THE AMIABLELADY CHARMS THE IRON CITY Adah Isaacs Menken in Pittsburgh John F. Krich

the end of the summer of 1968 a small but devoted group of Byadmirers, historians, biographers, and other captivated individu- als willhave celebrated the centennial of the death of one of the world's most startling and astonishing actresses. Her death at thirty- three years of age on 10 August 1868 willhave been mourned by those who could not have known her, but who celebrate her memory as passionately and vociferously as those of her contemporaries who deprecated her inher lifetime and forgot her in death. Inthe hundred years since her death, the ebullient, sensational, and astounding life of Adah Isaacs Menken has been resurrected by those whose curiosities have led them to pursue the mysterious lifetime and career of "The Naked Lady" (as she was dubbed by her audiences and admirers) and to have become ultimately fascinated and bewitched by her charm and insatiable thirst for living. Pittsburgh is one of several cities that played an early but not insignificant role in the unfolding of her theatrical career. However, before pursuing her visits to the "Iron City," let us take a brief look at this eclectic woman who was at once a paradox and truly a breath of fresh air in a rather turgid Victorian age. There is considerable mystery and controversy over much of her life:her birth date which is said to have been in 1835 ;the place of her birth which is thought to have been ; her real name which she herself insisted was Dolores Adios Los Fuertes ; and whether or not she was a Jewess (Bernard Falk, one of her biographers, suggests, rather naively, that she was indeed a Jewess. His evidence is an early ambro- type of her at the age of eighteen which, he says, shows her "to be unmistakably a Jewess." 1). Itis more than likely that such issues willnever be resolved.

Mr. Krich is a member of the staff in the Department of Speech and the Theatre Arts at the University of Pittsburgh.— Editor 1 Bernard Falk, The Naked Lady (London, 1952), facing 21. 260 JOHN F. KRICH JULY

Itis known, however, that in her brief lifetime she married four times and bore two sons who did not survive for very long. Her first husband, Alexander Isaac Menken, was a musician from who provided Adah with the surname she was to retain throughout her life. The marriage was short-lived and after some small success on the New York stage she fellinlove withand married the American contender to the world's heavyweight boxing title, John Carmel Heenan. It was a stormy union and Menken and Heenan soon parted company, but not before he had fought England's title contender, Tom Sayers, to a draw in a championship bout and she had risen to a successful place as an actress in New York. A son was born in the summer of 1860, but did not survive early infancy. Menken's next marriage was to Robert H. Newell, critic and satirist, who had fol- lowed inAdah's wake like a puppy after its master. He was thorough- ly bewitched and enamoured of her both before and after their mar- riage. Newell mourned his beloved Adah until his own death in Brooklyn many years later. Her fourth and last marriage was to James Paul Barkley, another of her ardent followers, who found himself the Menken's husband only after it was discovered that she was carrying his child. Once again the marriage and child were ill-fated;the infant died shortly after birth. Adah Isaacs Menken rose to fame in her portrayal of the title character in H.M.Milner's play, Mazeppa. After numerous successes across America in that vehicle, she went abroad, first to old Astley's Theatre inLondon's Westminster-bridge Road and then to the Euro- pean continent and most notably where success was even more resounding than in her homeland. Ambitious managers, producers, and actresses made many attempts to imitate her, but none could ap- proach the charm, beauty, and drawing-power of this cigar-smoking, accused Confederate spy whose own scantily-clad legs effected a weak- ening in the knees of nearly every man who saw her or whose path she crossed. There is a list of men whose lives were wound about that of Adah Isaacs Menken that defies comparison even today. She appeared on the stage with some of the greatest American actors of the day : , James Hackett, and James Murdoch. Included in the list of her American admirers are Mark Twain, Bret Harte, ,and . In England she drew about her Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Algernon Swinburne, , and the artist James A. McNeill Whistler. She knew Jacques Offenbach, Theophile Gautier, and her love affair with , pere, 1968 THE AMIABLELADY CHARMS THE IRON CITY 261

was the sensation of Paris and all of . Swinburne and Rossetti immortalized her in verse and she herself wrote a fascinating and lovely volume of poetry, Injelicia, that in spite of an obvious influence by Walt Whitman, is sufficient to attest to her ability as a fine poet. Pittsburgh audiences of the pre-Civil War years were in a unique position to be witness to Menken's rise from the ranks of second-rate touring companies to a full-fledged star whose fame and notoriety swept across America, England, and the European continent. At best, theatrical operations in Pittsburgh enjoyed only sporadic success. Touring companies visited Foster's New National Theatre (later called the Apollo Theatre) and various kinds of entertainments were produced at two variety theatres, the Gaieties and Trimble's Varieties, as well as at the Masonic Hall. The burden of theatrical fare, however, fell upon the Pittsburgh Theatre or, as it was more familiarly referred to, the "Old Drury." This structure, which occupied a place in the three-hundred block of Fifth Avenue until its demolition in 1870, was the first brick theatre built in Pittsburgh. It was erected in 1833 under the auspices of a joint stock company presided over by a Mr. G. A. Cooke. Itopened its doors to the public on 2 September 1833 with a production of The Busy Body, an eighteenth century stock comedy by the English actress and dramatist, Susannah Freeman Centlivre. The production was staged by the theatre's first manager, Francis C. Wemyss. 2 During the first season the "Old Drury" boasted performances by several of America's greatest actors: Edwin Forrest, Tyrone Power, and Junius Brutus Booth. The building itself was a stuccoed, two-story structure with a false third story facade. There were five entrances in the front and an iron balcony hung over the center three. There were six or eight iron lamps flanking the doorways. The architect, John Haviland, had designed a building that was said to have been one of the safest of its kind in America. The front of the building measured fifty-seven feet and its depth ran to one hundred and thirty feet. The interior was apparently quite elegant with two tiers of boxes painted a rose color and decorated with gold ornamentation. Each box bore the arms of the United States. The seats were upholstered in crimson fabric, edged with velvet, and studded with brass nails. Eighteen chandeliers illuminated the auditorium. The proscenium arch supported the arms of the state of Pennsylvania. The two left-hand sections of the gallery 2 Francis Courtney Wemyss, Wemyss' Chronology of the American Stage from 1752 to 1852 (New York, 1852), 13. 262 JOHN F. KRICH JULY were reserved for colored people and there were three bars in the house. 3 Undoubtedly Adah Isaacs Menken found the Pittsburgh Theatre a comfortable house in which to perform. She very likely adapted herself readily to the elegance of the auditorium and the dressing rooms which were carpeted and furnished in a suitably lavish style. The green room was furnished as a drawing-room of the period with piano, ottomans, side chairs, and looking-glasses. 4 The "Old Drury" enjoyed only faltering success under the management of several men throughout its first twenty-five years of operation. It was periodically closed due to a lack of audience support and itwas following one such lean and slack time in 1858 that William Henderson, actor and manager, took over control of the theatre. His first attempts at resurrecting the former glory and fame of the theatre were less than successful. His first season was downright disappoint- ing. Then early in March of 1859 he announced the engagement of a young actress, whose antics rather than talent had been attracting attention in the Midwest. Perhaps he had hoped to capitalize on Adah Isaacs Menken's notoriety when her impending arrival was made known in the Pittsburgh Post. Itis doubtful, however, that Hender- son knew her or had ever seen her perform and the advance notice of her engagement did indeed read like a typical press agent's release : Adah Isaac Menken, a daughter ofIsrael, and a charming actress, willbe amongst us next week. She is quite eccentric and very beautiful. She is said to unite dramatic power with inexhaustible versatility, being perfectly at home in every "line," tragedy, high or low comedy, farce, singing and dancing. She willdoubt- less be greeted by a discriminating public, as her merits deserve. 5 In the summer of 1858, on her first tour as an actress, Adah had played Dayton, Ohio, where she appeared for the first time in male attire in a play entitled Sixteen-String Jack (later called Jack Shep- pard) .6 Following the performance a group of young men from a corps of volunteer militia called the Dayton Light Guards met her at the stage door and persuaded her to dine as guest of honor with them at a local hotel. The young, star-struck Adah was enchanted by the atmosphere of gaiety and was overwhelmed when, in fun, she was awarded an honorary commission as Captain of the Dayton Light Guards. The evening was one of good spirits and good-natured fun. 3 Sarah H. Killikelly, History of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, 1906), 531. A similar description appears also in Leland D. Baldwin, Pittsburgh; the Story of a City (Pittsburgh, 1938), 263-4. 4 Francis Courtney Wemyss, Twenty-Six Years of the Life of an Actor and Manager (New York, 1847), I,226. 5 Post, 2 March 1859. 6 AllenLesser, Enchanting Rebel (Philadelphia, 1947), 33. 1968 THE AMIABLELADY CHARMS THE IRON CITY 263

But somehow word got out that the party had reached near-orgy pro- portions and that Adah had behaved in a disgraceful manner. 7 The story was expanded to scandal proportions and suddenly Adah Isaacs Menken was no longer an unknown, novice actress ; she had attained overnight the status of wicked, notorious, and controversial renown. Somewhere along the line it was acknowledged that she might even be a popular and versatile actress. To further enlarge the scandal, she had divorced her first husband, Alexander Menken, in 1858, and early in the following year married the prize-fighter John Carmel Heenan. But those citizens of Pittsburgh who may have anticipated her arrival early in March had to wait until nearly the end of the month for a glimpse of the "Star of the West," as she was sometimes billed. The Pittsburgh Post explained the delay : — Miss Adah Isaacs Menken. This lady, who was announced some two weeks since, but failed to arrive, by reason of sickness, willpositively make her first appearance at the Pittsburgh Theatre to-night. She comes with a fair fame preceding her, and if she can sustain it, which we do not doubt, willbe a favorite here. She appears as the Widow Cheerly in the "Soldier's Daughter," and also in "A Day in Paris," in which she sustains five characters. She is said to be not only a good actress, but a fine vocalist, and an exquisite danseuse. We wish her success. 8 The newspapers wished her well,but one senses that she had not yet attained the status of a widely-known and respected star. Apparently the rival theatres were offering a good deal of competition: Foster's New National offered the Bouxary Ballet Troupe and at the Masonic Hall the Campbell Minstrels played to fullhouses. Menken's six-night-stand in Pittsburgh was not of earthshaking importance either to her or to the citizenry, but she did achieve an encouraging success. She appeared in those plays that were to be the mainstays of her repertoire with the addition of Mazeppa a few years later. She opened her run in The Soldier's Daughter and in A Day in Paris, The second-night audience saw her in The French Spy; or, The Fall of Algiers. She appeared in Satan in Paris; or, The Mysterious Stranger and in The Unprotected Female on the third night. On 24 March she was seen as Camille in The Fate of a Coquette and on the following night she played Fazio; or, The Italian Wife and Lola Montez, a play based on the life of an actress of that name whose life Menken sought to emulate. The final night of her engagement saw her play in Asmodeus ;or, The LittleDevil's Share, The Unprotected Female, and a ballet entitled The Four Lovers. Little was said about her performances in those plays and, in spite of her fame elsewhere, 7 Ibid., 34. 8 Post, 21March 1859. 264 JOHN F. KRICH JULY one feels that Pittsburghers knew little of her and made no more of her than of any other young actress, being neither generous with their praise or discouragement. Perhaps the best thing gained during her first week in Pittsburgh was needed experience and confidence on the stage. It wasn't until two years later that she was to return to the boards of the "Old Drury" and Allen Lesser, in his biography of Menken, gives us this capsule view of the fair lady's situation in1861 : Stories of the earlier scandals at Dayton, Ohio, and that which followed the break-up of her marriage to Alexander Menken were revived and amplified. Together with this latest charge they gave rise to wildunfounded rumors that Adah was a femme jatale, a vampire bent on the destruction of as many men as she could attract. Her name became the butt of many a lewd remark, and among themselves, women gossiped about her inhushed whispers. 9 The situation at Henderson's theatre had not improved greatly by this time, but, ironically, it was the very reason that brought about the new slump in theatrical activity that he finally capitalized on to revive interest in theatrical fare. The impending Civil War had brought a new surge in industrial activity and consequently a decline in cultural interests. But Henderson persevered and as the war became a reality appealed to the military personnel swarming into the city as well as to the patriotic spirit of Pittsburgh's citizens. The wily manager even went so far as to donate the proceeds from several performances to the local companies of volunteers. 10 As a result his establishment grew inpopularity within the community ;it became a gathering place for soldier and citizen to witness stirring, patriotic pantomimes, tableaux, and the popular dramas of the day. This prosperity, however, was not substantial, and throughout the firstmonths of 1861 Henderson realized fewer successes than failures. He closed his winter season at the end of April. But because of his ability to engage Mr. and Mrs. Waller, a husband-wife acting team popular in the provinces, to perform Othello and The Duchess oj Malfi,he re-opened with a spring and summer season early in May.11 The Wallers met with a moderate degree of success and remained for nearly two weeks. Encouraged by this small triumph, Henderson shrewdly engaged one of the most controversial individuals of the time in the hope of prolonging the success begun with the Wallers. He was crafty enough 9 Lesser, 57-58. 10 James Allison Lowrie, "A History of the Pittsburgh Stage (1861-1891)" (diss., Univ. of Pittsburgh, 1943), I, 4. 11 Ibid., I,5. 1968 THE AMIABLELADY CHARMS THE IRON CITY 265

to know the value of sensationalism, and so it was announced that on 13 May 1861 the Pittsburgh Theatre would present The French Spy and, as an afterpiece, Lola Monies, starring the notorious Captain of the Dayton Light Guards, Miss Adah Isaacs Menken. The "amiable Adah," as she was called by journalists, followed hard on the heels of her reputation that had spread slowly and grown surely throughout the Midwest and East. Thus the fair Adah invaded Pittsburgh for the second time. She registered as Miss Menken from New York at the St. Charles Hotel on the corner of Third and Wood Streets in down- town Pittsburgh. 12 From the statement in the Pittsburgh Evening Chronicle on the day of her arrival, we are led to suspect that Manager Henderson may have harbored a secret hope that a scandal similar to that in Dayton might perhaps occur while Adah performed at his theatre:

As her fame has been quite great for some months, and her history is romantic, we suppose there willbe quite a rush to see the lady, whois very pretty. Manager Henderson has invited the Pennsylvania Life Guards, Capt. J. L. Williams, to be present, and this fine company have signified their acceptance of the invitation. Additional eclat willtherefore be added to the first appearance of the attractive Adah." Advance notices paved much of the way to the favorable welcome she received in the Pittsburgh newspapers. Apparently the city looked forward to seeing the singing, dancing, cigar-smoking Captain who played multiple roles in several plays each evening. They were eager for a glimpse of the beautiful lady whose—specialty was playing the male roles in many of their favorite pieces so that in spite of rampant reports of scandal and intrigue, Pittsburgh was happy and eager to receive once again young Adah as an actress possessed with versatility and great beauty. Pittsburgh daily newspapers offered the following pre-opening notices : Mrs. Adah Isaacs Menken — This lady, who gained considerable notoriety as the wife of the "Benicia Boy," is posted to appear at the Theatre this evening, for the first time this season. She is pretty, piquant and versatile and a favorite here. We anticipate a successful engagement for her and hope no "rumors of wars" may interpose to keep the public away.14 Theatre — Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, an actress who has made a favorable impression wherever she has heretofore performed, appears for the first time in Pittsburg at the theatre this evening. A good bill is offered, and we would not be surprised to see the house full from parquette to dome." 12 Gazette, 14 May 1861. 13 Evening Chronicle, 13 May 1861. 14 Post, 13 May 1861. 15 Daily Dispatch, 13 May 1861. 266 JOHN F. KRICH JULY

Her opening night at the "Old Drury" was a success. The Post (14 May 1861) noted that "Mrs. Adah Isaacs Menken Heenan ap- peared to a favorable audience at the Theatre last evening, and was well received." The reviewer for the Evening Chronicle (14 May 1861) had not only sided with Adah in the Heenan scandal, but was apparently worried a bit about her well-being when he wrote, "Adah Isaacs Menken is as sprightly and pretty as ever, despite the cruelty of the 'Benicia Boy/ and was welcomed to our boards last night very warmly." (Heenan was nicknamed for his home town of Benicia, California.) On the second night of her engagement, 14 May 1861, Adah performed Fazio; or, The Italian Wife and A Day in Paris in which she sang and danced and personated six characters. On 15 May she appeared as Widow Cheerly in The Soldier's Daughter and as Harriet in AnAcquaintance from Injancy. The newspaper ads for the Pittsburgh Theatre informed the public that Adah was to appear in a three-act play written especially for her on 16 May. The play was Jenny Divers, The Female Highwayman which was followed by The Unprotected Female. It must be noted that Adah was supported by the stock company at the Pittsburgh Theatre and often played opposite Henderson him- self. Henderson, apparently not prepared to let the entire burden and credit for success rest with Adah alone, had the "fair lady" share the billing occasionally with a popular local dancer, M'lle. Marie. Begin- ning on 17 May 1861 for a short run, the American Blondin, a tight- rope performer, also appeared with the two ladies. The addition of other star entertainers undoubtedly helped fillthe house, and most surely that was Henderson's aim when on 17 May he announced that not only would M'lle. Marie and the American Blondin appear, but that the evening's performance would be a benefit for Miss Menken. Benefit performances were held as often as possible because the public took great delight in the tradition of attending the theatre to acknowl- edge their support and approval of their favorite actors and actresses. That night Menken appeared in two pieces, The Maid of Erin and Fast Women of Modern Times. The Daily Dispatch (17 May 1861) announced the American Blondin as walking up "a rope from the back part of the stage to the third tier." There is an inaccuracy here inthat the Pittsburgh Theatre had only two galleries. Perhaps the reporter was referring to the top of the second gallery. Atany rate the public was assured that with the American Blondin, M'lle. Marie, and Adah Isaacs Menken appearing, the house was sure to be full. The Post added its acknowledgment of Adah's growing popularity in the fol- 1968 THE AMIABLELADY CHARMS THE IRON CITY 267

lowing paragraph : Benefit of Adah Isaacs Menken — The benefit of Mrs. Menken or Heenan, who has, so far, been successful in her engagement here, takes place this evening. A most attractive billis presented, with Adah in seven characters. First comes the "Maid of Erin," Adah as Kate, with songs and dances, then a new song: "Unfold the Glorious Banner," by Ettie Henderson, then an ascension on a rope from the stage to the gallery, 200 feet, by "the American Blondin," the whole concluding with the new three act drama "Fast Women of Modern Times." Here is enough variety for any one, and we mistake if the better half of the "Benicia Boy," who is really clever, pretty and a charming actress, does not attract a larger audience at the Theatre this evening than it has contained since the breaking out of the war. She is certainly entitled to it.16 Following that successful benefit performance on 17 May it was announced that the next night would be the last of her engagement. And so on 18 May 1861 Adah appeared in The Dumb Girl and Jack Sheppard. The American Blondin rounded out the billfor the evening. There were, however, reservations about Adah's performing in Jack Sheppard : Theatre — Adah Isaacs Menkin's [sic] benefit last night was tolerably well attended, and her acting very well received. She plays well, sings well, and looks well. Young Blondin did some tall rope walking, so that the entertainment altogether was quite a pleasant one. She appears to-night in that grossly demoralizing play of "Jack Sheppard." We have no objection to see Adah succeed here, but we do object to her giving us any such pieces as this, and trust that the public willshow their distaste for plays of this school by staying away from the theatre on every occasion upon which they are offered. 17 Apparently the warnings and suggestions of the Evening Chronicle went unheeded. Immediately after the performance, the Pittsburgh theatre-going public was treated to the happy news that Adah's engagement at the theatre had been extended : — Pittsburgh Theatre We are pleased to learn that Manager Henderson has re-engaged Mrs. Adah Isaacs Menkin [sic], who willdelight the playgoers of Pittsburgh for one week longer, and we have no hesitation in saying she will prove a greater attraction then ever. She has drawn most excellent houses, and is really a most pleasing actress. 18 On 20 May 1861 Adah appeared not only as Satan in The Mysterious Stranger, but as nine other characters in a song-and-dance routine. The Post declared : the popularity of this really charming and piquant actress is steadily on the increase, and she is playing to large and fashionable audiences. Her versatility and talent are really surprising and win all hearts. To-night a splendid billis I offered, embracing "Fast Women of Modern Times," and "Lola Montez." The American Blondin willwheel a barrow to the gallery upon a rope. Go and see. 19 16 Post, 17 May 1861. 17 Evening Chronicle, 18 May 1861. 18 Gazette, 20 May 1861. 19 Post, 21 May 1861. 268 JOHN F. KRICH JULY

Adah's amazing versatility was again apparent when on 22 May she appeared as fifteen characters in three plays. The triple feature includ- ed Nora Creina, The Female Brigand, and A Day in Paris. The re- view in the Post was nothing less than a rave : — Theatre. A delightful and enthusiastic audience greeted Miss Adah Isaacs Menken at the Theatre last evening, when she exhibited her wonderful proficien- cy and versatility by personating thirteen characters, each of which was equally —wellrendered. She is a fine actress, a splendid vocalist, and an elegant danseuse enough to make a reputation for any one.20 The evening of 23 May provided Pittsburghers withanother triple feature which was comprised of Katherine and Petruchio, in which Adah played the roles of William and Katherine, Black Eyed Susan, and Mad As a March Hare. The Post announced another benefit for Adah on 24 May, although it,like the other newspapers, neglected to announce the billfor that evening : The benefit of Miss Adah Isaacs Menken is announced for this evening. She has many admirers here who willbe glad of this opportunity of showing their partiality for her by swelling the audience. She has been successful beyond ex- pectation heretofore and we look for a large and brilliant assemblage this evening. A good bill is offered, which we think cannot fail to attract a large audience. Go if you would spend a pleasant evening. 21 The Evening Chronicle inannouncing the benefit couldn't resist taking a dig at Mr.Heenan, pointing out to the public the depths to which the "Benicia Boy" had fallen in contrast to Adah's flourishing success : Mrs. Menkin Lsid Heenan' s benefit at the theatre to-night promises to be well attended. A great billis offered, and no doubt she willhave a rousing house. We might add here perhaps that Heenan himself is in New York, and with that bruiser Morrissey, and others of that ilk, appeared at the Fashion Race Course on Tuesday. He is said to have got completely cleaned out "fighting the tiger" at New Orleans, and willvery likely have to fall back on his muscle again for subsistance. 22 The Pittsburgh Theatre closed its doors for the spring season on 25 May 1861 withAdah's appearance inSatan in Paris, The French Spy, and as Richmond inRichard III. Shortly before her second engagement in Pittsburgh, Adah had visited several other cities of the Midwest and East. Among these was Albany, where she played at the Gayety Theatre. While perform- ing at the Gayety in April of 1861 she was introduced to a Captain John B. Smith who managed the rival legitimate theatre in Albany, the Green Street Theatre. He offered to hire and train her to play the title role inMazeppa, a popular equestrian drama of the day. This was 20 Post, 23 May 1861. 21 Post, 24 May 1861. 22 Evening Chronicle, 24 May 1861. PITTSBURGH THEATRE, OR, THE OLD DRURY IN 1870. <

- [ 1968 THE AMIABLE LADY CHARMS THE IRON CITY 269

designed to be a sensational theatrical event, because Adah would be I one of few women to play the role and at the same time perform the thrilling wildride up the mountains in person instead of employing the traditional dummy lashed to the horse. Adah agreed and rehearsals were set for the end of May, immediately following her engagement in Pittsburgh. On 3 June 1861 she opened in Mazeppa to a rousing ovation. 23 Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, Henderson, aware of the former suc- cesses of Adah at his theatre and the potential drawing power of her new triumph in Albany, wisely engaged her for a summer season at the "Old Drury." Her return to Pittsburgh on 24 June 1861 was cele- brated not by the performance of her latest success, Mazeppa, but by two old Pittsburgh favorites. She was billed as a "poetess, danseuse, actress, authoress, songstress and pantomimest" 24 who would appear in The French Spy and Lola Montez. The Post welcomed her in the following paragraph : — Theatrical. Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, who, during her recent engagement here, was received withsuch flattering marks of approbation, has been re-engaged for a short season and makes her first appearance at the Theatre this evening, when she willsustain six characters in the "French Spy" and "Lola Montez." As a Protean actress, vocalist and danseuse Adah has few rivals, and we are sure her success now willbe as great as before. 25 Manager Henderson still included supporting attractions in order to insure large houses. On the opening of her third Pittsburgh engage- ment Adah shared the boards withM'lle. Marie once again and with a group called the Ellsworth Tableaux who performed the evacuation of Harper's Ferry.26 Again on 25 June 1861 she appeared in a double bill of proven favorites, Fast Women of Modern Times and The Unprotected Female. The reviews were good and word was being spread that she had a surprise in store for Pittsburgh audiences. The Evening Chroni- cle (25 June 1861) revealed that "we understand she willgive us a taste of her ability as an equestrian — arrangements being on foot for bringing out some of those 'horse pieces' in which she lately achieved such success in Albany." On 26 June Adah appeared in one such horse piece, Joan of Arc.She played the title role from the back of her horse, Caution, who now began to share equal billingwithhis mistress. It is interesting to note that in all biographies her horse is referred 23 Lesser, 75-80. 24 Ad in Gazette, 24 June 1861. 25 Post, 24 June 1861. 26 Daily Dispatch, 24 June 1861. 270 JOHN F. KRICH JULY

to as Belle Beauty. Of course she may have employed a local horse, but considering the lengthy training and temperament involved, that seems an unlikely possibility. Itis a mystery that shall remain un- solved. The evening was rounded out with her appearance as Kate O'Brian in Maid of Erin. The same billwas offered on 27 June. The new and novel horse piece was a success, as the Gazette indicates in this review:

MISS MENKEN AND THE HORSE "CAUTION" AT THE THEATRE The fair Adah appears again to-night on horse back as Joan, inthat interesting three act drama entitled Joan of Arc. Previous to the drama, willbe enacted a piece called the Mysterious Stranger, in which Miss Menken sustains no less than five different characters. All who see how completely a horse can be controlled by a lady, should attend the Theatre and see the fair rider.27 Adah appeared on 29 June in another of her favorite vehicles, Jack She ppard, this time on horseback and without any voiced objec- tions. The degree of success her third engagement was commanding is revealed in this article in the Dispatch : Theatre. — Miss Menken appears in two pieces to-night. The one an American drama written by H. Lewis, Esq., entitled the "Land of Washington," and the other is that three act drama of which so much has been said and written, yclept Jack Sheppard. Miss Menken personates Jack on horseback, which by the by, is something unusual in this region ; and, as anything unusual is apt to attract attention, there would seem to be but little doubt of the treasurer, in the language of John Probity, having a "good time" this evening in "literally shoveling" the glittering coin into his strongbox. Go early to-night if you would have a front seat. 28 The Post promised that the evening of 29 June would provide a more spectacular display than Pittsburghers might expect : To-night the patriotic drama of the "Land of Washington," with a strong cast, willbe produced at the Theatre. Then follows the much abused, because immoral play of "Jack Sheppard," in which Miss Adah Isaacs Menken willride her trained horse "Caution" from the floor to the highest point of the stage, a distance of thirty feet. This very daring feat on the part of a female is a novelty and willdoubtless draw well.29 The climax of Adah's third engagement began on the night of 1 July 1861 when it was announced that she would play the title role inMazeppa inhopes of repeating her previous success in Albany. The papers informed the public that the spectacular ride in the first act would indeed be performed in person by the daring young lady: Miss Adah Isaacs Menken, who pleased so many last week, has been engaged by Manager Henderson for six nights longer. She is a woman of extraordinary nerve, as she has undertaken a most difficult task for to-night, in performing 27 Gazette, 28 June 1861. 28 Daily Dispatch, 29 June 1861. 29 Post, 8 July 1861. 1968 THE AMIABLELADY CHARMS THE IRON CITY 271

the part of Mazeppa in the play of that name, in which she will take a most perilous ride, lashed upon the bare back of her trained horse "Caution." The play was always a favorite one here, and we have known it run for weeks at a time. But [sic] the fair Adah's personal popularity and the prestige of the piece, now rarely presented, we expect to see the house filled with a brilliant audience each night of its representation. 30 AMUSEMENT* - piriBBOKOli TQIATJ^g i - TT~mnt+ '.. — » »^A» *• ! m* ' ftllltftittlltWT"f Ml«4 4PAH IIA4C*5»»X^«X WH53 fillAr?t&R 0!f Moh4o Ivmina Jrir |«r. l^t,,** MAi«PFA!*v

1

% MAZEP^AU_ _ _ Mi#(i M«kftfc« A«iCft>D1 11Mg Tor Of TMI •TliilIM3V r < .U« iBAUM»VLIOMK Mc Air iio**.»» Advertisement in the Pittsburgh Gazette, Monday 1July 1861.

The Evening Chronicle (1 July 1861) interjected a note of mystery when it announced the evening's bill and followed with the cryptic comment, "wonder if that 'mysterious stranger* willbe about ? His nerves might not be able to stand it!"We can only conjecture as to who this mystery man was ;might it have been Heenan himself ? He was known to have followed her about while she was on tour. More likely it was Robert Henry Newell, her third husband. Newell was devoted to Adah, pouring forth sympathy and admiration in her moments of trouble and depression. As editor of the Sunday Mercury Newell published much of Adah's poetry. Or perhaps the author of that 30 Post, 1 July 1861. 272 JOHN F. KRICH JULY curious note inthe Evening Chronicle was merely making a pun on the devilish character that Adah portrayed in the play The Mysterious Stranger. At any rate that particular 'mysterious stranger' must re- main anonymous. Adah and her horse, Caution, rapidly became the toast of Pitts- burgh. The "Old Drury" was filled nightly. After the opening of Mazeppa, the Dispatch assured its readers that nothing was falsified in the production :

Miss Menkin Isic] willappear in the character of Mazeppa again this evening, and willascend once more to the top of the stage on the bare back of the reckless and wildlooking horse, Caution. When Miss Menkin [sic] first adver- tised to perform this hazardous act there were many persons who thought she would have a substitute when the time came for her to be lashed to the horse ; in fact we heard a number of people state that "her heart would fail her." We can, however, assure all that Miss M. not only goes up on the back of the horse, but she urges him on to the top of his speed. 31

Mazeppa was performed on 2 July and 3 July 1861. Morning, afternoon, and evening performances were scheduled by Manager Henderson as his contribution to Pittsburgh's Fourth of July celebra- tion. In the afternoon Adah appeared inMazeppa, which she followed with a reading of Drake's Address to the American Flag. In the eve- ning she starred as Putnam in Putnam, The Iron Son of '76. No papers were published for 5 July, and consequently we can only con- jecture that either Mazeppa or Putnam was performed that evening. The night of 6 July was tohave been the last of the season. The billwas a conglomeration of Adah's most popular and noteworthy per- formances. The program commenced with the last act of Putnam, The } IronSon of 76, followed by the first act of Mazeppa (which, of course included the wildride up the mountain that thrilled audiences over and over again). The performance concluded with the last act of Richard III.Adah appeared on horseback in all three productions. 32 In spite of the apparent tremendous success of her third engage- ment, the Post added the following curious note to its comments on the summer season of 1861 : The Pittsburgh Theatre closed on Saturday evening for the season which has been far from profitable to Manager Henderson. We wish him "better luck next time." 33 Menken was not long absent from Pittsburgh. Henderson en

31 Daily Dispatch, 3 July 1861. 32 Ad in Gazette, 6 July 1861. 33 Post, 8 July 1861. 1968 THE AMIABLELADY CHARMS THE IRON CITY 273 gaged her for a fourth time commencing on 19 August 1861. Returning to her old repertoire, Adah opened in The French Spy and Lola Montez, in which she sang a new song, "I'm in Love." 34 Adah's name alone was now enough to draw full houses. The Italian Wife and The Youth Who Never Saw a Woman were offered on 20 August. She appeared as Parthenia in Ingomar, The Barbarian on 21 August. The Gazette was effusive in its praise of her talent : This versatile and pleasing actress is now drawing fair audiences at the Theatre, notwithstanding this is her third engagement for the season. She possesses a wide compass of talent — being favorably known as a literary writer, and having undoubted abilities as a tragic and comic actress. Her beauty, vivacity and sprightliness attract many admirers. 35 But the Dispatch couldn't resist reviving old scandals as it heaped praise on the "fair lady": This pretty and pleasant summer star is playing to fine houses every night at the Theatre. That she has sued the "Benicia Boy" for her freedom may have something to do with her present success, at least, if one might be allowed to judge from the enthusiasm that pervades the ranks of volunteers, to say nothing of the Home Guards that nightly crowd to greet the far-famed Captain of the Dayton Light Guard. 36 On 22 August Adah appeared as The Female Brigand and as The Dumb Girl. The evening of 23 August was a farewell benefit for her. Putting aside her old repertoire of Protean dramas, Adah once again performed Camille, hoping to charm her admirers further. No reviews were forthcoming, however, and we might assume that she was not as successful as she had hoped. The finalnight of this engage- ment was to have been 24 August, when she played a savage Highland youth in a new piece called The Whistler which was followed by The French Spy. But Henderson, desiring to stuff his cashbox further, retained her for six nights longer, beginning 26 August, when she took the boards in a triple feature of Black Eyed Susan, The Dumb Girl, and The Youth Who Never Saw a Woman. The followingevening she played Joan of Arc and Polly Crisp in The Unprotected Female. There was no mention of her bringing her horse along on this engage- ment. Theatre-goers saw her in The Soldier's Daughter and Lola Montez on 28 August. Jenny Divers and A Day in Paris were offered on 29 August. A farewell benefit was held on 30 August when she appeared in Fast Women of Modern Times, An Acquaintance from Jnfancy, and read Drake's Address to the American Flag. The Gazette announced the final night of the season: 34 Ad in Gazette, 19 August 1861. 35 Gazette, 21 August 1861. 36 Daily Dispatch, 21 August 1861. 274 JOHN F. KRICH JULY — last night of—the season. This evening Miss Adah Isaacs Menken appears in two pieces "Fazio" and "Jack Sheppard," assisted by Mr. Henderson and the whole strength of the stock company. As this is the last night of Miss Menken's engagement, and also the final night of the summer season, there is little doubt but the house willbe crowded. During the next week the theatre will undergo a thorough renovation from the top to the bottom, and it willbe open again for the fall season in about one week, with a new and strong company. 37 This was not, however, the end of Adah in Pittsburgh for 1861. The Pittsburgh Theatre was renovated during the first week of Sep- tember. On 6 September a new season was announced, and this time Adah Isaacs Menken was included as a member of Henderson's stock company. She received feature billing, though, on many occasions. On opening night she appeared in Ivanhoe. A play about Pittsburgh by Mr.H. Lewis, The Iron City by Day and Night, was produced on 9 September ;Henderson played the leading role and Adah played the character of Grace Graham opposite him. The play was repeated on 10 September, and the performance concluded with Adah in Lola Montez.n Adah performed in The Female Brigand and The Little Devil's Share on 11 September. The audience saw her on 12 September in Satan in Paris and The College Boy. She appeared in a new play, Heart's Struggle, on 13 September; the performance concluded with her in The Captain's Not a Miss. Heart's Struggle was repeated on 14 September followed by Adah in The Whistler. The same bill was repeated on 16 September. A new patriotic drama opened immediately after and enjoyed an extended run until 28 September. The play was called The Patriot's Dream. Although Adah's name was no longer featured in the billing (only the play's title appeared), we learn from the Gazette that she was with the company until that play closed : — the final night. We are informed by those high in authority that this evening willnot only be the final night of the "Patriot's Dream," but the last performance of the singular lady, Miss A. I.Menken. 39 It was not until the following spring that Pittsburghers were once again treated to the vision of the beautiful Adah at the "Old Drury." From an engagement in Cincinnati she returned to the Pittsburgh Theatre on 28 April 1862 in The French Spy. The Post made a note about her marriage status : This talented and versatile actress has returned to Pittsburgh for a short season. She is a great favorite here and has generally attracted good audiences to the

37 Gazette, 31 August 1861. 38 Evening Chronicle, 10 September 1861. 39 Gazette, 28 September 1861. 1968 THE AMIABLE LADY CHARMS THE IRON CITY 275

Theatre. Since she was last here she has obtained a divorce from the Benicia Boy and has consequently dropped the name of Heenan. 40 On 29 April 1862 she performed Fazio; or, The Italian Wife and A Day in Paris. The third night of her engagement saw her in Lola Montez, MyNeighbor's Wife, and A Day in Paris. On 1 May Adah portrayed the following six characters in Satan in Paris :Mysterious Stranger, M'lle. Clotilde, Lilon Manchere, Princess Semira, Captain Mantell, and Clarisse. 41 Adah was to have had a benefit on 2 May and she appeared on that evening in her own dramatization of Charles Dickens' novel, Great Expectations!, as Pip. The following evening she performed in Jack Sheppard and in an afterpiece called Tom and Jerry. She was scheduled to repeat Great Expectations! on 5 May. However, on the next day the Dispatch ran the following notice : Miss Adah Isaacs Menken did not appear at the theatre last evening on account of severe illness, which willno doubt prevent her from playing for several nights to come.42 The Gazette (6 May 1862) remarked only that "due notice willbe given of the re-appearance of Miss Menken." The last mention of Adah in Pittsburgh appeared in the Dispatch : The tragedy of the Robbers and the nautical drama of the Red Rover willbe performed to-night at the Theatre. Manager Henderson appears in the former piece this evening for the first time since his return from Wheeling. By the by we understand that Miss Menken is still suffering from her indisposition, and may not be able to perform during the present week. Should this be the case, a new Indian tragedy in five acts willbe presented to the patrons of the Theatre on Thursday evening. 43 Perhaps the illness that cut short her last engagement in Pitts- burgh was that which plagued her all her life and brought an untimely death to her at the age of thirty-three. Allen Lesser indicates another possibility inhis biography of Menken. He suggests that the tour was hurriedly cut short on 5 May 1862 because Adah wished to return to New York and complete plans for a pending overseas tour. 44 If that was indeed the case then perhaps she feigned the illness as an excuse to leave Pittsburgh sooner than she had planned. Whatever the rea- son, Pittsburgh was never again to have the pleasure of her company at the "Old Drury" down on lower Fifth Avenue. Henderson went on successfully, producing Uncle Tom's Cabin and other plays of time- ly and topical interest. Adah was a sensational personality, but her 40 Post, 28 April 1862. 41 Adin Gazette, 1 May 1862. 42 Daily Dispatch, 6 May 1862. 43 Daily Dispatch, 7 May 1862. 44 Lesser, 86. 276 JOHN F. KRICH JULY notoriety was not wasted selfishly upon herself, as Pittsburgh audi- ences wellknew ;these lines from Injelicia perhaps best express the real character of the amiable Adah : "Myheritage!" Itis to live within The marts ofPleasure and of Gain, yet be No willing worshiper at either shrine; To think, and speak, and act, not for my pleasure, But others'. 1968 THE AMIABLE LADY CHARMS THE IRON CITY 277

Appendix I Dates and plays performed by Adah Isaacs Menken in Pittsburgh. 21 March 1859 The Soldier's Daughter; A Day in Paris 22 March 1859 The French Spy; or, The Fallof Algiers 23 March 1859 Satan inParis; or, The Mysterious Stranger; The Unprotected Female 24 March 1859 Camille; or, The Fate of a Coquette 25 March 1859 Fazio; or, The Italian Wife; Lola Monte2 26 March 1859 Asmodeus; or, The Little Devil's Share; The Unprotected Female ;A ballet — The Four Lovers 13 May 1861 The French Spy; Lola Montez 14 May 1861 Fazio; or, The Italian Wife; A Day in Paris 15 May 1861 The Soldier's Daughter; An Acquaintance from Infancy 16 May 1861 Jenny Divers, The Female Highwayman; The Unprotected Female 17 May 1861 (benefit) Kate O'Brian; or, The Maid of Erin; Fast Women of Modern Times 18 May 1861 The Dumb Girl; Jack Sheppard 20 May 1861 The Mysterious Stranger (Satan in Paris); The French Spy 21 May 1861 Fast Women of Modern Times; Lola Montez 22 May 1861 Nora Creina; The Female Brigand; A Day inParis 23 May 1861 Katherine and Petruchio; Black Eyed Susan; Mad As a March Hare 24 May 1861 (benefit) (titles unavailable) 25 May 1861 Satan in Paris (Mysterious Stranger); The French Spy; Richard HI 24 June 1861 The French Spy; Lola Montez 25 June 1861 Fast Women of Modern Times; The Unprotected Female 26 June 1861 Kate O'Brian (Maid of Erin) ;Joan of Arc 27 June 1861 Kate O'Brian (Maid of Erin);Joan of Arc 28 June 1861 The Mysterious Stranger (Satan in Paris); Joan of Arc 29 June 1861 Jack Sheppard; The Land of Washington 1 July 1861 Mazeppa 2 July 1861 Mazeppa 3 July 1861 Mazeppa 4 July 1861 Mazeppa (afternoon) ;Drake's Address to the American Flag (afternoon) ;Putnam, The Iron Son of '76 (evening) 5 July 1861 (titles unavailable) 6 July 1861 Putnam, The Iron Son of '76 (last act); Mazeppa (first act); Richard III(last act) 19 August 1861 The French Spy; Lola Montez 20 August 1861 Fazio; or, The Italian Wife; The Youth Who Never Saw a Woman 21 August 1861 Ingomar, The Barbarian 22 August 1861 The Female Brigand; The Dumb Girl 23 August 1861 (benefit) Camille 24 August 1861 The Whistler; The French Spy 26 August 1861 Black Eyed Susan; The Dumb Girl; The Youth Who Never Saw a Woman 27 August 1861 Joan of Arc; The Unprotected Female 28 August 1861 The Soldier's Daughter; Lola Montez 29 August 1861 Jenny Divers; A Day inParis 30 August 1861 (benefit) Fast Women of Modern Times; An Acquaintance from Infancy; Drake's Address to the American Flag 31 August 1861 Fazio; or, The Italian Wife; Jack Sheppard 6 September 1861 Ivanhoe 9 September 1861 The Iron City by Day and Night 10 September 1861 The Iron City by Day and Night; LolaMontez 11 September 1861 The Female Brigand; The LittleDevil's Share 12 September 1861 Satan in Paris (Mysterious Stranger) ;The College Boy 278 JOHN F. KRICH JULY

13 September 1861 Heart's Struggle; The Captain's Not a Miss 14 September 1861 Heart's Struggle; The Whistler 16 September 1861 Heart's Struggle; The Whistler abt. 1/ through 28 September 1861 The Patriot's Dream 28 April 1862 The French Spy 29 April 1862 Fazio; or, The Italian Wife; A Day in Paris 30 April 1862 Lola Montez; My Neighbor's Wife; A Day inParis 1 May 1862 Satan in Paris {Mysterious Stranger) 2 May 1862 (benefit) Great Expectations! 3 May 1862 Jack Sheppard; Tom and Jerry 5 May 1862 Great Expectations! (performance cancelled)

Appendix II Frequency of plays performed by Adah Isaacs Menken in Pittsburgh. The Soldier's Daughter 3 A Day in Paris 6 The French Spy; or, The Fall of Algiers 8 Satan in Paris; or, The Mysterious Stranger 7 The Unprotected Female 5 Camille; or, The Fate of a Coquette 2 Fazio; or, The Italian Wife 5 Lola Montez 8 Asmodeus; or, The LittleDevil's Share 2 An Acquaintance from Infancy 2 Jenny Divers, the Female Highwayman 2 Kate 0'Brian; or, The Maid of Erin 3 Fast Women of Modern Times 4 The Dumb Girl 3 Jack Sheppard 4 Nora Creina 1 The Female Brigand 3 Katherine and Petruchio 1 Black Eyed Susan 2 Mad As a March Hare ...... 1 Richard III 2 Joan of Arc 4 The Land of Washington 1 Mazeppa 5 Drake's Address to the American Flag 2 Putnam, the Iron Son of '76 2 The Youth Who Never Saw a Woman 2 Ingomar, the Barbarian 1 The Whistler 3 Ivanhoe ...... 1 The Iron City by Day and Night 2 The College Boy 1 Heart's Struggle 3 The Captain's Not a Miss 1 The Patriot's Dream 12 (approximately) My Neighbor's Wife 1 Great Expectations! 1 Tom and Jerry 1 The Four Lovers (a...... ballet) 1 Total performances (approximately) 118 Total plays performed (including one ballet) 39 Total days in Pittsburgh (approximately) 69