Æsop Mr. Clarkson.
Old Man Mr. Malone.
Fine Gentleman Mr. Singleton.
Frenchman Mr. Rigby.
Charon Mr. Herbert.
Mercury Mr. Adcock.
Drunken Man and Tattoo Mr. Hallam.
John Mr. Wynel.
Mrs. Tattoo Miss Palmer.
Fine Lady Mrs. Hallam.
The above cast includes in the bill the names of all who composed the
company, with the exception of Mrs. Clarkson, Mrs. Rigby, and Adam
Hallam, a child.
After playing here for a while under circumstances by no means pleasing,
the manager cast his eyes to the principal cities of the country, and
selected New York as the first step towards the establishing of the
drama among the _élite_. At that period the _first families_ in Virginia
had not assumed that prerogative. Hallam opened his first place of
amusement in the city of New York on the 17th day of September, 1753,
with “Conscious Lovers,” and “Damon and Phillida.” The site was
originally occupied by the old Dutch Church on Nassau Street. As a
matter of history, as well as of curiosity, we append the opening bill:—