Harold Washington Library Center
Actors, Plays & Stages: Early Theater in Chicago
Plays
Part of Actors, Plays & Stages: Early Theater in Chicago
As a young and growing theater city, Chicago relied on popular productions to draw crowds into the theaters. By the late 19th century the Theatrical Syndicate created a monopoly of traveling shows in Chicago’s largest auditoriums, leaving little room for homegrown playwrights or local adaptations. Nevertheless, a handful of original productions, written by local journalists and authors like George Ade, John T. McCutcheon and Kenneth Sawyer Goodman, played at the city’s theaters.
Some shows went on to successful runs in New York and other cities. In 1902 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz delighted audiences at Chicago’s Grand Opera House before making its way to the Majestic Theatre on Broadway. During the Great Depression, The Swing Mikado, developed in Chicago as part of the Federal Theater Project, moved to Broadway with its director, designers and cast.
Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
The College Widow, 1906
Studebaker Theatre
Chicago Record journalist George Ade was one of several local newspapermen who also wrote for the stage. His play The College Widow is credited as the first American play about football.
Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
Count of No-Account, date unknown
New Pekin Theatre
The Count of No-Account, a musical satire, was staged at the New Pekin Theatre, the first African American stock theater in the United States. The New Pekin Theatre was on State Street at 27th Street.
Count of No-Account Playbill »
Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
Lady of Lyons, 1876
McVicker’s Theatre
Drama also played out after hours. At the closing of Lady of Lyons at McVicker’s Theatre in 1876, actors James O’Neill, William H. Crane and Louise Hawthorne planned to travel to New York. Then, early on the morning of June 29, Hawthorne was found dead. She had fallen from her sixth story window at the Tremont House. Rumors circulated that she may have been murdered or committed suicide. However, nothing was ever found other than it being an accidental death.
Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
Macbeth, 1848
Rice’s Theatre
On August 23, 1848 Rice’s Theatre presented an evening of tragedy and farce. First up was Macbeth in five acts staring James Murdoch and Mrs. George Mossop. Shakespeare’s tragedy was followed by the farce Pleasant Neighbor: Or, Contentment vs. Riches.
Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
Peter Pan, 1907
Illinois Theatre
Maude Adams’ Peter Pan was a highly anticipated show that arrived in Chicago in spring 1907. Playwright J.M. Barrie wrote the part for her. Peter Pan had premiered in 1905 in London to rave reviews.
Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
Rainald and the Red Wolf, 1914
Blackstone Theatre
Kenneth Sawyer Goodman was a Chicago playwright who envisioned a theater that would “combine professional training and the highest possible performance standards.” After his death in the influenza epidemic of 1918, his parents presented the Art Institute of Chicago with funds to build such a theater, the Goodman Theatre.
Rainald and the Red Wolf Playbill »
Chicago Public Library, Chicago Theater Collection
Twelfth Night, 1881
Haverly’s Theatre
For the grand opening of Haverly’s Theatre, comedy duo Stuart Robson and William H. Crane appeared in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.