Modern people are accustomed to going to theaters and having a good time there. Things were quite different in the 18th century, as theaters were just beginning to appear in Chicago. Chicago-trend.com will tell you what they were like and what the townspeople watched.
The first theater company
The first public theatrical performance in Chicago took place in 1834, three years before Chicago became a city. Only people who had money could visit it. Adults had to pay 50 cents for a ticket, while children paid 25 cents. A magician named Mr. Bowers promised to amaze the audience with fireballs, burning wax, “living coals” and molten lead.
Over the next two years, other performers began to arrive in the city. For instance, in 1836, a circus set up its tent on Lake Street. However, it wasn’t until 1837 that the first local theater company, “The Chicago Theater,” was established.
This innovative ensemble was created by Harry Isherwood and Alexander McKinzie. The men applied to the city council and obtained a license to form a company that would host entertaining events.
Then Harry and Alexander rented a dilapidated dining hall in Sauganash Hotel and began staging plays there in the fall of 1837, including “The Idiot Witness,” “The Stranger” and “The Carpenter of Rouen.”
The season of performances lasted about six weeks, with the program changing every evening. After the season ended, the company would go on tour to other cities.
City theaters
In 1838, upon returning to Chicago, Isherwood and Alexander established a company in an old wooden auction house known as “The Rialto.”
The first published theater review in Chicago was written about two plays by the Chicago Theater, “The Warlock of the Glen” and “The Midnight Hour”, in September 1839. The company included Joseph and Cornelia Jefferson, along with their nine-year-old son, who was also named Joseph. The child sang comedic songs and played the Duke of York. The boy grew up to become one of the iconic performers of his time, a stage comedian.
In 1839, The Chicago Theater disbanded, and all its members returned to touring again. In 1842, locals formed an amateur theater society that did well until their decorations were stolen.
The next significant event occurred in 1847 when John B. Rice arrived from Buffalo and signed a contract with a local alderman to build a theater.
Rice’s Theater opened on June 28 with the comedy “The Four Sisters,” in which Louisa L. Drew played the lead role. The production was well received by the audience.
Rice’s Theater began to develop very quickly, soon attracting major stars: Edwin Forrest and Junius B. Booth. Unfortunately, in 1850, the wooden theater burned down, but within six months, a new brick building was constructed on the same site.
John Rice sold his theater in 1857 and entered politics, serving as mayor of Chicago from 1865 to 1869.
In 1857, a new McVicker’s Theater opened in the city under the management of James Hubert McVicker, an actor and former employee of Rice, who later became the owner of theaters in various cities across the United States.
In 1852, a German-speaking theater company was created in Chicago, followed by many others. At the turn of the century, a Yiddish theater scene emerged.
In 1912, Maurice Brown opened the Chicago Little Theatre.
From 1960 to 1970, there was a rapid development of theater in Chicago. New companies emerged, and theaters were built. Ensamples gathered and performed actively. Theaters improved with each year. Chicagoans enjoyed and continue to attend various musicals and plays staged by great artists.
