Historic Photo Gallery: Beginnings to 1849
1812
In fall 1811, a 40ft. addition with a stage was added to the north side of the building.
The theatre opened on New Year's Day 1812 with its first stage production, Richard Brinsley
Sheridan's comedy
The Rivals. Rumored to be in attendance on opening night were President
Thomas Jefferson (above) and the Marquis de Lafayette.
(Image courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division.)
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