America's Oldest · Founded 1808

Historic Photo Gallery: 1850 to 1899

1873

Lotta Crabtree made her debut at the Walnut in August 1873, appearing in The Little Detective. A performer of the variety tradition, Lotta was known for her strong acting and musical ability, playing roles that allowed her to assume many disguises to show off her versatility. (Photograph courtesy of the Theatre Collection, Free Library of Philadelphia.)

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