James Henry Caldwell (1793â€"1863), was an American (originally
English) actor and theatre manager. He introduced English language
theatre in New Orleans, where he managed the St. Philip Street Theatre
in 1820â€"22, the Camp Street Theatre in 1822-1835, and the St.
Charles Theatre in 1835â€"1842.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.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.Caldwell
later introduced gas lighting to New Orleans. 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.
English) actor and theatre manager. He introduced English language
theatre in New Orleans, where he managed the St. Philip Street Theatre
in 1820â€"22, the Camp Street Theatre in 1822-1835, and the St.
Charles Theatre in 1835â€"1842.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.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.Caldwell
later introduced gas lighting to New Orleans. 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.
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