previous seasons. Interest had declined from some cause or other. It was probably attributable in some measure to the departure of first Mrs. Wheelock and then of Mrs. Tuckett, the two leadin

time to devote to the playhouse. Bernard Snow, too, was absent from the company that winter and a

-61, there was nothing doing in the dramatic line in the Social Hall. One reason for this was that a new company had arisen, which, if not exactly a rival, was a st

owring had in course of construction a new dwelling house; it was covered and the floors laid, but no finishing or plastering had been done, no partition walls had been put in, so that the entire lower story was one room, not more than 18x40 feet in dimensions, about one-third the size of the Social Hall. The stage occupied about one-third of the same, leaving an audience chamber of about 18x25 feet, not large enough, as it proved, to accommodate the numbers that were anxious to witn

was given it by the patrons and guests, we do not pretend to know, nor does it matter; but this fact

ures-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

Laborer," and "Othello," and the farces of

omewhat 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 c

n that character that the name of "Crommie" has attached to him among his acquaintances ever since. Harry McEwan, Joe Barker, Billie Wright, Bill P

ay. The President of course had heard of the new theatre, (what was there he didn't hear of?) but affected s

lay?" inquired

ily tonight, President Young, as the seats are mostly engaged, but we would be pleased to reserve t

eber (meaning Heber C. Kimball, his chief counsellor, who was sitting wi

r him, but Phil readily acquiesced in the President's wish, and he and Brother Kimball "took in the s

f and family. The tiny theatre was packed to see "The Honeymoon." The Young family certainly was in evidence on that occasion, but t

ay thanked the President and those of his family and friends present for honoring the company, and express

couraged them to go ahead and told them he intended before long to build a good big theatre, where they could have

after this the President instructed Hyrum Clawson to reorganize the Deseret Dramatic Association and to unite it with

nd two large dramatic associations, bursting with ambition and only too anxious for a good place and opportunity to air their talents. So he gave it out in meeting one Sunday, much to t

the Seventies; so we will use that fund to help build the theatre, and when we get the theatre running we can pay back the Seven

hall has nev

ally superintended the construction of the building. This same gentleman, also, designe

ted as to be used, and on this date it was opened with such ceremonies as would not only be deemed u

extended by President Young to the church authorities, state, county and municipal officers, the workmen who had erected the bui

hurch and secular, and the dramatic company and members of their families. The circles were filled principally by the men who had worked on the building and their families. There was a feeling o

bernacles, stake houses, ward houses, school houses, theatres, dance ha

their religious meetings with the

program of vocal and instrumental music, a special choir gotten together for the occa

he could desire; but it was especially so on this occasion, when he was circumscribed to a most monotonous enumeration of everything that entered into the construction of the huge building. Beginning with the ground on which it stood and going in systematic order up through it foundation, walls, floors, doors, windows, to the roof, particularizing even the timbers, nails and bolts, the laths and plaster, the glass and putty, no detail he could think of was omitted. Each and all were especia

at extravagantly against tragedy and declared he wouldn't have any tragedies or blood-curdling dramas played in this theatre. This people had seen tragedy enough in real life and there was no telling th

in a brief address, strongly support

rchestra, and more singing by the choir, and Mr. Dunbar sang another song wr

fessor Thomas was sung by the choir, accompanied by the orchestra and and brass band consolidated for

Secrets" would be presented. The people anxiously awaited the opening night. The performance was advertised to begin at 7 o'clock. At 5 o'clock hundreds were at the doors waiting to get in

. D. A. into the D. D. A. made up a strong company. The roster of the Deseret Dramatic company as it stood at this opening performance and the cast

m B. Clawson, John T.

ts, David McKenzie, Wi

, Jos. Simmons, Horac

, George M. Ottinger,

n, John Kelly, Richar

, Henry Snell, Mrs. Mar

Mrs. Margaret Clawson,

ss Sarah Alexander. O

away: John R. Clawso

Henry McEwan, John B.

ng, Mrs. Alice Clawson,

n of Social Hall fame

embers; they

ng is the o

VENING, MA

Comedy in

E OF THE

f Char

...................

...................

ive ...............

...................

...................

...................

...................

........... R. Math

...................

...................

e market) .........

g Around" .........

With the Lau

E SE

f Char

(the tailor of Tamwo

....................

....................

....................

....................

ilor's wife) .......

song) .............

e was auspiciously and successfully launched into the great dra

f about six weeks' duration. They gave fifteen performances in this time. The company during this first short season scarcely found its b

her skill in the terpsichorean art between the plays almost nightly; she was eventually superseded, however, by Miss "Totty" Clive (a daughter of Mr. Claud Clive, the costumer),