As of 12/04/2007
Chronology - THE NATIONAL THEATRE - 1835 -Present
This record is a work in progress.
List A: A first
computerized partial listing of titles of attractions at the National Theatre
was assembled by General Manager Richard Schneider about 1987, apparently from
playbills.
List B: A
second more elaborate computer listing from 1982 included dates, titles, and
some performer annotation. This list
included many performances other than those at the National, and seems to be
the record of one east-coast theatre-goer's programs beginning in 1943.
Personal Recollection: On a regular basis, individuals report specific
information which they know of "first-hand." We are told, for example, that Billie Burke,
Al Jolson and Chita Rivera are all "Washingtonians." Chita attended Haywood School here.
Compilation of information Further work
was done by President Donn B. Murphy, and Archivist Thomas S. Shorebird, from
1988 through 1993. Dr. Murphy and
Anthony Stewart made entries from 1993 through 1997. Where only the year and not the specific play
dates of attractions are known, they are listed prior to dated attractions,
except when January play-dates make it clear that the undated attractions were
later in the year.
Work to incorporate material
from other files into a comprehensive chronology was done by voluteer
archivists Melvin Goldberg, Bayla White, Mary Haley, Elaine Kolodny and Celia
Shapiro over a multi-year period beginning in 2000.
SN refers
to Stage for a Nation, Lee, Meersman, Murphy, 1985, the official history
of The National.
HNNT refers to History
of the New National Theatre by Alexander Hunter and J. H. Polkinhorn, November, 1954
ON refers
to a series of orange notebooks containing information taken from the files of
the Washington Historical Society on productions at the National beginning in
1835. Information culled from The
Intelligencer newspaper files of the Martin Luther King Library. There are no program files for these entries.
PRODUCTIONS AT DATES
UNKNOWN
List A notes: "Undated playbills [or other references]
were found for all of [the next listed] shows.
Further research is needed to ascertain whether these are the same as
already dated shows or other [scheduled bookings]." The shows whose booking dates are
un-ascertained are listed below. Dates
of at least one engagement are listed after those which have been located.
BALLETS ESPANGNOL: TERESA AND
LUISILLO
BILLIE TAYLOR
BLUE BEARD AND THE HEATHEN
CHINEE
FORGOTTEN FACTOR, THE
HOW TO MAKE HOME HAPPY
MIRIAM WINSLOW AND HER
DANCERS
PINK DOMINOES – based on the
poem by Rudyard Kipling, circa 1888
SHARPS AND FLATS (1800's?)
TEN COMMANDMENTS, THE (Film)
TWO KEYS, THE
VILLAR'S DRAGOONS
ZANDER THE GREAT, April 2, ???,
Alice Brady and Jerome Patrick. Comedy
by Salisbury Field, produced by Charles Frohman
1834
August, 1834
Offer
to receive bids for the construction of the theatre appears in The
Intelligencer.(SN, p. 20) The
construction eventually cost in excess of $40,000. SN p. 37. Originally, it was planned to build the
theatre on Capitol Hill, but subsequently the location at 1321 E Street, NW,
later to become 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, was selected.
September 17, 1834
Stock
Company formed to finance the theatre.
Members of the founding board included William Wilson Corcoran, William
Brent, Cornelius McLean, Jr., Henry Randall, Richard Smith and George
Gibson. Brent was the brother of
Washington's first mayor. Both Brent and
McLean had run for mayor. (SN, p. 26)
1835
November 3rd, 1835
Meeting
of the Stockholders.
Maywood,
Rowbotham, Pratt, proprietors of the Chestnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia,
signed on as lessees.
December 7, 1835, Monday
THE
NATIONAL THEATRE OPENS at 7:00 p.m.
The
National Theatre opened in its first building.
The National Intelligencer had announced that “The lovers of the
drama will be pleased to learn that this new and beautiful theatre will
certainly open on Monday next.... The
construction ... is admirable, both for its commodiousness and for seeing and
hearing.” President Andrew Jackson was
present.
Lessee:
R.C. Maywood & Co. Acting and stage
manager: Mr. Ward from the Theatre Edinburgh and the Haymarket Theatre,
London. Stage machinery: Mr. Varden.
Lighting fixtures by Mr. Cornelius of Philadelphia. Artist of the painting in the dome of the
theatre: Mr. Duke White of New York.
Artist of Scenery: Mr. Carr.
Admission:
First tier of boxes and parquette: $1; second tier, $.50; third tier $.50; gallery
$.25; gallery for people of color $.25.
Box office hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00
p.m. Box office manager, Mr. Green
MAN OF THE WORLD a comedy starring
Mr. Maywood
and TURN
OUT a musical, in which Mrs. Jefferson, as Marian Ramsey, sang “I Am
Marian Ramsey.”
Best
Original Prize Poetical Address spoken on Opening Night by Mrs. Hughes. The
poem was written by Mr. Vose of Baltimore who received a $50 prize.
For
complete program see SN, p. 21
December 8, 1835, Tuesday
THE
STRANGER -- starring Miss Emma
Wheatley as Mrs. Haller
December 9, 1835, Wednesday
HAMLET starring Mr. James Wallack and Miss Emma Wheatley
The second attraction at The National was Junius Brutus
Booth in “Hamlet” and “Othello”
December 11, 1835 [ON]
THE
WONDER – comedy by Mrs.
Lentlivre. Starring Emma Wheatley and
James Wallack.
December 15, 1835 [ON]
SCHOOL
FOR SCANDAL – by Richard Brinsley
Sheridan. Starring Emma Wheatley and
James Wallack.
December 16, 1835 [ON]
BERTRAM,
SPRING AND AUTUMN – by Maturin
(??). Starring Emma Wheatley and James
Wallack.
December 18, 1835 [ON]
THE
DRAMATIST, RAISING THE WIND –
comedies. Starring Emma Wheatley.
December 19, 1835 [ON]
THE
WAY TO GET MARRIED, GRETNA GREEN –
by Mr. Rogers.
December 22, 1835 [ON]
LAUGH
WHEN YOU CAN, HUNTER OF THE ALPS –
comedies
December 23, 1835 [ON]
SECRETS
WORTH KNOWING and LESSONS FOR LOVERS
– comedies. Starring Emma Wheatley and
Mr. Ball.
December 25, 1835 [ON]
ENGLISHMEN
IN INDIA, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE WASHINGTON, HUNTER OF THE ALPS – comedies.
Starring Mr. Ball and Mrs. Jefferson.
December 28, 1835 [ON]
UNCLE
JOHN, THE TURNPIKE GATE, JOHN JONES
– comedy. Starring Mr. William Burton,
later stage manager of the National.
December 29, 1835 [ON]
POOR
GENTLEMEN, THE MUMMY –
comedy. Starring Mr. William Burton.
December 30, 1835 [ON]
SECOND
THOUGHTS, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE WASHINGTON, FORTY WINKS – comedies. Starring Mr. William Burton.
December
THE IRISH AMBASSADOR
1836
January 1 through 7 1836 [ON]
JOHN
REEVE -- Starring in Paul Pry,
1-5, Sweethearts and Wives, The Wreck Ashore, The
Married Bachelor, A Trip to Bath and The Rivals.
January 8 through January 12,
1836 [ON]
HERR
CLINE, rope dancer appeared.
January 13, 1836 [ON]
ROB
ROY; THE DEAD SHOT – Starring Mrs.
Rogers.
January 14, 1836 [ON]
DOUGLAS;
THE GOLDEN FARMER – Starring Mrs.
Rogers and Mr. Cline.
January 15, 1836 [ON]
CRAMOND
BRIG; THE BATH ROAD – Starring
Mr. Cline and Mr. Maywood.
January 16, 1836 [ON]
THE
WHEEL OF FORTUNE; THE TWO FRIENDS
– Starring Mr. Maywood and Mr. Lewellen.
January 18, 1836 [ON]
BRIDE
OF LAMMERMOOR; LOVE IN HUMBLE LIFE
– Starring Mr. Maywood and Mr. Knight.
January 19, 1836 [ON]
HAMLET;
IS HE JEALOUS – Starring Mr.
Abbott.
January 20, 1836 [ON]
VENICE
PRESERVED; HONEST THIEVES
January 21, 1836 [ON]
THE
GAMESTER; THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS –
Starring Mrs. Lanchanten
January 22, 1836 [ON]
FOUNDLING
OF THE FORREST; A MUSICAL MELANGE
– Starring Mr. Maywood.
January 23, 1836 [ON]
THE EXILE; A MUSICAL MELANGE; THE WEATHERCOCK – Starring Mr. Abbott, Mr. Taylor
January 25, 1836 [ON]
THE
KING’S FOOL; THE EXILE – Starring
Mr. Ward and Mr. Abbott.
January 26, 1836 [ON]
ADELGITHA;
TURN OUT – Starring Mrs. Duff.
January 27, 1836 [ON]
THE
STRANGER; THE WEATHERCOCK –
Starring Mr. Abbott.
January 28, 1836 [ON]
THE
GAMESTER; THE DAY AFTER THE WEDDING
– Starring Mr. Abbott.
January 29, 1836 [ON]
ISABELLA;
THE EXILE – Starring Mrs. Duff
and Mr. Abbott.
January 30, 1836 [ON]
PIZARRO;
THE LOTTERY TICKET – Starring Mr.
Ward.
February 1, 1836 [ON]
JANE
SHORE; MERCHANT OF VENICE; SIMPSON & CO. – Starring Mr. Abbott.
February 2, 1836 [ON]
DARK
February 3, 1836 (LOC) 3RD act of HAMLET;
2ND acto of MUCH A DO ABOUT NOTHING; last tow acts of Hunchback; and last act of ROMEO
and JULIET
February 4, 1836 (LOC)
GEORGE
BARNWELL OR THE LONDON MERCHANT program
concludes with the laughable farce SIMPSON & CO.
February 5, 1836 (LOC)
FOUNDLING
OF THE FOREST OR THE UNKNOWN FEMALE. Program concludes with the laughable farce THE
SIAMESE TWINS
February 6, 1836 (LOC)
POCAHONTAS
OR THE FIRST SETTLERS OF VIRGINIA
-- written by George Washington Parke Custis – first native playwright to have
is play produced at the National. Many
original Indian artifacts provided by Commissioner of the Indian Bureau. Directed by the author, Music by Mr. Diehman,
Scenery by Mr. Duke White, Machinery by Mr. Windom, Dress by Mr. Leck, and
Property by Mr. Hogan. Program concludes
with the laughable farce LOTTERY TICKET.
February 8, 1836 (LOC)
POCAHONTAS Program
concludes with the laughable farce THE SIAMESE TWINS
February 9, 1836 (LOC)
POCAHONTAS
OR THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. Program concludes with the DR. VALENTINE with
his celebrated eccentricities and with the laughable farce LOVE IN A HUMBLE LIFE
February 10, 1836 (LOC)
POCAHONTAS Program
concludes with DR. VALENTINE as
Abe Kushman; and the laughable farce THE INNKEEPER BRIDE
February 11, 1836 (LOC)
POCAHANTAS;
Program concludes with DR.
VALENTINE; and the laughable farce THE RENDEZVOUS
February 12, 1836 [ON]
RICHARD
III starring Junius Brutus Booth Program. Concludes with the laughable
farce THE SIAMESE TWINS
February 13, 1836 (LOC)
OTHELLO; – Starring Junius Brutus Booth as Iago. Program concludes with the laughable farce Simpson
& CO.
February 15, 1836 (LOC)
A
NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS Starring
Junius Brutus Booth as Sir Giles Overreach. Program concudes with POCAHONTAS. The evenings performances are a benefit for
Mr. Booth.
February 16, 1836 (LOC)
VIRGINIUS
or the ROMAN FATHER Starring Mr. Oxley the celebrated native
tragedian. Program concludes with POCAHONTAS – Starring Mr. Oxley.
February 18, 1836 (LOC)
DEAD
SHOT – Starring Mr. Oxley.
February 19, 1836 (LOC)
WILLIAM
TELL or THE PATRIOT OF
SWITZERLAND – Starring Mr. Oxley as William Tell and Mrs Rogers as
Albert, Mr. Tell’s son. Program
concludes with POCAHONTAS
February 20, 1836 (LOC)
THE
TRAGEDY OF BRUTUS – Starring Mr.
Oxley. Program concludes with
THERESE. The evenings performances are a
benefit for Mr. Oxley.
February 22, 1836 (LOC)
In
celebration of the National Festival of the 22nd of February.
JOAN OF ARC or the MAID OF ORLEANS;
ODE TOT HE BIRTHDAY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, written by
George Washington Parke Custis and delivered by Mrs. Hughes; SIMPSON & CO.; and THE
LAUNCH OF THE COLUMBIA or AMERICA’S BLUE JACKETS
February 24, 1836 (LOC)
THE TRAGEDY OF DOUGLAS, THE NOBEL SHEPHERD
- Starring Mr. Rogers ; THE LAUNCH
OF THE COLUMBIA; and the laughable farce FORTUNE’S FROLIC.
or THE PLOUGHMAN
TURNED LORD.
February 25, 1836 (LOC)
RICHARD III or THE BATTLE OF BOSWORTH
FIELD – Starring Junius Brutus Booth; THE LAUNCH
OF THE COLUMBIA .
February 26, 1836 (LOC)
MERCHANT
OF VENICE– Starring Junius Brutus
Booth as Ssylock. Program concludes with THE SIAMESE TWINS
February 27, 1836 (LOC)
THE
IRON CHEST written by Mr. Coleman
and starring Junius Brutus Booth as Sir Edward Mortimer. Program concludes with the laughable farce UNCLE
SAM.
February 29, 1836 (LOC)
KING
LEAR – Starring Junius Brutus
Booth. A DREAM AT SEA - a new drama produced at the Adelphi
Theater in London; and last scene of THE LAUNCH OF COLUMBIA
March 1, 1836 [ON]
JOAN
OF ARC; A DREAM AT SEA
March 2, 1836 [ON]
TOWN
AND COUNTRY; THE REVIEW –
Starring Junius Brutus Booth.
March 3, 1836 [ON]
A
DREAM AT SEA; JOAN OF ARC
March 4, 1836 [ON]
PONTIAC;
TURN OUT
March 5, 1836 [ON]
PONTIAC;
A DREAM AT SEA
March 7, 1836 [ON]
PONTIAC;
A DREAM AT SEA
March 8, 1836 [ON]
LUKE
THE LABORER; THE LAUNCH OF THE COLUMBIA – Starring Mr. Rogers.
March 9, 1836 [ON]
THE
FRENCH SPY; LA BAYADERE; THE LOTTERY TICKET
March 10, 1836 [ON]
THE
FRENCH SPY; LA BAYADERE; UNCLE SAM
March 11, 1836 [ON]
THE
FRENCH SPY; THE LAUNCH OF THE COLUMBIA; UNCLE SAM
March 12, 1836 [ON]
WIZARD
SKIFF; LUKE THE LABORER; GRAND OPERA
March 14 through March 26,
1836 [ON]
MADAME
CELINE CELESTE stars in a series
of melodramas and other productions, relying primarily on pantomine. Performances include Wept of
Wish-Ton-Wish; Dead Shot; Danse des Folies; The Bath Road; The Wizard Skiff;
Perfection; the Greek Pirate Dance; Wild Arab Dance; La Bayadere; The Death
Plank; The French Spy; Moorish Page; Two Friends; Grand Opera Dance; Golden
Farmer; Grand Ballet Dance; Victoire; Man and Wife; A Musical Olio; The Old
Gentleman.
March 28 through April 5,
1836 [ON]
JOHN
REEVE starring in 1-5, Laugh
When You Can; Catching An Heiress; The Bold Dragoons; Three and the Deuce;
Love, Law and Physic; The Rivals, The Weathercock; The Wreck Ashore; The Young
Widow; Tom and Jerry; Where Shall I Dine?; Cupid the God of Love; Raising the
Wind; Quadrapeds
April 7, 1836 [ON]
POCAHONTAS;
OLIO; THE WEPT OF THE WISH-TON-WISH
April 8, 1836 [ON]
THE
FOUNDLING OF THE FOREST; UNCLE SAM
April 9, 1836 [ON]
A
DREAM AT SEA; THE DEAD SHOT
April 11, 1836 [ON]
MONTGOMERIE;
SIAMESE TWINS
April 12, 1836 [ON]
MONTGOMERIE;
LOVE IN HUMBLE LIFE
April 13, 1836
THE
FLIGHT OF MERCURY; MONTGOMERIE; PERFECTION
April 14, 1836 [ON]
THE
FLIGHT OF MERCURY; MAN AND WIFE; PERFECTION
April 15, 1836 [ON]
MONTGOMERIE;
THE RENDEZVOUS
April 16, 1836 [ON]
THE
GOLDEN FARMER; THE CARNIVAL OF VENICE; IS HE JEALOUS
April 18, 1836 [ON]
THE
OLD GENTLEMAN; THE GAMBLER’S FATE; WHERE SHALL I DINE
April 19, 1836 [ON]
JOHN
BULL; THE ASSASSIN FATHER
April 20, 1836 [ON]
SWEETHEARTS
AND WIVES
April 21. 1836 [ON]
MARRIED LIFE; ILLUSTRIOUS STRANGER
April 22, 1836 [ON]
SPEED
THE PLOUGH; THE HYPOCRITE; HIDE AND SEEK
April 23, 1836 [ON]
TYLNEY
HALL; THE ACTOR OF ALL WORK; SECOND THOUGHTS
April 25, 1836 [ON]
GUY
MANNERING; BOAT DUET; THE SPOILED CHILD – Starring Mr. Taylor and Miss Watson
April 27, 1836 [ON]
THE
LORD OF THE MANOR; BAOT DUET; NO SONG, NO SUPPER – Starring Mrs. Watson and Miss Watson
April 28, 1836 [ON]
JOHN
OF PARIS; DOAT DUET; THE SPOILED CHILD – Starring Miss Watson.
April 29, 1836 [ON]
GUY
MANNERING; BOAT DUET; NO –
Starring Miss Watson
April 30, 1836 [ON]
THE
MARRIAGE OF FIGARO; BOAT DUET; NO
May 2, 1836 [ON]
LORD
OF THE MANOR; BOAT DUET; ON THE MOUNTAIN HIGH; OLD AND YOUNG – Starring Miss Watson
May 3, 1836 [ON]
THE
PET OF THE PETTICOATS; BOAT DUET; SIMPSON AND CO. – Starring Miss Watson
May 4, 1836 [ON]
THE
HAWKS OF HAWK HOLLOW; CROSSING THE LINE
A
stock company actress sang "Huzza for Liberty and Texas" as Sam
Houston awaited Santa Ana on the River Brazos.
May 5, 1836 [ON]
GAMBLERS
FATE; THE YOUNG WIDOW
May 6, 1835 [ON]
JANE
SHORE; CROSSING THE LINE
May 7, 1835 [ON]
GREEN
EYED MONSTER; VALENTINE AND ORSON
May 9, 1836 [ON]
ROMEO
AND JULIET; THREE AND THE DEUCE
May 10, 1836 [ON]
ALL
IN THE WRONG; JOE MILLER
May 11. 1836 [ON]
PIZARRO;
WEATHERCOCK
May 12, 1836 [ON]
HUSBAND
AND WIVES; THE HUNTER OF THE ALPS; WHERE SHALL I DINE?
May 13, 1836 [ON]
MACBETH;
THE YOUNG WIDOW
May 14, 1836 [ON]
Mr. Thomas Ward (Manager)
SPEED THE PLOUGH; FAREWELL ADDRESS; GREEN-EYED
MONSTER a farce
This production closed the theatre for the summer.
December 7, 1836
Opening
of the second fall/spring season
Mr.
Walton joins Mr. Ward as co-manager.
Miss
V. Monier, an actress, becomes manager.
The
National's company sang a pre-Irving Berlin "God Bless America" to
open the season. SN p. 36
1837
DENOUNCER
THE TRAGEDY OF BIANCA VICOUNTI
PONTIAC -- by General Alexander Macomb, then commanding the
armies of the United States. The Marine
Corps was utilized in the production.
September 1837
THE
MOUNTAIN SYLPH "as grand
melo-dramatic spectacle" starring Annette Nelson. The performance is attended by native
American chiefs and members of the Sioux, Iowa, Sacs and Foxes nations who had
come to the capital to negotiate treaties.
They sat together in the front rows, and impulsively presented their
headdresses to Miss Nelson. (c.f. SN, p. 16)
September 18, 1837
HONEYMOON
and CLARI, MAID OF MILAN –
Starring Josephine Clifton. Thomas Ward,
the National Theatre’s manager played opposite Miss Clifton in Honeymoon.
September 19, 1837
AGNES
DE VERE – melodrama starring Mr.
Hill.
1838
Mr.
Ward resumed management in absence of Miss Monier on a starring trip to
Europe. She returned in 1841 to resume
management of the National Theatre.
James
Henry Hackett played Falstaff sometime during the year.
1840
Mr.
Ward and Mr. Wilson (Managers)
German
danseuse Fanny Essler appeared at theatre. Women stripped off their jewelry and
men their rings and watch chains to fling them onto the stage as Essler
"stood a veritable Danae in this shower of gold." (c.f.
SN, p.36)
1841
Ms.
V. Monier (Manager) returned from Europe tour.
1842
Mr.
Ward (Manager)
May 31, 1842 [xerox only]
MR.
MARBLE appearing in The Yankee
in Time (a drama) and All the World’s a Stage (a comedy), preceded by the
one-act farce Advice Gratis
June 1, 1842 [xerox only]
MR.
MARBLE appearing in two comedies Jonathan
in England and The Vermonter.
1843
Mr.
Hield, Mr. Tuthill, Mr. Collins and Mr. Donaldson reopen the theatre after
repairing and repainting the auditorium and installing new lamps. SN p.
36. L. M. Emery then became manager.
Early
in 1843 the theatre was converted into a circus by the removal of the parquet
seating and the orchestra. The circus
season, starring the India Rubber Man as the main attraction, was short-lived. SN p. 37.
THE STRANGER - drama starring Miss Palm and
Mister Sinclair
1844
Theatre
Sold to: General Van Ness, Hon. Benjamin Ogle Tayloe, Richard Smith for
$13,500.
Lessee: Mr. S. M. Emery, S. M. Emery, J. W. Vandenhoff.
January 24, 1844 [no program
file]
JACK
NONPARIEL – title role played by “the
inimitable Burton.” Farewelll benefit
to mark the departure of Mr. Ward as manager.
February 11, 1844 [no program
file]
THE
HUNCHBACK – Starring Miss
Hildreth. Theatre reopened under
management of Mr. Hield.
March 6, 1844 [no program
file]
DOUGLAS -- marking the departure as manager of Mr.
Hield. He appeared in this farewell
benefit.
The National was leased by Mr. Rodney, he soon abandoned
the theatre.
THEATRE CLOSED FOR TEN
MONTHS.
December 25, 1844
OLE
BULL – Norwegian violinist,
played two nights. An Alabama
Congressman who became abusive, was evicted.
SN, p. 34.
1845
January 4, 1845 [Rapley file]
N.A.
HOWES EQUESTRIAN TROUPE
January 10, 1845
Mr.
William E. Burton, Lessee of the Philadelphia and Baltimore theatres, announced
that he had leased the National Theatre
March 4, 1845
President
Polk Inaugural Ball was held in The National Theatre. Henry Clay and 11 other Whig candidates
refuse to attend.
March 5, 1845
FIRE: THE CONGO MELODISTS from Boston in THE
STAR-STRUCK NIGGER.
Theatre
burned between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. The
fire began in the "oil room" backstage while the performance was in
progress. No injuries resulted. Only the bare walls were left standing. William E. Burton was lessee at this
time. Rebuilding will take six years. (Wash
Star 2-3-63; SN, pp 31 plate, 37).
1845 to 1850
THEATRE STOOD AS AN EMPTY BLACKENED SHELL.
1850
The
"SECOND NATIONAL": To
present Jenny Lind, Willard of Willard's Hotel and "Land Admiral"
Reeside purchased the blackened shell and hurriedly rebuilt the theatre to
accommodate 3,500 patrons.
Theatre
renamed THE NEW NATIONAL HALL.
December 16 and 17, 1850
JENNY LIND IN CONCERT presented by Phineas
T. Barnum
The
"entire Washington police force" was required to protect Jenny Lind
"The Swedish Nightingale" at the National. President and Mrs. Millard Fillmore attended
both concerts. Senator Daniel Webster
and Senator Henry Clay attended the opening.
Webster sang with the star during part of one song. The President and other luminaries sat in
special chairs at the front of the orchestra. Tickets ranged from $3 to $7. SN,
p. 38
Jenny Lind's performance grossed $15,385.60
Willard and Reeside (Managers)
Business
Manager: Jas. E. Welsh
Willard
and Reeside sold the theatre.
1851
January, 1851
THE
"SECOND NATIONAL" COLLAPSES
Manager
Rufus Welch remodels the theatre as a circus for a French equestrian
troupe. Prior to the first performance a
30-foot-long section of 6-tiered seating on the west side of the building
collapsed, carrying at least 100 people 16 feet into the basement. Injuries were reportedly only "bruises
of no serious importance." (This
was evidently an era of little negligence litigation.) The audience remained and the performance, an
equestrian troupe supported by Monsieur W.F. Wallet (an "intellectual
clown" who gave comic speeches on women's rights and mesmirism) went on.
[SN, p. 39].
The
theatre closed again in less than a week.
E.A.
Marshall, proprietor also of the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelpia and the
Broadway Theatre in New York, leased the National.
THEATRE
"STRONGLY REBUILT AND ENTIRELY REMODELED."
The
theater was renamed the National Theatre, with a seating capacity of 3,000 and
room for an additional 1,000 seats in the aisles for spectators. Box tickets were priced at $6, with
orchestra, reserved seats in the dress circle and parquet sections at 75 cents.
The family circle, gallery, and third tier remained a quarter. [SN, p.40]
December 15 through December
20, 1851 [no program file]
THE
HUNCHBACK – by Sheridan
Knowles. The audience for the
performance included President and Mrs. Fillmore, Daniel Webster and other
dignitaries. [SN, p.40]
LONDON ASSURANCE -- by Dion
Boucicault. Starring Julia Dean
LOLA MONTEZ danced and drew full houses of
men only.
MACBETH starring Charlotte Cushman as Lady Macbeth.
Edwin Forrest packed 4,000 patrons in on his last night
at the National.
1852
Lessee:
E. A. Marshall
Saturday October 31, 1852,
poster
1. UNCLE
TOM'S CABIN based on the novel of Harriet Beecher Stowe
2. AGNES DE
VERE