Globe Theatre (Boston, 1871) facts for kids

Programme for "Chesney Wold," 1873

Map of Boston showing the Globe Theatre in 1886

Seating chart for the Globe Theatre, 1883

The Globe Theatre was a popular playhouse, or theater, in Boston, Massachusetts. It first opened its doors in 1871. This theater was a big part of Boston's entertainment scene in the 1800s. It was located at 598 Washington Street.

Arthur Cheney managed the Globe Theatre until 1876. From 1871 to 1873, the theater used a building that was once John H. Selwyn's playhouse. Sadly, a fire damaged the Globe in May 1873. But it was rebuilt and reopened in December 1874. The new building was designed by architect Benjamin F. Dwight. From 1877 to 1893, John Stetson was the owner, or "proprietor," of the theater. The Globe Theatre burned down again in January 1894.

An interesting fact is that Horatio J. Homer, who later became Boston's first African-American police officer, worked at the Globe Theatre as a janitor before joining the police force.

What Shows Played at the Globe Theatre?

The Globe Theatre hosted many different types of performances. People came to see plays, comedies, and even famous speakers. Here are some of the shows that were popular there:

Shows from the 1870s

• "Chesney Wold" by H.A. Rendle, starring Madame Janauschek.
• Fox's "Humpty Dumpty," a fun show with a famous clown.
• "Pique" by Augustin Daly, featuring Miss Jeffries-Lewis.
• E.A. Sothern performing as the funny character Lord Dundreary.
• "Sea of Ice" with Miss Maud Granger and Mr. George Boniface.
• Eliza Weathersby's "Froliques," a lively show.
• "The Scouts of the Prairie," a show with famous figures like Buffalo Bill Cody, Texas Jack Omohundro, Ned Buntline, and Giuseppina Morlacchi. This show was performed in March 1873.
• Miss Kate Claxton in the play Two Orphans.

Shows from the 1880s

• "Rice's new extravaganza combination in the opera comique Calino."
• "Othello," a classic play starring the famous actor Salvini.
• "Debt of Honor" by L.R. Shewell.
• A lecture by the famous writer Oscar Wilde on June 2, 1882.
• "Oedipus," another classic play.
• "14 Days," with the actor Charles Wyndham.
• "We, Us & Co.," featuring Mestayer-Vaughn.
• Gilbert & Sullivan's popular opera "Mikado," with Helen Lamont and Signor Brocolini.
• "As in a Looking-Glass," starring Mrs. Langtry.
• The Hanlons in their show "Fantasma."
• "Princess Ida," another opera.
• Ibsen's play "A Doll's House," with Beatrice Cameron.
• The Oolah (1889).

Shows from the 1890s

• The Lion Tamer, starring Francis Wilson.
• "Ali Baba," performed by the American Extravaganza Co.
• "The Crust of Society."
• "Prince Karl," with Richard Mansfield.
• The Hanlon Brothers' "mechanical fairy spectacle Superba."
• "La Cigale," featuring the famous singer Lillian Russell.