History of the American Theatre (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1833. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXIII. Boston Theatre, autumn of 1798 -- Names of Performers there engaged--Mrs. S. Powell -- Mr. Villiers--New-York Theatre-- Sterne's Maria, or the Vintage--The Natural Daughter-- Great Success of The Stranger--Lovers' Vows--Count Benyowski--Schiller's Don Carlos--Biography of Schiller. In the mean time, Boston being free from pestilence, Mr. Hodgkinson had the good fortune to find profitable employment for himself, his family, and the company he had engaged. It appears that he gave dissatisfaction as a manager, by raising the price of admission to the pit from 50 to 75 cents. As an apology he stated that, in 1797, he had lost 5000 dollars by his theatrical business in Boston. On the 13th of November he advertises the pit admission at 50 cents again. The company consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Hodgkinson; Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock; Mr. and Mrs. S. Powell; Mrs. Brett; Miss Brett; Mr. and Mrs. Harper; Mr. Williamson (the singer); Mr. Chalmers; Mr. Turnbull; Mr. Simpson (Irish Simpson); Mr. Munto; Mr. Helmbold;Mr. Kedy; Mr. Price; Mr. Homer; Mr. Villiers; Mr. Kenny; Mr. Lathy; Miss Solomon; Miss S. Solomon; Miss Harding; and Mrs. King. Of the most important personages in this list we have already spoken, except Mrs. S. Powell. This lady's early history is unknown to us. She came to this country as Miss Harrison in the first company that played in the Federal Street theatre, Boston. She was an elegant woman, and a good actress. She was exemplary in her social duties, and, if now living, enjoys competency and all the fruits of prudence and virtue. She filled respectably the highest lines of tragedy and comedy, and will long live in the memories of the public of Boston, as well as in the affections of those who knew her private worth. Mr. Villiers was the l...