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Fennell, James
Fennell, James (1766–1816), actor. The Englishman was slated for the law but, over family objections, went on the stage, making his debut in Edinburgh and appearing at Covent Garden before he came to America at Thomas Wignell's behest in 1794. Fennell's New York debut was as Zanga in The Revenge (1797). When he played Jaffier in Venice Preserved at the Park Theatre in 1799, the Commercial Advertiser remarked, “Few things can excel the performance of the excellent Fennell. The power of expression by countenance and gesture he possesses in an eminent degree.” Whether it was this independence, the fecklessness he displayed in his autobiography, or the pressure of his outside business interests (which were ultimately to bankrupt him), he slowly fell from popularity and was forced to accept occasional small assignments. He made several comebacks, with varying success. But in his last performances as Othello (always considered his best role), Richard III, and Macbeth, he was criticized for his ungainly stance, his rigid expression, and unexciting voice. Exceedingly tall for his day, Fennell stood over six feet. Autobiography: An Apology for the Life of James Fennell, 1814.
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Cite this article
Gerald Bordman and Thomas S. Hischak. "Fennell, James." The Oxford Companion to American Theatre. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. Gerald Bordman and Thomas S. Hischak. "Fennell, James." The Oxford Companion to American Theatre. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O149-FennellJames.html Gerald Bordman and Thomas S. Hischak. "Fennell, James." The Oxford Companion to American Theatre. 2004. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O149-FennellJames.html |
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Fennell, James
Fennell, James (1766–1816), English actor who gained his experience in the provinces and in 1792 went to America, where he was very popular. He was a member of the American Company and also of Wignell's company in Philadelphia. His best part was Othello, though he appeared in most of the tragic roles of the current repertory, including Jaffier in Otway's Venice Preserv'd, which he played at the Park Theatre, New York, in 1799. An excellent actor, over 6 ft. tall, with a mobile, expressive face, he retired in 1810.
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Cite this article
PHYLLIS HARTNOLL and PETER FOUND. "Fennell, James." The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. PHYLLIS HARTNOLL and PETER FOUND. "Fennell, James." The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O79-FennellJames.html PHYLLIS HARTNOLL and PETER FOUND. "Fennell, James." The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre. 1996. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O79-FennellJames.html |
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