Stephen Woolls (1729-1799) was an American actor and singer, and
member of the American and Old American Company.Woolls was born in
Bath in England. He first appeared on stage in New York at the John
Street Theatre on December 7, 1767, playing the role of Gibbet in The
Beaux' Stratagem and Mercury in Lethe (a satire by David Garrick). The
primary singer in the company (and part owner at one point), he
continued to perform and sing until shortly before his death.According
to John Durang, Woolls and Miss Wainwright of the American Company had
both been students of Thomas Arne. Woolls would perform "entertainment
between the acts" of plays, meaning songs, which were a popular part
of the program. William Dunlap wrote in his History of the American
Theatre that Woolls (spelled Wools) "was for many years the first
singer of the company, continuing to figure as such long after all
voice had left him, and snuff and snuffle characterized his
attempts."Woolls died in New York on June 14, 1799, and was buried in
the churchyard of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in New York City.
member of the American and Old American Company.Woolls was born in
Bath in England. He first appeared on stage in New York at the John
Street Theatre on December 7, 1767, playing the role of Gibbet in The
Beaux' Stratagem and Mercury in Lethe (a satire by David Garrick). The
primary singer in the company (and part owner at one point), he
continued to perform and sing until shortly before his death.According
to John Durang, Woolls and Miss Wainwright of the American Company had
both been students of Thomas Arne. Woolls would perform "entertainment
between the acts" of plays, meaning songs, which were a popular part
of the program. William Dunlap wrote in his History of the American
Theatre that Woolls (spelled Wools) "was for many years the first
singer of the company, continuing to figure as such long after all
voice had left him, and snuff and snuffle characterized his
attempts."Woolls died in New York on June 14, 1799, and was buried in
the churchyard of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in New York City.
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