Museum Theater

Nancy Hallam: America’s First Celebrity Actress

/ ferryfarmandkenmore

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

‘King Lear’ in Washington’s Day – Part 2

/ ferryfarmandkenmore

King Lear is known far and wide as William Shakespeare’s finest tragedy but it has not always been the preferred version of the story. In part one, we saw how Shakespeare popularized the old story of King Lear by crafting a story aimed directly at Elizabethan audiences experiencing great political upheaval. In part two, we … Continue reading ‘King Lear’ in Washington’s Day – Part 2

‘King Lear’ in Washington’s Day: Part 1

/ ferryfarmandkenmore

Once again this summer, Historic Kenmore looks forward to its annual Shakespeare on the Lawn performances.  While settings and costumes may change, today’s Shakespeare audiences most usually witness performances that remain true to the artistry of an unchallenged master carefully crafting his words and stories for the Elizabethan age.  Two centuries ago, however, colonial-era theatregoers like … Continue reading ‘King Lear’ in Washington’s Day: Part 1

Coming Soon! William Shakespeare’s “King Lear”

/ ferryfarmandkenmore

Shakespeare on the Lawn at Kenmore returns this June with four performances of the popular drama, King Lear, performed by The Fredericksburg Players and directed by Fred Franklin. King Lear is one of Shakespeare’s most heart-breaking tragedies—the story of a father who puts his faith in his two treacherous, elder daughters while casting out his … Continue reading Coming Soon! William Shakespeare’s “King Lear”