife." "It Is 111 Playing with Edged Tools," by "a gentleman well known in the literary world," was produced March 31 and ran two weeks, with the exception of two or three performances. 43 Susan Pyne THE BOSTON THEATRE A spectacular production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was made on April 14, with the following cast: Theseus H. F. Daly. Ly sander Mr. Belton. Demetrius Mr. Stoddart. Egeus Mr. Cowell. Philostrate N. T. Davenport. Hippolyta Mrs. Belton. Helena Mrs. Hudson Kirby. Hermia Adelaide Biddies. Nick Bottom John Gilbert. Flute John Wood. Quince W. H. Curtis. Snug S. D. Johnson. Snout T. E. Morris. Starveling Mr. Holmes. Oberon Mrs. Barrow. Titania Emma Taylor. Puck Mrs. John Wood. The Fairy Clara Biddies. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" ran with interruptions until May 30. On Wednesday, May 14, Adelaide Biddies had a farewell benefit, prior to her return to Europe. The Vestvali Italian Opera Troupe was seen on June 4 and 6 and the afternoon of the 7th in programmes which included concert numbers, with acts from "II Trovatore," "Ernani," and "Montecchi e Capuletti." The principals consisted of Vestvali, Constanza Manzini, Ceresa, Barili, and Nune. The same company gave "Ernani" on June 11, and "H Trova- tore" on the 16th and 18th, w r hile on the 19th was presented a mixed bill made up of acts from "Ernani," "Lucia," "Romeo 44 THE SEASON OF 1855-56 and Juliet," and "II Barbiere di Seviglia." This closed the season. Mr. Barry's notes during the season make interesting read- ing. He says that on Tuesday, September 11, 1855, Barnum's Baby-Show opened at Music Hall and continued the re- mainder of the week to as- tonishing business. Seventeen thousand persons paid for admission on Wednesday and the receipts continued to in- crease after that. This seri- ously affected business at all the theatres throughout the city. On Friday, October 5, Barney Williams took a bene- fit, having for opposition bene- fits at the Museum, Howard, and National. When Adelaide Phillips had her benefit, on December 7, 1855, the famous author, William Makepeace Thackeray, was lecturing in the Melodeon next door to a crowded house. When Mr. Barry's own benefit came off. his opposition was E. F. Keach's benefit at the Museum, another lecture by Thackeray, and a concert, the date being Friday, December 21. In these modern days no manager would ever dream of taking a benefit in the week before Christmas, as that is in Boston the worst week of the season. Vestvali CHAPTER V THE SEASON OF 1856-57 THE company for the season of 1856-57 remained practically the same. William Ellison became the treasurer and Jacob T. Johnson the machinist. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" opened the season on September 3 and was played all of that week. During the week of September 15 "The Tempest," "Old Heads and Young Hearts," and "Much Ado About Nothing" were played. At the Franklin Celebration on Wednesday, September 17, 1856, "The Tempest" and "The Young Widow" were given, together with a "Tribute to Franklin, with new scenery by Mr. Hayes, as- sisted by Mr. Selwin, representing the house in which Franklin was born and the Franklin Statue in front of the City Hall." An address, written for the occasion, was spoken by Mrs. Barrow. The Ames Manufacturing Company, by invitation, visited the theatre that evening. Tom Taylor's "Retribution" had its first representation in America on September 22, and continued through the week. 'The Marble Heart" filled the week of September 29, being seen for the first times in Boston. Max Maretzek 46 THEATBS Edwin Forrest THE BOSTON THEATRE Miss Davenport was the first star of the season. She is sup- posed to have suggested as a child the character of the Infant Phenomenon in Dickens's novel of "Nicholas Nickleby." She afterward became Mrs. Lander and was a prominent star for years. On this occasion she opened on October 6 in " Love," her other plays being "The Maid of Mariendorpt,". "The Lady of Lyons," "The Hunchback," "Adrienne, the Actress," "Camille," and "Mona Lisa." She remained two weeks. Italian opera under Max Ma- retzek came on October 20 for three weeks, the chief artists being La Grange, Adelaide Phillips, Bertucca Maretzek, Brignoli, Amodio, Coletti, Ceresa, Taffanelli, Barattina, and Miss S. Pyne. Dur- ing this engagement "The North Star" was heard for the first times in Boston and had three representations. Edwin Forrest began a five weeks' stay on November 10. John Gilbert did not appear in the plays with Mr. Forrest, but did perform in the afterpieces the same evenings, notably a farce called " Jphn Gilbert and His Daugh- ter," written by W. W. Clapp, Jr., in which 48 La Grange Brignoli THE SEASON OF 1856-57 he personated John Gilbert, "a retired actor." W. H. Curtis was "an actor still in harness," and Mrs. Barrow was Julia Gilbert, "for this night only, and by kind permission of J. G." During Mr. Forrest's stay "William Tell" was presented for the first time in this theatre and ran an entire week. "Self" and "My Wife's Mirror" were given by the stock company for the week of December 15, both being new to Boston. The Ravels opened on December 22 and remained six weeks, giving their pantomimes and ballets, while the stock company were seen in farces. This company was headed by Antoine and Jerome Ravel and included Leon Espi- noza, Paul Brilliant, Young Hengler, Young America, then four years of age, Chiarini, Marzetti, Mile. Robert, Mme. Monplaisir, Mme. Marzetti, Lina Windel, the Lehmans, and others. Brough's burlesque, "The Corsair, "was produced on Feb- ruary 2 and continued for two weeks, with some interruptions, with this cast : Gazzaniga Conrad, the Corsair Birbanto Seyd, or Seedy, Pasha Syng Smaul Yussuf Medora Gulnare Zuliema Mrs. John Wood. John Wood. John Gilbert Mr. Holmes. W. H. Curtis. Lizzie Emmons. Mrs. John Gilbert. Mrs. Marshall. 49 THE BOSTON THEATRE Submarina Serena Coralia Azurina Tempestia Ida Vernon. Emma Taylor. Miss Florence. Miss Marshall. Miss Munroe. For Mrs. John Wood's benefit, on February 13 and 14, an "Atrocious Outrage" called " Hiawatha, or Ardent Spirits and Laughing Water," was played. In the course of the burlesque Mrs. Wood sang "My Love He is a Sailieur." Three benefits occurred during the week of February 16, to Mr. and Mrs. John Gil- bert, to W. A. Donaldson, and to Mrs. Hudson Kirby. Mrs. McMahon played a starring engagement of one week, beginning February 23, in "The Hunchback," "The School for Scandal," "Romeo and Juliet," "Fazio," and "The Lady of Lyons." Mrs. Hudson Kirby was seen as Romeo to Mrs. McMahon 's Juliet. The stock company filled the week of March 2 with comedies, several benefits taking place during the week. Agnes Robertson and Dion Bourcicault (who afterward dis- carded the r in Bourcicault) began a three weeks' season on March 9 in "The Life of an Actress." They also presented "The Phantom," "The Young Actress," "Bob Nettles," 50 Agnes Robertson THE SEASON OF 1856-57 "Andy Blake," " Bluebelle," "Pauline," 'The Little Treas ure," "The Chameleon," and "Used Up." The stock company presented " Ruth Oakley" on March 30 and 31. German opera, under the direction of Carl Bergmann, with Theodore Thomas as conductor, opened on April 1, playing only three times, Wednesday and Friday nights and Saturday matinee. The principals were Mme. Johannsen, Mme. Von Berkel, Weinlich, Reutler, and Ochr- lein. The Orpheus Club, under Mr. Kreissmann, volunteered their serv- ices. "Fidelio" was given entire its first time in Boston and acts were given from "Der Freischiitz," "Czar and Carpenter," and "Ma- son and Locksmith." George Vandenhoff opened on April 6 for an engage- ment of one week, present- ing "Henry V," "Hamlet," and "Macbeth." On Satur- day afternoon he played John Mildmay in "Still Waters Run Deep," and also, in the costume of Apollo, recited Matilda Heron Collins's "Ode to the Pas- Edwin Booth as Sir Giles Overreach 51 THE BOSTON THEATRE sions," with "Statuesque Illustrations of Fear, Anger, Love, Jealousy, Hope, Despair, and Joy." John Wood and Wil- liam Ellison had benefits, at the latter of which Mr. Vandenhoff was seen as Jacques in "As You Like It." Edwin Booth's first Boston ap- pearance as a star was made on April 20, 1857, he being then not yet twenty-four years old. He opened in "A New Way to Pay Old Debts" and remained two weeks, presenting also "Riche- lieu," "Richard III," "The Apo- state," "Bertram," "Little Tod- dlekins," - in which he played John Robinson Brownsmith, -- "Hamlet," "King Lear," "Brutus," "The Iron Chest," and "Kath- arine and Petruchio." Matilda Heron played "Camille" all the week of May 4, and "Medea," "Camille," and "Fazio" the week of the llth. Avonia Jones, whose father was George, the Count Joannes, and whose mother was Me- linda Jones, played a week beginning May 18 in "Ingomar," "The Lady of Lyons," "Ro- meo and Juliet," "The School for Scandal," and "Armand." Her mother was seen as Madame Johannseu 52 Xantier Didiee THE SEASON OF 1856-57 Romeo, and George Pauncefort returned to the theatre for two performances of the title role in "Armand." Mr. Belton, J. B. Wright, and Mrs. John Wood had bene- fits during the week of May 25, and the dramatic season closed on Monday, June 1, with a benefit to Mrs. Barrow, when E. L. Davenport played Dazzle, Mr. Barrow, Mark Meddle, Mrs. E. L. Davenport, Grace Harkaway, and Mrs. Barrow, Lady Gay Spanker in " London Assurance." The Germania Band, under the leadership of A. Heinicke, also appeared. Italian opera, under the direction of Max Maretzek, opened on Monday, June 8, and remained two weeks, the principals being Gazzaniga, Landi, Avogadro, Barattini, Adelaide Phillips, Brignoli, Amodio, Coletti, Assoni, Quinto, and Miiller. Their operas were "La Traviata," "II Trova- tore," "Lucrezia Borgia," "II Barbiere di Seviglia," "Lucia," " Linda di Chamouni," " Elisire d'Amore," and the last act of " Giulietta e Romeo," with Gazzaniga and Phillips as Juliet and Romeo. On Thursday, May 21, 1857, Mr. Barry made the following note: "Nigger Slaves at the Melodeon played to $200. They are not slaves. Query : White men with black, etc. ? " The theatrical contracts of those days make interesting reading. The following is a copy of one, to which the rules of the theatre are appended as a part of the agreement : ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT, made and entered into, this first day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, BETWEEN Thomas Barry, Manager of the Boston Theatre, 53 THE BOSTON THEATRE in the City of Boston, of the First Part, and John Doe, of the Second Part, WITNESS, that the said Doe, for and in consideration of the Covenants hereinafter mentioned, on the part of the said Thomas Barry to be performed, has covenanted and agreed, and by these presents doth covenant and agree, to and with the said Thomas Barry, that he, the said Doe, shall and will for the space of one theatrical season, to commence the latter end of August or beginning of September and close in the Month of May or June next ensuing, perform, under the direction of the said Thomas Barry or his deputy duly appointed, all such parts or characters, in all Theatrical Performances, as shall, from time to time, be allotted to the said Doe by the said Thomas Barry or his Deputy, to the best of his skill and ability, in every Theatre belonging to the said Thomas Barry, or in which the said Thomas Barry shall require the services of the said Doe (he, the said Thomas Barry, paying the travel- ing expenses to and fro), and that the said Doe shall attend all rehearsals and practices which shall be desired and directed by the said Thomas Barry or his Deputy. The said Doe doth further covenant and agree that he will conform to and abide by, all and every, the regulations and penalties instituted by the said Thomas Barry, for the preservation of order and good government, and due attention to the business and interests of the Theatre. The said Doe doth further covenant and agree that he will not, at any time or times, for the term aforesaid, practice, rehearse, act, sing or perform in any Entertainment or Exhibition whatever, or in any Oratorio or Concert, in any Theatre or place whatever, except under the direction, management, or appointment of the said Thomas Barry, or 54 THE SEASON OF 1856-57 his Deputy, without the consent and permission of the said Thomas Barry, first had and obtained in writing for that express purpose. IN CONSIDERATION WHEREOF the said Thomas Barry, on his part, doth covenant, promise and agree, to and with the said Doe, that he will pay, or cause to be paid, to the said Doe, the sum of Twenty Dollars, for each week of Theatrical Exhibi- tion that the said Theatre shall be open, under the manage- ment of the said Thomas Barry, the week being considered to contain six public Theatrical Entertainments, and the afore- said sum of Twenty Dollars, for each week of Theatrical Exhibition, or a proportion of that sum for any portion of a week of Theatrical Exhibition, shall be subject to the cus- tomary reduction of one third, during the months of January and February. And the said Thomas Barry shall have the power of retain- ing, for his own use and benefit, out of the different salaries so agreed upon, all and every sum or sums of money as the afore- said Doe shall or may forfeit, and become liable to pay accord- ing to the regulations and penalties hereinafter mentioned. For the full and true performance of all and every, the cov- enants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto subscribing do mutually bind themselves to each other, in the penal sum of one thousand dollars. JN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties to these presents have interchangeably set their Hands and affixed their Seals, the day and year before written. Sealed and delivered THOMAS BARRY. in the presence of JOHN DOE. J. B. WRIGHT. 55 THE BOSTON THEATRE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BOSTON THEATRE UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THOMAS BARRY 1. Gentlemen, at the time of rehearsal or performance, are not to wear their hats in the Green Room or talk vociferously. The Green Room is a place appointed for the quiet and regu- lar meeting of the company, who are to be called thence, and thence only, by the call-boy, to attend on the Stage. The Man- ager is not to be applied to in that place, on any matter of busi- ness, or with any personal complaint. For a breach of any part of this article, fifty cents will be forfeited. 2. The call for all rehearsals will be put up by the Prompter between the Play and Farce on evenings of performances. No plea will be received that the call was not seen, in order to avoid the penalties of Article Fifth. 3. Any person appearing intoxicated on the Stage shall for- feit a week's salary, and be liable to be discharged. 4. For making the Stage wait, fifty cents. 5. After due notice, all rehearsals must be attended. The Green-Room clock, or the Prompter's watch, is to regulate the time; ten minutes will be allowed (the first call only) for dif- ference in clocks; forfeit, twenty-five cents for every scene; the whole rehearsal at the same rate, or four dollars, at the option of the Manager. 6. A Performer rehearsing from a book or part at the last rehearsal of a new piece, and after proper time given for study, forfeits one dollar. 7. A Performer introducing his own language or improper 56 THE SEASON OF 1856-57 jests not in the author, or swearing in his part, shall forfeit one dollar. 8. Any person conversing with the Prompter during repre- sentation, or talking aloud behind the scenes to the interrup- tion of the performance, to forfeit fifty cents. 9. Every Performer connected with the first act of a play to be in the Green Room dressed for performance, at the time of beginning, as expressed in the bills, or to forfeit five dollars. The Performers in the second act to be ready when the first finishes. In like manner with every other act. Those Per- formers who are not in the two last acts of the play, to be ready to begin the farce, or to forfeit one dollar. When a change of dress is necessary, ten minutes will be allowed. 10. All dresses will be regulated and arranged on the morn- ing of the performance. A Performer who makes any altera- tion in such dresses without the consent of the Manager, or refuses to wear them, shall forfeit one dollar. 11. A Performer not ready in any character, having had the usual time allowed for study, and receiving due notice of its representation, shall forfeit one dollar. 12. A Performer, imperfect in an old play or opera, after suf- ficient time allowed, shall forfeit one dollar; but in a new play, after two rehearsals, the forfeit shall be doubled. 13. If the Prompter shall be guilty of any neglect in his office, or omit to forfeit where penalties are incurred by non- observance of the Rules and Regulations of the Theatre, he shall forfeit for each offense or omission one dollar. 14. For refusing, on a sudden change of a play or farce, to represent a character performed by the same person during the season, a week's salary shall be forfeited. 57 THE BOSTON THEATRE 15. A Performer refusing a part allotted him by the Manager forfeits a week's salary or may be discharged. 16. Any person wishing to introduce a new piece for their Benefit, the Manuscript or Book must be given to the Man- ager, for his perusal, at least one fortnight previous; the said Manuscript or Book, or a copy thereof (should it be approved of), to be considered the property of the Theatre. 17. No Prompter, Performer, or Musician will be permitted to copy any manuscript or music belonging to the Theatre, without permission of the Manager, under the penalty of fifty dollars. 18. Any performer singing songs not advertised in the bills of the day, omitting any, or introducing them, not in the part allotted, without first having consent of the Manager, forfeits a night's salary. 19. Making an entrance at an improper place at rehearsal, twenty-five cents. 20. A Performer restoring what is cut out by the Manager will forfeit one dollar. 21. A Performer absenting himself from the Theatre when concerned in the business of the Stage shall forfeit a w r eek's salary, or be held liable to be discharged, at the option of the Manager. 22. In all cases of sickness, the Manager reserves to himself the right of payment or stoppage of salary during the absence of the sick person. 23. No person permitted, on any account, to address the audience but with the consent of the Manager. Any violation of this article will subject the party to a forfeiture of a week's salary, or a discharge, at the option of the Manager. 58 THE SEASON OF 1856-57 24. Any Performer who shall assert before the acting Man- ager or Prompter, or any third person, that it is not his inten- tion to play his character, or to appear in a performance to which he has been duly appointed, thereby causing trouble and anxiety to the Manager, and obliging him to prepare another person in his part or parts, although he may appear at night himself, for the suspense and uncertainty which his assertion must necessarily cause shall forfeit a week's salary. 25. Gambling of every description is strictly forbidden in every part of the Theatre; the penalty a w r eek's salary, and immediate discharge, at the option of the Manager. 26. Any new rule which may be found necessary shall be considered as part of these Rules and Regulations after it is publicly made known in the Green Room. Ladies and Gentlemen, bringing servants, must on no account permit them behind the scenes. Ladies and Gentlemen are requested not to bring children behind the scenes, unless actually required in the business. It is particularly requested that every Lady and Gentleman shall report to the Prompter their respective places of residence. Ladies and Gentlemen prevented attending the rehearsal by indisposition will please give notice to the Prompter before the hour of beginning. g^p'iVo sir anger or per son, not connected with the Theatre, will be permitted behind the Scenes without the written permission of the Manager. CHAPTER VI THE SEASON OF 1857-58 THE season of 1857-58 found the Boston Theatre in shoal waters. The great panic of 1857 occurred during Septem- ber and October of that year. Disaster was everywhere, and the whole country seemed on the verge of ruin. Mr. Barry's comments at the time are particularly interesting: Monday, September 28, 1857. Great Panic. Failures for Millions. Tuesday, 29. Panic occasioning more failures. Wednesday, 30. Still more failures. Thursday, October 1. Day of consternation. More failures. Monday, October 5. Unprecedented financial crisis this. Banks suspended. Tuesday, 6th. Great panic in New York. Great failures in Boston and New York. Thursday, 8th. Lola Montez lectured at the Melodeon. Receipts, $225. Saturday, 10th. A week of ruin to merchants. Monday, 12th. Great panic in New York. Tuesday, 13th. New York banks suspended. Wednesday, 14th. Boston banks suspended. Great instru- mental concert in the Melodeon a failure ; the others put off. Thursday, 15th. Great political meetings at night. At the opening of the season the prices were lowered to suit the times, the first floor and balcony seats being sold at fifty 60 THE SEASON OF 1857-58 cents, second balcony twenty-five cents, and gallery fifteen cents. The season opened on Monday, September 7, with the fol- lowing company : George Vandenhoff, Charles Pope, John Gilbert, William Dav- idge, George H. Andrews, J. B. Howe, W. A. Don- aldson, W. H. Curtis, S. D. Johnson, Cowell, Holmes, Selwin, G. Johnson, Price, Finn, Daymond, Rose, Ver- ney, Barry, Lizzie Weston Davenport, Mrs. Abbott, Josephine Manners, Mrs. John Gilbert, Lizzie Em- mons, Mrs. T. Johnson, Ida Vernon, Mrs. Mar- shall, Emma Taylor. The stock company played the first week in "Evadne," "The Poor Gentleman," "Romeo and Juliet," "The Victims," "Masks and Faces," and two or three farces. Edwin Booth opened on September 14 and remained two weeks. He played lago for the first time in Boston on Wednes- day, September 16, 1857, and Othello for the first time on Monday, September 21. Charles Mathews began a three weeks' stay October 5, his plays being "Patter vs. Clatter," "Domestic Economy," 61 Edwin Booth as Hamlet THE BOSTON THEATRE "Married for Money," "A Game of Speculation," "Cool as a Cucumber," "Used Up," "Little Toddlekins," "The Busy- body," "A Curious Case," "Trying It On," "A Bachelor of Arts," "The Practical Man," "The Captain of the Watch," and "London Assurance." The regular company filled the weeks of October 26 and November 2 with comedies and farces, to light business. The Ronzani Ballet Troupe, an extremely talented organi- zation, opened on November 9, and remained four weeks, pro- ducing ballets and pantomimes. Their offerings were "Faust," Charles Mathews "BiricchinodiParigi," " Cavallo d'Oro," "Allogio Militare," and "Llllusione d'un Pittore." Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Thorne began a two weeks' engagement on December 7, playing "Don Csesar de Bazan," "Rob Roy," "Ernest Maltravers," "The Stranger," "Alex- 62 THE SEASON OF 1857-58 ander the Great," and "Uncle Tom's Cabin." In the last- named play Mr. Thome played Uncle Tom, Mrs. Thome Topsy, and Anna Maria Quinn made her first ap- pearance as Eva. Mrs. Annie Senter pre- sented "A Snake in the Grass" on December 21 for four nights. On December 24 she also delivered, "in appropriate costume, a Fire- man's Address, written ex- pressly for her." She played "Satan in Paris" on Christ- mas night and the following afternoon. On Monday, December 28, L R Shewell was produced "The Scarlet Letter," written expressly for this occa- sion by G. H. Andrews, Mrs. Abbott being the Hester Prynne. Mr. An- drews did not play in the piece, but was seen in the farce of "Wanted, 1000 Milliners," as Joe Baggs and Madame Vanderpants. "The Scarlet Letter" was played but two nights and was followed by "The Money Panic of '57," an adaptation of "Les Pauvres de Paris," the French orig- Emma Taylor inal from which " The Streets of New 63 THE BOSTON THEATRE York" was taken by Dion Boucicault. William Davidge im- personated Dick Tatters, the part which Frank Mayo after- ward played under the title of Badger. Despite the play's timeliness it failed to draw, the receipts on New Year's Eve being but $85.05. Matilda Heron began a fortnight's season on January 4, 1858, her offerings being "The Maid's Tragedy," "Camille," " Medea," " Phsedra," " Fazio," " Vice and Virtue," "Masks and Faces," and "Leo- nore." The Ravels commenced on January 18 a nine weeks' run, with good financial re- sults, presenting among other pieces "Bi- anco," "The Golden Egg," "The Green Monster," "Raoul," and "Asphodel." Gabriel Ravel headed the troupe at this time, other members being Jerome and Antoine Ravel, Teresa Rolla. Marietta Zanfretta, M. and Mme. Marzetti, and Paul Brilliant. Mrs. Hudson Kirby had a benefit on March 22, playing "A Hard Struggle" and "Gwynneth Vaughan." Edwin Booth returned on Tuesday, March 23, and finished out the fortnight in his usual repertoire. Wyzeman Marshall was seen as Othello to Booth's lago on March 25 and as lago to his Othello on March 31. Mrs. Hudson Kirby played Master Wilford in "The Iron Chest" at the matinee on March 27 to Booth's Sir Edward Mortimer. On Tuesday, April 6, the "Fairy Star," Agnes Robertson, 64 Gabriel Ravel N THE BOSTON THEATRE opened in "Jessie Brown, or the Siege of Lucknow," which ran two weeks. She remained another week in "Andy Blake," "Bluebelle," and "The Young Actress," while Dion Bouci- cault assisted her in the last-named piece, and was also seen in "Bob Nettles." E. L. Davenport and Joseph Proctor played their first engagement together, beginning April 26, 1858, in "Julius Caesar," with Davenport as Brutus and Proctor as Marc Antony. "Damon and Pythias" followed, with Proctor as Damon and Davenport as Pythias; "Othello," with Proctor as Othello and Davenport as lago; "Richard III," with Davenport as Richard and Proctor as Rich- mond; "Macbeth," with Proctor as Mac- beth and Davenport as Macduff; "St. Marc," with Davenport as St. Marc and Proctor as Gismonde. At Mr. Proctor's benefit on Monday, May 3, he played Damon in the first and second acts and Pythias in the third, fourth, and fifth, while Mr. Davenport played Pythias in the first and second and Damon in the third, fourth, and fifth. "The Jibbenainosay" was given the same night, with Proctor as Nick of the Woods and Daven- 66 Charlotte Cushman THE SEASON OF 1857-58 port as Roaring Ralph Stackpole. At Mr. Davenport's bene- fit "St. Marc" and "The Serious Family" were offered, with the beneficiary as Captain Murphy Maguire in the latter play. The season for the stock company came to an end on May 7. Charlotte Cushman began on May 31 a fortnight's engage- ment "prior to her return to Europe and her Final Retire- ment from the Stage." (She continued to retire from the stage for eighteen years after that.) E. L. Davenport played the leading parts \vith her and the following players made their first professional appearances in this city: Mary Devlin, who afterward married Edwin Booth, L. R. Shewell, G. C. Boni- face, Dan Setchell, James Dunn, Collier, Walters, and Bishop, while Anna Cruise made her first appearance in this theatre. The plays were "Henry VIII," "Macbeth," "Romeo and Juliet," with Charlotte Cushman as Romeo and Mary Devlin as Juliet, "Guy Mannering," "The Stranger," "The Actress of Padua," and "She Stoops to Conquer." The theatre was closed for a week and the Ronzani Ballet Troupe filled the week of June 21, thus closing a season that was notable for the fact that there had been not one per- formance of opera within the year. Dan Setchell CHAPTER VII THE SEASON OF 1858-59 /""CONTINUED bad business, caused by the panicof 1857, had so V_y evil an effect on the finances of the Boston Theatre that in the autumn of 1858 the corporation succumbed to the inevitable and gave up the ghost. The old company was entirely wiped out and a new corporation was formed under the title of " The Proprietors of the Boston Theatre," with a capital stock of $125,000, which corporation has continued to exist down to the present day. John E. Lodge was elected its first president. The list of the stockholders at that time contains many noted Boston names and is given here in full : W. Amory, William T. Andrews, Isaiah Atkins, George Bacon, Levi Bartlett, Edward C. Bates, John D. Bates, Dudley H. Bayley, George M. Barnard, Josiah Bardwell, Edward Blanchard, William H. Boardman, James C. Bayley, John P. Bayley, Bigelow Bro- thers and Kennard, William O. Billings, Benjamin G. Board- man, Frederic H. Bradlee, J. Tisdale Bradlee, Nathaniel J. Bradlee, Gardner Brewer, Peter C. Brooks, Martin Brimmer, Stephen H. Billiard, Edmund Boynton, Charles F. Bradford, Caleb Chase, Benjamin P. Cheney, John Clark, John T. Coolidge, John T. Coolidge, Jr., Thomas B. Curtis, Theodore Chase, Addison Child, Charles U. Cotting, Charles F. Curtis, William J. Cutler, Martha P. Codman, J. Amory Davis, John H. Dix, N. H. Emmons, N. H. Emmons, Jr., Robert W. Emmons, Charles W. Eldredge, Franklin Evans, Phineas 68 THE SEASON OF 1858-59 Fiske, Ebenezer T. Farrington, George N. Faxon, John Foster, John H. Foster, A. A. Frazar, A. H. Fiske, Isaac D. Farnsworth, Seth W. Fowle, William F. Freeman, Henry J. Gardner, Albert Glover, Joseph B. Glover, Thomas Goddard, William W. Goddard, William F. Grubb, Thomas W. Gray, Andrew T. Hall, Martin L. Hall, Nathaniel Harris, E. Hatha- way, Franklin Haven, John R. Hall, Samuel Hatch, J. E. Hazelton, Mark Healey, John T. Heard, Augustine Heard, Peter T. Homer, Nathaniel Hooper, Samuel Hooper, George O. Hovey, George Howe, Joseph N. Howe, H. H. Hunnewell, Charles Hick- ling, William H. Hill, Horatio Harris, Deming Jarves, C. B. Johnson, J. G. Kidder, M. Day Kimball, C. E. King, Benjamin Lincoln, F. W. Lin- coln, John E. Lodge, George W. Lyman, Thomas Lamb, Henry Lee, Jr., Robert C. Mackay, Charles E. Miller, George R. Minot, George W. Messenger, Nathaniel C. Nash, R. W. Newton, Lyman Nichols, Harvey D. Parker, William F. Par- rott, Thomas W. Pierce, William P. Pierce, James W. Paige, Lorenzo Papanti, Henry A. Pierce, Samuel S. Pierce, William Perkins, Solomon Piper, Isaac Pratt, Sampson Reed, Thomas P. Rich, Otis Rich, William J. Reynolds, John Simmons, Thomas Simmons, Charles A. Smith, Melancthon Smith, Edwin Adams 69 THE BOSTON THEATRE Carl Formes Henry Sayles, William Sheafe, Nathaniel Thayer, A. W. Thaxter, Jr., L. W. Tappan, E. P. Tileston, F. U. Tracy, Benjamin W. Thayer, Orlando Tomp- kins, William Thomas, Alanson Tucker, Jr., John W. Trull, William W. Tucker, Frederic Tudor, Newell A. Thompson, John S. Tyler, George B. Upton, Reu- ben S. Waide, Henry Wainwright, George W. Wales, Thomas Wetmore, A. C. Wheelwright, Benjamin C. White, Joseph Whitney, W. F.Whitney, Samuel Whitwell, John S. Wright, B. S. Welles, Thomas B. Wales, and Simon Willard. The formal transfer of the property from the old corpora- tion to the new one was made on October 9, 1858. On Janu- ary 4, 1859, that portion of the property which included the Me- lodeon Hall, next door south of the theatre, was sold at public auction. It was situated on an irregularly shaped lot of land, 55 feet front by 176 feet deep, con- taining 9354 square feet, and was sold with the restriction that no theatrical entertainments should be given in the Melodeon. The property was bought by Charles Francis Adams and is still in possession of his estate. As the Gaiety Theatre and afterward 70 THE SEASON OF 1858-59 the Bijou Theatre were constructed on these premises, it would seem that the restriction was no longer in force. For the season of 1858-59 Thomas Barry was again man- ager, with J. P. Price as assistant manager. An extraordinarily strong company was engaged, including Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Davenport, Edwin Adams, Charles Bass, George Holland, Dan Setchell, F. J. Horton, W. H. Curtis, Cunningham, Ling- ham, N. Davenport, Selwin, Reed, J. Adams, Daymond, Rose, Stephens, Finn, Davis, Mary Devlin, Charlotte Cramp- ton, Josephine Orton, Lizzie Emmons, Mrs. France, Mrs. Barry, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Burroughs, Fanny France, Mrs. Edwin Adams, Misses Mar- shall, Heaney, Burbank, Kuhn, and Hayward. The season opened on September 13 with the stock company for one week of standard plays. James Bennett had a benefit on Thursday, September 16, when he played Othello to Davenport's lago. Julia Dean Hayne was the first star, opening on September 20 and remaining two weeks. On Tuesday, September 28, she presented "The Duke's Wager," a play by Fannie Kemble Butler. 71 Lizzie Emmons Max Strakosch THE BOSTON THEATRE William E. Burton Strakosc-h's Italian Opera Company came on Tuesday, October 5, with Pauline Colson, Teresa Parodi, Amalia Patti Strakosch, Brignoli, Lambocetta, Amo- dio, Ettore Barili, Nicola Barili, and Marcel Junca. They sang "La Travi- ata," "Lucrezia Borgia," 'The Daugh- ter of the Regiment," and "II Trova- tore," giving but four performances. William E. Burton began on October 11 a two weeks' season, in which he played "Dombey and Son," "A Serious Family," "Wanted, 1000 Milliners," "The Breach of Promise," "The Too- dles," "Blue Devils," "The Dutch Governor," "The Mum- my," "David Copperfield," "Twelfth Night," and "John Jones." Charles Fisher and Miss Hughes accompanied Mr. Burton. When "David Copperfield" was given, the programme allotted the parts of the Micawber twins to Master Wragg and Miss Dummie, they evidently being doll babies. Edwin Booth commenced a three weeks' run on October 25. On Novem- ber 1, 1858, he played Macbeth for the first time in Boston, Edwin Adams be- ing the Macduff. On November 12 he essayed Romeo for the first time here, Edwin Booth the Juliet being Mary Devlin. The stock company filled the week of November 15. J. H. Hackett followed on November 22 for a week and a 72 THE SEASON OF 1858-59 half. On Tuesday, November 23, he was first seen as Rip Van Winkle. During the engagement he played Falstaff in "Henry IV" and "The Merry Wives of Windsor," Solomon Swop in "A Yankee in England," Sir Pertinax MacSycophant in "The Man of the World," and Nimrod Wildfire in "A Kentuckian's Trip to New York in 1815." Charles Bass had a farewell benefit on Monday, December 6, having pre- viously been ill for ten weeks. Italian opera opened on Thursday, December 8, remaining practically four weeks, the artists being Piccolomini, Poinsart, La- borde, Ghi- oni, Carl Formes, Brignoli, Florenza, Ta- maro, Dubreuil, Weinlich, Barat- tina, Quinto, Coletti, and Lorini. The first Saturday night perform- ance on record in this theatre was on Christmas night, December 25, 1858, when Laborde sang in "Norma." "The Corsican Brothers" had its first Boston presentation Thursday, January 6, 1859, with E. L. Daven- Lon Morris port and Ed win Adams in the cast. 73 Billy Morris THE BOSTON THEATRE On Saturday evening, January 8, Robert StoepeFs sym- phony " Hiawatha " was jjerformed for the first time in public, with an orchestra of fifty and a chorus from the Handel and Haydn Society, the soloists being Mrs. I. I. Harwood, Har- rison Millard, and J. Q. Wetherbee. Matilda Heron (Mrs. Rol>ert Stoej)el) recited extracts from Longfellow's poem. "The Corsican Brothers" was continued for the week of January 10. E. L. Daven- port had a benefit on Janu- ary 14, when 'The Love Chase" w T as played in con- junction with "The Corsi- can Brothers," and Morris Brothers, Pell and Trow- bridge's Minstrels and Cow- beil-o-gians appeared "after their concert is over in School Street." "The Cataract of the Ganges" was produced on January 17, 1859, with the J. c. Trowbridge stud of horses from James M. Nixon's circus, and ran six weeks, closing on February 26, which date also ended Mr. Barry's lease of the theatre. After that time he remained three years as agent, letting the house to any manager who wished to rent it, and at times hiring it himself for some sj>ecial engagement. The first Wednesday matinee ever given in the Boston Theatre took place on January 26, 1859, the play being 74 THE SEASON OF 1858-59 "The Cataract of the Ganges," and the receipts being $596.90. James Pilgrim had a benefit on Saturday evening, Febru- ary 12, 1859, this being the first dramatic attraction to play on a Saturday night. The beneficiary was seen as Con O'Grady in "Americans Abroad"; Edwin Adams played Jere Clip in "The Widow's Victim," and gave imitations of famous actors ; Henrietta Lang danced a character dance ; Lon and Billy Morris and Johnny Pell rendered a comic banjo trio; F. J. Horton appeared as Paddy Miles in "The Limerick Boy," and the company played " Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady." In the latter part of Febru- ary the auditorium was floored over level with the stage and several balls were given, the first being that of the Boston Light Infantry, familiarly known as "The Tigers," the date being February 28. This was followed by the Mount Vernon Ball on March 4, the Firemen's Military and Civic Ball on March 18, and a Grand Juvenile Ball on March 23. Mr. Barry reopened the theatre on April 5 with a spec- tacular production of "Faust and Marguerite," which ran four weeks with slight interruptions. On April 25, 1859, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Davenport took a 75 Johnny Pell THE BOSTON THEATRE benefit, when, in addition to "The Merchant of Venice," "Our American Cousin" was played for the first time here, E. L. Davenport being the Asa Trenchard and N. T. Davenport the Lord Dundreary. Mrs. Barrow returned to the the- atre for two nights, playing " Retri- bution" and "The Love Chase" on April 28 and " King Rene's Daugh- ter" and "She Stoops to Conquer" on the 29th. On Wednesday evening, April 27, Dan Setchell was the benefici- ary, "Paul Pry" and "Our Ameri- can Cousin" being the plays. In the latter Mr. Setchell was seen as Asa Trenchard in the first act, Lord Dundreary in the second, and Bin- ney the butler in the third. E. L. Davenport assumed the role of Asa Trenchard in the second and third acts, while N. T. Davenport w r as the Dundreary of the first and third, and W. H. Curtis played Binney in the first and second. W. E. Burton opened on May 2 and played a week and a half in his comedies. On May 9 and 10 he appeared as Chris- topher Crookpath in " The Upper Ten and Lower Twenty/* another version of the French original of " The Streets of New- York." Italian opera came again on Thursday, May 10, the prin- cipals being Laborde, Gazzaniga, Phillips, Ghioni, Stefani, 76 Dan Setchell as Madame Vanderpants THE SEASON OF 1858-59 Sbriglia, Florenza, Carl Formes, and Mile. Poinsart. This company remained until June 11, the last four performances being given at fifty cents all over the house. Thomas Barry had a benefit on Tuesday, June 7, when the volunteers included James E. Murdoch, E. L. Davenport, Dan Setchell, John Gilbert, Edwin Adams, Mrs. Barrow, Josephine Orton, Mrs. Daven- port, and Mrs. Gilbert. At Thomas Comer's benefit on Saturday evening it being the law that Saturday evening performances must close by eleven o'clock the bill was so Jong that the farce of " Box and Cox," with which E. L. Daven- port and Edwin Adams were to close the programme, was played in its entirety in about five minutes and the curtain descended on the minute of eleven, Mr. Barry being so eager to keep within the limits of the law that he himself gave the curtain signal. Earlier in the evening Annie Clarke made her first appearance in this theatre, playing in "Mr. and Mrs. Lilly white" with Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert and G. D. Chaplin. Piccolomini CHAPTER VIII THE SEASON OF 1859-60 No regular dramatic company was engaged for the season of 1859-60. The time was filled by combinations, the theatre at times being closed for a week or more. The season opened on October 3 with two weeks of Italian opera, the principals being Adelaide Cortesi, Madame and Signer Gassier, Amalia Strakosch, Pauline Colson, Brignoli, Stigelli, Marcel Junca, Amodio, Quinto, and Miiller. Signor Muzio and Maurice Strakosch were the musical directors, Theodore Thomas leader, Amati Dubreuil stage-manager, and Mr. Hensler chorus-master. "II Poliuto" was the opening piece and the only novelty. At the farewell matinee on October 15, "La Traviata" and the final duet of "La Favorita" were given. Henry Squires made his Boston debut as Alfred in the former piece and Miss Abby Fay, "the eminent Boston canta- trice," sang "Caro Nome del Mio Cor." The Ravel Family appeared under Thomas Barry's man- agement on Tuesday, November 1, and remained seven weeks. The members of this troupe were Gabriel and Franois Ravel, Maria Hennecart, Marietta Zanfretta, Young America, the Martinetti Family (Julian, Philippe, Ignatius, Mme. Mar- tinetti, and Master Paul), Paul Brilliant, Lina Windel, the Lehmans, and others. Their last performance was on Satur- day afternoon, December 17. On December 20, 1859, the auditorium having again been 78 THE SEASON OF 1859-60 floored over, a grand ball was given by the Second Battalion of Infantry, Gilmore's Band furnishing the music. Promenade concerts were also given by Gilmore's Band on the afternoons and evenings of December 21 and 24. On January 2, 1860, the name of the theatre was changed to the "Boston Academy of Music," which title it retained for nearly three years. This was to bring it into line with the Academies of Music in New York, Brooklyn, Philadel- phia, and Baltimore, all large theatres, built for opera- houses. The great chandelier was installed and was first shown to the public on Janu- ary 2, 1860, the announce- ments stating that it was " the largest ever used in any the- atre, either in this country or in Europe." It was made by Cornelius & Baker of Phil- adelphia and placed in posi- tion by their agents, N. W. Turner & Co. of Boston. Italian opera opened on the above date with Pauline Colson, Adelina Patti, Mme. Stra- kosch, Stigelli, Brignoli, Marcel Junca, Susini, Ferri, and Dubreuil. Adelina Patti made her Boston debut in " Lucia di Lammermoor" on Tuesday evening, January 3, 1860. This opera season lasted five weeks. Concerts were given on the 79 Adelina Patti THE BOSTON THEATRE Sunday evenings, Rossini's "Stabat Mater" being sung on January 8 and Donizetti's "The Martyrs "on the 15th. The concert of January 22 introduced no oratorio, but " The Cre- ation " was given on the 29th. " Sicilian Vespers" and "Saffo" were the novel- ties of the season. Mr. Barry had a benefit on Thurs- day evening, February 2, when the ,/ . ^ following artists volunteered: Pauline Colson, Amalia Strakosch, Stigelli, Amodio, Marcel Junca, Mrs. Barrow, Mrs. Davenport, Emily Mestayer, E. L. Davenport, Dan Setchell, A. W. Fenno, W. Reynolds, and Mr. Bates. A company headed by Mrs. John Wood and Joe Jefferson opened on February 6 and remained two weeks, playing "The Unequal Match," "The Loan of a Lover," "Jenny Lind," " Somebody Else," "The Invisible Prince," "A Roland for an Oliver," "Fortunio," "The Rough Diamond," "All That Glitters Is Not Gold," and " Mischief Making." The other members of the company were Emily Mestayer, Miss Gimber, A. H. Davenport, Harry Pearson, Harry Russell, and Messrs. Munro, Wall, and Kings- land. Beginning March 5, 1860, Cooke's Royal Amphitheatre played an engagement of five weeks, the principal performers being the Hanlon Brothers, Ella Zoyara, James Robinson, Joe Pentland, and W. Cooke. The Hanlons wei>- ment, and will be found complete in all finVclaM requlremeou. The Lunch Counter! rappUed from the I'AHKER Hooaz. 151 THE BOSTON THEATRE James Fisk, Jr. when Asa Cushman was seen as Ginger Blue in "The Vir- ginia Mummy." On Saturday evening, December 26, 1868, Lizzie Inez St. John was seen as Juliet, with Edwin Adams as Romeo and Frank Mayo as Mercutio. James H. Hackett opened on Decem- ber 28 for one week, in "The Merry Wives of Windsor," "Henry IV," "Rip Van Winkle," "His Last Legs," and "Monsieur Mallet." Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Davenport were seen on January 2, 1869, in "The Scalp Hunters" and "The Pilot." An Italian opera company followed for four weeks, the principals being La Grange, Agatha States, Isabel McCulloch, Natali Testa, Brignoli, Habelmann, Hermanns, Formes, Boetti, and Rotter. In addition to the familiar operas, they were heard in "Robert le Di- able," "Crispino e la Comare," "Sicilian Vespers," "Belisario," "The Star of the North," and "L'Africaine." Commencing February 1, 1869, Kate Reignolds and Elise Holt played one week, the former in drama and comedy and the latter in burlesque. Miss Reignolds played in "Peg Woffington," "The Shadow of a Crime," "Two Can Play at That Game," and "Richelieu at Sixteen." Miss Holt 152 4rma THE SEASON OF 1868-69 Aujac brought with her Minnie Jackson, Emily Pitt, Mary Pitt, Georgie Langley, Harry Wall, and W. H. Lee. Mr. Lee afterward be- came a police commissioner of the city of Boston. He played Cedric the Saxon in "Ivanhoe" and Ru- stighello in "Lucretia Borgia, M.D." James Fisk, Jr.'s, French Opera Bouffe Company opened on Febru- ary 3, presenting "Barbe Bleue" all of that week and "La Perichole" all of the next. The artists were Mile. Irma, Aujac, Marie Tholer, Lavas- sor, Francis, Benedick, M. and Mme. Hamilton, Dardignac, and Edgard. For a third week the company was reinforced by Mile. Tostee, Mile. Duclos, Le- duc, Lagriffoul, Duchesne, Deere, and Gui- don. "La Grande Duchesse," "Orphee aux Enfers," "Lischen & Fritzchen," "Le Chan- son de Fortunio," and "Mons. Choufleuri" w r ere additional operas for the third week. They were followed on March 1 by the Rich- ings Grand English Opera Company, whose membership included Caroline Richings Ber- nard, Pierre Bernard, Mr. and Mrs. Seguin, William Castle, S. C. Campbell, J. A. Arnold, Chas. Drew, the Peakes Brothers, Edith Abell, Anna Mischka, and Mrs. Gonzales. For Fuller, the Skater novelties they introduced Julius Eichberg's 153 THE BOSTON THEATRE "Doctor of Alcantara," "A Night in Granada," "The Rose of Castile," " Masaniello," and "Crown Diamonds," in ad- dition to their former repertoire. On Saturday evening, March 13, Lizzie Inez St. John was seen in "Leah," supported by the regular company. Lotta returned on March 22 for a three weeks' stay in "Little Nell and the Marchioness," "Firefly," and "Uncle Tom's Cabin," being seen as Topsy in the latter piece. On Friday, April 9, 1869, she played "The Female Detective" and "An Object of Interest." As the detective she assumed the roles of Florence Langton, Grizzle Guttridge, Mrs. Gamage, Harry Rackett, Barney O'Brien, and Gaunse-a-sha- nee-joseph-e-nee-cilte-lager-lodovica (an original Dutch char- acter written for her by Robert Me Wade, in which she sings a Tyrolean song). Mrs. D. P. Bowers McCollum and the opened on Wed- in " Lady Aud- which was fol- "EastLynne," W What Can't ^ "Romeo and Ju- querade," "Lucre- King's Rival," and 24, Mrs. Bowers Mrs. D. P. Bowers and Mrs. F. B. Conway supported by J. C. stock company, nesday, April 14, ley's Secret," lowed by "Snare, or Money Do," liet," "Love's Mas- tia Borgia," "The "Leah." On April played Juliet to the Romeo of her sister, Mrs. F. B. Conway, and the Mercutio of J. C. McCollum. John M. Ward had a benefit on Saturday evening, April 17, when the New England comedian, Yankee Glunn, appeared in "Rosina Meadows." 154 THE SEASON OF 1868-69 Fuller, the Wonderful Skater, who had just returned from Europe, was seen at Mrs. Bow r ers's benefit on April 30. On May 3, 1869, Joseph Jefferson made his first appearance here in " Rip Van Winkle," the cast being as follows : ACT FIRST Rip Van Winkle Joseph Jefferson. Derrick Von Beekman C. Leslie Allen. Cockels S. H. Forsberg. Nicholas Vedder S. J. Willis. Stein Emmerson. Little Hendrick Master Johnny Browne. Little Meenie La Petite Maime. Clausen Williams. Gretchen Van Winkle Mrs. J. B. Booth. ACT SECOND Rip Van Winkle Joseph Jefferson. Swaggerins Daniels. Hendrick Hudson Scott. ACT THIRD Rip Van Winkle Joseph Jefferson. Derrick Von Beekman C. Leslie Allen. Cockels S. H. Forsberg. Seth D. J. Maguinnis. Hendrick Vedder Shirley France. Villagers Messrs. Rooney and Taylor. Gretchen Mrs. J. B. Booth. Meenie Van Winkle Miss Rachel Noah. Katchen Mrs. J. H. Browne. "Rip Van Winkle" ran four weeks with great artistic and financial success. On Saturday evening, May 15, 1869, a farewell testimonial 155 THE BOSTON THEATRE Jefferson as Rip Van Winkle Clara Louise Kellogg, Bo- etti, Rena, Susini, and Xime- nes in "Don Pasquale," for one night only. E 1 1 s 1 e r and D e n i e r' s "Humpty Dumpty" began on May 31 a three weeks' engagement, Tony Denier being the Clown, George A. Beane the Pantaloon, Harry Leslie the Harlequin, and Mile. Auriol the Columbine. Alfred M o e , Champion Skater, was an added attrac- tion. benefit, tendered to Harry Blood- good by a committee of gentle- men of Boston, introduced Mr. Bloodgood in his specialties, in one of which he was assisted by his pupil, Master Tommy. Eph Horn made a stump speech, the Lascelle Brothers offered a gym- nastic act, and the stock company were seen in "The Irish Emi- grant," with C. Leslie Allen as Tom Bobolink. On Saturday evening, May 22, Max Strakosch presented Hughey Dougherty 156 THE SEASON OF 1868-69 Dougherty, Wild, Barney and Mac's Minstrels gave one performance on Saturday, July 31, the principals being Hughey Dougherty, Johnny Wild, Master Barney, Little Mac, G. Swaine Buckley, W. Henry Rice, J. H. Baker, R. Tyrrell, Ainsley Scott, Andy Garland, and Fred Emerson. CHAPTER XVIII THE SEASON OF 1869-70 IloR the season of 1869-70 Frank Roche was the leading man of the company, Charles R. Thorne, Jr., having gone to Selwyn's Theatre, where so many went and so few remained. Other additions to the Boston Theatre Company were H. S. Murdoch, C. Leslie Allen, father of the present- day star Viola Allen; F. Rooney, af- terward the leading man known as Frank Roberts; N. D. Jones, Horace Frail, L. R. Stockwell, who later became a favorite low comedian in California; W. H. Collings, Dora Goldthwaite and Eliza Long. The season opened on August 16 with the spectacular pantomime "The Seven Dwarfs," presented by R. W. Butler's company and the Morlacchi ballet troupe. This ran for five weeks and was succeeded on September 20 by Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams, who remained one month, playing "The Fairy Circle," "The Emerald Ring," and "All Hallow Eve," using for afterpieces "The Custom of the Country," "Ireland As It Was," "Yankee Courtship," and "The Irish Tiger." The stock company were then seen for a week and a half in 158 . George L. Fox =3 THE BOSTON THEATRE C. K. Fox "Formosa," a drama by Dion Boucieault which caused con- siderable comment on account of the boldness of its theme, but which failed to draw. George L. Fox, in the pantomime of "Hickory Dickory Dock," opened on October 27 for one week, C. K. Fox being the Pantaloon. An added attraction \vas the Kiralfys, Imre, Bolossy, and Haniola, in their Hun- garian dancing. Anna Dickinson lectured on "Whited Sepulchres" on Sunday, October 31. Edwin Booth began on November 4 an engagement of only one and a half weeks, in his customary tragic repertoire. On November 15 Maggie Mitchell commenced a four weeks' season, during which she was seen in "The Pearl of Savoy," "Little Barefoot," "Lorle," "Margot," "Katty O'Sheal," and "Fanchon." As she did not appear on Sat- urday evenings the perform- ances on those occasions w r ere given by the stock company, the plays being "Moll Pitch- er," Mrs. H. P. Grattan in the title role; "The Octoroon," and "The Long Strike." Anna Dickinson 160 THE SEASON OF 1869-70 For J. B. Booth's benefit on November 20, Edwin Booth was seen in "Richard III." Mrs. Scott-Siddons played the week of December 13, in "As You Like It," "The Honey- moon," "King Rene's Daugh- ter," "Twelfth Night," and "Masks and Faces." Lucille Western and James A. Herne followed for three weeks in "East Lynne," "The Child Stealer," "Green Bushes," and "Oliver Twist," McKee Rankin assuming the role of Fagin the Jew, in the last-named play. The Parepa Rosa Grand Eng- lish Opera Company began a three weeks' season on January 10, 1870, the chief singers being Parepa Rosa, Rose Hersee, the Seguins, Castle, Camp- bell, and Gus Hall. Their repertoire was as usual, with the addition of "The Puritan's Daughter," "The Black Dom- ino," and "The Marriage of Figaro." On account of the death of Parepa Rosa's mo- ther, the prima donna was out of the cast from January 12 to the 17th. It was at this time that Harry Jackson, then Parepa Rosa's stage-manager, made a speech to the audi- 161 Mrs. Scott-Siddons S. C. Campbell Dollie Bid- well THE BOSTON THEATRE ence telling of her loss and concluding with, "Accidents will happen in the best-regulated families." Mrs. Emma Waller appeared as Meg Merrilies in " Guy Man- nering" the week of January 31. On February 5 a testimonial was given to Charles R. Thorne, Jr., who had seceded from Sel- wyn's Theatre and was about to depart for California. Mr. Thorne appeared as Salem Scudder in "The Octoroon" in the afternoon and as D'Artag- nan in "The Three Guards- x F. S. Chanfrau as Sam men" in the evening. On February 7 F. S. Chanfrau appeared as Sam in the play of that name, on February 1 1 he assumed the title role in the comedy of "Joe," and on Febru- ary 14, 1870, he first pre- sented " Kit, the Arkansas Traveller," a play which was long identified with Charles Fecbter 162 THE SEASON OF 1869-70 the Boston Theatre, though it did not make a great stir at the start. In conjunction with the play of " Joe," Mr. Chan- frau at that time appeared in "The Widow's Victim," essay- ing the role of Jere Clip and giving imitations of famous actors. Charles Fechter, supported by Carlotta Leclercq, made his first appearance in Boston on February 21, 1870, in the role of Hamlet. He remained two weeks, presenting also "Ruy Bias" and "The Lady of Lyons." On the afternoon of Feb- ruary 22 the stock company, reinforced by F. C. Bangs and Melinda Jones, were seen in " Uncle Tom's Cabin." The same evening they played "Jessie Brown" and "The Long Strike." Lester Wallack next ap- peared for one week in " The Carlotta Leclercq Captain of the Watch," "Woodcock's Little Game," "Ours" (in which he had the assistance of Gilmore's Band), "Home," "Ernestine," and "A Regular Fix." On March 14 an Italian opera company came for two weeks, the principals being Clara Louise Kellogg, Amalia Jackson, Adelaide Phillips, Marie Sand, Lotti, Reina, Su- sini, Caletti, Reichardt, and Ronconi. They were heard in "II Trovatore," "Faust," "II Poliuto," "William Tell," 163 THE BOSTON THEATRE " Masaniello," "Linda di Chamouni," and "Robert le Di- able." On March 28 Charles Fechter returned for three weeks, being supported by Carlotta Leclercq, F. C. Bangs, and Me- linda Jones. The plays on this occasion were "The Duke's Motto," "The Lady of Lyons," "Hamlet," "Ruy Bias," and "Don Caesar de Bazan." On the even- ing of April 16 Mr. Fechter played in the French language, being supported by a French company from New York, in "Les Jurons de Cadillac," "On De- mande un Gouverneur," and "Les Deux Aveugles." At Harry Bloodgood's benefit on Sat- urday evening, April 2, Mr. Bloodgood sang " Darling Mignonette " and " Sammy Baxter." Walter Brown, the Champion Oarsman, appeared, as did also Master Duderberg Casey, Masters Tommy and Willie Daly, Eva Brent, and others. Joseph Jefferson was seen as Rip Van Winkle for three weeks, beginning April 11. On the afternoon of Thursday, April 21, Charles Fechter played Don Csesar de Bazan, and on the evening of Saturday, April 23, he was seen in "The Lady of Lyons" for Carlotta Leclercq's benefit. John M. Ward had a benefit on Saturday evening, May 7, at which Dollie Bidwell played in "The Flowers of the For- est," R. S. Meldrum recited "The Maniac's Tear," and William Scallan was seen in "Handy Andy." 164 William Castle THE SEASON OF 1869-70 Lotta began on May 9 a three weeks' stay in "Firefly," "The Little Detective," and "Heartsease." Napier Lothian had a benefit on the afternoon of May 18, 1870, when, among other attractions, Stuart Robson and Lotta played "Nan, the Good-for-Nothing." Anna Mehlig and S. C. Campbell were billed to appear, but Campbell was ill and Miss Mehlig did not come from New York. Fortunately Madame Parepa Rosa was in a private box and kindly vol- unteered to sing two songs. Kate Reignolds, supported by Neil Warner and the stock company, played the week of May 30 in "Armadale," "Ca- mille," "Ingomar," "Kathleen Mavourneen," and "The An- gel of Midnight." Kittie Blanchard had a be- nefit on Wednesday afternoon, June 1, at which Stuart Rob- son, Charles H. Vandenhoff, Neil Warner, and others appeared. Minnie Wells, with "her Zoological Collection of African Lions and Pumas, the Elephant 'Timour,' and two Desert Camels," opened June 6 in "The Lion of Nubia, or the Hunters of the Nile." Business was disastrous and the com- pany disbanded, leaving the animals in the theatre, where they remained for many days, unwelcome and malodorous guests. Thus ended the season of 1869-70. Lotta as Firefly CHAPTER XIX THE SEASON OF 1870-71 THE company for 1870-71 included Neil Warner, H. S. Murdoch, Louis Aldrich, C. Leslie Allen, D. J. Ma- guinnis, Shirley France, J. F. Hagan, Stuart Clarke, J. D. Russell, A. Leonard, G. F. Kenway, L. R. Stockwell, T. C. Howard, Mrs. Booth, Rachel Noah, Mrs. Chas. Poole, Georgie Reignolds, Mrs. C. L. Allen, Dora Goldthwaite, Marie Uart, Laura Alexan- der, and Belle Dudley. ? -15$lii85 The season opened on September 12 with a >^^^Kwi three weeks' engagement of the Lydia Thomp- son Troupe in the burlesques of "Sinbad the Sail- or," "Lurline," "I x i o n," and "Sonnambula." The leading art- ists w r ere Lydia Thompson, Fannie Prestige, Pauline Markham, Ada Harland, Alice Atherton, John L. Hall, W. B. Cahill, John Morris, and Willie Edouin. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams then came for three weeks, 'The Connie Soogah" being an added feature of 166 Lydia Thompson Pauline Markham w w o H co O o So O I- co o 00 SS5mWKV^\ SJ^SrSaelw^n i cJs'R \ \ \ \ THE BOSTON THEATRE Stuart Robson Neil Warner their repertoire. Lotta followed on October 24 for three weeks of "Little Nell," "The Ticket of Leave Man," "The Little Detective," "Heart's Ease," "Captain Charlotte," and "Andy Blake." H. S. Murdoch was the Dick Swiveller in "Little Nell" and H. A. Weaver the Quilp. In "The Ticket of Leave Man" Lotta played Sam Willoughby and Neil Warner Bab Brierly. A play by Hart Jackson, called "Pe- pina," was announced for November 7, but for some reason was never presented. General Judson F. Kilpatrick lec- tured on Sunday evenings, Novem- ber 13 and 20, on "Scenes of the Re- bellion" and "Sherman's March to the Sea." Mrs. D. P. Bowers opened on No- vember 14 in Wilkie Collins's "Man and Wife" and continued for two weeks, presenting also "Lady Aud- ley's Secret," "The Honeymoon," "The Rose of Mayence," and "East 168 Petroleum V. Nasby (D. R. Locke) THE SEASON OF 1870-71 General Judsou F. Kilpatrick Lynne." The " Man and Wife" which was played here in 1854 was a different piece, written by Arnold, and having for sub-title "More Secrets than One." On Sunday, November 27, George William Curtis lectured on Charles Dickens. On Monday, November 28, Stuart Robson appeared in " Bar- naby Rudge," playing Sim Tap- pertit, while his sister, Mary Stuart, was seen as Miss Miggs, Mrs. J. B. Booth assuming the title role. "Barnaby Rudge" not proving to be a drawing card, Mr. Robson was seen the following week in "Billiards," "Everybody's Friend," " Too- dles," "Paul Pry," "The Spit- fire," "Gale Breezely," "Rob- ert Macaire," and "Camille, or the Cracked Heart." For the last three performances of this week "Tom and Jerry" was added to the bill, with the noted English pugilist Jem Mace, assisted by his cousin, Pooley Mace, in the boxing scene. D. R. Locke ("Petroleum V. Nasby") lectured on Sunday evening, December 11, 1870. On December 12 Hess's Eng- 169 George William Curtis THE BOSTON THEATRE lish Opera came for two weeks, presenting Caroline Richings Bernard, Rose Hersee, Mr. and Mrs. Henri Drayton, Brook- house Bowler, Mr. and Mrs. Seguin, J. H. Chatterson, Castle, and Campbell, in "Martha," "Fra Diavolo," "Oberon," "Dinorah," "II Trovatore," "The Bo- hemian Girl," '* The Marriage of Figaro," "RipVan Winkle," and "The Huguenots." Walter Montgomery made his appear- ance as a reader on Sunday, December 18, 1870, and was first seen here as an actor on December 26, 1870, in "An- tony and Cleopatra," which ran for the Walter Montgomery entire week. During the following fort- night he was seen in "King John,' "Louis XI," "Othello," "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "The Mer- chant of Venice," "The Stranger," "The Honeymoon," "Ro- meo and Juliet," "Richard III," "Not a Bad Judge," and "The Iron Chest." On Saturday evening, January 14, 1871, Mr. Montgomery was called into the green-room and pre- sented with a silver goblet, having the following inscription: 'To Walter Montgomery, from his Brother Actors of the Boston Theatre as a slight recognition of his eminent ability as an actor and of his real worth and good-fellowship as a man." The New German Opera opened on January 16 for two weeks and a half, its membership including Louise Lichtmay, Bertha Roemer, Clara Perl, Mile. A. Rosetti, Mile. Haffner, Habelmann, Carl Formes, Wilhelm Formes, Vierling, Franosch, Bernard, and Himmer. The operas were "Fidelio," 'The Merry Wives of Windsor," " Faust," " Tannhauser," "Don Gio- vanni," "Martha," "Der Freischutz," "The Jewess," "The 170 THE SEASON OF 1870-71 Magic Flute," "Stradella," "The Marriage of Figaro," and "La Dame Blanche." On Sunday evenings, January 22, 29, and February 5, Pro- fessor Adolphus Rohde lectured on " The World Before the Del- uge," with a series of seventy pictorial illustrations, each twen- ty feet in diameter. The public failed to respond in paying num- bers. The half-week left vacant by the Opera Was filled by the stock Edith O'Gorman, the Escaped Nun company, with Neil Warner and Stuart Robson featured, in "Rob Roy," "Cramond Brig," "The Lady of Lyons," "The Long Strike," "Richard III," "Handy Andy," and "Paddy Miles's Boy." Frank Mayo came on February 6 for two weeks in "The Streets of New York." Walter Montgomery had a benefit on Monday evening, February 13, when the bill was "Not a Bad Judge" and "The Lady of Lyons," Mrs. Booth playing Pauline in the latter piece. The spectacular offering for the Charles Fechter as Hamlet season was James Fisk, Jr.'s, mag- 171 THE BOSTON THEATRE nificent production of "The Twelve Temptations," which opened on February 20 and ran four weeks. The principal female role was assumed by Nully Pieris and the ballet under the direc- tion of David Costa included Miles. Lupo. Albertina and Roze, and Mons. Ajax. Edith O'Gorman,the escaped nun, lectured on Sunday evenings, March 19 and April 2, on "The Secrets of the Confessional" and "Life in a Convent." Charles Fechter and Carlotta Le- clercq next appeared for three weeks, opening on March 20, their plays be- ing "The Lady of Lyons," "Ruy Bias," "Don Caesar," "No Thoroughfare," and "Hamlet." On the evening of April 5, 1871, and the afternoon of April 6 Marie Seebach and her German company were seen in "Faust" and "Mary Stuart." A fair for the French sufferers by the Franco-Prussian war filled the two weeks after the Fechter engagement. On April 24 William Creswick, James Bennett, Walter Montgomery, and Charles Kemble Mason, supported 172 Sheridan and Mack Jem Mace THE SEASON OF 1870-71 George E. (Yankee) Locke by the stock company, began a week's engagement in "Othello," "Julius Caesar," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Macbeth." Joseph Jefferson began on May 1 his annual engagement in "Rip Van Winkle," continu- ing three weeks. Yankee Locke was seen in "Captain Kydd" and "Wife for a Day" on May 13, for John M. Ward's benefit. Count Joannes was seen as Richard III on Saturday even- ing, May 20. James Fisk, Jr.'s, French opera company, with Lea Silly, Elise Persini, Marie Aimee, and Messieurs Gausins and Girrebeuk, sang for a fort- night beginning May 22, in "Les Brigands," "La Peri- chole," "Barbe Bleue," "La Grande Duchesse," and "Le Petit Faust." Johnny Thompson in his protean drama, "On Hand," appeared for the two weeks commencing June 5, the star assuming the roles of Jack Norton, Molly McGormly, Jacob Hansmiiller, Bill the Old Spear Buster, Shang Hi, Moses Levi 173 THE BOSTON THEATRE Cohen, Josephus Orangeblossom, Fat Charley, Ann Eliza Jane, Dennis McNulty, Antoine Garibaldi, and Mr. Schowen- hoven. He introduced four dances and played on eleven in- struments, besides singing four songs. On Sunday, June 18, the New York Ninth Regiment, under the command of Colonel "Jim" Fisk, Jr., attended divine services in this theatre. ^ Butler and Gilmore's Theatre Comique Company from New York City opened on June 1 9 and continued four weeks, giving a clever variety performance. The company included Hughey Dougherty, Ashcroft and Morton, Charles Howard, George C. Davenport, J. C. Stewart, George H. Goes, James F. Wambold, James Kelly, John W. Myers, Lew Rattler, Jennie Engle, Leopold and Geraldine, Mile. Venturoli, Mile. Bertha, Lisle Riddell, Madeline Hardy, the Schrotter Sisters, the Clinetop Sisters, Mile. Alexandria, Ida Greenfield, Henri- etta Scott, Viro Farrand, Carrie Haines, Hattie Engle, Lizzie Dark, Ida Rivers, Emma Rose, Dave Braham, Hilton the ventriloquist, and Sheridan and Mack. George G. Spear ("Old Spear") had a benefit on July 26, with the following volunteers : E. L. Davenport, Joseph Proctor, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Booth, Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Con- way, John Gilbert, George Clair, Frank Roche, J. J. Sullivan, W. Scallan, Ferd Hight, J. W. Carroll, Jennie Carroll, H. S. Murdoch, Mrs. J. R. Vincent, Laura Phillips, Harrington the ventriloquist, Johnny Queen, and J. D. Kelly. The receipts were $1670.30. CHAPTER XX THE SEASON OF 1871-72 FOR the season of 1871-72 the programme read as follows : Thayer and Tompkins, Proprietors. J. B. Booth, Lessee and Manager. The Company : Louis Aldrich, C. Leslie Allen, D. J. Maguinnis, W. H. Pope, A. Leonard, W. H. Norton, Shirley France, J. J. Sullivan, J. H. Connor, J. W. Hague, G. W. Wilson, F. Rooney, J. D. Russell, L. R. Stockwell, J. F. L'Estrange, Mrs. J. B. Booth, Mrs. Charles Poole, Ra- chel Noah, May Davis, Dora Goldthwaite, Marie Uart, Annie Winslow, Emma Smiley, Misses Morse, Oakley, and Carter. George Tirrell, Scenic Artist; W. P. Prescott, Machinist; J. B. Sullivan, Property man ; Geo. Wilkinson, Gas Engineer; Charlotte Gilbert, Costumer; W. H. Daly, Prompter; N. Lothian, Leader of Orchestra; John M. Ward, Treasurer; H. A. M'Glenen, Business Agent. George W. Wilson remained here four seasons, going in 1876 to the Boston Museum, where he remained several years, ranking as one of the best character comedians in the country. John W. Hague also became very well know r n as a character 175 Grand Duke Alexis THE BOSTON THEATRE actor, his best-known work being with Louis Aldrich in "My Part- ner." Emma Smiley afterward be- came the wife of D. J. Maguinnis. They had but one child, a boy, and parents and son have now been dead for some years. J. J. Sullivan married Katie Putnam a few years later and became her manager. W. C. Pope was afterward billed sometimes as W. Pope Cooke, and oftener as R. Pope Cooke. J. D. Russell, whose real name was J. R. Clark, played here in small parts for several years under the names of Arnott, Dut- ton, Russell, and Clarke. He later or- ganized a troupe of grotesque danc- ers, known as the Girards, who met with great success in America, Europe, and Australia. He died of consumption in Boston in 1876, at the very time that the Girards with- out him were making a furore in London. Another man of like name who was in the company for several years was J. Stuart Clarke, who has since left the profession and become identified 176 Charles Fisher William Creswick THE SEASON OF 1871-72 W. H. Delehanty with the oil business, where he is known as an expert in oils and oil machinery. H. A. M'Glenen, the business agent, had previously been connected with the theatre, but had gone with the exodus to Selwyn's. From this time, however, until his death, on March 24, 1894, he remained at the Boston. During his later years he was probably the best-known theatrical man in Boston and numbered his friends by thousands, as was attested by the size of his annual benefits. The attendance at his funeral was only rivaled in numbers by that at the last rites of William Warren and Dan Maguinnis. The season began with a series of dramas of the cheaper sort, such as would be seen in the minor theatres nowadays. G. Swaine Buckley, for- merly at the head of Buckley's Sere- naders, opened on Tuesday, August 1. in "On the Track," appearing during the course of the play in sev- eral different characters, and intro- Thomas Hengler 177 Victor Capoul THE BOSTON THEATRE ducing his unique specialty, "Music on the Brain," in which he played on numerous musical in- struments at the same time. He remained a fortnight, and was fol- \ lowed on August 14 by Joseph Proctor in "Nick of the Woods," "Ambition," and "O'Neill," for one week. Little Nell, the California Dia- mond , was seen the week of August 21 in "Katy Did," a play of the school made popular by Lotta, in which she introduced her banjo - playing. She afterward retired from the stage for several years and went abroad for an edu- cation, returning to America in 1885, when under her own name of Helene Dauvray she made a dis- tinct success in Bronson Howard's play, "One of Our Girls." D. L. Morris, the broken-German comedian, in his play, "Dollars," was seen for five nights beginning August 28. 178 Little Nell, the California Dia- mond, Helene Dauvray Charles Wheatleigh John H. Selwyn THE SEASON OF 1871-72 President Grant Joseph Murphy in the protean drama, "Help," opened on Saturday evening, September 2, and played throughout the ensuing week. Mr. Murphy had previously been one of the pro- prietors of Cotton and Murphy's Minstrels, and in this play he made a feature of the bone solo which he played while imper- sonating a negro character. "Elfie, -tf the Maid of t h e Cherry Treelnn," a drama which Dion Boucicault had contracted to write for Lotta but had been un- able to finish on time and had there- fore returned the money advanced by her, to continue the work at his leisure, was produced on Septem- ber 11 for two weeks with mem- bers of Wallack's Theatre Com- pany in the cast, including Effie Germon, Charles Wheatleigh, and Charles Fisher. Lydia Thompson followed on September 25 for two weeks, pre- 179 Christine Nilsson Effie Germon THE BOSTON THEATRE senting "Lurline," "Bluebeard," "The Princess of Trebi- zonde," and "Sinbad." Harry Beckett, Willie Edouin, John Bryer, Hetty Tracy, Carlotta Zerbini, Eliza and Jennie Weathersby, Camille Dubois, Tilly Earl, and other favorites were in the company. The Strakosch Grand Italian Opera Company began a two weeks' season on October 9, with Christine Nilsson, Annie Louise Gary, Leon Duval, Victor Capoul, Jamet, Brignoli, Ronconi, and Barre as principals. There were no novelties in their repertoire. On Saturday evening, October 14, a benefit was given for the sufferers by the great Chicago fire, at w T hich appeared Annie Louise Gary, Leon Duval, Mrs. J. B. Booth, Louis Aldrich, Victor Capoul, Brignoli, D. J. Maguinnis, W. H. Pope, G. S. Tukey, and others. President U. S. Grant and suite attended on this occasion. Yankee Locke played "Ten Nights in a Bar Room" on Saturday evening, October 21. George Vandenhoff lectured on "Woman" on Sunday evening, October 22. Edwin Booth followed on October 23 with three weeks of his tragic repertoire. Gideon Haynes, warden of the Charlestow r n State Prison, lectured on "Prison Life" on Sunday evening, October 29. Reverend Athanase Coquerel spoke on "Reformers Past and Present" on Sunday evening, November 5. Lotta appeared for t\vo weeks beginning November 13 in her favorite plays, to which she had added " The Rainbow." Mile. Morlacchi, assisted by the Majilton Family of grotesque dancers, opened on November 27 in "The French 180 THE SEASON OF 1871-72 Kate Saiitley Spy," which ran for the greater part of two w r eeks. Joseph Heine, the blind violinist, ap- peared on Sunday, December 3, 1871. The Grand Duke Alexis of Russia visited Boston in Decem- ber, 1871, and was received with much attention by the citizens, the culminating point of their entertaining being the grand ball which was given in the Boston Theatre on the evening of Fri- day, December 8, when the au- ditorium was floored over for dancing and the entire interior was lavishly decorated. This was one of the most magnificent occasions that the city has ever known and was a success in every respect. Morlacchi and the Majiltons con- tinued for the week of December 11 in "The Wizard Skiff," D. J. Maguin- nis and the company also playing "O'Flanagan and the Fairies." For the last three days of the week Harry Jackson was added to the bill in the protean comedietta, "Heads of the t-.~~jfl People," in which he impersonated JO! Napoleon I, King William of Prussia, . j__. ^J$9 Madame Dumpling, a " Dwarf French Opera Singer"; Susan Squall, an Old 181 Eliza Weathersby THE BOSTON THEATRE E. A. Sothern and Amy Roselle Woman; Sam Wax, a Drunken Cobbler; and Bret Harte's Heathen Chinee. He also gave imitations of Charles Fechter, Edwin Forrest, Charlotte Cushman, Stuart Robson, and others. E. A. Sothern, supported by Amy Roselle, Charles Wheatleigh, and the regular company, presented " Our American Cousin" for three weeks, commencing Decem- ber 18. Edith O'Gorman, the es- caped nun, lectured on "Convent Life" on Sunday evening, January 7, 1872. English opera followed on January 8, 1872, the prominent artists being Pa- repa Rosa, Jennie Van Zandt, Mr. and Mrs. Seguin, Clara Doria, Tom Karl, Gus Hall, Aynsley Cook, William Cas- tle, and S. C. Campbell. This company remained three weeks, presenting for novelties, "Satanella," "La Gazza La- dra" (The Maid and the Magpie), and "The Water Carrier." Frank Mayo, supported by Charles T. Parsloe and the stock company, played a fortnight's engagement in " The Streets of New York," closing on February 17. Christine Nilsson as Mignon 182 THE SEASON OF 1871-72 Delehanty and Hengler and the Midget Sniffen introduced their specialties in the Union Square scene. The Strakosch Italian Opera Company returned on Febru- ary 19 for a fortnight's stay, during which time Ambroise Thomas's opera, "Mignon" had its first three presentations in Boston. Christine Nilsson assumed the title role, Mile. Leon Duval, Victor Capoul, Feretti, and Jamet being also in the cast. On the afternoon and evening of February 22 and the even- ing of February 24, William Creswick was seen in " Old Noll," and on the evening of February 29 he played " Hamlet." "The Black Crook" received its first presentation in this theatre on March 4, 1872, although it had an extended run at the Continental Theatre, some years previously. The pro- duction was that of Jarrett and Palmer and the run was five weeks. The cast was as follows: Count Wolfenstein W. C. Pope. Rudolphe, a poor artist J. J. Sullivan. Von Puffengruntz, the Count's Steward G. W. Wilson. Hertzog, surnamed the Black Crook, an alchemist Louis Aldrich. Greppo, his servant D. J. Maguinnis. Dragonfin, Master Martin. Zamiel, the Arch Fiend A. Leonard. Wolfgar, a Gypsy ruffian J. H. Connor. Caspar, a peasant F. Rooney. Redglare, the recording demon A. Fleming. Skuldawelp, familiar to Hertzog W. Hennesey. Stalacta, Queen of the Golden Realm Miss Kate Santley. Amina, betrothed to Rudolphe Miss Dora Goldthwaite. Dame Barbara, her foster mother Mrs. Chas. Poole. Carline, Amina's maid Miss Rachel Noah. Rosetta, a peasant Miss Emma Smiley. 183 THE BOSTON THEATRE The Majiltons Frank, Charles, and Marie The ballet was led by Pierina Sassi, with Bonni Bambini, Clotilde Mar- chesi, Cora Adrienne, and Bedon Felicita as second as. The special- ties included the Majil- tons, grotesque dancers, the St. Felix Infant Bal- let, the Egyptian Jug- glers, Hassan, Anak, and Selim, Professor Smith and his children gym- nasts, Professor Sam- well's Troupe of Trained Animals, the Celebrated Clown Dog Grimaldi, and Professor Smith's Illuminated Fountain and Cloud Veil with the Hues of Sunset. During the engagement Master Martin, the sprite, was injured and his place was taken by D. J. Maguinnis, whose part of Greppo was filled by George W. Wilson, he in turn being replaced by J. W. Hague as Puffen- gruntz. 184 Mrs. John Wood St. Felix Infant Ballet THE SEASON OF 1871-72 Oliver Doud Byron then first introduced " Across the Con tinent" to Boston playgoers, opening on April 8 and re- maining two weeks. Mrs. John Wood and the St. James Theatre Company of London were seen on April 22 for one week in bur- lesques and farces, their offerings being " La Belle Sauvage," "Poll and Partner Joe," "To Oblige Benson," and " Jenny Lind." The com- pany included Emily Weston, Julian Cross, G. W. Anson, A. W. Young, and Harry Cox. Maggie Mitchell's an- nual engagement was for three weeks from April 29, her plays being "Fanchon," "Jane Eyre," and "The Pearl of Savoy." Joseph Jefferson filled his usual three weeks to his cus- tomary heavy receipts in " Rip Van Winkle," closing on June 1. John M. Ward had a benefit on May 18, when John H. Selwyn played in "The Little Treasure" and Mile. Zoe was seen in "The Wept of Wish-ton- Wish." On Saturday evening, May 25, Mrs. J. B. Booth had a benefit, appearing with her husband, in "The Robbers." General F. J. Lippitt and Miss Nina Glover were also seen in 185 Oliver Doud Byron THE BOSTON THEATRE "Monsieur Jacques" and the Boston Chorus Club was heard in songs. On Monday, June 3, 1872, the Vokes Family made their first Boston appearance, supported by Mr. and Mrs. John L. Hall and some members of the Boston Theatre Company. The bill on this occasion consisted of "Our Nelly" and "The Belles of the Kitchen," the Vokeses appearing only in the latter piece which was cast as follows : THE BELLES OF THE KITCHEN Written, adapted, arranged and performed exclusively by themselves, as played more than a thousand nights by them in the principal theatres of Great Britain and Ireland : and during the past two months with unprecedented success at the Union Square Theatre, New York. Illustrating the High Tints in the Lower Regions, or, the Doings of Domestics in the absence of their employers. Lucinda Scrubbs, a Lady's Maid Miss Jessie Vokes. Mary, a House Maid Miss Victoria Vokes. Barbara, a Kitchen Maid Miss Rosina Vokes. Timotheus Gibbs, an Apothecary's Clerk Mr. Fred Vokes. Wiggins, a Hair Dresser Mr. Fawdon Vokes. In the course of the piece will be introduced specimens of HIGH TRAGEDY, LOW COMEDY, OPERA AND BALLET. The audience will please retain their seats during the exhibition of the Prismatic Waters, which concludes the entertainment, "The Belles of the Kitchen" ran four weeks, "The Wind- mill" being played with it in the second week, " The Spitfire" the third, and " The Lottery Ticket," the fourth. The Vokeses then were seen for two more weeks in "The Wrong Man in the Right Place." Jennie Lee, George W. Howard, J. P. 186 -a 5 I THE BOSTON THEATRE Burnett, and others were seen with them in "Betsy Baker" for one week and "Checkmates" for another. The Irish National Band, which had come across the water to play at the World's Peace Jubilee in this city, appeared in concert on Sunday, July 14, and the season closed with a bene- fit to H. A. M'Glenen on Monday evening, July 15, the volunteers including Mile. Morlacchi, Joseph Proctor, W. J. LeMoyne, G. Swaine Buckley, Sam B. Villa, Delehanty and Hengler, Harry Bryant the ventriloquist, and others. Ned Buntline, Buffalo Bill, and Texas Jack CHAPTER XXI THE SEASON OF 1872-73 DURING the season of 1872-73 H. S. Murdoch, H. A. Weaver, R. J. Dillon, C. A. Stedman, E. B. Holmes, J. B. Bradford, Harry Lampee, May Fiske, Viola Vance, and Mrs. H. A. Weaver were new members of the company. Viola Vance was not long at the theatre when she was taken ill and died of smallpox, during the epidemic of 1872-73. May Fiske was afterward at the head of an organization called May Fiske's Blondes. The Band of the Garde Republicaine of Paris gave four concerts on the evenings of August 5, 6, and 8, and the after- noon of the 7th to large houses. 189 THE BOSTON THEATRE Lisa Weber and a bur- lesque troupe, which in- cluded Pauline Markham, Emma Moshier, Hetty Tracy, Cassie Troy, Hattie O'Neil, George Atkins, Welsh Edwards, H. S. Mur- doch, and C. W. Butler, opened the season on Au- gust 19 and remained two weeks, presenting "Paris," "Ernani," "Ixion,"and "A Quiet Family." Joseph Proctor began on September 2 a three \veeks' Kit and the Beats C. Leslie Allen, F. S. Chanfrau, D. J. Maguinnis engagement, during which he produced "The Red Pocket- Book, " a play with a remark- able shipwreck scene, and Dr. Bird's ever-attractive "Nick of the Woods." On September 23, 1872, F. S. Chanfrau began the first of his regular autumnal visits in "Kit, the Arkansas Traveller," remaining three weeks. For thirteen consecutive years Mr. 190 THE SEASON OF 1872-73 Chanfrau played "Kit" here in September, continuing until his death in 1884. The im- pression is widespread that "Kit" opened the season each year, but, strange to say, it never was the first attraction of the season. The drawing power of "Kit" lay not so much in the play itself as in its num- ber of excellent parts, so well acted by Mr. Chanfrau and the various members of the Boston Theatre Company. Lester Wallack, supported by Effie Germon and the Charlotte Cushman stock company, commenced on October 14 a three weeks' engagement in " Rosedale," "Ours," and "John Garth." In "Ours" he had the assist- ance of Gilmore's Band. Charlotte Cushman began on November 4 a stay of three weeks, during which she played in "Macbeth," "Guy Man- nering," "Henry VIII," and "Simpson and Co." 191 Father Tom Burke THE BOSTON THEATRE On Saturday evening, November 9, 1872, while the com- pany was playing "Nobody's Daughter" and "Paddy Miles's Boy," the great Boston fire broke out, burning over a large part of the busi- ness district of the city and causing several days' interruption of the busi- ness of the theatre, owing to the shut- ting-off of the gas in the downtown section of the city, but Miss Cushman continued her en- gagement on Thursday, Novem- ber 14, as soon as it was possible to light the theatre. Father Tom Burke lectured on the evening of Sunday, November 24. "The Cataract of the Gan- ges," introducing the stud of John H. Murray's Circus, was produced on November 25 and ran five weeks, "Mazeppa" being added to the bill for the final week. "The Streets of New York" was given for the week of De- cember 30. On Tuesday, January 7, Max Maretzek's Grand Italian Pauline Lucca Mrs. Thomas Barry W. II. Bartholomew 192 THE SEASON OF 1872-73 Opera began a three weeks' engagement, the principals being Pauline Lucca, Clara Louise Kellogg, Senora Sanz, Leoni Lavielli, Clara Doria, Vizzani, Ronconi, Dubreuil, Sparapani, Moriami, Jamet, Abrugnedo, and Reichardt. There were no novelties in their repertoire. On Wednesday afternoon, January 15, Stuart Robson appeared in "Everybody's Friend," "Ten Minutes' Talk with Little Boys and Girls," and " The Skeleton Captain, or Blue- Eyed William." On Saturday evening, January 18, he played in one act of "The Rivals," " Hamlet, or the Wearing of the Black," "The Wander- ing Minstrel," and "The Spitfire." Oliver Doud Byron pre- sented "Across the Contin- ent" for the week of Jan- uary 27 and on Saturday evening, February 1, "Nick of the Woods" was added to the bill, Mr. Byron being the Jibbenainosay. Adelaide Neilson made her Boston debut on Feb- ruary 3, 1873, in "Romeo and Juliet," with Joseph Wheelock as Romeo. The following week she played Rosalind in " As You Like It," H. S. Murdoch being the Orlando, and on the evenings of February 13 3 14, and 15, she again was seen as Juliet, with Mr. Murdoch as Romeo. On the afternoon of Friday, February 7, 1873, a compli- 193 James S. Maffitt THE BOSTON THEATRE mentary benefit was given to Thomas Barry, the first manager of the theatre, he being at this time a very old man and an invalid. The entire receipts, $3126.50, were given to Mr. Barry. The stockholders waived their rights for this occa- sion, with the exception of one single individual, who insisted on his right to save one dollar. The bill for the benefit included Mrs. Thomas Barry, C. Leslie Allen, W. R. Floyd, W. E. Sheridan, and D. Harkins in scenes from " The School for Scandal." Adelaide Neilson recited a poem by Tennyson. Stuart Robson, supported by H. S. Mur- doch, C. H. Frye, G. Le- vick, and Mrs. H. A. Weaver, played "Camille, or the Cracked Heart." C. W. Couldock recited " The Vagabonds." MafBtt and Bar- tholomew and the Howard Athenaeum Company presented their wonderful pantomime, " The Comanches." Louis Aldrich recited "The Bridge of Sighs"; and Mary Shaw, an old favorite, returned to the stage to play in " Jenny Lind," sup- ported by members of the Boston Theatre Company. Charles R. Thome, Jr., began on February 17 a two w r eeks' engagement, having the Majiltons as an added attraction. "The Three Guardsmen" filled the first week, while the 194 Adelaide Neilson THE SEASON OF 1872-73 second was divided between "Amos Clarke," 'The Octo- roon," and "Foul Play." Buffalo Bill (W. F. Cody), Texas Jack (J. B. Omohundro), Ned Buntline (E. Z. C. Judson), and Mile. Morlacchi next appeared for a single week in "The Scouts of the Plains," to the unrepressed delight of top-heavy houses. This was the first appearance of Buffalo Bill and Texas Jack in this city. Maggie Mitchell, supported by L. R. Shewell, played her annual three w r eeks' engagement, beginning March 10, in " Jane Eyre," " Fanchon," " The Pearl of Savoy," and " Little Barefoot." Edwin Adams opened on March 31 in "Enoch Arden," staying two weeks, and offering also " The Marble Heart," " Wild Oats," "Black -Eyed Susan," and "The Drunkard." Mrs. F. S. Chanfrau followed on April 14 in "Two Wives," "Christie Johnstone," and "Dora," her stay continuing two weeks. Mrs. Chanfrau has since left the stage and is now practicing as a Christian Science healer in Philadelphia. "Under the Gaslight" was given by the stock company for the week of April 28, the Carroll family of dancers appearing also in their specialty, and in the week of May 5, the company were seen in "Jack Harkaway." 195 Mrs. Chanfrau as Dora THE BOSTON THEATRE Luke Schoolcraft For the week of May 12 Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Albaugh, the latter a sister of Maggie Mitchell, were seen in "Poverty Flat." At the farewell benefit to Mrs. J. B. Booth on Saturday evening, May 10, 1873, Mrs. J. H. C. Richmond of New Bedford made her first appearance on the stage, essaying the character of Juliana in " The Honeymoon," the beneficiary being the Volante. Mrs. Booth was also seen in " Asmodeus, or the Little Devil's Share," and D. J. Maguinnis played " The Limerick Boy." W. E. Sheridan had a benefit on May 17, appearing in "The Marble Heart," supported by Mrs. J. B. Booth and J. W. Albaugh. The Yokes Family began on May 19 a five weeks' engage- ment in "The Belles of the Kitchen," "Fun in a Fog," "The Wrong Man in the Right Place," "Nan, the Good-for-No- thing," and "Phobus' Fix." For the week of June 9 they were reinforced by John T. Raymond and F. F. Mackay in "Heep vs. Micawber." On the morning of Decoration Day, May 30, a fire broke out near the Globe Theatre and destroyed that theatre and a number of other buildings. In consequence, the gas was shut off in the Washington Street main, but the gasman of the Boston Theatre connected his pipes with the main on West Street and the performance was given on time. At the benefit of the Vokes Family on Friday evening, June 196 THE SEASON OF 1872-73 20, 1873, in addition to "Fun in a Fog," "Black-Eyed Susan" was played, with Louis Aldrich as William, H. S. Murdoch as Captain Crosstree, Fred Vokes as Jacob Twig, George W. Wilson as Gnatbrain, Jessie Vokes as Susan, and Victoria Vokes as Dolly Mayflower. Miss Victoria Vokes met with an accident on this occasion which resulted in a broken arm. H. A. M'Glenen's benefit on Saturday evening, June 21, introduced the Vokes Family, John T. Raymond, John Gilbert, Ida Savory, Lillie Wilkinson, the California Quar- tette (Welling Brothers and J. W. Freeth), and members of the Boston Theatre Company. R. W. Butler's Great New York Combination opened on June 23 and remained two weeks, the stars being Sophie and Irene Worrell, the Zanfretta Troupe, Raphael Abecco the harpist, Luke Schoolcraft, George H. Coes, Joe Lang, Add Ryman, Harry Hunter, George F. Ketchum, Sam Holds- worth, George and Charles Reynolds, Charles and Carrie Austin, Jennie Kimball, Minnie Jackson, Helene Smith, Laura LeClaire, the Rem- ^^^B ^^** melsberg Sisters, the Caron Family, George H. Goes and Zegrino and Moulton. On the afternoon of Monday, June 30, 1873, Napier Lothian had a benefit at which the Vokes Family appeared minus Victoria, who was prevented by her injury. The stock company played "A Quiet Family" ; Brown's Brigade Band, the Cornet Quartette from Gilmore's Band, and an orchestra of forty were heard. Among other selections the orchestra 197 THE BOSTON THEATRE played the Evangeline March, composed by Edward E. Rice and dedicated to James Alexander of the Cunard Steamship Company. Mr. Rice was at that time in the employ of the Cunard Company. His extravaganza, "Evangeline," did not reach the stage until a year later, when it was seen at Niblo's Garden, New York. R. W. Butler left for New York on the evening of Sat- urday, July 5, and his company scat- tered. A portion, however, remained and continued two weeks longer to light business. Josh Hart's Com- pany from the The- atre Comique, New York, played from July 21 to August 16, thus closing a very long season. The members of this company were John Hart, John Wild, Frank Kerns, Cool Bur- gess, Harrigan and Hart, Larry Tooley, J. H. Budworth, John Queen, G.L. Stout, James Bradley, E. D. Gooding, Dave Bra- ham, John Williams, O'Reardon, Mrs. Yeamans, Jennie Yea- mans, Jennie Hughes, Ada Wray, Kitty O'Neil, and Minnie Loder. During their stay a sketch called "The Gripsack" 198 Harrigan and Hart THE SEASON OF 1872-73 was played by Frank Kerns, John Wild, and G. L. Stout. The programme had the following note : " ' Gripsack ' is a theatrical term and used by the members of the profession to initiate new beginners. It consists of a large bag, generally filled with old pieces of iron, weighing from seventy-five to one hundred and fifty pounds, which the applicant for histrionic honors is requested to carry to a rival theatre, accompanied with a letter which requests some member of the company to keep him going. The unfortunate dupe, after making the rounds of the various theatres, generally comes to the conclusion that the road to theatrical fame is of most rocky description and re- quires more manual labor than all others combined." It was from this theatrical term that the name, "gripsack," now in common use, meaning any ordinary hand-satchel, was orig- inated, though it did not reach the general public until many years after this programme was printed. Limington R. Shewell CHAPTER XXII THE SEASON OF 1873-74 JB. BOOTH retired from the management of the Boston Theatre in 1873 and was succeeded by L. R. Shewell, who engaged the following company: H. S. Murdoch, J. H. Fitz- patrick, C. Leslie Allen, D. J. Maguinnis, J. W. Hague, T. 200 THE SEASON OF 1873-74 M. Hunter, W. H. Norton, George W. Wilson, Rufus Scott, Harry Richmond, R. J. Dillon, E. B. Holmes, J. O. Stevens, J. W. Gardiner, Harvey Collins, William Raynor, Charles Madden, Mrs. Thomas Barry, Olivia Rand, Blanche Hay den, Mrs. Charles Poole, Mrs. C. L. Allen, Hattie Stevens, Marie Uart, Carrie Prescott, Mar- ion Follett, Annie Winslow, Emma Smiley, lola Smiley, Carrie Jones, Misses Hoff- man and Morgan. Charles S. Getz became the scenic artist, with John Sommer as assistant, the working staff other- wise remaining as before. The season opened on September 1 with two weeks of "Polaris, or the Northern Lights," acted by Mr. Shewell and members of the regular company. F. S. Chanfrau, in " Kit, the Arkan- saw Traveller," followed on Septem- ber 15 for three weeks. Edwin Booth in tragic repertoire played three weeks, beginning Octo- ber 6. Erminie Rudersdorf Tamberlik 201 THE BOSTON THEATRE Tommaso Salvini The Maretzek Italian Opera Company followed for a fortnight, the company being headed by Pauline Lucca, lima di Murska, Madame Ru- dersdorf (who was the mother of Richard Mansfield), Louise Mar- chetti, Natali Testa, Lichtmay, Tamberlik, Rossi-Galli, Jamet, and Vizzani. Their list of operas con- tained nothing that was new. Ma- dame Rudersdorf's first appearance in opera in America was made here on October 30, 1873, as Leo- nora, in "II Trovatore," Signor Tamberlik being the Manrico. Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence opened on November 10 for two weeks in "Inshavogue," "The Yankee Housekeeper," 'The Ticket of Leave Man," "The Irish Lion," "Thrice Married," "The Returned Volunteer," and "Eileen Oge." Tommaso Salvini made his Boston debut on November 24, 1873, remain- ing but one week. He was supported by his brother and an Italian com- pany and played in " Othello," " Sam- son," "David Garrick," "Civil Death," and "Hamlet." Charles Fechter then appeared for 202 Emma Smiley and Carrie Jones in " The Naiad Queen " THE SEASON OF 1873-74 Charles S. Getz one week in "Hamlet," "Don Caesar de Bazan," "Ruy Bias," and "The Lady of Lyons." On the afternoon of Wednesday, December 8, Salvini was again seen in "Othello." Charlotte Cushman began on Decem- ber 3 a week of "Guy Mannering" and "Henry VIII," the theatre being closed on the evening of December 13 for a rehearsal of the com- ing production. This was Miss Cushman's last engagement in this theatre, her final role being Meg Merrilies in " Guy Manner- ing," on Saturday afternoon, December 13, 1873. "The Naiad Queen" was given a spec- tacular presentation on December 15 and ran five weeks. The ballet introduced the entire Kiralfy family, Imre, Bolossy, Haniola, Emilie, Katie, and Arnold, besides two Italian pre- mieres, Boni and Giavazzi. The special- ties included Felix Regamey the French caricaturist, Young Americus the child violinist (who died suddenly during this engagement), the Ulm Sisters, and the youthful Vaidis Sisters, trapeze perform- ers, who are still before the public as aerial artists. A boy choir sang " Spring, Gentle Spring," one of its members 203 Del Puente Victor Maurel THE BOSTON THEATRE being a schoolboy named Lawrence McCarty, who was after- ward the manager of the theatre. Frank Mayo played " Davy Crockett" for the first time in this theatre on January 19, 1874, continuing two weeks. The Strakosch Italian Op- era Company began a fort- night's season on February 3, with Nilsson, Cary, Tor- riani, Campanini, Del Pu- ente, Capoul, and Victor Frank Mayo as Davy Crockett Maurel, in "The Huguenots," "Mignon," "Aida," "Lucia," "Faust," "II Trovatore," "Martha," and "Don Gio- vanni." "Aida" had its first Boston presentation on the evening of February 5, 1874. E. A. Sothern followed on February 16 for two weeks of "Our American Cousin" and a third of "Brother Sam," " Lord Dundreary Married and Settled," "David Gar- rick," and "A Regular Fix." 204 Italo Campanini THE SEASON OF 1873-74 He brought with him his son Lytton Sothern, Vining Bow- ers, and Minnie Walton. The Kellogg English Opera Company began on March 9 a fortnight's stay, the company including Clara Louise Kellogg, Jennie Van Zandt, Zelda Seguin, Annie Starbird, William Carlton, Joseph Maas, Eugene Clarke, Theodore Habelmann, G. F. Hall, Henry Peakes, and E. Seguin. "Rigoletto" was the only novelty that was offered. Maggie Mitchell began her Annie Louise Gary yearly three weeks' stay on March 23, "Jane Eyre," "The Pearl of Savoy," "Fanchon," and "Little Barefoot" being given. D. J. Maguinnis had a benefit on the evening of April 11, 1874, when, among other features, he and Olivia Rand sang " The Maguinnis Cadets." Although his name was not on the bill, Quincy Kilby appeared in black face as the target-bearer of the Cadets. 205 Marie Aimee THE BOSTON THEATRE Marie Aimee and her French Opera Company in the week of April 13 sang "La Fille de Ma- dame Angot" for the first time in this city, also singing "Les Cent Vierges," " La Vie Parisienne," " Le Petit Faust," and "La Grande Duchesse." Carlotta Leclercq first appeared here as an individual star on April 20 in "The New Magdalen." The next week she presented "Fate, or Woman's Trials," and "East Lynne." Salvini returned on May 4, play- ing "The Gladiator," "Hamlet," "Othello," "Elizabeth," and "Ingomar," on Monday, Tues- day, Thursday, and Friday even- ings and Saturday afternoon, while Miss Leclercq played on Wednesday afternoon and evening and on Saturday even- ing, in "The New Magdalen," "Masks and Faces," "A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing," and "The Stranger." "The Lottery of Life," with Harry Murdoch in the role of 206 Charley Backus Torriani THE SEASON OF 1873-74 Terry the Swell, and Birch, Wambold, and Backus's San Francisco Minstrels as an ad- ditional feature, was seen for four days beginning May 13, while the following week was filled by the stock company in benefits, etc. Lawrence Barrett filled the week of May 25 in "Riche- lieu," " Hamlet," and " Julius Ca3sar." At H. A. M'Glenen's bene- fit, on Wednesday afternoon, May 27, 1874, Kate Field made her first appearance on the theatrical stage, recit- ing "The Bridge of Sighs." Alice Gates Mrs. .James A. Oates and her Comic Opera Company be- gan on June 1 a fort- night's engagement in which she pre- sented "The Grand Duchess,"" The Ba- vards," "Madame Angot's Child," and "Fortunio." Her William H. Crane 207 THE BOSTON THEATRE principal comedian at Alexander Hermann the Famous Parisian Les Petits Rousselles, 100 Faces ; the Brown Veloci- pede Troupe; Carlo Benedetti, the Sword-Swal- lower ; J. B. Johnson, the Champion Swim- mer of the World ; Don Ferrayra, the Man Flute; Tom Lovell, the Clown ; and Pro- fessor Brown, "in his feats of dar- ing and surprising this time was William H. Crane, since grown into a very popular star. Buffalo Bill, Texas Jack, and Mile. Morlacchi next played "The Scouts of the Plains" for the week of June 15. Schumann's Transatlantic Novelty Company, one of the best specialty organizations ever seen in this city, occupied the theatre for three weeks, opening on June 22. The members of the organization were Beckmann, Juggler; the Almonte Brothers and Gymnasts ; Herr Schulze, the Man with Adelaide Hermann in 1874 208 THE SEASON OF 1873-74 balancing on the Bycicle" (note the spelling of the last word). It is generally supposed that the bicycle was first introduced into America at the time of the Philadelphia Centennial Exposi- tion in 1876, but Professor Brown at this time rode a typical high wheel, the young ladies of his troupe riding the old-fashioned velocipede, which was introduced into this country by the Hanlon Brothers in 1868. Hermann the magician joined the company for its third week, and on Monday, July 13, Professor Hermann be- gan a week of magic, giving the entire per- formance himself. Shortly af- ter this he married Miss Addie Scarsey, a veloci- pede rider in Professor Brown's troupe. She proved a most devoted wife and is the Madame Adelaide Hermann who is now presenting a brilliant magical act in the vaudeville theatres. Professor Hermann died in 1898. The theatre was closed the week of July 20, but reopened on July 27 with Josh Hart's Theatre Comique Com- 209 Billy Birch R. M. (Dick) Carroll THE BOSTON THEATRE bination (from 514 Broadway, New York). For the first week the principal members of this organization were Harrigan and Hart, Mackin and Wilson, John Wild, Billy Carter, Master Martin, James McKee, Jennie Engle, Alice Bennett, Bertha and Ida Foy, Nully Pieris, James Bradley, G. L. Stout, and Dave Braham and his orchestra. This engage- ment lasted five weeks, such other artists being added as J. H. Bud worth, Kitty O'Neil, Cool Burgess, Lillie Wilkinson, Rachel Cantor, J. W. McAndrews, Dick Carroll and Sons, and Dimond and Ryan. Francis Wilson, the present star in comedy and comic opera, was the Wilson of Mackin and Wilson, who were then billed as the " Champion Song and Dance Artists." The season closed on August 22, but the theatre reopened on the following Monday for the next regular season. A benefit was given on Thursday, July 16, to the door- keepers and ushers, whose names were given in the pro- gramme as follows : " Andrew G. Wilcutt, Benjamin G. Gavett, and John Graham, Doorkeepers. W. Henry Onthank, Eu- gene Foster, Frank B. Haynes, Erving J. Holmes, H. B. Mc- Connell, Edward Batty, and William Emery, Ushers. Daniel Hurley, Ticket Seller. William Riley, Bill Distributer. Charles T. F. Smith, Opera-Glasses. Cornelius Murphy, Stage Doorkeeper." CHAPTER XXIII THE SEASON OF 1874-75 THIS season the company was again managed by L. R. Shewell and included Alexander Fitzgerald, W. H. Nor- ton, Gustavus Levick, Rufus Scott, C. Leslie Allen, D. J. Maguinnis, H. Rees Davies, E. B. Holmes, J. W. Taylor, R. J. Dillon, George Boles, George W. Wilson, H. A. Cripps, S. E. Springer, T. M. Hunter, J. P. Wild, N. Lothian, Jr., G. A. Selwyn, Mrs. Thomas Barry, Olivia Rand, Mrs. C. L. Allen, Lizzie Hunt, Nellie Downing, Mrs. T. M. Hunter, Mrs. Charles Poole, Blanche Hay den, Mrs. A. Fitzger- ald, Carrie Prescott, Annie Winslow, Misses Smiley, Henley, and Wilson. L. R. ^ M Shewell afterward married Olivia Rand of this com- pany. The season opened on August 24, with Frank Mayo in one week of " Davy Crockett" and one week of " The Streets of New York." F. S. Chanfrau followed on September 14 with three weeks of "Kit." Carlotta Lawrence Barrett as The Man o' 211 THE BOSTON THEATRE Charles H. Vandenhoff Leclercq then played a single week's engagement in "The New Magdalen" and "East Lynne." "Belle Lamar," a war drama by Dion Boucicault, was pre- sented by the stock company for three \veeks, commencing October 12. Mr. and Mrs. Barney 'Wil- liams began a fortnight's en- gagement on November 2, re- viving "The Connie Soogah" and "The Fairy Circle." Car- lotta Lecterq then returned for another six days, in the course of which she was seen in " The New Magdalen," "Masks and Faces," "East Lynne," and "The Hunchback." For the week of November 2 the regu- lar company played "Lost at Sea." Mrs. Oatesandher Comic Opera Company sang " ]\a- dame Angot's Child" the week of November 30 and "Girofle Glrofla" the week of December 7. The spectacle of "Azael, the Prodigal," with Julia Seaman featured as AzaeU was played the fortnight of December 14 and 21. George W. Wilson 212 THE SEASON OF 1874-75 George Riddle Lotta presented "Zip" and "Musette" for the weeks of De- cember 28, January 4 and 11. Maggie Mitchell's custom- ary three weeks began on January 18, her offerings be- ing "Fanchon," "The Pearl of Savoy," "Lorle," and "Lit- tle Barefoot." C. Leslie Allen had a benefit on January 23, 1875, at which Maurice Barrymore made his first appearance in this coun- try, playing Ray Trafford in "Under the Gaslight." On Saturday evening, January 30, 1875, George Riddle made his first appearance as an actor, playing Romeo to the Juliet of Mrs. Thomas Barry. Gilmore's Band was heard on Sunday, January 31, when Emma C. Thursby was the soprano soloist. At L. H. ShewelPs benefit on Febru- ary 6, Maggie Mitchell played Parthenia to his Ingomar. Lester Wallack, assisted by Charles H. Vandenhoff and Effie Germon, came next for two weeks of "Rosedale" and "Ours." Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence filled the week of February 22 with "The Colleen Bawn" and "The Yankee Housekeeper." 213 Maurice Barrymore THE BOSTON THEATRE N. C. Goodwin, Jr. Billy Emerson and Bobby Newcomb in 1866 Lawrence Barrett appeared for the week of March 1 in "Richelieu," "Hamlet," "The Merchant of Venice," "The Lady of Lyons," and "Julius Caesar," and on the following week he was seen in perhaps his greatest role, Jamie Harebell, in "The Man o' Airlie." Edwin Booth began on March 15 a three weeks' stay in his favorite legitimate repertoire. Dion Boucicault's Irish drama, "The Shaughraun," was first seen here on April 5, 1875, and ran four weeks, with the following cast : M. H. Barrymore. Gustavus Levick. C. L. Allen. Captain Molyneux Robert Ffolliott Father Dolan Corry Kin chela Harvey Duff Conn the Shaughraun Sergeant Jones Alex. Fitzgerald. D. J. Maguinnis. Mr. Boucicault. R. J. Dillon. 214 THE SEASON OF 1874-75 Sullivan Reilly Mangan Doyle Donovan Arte O'Neal Claire Ffolliott Mrs. O'Kelly Moya Bridget Madigan Nancy Malone George W. Wilson. H. Rees Davies. S. E. Springer. George Boles. H. A. Cripps. Ida Savory. Mrs. Thos. Barry. Mrs. Chas. Poole. Mrs. T. M. Hunter. Mrs. C. L. Allen. Nellie Downing. Joseph Jefferson played but two weeks this season, his opening date being May 3 and the play naturally being " Rip Van Winkle." Frank Mayo again appeared in "Davy Crockett" the week of May 17 and "The Streets of New York" the week of May 24. The next six days were filled by the stock company in bene- fits to D. J. Maguinnis, Olivia Rand, the doorkeepers and ush- ers, H. A. M'Glenen, L. R. Shewell, and John M. Ward. At Mr. Ward's benefit N. C. Goodwin, Jr., then a local ama- teur, appeared as Jerry Clip in "The Widow's Victim," and in- troduced his imitations of cele- brated actors. The drama," Jack Sheppard," was also given, with 215 Dion Boucicault as Conn the Shaughraun THE BOSTON THEATRE Emma Thursby Mrs. T. M. Hunter as Jack Sheppard in the first act, Olivia Rand in the same character in the second, and Gustavus Le- vick in the third. Birch, Wambold, and Backus' San Francisco Minstrels were the attraction for the week of June 7, the principal features being Billy Birch, Charley Backus, Dave Wambold, Add Ryman, ^ the great Ricardo, and Mackin K|I and Wilson. IL i The season continued with a two weeks' stay of Auber's Mu- sical and Terpsichorean Drama, in two acts, entitled "La Bayadere," interpreted by Mile. Morlacchi and her company under the management of J. B. Omohundro, "Texas Jack," who had recently be- come the husband of Mile. Morlacchi. The cast included Eugene Clarke, Thomas Bartleman, Adolphine Estelle, Russell S. Glover, and Cora Adriana. The dancers were Lizzie Dale, Josie At- kinson, Amelia Huck, May Bogart, Hat- tie Smith, Pauline Smith, Saidee Smith, Mile. Evers, Emma Mars, Julia Melville, Carrie Prescott, Evaline Stetson, May Thomas, Addie Hearne, lola Smiley, Emma Smiley, Marion Follett, Hattie Follett, Annie Winslow, and Marie Henley. 216 ^BHBHSfcSi?* H. S. Murdoch THE SEASON OF 1874-75 Emerson's California Minstrels filled two weeks beginning July 5, the principals being Billy Emerson, Ben Cotton, Billy Rice, Little Mac, Billy Arlington, George Richards, Mackin and Wilson, J. R. Kemble, Ernest Linden, J. F. Oberist, Fred Walz, W. H. Tilla, and R. G. Russell. Benjamin W. Thayer CHAPTER XXIV THE SEASON OF 1875-76 THE company for 1875-76 consisted of L. R. She well, P. A. Anderson, C. Leslie Allen, D. J. Maguinnis, O. H. Barr, G. W. Wilson, W. H. Norton, Gustavus Levick, M. D. Rebus, H. Rees Davies, T. M. Hunter, N. Lothian, Jr., H. A. Cripps, J. W. Taylor, Joseph Mitchell, J. Bowen, Mrs. Thomas Barry, Olivia Rand, Mrs. Charles Poole, Mrs. T. M. Hunter, Mrs. C. L. Allen, Blanche Hayden, Lizzie Hunt, Nellie Downing, Carrie Prescott, Annie Winslow T , Emma Smiley, lola Smiley, Marie Henley, Marion Follett, Georgie Wilson, and M. Robinson. Katie Putnam opened the season on August 2, being under 218 THE SEASON OF 1875-76 the management of her husband, J. J. Sullivan, a former member of the stock company. She remained two weeks and was seen in " The Old Curi- osity Shop," -The Child of the Regiment," "The Little Rebel," "Blade o' Grass," and "The Little Detective." On Saturday night, August 14, G. G. Spear also appeared, playing the fifth act of " Rich- ard III," he being the crook- backed tyrant and James (Barney) Nolan, the Rich- mond. Duprez and Benedict's Min- Katie p u tnam strels filled the week of Au- gust 16, the performers being Lew Benedict, Frank Du- mont, George H. Edwards, R. T. Tyrrell, J. T. Gulick, D. H. Smith, L. Mutti, Master Lino, Frank Kent, and Fox and Ward. Frank Dumont has for some years been manager of the Eleventh Street Opera House in Philadelphia, the only permanent min- strel house in America. The theatre was closed the week of August 23. Frank S. Chanfrau came on August Frank Dumont 30 for three weeks of "Kit." 219 Lotta followed on September 20 for three weeks in " Little Nell," "Zip," and "Musette." She brought with her as prin- cipal comedian E. A. Locke. On Saturday evening, October 9, Napier Lothian had a benefit, when he played Billy Bokus to Miss Lotta's Musette. Barry Sullivan made his only ap- pearances in this city during the fortnight beginning Octo- ber 9, 1875, being seen in "Richelieu," "Richard III," "Hamlet," "The Lady of Lyons," "The Gamester," " Macbeth," and "The Stranger." A two weeks' season of English opera under the management of C. D. Hess followed, commenc- ing October 28, the prin- cipals being Clara Louise Kellogg, Jenny Van Zandt, Annis Montague (who made her debut on Octo- ber 26) , Annie Beaumont, Zelda Seguin, William Cas- tle, William Carlton, Wil- liam Hamilton, George Conly, Henry Peakes, J. G. Peakes, James Maas, and W. Morgan. The operas were " Mignon," " The Huguenots," "The Bohemian Girl," "The Lily of Killarney," "Faust," "II Trovatore," "Martha," and "Era Diavolo." 220 Barry Sullivan THE SEASON OF 1875-76 Edwin Byron, the Boy Tragedian, appeared as Richard III on Satur- day evening, November 6, 1875, supported by the regular company. Byron was a young man of this city, whose true name was Nathaniel Page. He continued on the stage for some time, but did not gain re- nown and died a few years after his de- but. Edwin Byron, the Boy Tragedian George Bel- more, an English character actor, opened on November 8 in "The Flying Scud," but was taken ill and played only two nights, his part being taken on Wednesday and the remain- der of the week by D. J. Ma- guinnis. Mr. Belmore grew rapidly worse and died within a few days. George Fawcett Rowe played Micawber in "Little Em'ly" the week of November 15, L. R. She well being the Peggotty, C. Leslie Allen the Uriah Heep, and P. A. Anderson the Ham. Jarrett and Palmer's produc- 221 Charles F. Atkinson Charles H. Yale THE BOSTON THEATRE tion of Shakespeare's "Henry V" was presented on Novem- ber 22 and ran three weeks, with the following cast : King Henry V Rumor, as Chorus Duke of Exeter Earl of Westmoreland Earl of Warwick Earl of Cambridge Lord Scroop Sir Thomas Grey Sir Thomas Erpingham, Gower Macmorris Fluellen Jamey Williams Bates Court Nym Bardolph Pistol Boy A Herald Charles VI, King of France Lewis, the Dauphin Montjoy, a French Herald Princess Katharine Dame Quickly Isabel, Queen of France Alice George Rignold. Mrs. Thomas Barry. C. Leslie Allen. J. H. Rowland. Charles J. Murphy. George Boles. H. A. Cripps. E. Wiley. J. A. Page. J. H. Conner. H. Rees Davies. Frederick Thome. W. W. George. P. A. Anderson. D. H. Rees. J. Cassells. G. W. Wilson. D. J. Maguinnis. C. B. Bishop. Frank Little. J. Mitchell. M. D. Rebus. O. H. Barr. Gustavus Levick. Mile. Louise Dorell. Mrs. Chas. Poole. Marie Brabrook. Gabrielle Du Sauld. The success of "Henry V" was great and it was followed by another equally as great. "The Two Orphans" was pro- 222 THE SEASON OF 1875-76 duced on December 13, 1875, and ran seven weeks. Kate Claxton, Marie Wilkins, and Joseph Wheelock were especially engaged, the entire cast being as follows : Chevalier de Vaudrey Count de Linieres Picard Jacques Frochard Pierre Frochard Marquis de Presles Doctor La Fleur Officer of the Guard Martin De Mailly Destrees Antoine Louise Henriette La Frochard Countess de Linieres Sister Genevieve Marianne Julie Florette Cora Sister Theresa Joseph F. Wheelock. C. Leslie Allen. D. J. Maguinnis. L. R. Shewell. Gustavus Levick. M. D. Rebus. H. Rees Davies. T. M. Hunter. H. A. Cripps. W. Josephs. J. Wiley. George Boles. J. W. Taylor. Kate Claxton. Mrs. Thomas Barry. Marie Wilkins. Mrs. Chas. Poole. Mrs. T. M. Hunter. Blanche Hay den. Lizzie Hunt. Nellie Downing. Carrie Prescott. Emma Smiley. Benjamin W. Thayer died during the first week of the run of "The Two Orphans" and the theatre was closed on the evening of Monday, December 20, the day of his funeral. The death of Mr. Thayer terminated the partnership of Thayer and Tompkins and for the remainder of the season of 1875-76 Orlando Tompkins was alone in its management. 223 THE BOSTON THEATRE 1 The Hyers Sisters sang in concert on the evening of Sunday, January 16, and again on Sunday, January 23. John McCullough made his first appearance here as a star on January 31, 1876, playing the title role in " The Gladiator." The following night he was unable to ap- pear on account of illness and the regular company played " The Cricket on the Hearth" and "Sarah's Young Man." McCullough reappeared on Wednesday and "The Gladiator" con- tinued the attraction for the remainder of the w 7 eek. During the following week he was seen in "Virginius," "Richelieu," "Jack Cade," "Othello," "The Lady of Lyons," "Richard III," and "Metamora." Concerts were given on Sunday even- ings, February 6, 13, and 20 by Lothi- an's Orchestra, assisted by such talent as the Berger Family, Arbuckle the cor- netist, the Temple Quartette, Emma Klaizy the violoncellist, the Swedish Quartette, Jules Levy, Laura Joyce, Josie Maddock, Ettie Morgan, and Fred Berger the harpist. Fred Berger afterward became a 224 George Rignold as Henry V Palrnieri THE SEASON OF 1875-76 successful manager and conducted the tours of Sol Smith Russell until the death of that star. E. A. Sothern, supported by Linda Dietz, came on February 14 for two weeks, playing " Our American Cousin," "David Gar- rick," and " Dundreary Married and Settled." Gilmore's Band played on Sunday, February 27. A two weeks' season of Italian opera under Max Strakosch followed, with Teresa Titiens, Teresa Joseph Wheelock and L. R. Shewell m- Carreno Sauret, Annis The Two Orphans " Montague, Miss Cooney, Tom Karl, Brignoli, Tagliapietra, Orlandini, Barili, and others. Max Maretzek was the musical director. The operas were "Norma," "II Trovatore," "La Favorita," "Lucrezia Borgia," and "Don Giovanni." D. J. Maguinnis had a benefit on the afternoon and evening of Leap Year Day, February 29, 1876, playing "Leap Year" and "Sketches in India" in the evening, while in the after- noon Sothern played "Our American Cousin." Mrs. T. M. Hunter had a benefit on Friday evening, March 3, presenting "The Long Strike" and "Aunt Charlotte's Maid." On Saturday evening, March 4, what was called a " Chal- 225 THE BOSTON THEATRE lenge Programme" was given. The burlesque of " Kenil- worth" was played, with Olivia Rand, D. J. Maguinnis, Harry Bloodgood, Neil Bur- gess, Julia Melville, and others in the cast. "Handsome Dan's Burlesque Circus" was introduced. Lillie Joyce and Stuart Clark gave the balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet." Professor T. McCarthy swung Indian clubs. Leathe and Montague did a gymnastic act. Fagin, Parks, Bobbie, and Dannie Daly did a clog dance, and John Coleman a jig. Eph Horn also ap- peared and Grimaldi Adams presented a short pantomime, with George Boles as Pantaloon. The occasion was the benefit of Harry Bloodgqod and the receipts were $1778.85. Another Sunday con- cert was given on March 5 by Lothian's Orchestra, the Berger Family, Mrs. H. M. Smith, Jules Levy, and others. L. R. Shewell's benefit on March 7 intro- duced Mr. Shewell and John McCullough in " Damon and Pythias." " Married Life " was also given. Mrs. Barry's benefit on March 10 offered "Love's Sacrifice" and "Wanted, a Young Lady," and John Mc- Cullough recited "The Little Hero." Callender's Georgia Singers and the Hyers Sisters sang on Sunday, March 12. 226 John McCullough as Virginius Marie Wilkins as La Frochard THE SEASON OF 1875-76 "The Colleen Bawn" was played the week of March 13. D. L. (Dutch) Morris in a Teutonic version of "Richard III" was added to the bill on Wednesday. Joseph Proc- tor revived "Nick of the Woods" on Saturday evening, March 18, with L. R. Shewell as Roaring Ralph Stack- pole. The Kellogg English Opera Company with the same vocalists as before re- turned on March 20 for another fort- night, adding " The Huguenots," " The Rose of Castile," and " The Star of the North" to their repertoire. W.H.Bartho- lomew, the pan- tomimist, had a benefit on Sat- urday evening, March 25, when a variety bill was given. Bad weather interfered sadly with the receipts and another benefit to him was given on the following Saturday, April 1, 1876, when among others Charles F. Atkinson appeared, reciting "The Vagabonds," and Charles H. Yale sang and danced " The Funny Old Gal." Both of these gentlemen have since become man- agers whose names are known through- 227 Fred Thome as Fluellen in " Henry V " Gustavus Levick in " The Two Orphans " THE BOSTON THEATRE Titiens out the whole United States. The Young Apollo Club of New York, with Joseph White, the Cu- ban violinist, and Lothian's Or- chestra, were heard in concert on Sunday, April 2. "Uncle Tom's Cabin," with Mrs. G. C. Howard as Topsy, G. C. Howard as St. Clair, and George Kunkel as Uncle Tom, supported by the stock company, filled the week of April 3 to large business. Reeves's Band of Providence played Sunday night, April 9. Jarrett and Palmer's great re- vival of "Julius Csesar," with E. L. Davenport as Brutus, Lawrence Barrett as Cassius, Frank C. Bangs as Marc An- tony, and Milnes Levick as Caesar, drew very large houses the week of April 10. Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence opened on April 17 in "The Mighty Dollar" for a two weeks' engagement, but owing to the death of Barney Williams, who was Mrs. Florence's brother-in- law, the stars were obliged to be / away on April 25, 26, 27, and 28, in attendance at the funeral. "Uncle Tom's Cabin," with Olivia Rand as Topsy, was hast- 228 Teresa Carreno THE SEASON OF 1875-76 ily substituted and the Florences returned in time to play "The Mighty Dollar" on the afternoon and evening of Saturday, April 29. Reverend W. H. H. Murray occupied the house for four Sundays, commencing April 23. Another week of Italian opera began on May 1, with Marie Palmieri, Mathilde Phillips, Adelaide Phillips, Mme. Intro- pidi, Signorina Persiani, Miss Cooney, Tom Karl, Gotts- chalk, Tagliapietra, Signor Palmieri, and others, as principals, and A. Tomasi as musical director. The operas were " Norma," " Se- miramide," "La Favorita," and "II Trovatore." Mrs. D. P. Bowers, sup- ported by J. C. McCullom, appeared for two weeks beginning May 8 in " Eliza- beth," "Mary Stuart," "Lady Audley's Secret," and "The Hunchback," Kate Claxton and Mrs. Barry as the Two Orphans having the assistance of Agnes Booth in the latter piece. Tony Pastor's Troupe came for one evening, Satur- day, May 13, the artists being Tony Pastor, Charles Worley, Frank Girard, Baby Bindley, Jennie Morgan, Lurline the Water Queen, Watson the Man Fish, the Brahams, Gus Wil- liams, Karl Lind, Harry Kernell, Crossley and Elder, the Big Four (Lester, Allen, Smith, and Waldron), and Marie Whit- 229 THE BOSTON THEATRE tingham and Master Newman. Master Newman is at present writing the business manager of the Garrick Theatre, New York City. Clara Louise Kellogg, John Orththe pianist, and the Boston Philharmonic Club volunteered at N. Lothian's benefit on Sunday, May 24. The Vokes Family came on June 5 for two weeks, presenting "The Belles of the Kitchen," "A Bunch of Berries," "Fun in a Fog," "Nan, the Good- for- Nothing," and "The Wrong Man in the Right Place." Marie Aimee and her French company sang here the week of June 19 in " La Jolie Parfu- meuse," "La Vie Parisienne," and "La Fille de Madame Angot." Hermann, the magician, had a benefit on Wednesday, June 28, when Mrs. Dauncey Mas- kell recited, Laura Joyce sang "The Minstrel Boy," the Al- monte Brothers performed acrobatic feats, H. S. Murdoch and Mrs. Fred Williams played the burletta of "Antony and Cleopatra," Charles Booth and Addie Scarsey rode veloci- pedes, Georgie Dean Spaulding played the harp, Maffitt and Bartholomew gave the pantomime of "Robert Macaire," and Hermann himself performed feats of magic. 230 David Garrick Lord Dundreary Brother Sam E. A. Sothern THE SEASON OF 1875-76 On the afternoon and evening of July 4, the pantomime of "Humpty Dumpty's Centennial" was given, with Maffitt as Clown and Thomas Chapman as Pantaloon. Harry Hunter, afterward the Lone Fisherman in "Evangeline," was the Harlequin, and the Almonte Brothers, gymnasts, were featured. George H. Tyler had a benefit on July 12, when Katie Putnam was seen in "The Child of the Regiment," the First Regiment Band and the Chelsea Brass Band played, Fan- nie Marsh (Mrs. Isaac B. Rich) played what was billed as "The Quarrel and Screen Scene, from W. E. Sheri- dan's world-famous Comedy, of 'The School for Scandal," Georgie Dean Spaulding played the harp, and Maffitt and Bartholomew appeared in the pantomime of "The Young Recruit." During the pantomime Colonel Coveney's Cele- brated Cadets, of East Cambridge, Mass., gave an exhibi- tion drill. Several deaths among those con- nected with the theatre occurred this season. Benjamin W. Thayer, senior partner in the firm of Thayer and Tompkins, died in December after eleven years of successful management, having with his partner brought the theatre from a rut of disastrous busi- ness and landed it among the best- paying theatres of the world. W. H. Norton, the second old man of the company, died during the year, as also did Annie Winslow, who had served in the company several years in a minor capacity. 231 THE BOSTON THEATRE George Belmore broke down while playing a star engage- ment and died within a few days, and Barney Williams, one of the Boston Theatre's favorite stars, also passed away during the year. CHAPTER XXV THE SEASON OF 1876-77 MR. THAYER'S interest in the theatre was purchased by Noble H. Hill, a business man of this city, who previous to that time had not been connected with theatrical affairs, and the firm name was changed to Tompkins and Hill. Mr. Shewell was retained as manager and the following company was engaged: C. Leslie Allen, E. J. Buckley, D. J. Maguin- nis, Mark Price, Gustavus Levick, M. D. Rebus, W. F. Wallis, H. Rees Davies, T. M. Hunter, N. Lothian, Jr., H. A. Cripps, George Boles, J. W. Taylor, E. Wiley, H. J. Train, George C. Boniface, Jr., Mrs. Thomas Barry, Olivia Rand, Mrs. Charles Poole, Mrs. T. M. Hunter, Mrs. C. L. Allen, Blanche Hayden, Lizzie Hunt, Nel- lie Downing, Carrie Pres- cott, Emma Smiley, Maria Henley, lola Smiley, Mar- ian Follett, Ruby St. Clair, Florence Clifford, and Mary Edwards. Harry Blood- good, the minstrel, was also engaged for the season, with a view to using him on Saturday nights and like occasions. Mark Price 233 THE BOSTON THEATRE Emile Sauret The season opened on August 28, 1876, with Frank Mayo in "The Streets of New York." "Kit" followed for two weeks, with F. S. Chanfrau and the Bos- ton Theatre Company. "The Two Orphans" \vas re- vived on September 18 for two weeks, Kate Claxton and Marie Wilkins being seen in their orig- inal parts and E. J. Buckley making his first appearance in this city in the role of Chevalier de Vaudrey. Dion Boucicault in " The Shaugh- o raun" filled the month of October. Victoria Woodhull lec- tured on Sunday evening, October 22. Anna de Belocca made her Boston debut on October 29, \vhen she was heard in concert with Madame A. B. Maretzek the harpist, Cesare Cornazzoni, tenor, Ferranti the baritone, Emile Sauret the violinist, and Teresa Carreno, who had become a pianist. Madame Janauschek followed on October 30 in "Bleak House," "Mac- beth," and "Mary Stuart" for a fort- night. Spaulding's Bell Ringers and the Anacreon Club w r ere heard on Sunday, November 12. John T. Raymond played " Colonel Sellers" the week of November 13. 234 Ole Bull THE SEASON OF 1876-77 Ole Bull, violinist, Signora Cappiani, prima donna, Jules Levy, cornetist, and W. Popper, violoncellist, were heard in con- cert on Sunday evening, Novem- ber 19, assisted by the Boston Theatre orchestra. Raymond was succeeded by Kate Claxton, who played " Con- science" for one week and "The Two Orphans" for another, the Madame Frochard on this oc- casion being Madame Ivan Mi- chel. On Sunday evening, Novem- ber 26, Ole Bull and Jules Levy appeared in concert, with Fanny Kellogg as an added attraction. Louise Pomeroy, a handsome woman who was the wife of the notorious journalist, "Brick" Pomeroy, played her only starring engagement in this theatre the week of December 4, acting in "Ro- meo and Juliet," 'The Lady of Lyons," "As You Like It," and "Macbeth." The performance of Saturday evening, December 9, was billed as a reception to Harry Bloodgood. The stock company played "The Chimney Corner," Bloodgood appeared in "Uncle Rufe's Home," "The 235 Johll T . Raymond as Colonel Sellers Mrs. Jean Davenport Lander THE BOSTON THEATRE liar rv Blood i>;ood Old District School," and "The Inquisitive Darkey," Sena- tor Bob Hart made a stump speech, J. H. O'Connor sang "The Elopement," the four Daly Brothers, Thomas, Wil- liam, Bob, and Dan, were seen in songs and dances, and Char- ley Yale appeared as Patsy Bolivar. The Daly Brothers, especially Dan, afterward be- came prominent as comedians, Senator Bob Hart left the stage and was later known as Rev. James Sutherland, the evang- elist, while Charley Yale is a successful manager. Gilmore's Band gave a concert on De- cember 10, 1876, the vocalist being Lillian Norton, who after- wards gained fame as Madame Nordica, the prima donna. The Brooklyn Theatre fire, in which hundreds perished, including H. S. Murdoch, formerly of the Boston Theatre Company, occurred about this time and had a disastrous effect on theatrical business all over the country, particularly in the case of Jar- rett and Palmer's spectacular production, "Sardanapalus," in which there was an extremely realistic fire scene. "Sardana- palus" was presented here on December 11 for three weeks, with the following cast : Louise Pomeroy 236 THE. SEASON OF 1876-77 Sardanapalus F. C. Bangs. Salemenes Louis Aldrich. Beleses C. Leslie Allen. Arbaces M. M. Price. Altada H. Rees Davies. Pania Gustavus Levick. Sferi Gene Wiley. Zanes George Boles. Balea M. D. Rebus. Herald T. M. Hunter. Myrrha Agnes Booth. Zarina Mrs. T. M. Hunter. A grand Italian ballet was introduced, the principal dancers being Mile. Malvina Bartoletti, Signer Ernesto Mascagno, and Miles. Palladino, Stickel, Mascarino, and Beserti. On January 1, 1877, Mrs. Lander, supported by Theodore Hamilton, appeared in a version of Hawthorne's "Scarlet Letter," but this, like the previous attraction, did not draw. On the afternoon of Friday, January 9, a benefit was given to the relatives of the late H. S. Murdoch. General Mite and Lucia Zarate, the midgets, appeared and the remainder of the bill was given by the companies of all the theatres in town. "A Phenomenon in a Smock Frock" was played by W. J. LeMoyne, James Burrows, Lorin Deland, H. A. Cripps, Lizzie Hunt, and Olivia Rand. " Chums " was presented by George W. Wilson, Dr. F. A. Harris, Nat Childs, Mrs. J. R. Vincent, and Mary Gary. The balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet," was rendered by E. J. Buckley and Stella Boni- face. " Caste" was played by L. R. Shewell, Gustavus Levick, C. Leslie Allen, D. J. Maguinnis, Mrs. Thomas Barry, and Olivia Rand. "Jenny Lind at Last" followed, introducing 237 THE BOSTON THEATRE Eliza Weathersby, W. H. Crane, N. C. Goodwin, Harry Hunter, Richard Golden, Harry Josephs, Cheever Goodwin, E. E. Rice, B. Bullock, H. Metzgar, A. Cassidy, S. Crane, G. Ulmer, D. P. Steele, H. A. Cripps, and M. Delahunt. Harry Bloodgood lectured on "Fish," and the entertainment closed with the panto- mime of "Robert Ma- caire" by James S. Maffitt, N. D. Jones, Welsh Edwards, J. V. Melton, A. C. More- land, George H. Goes, A. J. Leavitt, Julie Co- ventry, and Jennie Mc- Lellan. Professor S. S. Bald- win gave an expose of spiritualism on Sunday, January 21. Joseph Murphy played "Kerry Gow" for a fort- night beginning Janu- Joseph Murphy as the Kerry Gow *^y ** J. Harry Shannon, the Boy Orator, recited on Sunday evening, January 28. John E. Owens began a two weeks' engagement on Feb- ruary 5, offering "The Victims," "Self," "The Happiest Day of My Life," and "Solon Shingle." Maggie Mitchell's annual three w^eeks began on February 19, when she was seen in "Mignon," later presenting "Jane 238 THE SEASON OF 1876-77 Eyre," "The Pearl of Savoy," and "Little Barefoot." On the evening of March 10, 1877, Napier Lothian played William Peace to Miss Mitchell's Little Barefoot. J. B. Booth played "Richard III" on Saturday evening, March 3. Charles Fechter, supported by Lizzie Price, played two weeks, in "Monte Cristo," "Hamlet," "Ruy Bias," and "Don Caesar." On March 19 Mr. Fechter was too ill to play and the stock company presented "Rory O'More" and "The Inquis- itive Darkey" to a bad house. Eugenie Pappenheim appeared in German opera for one week, commenc- ing March 26, the operas being "The Flying Dutchman," "Lohengrin," and " Tannhauser." George Riddle played "The Ro- mance of a Poor Young Man" on Saturday evening, March 31. Madame Janauschek returned on April 2 for two weeks of "Medea," "Bleak House," "Deborah," "Mary Stuart," " Macbeth," and " Brunhilde." It was during a performance of "Medea" that Theodore Roosevelt, afterward President of the United States, was ejected from the gallery for creating a disturbance. He was then a freshman at Harvard College and was "running" for one of the secret societies. He had been ordered to go into the upper gallery of the Boston Theatre in evening dress and 239 Eugenie Pappenheim THE BOSTON THEATRE applaud vociferously in all quiet scenes. This he did faith- fully, with the above disastrous effect upon his dignity. On Wednesday afternoon, April 11, 1877, New York and Boston amateurs played "Man and Wife" in aid of the sufferers of the Cuban war. Sadie Von Leer, who played Anne Sylvester, afterward be- came a star upon the pro- fessional stage. The bill was supplemented by Adelaide Phillips and Laura Schirmer, who sang the last scene of "Romeo and Juliet." At the Fast Day matinee on Theodore Roosevelt, when in College April 12, " Uncle Tom's Cab- in" was presented, with Harry Bloodgood as Uncle Tom and Mrs. G. C. Howard as Topsy. General B. F. Butler lectured on Sunday evening, April 15. Eugenie Pappenheim returned for the week of April 16, Pauline Canissa being added to the company. The operas were "Die Walkiire," "Lohengrin," and "Fidelio." Acts from "The Flying Dutchman" were also given. Ad Neuen- dorf was the conductor. The Eighth Annual Benefit of Harry Bloodgood, on Satur- day evening, April 21, presented "Katy, the Hot Corn Girl" and a variety show, in which Bloodgood and Sam Weston played "He's Got to Come," and the Four Daly Brothers, Coleman and Dwyer, Masters Tommy and Johnny Drohan, and others appeared. 240 THE SEASON OF 1876-77 Charles Fechter and Lizzie Price returned on April 23 for two weeks in "The Corsican Brothers," "Hamlet," and "The Lady of Lyons." On Saturday evening, April 28, 1877, the Massachusetts Rifle Association had a benefit, when "Sarah's Young Man" and "The Chimney Corner" were played and a prize drill took place between Company H, First Battalion of Infantry, Company D, Fifth Regiment of Infantry, and Company G, Ninth Battalion. Ole Bull, Jules Lumbard, the Berger Family, and the Boston Theatre orchestra gave a concert on Sunday, April 29. Clara Morris made her first appearance here as a star on May 7, playing " Ca- mille" all that week and "Miss Multon" all the next. On the first night of "Miss Multon" the curtain was rung down after the second act and the money was re- turned to the audience. Miss Morris blamed the manager and he blamed her for the trouble and the matter was aired in the newspapers. Mrs. Barry had a benefit on Wednesday afternoon, May 9, when John McCullough, Sol Smith Russell, and George Rid- dle volunteered. At Harry M'Glenen's benefit on Saturday 241 Benjamin F. Butler THE BOSTON THEATRE \ Sara Jewett evening, May 12, Agnes Booth and Cazeneuve the magician were the volunteers. The Union Square Theatre Company of New York pro- duced "The Danicheffs" on May 21 for two weeks, the com- pany including Charles R. Thome, Jr., James O'Neill, Louis James, Fanny Morant, Sara Je\vett, Ida Vernon, and others. Mr. Thorne was taken ill during the first week and was obliged to retire from the cast, his part being taken by Louis James. Sara Jewett had a bene- fit on the afternoon of May 31, when "Romeo and Juliet" was played, with Miss Jewett as Juliet, Louis James as Mer- cutio, and James O'Neill as Romeo. Aimee and her French Opera Company followed on June 4 for two weeks in "La Perichole," "La Belle Helene," "La Fille de Ma- dame Angot," "La Jolie Parfu- meuse," "La Grande Duchesse," "La Boulangere a des Ecus," "Gi- rofle-Girofla," "La Belle Poule," and "Les Dragons de Villars." H. A. M'Glenen had another benefit on Thursday, June 21, when the volunteers were Joseph Proctor, 242 Clara Morris THE SEASON OF 1876-77 Sol Smith Russell, Sir Randall Roberts, Louis Aldrich, Archie Cowper, Ethel Greybrooke, and the members of the regular company. W. P. Prescott benefited on June 23, a variety show being given, in which Billy Morris was seen once more, Charley Yale was the clown in the pantomime of "Tommy Tuttle, the Mischief Maker," and Master Dunn (afterward Arthur Dunn) did a song and dance. A benefit for the sufferers by the St. John fire was given on June 28, when "Faint Heart Never Won Fair Lady" was played by Frank Mayo, Blanche Slader, J. W. Hague, H. A. Cripps, N. Lothian, Jr., J. T. McNary, Annie Clarke, and Susan Flood. Wyzeman Marshall read, Nella F. Brown re- cited, Fanny Kellogg sang, Helen Mar White recited, Helen Potter gave impersonations, Annie Clarke played Romeo to Mrs. Barry's Juliet, J. W. Lanergan recited, Sol Smith Rus- sell was seen in his sketches, and "The Inquisitive Darkey" w T as played by J. H. Ring, T. M. Hunter, H. A. Cripps, Lizzie Edwards, and Nellie Downing. J. B. Sullivan's benefit closed the season, on Wednesday evening, July 11, when a mixed bill was given, including the " Winners of the Race," T. Mahoney (stroke) , Gookin Brothers, and F. Plaisted (bow). These were evidently the winners of the Fourth of July race on the Charles River. CHAPTER XXVI THE SEASON OF 1877-78 THE new members of the company in 1877-78 were George R. Parks, John T. Craven, H. E. Chase. C. Rolfe, J. H. Rowland, Harry Pierson, Mrs. M. A. Pennoyer, Sadie Hen- ley, and Emma Wyman. George Parks remained here for several seasons, as did most of the others. He went from this theatre to the Boston Mu- seum, where he met and married Elizabeth Robins, a mem- ber of the stock company at that theatre, who has since won fame as a novelist. Mr. Parks committed suicide by drown- ing in 1887. John T. Craven died re- cently in New York, having been for some years principal comedian of the Castle Square Theatre in Boston, where he was a great favorite. H. E. Chase married Miss Emma Wyman, a fellow mem- ber of the company, and died a few years since, leaving a reputation as a faithful, pains- taking actor. E. Wiley, sometimes billed Eugene "W. Presbrey 244 THE SEASON OF 1877-78 as Gene Wiley, was Eugene Wiley Presbrey, now well known as a producing stage-manager, and the author of several suc- cessful plays, notably "Raffles," and "The Right of Way." C. Rolfe was in private life Charles Rohlfs, whose wife is Anna Katha- rine Green, the author of 'The Leaven worth Case" and many other rapidly selling detective stories. Mrs. M. A. Pennoyer has left the stage and is now living in retirement in Dorchester. Sadie Henley married H. A. Cripps, another member of the company, her sister Maria having previously be- come Mrs. Rufus Scott. Lawrence McCarty joined the com- pany this season as call-boy, from which position he gradually arose successively to the offices of prompter, stage-manager, traveling manager, business manager of the Park Theatre under Eugene Tompkins, and finally manager of the Boston Theatre itself. The season opened on August 20 with the Hyers Sisters Combination and Sam Lucas in " Out of Bondage," the com- pany being composed entirely of colored performers. The Campbell Comedy Company in "How Women Love, a Story of the Sierras," followed on August 27, with two weeks of light business. F. S. Chanfrau in " Kit" followed for two weeks, opening on 245 Lydia Thompson as Robinson Crusoe THE BOSTON THEATRE September 17, 1877, the day of the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument on Boston Common. Lydia Thompson began on October 1 a two weeks' stay in "Robinson Crusoe," "Oxygen," and "Bluebeard." Her company included Willie Edouin, Fred Marshall, Horatio Saker, William Forrester, Marie Williams, Alice Atherton, Ella Chapman, Marion Elmore, Lena Merville, Emily Dun- can, Lavinia Hogan, the Winner Sisters, Bessie Temple, and Alice Burville. Mary Anderson made her first Boston appearance on October 15, 1877, in "Evadne." She stayed but one week, acting also in " Guy Mannering," "Ion," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Ingomar." The houses were small, though in after years she became a strong attrac- tion. A two weeks' season of opera followed on October 22, with Eu- genie Pappenheim, Mathilde Wilde, Adelaide Phillips, Alex- andre Human, Charles R. Adams, W. T. Carleton, Christian Fritsch, Tagliapietra, George Werrenrath, and others as prin- cipals, and Max Maretzek as conductor. The operas were "Les Huguenots," "Der Freischutz," "Lohengrin," "II Trovatore," "Robert le Diable," "Fidelio," "Faust," and "Lucrezia Borgia." On October 31 a benefit was given to the family of the late Edwin Adams, when E. A. Sothern brought his entire com- 246 Mary Anderson THE SEASON OF 1877-78 pany from New York and played "The Crushed Tragedian," returning in time for his evening performance in the metro- polis. On the evening of November 3 a single performance of "The Danites" was given, with McKee Rankin, Kittie Blanchard, and Louis Al- drich in the cast. Maggie Mitchell came on November 5 for two weeks, presenting "Mignon," "Fan- chon," and "The Pearl of Savoy." A performance of " II Tro- vatore" . was given on the evening of November 17, with Anna Granger Dow, Adelaide Randall, Joseph Maas, and William Carleton in leading roles. General James Shields lec- tured Sunday, November 18. John T. Raymond played "Colonel Sellers" during the week beginning November 19. Lothian's Concert, on Sunday, November 25, introduced Mary Beebe and Alfred Wilkie. t For a fortnight beginning November 26, " The Two Or- phans" was offered with Gertrude Kellogg as the blind girl, Mrs. H. C. Jordan as La Frochard, E. J. Buckley as the Chevalier, and Mark Price as Pierre. 247 Charles R. Adams THE BOSTON THEATRE The great event of the season, and one which proved to be a turning-point in the history of the theatre, placing it among the highest of the producing theatres of the United States, was the spectacular production of " The Exiles," a play which had been purchased from the authors in Paris by Eugene Tomp- kins, son of the senior member of the firm of managers. Large sums of money had been spent upon the scenery, costumes, and accessories, and the instantaneous success of the piece proved that the public appreciated the liberality of the man- agement. The programme of the opening night read as follows : December 10th, 1877, first performance of THE EXILES A Drama in 5 acts, adapted from the French of Victorien Sardou, Eugene Nus and Prince Lubomirsky by L. R. Shewell. (Copyright, 1877, by Tompkins and Hill.) The Scenery by Charles S. Getz, assisted by John Sommer. Music by N. Lothian. Costumes by Miss A. Endress. Uniforms by Jordan, Marsh and Co. Stage Architecture by W. P. Prescott. Properties by J. B. Sullivan. Calcium Lights and Effects by G. Osborn. Distribution of Characters: M. Max de Lussieres, a wealthy Frenchman Louis James. (Who, through the courtesy of John T. Ford, Esq., has been specially engaged to create this part.) M. Schelm, Chief of the 5th Bureau of Imperial Police L. R. Shewell. 248 Marie Wainwright E. J. Buckley Mark Price Louis James L. R. Shewell D. J. Maguinnis and Louis James The Exiles 1877 Mrs. T. M. Hunter C. Leslie Allen H. Rees Davies THE BOSTON THEATRE Count Wladimir Lanine Count Palkine, his cousin Carcassin, Crimean Soldier, servant to Max Nicholas Popoff, Violinist The Grand Duke Prince Pierre, Commander in Chief Ludoff ) Agents of ( Toltoi \ Police j Surgeon Major Petrowitch " Louvanoff Leaders of Boreski a Nihilist Lucknow Conspiracy, Tcherki afterward Perefine exiled Rouvanoff to Redilin, Siberia Virareff Stanavoi, Chief Overseer of the Russian Vil- lage Tjanor, a Tartar Boatman Lieutenant Mikaloff Colonel Murdoff Captain Golok Mile. Nadege Lanine, Wladimir's sister, (specially engaged) Miss Marie Wainwright. Countess Tatiana Lanine, wife to Wladimir Mrs. T. M. Hunter. Ladies, Gentlemen, Russians, Peasants, Bridesmaids, Attendants, Serv- ants, Populace, Pages, Musicians, Agents of Police, Spies, Conspirators, Exiles, Siberians, Tartars, Soldiers and Cossacks by a Host of Auxil- iaries. Ed.' J. Buckley. Mark Price. D. J. Maguinnis. C. Leslie Allen. H. R. Davies. J. T. Craven. G. Wiley. G. Parks. R. J. Dillon. J. H. Rowland. C. Rolfe. J. Casey. George Davis. H. Lowe. H. E. Wilcox. H. Hines. J. T. McNary. H. E. Chase. W. Armstrong. H. A. Cripps. S. Spencer. E. Young. Act 1. Tableau I. Bureau of Police in St. Petersburg. Tableau II. Square of Sherbakoff. 250 THE SEASON OF 1877-78 Act 2. Tableau I. Pete in Prince Pierre's Palace. Tableau II. Interior of 21 Rue Sherbakoff. Conspirators in Council. Act 3. Tableau I. In Exile. Escape. Tableau II. Cross Road of the Stone Pillar. Act 4. Tableau I. The Governor's House in Siberia. The Conflagra- tion. Act 5. Tableau I. Ferryman's Hut on the Angara. Tableau II. Apart- ments of the Commandant in the Citadel at Irkutsk. "The Exiles" ran ten weeks to gratifyingly profitable receipts and was followed on February 11, 1878, by John McCullough in a production of "Coriolanus" w r hich held the stage for two weeks, the third being filled by the same star in "Richard III," "Virginius," "Othello," "King Lear," "The Gladiator," and "Jack Cade." Edwin Booth, supported by Joseph Wheelock, J. Clinton Hall, and the stock company, appeared for the next three weeks in his usual tragic repertoire. Marie Wainwright Marie Roze 251 THE BOSTON THEATRE 'The Danites" was played for a fortnight beginning March 25 by McKee Rankin, Kittie Blanchard, Louis Al- drich, Charles T. Parsloe, and the Boston Theatre Com- pany. Two weeks of Italian opera followed, introducing Marie Roze, Clara Louise Kellogg, Annie Louise Gary, Mme. Gui- dotti, Miss Lancaster, Frapolli, Tom Karl, Verdi, Conly, Gotts- chalk, and Charles R. Adams in the more familiar operas. A performance of " Romeo and Juliet" was given on the evening of Saturday, April 13, with W. E. Nowlan, Jr., a local novice, as Romeo, Mary Gary as Juliet, Charles A. Stedman as Mercutio, Stuart Clarke as Tybalt, Frank Carlos as Benvolio, Frank Whit- cher as Friar Law r rence, T. H. Burns as Peter, Alfred Selwyn as Paris, John Davies as Capulet, S. E. Springer as the Apothe- cary, Charles Lothian as Balthazar, Hattie Randall as the Page, Mrs. C. L. Allen as Lady Capulet, and Lizzie Anderson as the Nurse. Joseph Jefferson was seen as "Rip Van Winkle" for two weeks, commencing April 22. Callender's Georgia Minstrels appeared on Saturday even- ing, April 27. Maggie Moore and J. C. Williamson played the week of May 6 in "Struck Oil," and "The Chinese Question." Mr. 252 Willie Edouin THE SEASON OF 1877-78 Williamson has since become a highly successful manager in Australia. The Colville Folly Company, a successor to the Lydia Thompson Company, filled the five weeks beginning May 13 with "The Babes in the Wood," "Piff Faff," "Robinson Crusoe," and "Oxygen." The members of the company were Erne Roseau, Willie Edouin, Marion Elmore, Lina Merville, William Forrest- er, Alice Atherton, William Gill, Marie Williams, Ada Lee, Elinor Deering, Kate Everleigh, Lavinia Hogan, Annie Deacon, Annie Win- ner, Susie Winner, Bessie Temple, Bessie Turner, Jenny Clark, Mary Winner, Clara White, Nancy Tar- but and Messrs. Bohrer, De Smith, Amberg, and Harper. H. Sator was the musical director. Elma Delaro was added to the company for the part of Suzel in "Oxygen." On the occasion of H. A. McGlenen's benefit on May 22, 1878, John McCullough played Claude Melnotte in "The Lady of Lyons" to the Pauline of Mary Anderson. The season closed on June 17 with a benefit to Willie Edouin, when "Oxygen" was presented, with a scene from "Blue Beard" and three scenes from "Robinson Crusoe." Reeves's American Band of Providence played and D. J. Maguinnis sang his own composition, "The Christening." J. C. Williamson CHAPTER XXVII THE SEASON OF 1878-79 LR. SHEWELL concluded his term of service as manager at the end of the season of 1877-78, and for the next two years the programme was headed, simply, Tompkins and Hill, Proprietors. Early in the autumn of 1878, however, Eugene Tompkins assumed the reins, which he continued to hold until his retirement from business in 1901, although his name did not appear upon the bills until August, 1880. The company for 1878-79 comprised Louis James, Harry Edwards, C. Leslie Allen, D. J. Maguinnis, Mark Price, J. W. Hague, A. Z. Chipman, Horace Lewis, George R. Parks, Stephen E. Springer, H. E. Chase, Gene Wiley, E. Y. Backus, Horace Lewis E. Y. Backus 254 THE SEASON OF 1878-79 H. T. Gibson, T. N. Edwards, J. W. Taylor, Mrs. Thomas Barry, Anna Warren Story, Rachel Noah, Mrs. M. A. Pennoyer, Mrs. C. L. Allen, May Bowers, Ida F. Thoreau, Clara Bell, Alice Barnicoat, Charlotte Blair, Fanny Dudley, Vililla Chase, and Emma Wyman. Horace Lewis and S.E. Springer, neither of whom is now living, both became excellent character actors. Mr. Lewis essayed several starring tours, playing "Monte Cristo," "The Poor Relation," and "The Middleman." Mr. Springer died in Boston in 1897 and Mr. Lewis in Brookline, Mass., in 1905. E. Y. Backus has since gained high esteem as a stage-manager in the serv- ice of Charles Frohman, Klaw and Erlanger, and Henry W. Savage. May Bowers was the daughter of Mrs. D. P. Bowers and is now the wife of Frank Bennett, at one time proprietor of the Hotel Gotham in New York. Clara Bell was in private life Clara Bell Flagg. She married Mark Price of this com- pany and is living in Boston, though she retired from the stage some years since. Charlotte Blair married Harry Doel Parker, ,, who is a theatrical manager, and as Lottie Louis James as M. Madeleine Blair Parker she is known as the author of Louis James as Jean Valjean 255 THE BOSTON THEATRE "Way Down East" and other successful plays. A. Z. Chip- man married Minnie Moulton, who was sometimes seen in minor roles in this com- pany, being also billed as Blanche Moulton. The season opened with a production of 'The Two Mothers," a drama founded on the famous Tichborne case, which ran three weeks, being followed by the peren- nial "Kit," for two weeks. Mary Anderson began a two weeks' engagement on September 30, presenting "The Hunchback," "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and "Ingomar." On October 14 a dramatization of Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," entitled "Cosette," was produced. It ran five weeks, but did not meet with great success. The cast was as follows : Jean Valjean and M. Madeleine Louis James. Javert Mark M. Price. M. Myriel C. Leslie Allen. The Thenadier Fauchelevent Montparnasse Champmathieu President of Court Attorney-General Barrister Zoe Tuttle as Cosette D. J. Maguinnis. J. W. Hague. S. E. Springer. S. E. Springer. Chas. Addison. A. Z. Chipman. Gene Wiley. 256 THE SEASON OF 1878-79 Claquesous Jacquin Labarre Father Simon Cochepaille Brevet Brulatruelle Jolivet Doctor Deputy Mayor Workman Carter Secretary Brigadier First Policeman Second Policeman Fan tine Sister Simplice Madame Thenadier Mile. Baptistine Madame Magloire Madame Dorothee Cosette Petite Gervaise Ponine Portress Workwoman J. T. Craven. H. E. Chase. Horace Lewis. E. Y. Backus. J. Armstrong. T. N. Edwards. E. B. Young. George Parks. H. T. Gibson. F. M. Norcross. S. E. Spencer. H. A. Cripps. J. Taylor. C. Coolidge. Mr. Wilson. Mrs. Thos. Barry. Anna Warren Story. Mrs. M. A. Pennoyer. Mrs. C. L. Allen. Mrs. Nellie Burns. Clara Bell. Little Zoe Tuttle. Jeannette Morris. Miss Wilson. Alice Barnicoat. Charlotte Blair. Marie Roze-Mapleson, Brignoli, W. T. Carleton, Alfred H. Pease, and others were heard in concert on Sunday, October 27. On the afternoon of October 30, 1878, W. S. Schmitt, an amateur, made his first appearance on any stage, enacting the role of Shylock and being supported by the regular company. Wilhelmj, the violinist, appeared in concert on Sunday 257 THE BOSTON THEATRE evening, November 3, and again Marie Roze-Mapleson Franz Rummel were heard in concert on Sunday, December 27. Her Majesty's Opera Com- pany, under the management of Colonel J. H. Mapleson, was heard in Italian opera for the following fortnight, the artists at the head of the organization being Etelka Gerster, Minnie Hauk, Marie Roze, Parodi, Si- nico, Frapolli, Galassi, Campa- nini, Del Puente, and Lablache; 258 on December 8, being as- sisted on the latter occa- sion by the singer, lima di Murska. "The Exiles" was re- vived on November 18 and ran four weeks, Harry Edwards replacing L. R. She well as Schelm. " The Two Mothers" was revived for the week of December 16, and the following week the stock company played " Uncle Tom's Cabin," Louis James taking the role of Uncle Tom. Edouard Remenyi and Wilhelmj THE SEASON OF 1878-79 the operas being "II Trovatore," "La Sonnambula," 'The Marriage of Figaro," "Carmen," "I Puritani," "Rigoletto," "Faust," and "The Magic Flute." "Carmen" was first heard in Boston on Friday, January 3, 1879, Minnie Hauk being J. H. Mapleson Carmen, Campanini Don Jose, and Del Puente the Tore- ador. Mme. Sinico was the Michaela. The ballet divertisse- ment "Les Papillons" was presented as an afterpiece for "La Sonnambula." John McCullough began a three weeks' engagement on January 13, 1879, giving "Pizarro," "Brutus," "Virginius," 259 THE BOSTON THEATRE "Richard III," "Henry VIII," "Julius Caesar," "Macbeth," "Othello," and "Jack Cade." The first Elks' Benefit took place on Thursday afternoon, January 23, 1879, the volunteers being the Boston Theatre Company in "The Irish Tu- tor," and the fifth act of "The Mer- chant of Venice," Myron W. Whitney, Brown's Brigade Band, Tony Pastor, V Maude Granger, Emily Rigl, and H. A. Weaver in a scene from "Al- most a Life," E. J. Buckley in recita- tion, a scene from "Evangeline" with George S. Knight, E. A. Locke, Harry Josephs, and N. D. Jones, George Thatcher in "The Villain Etelka Gerster lima di Murska Minnie Hauk as Carmen 260 THE SEASON OF 1878-79 Franz Hummel Still Pursued Her," John F. Sheridan and Alicia Jourdain, Delehanty and Hengler, Harry Montague the singer, Kelly and Ryan, Forest and Francis, Charles Vivian, who was the founder of the Elks, and Rel Mueab the Fire King. The re- ceipts were $1962.80. The Strakosch Italian Opera Company sang for a fortnight beginning February 3 in the customary operas, the artists being ^^|^^ Marie Litta, Kellogg, Gary, Miss Lan- jm caster, lima di Murska, and Charles > ^^^^| R- Adams. Dion Boucicault played "The Shaughraun" for two weeks ^ commencing February 17, and "Ar- rah na Pogue" for the third week, John Brougham being especially en- gaged for the part of Major Bagenal O'Grady in the latter piece. Stimulated by the success of Sardou's play, "The Ex- iles," Messrs. Tompkins and Hill com- missioned M. Sardou to write a play expressly for the Boston Theatre. He did so, the result being " Andre Fortier, 261 George Thatcher Genevieve Ward THE BOSTON THEATRE S. L. Studley the Hero of the Calaveras," which was pro- duced with great attention to detail and a fine cast on March 11, 1879. It ran four weeks, but without success. It was not a good play. On Wednesday afternoon, March 12, 1879, a wrestling match between Colonel J. H. Mc- Laughlin and John McMahon drew $1802.50. T.E. Halleck, manager of the Siege of Paris Cyclorama, benefited on Sunday, March 16, the attractions being Reeves's American Band, the Ninth Regiment Band, the Alpine Quar- tette, the Orpheus Quartette, Dora Wiley, William Hamilton, and Master Charles F. Higgins, violinist. Genev i eve Ward played her only starring engagement in this house dur- ing the week of April 7, 1879, when she was seen in "Jane Shore," "Hen- ry VIII," "The Mer- chant of Venice," and "Macbeth." Gilbert and Sulli- van's opera, "H. M. S. Pinafore," was pro- duced on April 14, 1879, with the best cast that could be Mary Beebe Mary Beebe H. C. Barnabee George Frothingham Isabel McCulloch M. W. Whitney Adelaide Phillips H. M. S. Pinafore 1879 Georgia Cayvan Tom Karl Gus Kammerlee THE BOSTON THEATRE procured, Messrs. Tompkins and Hill having commissioned Miss E. H. Ober to engage the singers without regard to cost. It ran seven weeks to phenomenal business. The cast was as follows : Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B. H. C. Barnabee. Captain Corcoran M. W. Whitney. Ralph Rackstraw Tom Karl. Dick Deadeye George Frothingham. Bill Bobstay Arthur Hitchcock. Bob Beckett Frank L. Crowell. Tom Bowlin George R. Titus. Tom Tucker, Midshipmite Gertrude Calef. Josephine Mary Bee be. Little Buttercup Isabelle McCulloch. Hebe Georgia Cay van. Sopranos Marguerite Brickett, Mrs. J. B. Mullen, Mrs. W. H. Gilbert, Minnie Moulton, Mrs. A. Demont, Stella Hatch, Jessie Hatch, Mrs. B. E. Currier, Alice Barnicoat, Ida F. Thoreau, Vililla Chase, Viola Parker. Contraltos Mrs. Delia Smith, Miss H. A. Brown, Mrs. Charles Pratt, Carrie Lothian, C. E. Gooch, E. E. Edwards, Jennie Robinson, Mrs. A. N. Nicholson, Misses Charlotte Blair, Gertrude Parsons, Fannie Dudley, Emma Wyman. Tenors Charles Winter, J. J. Maloney, James Montgomery, E. D. Dan- iels, H. A. Cripps, C. Danforth, George E. Boyle, J. E. Burgess, C. T. Sylvester, H. E. Bonney, F. L. Crowell, H. Waterston, Curtis Adams. Bassos William Whitney, D. F. Zerrahn, J. A. Harrington, A. J. Hub- bard, H. L. Bradeen, J. C. Turner, J. L. Gilbert, J. Burchmore, THE SEASON OF 1878-79 F. Fenniman, H. C. Jordan, H. F. Dixie, C. H. Reed, J. A. Baker, and Park S. Rush. Director of Chorus S. L. Studley. Prompter N. Lothian, Jr. From this company the famous Boston Ideal Opera Com- pany was formed, being in its turn succeeded by the Boston- ians, a highly popular and successful opera company which was decidedly the best organization of its kind that this country has ever known. At Mrs. Barry's benefit on May 3, her daughter Fanny made her debut, playing Clara in "Hunted Down." At D. J. Maguinnis's benefit on May 10, Georgia Cay van made her debut on the dramatic stage, playing Sally Scraggs in " Sketches in India." At Rachel Noah's benefit on May 17, Norah Bartlett made her debut as Julia in "The Hunch- back." At H. A. M'Glenen's benefit on May 24, John McCullough played Ingomar to the Parthenia of Mary Anderson. "Fatinitza" was produced on June 2 and ran two weeks, Adelaide Phillips, W. H. Fessenden, Alice Carle, Rachel Noah, George Parks, and John T. Craven being added to the " Pina- fore" company. Haverly's Mastodon Minstrels closed the season with a week of good business, opening on June 16. George Frothingham CHAPTER XXVIII THE SEASON OF 1879-80 THE company for 1879-80 was made up as follows: Thomas W. Keene, E. J. Buckley, Harry Edwards, D. J. Maguinnis, C. Leslie Allen, Mark Price, J. W. Hague, J. T. Craven, A. Z. Chipman, S. E. Springer, H. E. Chase, George Parks, Gene Wiley, H. A. Cripps, William H. Spencer, W. R. Falls, J. W. Taylor, J. Armstrong, Mrs. Barry, Rachel Noah, Mrs. Pennoyer, Adelaide Detchon, Clara B. Flagg, Fannie Dudley, Julia Dillon, Lizzie A. Moore, Ella Smiley, Sadie Morris, Lizzie Rechelle, and Gertie Blanchard. A company composed entirely of colored people sang Thomas W. Keene Henry E. Dixey 266 THE SEASON OF 1879-80 "H. M. S. Pinafore" the week of July 7. Business was extremely bad. Haverly's Genuine Colored Minstrels filled the week of August 18, Billy Kersands, Sam Lu- cas, Wallace King, Dick Little, Tom Mclntosh, Bob Mack, Pete Devo- near, James Bland, the Bohee Brothers, Sykes and Woodson, William Allen the pedestal danc- er, and Alex. Brown the imitator being among the entertainers. They were followed by Em- erson's Megatherian Minstrels, who appeared the week of August 25, the principal performers being Billy Emerson, Schoolcraft and Goes, Lew Simmons, the Three Ran- kins, Seamon, Somers and the Girard Brothers, Harry Robinson, Alfred Lis- ton, J. A. Barney, H. W. Frillman, Arthur Cook, and the song and dance teams of Gibson and Binney, Walsh and King, Haverly and Gibbs, Parks WJ7 and Donovan, Lyons and Leary, and Kelly and O'Brien. F. C. Burnand's farcical comedy Dickie Lingard Bartley Campbell 267 THE BOSTON THEATRE "Boulogne" was presented for two \veeks, beginning Septem- ber 1, Dickie Lingard, and W. H. Lytell being especially en- gaged. F. S. Chanfrau followed on September 15 for two weeks in "Kit." The Boston Ideal Opera Company opened on Sep- tember 29 for four weeks of "Pinafore" and "Fatinitza." Louis Aldrich, Charles T. Parsloe, and the New York William Harris Union Square Theatre Com- pany played Bartley Camp- bell's greatest success, "My Partner," for two weeks, com- mencing October 27. Maurice Grau's French Opera Company, with Paola Marie, An- gele, Gregoire, Victor Capoul, and Juteau, in "La Fille de Madame Angot," "La Grande Duchesse," "Girofle-Girofla," "La Perichole," " Les Brigands," " Mignon," " Barbe Bleue," and "La Belle Helene," filled the weeks of November 10 and 17. Thomas W. Keene joined the company as leading man and also made his first appearance in this 268 Catherine Lewis THE SEASON OF 1879-80 city in "Drink," a dramatization by Charles Reade of Emile Zola's "L'Assommoir," which was produced on November 24, 1879. L. R. Shewell, Florence. Chase, and Ada Oilman were especially engaged. Although a powerful play and ex- ceedingly well acted, " Drink" ran but four weeks. The entire cast was as follows : Coupeau Thomas W. Keene. Gouget I,. R. Shewell. Lantier E. J. Buckley. Mes Bottes D. J. Maguinnis. Poisson S. E. Springer. Bee Sali John T. Craven. Bibi Gene Wiley. Pere Colombe W. H. Spencer. Gervaise Rachel Noah. .Virginie Florence Chase. Phrebe Sage Ada Gilman. Nana Little Gertrude. Madame Rouge Mrs. Treville. Juliet Clara B. Flagg. Delphine Fannie Dudley. Louise Julia Dillon. The stock company presented "Dot" and "Katherine and Petruchio" for the week of December 22, and Thomas W. Keene was seen as Richard III on Saturday evening, Decem- ber 27. Mapleson's Her Majesty's Opera Company began a two weeks' season on December 29, the chief singers being Mari- mon, Valleria, Cary, Ambre, Campanini, Del Puente, La- blache, Galassi, Runcio, David, and Behrens, who sang in "La Sonnambula," "Martha," "La Figlia del Reggimento," 269 THE BOSTON THEATRE ; Aida," " Linda di Chamouni," "Faust," "IlFlauto Magico," "Rigoletto," and "Dino- rah." Rossini's "Stabat Mater" was sung on the evening of Sunday, Janu- ary 4, 1880. At the Elks' Benefit on January 8, 1880, Bartley Campbell, the playwright, recited his own poem, "My Baby of Tuscaloo," and Fred F. Levantine was seen in feats of equilibrium. Mr. Levantine afterward as- sumed his own name and became Fred F. Proctor, of the firm of Keith and Denman Thompson as Joshua p roC tor of New York, at Whitcomb in 1879 present the leading spirits in the association of vaudeville man- agers of America. George Mil- bank, who afterward successfully managed the Palace Theatre and Austin and Stone's Museum, was seen in the negro character of Sambo, in "The Comanches." Harris and Carroll did a mus- ical sketch entitled "School vs. Mischief." Mr. Harris later be- F. F. Proctor 270 THE SEASON OF 1879-80 came a member of the firm of Rich and Harris, managers of the Hollis Street Theatre, the Howard Athenaeum, the Boston Museum, and the Colonial, Park, and Tremont Theatres in Boston. The Snow Brothers, acrobats, who also appeared, included Ben Snow, who has been for many years stage-manager of the Grand Dime and the Bow r doin Square Theatres. Harry Bloodgood's Minstrels were seen on the evening of January 10, Press Eldredge, Robert Tyrrell, Alfred Listen, Charley Brickwood, and E. Kerw r an being among the per- formers. Denman Thompson made his first appearance in the Boston Theatre on January 12, 1880, when he presented "Joshua Whitcomb" for a four weeks' run with this cast : Uncle Josh, an old Jackson Democrat Denman Thompson. Roundy Ignacio Martinetti. John Martin C. H. Clark. Frederick Dolby Walter Gale. Cy Prime George Bean. Bill Johnson R. Benson. Reuben Whitcomb Fred Peters. Mr. Burroughs G. Adams. Sam Foster D. Nourse. Tot Julia Wilson. Nellie Primrose Isabelle Coe. Susan Martin Virginia Bray. Mrs. Johnson Edna Weeden. Aunt Matilda Mrs. D. Nourse. Amantha Bartlett Blanche Vaughan. Aunt Martha Miss E. Rogers. Mary Anderson followed on February 9, being supported by 271 THE BOSTON THEATRE John W. Norton and Milnes Levick. She remained two weeks, playing "Evadne," "The Hunchback," "Ingomar," "Love," and "The Lady of Lyons." At a concert for the Relief of Ireland, on Sunday, Feb- ruary 22, Lawrence Barrett, Bartley Campbell, Sol Smith Russell, Georgia Cayvan, and Mary M. Tucker recited, H. C. Barnabee, W. H. Fes- senden, Mary Beebe, and Mathilde Phillips sang, Ella Chamberlin whistled, and Lothian's Orchestra and the Leonora Braham and Madeline Lucette in " Princess Toto " Verdi Quartette were also heard. Bartley Campbell's play, "The Galley Slave," was given for three weeks, commencing on February 23, a strong company being engaged in its presentation, including Lillie Glover, Marie Prescott, Nellie Barbour, Mrs. C. Stoneall, Charlotte Neville, Winnie Shannon, Joseph Wheel- ock, Frank E. Aiken, George Milbank 272 THE SEASON OF 1879-80 John Drew J. B. Booth, Owen Fawcett, H. S. Duffield, and J. V. Arl- ington. " Princess Toto," a comic opera by W. S. Gilbert and Frederic Clay, was sung for three weeks from March 15, the company including Leonora Braham, Ma- deline Lucette, H. W. Montgom- ery, William Hamilton, W. A. Paul, J. C. Campbell, and Oliver Wren. John A. Stevens played "The Unknown" the week of April 5. Hon. John Kelly of New York lectured on Sunday, April 11, for the benefit of St. Mary's Infant Asylum. Joseph Jefferson in " Rip Van Winkle," sup- ported by Henrietta Vaders and members of the Boston Theatre Company, filled the weeks of April 12 and 19 ' Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll lectured for the first time in this theatre on Sunday evening, April 18, 1880, his subject being "The Gods," and a fortnight after that date Otis Mills lec- tured on "Ingersoll Answered." Joseph Proctor played "Nick of the Woods" on the evening of April 24. The Ideal Opera Company presented "The Sorcerer" the week of April 26, "Pinafore" the week of May 3, and " The Prince of Palermo," a version of Suppe's "Boccaccio," the weeks 273 Ada Rehan THE BOSTON THEATRE of May 10 and 17. H. A. M'Glenen had a benefit on the even- ing of May 15, when Thomas W. Keene and Mary Anderson were seen together in the play of "Love." Augustin Daly's Company, with Catherine Lewis, John Drew, Ada Rehan, and others of the Daly favorites, was seen in "Arabian Night" the week of May 24 and in "The Royal Middy" the weeks of May 31 and June 7. Although Mr. Daly's company afterward became a most potent attraction, it utterly failed to draw at this time. J. M. Hill's company in "All the Rage," a lavishly ad- vertised organization, headed by Frank Hardenbergh, closed the season with the week of June 14. Despite its advertising, the play was unable to attract. On Wednesday, June 30, 1880, a benefit was given to E. E. Rice, \vhen "Evangeline" was given with a somewhat ex- traordinary cast. Le Blanc was played by Sol Smith Russell, Richard Golden, and George W. Howard. Dora Wiley and Vernona Jarbeau w r ere the Evangelines ; Harry Josephs and George K. Fortescue the Catherines ; James S. Maflfitt, Harry Hunter, and Alice Atherton the Lone Fishermen ; Alice Ather- ton and Louise Searle the Gabriels ; Laura Joyce played the small part of Mary Ann, Harry E. Dixey was the policeman, Willie Edouin and E. E. Rice the two deserters, John J. Mc- Nally the Headsman, and the chorus was billed to include Louis Aldrich, Charles T. Parsloe, Tony Hart, M. W. Fiske, J. J. Sullivan, N. D. Jones, Dexter Smith, Woolson Morse, John Sheridan, Louis Goullaud, W. W. Allen, May Ten Broeck, Pauline Hall, Emma Duchateau, and many others. CHAPTER XXIX THE SEASON OF 1880-81 EUGENE TOMPKINS was first billed as manager in August, 1880, when the roster of the company was as follows: Mark Price, D. J. Maguinnis, C. Leslie Allen, M. J. Jordan, Frank S. Hartshorn, George R. Parks, Otis Skinner, S. E. Springer, J. T. Craven, H. E. Chase, J. W. Taylor, Arthur Moulton, H. A. Cripps, E. Y. Backus, Master Harry Wood- ruff, Margaret Lanner, Rachel Noah, Mrs. M. A. Pennoyer, Zoe Tuttle, Charlene Weidman, and Mary Tucker. Scenic artists, Charles S. Getz, John Sommer, J. S. Getz, Richard Gannon; Machinist, W. P. Prescott; Properties, J. B. Sulli- van; Gas Engineer, George Sevey; Stage-Director, N. Lo- Otis Skinner Master Harry Woodruff 275 THE BOSTON THEATRE thian, Jr. ; Prompter, L. J. McCarty ; Musical Director, N. Lothian; Treasurer, John M. Ward; Comptroller, Henry Morrison ; Business Agent, H. A. M'Glenen. Of the dramatic company, Otis Skinner and Harry Woodruff are now success- ful stars. Mark Price, Leslie Allen, M. J. Jordan, J. W. Tay- lor, H. A. Cripps, and E. Y. Backus are still in the theatrical profession. Margaret Lanner has been lost sight of by the present writer. Rachel Noah and Mrs. Pennoyer are living in retirement in Boston. All the others have joined the silent majority. The season opened on August 23, with a three weeks' run of "Hearts of Oak," introducing James A. Herne, Frank E. Aiken, W. H. Crompton, Gene- vie ve Rogers, and others. Colonel Ingersoll lectured on "Liberty" on Sunday evening August 29. F. S. Chanfrau came for his annual engagement on September 13, in the ever-popular "Kit," for only two weeks this time. Annie Pixley, supported by John McDonough and her own company, played "M'liss" for two weeks, beginning Septem- ber 27. Leavitt's Grand English Opera Burlesque Company sang the burlesque of "Carmen" the week of October 11, and "La Fille du Tambour Major" the week of October 18. This 276 Annie Pixley THE SEASON OF 1880-81 company was headed by Selina Delaro and Marie Williams and included such artists as Alma Stanley, Fannie Wentworth, Adelaide Praeger, Daisy Ramsden, Camille Delmar, Lizzie Mulholland, James A. Meade, and Mat Robson. The house having been closed on Monday, A. D'Ennery and Jules Verne's spectacular drama, "The Voyagers in Southern Seas, or the Children of Captain Grant," was pro- duced on Tuesday, October 26, 1880, with this cast : Captain Grant Frank Lawlor. Paganel C. Leslie Allen. Bob D. J. Maguinnis. Ayrton Mark M. Price. Lord Glenarvon Otis Skinner. Thalcave George R. Parks. Burck M. J. Jordan. Mulray John T. Craven. Captain Wilson S. E. Springer. Dick H. E. Chase. Forster E. Y. Backus. Guide H. A. Cripps. Hotel Keeper Arthur Moulton. Lady Arabella Mrs. M. A. Pennoyer. James Grant Rachel Noah. Mary Grant Mary Tucker. Robert Grant Master Harry Woodruff. Elmina Charlene Weidman. This piece ran until Christmas. A ballet was imported from Europe, with Elena Cornalba and Ernestina Bossi as pre- mieres, Gigia Ripamonti, Mauree Marechal, Leonilda Del Santis, and Michaela Nappa as secondas, and Ariel the Fly- ing Dancer as a special feature. Marie Bonfanti later re- placed Cornalba as premiere, the latter being compelled by 277 THE BOSTON THEATRE Elena Cornalba illness to return home. Costumes, models, and designs were brought from London and Paris, the entire production being on a more lavish scale than had ever be- fore been seen in this country. This was the first of the Boston Theatre spectacles to gain fame throughout the country, and was followed in after-years by many more of its kind. Several Sunday concerts were heard about this time, with such special features as the Spanish Students, Jules Levy, the Boston Cadet Band, etc. Mapleson's Opera Company began a three weeks' season on Decem- ber 27, the principals being Gerster, Valleria, Gary, De Belocca, Dotti, Campanini, Del Puente, Ravelli, and Galassi. The only new opera to be given was Boito's "Mefistofele." Joseph Proctor, supported by the regular company, played "Nick of the Woods," on the evening of January 1, 1881. The Blanche Roosevelt English Opera Company presented on January 10, for the first time on any stage, Alfred Cel- lier's opera, "The Masque of Pandora," which was adapted from Longfellow's 278 Marie Bonfanti Anna de Belocca THE SEASON OF 1880-81 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem of the same name. The singers were Blanche Roosevelt, Charlotte Hutchings, Rica Murilli, Florence Durant, Annie A. Whit- comb, Hugh Talbot, J. S. Greens- felder, and W. S. Daboll. The piece fell flat and ran but two weeks. Constantine Sternberg, Letitia Fritsch, and Wilhelmj were heard in concert on January 16 and 30. Denman Thompson in "Joshua Whitcomb," supported by his own company, played three weeks, open- ing on January 24. Mary Anderson, with her own company headed by Atkins Lawrence and Milnes Levick, occupied the house for the next fortnight, presenting "Love," "Evadne," "Ingomar," "Fazio," "Romeo and Juliet," "The Hunch- back," "Ion," and "The Lady of Lyons." In the latter play she had the assistance of George Riddle as Claude Melnotte. The Ideal Opera Company fol- lowed for three weeks, beginning on February 28, presenting "The Pi- rates of Penzance," "The Bells of Corneville " (another name for "The Chimes of Normandy"), "Olivette," and "Fatinitza." Myron W. Whit- ney, Tom Karl, H. C. Barnabee, 279 Blanche Roosevelt THE BOSTON THEATRE Constantine Sternberg George Frothingham, W. H. Macdonald, Adelaide Phillips, Marie Stone, and Geraldine Ulmar were in the company at that time. "Pour Prendre Conge," an imitation of the Hanlon Brothers' "Le Voyage en Suisse," was played for one week, ^^| ^^^ with Emmerson, Clark and the Daly ] I mk Brothers, Richard Golden, W. H. Bar- tholomew, and Dora Wiley in the cast, closing forever on the evening of March 26. Sarah Bernhardt made her first ap- pearances in the Boston Theatre during the week of March 28, these plays being rendered in the French language: "Ca- mille," "L'Etrangere," "Frou Frou," "Hernani," "Adrienne Lecouvreur," and "La Princesse Georges." Frank Mayo played " The Streets of New York" the week of April 4, and Ingersoll lectured on "Some Reasons Why "on Sunday, April 10. Colonel Mapleson brought his Ital- ian Opera Company back again for the week of April 11, his daughter- in-law, Marie Roze, being added to his forces. Rice's Surprise Party appeared for three \veeks beginning April 18 in "Prince Achmet," "Hiawatha," "Revels," and "Babes in the Geraldine Ulmar 280 THE SEASON OF 1880-81 Sarah Bernhardt Wood," his company including Henry E. Dixey, John Gour- lay, John A. Mackay, George W. Howard, Topsy Venn, Jennie Yea- mans, May Livingston, Carrie Per- kins, Marion Singer, and Venie Bennett. Malm's Comic Opera Company sang for one week commencing May 9, in "Boccaccio" and "Don- na Juanita," the principals being Jeannie Winston, Janet Edmund- son, Rose Leighton, Marie Somer- ville, Wallace McCreety, Ellis Ryse, Vincent Hogan, W. A. Morgan, and Arthur A. Bell, the last-named gentleman being the husband of Jeannie Winston, the star of the organization. The Ideals returned for the week of May 16, singing "The Bells of Corneville," "Oli- vette," "Fatinitza," "The Bo- hemian Girl," and "Pinafore." D'Oyley Carte and E. E. Rice's Opera Company sang "Billee Taylor" for the fort- night commencing May 23, the company including J. H. Ry- ley, W. H. Seymour, A. W. F. McCollin, William Hamilton, Jeannie Winston Arnold Breedon, Rachel San- 281 THE BOSTON THEATRE ger, Rose Chapelle, Nellie Mortimer, and Carrie Burton. The "Billee Taylor" hornpipe was danced by Lizzie Simms. It was during this engagement that H. A. Cripps, who had been playing small parts in this theatre for several years, took at short notice the part of Sir Mincing Lane, W. H. Seymour having been called away by the death of his mother. Mr. Cripps acquitted himself so admirably that he was engaged by the managers of the company and thus started on a career in musical comedy in which he has been successful ever since, either as singer, stage-manager, or leader of orchestra. H. A. M'Glenen had a benefit on June 13, when Barton Hill appeared in "Don Caesar de Bazan," George Riddle was seen as Caliban in a scene from "The Tempest," and the Boston Opera Company sang "Betsy Baker." The season closed on June 17 with a benefit to Rachel Noah and Henry Morrison. CHAPTER XXX THE SEASON OF 1881-82 BEGINNING with this season a double company was main- tained, in order that productions might be made in the theatre and on the road at the same time. William Redmund was the new leading man, having been engaged by Eugene Tompkins in London. He afterwards married Mrs. Thomas Barry, the leading lady, and they starred together for several years. The roster of the double company was as follows: William Redmund, L. M. McCormack, D. J. Maguinnis, John E. Ince, J. H. Fitzpatrick, George R. Parks, John T. Craven, S. E. Springer, H. E. Chase, E. Y. Backus, W. E. William Redmund as Michael Strogoff George R. Parks 283 THE BOSTON THEATRE Davis, John P. Endres, E. H. Allen, Raymond Finley, W. R. Falls, E. P. Brown, Arthur Moulton, J. W. Taylor, Frank Burbeck, Maurice Barrymore, Frazer Coulter, George H. Griffiths, Mark Price, E. A. Eberle, Charles Kent, E. D. Tan- nehill, Howard Gould, Mrs. Barry, Rachel Noah, Annie Proctor, Victoria Cameron, Kate Meek, Clara Fisher Mae- der, Edith Kingdon, Rosa France, Helen Leigh, and Emma Chase. Fred Stinson was the business manager of the traveling company and Quincy Kilby treasurer. The Rice - Goodwin Lyric Comedy Company opened the season on August 22, 1881, with five nights and two matin- ees of "Billee Taylor," the singers being Eugene Clarke, H. E. Dixey, Signor Bro- colini, George Frothingham, A. W. F. Mc- Collin, Rose Temple, Irene Perry, Emma Burgess, and Rose Dana. M. B. Leavitt's Gigantean Minstrels played on Saturday evening, August 27, and all of the ensuing week, the company including the old-time minstrels Dan Em- mett, Sam Sanford, Archie Hughes, and Dave Reed; other members being Val Vose, Sanford and Wilson, Wood, Beas- ley, and the Weston Brothers, Le\v Benedict, Wood and West, and Charles V. Seamon and the Girard Brothers. F. S. Chanfrau followed on September 5 with two weeks of "Kit," Mrs. Chanfrau appearing at the Saturday matinees in "East Lynne." Annie Pixley was seen for a fortnight beginning September 284 John T. Craven in " Kit ' THE SEASON OF 1881-82 The Boston Theatre draped in memory of President Garfield, September 20, 1881 19 in "M'liss." On account of the death of President Gar- field, the theatre was closed on the evenings of September 20 and 21, and again on the 26th, the day of his funeral. The first great production of the season was Jules Verne's spectacular drama, "Michael Strogoff," which was given an 285 THE BOSTON THEATRE elaborate presentation on Wednesday evening, October 5, the house having been closed on Monday and Tuesday for rehearsals. Money was freely spent upon the production and a large ballet was engaged, trained by Bibeyran Mamert and headed by Amalia Lepri. Costumes, armors, and weapons were again imported from Europe, a large number of horses were used in the military scenes, and much lavish and beauti- ful scenery was constructed. "Michael Strogoff" was a great success and ran eleven weeks. The cast was : Michael Strogoff Ivan Ogareff O'Brien, Herdld Correspondent Jolivet, of the Figaro Governor of Moscow The Emir Feofar Grand Duke Innkeeper Tartar Officer General Kiezoff Chief of Police Telegraph Operator Tartar Sergeant Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Moscow Aide-de-Camp to Grand Duke Peter, Inn Servant Grand Priest General Warrenzoff First Traveler Second Traveler First Fugitive Second Fugitive Boatman Marfa Strogoff Nadia Sangarre William Redmund. L. M. McCormack. D. J. Maguinnis. John E. Ince. J. H. Fitzpatrick. George R. Parks. S. E. Springer. John T. Craven. H. E. Chase. E. Y. Backus. W. E. Davis. John T. Craven. J. P. Endres, Jr. E. H. Allen. R. S. Finley. F. R. Waters. H. A. Hartshorn. W. D. Graham. W. D. Evans. F. B. Whall. J. J. Williams. W. R. Falls. J. C. Talbot Mrs. Thomas Barry Rachel Noah. Annie E. Proctor. 286 THE SEASON OF 1881-82 Camilla Urso, Teresa Carreno and the Meigs sisters were heard in concert on Sunday evening, October 23 and 30. Her Majesty's Opera Company opened a two weeks' season on December 26, the artists including Minnie Hauk, Emma Nellie Poole Jennie Prescott Ida Francis Evaline Stetson Ballet Group, from " Michael Strogoff ' 287 THE BOSTON THEATRE John E. Ince in " Michael Strogoff ' Juch, Paolina Rossini, Marie Vachot, Valerga, Dotti, Cam- panini, Galassi, Prevost, Del Puente, and Novara. Mal- vina Cavallazzi was the pre- miere danseuse. At the Elks' Benefit on January 5, 1882, Thomas W. Keene, Mr. and Mrs. George S. Knight, Walter Emerson, Cool Burgess, Maffitt and Bartholomew, and others ap- peared. JohnMcCullough, support- ed by Edmund Collier, Kate Forsyth, and his own com- pany, began on January 9 a two weeks' engagement in "Virginius," 'The Gla- diator," "Othello," "Brutus," "King Lear," and "Ingomar." Denman Thompson followed on Jan- uary 23 with three weeks of "Joshua Whitcomb." Sam Hague's Operatic Minstrels gave a concert on the evening of February 12. Mary Anderson, support- ed by her own company, | including William Harris, J. B. Studley, and Robert Camilla Urso H I * 1 s I & * X & H THE BOSTON THEATRE Downing, came on February 13 for two weeks, being seen in "Ingomar," "Love," "The Daughter of Roland," "Evadne," " Pygmalion and Galatea," and " Romeo and Juliet." On the evening of February 25 she appeared in the latter play, with Joseph Ha worth as Romeo. The Ideal Opera Company played a three weeks' engagement, commencing February 27, presenting "The Bells of Corneville," "The Mascot," "The Bohemian Girl," "The Musketeers," "The Pirates of Pen- zance," "Fatinitza," "Olivette," "Pina- fore," and "The Czar and Carpenter." " The World," a melodrama by Paul Mer- itt, Henry Pettitt, and Augustus Harris, which had had a long and successful run at the Drury Lane Theatre, London, was given an elaborate production on March 21, 1882, and ran eleven weeks to some of the most profitable business the theatre has ever known. Appended is the cast: Rosa France iii "The World" Sir Clement Huntingford Harry Huntingford Mo Jewell Martin Bashford Blackstone Lumley Owen Ned Dr. Wyndham Dr. Hawkes William Redmund. George R. Parks. D. J. Maguinnis. Mark M. Price. D. J. Sullivan. E. A. Eberle. Charles Kent. Rosa France. J. P. Endres, Jr. E. H. Allen. 290 bo d 9 A H THE BOSTON THEATRE F. R. Waters. W. Graham. J. J. Williams. J. G. Holland. W. D. Evans. J. C. Talbot (Lawrence McCarty.) Howard Gould. H. R. Whall. Mrs. Thomas Barry. Annie E. Proctor. Locksley Rushton Lawrence Captain Pearson Marshall Joe Commissioner in Lunacy Detective Mabel Huntingford Mary Blythe Howard Gould, who played the small part of the Com- missioner in Lunacy, remained in the company only a few months. After leaving here he rose rapidly to the position of leading man and w 7 as starred by Daniel Frohman in "The Prisoner of Zenda," " Rupert of Hentzau," and "The Colonial Girl." While "The World" was being presented in the theatre, another company was playing it on tour through New England to extremely gratifying receipts. Hague's Minstrels were heard again on Sun- day, April 23. Colonel Ingersoll lectured on Sunday even- ing, April 30, on "Talmagian Theology." On the afternoon of May 24 a testimonial benefit was given to Eugene Tompkins, John McCullough playing a scene from " Virginius," the stock company giving a scene from " The Lady of Lyons," George Riddle a scene from " (Edipus Tyrannus," in the original Greek, and John T. Raymond playing in the farce, "Slasher and 292 Howard Gould THE SEASON OF 1881-82 Crasher." In the latter piece D. J. Maguinnis was also billed to appear, but when rehearsal time came it was discovered that Raymond and Maguinnis had both studied the same part. John T. Craven was hurriedly enlisted for the part of Crasher, while Mr. Maguinnis sang "The Christening" for his share of the entertainment. H. A. M'Glenen had a benefit on May 31, when John McCullough and Mary Anderson were seen together in "Ingo- mar." C. H. Smith's Double "Uncle Tom's Cabin" Company, with two Topsys, two Markses, and an unusual number of bloodhounds and donkeys, began a two weeks' run on June 5, closing the season on June 17. A short summer season of Braham and Scanlon's Minia- ture Opera Company, in "Patience," was given from July 8 to 20 inclusive. The membership included Ida Mulle, Arthur Dunn, Jennie Dunn, Marguerite Fish, and Augustus Heckler, Jr. President Chester A. Arthur CHAPTER XXXI THE SEASON OF 1882-83 THE company for the season of 1882-83 consisted of Wil- liam Redmund, Charles H. Vandenhoff, Frazer Coulter, D. J. Maguinnis, E. A. Eberle, Charles Kent, John T. Craven, Walter Edwards, H. N. Wilson, W. A. Paul, Frank Oakes Rose, S. E. Springer, H. E. Chase, E. Y. Backus, Thomas H. McGrath, Phineas Leach, Stuart Clarke, J. P. Endres, Jr., Howard Gould, W. E. Davis, W. R. Falls, D. J. Sullivan, 294 THE SEASON OF 1882-83 J. J. Williams, J. W. Taylor, R. G. Wilson, J. W. Lanergan, Master Tommy Russell, Mrs. Barry, Rachel Noah, Louise Muldener, Edith Kingdon, Grace Thome, Rosa France, Mrs. E. A. Eberle, Lizzie Anderson, Mrs. T. M. Hunter, Ella Mayer, and Eleanor Merron. Fred Stinson retired from and Frank Carlos Griffith was added to the staff of the travel- James E. Murdoch mg company. The season opened with Henry Pettitt and George Conquest's drama, "A Free Pardon," which had been acted in England under the name of "Queen's Evidence." This was produced on August 14 and ran three weeks. The cast was as follows : Gilbert Medland and Philip Stanfield Matthew Thornton Isaacs and Jonas Levant Sir Frederic Sydney Walter Wynford Joe Arthur Peter Kate Medland Ada Somers and Miss Sydney Laura Sydney William Redmund. Frazer Coulter. D. J. Maguinnis. E. A. Eberle. Frank Oakes Rose- John T. Craven. Master Tommy Russell. Howard Gould. Mrs. Thomas Barry. Rachel Noah. Grace Thorne. F. S. Chanfrau came on September 4 for his customary fortnight of "Kit." Henry Pettitt and Augustus Harris's melodrama, "Youth," another Drury Lane success, was produced on September 19 and ran ten weeks. This was a military play which enlisted 295 THE BOSTON THEATRE the services of a large num- ber of supernumeraries in the embarkation and battle scenes. A Gatling gun was used on the stage for the first time in this country and a tally-ho coach drawn by four horses was driven upon the stage and circled about, an evolution impossible on any other stage in the city. Par- ticular attention was paid to correctness and design in the military uniforms, and the white helmets, since so com- mon in our own army uni- forms, were seen here for the first time. The cast of "Youth" was : S. E. Springer in " Youth " Grace Thome in " Youth " Reverend Joseph Darlington Frank Darlington Colonel Dalton Major Randal Reckly Captain Lord Loverton Captain the Honorable Arthur Lavender Willie Spratley Larry O'Pheysey Tom Gardham Slaughterford Deputy Governor of the Prison Swinton Fowler E. A. Eberle. William Redmund. S. E. Springer. Frazer Coulter. E. Y. Backus. H. E. Chase. Grace Thorne. D. J. Maguinnis. Charles Kent. D. J. Sullivan. Thomas H. McGrath. H. Hartford. Frederick Lander. 296 THE SEASON OF 1882-83 Detective Afghan Chief Mrs. Walsingham Mrs. Darlington Eve de Malvoisie Amy Athol Kitty Athol Alice Wenlock Bessie Charles Witherell. J. W. Taylor. Mrs. Thomas Barry. Mrs. E. A. Eberle. Louise Muldener. Margaret Johnson. Fannie B. Merrill. Annie E. Proctor. Ella Mayer. On Sunday evenings during the run of "Youth" concerts were given by Clara Louise Kellogg and by Gilmore's Band, and James E. Murdoch was heard in readings. On the evening of October 16, 1882, President Chester A. Arthur, accompanied by Secretaries Lincoln and Chandler, Private Secre- tary Phillips, Assistant Postmaster - General Hat- ton, and Mayor Samuel A. Green, attended the per- formance of "Youth." The party left the theatre by way of the stage-door and were given a military sa- lute by the soldiers in the play. Bartley Campbell's dra- ma "The White Slave," Primrose and West was next given by the stock company for four weeks beginning November 27, with this cast : 297 THE BOSTON THEATRE Clay Britton William Lacy Patrick Henry Stitch Judge Hardin Job Clem Jack Hazelton Natchez Jim Captain Stryker Bancroft Little Jim Count Strain Jamison Barkeeper First Passenger Lisa, the White Slave Nance Daphne Mrs. Lee Lettie Lee Aunt Martha William Redmund. Frazer Coulter. D. J. Maguinnis. J. W. Lanergan. E. A. Eberle. S. E. Springer. H. E. Chase. H. E. Chase. D. J. Sullivan. Phineas Leach. Little Lulu. Stuart Clarke. Frederick Lander. R. S. Finley. Charles Witherell. Louise Muldener. Mrs. Thomas Barry. Ellen Cummens. Mrs. E. A. Eberle. Grace Thome. Ella Mayer. "The World" was revived on December 25 for a three weeks' run. Celia Logan lectured on "Actresses" on Sunday evening, December 10 and Harry W. French spoke on "The Land of the Midnight Sun" on January 7. John McCullough, supported by his own company, played the weeks of January 15, 22, and 29, 1883, in his repertory of tragic roles. Gounod's Sacred Trilogy, "The Redemption," was heard for the first time in Boston on Sunday, January 21, 1883, the presentation being by local musicians. 298 THE SEASON OF 1882-8.3 Thatcher, Primrose and West's Minstrels were heard for six days commencing Feb- ruary 5, the company in- cluding George Thatcher, Primrose and West, Hughey Dougherty, Billy Rice, the three Rankins, Frank Mc- Nish, Burt Sheppard, Frank Howard, George Turner, Charles Queen, and Howe and Bell. Mary Anderson opened on February 12 a two weeks' engagement, supported by her own company, no new plays being presented. Albani George Riddle played Ro- meo with her on February 24. Mapleson began a two weeks' season of Italian op- era on February 26, his chief singers being Adelina Patti, Albani, Fursch-Madi, Scalchi, Nicolini, Ravelli, Mierzwinski, Galassi, and Frapolli. They sang " L'Af- ricaine," "La Sonnam- Ravelli 299 THE BOSTON THEATRE bula," "Linda di Chamouni," "William Tell," "II Trova- tore," "La Traviata," "Faust," "Lohengrin," "The Flying Dutchman," " Semiramide," and "Martha." Leopold Damrosch and his New York Orchestra gave a concert on Sunday, March 11, assisted by Isidora Martinez and Teresa Car- reno. Barlow, Wilson and Company's Min- strels were seen the week of March 12, the company comprising Milt G. Bar- low, George Wilson, Luke Schoolcraft, George H. Goes, Happy Cal Wagner, Barney Fagan, the Clipper Quartette, Leopold Damrosch the Four Aces, Wood and West, Eddie Fox, and others. "Fifty Thousand Pounds, a Story of Pluck," another Drury Lane melodrama by Pettitt and Harris, was given a costly pro- duction on March 20, but did not attract the public and was withdrawn after five weeks. The cast was as follows: Jack Springfield William Redmund. Stephen Clinton Frazer Coulter. George Maitland Charles Kent. Bevis Marks E. A. Eberle. John Templeton S. E. Springer. Peter Keene D. J. Maguinnis. William Martin E. Y. Backus. Matthew Locke H. E. Chase. George Tullock J. W. Taylor. Jem Grimes D. J. Sullivan. Robert Arnold Charles Witherell. Tom Bones R. S. Finley. 300 THE SEASON OF 1882-83 Jerry Grinstone E. P. Brown. Florence Terupleton Louise Muldener. Ellen Maitland Edith Kingdon. Mary Keene Grace Thorne. Polly Burt Rachel Noah. Dorothy Butler Rosa France. Nellie Little Lulu. Reverend E. E. Hale preached in the theatre on Sunday evening, February 11, Robert Colly er, February 25, Warren H. Cudworth, March 18, Brooke Herford on March 25, M. J. Savage on April 1, and Mrs. Mary A. Livermore on April 8, 1883. At the Actors' Fund Benefit on the after- noon of April 12, the volunteers were Leav- itt's Gigantean Minstrels, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Florence, Corinne, Walter Emerson, the Boston Theatre Company, the Temple Quar- tette, Aldrich and Parsloe, the Olympia Quar- Mary A. Liverinore tette, Purdy the Skater, the Big Four, and the "lolanthe" Company. " Love and Money," a drama by Charles Reade and Henry Pettitt, was given its first American representation on April 23 and ran two weeks, with this cast: William Hope William Redmund. Leonard Monkton Frazer Coulter. Robert Bartley E. A. Eberle. Colonel Clifford S. E. Springer. Walter Clifford H. E. Chase. Henry Fitzroy John T. Craven. Bob Burnley Charles Kent. 301 THE BOSTON THEATRE Jem Seaton John Powers Mary Bartley Julia Clifford Lucy Monkton Nurse Parker E. P. Brown. D. J. Sullivan. Edith Kingdon. Grace Thome. Rachel Noah. Maggie Johnson. Napier Lothian had a benefit on the afternoon of May 2 when Lotta appeared as Musette to his Billy Bokus. J. C. Duff's Standard Opera Company sang "Heart and Hand" for two weeks commencing May 7, the principal artists being J. H. Ryley , George Sweet, Wallace McCreery, H. W. Montgomery, Marie Conron, Hatty Richardson, and Rosa Cooke. Carl Herrmann's Original Thalia Comic Opera Com- pany, under the directorship of Heinrich Conried, sang Ludwig Englander's opera " The Prince Consort" in German for the week of May 21. J. H. Haverly's Mastodon Minstrels appeared the week of May 28, the entertainers being Billy Emerson, Pete Mack, Johnson and Powers, E. M. Hall, E. M. Kayne, Callan, Haley and Callan, the Girard Brothers, Billy Richardson, the Gorman Brothers, and others. The theatre was rented to T. Slater Smith for four weeks from June 11, it having been closed for one week. 302 Edith Kingdon in 1882 THE SEASON OF 1882-83 Madame Fursch-Madi Corinne in 1882 Harry Meredith filled the entire time with his own drama, "Ranch 10," at reduced prices, the season finally closing on Saturday, July 7. The Contin- ental Guards of New Orleans gave military tableaux on Saturday after- noon and even- ing, June 16, 1883. The per- formances were under the aus- pices of the National Lane- John T. Craven and Grace Thorne 6. Laborde, Mme., 73, 76. "La Boulangere a des Ecus," 242. Lackaye, Mrs. Wilton, 384. See Alice Evans. Lackaye, Wilton, 459, 460, 461, 464, 478. "La Corde Sensible," 99. "La Cosaque," 324. Lacy, Harry, 451, 480. "La Dame Blanche," 108, 170, 320. Ladd, Hattie Belle (Mrs. George Shields), 450. "Ladies' Battle, The," 473. Ladies' Schubert Quartette, 326. "Lady Ashley," 323. "Lady Audley's Secret," 154, 168, 229. "Lady Clancarty," 344. "Lady of Lyons, The," 25, 30, 36, 48, 50, 52, 89, 98, 101, 124, 132, 163, 164, 171, 172, 203, 214, 220, 224, 235, 241, 253, 272, 279, 292, 311, 343. 359, 415. "Lady of the Lake, The," 112. "La Favorita," 30, 78, 141, 225, 229. Lafayette, Priscilla, 406. "La Femme a Papa," 324. "L' Affaire d'une Melodic,". 461. "La Figlia del Reggimento," 269. See "The Daughter of the Regiment." "La Fille de Madame Angot," 206, 230, 242, 268. "La Fille du Tambour Major," 276. "L'Africaine," 152, 299. "La Gazza Ladra" ("The Maid and the Magpie"), 182. "La Gioconda," 309, 311. "La Giselle," 94. "La Grande Duchesse," 142, 153, 206, 242, 268, 329. La Grange, Anna de, 33, 42, 48, 141, 152. See Anna de La Grange. Lagriffoul, Mons., 153. "La Joie Fait Peur," 99. "La Jolie Parfumeuse," 230, 242, 329. "La Juive," 320. 519 INDEX "Lakme." 331, 342. L'AlIeinand, Pauline (Elsasser), 332, 342, 361. "La Locandiera," 438. "La Marseillaise," 37. "La Mascotte," 324, 329. Lamb, Ed, 93. Lamb, Frank E., 304, 306, 348. Lamb, Thomas, 69. Lambele, Aline, 142, 145. Lambocetta, Signer, 72. "Lambs' Big Four, The" (Jefferson De Angelis, Willie Collier, Charles Hopper and Fritz Williams), 460. "Lambs' Gambol, The," 460. "L'Amico Fritz," 404. Lamkin, Grace Mae, 430. La Mondue, Frank, 376. Lampee, Harry, 96, 189. "Lancashire Lass, The," 150. Lancaster, Miss, 252, 261. Landeck, Benjamin, 477. Lander, Frederick, 296, 298. Lander, Mrs. Jean Davenport (Mrs. Fred- eric W. Lander), 140, 150, 237. See Jean Margaret Davenport. Landi, Signorina, 53. "Land of the Midnight Sun, The" (lecture), 298. Landolf (costumer), 408. Lane, Clara Frances (Mrs. J. K. Murray), 450. Lane, John A., 333, 350, 405. Lanergan, James W., 97, 243, 295, 298. Lang, Henrietta, 75. Lang, Joe, 197. Langdon, G. W., 374. Lange, Paul, 424, 436. Langley, Georgie, 153. Langtry, Mrs. Lily, 340, 344. Lanner, Margaret, 275, 276. "La Perichole," 173, 242, 268, 329. "La Pluie et le Beau Temps," 99. "La Prima Donna," 33. "La Princesse Georges," 280. La Regaloncita, 402. La Rosa, Mile., 134. "La Rose de St. Fleur," 99. Lascelle Brothers, 156. "La Sonnambula," 28, 31, 87, 96, 141, 259, 269, 299, 300, 317. "L'Assommoir," 269. "Last Stroke, The," 444. Lathrop, George Parsons, 436. "La Tosca" (opera), 481. "La Tosca" (play), 360, 414, 438, 452, 482. "La Traviata," 53, 72, 78, 84, 300, 326, 346, 380, 456, 479. Laughlin, Anna, 415. Lavassor, Mons., 153. Lavielli, Mme. Leoni, 193. "La Vie Paricienne," 206, 230, 329. "Law for Ladies," 37. Lawlor, Frank, 277. Lawlor and Thornton (C. B. Lawlor and James Thornton), 360. Lawrence, Atkins, 279. Lawrence, Ed, 378. Lawton, Frank, 412, 456. Leach, Phineas, 294, 298, 304, 311, 314. "Leah," 123, 124, 154, 310, 328, 343, 354, 359, 360, 364, 455. Leake, W. H., 98. "Leap Year," 225. Leathe and Montague, 226. Leavitt, Andrew J., 238, 385, 402. Leavitt's Grand English Opera Burlesque Company, 276. "Le Bal Costume," 342. Le Brun, Mrs., 88, 98. "Le Chanson de Fortunio," 153. "Le Cid," 481. Le Clair, John, 392. Le Claire, Augusta, 82. Le Claire, Laura, 82, 197. Leclercq, Carlotta, 163, 164, 194, 206, 211, 212. "Le Diable Amoureux," 32. Leduc, Mons., 153. Lee, Ada, 253. Lee, Henry, Jr., 69. Lee, Jenny, 186. Lee, Lillian, 349. Lee, William H., 153. Lees, Miss, 103. 520 INDEX "Le Feu au Couvent," 99. Le Hay, John (John Healy), 437. Lehman, Mons. A., 99. Lehman, Anna, 32. Lehman, Caroline, 32. Lehman, Flora, 32. Lehman, Julie, 32, 99. Lehman-Kalisch, Lilli, 363, 373, 448. Lehman, Miss M. A., 99. Lehmans, The, 49, 78. Lehr, C., 15. Leigh, Helen, 284. Leighton, Rose, 281. Lelliott, Busch and Lelliott, 476. Le Mack, Tom (Thomas McGlone), 376. Leman, Walter M., 128, 130, 136, 151. "Le Moineau de Lesbie," 37. Lemon, Marguerite, 469. Le Moyne, William J., 82, 83, 100, 188, 237, 447. "Lend Me Five Shillings," 360, 402, 482. Lennon, Nestor, 376, 407. Lennox, Walter, Sr., 83, 330, 331. Leonard, Ambrose (D. A. Leonard, A. W. Leonard), 148, 151, 166, 175, 183. Leonard, Joseph, 6. Leonard Grover's German Opera Company, 112. Leonhardt, Susie, 368. "Leonore," 64. Leopold and Geraldine, 174. Leotard (gymnast), 149. "Le Petit Faust," 173, 206. "Le Piano de Berthe," 99. "Le Portier," 99. Lepri, Amalia, 286. "Le Prophete," 311, 320. "Les Brigands," 173, 268. "Les Cent Vierges," 206. "Les Deux Aveugles," 164. "Les Dragons de Villars," 242. "Les Jurons de Cadillac," 164. Leslie, Elsie (Elise Leslie Lyde, Mrs. Jeft'er- son Winter), 465. Leslie, E. M., 128. Leslie, Mrs. E. M. (Mrs. Thomas H. Burns), 128, 137. Leslie, Harry, 156. "Les Miserables" (novel), 256. "Les Noces de Jeannette," 91. "Les Papillons" (ballet), 259. "Les Pauvres de Paris," 63. Les Petits Rousselles, 208. Lessing, Madge, 450, 458, 475. "Lesson for Husbands, A," 100, 141. Lester and Allen's Minstrels (William Lester and Paul Allen), 326. L'Estrange, J. F., 175. "L'Etrangere," 280. "Le Ultimo Ore di Cristoforo Colombo" (recitation), 325, 326. Levantine, Fred F. (Fred F. Proctor), 270. Levick, Gustavus, 194, 211, 214, 216, 218, 222, 223, 233, 237. Levick, Milnes, 228, 272, 279, 310. "Le Voyage en Suisse," 280. Levy Concert Company, 316. Levy, Jules, 224, 226, 235, 278, 316, 361, 400. Lewis, Ada (Mrs. John Parr), 466. Lewis and Ryan (Tom Lewis and Sam Ryan), 476. Lewis, Catherine, 274. Lewis, George, 376. Lewis, Horace (Horace Lewis Smith), 254, 255, 257. Lewis, James, 144, 145, 148, 150, 151. Lewis, Tom, 376, 476. Lewis, Master Walter, 378, 380. Libby, Gertrude, 403. Liberati, Signer, 421. "Liberty" (lecture), 276. "Liberty Bell, The," 440. "Liberty of Man, Woman, and Child, The" (lecture), 437. Lichtenberg, Leopold, 341. Lichtmay, Louise, 170, 202. Liebler and Co., 477. "Life in a Convent" (lecture), 172. "Life of an Actress, The," 50. "Life of Christ, The" (tableaux), 395, 483. "Life of Pleasure, A," 429. "Life's Revenge, A," 130. "Lili," 324. Lilliuokalani, Queen, 346. 521 INDEX "L' Illusions d' un Pittore," 62. "Lily of Killarney, The," 220. "Limerick Boy, The," 37, 75, 95, 196. "Limited Mail, The," 391. Lincoln, President Abraham, 85, 114, 115, 116, 379. Lincoln, Benjamin, 69. Lincoln, Frederic W., 69. Lincoln, L. J. B., 460. Lincoln, Secretary Robert T., 297. Lind, Karl, 229. "Linda di Chamouni," 42, 53, 87, 141, 164, 270, 300. Linden, Ernest, 217. Lindh, Marcella, 404, 414, 424. Lingard, Dickie (Harriet Sarah Dunning, Mrs. David Dalziel), 268. Lingard, James, 92. Lingham, Mr., 71. Lino, Master H., 219. "Lion of Nubia, The, or the Hunters of the Nile," 165. "Lion Tamer, The," 401. Lipman, Al S., 460, 461. Lipman, Clara (Mrs. Louis Mann), 327, 475. Lippitt, General F. J., 185. "Lischen & Fritzchen," 153. Listemann, Bernhard, 382. Listen, Alfred, 267, 271. Listen, Hudson, 477. Litt, Jacob, 474. Litta, Marie, 261. "Little Barefoot," 105, 160, 195, 205, 213, 239, 321. "Little Detective, The," 165, 168, 219. Little, Dick, 267. "Little Em'Iy," 221. Littlefield, Charles W., 476. Little, Frank, 222, 333. "Little Hero, The" (poem), 226. Little Mac, 157, 217. "Little Nell," 149, 154, 168, 220. "Little Nell and the Marchioness." See "Little Nell." Little Nell, the California Diamond (Helene Dauvray), 178. "Little Rebel, The," 219. "Little Toddlekins," 52, 62. "Little Treasure. The," 51, 89, 101, 185. Little Tuesday, 391. "Live Indian, The," 125. Livermore, Mrs. Mary A., 301. Livingston, May, 281. Lloyd, J., 403. "Loan of a Lover, The," 15, 22, 24, 80, 94, 128. Locke, D. R. (Petroleum V. Nasby), 169. Locke, E. A., 220, 260. Locke, George E. (Yankee Locke), 173, 180. Loder, Minnie, 198. Lodge, John E., 68, 69. Logan, Alice, 330, 331. Logan, Celia, 298. "Lohengrin," 239, 240, 246, 300, 320, 331, 342, 351, 373, 389, 424, 436, 448, 457, 466. "Lola Montez, or Catching a Governor," 94. Lolo, Sylvester and Lola, 345. "London Assurance," 53, 62, 92, 93, 100, 343. London Gaiety Company, 455. Long, Eliza, 158. Longfellow, Professor Henry Wadsworth, 43, 74, 278, 406. "Long Strike, The," 160, 163, 171, 225. Lonnen, E. J., 373. "Lord Dundreary Married and Settled," 204, 225. "Lord Flanigan," 141. "Lord Harry," 366. Lorini, Domenico, 29, 73, 98. "Lorle," 160, 213. "Lorlie's Wedding," 106. Losee, Frank, 348, 374, 376, 474. " Lost at Sea," 212. "Lost, Strayed or Stolen," 451. Lothian, Carrie, 264. Lothian, Charles E., 252, 311. Lothian, Napier, 19, 135, 165, 175, 197, 220, 226, 228, 230, 239, 247, 248, 272, 276, 302, 321, 322, 418, 419. Lothian, Mrs. Napier, 122. Lothian, Napier, Jr., 211, 218, 233, 243, 265, 275, 276, 313, 321. 522 INDEX Lothrop, Rev. Samuel K., 147. Lotta (Charlotte Crabtree), 19, 149, 154, 165, 168, 178, 179, 180, 213, 220, 302. "Lottery of Life, The," 206. "Lottery Ticket, The," 100, 186. Lotti, Signor, 114, 163. Lotus Glee Club, 325, 341. "Louis XI," 121, 170, 308, 319, 351, 352. Louise Marguerite, La Petite, 319. "Love," 25, 48, 272, 274, 279, 290. "Love and Money," 301. "Love Chase, The," 24, 25, 74, 76, 94. Lovell, Tom, 208. "Love's Labour's Lost" (protean sketch), 82. "Love's Masquerade," 154. "Love's Sacrifice," 101, 226, 359. Low, Miss W., 151. Lowe, H., 250. Loyal Song, The, 391. Lubomirsky, Prince, 248. Lucas, Sam, 245, 267. Lucca, Pauline, 193, 202. Lucette, Madeline (Mrs. J. H. Ryley), 273. "Lucia." See "Lucia di Lammermoor." "Lucia di Lammermoor," 32, 33, 44, 53, 79, 82, 87, 96, 106, 134, 141, 204, 363, 446. Lucifers, 425. Luckstone, Harry, 412. Luckstone, Minnie, 330, 331. "Lucretia Boards-Here" (afterpiece), 134. "Lucretia Borgia" (drama), 101, 106, 154. "Lucretia Borgia, M. D.," 153. "Lucrezia Borgia" (opera), 30, 32, 53, 72, 91, 96, 141, 225. Ludlam, Henry, 318. Ludlowe, Henry (Henry Ludlam), 318. Ludwig, William (William Ledwich), 332, 342, 351, 356, 362, 365, 366, 384, 385, 478. Lulu, Little, 298, 301. Lumbard, Jules, 241. Lunde, Aagot, 436. Lupo, Mile., 172. "Lurline," 166, 180. Lurline (the Water Queen), 229. Lyceum Theatre Company of London, 308, 351. Lydia Thompson Troupe, 166, 253, 364. Lyman, George W., 69. Lynch, Nellie, 450. Lynden, Sylvia, 477. Lyons and Leary, 267. Lyons, Edmund D., 374, 478. Lyons, John, 378. "Lyons Mail, The," 309, 351, 352. Lyster, Mr., 15, 24. Lytell, William H., 268. Maas, James, 220. Maas, Joseph, 205, 247. "Macbeth," 40, 43, 51, 66, 86, 89, 94, 98, 104, 112, 121, 126, 131, 145, 149, 150, 151, 170, 173, 191, 220, 234, 235, 239, 256, 260, 262, 343, 350, 360, 362, 370, 434, 473. Maccaferri, Signor, 98, 99. MacDonald, Sadee, 407. Macdonald, William H., 280, 327, 343, 353, 355, 454, 460, 461. MacDowell, William Melbourne, 413, 414, 442, 478. Mace, Jem, 169. Mace, Pooley, 169. Maclntyre, Marguerite, 481. Mack, Andrew (William Andrew McGlone) t 451, 464. Mack, Bob, 267. Mack, Pete, 302. Mackay, Charles, 402. Mackay, Frank F., 196. Mackay, John A., 281, 341. Mackay, Robert, 378. Mackay, Robert C., 69. Mackin and Wilson (James E. Mackin and Francis Wilson), 210, 216, 217. Macnichol, Lizzie (Mrs. Franz Vetta), 362, 368, 402, 403, 459. "Madame Angot's Child," 207, 212. "Madame Sans Gene," 436, 437. Madden, Charles, 201. Maddock, Josie, 224. Madison Square Theatre, New York, 382. Maeder, Clara Fisher, 284. Maffitt and Bartholomew (James S. Maffitt 523 INDEX and W. H. Bartholomew), 194, 230, 231, 288. Maffitt, James S., 231, 238, 274, 401. "Magda," 434. "Maggie Murphy's Home" (song), 399, 409. "Magic Flute, The" (opera), 170, 171, 259. "Magic Flute, The" (pantomime), 33. "Maguinnis Cadets, The" (song), 205. Maguinnis, Daniel J., 136, Jgg, 144, 145, 151, 155, 166, 175, 176, 177, 180, 181, 183, 196, 200, 205, 211, 214, 215, 218, 221, 222, 223, 225, 226, 233, 237, 250, 253, 254, 256, 265, 266, 269, 275, 277, 283, 286, 290, 293, 294, 295, 296, 298, 300, 311, 314, 316, 325, 338, 348, 357, 358, 374. Maguire and Risley's Imperial Japanese Troupe, 134. Maguire, Thomas, 134. Malm's Comic Opera Company, 281. Mahoney, T., 243. "Maid and the Magpie, The." (See "La Gazza Ladra." "Maid of Mariendorpt, The," 48. "Maid's Tragedy, The," 64. Maime, La Petite, 155. Maine Memorial Monument Fund, 458. Majiltons, 180, 181, 184, 194. Maloney, J. J., 264. Malvina, Miss, 103. Mamert, Bibeyran, 286, 305, 342. "Man and Wife, or More Secrets than One" (by Arnold), 24, 25, 169. "Man and Wife" (by Wilkie Collins), 168, 240. Manchester and Jennings, 319. Mancinelli, Signor, 481, 482. " Maniac's Tear, The" (recitation), 164. "Mankind," 357, 374. Mann, Louis, 327, 475. Manners, Josephine, 61. Manni, Signor, 84. Manning, Rev. J. M., 146. "Man o' Airlie, The," 214. "Man of the World, A," 391. "Man of the World, The," 73. Manola, Marion, 354, 392, 412, 422. "Manon," 326. Mansfield, Richard, 202, 374, 401. Mantell, Robert Bruce, 344, 449. Mantelli, Mme., 468. "Man with the Iron Mask, The," 126. See "The Iron Mask." "Manxman, The," 422. Manzini, Constanza, 44. Mapleson, Colonel J. H., 258, 280, 299, 326, 446. Mapleson Opera Company. See Her Majes- ty's Opera Company. Mara, Frank, 330, 331. "Marble Heart, The," 46, 130, 195, 196. Marchesi, Clotilde, 184. Alarchesi, Signor, 317. Marchetti, Louise, 202. "March of the Silver Army," 305. Marden, Edward E., 418. Marechal, Mauree, 277. Maretzek, Max, 40, 48, 53, 225, 246. Maretzek, Mme. A. B., 234. "Margery," 417. "Margot," 99, 105, 160. "Marie Antoinette," 141, 150, 317, 473. Marie, Miss, 305, 314. Marie, Paola, 268. Marimon, Marie, 269. Mario, Signor (Cavaliere di Candia), 29, 34. Marion, George, 359, 466, 472. "Maritana," 28, 141, 326, 363. Markham, Lillian, 412. Markham, Pauline, 166, 190. Marlow and Dunham (Frank Marlow and Ben Dunham), 419. Marlowe, Julia (Sarah Frances Frost, Mrs. Robert Taber), 360, 373, 393, 402, 440, 442. Marlowe, Owen, 97. "Marriage of Figaro, The," 161, 170, 171, 259, 342. "Marriage of Jeannette, The," 331. "Married for Money," 62. "Married Life," 94, 226. Mars, Emma, 216. Marsh, Fanny (Mrs. Isaac B. Rich), 231. Marshall, Fred, 246. 524 INDEX Marshall, Mrs. Margaret, 49, 61, 71, 82, 112, 128. Marshall, Oriana, 50, 71, 82. Marshall, Wyzeman, 43, 64, 81, 99, 102, 103, 306. Marteau, Henri, 403. Martens Trio, 345. "Martha," 87, 108, 141, 170, 204, 220, 269, 300, 342, 359, 361, 389. Martin, Master, 183, 184, 210. Martin, Tom, 402. Martinetti, Mme., 78. Martinetti family, 78. Martinetti, Ignacio, 271, 416, 460, 461. Martinetti, Ignatius, 78. Martinetti, Julian, 78. Martinetti, Paul, 382. Martinetti, Master Paul, 78. Martinetti, Philippe, 78. Martinez, Isidora, 300, 320. Martinet, Sadie (Mrs. Fred Stinson, Mrs. Louis F. Nethersole), 433, 434, 442. "Martyrs, The," 80. Marvelle's Birds and Dogs, 367. Marvin, Helen, 474. "Mary Green" (song), 399. "Mary Stuart," 37, 131, 134, 140, 141, 150, 172, 229, 234, 239, 317, 473, 433. Marzetti, Mme., 32, 49, 64. Marzetti, Louis, 32, 49, 64. "Masaniello," 32, 154, 164. Mascagno, Ernesto, 237. Mascarino, Mile., 237. "Mascot, The," 290. Mascotti, Signor, 389. "Masked Ball, The" (opera), 87, 363. "Masked Ball, The" (play), 402. Maskell, Mrs. Adela Dauncey, 230. "Masks and Faces," 61, 64, 161, 206, 212. Mason, Adelaide Manola, 413. "Mason and Locksmith," 51. Mason and Slidell, 90. Mason, Charles Kemble, 81, 172. Mason, Edith, 459. Mason, John B., 363, 392, 412, 422, 464, 468. "Masque of Pandora, The," 278. Massachusetts Rifle Association, 241. Massachusetts Soldiers' Fund, 94. Massen, Louis, 434, 442, 451. Massenet, Jules, 326, 481. Massimiliani, Signor, 114, 122. Materna, Amalia, 320, 414. Mather, Cotton, 22. Mather, Margaret (Mrs. Emil Haberkorn, Mrs. Gustave Pabst), 310, 318, 319, 328, 343, 345, 354, 357, 360, 364, 455. Mathew, Father Theobald, 374. Mathews, Charles, 61. Mathias, Yrca (Mrs. Francois Ravel), 32. "Mathias Sandorf," 359. Mattfeld, Marie, 436, 448, 465, 479. Matthews and Bulger (J. Sherrie Matthews and Harry Bulger), 411, 465. Matthews, J. Sherrie, 421. Matweef Duo, 476. "Maud" (poem), 395. Maugin, Mons., 32. Maurel, Victor, 204, 468, 472. Maurer, Marie, 414, 424, 436. Maurice Grau's French Opera Company, 268. Maveroffer, Amalia, 408. Mawson, Edward II., 391. Max Maretzek's Grand Italian Opera, 192, 193, 202. Maxwell, Barry, 373. May, Edna (Edna May Petty, Mrs. Fred J. Titus), 455, 479. May Fiske's Blondes, 189. May, Olive (Mrs. Henry Guy Carleton), 463. Mayer, Ella (Mrs. JohnT. Craven), 295,297, 298, 314, 407. Mayo, Frank (Francis Maguire), 64, 118, 120, 121, 128, 130, 132, 152, 171, 182, 204, 211, 215, 234, 243, 280, 312, 320, 341, 365. Mayo, Mrs. Frank, 134. "Mazeppa," 86, 192. Mazuz-Abacco Arabs, 376. Mazzolini, Francisco, 105, 122, 132. M. B. Leavitt's Gigantean Minstrels, 284, 301. McAdoo, William, 363. McAndrews, J. W., 210. McAvoy, Dan, 442. 525 INDEX McCabe, Frank, 407. McCann, Geraldine, 416. McCarthy, Justin, 339, 344. McCarthy, Professor T., 226. McCarty, Lawrence J., 204, 245, 276, 292, 322, 389, 397, 418. McCaull Opera Company, 318, 328. McCollin, A. W. F., 281, 284. McConnell, H. B., 210. McCormack, Louis M., 283, 286. McCoy, James, 103. McCreery, Wallace, 281, 302. McCulloch, Isabel, 152, 264. McCullom, James C., 132, 154, 229. McCullough, John, 88, 98, 102, 224, 269, 241, 251, 253, 259, 265, 288, 292, 293, 298, 309, 310. McDonough, John, 276. McElroy, J.