The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1825-12-28
Bp the JAatlo.
BOSTON, DEC. "a.
Riot at the Federal Street Theatre.


RIOT at the Federal Street Theatre.
One of the most disgraceful and tu-
muliuous scenes ever witnessed in our
city, took place on Wednesday evening,
at The theatre. 1t had been previously
announced that Kean would.hppear in
his faVorile character of Richard III.
The press for tickets on Tuesday was
tremendous and on Wednesday morn
ing the excitement seemed to peryade
all classes; many of those who had pur-
chased "cards Of admission" resold
them at an extraordinary advance, and,
during the whole day. men and boys in
crowds, focked to and from the play
house. Towards evening, the tfrong
became more and more dense and noisy,
and the moment the doors were thrown
open, the holders of tickets rushed in,
and at once filled the pit, boxes and gall
leries IN nUerfiowinG
Taking in view the vast numbers as
sembled, and the unusual excitement
created, the audience may be said to
have been calm and patient until the
usual hour of performance arrived.
Previous TO the rising of the curtain,
however, Mr.. Finn, one of the mana
gers, appeared on the stage, and was
received with the mingled Kisses and
cheers of the audience-he stated that
Mr.. Kean was in The house, and wished
TO make humble apology; but the on
" answer TO this was in the loud cries
CT " No Kean, -" No. Apology
Hear him, - Kean forever Mr.. F.
retired, and soon after Mr.. Kean came
on, dressed in a PLAIN citizens dress,
and after making and repeating the Gus
tomary saluiatious, attempted 10 speak
the moving of bis lips could be perceiy-
ed, but not syllable was heard, for the
noise and clamor, which was more gen.
eral in the third tier Of boxes and gale
ry, was renewed with double yigor, and
the actor himself was aimed at by mis-
siles Of various descriptions until he was
compelled TO retire. Mr. Finn again
appeareG-essayed 10 speak, but re-
ceived similar treatment as before. with
the addition Of few missiles which ap-
peared TO come from the slips. Mr..
Kilner, another of the managers, now
presented himself bowed, and was I'M
derstood TO say, y" MIR. Kean wishes to
make an Apologize wishes TO make it
from his heart."-He soon withdrew
amidst the confusion, and after few
moments Mr.. Kean, attended by MIR.
Kllner, re-appeared and made several
unaSailing efforts to address the audi
ence, when both passed off the stage,
amidst showers of Kisses, applause, eggs,
apples, peas, beans, &c.
The tine was not long, ere Mr.. Kill
ner was once more before the audience,
and by respectful bows and gestures, en-
deavoring to gain hearing, which at.
ter some little time he partially obtain
ed. He then said, Gentlemen, Mr..
Kean declines playing unless he can be
heard-he rgiH not play unless he can
have hearing" Mr.. Kean then con-
suited gentlemen in one of the stage
boxes, and coming forward requested
the friends of Mr. Kean TO rise when
many (but how great proportion Of
the whole we are unable TO say arose,
but coon were mostly re-seAted. Mr..
Kilner absented himself for short
space, and then exhibited to the null
titude placard; on one side of which
was, Mr.. Kean declines playing; !" and
on the other, 90 Shall the play go on
without him." This was noticed only
by innumerable Kisses and acclamaiions
cries of /" Go on''--" No play" sc.
The curtain soon arose, and the play