Letters to Lawrence Barrett

1885

Edwin Booth, American actor-manager, made his theatre debut in 1849 at the Boston Museum. After touring in the West and elsewhere, he made his first major New York appearance at Burton's Theatre in May 1857. Booth was involved in the management of several theatres, most notably the Winter Garden and his own Booth's Theatre. After 1873 he abandoned management and spent the rest of his career touring. His last performance was as Hamlet at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1891. He established The Players in 1888. Mr. Booth died 7 June 1893.

Lawrence Barrett, American actor-manager, made his theatre debut in Detroit in 1853 and his first important New York appearances in 1857 as a member of the Metropolitan Theatre Company. He was often associated professionally with Edwin Booth throughout his career. Mr. Barrett and Mr. Booth maintained a close friendship until Mr. Barrett's death in 1891.