The Mormons and the Theatre; or, The History of Theatricals in Utah — John Shaqi
The Mormons and the Theatre; or, The History of Theatricals in UtahLindsay, John S. (John Shanks)
Religion
The Mormons and the Theatre; or, The History of Theatricals in Utah
Lindsay, John S. (John Shanks)
Latter Day Saints; Theater -- Utah -- History
Such was "Bowring's Theatre," as it was called. Whether the managers
christened it that, or the name was given it by the patrons and
guests, we do not pretend to know, nor does it matter; but this fact
may be mentioned in relation to it, that it was first place in Salt
Lake City to be called a theatre.
The Bowery being a place of worship (although the name was strongly
suggestive of the New York Bowery theatre), could not consistently be
called a theatre and the Social Hall embracing all the social
features--plays, dances and banquets--never came to be called a
theatre, Social Hall fully covering its functions, so that the Bowring
was really the first place to be known distinctively as a theatre.
Although the theatre was so very small the company did not appear to
be circumscribed in their histrionic efforts by any mere limitations
of space or stage appurtenances, as the following list of plays will
show:
"The Honeymoon," "The Gamester," "Luke the Laborer," and "Othello,"
and the farces of "Betsy Baker" and "Mr. and Mrs. Peter White."
In the dramas, Mr. Margetts, who was recognized as the comedian par
excellence, chose to assume the tragic mask and appeared in the
leading roles, leaving the principal comic parts to his friend and
colleague Harry Bowring. It was somewhat of a surprise to "Phil's"
friends and admirers who knew his qualifications for comedy, to see
him in these tragic characters, but he is said to have given everybody
a pleasant surprise in them and Harry Bowring carried the comedy roles
so successfully as to divide the honors with "Phil." Mrs. Bowring, who
played the "lady leads," also distinguished herself to such a degree
that she took a prominent place in the Salt Lake Theatre soon after
its opening.
It was during the performance of "Betsy Baker" in this place that
"Jimmy" Thompson, who was playing the part of Mr. Crommie, won such
distinction in that character that the name of "Crommie" has attached
to him among his acquaintances ever since. Harry McEwan, Joe Barker,
Billie Wright, Bill Poulter and dear old John Kelly and Mrs. Bull and
Mrs. McEwan all achieved some celebrity in connection with the little
playhouse--"Bowring's Theatre."
Manager Margetts waited one day on President Brigham Young and invited
him, with his family, to see their play. The President of course had
heard of the new theatre, (what was there he didn't hear of?) but
affected some surprise that Phil and his associates should have
started what might be considered a rival to the D. D. A.
"When do you play?" inquired the President.
"We have a play tonight," answered Phil; "'Luke the Laborer,' but we
could not accommodate your family tonight, President Young, as the
seats are mostly engaged, but we would be pleased to reserve the house
for yourself and family for our next play, 'The Honeymoon,' which will
be on Friday night."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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