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Story
October 2, 1920
Evening Capital And Maryland Gazette
Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland
What is this article about?
The Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, America's oldest playhouse opened in 1809, has run continuously for 111 years and will be partially replaced; notable debuts by Edwin Forrest in 1820s and Edmund Kean in 1821 with high earnings.
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LONG A FAMOUS PLAYHOUSE
Walnut Street Theater, in Philadelphia, to Be Torn Down, Dates From the Year 1809.
The oldest playhouse in America, which is to be replaced in part at least by a modern structure, is the Walnut street theater in Philadelphia, opened in 1809. It has never missed a season in these 111 years.
Edwin Forrest made his first regular appearance here at the age of fourteen, getting his first start through the influential backing of Col. John Swift, at one time mayor of Philadelphia.
The play in which Forrest appeared was 'Douglas,' and in the cast were Wheatley, Mrs. Williams, Joe Jefferson's grandmother, and Warren and Wood, managers of the theater and of the stock company. Warren and Wood considered themselves very unfortunate in the cast of novices they had to deal with and were greatly surprised when Forrest acquitted himself so well that the public expressed a desire for the play's repetition.
The English tragedian, Edmund Kean, appeared at the Walnut in 1821. During the 16 nights of his engagement the receipts ran as high as $1,379, only once falling below $650. In those days this was considered a prodigious sum in theatrical circles.
Walnut Street Theater, in Philadelphia, to Be Torn Down, Dates From the Year 1809.
The oldest playhouse in America, which is to be replaced in part at least by a modern structure, is the Walnut street theater in Philadelphia, opened in 1809. It has never missed a season in these 111 years.
Edwin Forrest made his first regular appearance here at the age of fourteen, getting his first start through the influential backing of Col. John Swift, at one time mayor of Philadelphia.
The play in which Forrest appeared was 'Douglas,' and in the cast were Wheatley, Mrs. Williams, Joe Jefferson's grandmother, and Warren and Wood, managers of the theater and of the stock company. Warren and Wood considered themselves very unfortunate in the cast of novices they had to deal with and were greatly surprised when Forrest acquitted himself so well that the public expressed a desire for the play's repetition.
The English tragedian, Edmund Kean, appeared at the Walnut in 1821. During the 16 nights of his engagement the receipts ran as high as $1,379, only once falling below $650. In those days this was considered a prodigious sum in theatrical circles.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Walnut Street Theater
Philadelphia
Edwin Forrest Debut
Edmund Kean
1809 Opening
What entities or persons were involved?
Edwin Forrest
Col. John Swift
Edmund Kean
Wheatley
Mrs. Williams
Joe Jefferson's Grandmother
Warren And Wood
Where did it happen?
Philadelphia
Story Details
Key Persons
Edwin Forrest
Col. John Swift
Edmund Kean
Wheatley
Mrs. Williams
Joe Jefferson's Grandmother
Warren And Wood
Location
Philadelphia
Event Date
1809
Story Details
The Walnut Street Theater, opened in 1809, is America's oldest playhouse with 111 continuous seasons; Edwin Forrest debuted there at age 14 in 'Douglas'; Edmund Kean performed in 1821 with high receipts.