Harold Washington Library Center
Actors, Plays & Stages: Early Theater in Chicago
Actors
Part of Actors, Plays & Stages: Early Theater in Chicago
In 1838 Joseph Jefferson III, fondly known in Chicago as “Our Joe,” made his Chicago debut at the Rialto Theatre at Dearborn and Madison streets. He was 9 years old and a member of a traveling theater family. He later recalled Chicago as being a “busy little town with its new hotels, new churches, new theaters, everything new.” Jefferson continued to appear periodically on Chicago stages over the next 65 years.
Like the Jefferson family, other popular American and European actors and well-known vaudeville performers played Chicago. In 1881 while appearing at McVicker’s Theatre, Sarah Bernhardt described the city as “the pulse of America.”
In addition to hosting traveling stars, Chicago nurtured local actors. Many theaters had stock companies, some of which launched the careers of favorites including James O’Neill and Lillian Russell.
Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection, Scrapbook A, Volume 1
Ethel Barrymore, 1902
Ethel Barrymore was one of the greatest actresses in her day. She toured both Europe and America, and gave numerous performances in Chicago. She was a member of the famed Barrymore acting family and was the goddaughter of actress Helena Modjeska.
Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection, Scrapbook PP1.7
Sarah Bernhardt, 1910
French actress Sarah Bernhardt played Chicago on each of her six American tours. During her 1881 engagement at McVicker’s, she found herself in the midst of a religious drama. The Rev. Herrick Johnson’s condemnation of the dramatic arts as “tainted and vicious” was particularly harsh toward McVicker’s Theatre and Bernhardt. In response, Bernhardt’s press agent sent Johnson a $250 dollar donation and thanks for the free publicity.
The Marie Burroughs Art Portfolio of Stage Celebrities 1894; Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
Edwin Booth, no date
Son of actor Junius, Sr., and brother to John Wilkes and Junius, Jr., Edwin Booth was one of America’s great tragedians and interpreters of Shakespeare. He performed on multiple Chicago stages including Haverly’s, McVicker’s and the Chicago Opera House. In 1869 he married the Juliet to his Romeo, acting partner Mary McVicker, daughter of Chicago theater proprietor James H. McVicker.
Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving, 1870; Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
Joseph Jefferson, 1869
Joseph Jefferson’s most famous role was Rip Van Winkle. He first brought the production to Chicago in 1867 and reprised the role many times. His last performance in Chicago was in 1903, two years before his death. The Jeff Awards, which honor outstanding Chicago theater artists, are named for Joseph Jefferson.
Memories and Impressions of Helena Modjeska by Helena Modjeska, 1910; Chicago Public Library, Visual and Performing Arts Department
Helena Modjeska, 1901
The great Polish actress Helena Modjeska played Chicago on several occasions, often opposite leading men like Edwin Booth and Maurice Barrymore. This photograph captured her as Cleopatra.
The Marie Burroughs Art Portfolio of Stage Celebrities, 1894; Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
James O’Neill, before 1894
James O’Neill, father of playwright Eugene O’Neill, began his Chicago career as a stock actor at McVicker’s Theatre, and later joined the repertory company at Hooley’s Theatre. In this image, he is in costume for the role of Edmond Dantes in Monte Cristo.
Chicago Public Library, Neighborhood History Research Collection, WS 3.49
Lillian Russell, before 1894
Lillian Russell has been called the “queen of comic opera.” Born Helen Louise Leonard, Russell was raised in Chicago and sang in her church choir. She began her stage career in Pinafore and went on to success in Chicago and New York.
The Marie Burroughs Art Portfolio of Stage Celebrities, 1894; Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
Cora Tanner, before 1894
Cora Tanner began her career as a young girl in the stock company at McVicker’s Theatre.