Theatre is one of America’s most popular and thriving art forms. It has been a part of American culture since the early part of the 18th century. The development of theatre in the earliest American colonies in New England was prohibited because of those colonists’ strong Puritan beliefs. Colonial America’s first theater was built in … Continue reading The Thriving Theatre of Colonial America
American Company of Comedians
Shakespeare’s Comedies in Colonial America
When we look at the history of Shakespeare in America the preference for his classic tragedies is obvious. Romeo and Juliet and Richard III are two of the three most-performed plays of the 18th century (George Farquhar’s The Beaux Stratagem rounded out this top three). While this ranking is based on surviving records of theatrical … Continue reading Shakespeare’s Comedies in Colonial America
Fredericksburg’s June Fair
Ask someone to list traditional summertime activities and they will probably mention picnics, family reunions, beach vacations, mountain getaways, and baseball games. Their list is likely to include going to the fair as well. The fair as a summer pastime is a long tradition and like many American traditions can be traced back to the … Continue reading Fredericksburg’s June Fair
To See or Not to See? Portraying Hamlet in the 18th Century
Editor's Note: At the annual Shakespeare on the Lawn performances this June, Historic Kenmore will present Hamlet. The following blog post looks at the actors who played the most famous of Shakespeare's roles during the 18th century. Details about attending the performances at Kenmore can be found at the end of this entry. Since the time when Richard Burbage … Continue reading To See or Not to See? Portraying Hamlet in the 18th Century
Nancy Hallam: America’s First Celebrity Actress
Virginia celebrates a proud theatrical history. It boasts the first recorded performance of a play in all the colonies. It also claims the first permanent playhouse and the first evening of professional theatre. That first evening was in September of 1752 and was presented by Lewis Hallam’s London Company of Comedians. What set this company … Continue reading Nancy Hallam: America’s First Celebrity Actress
Lives & Legacies 