History of Chicago. From the earliest period to the present time, Part 134

Author: Andreas, Alfred Theodore
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 1340

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"In conclusion, allow me to name Thursday evening the 1Sth inst., for my benefit, if that night will coincide with the views of those friends who have so kindly interested themselves on the occa- sion. I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant,

" ALEX. MCKENZIE.

"CHICAGO THEATER, October 11, 1838."

With characteristic generosity, the company no sooner learned of the public desire to compliment Mr. Mckenzie than they united in tendering their services on that occasion. In behalf of the company the follow- ing note was transmitted to the beneficiary:

"CHICAGO THEATER, October 10, 1838.

" MR. MCKENZIE-Sir: Having been informed that the citi- zens of this place propose testifying their respect for the ability with which you have conducted the interests of the theater, by a complimentary benefit, the members of your company avail them- selves of this opportunity to express their sense of your gentle- manly conduct as a manager, and the kindness they have received . at your hands, by respectfully tendering their gratuitous services on the above occasion. Allow us to congratulate you on the able manner in which you have surmounted your many difficulties. In conclusion we sincerely hope that prosperity may ever attend the establisher of the drama in the 'Far West.'

" Yours truly, H. LEICESTER, " G. C. GERMON, " T. SANKEY, " For the Company."

On the evening of the benefit performance, Mr. Mckenzie issued the following play-bill:

CHICAGO THEATER. - MR. MCKENZIE'S HENEFIT. MR. MCKENZIE

Respectfully announces that, in compliance with a wish very gene- rally expressed by his fellow-citizens of Chicago, he is induced to announce his Beneht, which will take place on

Thursday Evening. October IS, 1838,

When will be presented Sir E. L. Bulwer's play, in 5 acts, entitled THE LADY LYONS ! Or, Love and l'ride.

Claude Melnotte. Mr. I.vicester. Mr. Warren.

Brausant

Glavis. . Mr. Germon.

J. Jay Stuart, ITiram Pearsons, John Calhoun,

E. Manierre, W. Wright, Thomas Davis,

Clifford S. Phillips,

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HISTORY OF CHICAGO.

Col. Damas . Mr. Sankey.

Deschappelles Mr. Wright.

Gaspar ..

.Mr. Burk.

Officer

Pauline. . . Mr. Watts.

Mrs. Ingersoll.

Madame Deschappelles . Mrs. Jefferson.

Widow Melnotte .. Mrs. McKenzie.

After the play, MASTER J. JEFFERSON will sing the comic song of

" Lord Lovel and Lady Nancy."

Mr. Germon will sing for the first time

" The Hunters of Kentucky."

The evening's Entertainment to conclude with, first time here, THE TWO FRIENDS.

Ambrose

. Mr. Sankcy.

Herbert ..

Mr. Leicester.

Valentine . Mr. Warren.

Elinor. Mrs. Ingersoll.

Rose. . Mrs. Mckenzie.

The curtain will rise at 7 precisely.

The box plan is in charge of Mr. W. H. Davis (at the store of Mr. Hatch on Lake Street), who has consented to act as treasurer on this occasion, where seats and tickets may be procured.

The name of Mrs. Germon does not appear in the foregoing bill, but that lady, then a bride and only sev- enteen years of age, was here in 1838.

The Jeffersons were the parents of Joseph Jeffer- son, famous now for his impersonation of "Rip Van Winkle," and characters in standard comedy. The elder Jefferson and his wife were, it is needless to ob- serve, among the foremost actors of the time.

In a letter addressed to Manager J. H. McVicker, bearing date Christmas, 1SS2, written from St. Louis, Joseph Jefferson, Jr., gave these facts:

" My father and his family arrived in Chicago, by way of the lakes, in a steamer, somewhere about May, in the year 1838. He came to join Alexander Mc- Kenzie (my uncle) in the management of his new the- ater. * * * The new theater was quite the pride of the city, and the idol of the manager; for it had one tier of boxes, and a gallery at the back. I don't think the seats of the dress-circle were stuffed, but I am almost sure that they were planed. The company consisted of H. Leicester, William Warren, James Wright, Charles Burk, Joseph Jefferson, Thomas Sankey, William Childs, Harry Isherwood, artist, Joseph Jefferson, Jr., Mrs. Mckenzie, Mrs. Jefferson (my mother), Mrs. In- gersoll and Mrs. Jane Germon. I was the comic singer of this party, and 'small first villager ; ' now and then doing duty as a Roman senator, at the back, wrapped in a clean hotel sheet, with my head just peering over the profile banquet tables. I was just nine years old. I was found useful as Albert, Duke of York. In those days the audience used to throw money on the stage, either for comic songs or dances. And, oh ! (with that thoughtful prudence which has characterized my after life) how I used to lengthen out the verses. The stars during the season were: Mrs. McCluer, Dan Marble, and A. A. Adams. Some of the plays acted were: ' Lady of Lyons,' . The Stranger,' ' Rob Roy,' ' Damon and Pythias,' . Wives as they Were,' and . Sam Patch.' * * * The city then had from three thousand to four thousand inhabitants; and I can remember following my father along the shore, when he went hunting on what is now Michigan Avenue." * *

It is probable that the season began on or about May 20, but as Chicago was then unable to support a theater during the quiet months of winter, when transient ous- tom was light, the company ceased its labors soon after Mr. Kenzie's benefit. The company was taken to other towns, an itinerant season being indulged in. William Warren states that they visited Galena, Alton, and sev- eral places, traveling in open wagons. The weather was severe, and the rides were far from comfortable. During the winter of 1838-39 no theater was main- tained here. In those days " stars " traveled without companies, depending on stock support.

A circus performance was licensed by the Council October 3, 1838, on the application of John Miller & Co. A tax of $5.00 per night was imposed.

There is no mention of further dramatic entertain- ments by the local papers until the spring of 1839. The Daily American of April 17 editorially observed:

" Alexander Mckenzie, Esq., the former worthy and enterprising manager of the theatrical company which have heretofore exhibited in this city, with so much credit and general satisfaction, has obtained a license from the Common Council to start his theater again. on payment of $75, provided no fireworks are allowed in his theatrical exhibitions. We think that the special committee who reported in favor of the license have shown good sense and a practical philosophical view of such matters. We are aware that theaters are obnoxious to a respectable and intelligent part of every community. but they are permitted, and must be permitted, on the ground of general expediency, if for no other reason."

The sentiment against theatrical performances was a pronounced bar to financial success at that time, for the fickle goddess of fashion did not ordain the propriety of general attendance. It was not deemed wholly proper for ladies to attend, and patronage came largely from the transient element of society, which was at- tracted here during the summer months by the induce- ments for speculation.

In the issue of May 13, 1839, the American pub- lished an announcement that Messrs. Mckenzie & Jef- ferson, who had succeeded to the business of Messrs. Isherwood & Mckenzie, were then on their way to Chica- go, with a " popular " company, to spend the summer months, if sufficient encouragement was extended then. Mr. Jefferson, the elder, was then the stage manager, and to his skill and admirable judgment is attributed the prosperity, or at least the artistic excellence, of the season of IS39. Quoting from the American of May 13, it is ascertained that the firm possessed " a substantial and pleasant theater in this place, and one is erecting in Galena, to be completed in the fall. When theaters are conducted so as 'to shoot folly as it flies,' if they are not always successful in their design ' to raise the genius and to mend the heart,' they still perform a valuable service in a very pleasant manner; and people will, in spite of cynics and moralizers to the contrary, lend them the light of their countenance."

On the roth of August, 1839, the American stated that " Mr. Jefferson, the worthy actor, is now in Chi- cago, preparing entirely new scenery, and otherwise fit- ting up and improving the theater building for the ar- rival of the [Illinois Theatrical | Company, * It is * expected here in a short time, to remain during the fall, for the entertainment of the theater-going public."

The American of August 30 said: " The Illinois Theatrical Company re-open their theater in this city next Saturday night [ August 31 ], with new scenery and decorations. The stock company we consider unsur- passed either in the East or West. The entertainment

470

EARLY AMUSEMENTS.

begins with Colman's operatic piece, 'The Review, or the Wag of Windsor,' and closes with the farce of ' The Illustrious Stranger, or Buried Alive!'"

The season opened auspiciously, and merited com- mendatory notice in the American of September 3:

" The Chicago Theater, under the polishing skill of Mr. Jefferson, appears in a new and beautiful dress ---- newly and neatly painted and provided with a complete change of fresh and tasteful scenery. The appropriate motto, 'For useful mirth and salutary woe,' which looks down over the drop-curtain upon the auditory, conveys an idea of the useful tendencies of the legitimate drama. The company have now come here from the South, somewhat debilitated and depressed by sickness, but for the two nights of their performance in the city have sus- tained themselves, under the circumstances of the case, with remarkable spirit and general satisfaction. The interesting melodrama of . The Warlock of the Glen,' and the farce of ' The Midnight Hour,' went off last night with admirable effect, to a respectable audience. Mr. A. Sullivan, a new actor on our boards, acquitted himself in a very creditable manner, as the noble War- lock, and bids fair to be a popular actor and a valuable accession to the company. Mr. C. L. Green, also a new actor on our boards, performed the character of Scotch Andrew, the fisherman, in the place of Mr. Will- iam Warren, who was prevented from appearing through indisposition. Mr. Green, being called upon unexpectedly to sustain this new part, acquitted himself in an admirable männer. As a comic actor and singer he is also a valuable addition to the company. * Mr. Mckenzie, the manager, deserves much credit for his liberal and ambitious efforts to increase the attrac- tions of his theater.

The foregoing editorial comment is interesting in a double sense, as it preserves in authentic manner the names of several gentlemen afterward more or less famous in the profession, and as it is the first newspaper critique of a dramatic performance in this city. Crude and stilted though it be, it is the precursor of a dis- tinctive department of newspaper work which to-day commands attention and respect throughout the country.

Charles L. Green, the gentleman referred to, was an actor of sterling merit, and a man of noble traits. He subsequently became a popular comedian, and was an active member of J. B. Rice's company. During the cholera epidemic of 1849 he was seized with that ter- rible disease, and died in this city.

It is evident that the American not only appreciated dramatic art, but also entertained advanced opinions concerning the mission of the stage. September 5 its editorial page contained, in all the dignity which dwelt in large type, an enunciation of its views, and a com- parative statement of facts, which is indicative of pub- lic sentiment at that time. It said :

" This evening is to be performed the highly inter- esting drama 'Isabelle, or Woman's Life,' to conclude with . The Spectre Bridegroom, or A Ghost in Spite of Himself.' Between the performances Mr. Greene C. Germon will sing . Rory O'More,' a very good song and very well sung-in fact, we think it a better song than even the celebrated . Lass O'Gowry.' Why do not the fair ladies of our city lend the theater, occasionally, the light of their countenance ? The play of . Isabelle, or Woman's Life ' this evening will give them a fair and appropriate opportunity. There is a police in attend- ance, whose duty it is to preserve strict order and deco- rum in the theater. If the ladies are waiting for fash- tonable precedents, we will inform them that at Spring-

field, in this State, the theater was attended generally by the beauty and fashion of the fair sex, and by the gentlemen of the place of all official dignities, from Judges of the Supreme Court down. This has been the case, we believe, also in other places of the State, at St. Louis and in the East. The theater at Springfield pre- sented not a tithe of the inducements for attendance of the Chicago Theater. There the seats were of rough boards, without backs to them, and there were no divisions into boxes, etc., but still the theater was al- most nightly crowded. Here is an example set by the capital of the State. If we believed that the tendency of the legitimate drama, as being exhibited in this city, was demoralizing, corrupting or injurious, we would be among the last to recommend it to the favor of the pub- lic. But we believe the exhibitions to exert no injuri- ous influence, but on the contrary they afford an inno- cent and instructive recreation. We are in favor of having everything suppressed in a play which is calcu- lated to suffuse a blush over the cheek of genuine and unaffected modesty, or to call forth the coarse laugh and disgusting applause of those wlose vulgar tastes are best pleased with obscenities. For this reason we are opposed also to the habit of throwing out, extem- . poraneously, obscene witticisms which, while they catch the laugh of some, are very offensive to ladies and gen- tlemen in their attendance, and which, by keeping away the ladies and the more respectable portion of the gen- tiemen who would attend, deter more from than they at- tract to the theater. We like always to see wit, whether legitimately in the play or happily introduced on the spur of the occasion, but we want it to be chaste, and salty enough to preserve its. purity. These remarks are all dictated for the best interests of the theater, and we trust will have that effect."

These indirect allusions to a weakness, too prevalent in the early days of the drama, indicate that even the excellent comedians of the Illinois Theatrical Company sometimes forgot the more delicate obligations of their calling; but the most noteworthy clause in the article is that which proves that Chicago did not then regard the theater as a fashionable place of amusement. But the advice of the local journal was not without effect, as will be seen in the following extract, of September 7:

" The first night of Mr. Dempster's engagement- the celebrated vocalist from the Nobility Concerts, London, New York and Philadelphia-went off last evening to a large and highly delighted audience. ' Dear Land of my Birth.' . John Anderson, my Jo,' etc., were exquisite songs, exquisitely sung, to piano forte accompaniment. * * The performances of the evening were generally capital. The laughable comedy, ' Simpson & Co.' was played with admirable spirit and success. We doubt whether Madame La Trappe has a better representative on any American board than Mrs. Jefferson. * * Master Jefferson sang a comic song in which he won silver, if not golden, opinions." * *

It was customary in those days to manifest approval by throwing money on the stage. The company was composed of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jefferson, Master Joe Jefferson, Mrs. Ingersoll, Mrs. Mckenzie, A. Sulli- van, C. L. Green, William Warren, T. Sankey, Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Germon. H. Leicester, Mr. Mason, Mrs. Mc- Kenzie and Mrs. McCluer.

September 14 witnessed the first presentation of " Oliver Twist," with Mrs. Germon as Oliver; Mr. War- ren as Bill Dawkins as the part was then called . Mr. Sankey as Fagan and Mrs. Mckenzie as Nancy. The American spoke warmly of the performance. and Te. marked that the " front seats and boxes were lighted up

480

HISTORY OF CHICAGO.

with the beauty and smiles of the fair sex." Thus, it will be seen, the potent influence of the press, when directed as a medium to demonstrate the fashonable- ness of the theater, worked marvels in one short week. No longer were the actors dependent upon the flaring footlights for illumining encouragement. The smiles and beauty of the fair sex brightened the scene and cheered the susceptible hearts of the unmarried disci- ples of Thalia and Melpomene.

Public sentiment demanded a frequent change of bill. The number of regular attendants was small, and pecuniary interest compelled a constant variation of the attractions. Such enjoyable dramas -and comedies as "The Golden Fariner, or Vell, vot of it?" "The Sleeping Draught." "The Magpie and the Maid," were given during the first weeks of this season. Between the plays Master Jefferson convulsed the audience with vocal selections, in character dress. Among these are remembered the touching ditties of "Titum-ti" and " The Steam Leg."

But with the appearance of the ladies and that bet- ter element among the sterner portions of society, as encouragers of the drama, came a demand for more finished effort. September 19 beheld Goldsmith's com- edy "She Stoops to Conquer," with Mr. Leicester as leading man; September 20, " Jane Shore " was given; September 21, " The Lady of Lyons," and from that time on, until the engagement terminated, the hills were of a standard character.

The first spectacular play ever given in Chicago was enacted September 23, 1839. The American observed:

"The interesting drama of ' Cherry and Fairstar, or the Children of Cyprus,' was received by a full and ap- plauding house. The new scenery and decorations were rich, tasteful and beautiful, and reflect much credit on the skill and ingenuity of Mr. Jefferson, the artist. The dresses were new, beautiful and appropriate. The plot and incidents of the drama are very interesting, and increase, to the last, the curiosity and applauses (sic) of the spectators. The original music and chorus- sus (sic) added much to the variety and animation of the performance. The blossoming of the Aloe was a beautiful and ingenious scenic representation. So were the moving, or dancing, waters, and especially the splendid Grecian Galley, at the conclusion of the second act, with Cherry, Fairstar, Topac, Sanguinbeck and Hassanbad on board, entirely filling up the stage. We think the play as rich and interesting a one as the com- pany have yet got up. We were glad to see so many spectators to witness the triumph of the Western drama." Already was the leaven working which was destined to transform the sodden lump of public disapproval into a light and wholesome nourishment for the general mind. Cheered by the presence of the higher social element, the management provided a direct and special entrance to the theater, for the accommodation of those ladies who dreaded to encounter the bustling crowd. This deli- cate attention was appreciated, for in its issue of Sep- tember 26, the American gallantly remarked: "The beautiful play of 'Cherry and Fairstar' went off last night to a very fair house-the fairest, considering the number of ladies present, of the season."

The patronage bestowed upon the Chicago Theater aroused a commendable desire to inaugurate a season of the higher drama, and to not only win, but to retain, the friendly interest of the public. Heretofore the chief aim appears to have been the securing of an audi- ence irrespective of its intellectual caliber; or, at most, to break down the barrier of distrust which antocratic Fashion arbitrarily erected at the portal. This accom-

plished, and Fashion having waved its wand above the footlights, the company determined to convince the world of prejudice that evil held no rightful dominion in the realm of the sock and buskin.

September 26, that beautiful poem " Damon and Pythias " appealed for the first time to a Chicago audi- ence. Mr. H. Leicester impersonated the noble states- man; Mrs. G. C. Germon drew the tear of pity as fair Calanthe.

From grave to gay, within the actor's province as in life, is but one step. Next upon the stage which echoed to the words of masterful devotion at friendship's shrine, comes William Warren, the fun and laughter-provoking child of Thalia, who in the comedy " Is it a Lie? " gave four distinct impersonations.

Turn down the lights, and let them dimly glow on gloomy "Fazio," which held the boards October 4, with Mrs. McCluer as the passionate Bianca. Turn up the lights again, for here comes Charles Kemble Mason, fierce of look, to tame the shrew, and show Chicago how Petru- chio can crack the whip about the heels of luckless serv- itors.

Four days have passed, and now we see the trucu- lent Petruchio transformed into the love-bedazzled Romeo ; for Mason could put an antic disposition on as readily as Bianca could smooth her jealous frowns to sigh as Juliet. And be it known on good authority that these emotions touched the public heart and filled the house with sympathizing auditors.

October 10 a benefit was given Mr. Mason, on which occasion he assumed the Scottish kilt, and murdered Duncan, at the instance of the wife whose fierce ambi- tion dried up nature's founts and changed the patient Juliet into a fiend. But that same night the mimic whirligig of time brought swift revenge ; for from the bloody battlements of Dunsinane the mind takes rapid flight, on swift imagination's tireless wings, and gazes smilingly upon the balmy skies of Italy. The warlike thane has donned the grotesque garb of humorous Petruchio ; the startled eyes of Mrs. McCluer, which but a moment since looked glassily as consience racked her soul, now flash defiance on her hated lord. But the comments of the local critic afford an opportunity for quiet smiles to-day, for with no word of praise for either leading part, he says "the witch scene and the music went off admirably," in " Macbeth ;" and, possibly with a view to cultivating realistic effects, during the "waits" between the plays, he approved of Mr. Mason's recital of "Tom O'Shanter." In those days an audience de- manded quantity, it seems, regardless of what modern minds conceive as proper.

"Hamlet " pursued his melancholy way October 15, for the first time in this city ; and two nights later, "The Merchant of Venice" was given. It proves, at least, the versatility of both Mr. Mason and Mrs. McCluer, who sustained, "remarkably well," this wide range of char- acter within so brief a period. "Pizarro," with Mr. Sullivan as Rollo and Mrs. Germon as Cora, was given October 21.

The Illinois Theatrical Company terminated their season November 2. A benefit was given Mr. Warren. Mrs. Ingersoll and Mr. Jefferson respectively, during the last week of the engagement, and "large houses of beauty and fashion attended." Mrs. Ingersoll remained in the city, to give lessons in dancing, but the company moved East. This season must be regarded as the most brilliant of any prior to the opening of Rice's theater in r$47. It presented for the first time standard dramas, in the lines of tragedy and comedy, introduced five Shaksperean plays, brought out the first spectacular

EARLY AMUSEMENTS.

481

effect, and distributed the roles among a company com- posed of ladies and gentlemen, many of whom after- ward became prominent members of the profession. Locally, the influence of the work performed was wide- reaching, for not only was prejudice overcome to a considerable degree, but an improved taste created among the avowed patrons of the art which was never afterward eradicated. The season of 1839 will rank in the history of the drama in Chicago as the natal period of a higher standard in judgment.

Among the frequent visitors to this theater was Samuel S. Beach, from whom we have received the fol- lowing recollections:

"The company introduced to the citizens of Chi- cago, in the year 1839, by Messrs. Mckenzie & Jeffer- son, was one of remarkable ability and unprecedented strength in all the departments of the drama. The sub- sequent eminence of every prominent member of that famous company sustains this opinion. The pioneers of theatrical representations in Chicago reflected dis- tinguished honor upon their profession as artists of pro- nounced merit, and challenged the admiration of the best citizens of the young city by their cultured manners and high sense of personal honor. The ladies and gen- tlemen composing this grand old company deserve a conspicuous place in the history of early amusements in this marvelous city.

"It must be remembered that the theater of 1839 was handicapped by all the prejudices that had existed against the stage from time immemorial. It had not re- ceived that recognition as a powerful and indispensable public instructor conceded to it at this day. The true mission of the drama, as the highest possible form of public amusement, was little understood and less appre- ciated by the great majority of fifty years ago; and the grand future of the theater was far beyond the reaches of their comprehension. It required a company similar in construction to our favorites, possessing great indi- vidual strength, to overcome those long-existing an- tipathies to dramatic exhibitions, and prepare the way for that cultured judgment that characterizes the Chi- cago audiences of the present time. Every play pre- sented by this company was rendered in a most accept- able and conscientious manner. Without the aid of the gilded surroundings, rich wardrobes, magnificent scen- ery and elaborate appointments that are common ad- juncts of the modern stage, our pioneers were forced to rely solely upon the sterling merits of each actor, if they would 'hold the mirror up to nature.' The standard comedies and musical dramas displayed the company to its greatest advantage. The delicate shades and lights of life were touched by master hands. The ensemble was nearly perfect, and is rarely equaled by modern companies.

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History of Chicago. From the earliest period to the present time, Part 134

Author: Andreas, Alfred Theodore Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas Number of Pages: 1340

Author: Andreas, Alfred Theodore
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 1340