After which the much admired Farce, called,
The Review,
Or, the
Wag of Windsor.
Doors to be opened at half past 5 o'clock, and the curtain to rise at half past six. Box, one dollar; Pit, Fifty cents.
"A citizen of Pittsburgh, and a lover of the useful and rational amusement of the Theatre, begs leave to observe to his fellow citizens, that on Monday evening next Mr. Alexander will stand forward for public recompense, for his exertions in his profession…. It must be readily acknowledged that no young gentleman of more transcendent talent ever graced the dramatic floor of Pittsburgh; it is, therefore, but just that he who has so often made us smile, should from us receive a something to make him smile in turn." Commonwealth, Nov. 4, 1815.
"The Theatre in this city is now opened by the Thespian Society, for the double purpose of gratifying the public taste by a moral and rational amusement and adding to the funds of the Male Charitable Sunday School. The Man of Fortitude and the Farce of the Review have been selected for representation this evening. Since society has been released from the chains of superstition, the propriety of Theatrick amusements has not been doubted by any man of liberal feelings and enlightened understanding…. The stage conveys a moral in colours more vivid than the awful and elevated station of the preacher permits him to use—it is his coadjutor in good, and goes with him hand in hand exposing vice to ridicule and honouring virtue." Gazette, Jan. 14, 1817.
The Morals Efficiency Society of 1816
"The Moral Society of Pittsburgh announce to the public their formation. The object of their association is the suppression of vice and immorality, as far as their influence shall extend, and they shall be authorized by the laws of the commonwealth, and the ordinances of this city….
We hereby give this public information of our intention to aid the civil officers in the execution of the laws of this commonwealth, and the ordinances of the city, against all vice and crime cognizable by said laws and ordinances. Such as profane swearing, gambling, horse racing, irregular tippling houses and drunkenness, profanation of the Lord's day by unnecessary work of any kind, such as driving of waggons, carts, carriages of pleasure and amusement, or other conveyances not included under the exception of the laws of the commonwealth in case of necessity and mercy." Commonwealth, Nov. 26, 1816.
Fourth of July, 1816
"A numerous and respectable concourse of citizens met at Hog Island, nearly opposite the village of Middletown, on the Ohio river, to celebrate the birth day of American independence. Colonel James Martin, was nominated president, and Captain Robert Vance, vice-president.—The utmost harmony and unanimity prevailed; and it was a pleasing sight to see citizens of opposite political sentiments, bury their former animosity, and with great cordiality join in celebrating the American anniversary. After performing the manual exercise, the company partook of an elegant dinner, prepared for the occasion, and the cloth being removed … patriotic toasts were drank with great hilarity, accompanied by the discharge of musketry, and appropriate music….
The citizens retired at a late hour in the utmost harmony." Mercury, July 20, 1816.