James H. Caldwell

James Henry Caldwell (1793–1863), was an American (originally English) actor and theatre manager.[1] He introduced English language theatre in New Orleans, where he managed the St. Philip Street Theatre in 1820–22, the Camp Street Theatre in 1822-35, and the St. Charles Theatre in 1835–42.

James H. Caldwell

After Charleston in 1817, he moved to Virginia, setting up a theatrical circuit in many areas including Richmond and Petersburg. He later moved to New Orleans in 1820, where he leased St. Philip Street Theatre and built his own acting company.[2]

As well as managing the Camp Street Theatre for 11 years, Caldwell took his company to various towns including Natchez, Nashville Huntsville. In 1829, Sol Smith, a famous actor and manager in the Southwest at the time, joined his company. There were also many other famous actors that Caldwell engaged with, Edwin Forrest was one of them who performed at the Camp Street Theatre in 1829.[3]

Caldwell later introduced gas lighting to New Orleans.[4] Soon after he announced his retirement, leasing the Camp Street Theatre to Richard Russell and James Simon Rowe, but never fully retired due to his love for the theatre and his career. He instead opened St. Charles Theatre in 1835 and the Royal Street Theatre in 1841. However, Caldwell fully retired when the Charles Theatre burned down in 1842. [4]

References

1. Robin O. Warren, Women on Southern Stages, 1800-1865: Performance, Gender and Identity
2. Watson, Charles S. (2015). The History of Southern drama. University Press of Kentucky. p. 48.
3. Watson, Charles S. (2015). The History of Southern Drama. University Press of Kentucky. p. 49.
4. Goldfield, David R. (1997). Region, Race and Cities: Interpreting the Urban South. Louisiana State University Press. p. 225. Retrieved 13 August 2019.