Broadside for an 1864 Performance by J.W. Booth as Pescara - The Role That Would Be His Final Stage

John Wilkes Booth
Boston, MA, April 27, 1864
Broadside for an 1864 Performance by J.W. Booth as Pescara - The Role That Would Be His Final Stage Appearance Before Assassinating Lincoln!
Broadside

Boston Museum theater broadside advertising John Wilkes Booth’s performance as Pescara in “The Apostate.” 5.75” x 14”; Boston; April 27, 1864. At the height of his celebrity, the broadside advertises John Wilkes Booth’s performance as Duke Pescara in the Irish tragedy “The Apostate.” His portrayal of the villain Pescara is considered one of his most notable roles. Coincidentally, his performance of this very role on March 18, 1865 at Ford’s Theater would be his final stage appearance before assassinating President Lincoln less than a month later. Slight offsetting from previous matting, and two chips of loss at top affecting a single letter. With broad margins and backed with archival tissue.

Although the 1863-64 season was his most successful, Booth’s career was also becoming less stable. When the theatrical season ended the following month, Booth turned his attention toward different pursuits, most notably the Pennsylvania oil business. However, political preoccupations began to consume him and by the summer his time was spent developing plots against President Lincoln, coordination with co-conspirators, and political agitation. Aside from a one-night benefit performance of “Julius Caesar” in New York City (alongside his brothers Edwin and Junius Jr. in November 1864) and his final performance in “The Apostate” at Ford’s Theatre on March 18, 1865, his stage presence was minimal.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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14" x 5.75"