Theatre on the American Frontier - by Thomas A Bogar (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Nearly all accounts of American theater history for two centuries have focused, justifiably, on the landmark names, productions, and theaters of New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. As a result, the history of theater on the American frontier consists mainly of regional studies with only a limited scope. Moreover, many scholars of frontier theater have relied on the recollections of actor-managers Noah Ludlow and Sol Smith, the former muddled in his chronology and disdainful of his competitors, and the latter more interested in relating humorous anecdotes than factual accounts. Thomas A. Bogar's "Theater on the American Frontier" provides an overdue, comprehensive, balanced treatment of the accomplishments of figures in the transmontane West, most of whom migrated there from careers of mixed success in the East. From its origins at the close of the 1700s in Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and Louisville, frontier theater grew by the close of the 1800s to encompass more than a dozen centers of vibrant theatrical activity, including Cincinnati, St. Louis, Natchez, Lexington, Nashville, Mobile, San Francisco, Sacramento, Detroit, and Chicago. In addition to Ludlow and Smith, Bogar explains the formidable accomplishments of Luke Usher and his nephew Noble Luke Usher, James Douglass, William and Sophia Turner, the Samuel Drake family, notably Fanny Denny Drake, Joshua Collins and William Jones, James Caldwell, and Sarah Kirby Stark. Their audiences-mainly pioneers struggling with the hardships of establishing a life in the backcountry-enjoyed the comedies of George Colman the Younger and John O'Keeffe, thrilling melodramas, and even the tragedies of William Shakespeare. Enacting leads in these were daring actors who ventured into this challenging and unfamiliar territory, including Thomas Abthorpe Cooper, Junius Brutus Booth, and the young Edwin Forrest and Edwin Booth. Bogar's study is a history of professional drama in the American hinterlands and life on the nation's early frontier. It is certain to be of interest to historians and general readers interested in the origins and development of American theater"--

Book Synopsis

For two centuries, nearly all historical accounts of American theatre have focused on New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. As a result, the story of theatre on the frontier consists primarily of regional studies with limited scope. Thomas A. Bogar's Theatre on the American Frontier provides an overdue, balanced treatment of the accomplishments of the troupes working in the trans-Appalachian West.

From its origins in late eighteenth-century Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and Louisville, frontier theatre grew by the close of the nineteenth century to encompass more than a dozen centers of vibrant theatrical activity. Audiences--mainly pioneers struggling with the hardships of establishing a life in the backcountry--enjoyed thrilling melodramas, the comedies of George Colman the Younger and John O'Keeffe, and even the tragedies of William Shakespeare. Theatre companies that ventured into this challenging and unfamiliar territory did so with a combination of daring and determination. Bogar's comprehensive study brings this neglected history into the spotlight, cementing these figures and their theatrical productions and practices in their rightful place.

Review Quotes

"Bogar meticulously describes a plethora of plays, players, and predilections in early frontier towns like Lexington (KY), far West towns like Sacramento (CA), and several locales between. . . . A valuable resource for novices and experts alike, Theatre on the American Frontier is an engaging exploration from start to finish, establishing a distinct space of inquiry while providing a comprehensive overview that is sure to pique curiosity. Recommended."--CHOICE

"Bogar does a yeoman job of tracing the travels and travails of legendary theatre names from the 1800s. The book offers a solid documentary record, as well as human interest stories and vivid evocations of the conditions they faced."--Felicia Hardison Londré, coauthor of The History of North American Theater: From Pre-Columbian Times to the Present

"Bogar shines an illuminating light on a little-known and underappreciated aspect of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century American life: the many and varied live theatre performances that took place on the frontier from 1790 to 1890 from eastern Kentucky to the Dakota Territory. A fact-filled, sprightly written treat for theatre and history lovers."--Marc Leepson, author of Saving Monticello: The Levy Family's Epic Quest to Rescue the House That Jefferson Built

"Thomas A. Bogar, a leading theatre historian, has created a skillfully researched and superbly written story of the theatre on the American frontier. From fragmented and oft-conflicting sources, he has summoned a colorful era that brought the stage's improbable characters and lively culture to the West."--Terry Alford, author of In the Houses of Their Dead: The Lincolns, the Booths, and the Spirits

About the Author

Thomas A. Bogar is a former professor of theatre history at Hood College and the author of Backstage at the Lincoln Assassination: The Untold Story of the Actors and Stagehands at Ford's Theatre and American Presidents Attend the Theatre: The Playgoing Experiences of Each Chief Executive, among other books.