Federal Street Theatre facts for kids
The Federal Street Theatre (1793–1852), also known as the Boston Theatre, was an important building in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It was the very first building in Boston built specifically for plays and shows! You could find it at the corner of Federal and Franklin streets.
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Building a Theatre: A Look at Its History
The first Federal Street Theatre was designed by a famous American architect named Charles Bulfinch. He was one of the first American architects to professionally design a theatre. The land where it stood used to belong to people like Thomas Brattle and Edward H. Robbins.
Sadly, a fire destroyed the theatre in 1798. But don't worry, it was quickly rebuilt in the same year! The second building stood for many years, until 1852.
Many people helped run the theatre over the years. Some of the managers included Charles S. Powell and John Steel Tyler. Musicians like Gottlieb Graupner played music for the shows, and artists like Christian Gullager painted the scenery. Even a British actress named Charlotte Wattell performed there around 1811.
Exciting Events and Performances
The Federal Street Theatre hosted many interesting events and performances. Here are some highlights:
Early Performances (1794-1796)
- 1794
- February 3 – The theatre opened with a serious play called "Tragedy of Gustavus Vasa."
- February – Audiences enjoyed plays like "The Child of Nature" and "The Agreeable Surprise."
- April – "The Chapter of Accidents" and a funny musical show called "Midas" were performed.
- 1795 – Judith Sargent Murray's play, "The Medium, or Happy Tea-Party," first appeared on March 2. Judith Sargent Murray was a very important writer. She wrote the first two plays by an American (man or woman) to be performed in Boston!
- 1796
- March 9 – Another play by Judith Sargent Murray, "The Traveller Returned," debuted.
- The play "Farmer" by John O'Keefe was performed, featuring the actress Susanna Rowson.
Memorable Moments (1802-1853)
- 1802
- A young Hawaiian person known as "Bill" performed in a pantomime (a play without words, using actions and music) called "The Death of Captain Cook."
- March 22-29 – Deborah Sampson Gannett gave speeches about her time serving in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. She even showed off how she handled her rifle! Before her talks each night, the theatre company performed a play, such as The Will or King Henry the IVth.
- 1832 – The famous play Richard III by Shakespeare was performed, starring Charles Kean.
- 1834 – Jonathan Harrington (ventriloquist), who could make his voice sound like it was coming from somewhere else, entertained the audience.
- 1845-1849 – Alonzo Potter gave several series of popular talks called "Lowell Lectures" at the theatre. These talks were about big ideas like the "being and character of God" and the "philosophy of man." The theatre was always packed with people who wanted to hear him speak!
- 1846 – The play "Hunchback" by James Sheridan Knowles was performed, again featuring Charles Kean and Ellen Kean.
- 1851
- A magician named Macallister performed "Soirees magiques" (magic evenings). He showed off new tricks like "aerial handkerchiefs" and "flying watches."
- The opera "Lucrezia Borgia" was also performed.
- 1853 – Alonzo Potter gave his final series of "Lowell Lectures" about how "The Bible" helps people grow and improve.
Image gallery
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The Federal Street Theatre burnt in February 1798.
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February 1824
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Detail from 1834 broadsheet of "L-a-w," sung by Mr. Andrews
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December 1846
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Detail from advertisement for Macallister's performance, November 1851
