President Young called the large audience to order and the choir sang. Then Daniel H. Wells, or "Squire" Wells as he was popularly called, offered up the dedicatory prayer. "Squire" Wells no doubt made a good city mayor and an efficient general of the Nauvoo Legion, but the worthy "Squire" was not an orator, moreover, he had his piece written for this occasion and read it; his peculiar mode of delivery was tiresome even when at his best, when he had his choice of subject and all the latitude he could desire; but it was especially so on this occasion, when he was circumscribed to a most monotonous enumeration of everything that entered into the construction of the huge building. Beginning with the ground on which it stood and going in systematic order up through it foundation, walls, floors, doors, windows, to the roof, particularizing even the timbers, nails and bolts, the laths and plaster, the glass and putty, no detail he could think of was omitted. Each and all were especially dedicated to their particular purpose and use, and the blessing of the Almighty invoked to be and continue with each of these materials, and with the structure as a whole. Even to those who believed in dedications, who were the great majority of those present, the dedicatory prayer was just a little wearisome and the audience experienced a feeling of relief when it was over and William C. Dunbar stepped to the front and assisted by the choir and orchestra, sang "The Star Spangled Banner."
Brigham Young then made an address on the mission of the drama and his object in building the theatre, which avowedly was to furnish innocent and instructive amusement to the Saints. He inveighed somewhat extravagantly against tragedy and declared he wouldn't have any tragedies or blood-curdling dramas played in this theatre. This people had seen tragedy enough in real life and there was no telling the far-reaching and evil effects tragedies on the stage might have. He strongly opposed, too, the idea of having any Gentile actors play in this theatre. We had plenty of home talent and did not need them.
President Heber C. Kimball followed in a brief address, strongly supportive of what President Young had said.
Apostle John Taylor then gave a short address; then came selections by the orchestra, and more singing by the choir, and Mr. Dunbar sang another song written by Apostle Taylor for the occasion and set to music by Professor Thomas.
For the grand finale an anthem written for the occasion by Eliza R. Snow and set to music also by Professor Thomas was sung by the choir, accompanied by the orchestra and and brass band consolidated for the occasion. The solo parts of the anthem were sung respectively by Mr. Dunbar and Mrs. Agnes Lynch.
The musical program ended, an announcement was made that the theatre would be formally opened on Saturday evening, March the eighth, when the plays of "The Pride of the Market" and "State Secrets" would be presented. The people anxiously awaited the opening night. The performance was advertised to begin at 7 o'clock. At 5 o'clock hundreds were at the doors waiting to get in and before the time of the beginning every available spot of both seating and standing room was taken. The prices of admission were 75c for parquette and first circles; upper galleries 50c.
The plays, both drama and farce, were capitally acted. Dunbar's song between the plays, "Bobbin' Around," made an immense hit. The merging of the M. D. A. into the D. D. A. made up a strong company. The roster of the Deseret Dramatic company as it stood at this opening performance and the cast of the initial plays cannot fail to be of interest after a lapse of more than forty-two years and so many of the original players have passed away.
The members were: Hyrum B. Clawson, John T. Caine, Managers and both
players; Philip Margetts, David McKenzie, William C. Dimbar, John R.
Clawson, Henry Maiben, Jos. Simmons, Horace K. Whitney, Henry E.
Bowring, R. H. Parker, George M. Ottinger, C. R. Savage, George
Teasdale, Henry McEwan, John Kelly, Richard Mathews, John D. T.
McAllister, Sam Sirrine, Henry Snell, Mrs. Marian Bowring, Mrs. S. A.
Cook, Mrs. Woodmansee, Mrs. Margaret Clawson, Mrs. Alice Clawson, Miss
Maggie Thomas, and Miss Sarah Alexander. Of the above-named the
following have passed away: John R. Clawson, Henry Maiben, Jos.
Simmons, H. K. Whitney, Henry McEwan, John B. Kelly, Richard Mathews,
Henry Snell, Mrs. Bowring, Mrs. Alice Clawson, and Mrs. Cook. Bernard
Snow and James Ferguson of Social Hall fame were on the roster, but
not active members; they too are gone.
The following is the opening bill: