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First Theater in America / When was the drama first introduced in America? An inquiry, including a consideration of the objections that have been made to the stage. cover

First Theater in America / When was the drama first introduced in America? An inquiry, including a consideration of the objections that have been made to the stage.

Chapter 9: CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT.
By Charles P. Daly
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About This Book

The author investigates competing claims about when drama first appeared in America, challenging the attribution to the Hallam company and marshaling Colonial newspaper evidence for earlier performances. He cites an advertisement implying a playhouse in New York in 1733, recounts the 1750 arrival of a Kean and Murray troupe that obtained gubernatorial permission and converted a Nassau Street room into a theater, and describes its layout, ticketing, and capacity. The paper preserves its original text and concludes with a supplement summarizing additional findings uncovered after the initial presentation.

CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT.

Before the close of the season, Kean, the joint manager, withdrew, announcing in a formal card to the public that he had resolved to quit the stage, by the advice of several gentlemen in town who were his friends, and follow his employment of writing; that his co-manager, Mr. Murray, had agreed to give him a night clear of all expenses for his half of the clothes and scenery of the play-house, and that by his Excellency the Governor’s permission he would, on the following Monday evening, enact the part of King Richard III. for his benefit, being the last time of his appearance upon the stage. On the Monday following, April 29, 1751, the performance for his benefit was changed to “The Busybody” and “The Virgin Unmasked,” and in announcing the change he informs the public, as an additional attraction, that there will be singing by Mr. Woodham, and particularly the celebrated ode called “Britons’ Charter,” closing with this appeal: “As this will positively be the last time of Mr. Kean’s appearing upon the stage, he honestly hopes all gentlemen and ladies, and others who are his well wishers, will be so kind as to favor him with their company.”