A History of the New York Stage from the First Performance in 1732 to 1901
Brougham may have appeared in Fitz-James O'Brien's A Gentleman from Ireland on Dec.11, 1854.
Keene was the lessee on Tripler Hall in 1855. She was mistreated by the press for her competitve run of Prince Charming. The scenery for this play was destroyed, but she directed anyway. The theater was soon after called "Laura Keene's Varieties."
Brown mentions Keene's sudden departure from the stage for her second marriage to John Lutz in California in 1853.
Brown claims that Keene lost her hold on the New York public 1863. Keene had no standing policy about what type of plays would be performed at her theater in 1860s. The affairs of the house seemed to be run haphazardly, yet the theater's record was remarkable during her management. Many who won lasting fame played under Keene's management. Laura Keene was determined to manage theaters in the manner of the English stage, running plays for weeks and possibly months. She was successful despite the criticisms of other American playhouse managers. Brown notes that there was a completeness in the detail of the scenery and costumes for her plays as a result of her efforts.
Keene acted in her company's performance of Our American Cousin the night of Lincoln's assasination.
Laura Keene died in Montclair, NJ, Nov. 4, 1873 at the age of 43. Brown includes a reprint of her obituary.
In 1862 she married Pfaffian Robert Henry Newell (Orpheus C. Kerr), but the union did not last.
Brougham may have appeared in Fitz-James O'Brien's A Gentleman from Ireland on Dec.11, 1854.