"There were in 1808 two dramatic societies in Pittsburg that were important enough to receive notice in the newspapers. The one was composed of law students and young lawyers and the other was composed of mechanics. The object of these societies was to study the poets and dramatic literature and to give public performances in the court house. William Wilkins … was a member and took a leading part in the entertainments given by these societies. There was no way for theatrical companies from the East to reach Pittsburg prior to 1817, save by the state road, which was scarcely passable for a train of pack horses, yet they came even as early as 1808 and performed in a small room, which was secured for them when the court room was occupied. In 1812 a third dramatic society called the Thespian Society was organized among the young men and young women of Pittsburg.

The society numbered among its members the brightest and best bred young people of the city, most of whom took part in each performance. They were given in a room on Wood street, in a building known as Masonic Hall." Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg.

"The Theatre of this City has been now opened nearly a fortnight, and the managers although they have used every exertion to please, in the selection of their pieces, have not been enabled to pay the contingent expenses of the House. This is a severe satire on the taste of the place.

Tomorrow [Wednesday] evening we understand that the 'Stranger' is to be produced—we hope under auspices more favorable to the managers than heretofore. The part of the Stranger is to be performed by a Young Gentleman of the City, who has never before graced the Boards.—If report speaks correctly of his talents, he bids fair to excel any person who has yet appeared upon the stage on this side the Mountains. It is hoped that this novelty, together with the correct and manly acting of Mr. Savage, a stranger here, and the chastened elegance which Mrs. Savage is said to exhibit, will attract to the Theatre, for this one evening at least, the friends to this rational amusement." Commonwealth, Nov. 12, 1816.

On Friday evening, June 7, will be presented, Shakespear's celebrated comedy, in 3 acts called

Catharine & Petruchio
after which, a much admired comic opera called
The Highland Reel.
For particulars, see bills.

And, that every person should have the opportunity of seeing the most splendid spectacle ever exhibited in Pittsburgh, on Saturday evening, June 8, will be presented, the grand romantic drama, called

Timour the Tartar;
or, the
Princess of Mingrelia.

Which will positively be the last time, of its being performed, as the scenery will be appropriated to other purposes.

With other Entertainments.

For particulars, see box bills.

"A few days after the performance of Hamlet, Mr. Entwistle, the manager, had for his benefit, that irresistibly amusing burlesque, 'Hamlet Travestie.' His line of acting is a broad-farce caricature of that of Liston. He personated the modern Danish prince. The audience were solemn, serious, and dull. The affecting entrance of the deranged Ophelia, who, instead of rosemary, rue, &c. had an ample supply of turnips and carrots, did not move a muscle of their intelligent faces—the ladies, indeed, excepted, who evinced by the frequent use of their pocket handkerchiefs, that their sympathies were engaged on the side of the love-sick maiden. Some who had seen the original Hamlet for the first time a few evenings before, gave vent to their criticisms when the curtain fell. They thought Mr. Entwistle did not look sufficiently grave; and that, as it was his benefit, he acted very dishonourably in shaving (cheating) them out of two acts; for that they guessed when Mr. Hutton played that'ere king's mad son, he gave them five acts for their dallar. Mr. —— assured me that on the following morning, a respectable lawyer of Pittsburgh met him, and said, 'I was at the play last night, Sir, and do not think that Mr. Entwistle acted Hamlet quite so well as Mr. Hutton.'" Fearon's Sketches of America, 1818.

Thespian Society

The Public are respectfully informed that on this evening, Jan. 14th, will be presented the much admired Drama, called

the
Man of Fortitude.

The proceeds to be appropriated to the benefit of the Sunday Male Charitable School.

Recitation, Alonzo the brave or the fair Imogen.

Song, I have loved thee, dearly loved thee.—Mrs. Menier.

——, America, Commerce and Freedom.

After which the much admired Farce, called,
The Review,
Or, the
Wag of Windsor.

Doors to be opened at half past 5 o'clock, and the curtain to rise at half past six. Box, one dollar; Pit, Fifty cents.

"A citizen of Pittsburgh, and a lover of the useful and rational amusement of the Theatre, begs leave to observe to his fellow citizens, that on Monday evening next Mr. Alexander will stand forward for public recompense, for his exertions in his profession…. It must be readily acknowledged that no young gentleman of more transcendent talent ever graced the dramatic floor of Pittsburgh; it is, therefore, but just that he who has so often made us smile, should from us receive a something to make him smile in turn." Commonwealth, Nov. 4, 1815.

"The Theatre in this city is now opened by the Thespian Society, for the double purpose of gratifying the public taste by a moral and rational amusement and adding to the funds of the Male Charitable Sunday School. The Man of Fortitude and the Farce of the Review have been selected for representation this evening. Since society has been released from the chains of superstition, the propriety of Theatrick amusements has not been doubted by any man of liberal feelings and enlightened understanding…. The stage conveys a moral in colours more vivid than the awful and elevated station of the preacher permits him to use—it is his coadjutor in good, and goes with him hand in hand exposing vice to ridicule and honouring virtue." Gazette, Jan. 14, 1817.