Varieties Theatre (Brookline, Mass.)

The Varieties Theatre, a private theatre, was built in the Brookline home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Cabot IV, in 1855. The theatre was used frequently for amateur performances by the Cabots and the Lees from 1856 through 1858, and thereafter less regularly. In 1857 Fanny Kemble played Mrs. Malaprop in The Rivals at the theatre with the amateur company, including Henry Lee as Sir Anthony Absolute. The backdrops and stage curtain were painted by Edward and Elliot Cabot, ca. 1856-1857. They appear to be the earliest known examples of painted stage scenery in this country.