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 by DreadPirateRoberts |
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 by Conk |
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 by Kindlee |
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April 14, 2008
"Our American Cousin" played to rave reviews in Washington, D.C., in April 1865. Many remember the evening, but few remember the play.
Set in an old-money English estate, "Our American Cousin" tells the story of the Trenchard family, faced with eminent financial ruin due to criminal mismanagement by the family lawyer. Enter Asa Trenchard, a long lost American cousin who appears at the front door one day and not only captivates everyone with his straight-shooting American backwoods manner, but uncovers the lawyer's plot and saves the day.
London producers originally rejected the script. Most didn't believe that a London audience would be interested in the American yokel that is the play's central character. So playwright Tom Taylor sent the play to Laura Keene.
An American actress-turned-producer at the height of her New York glory, she was in the middle of a revival of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," but thought the play might fill some holes in the future. When the revival didn't come together, she was forced to use it immediately, and cast some of the top stage actors of the day.
The play, after a lukewarm reception, turned into a smash commercial success. It also produced one of the most famous comedic characters of the 19th-century stage, Lord Frederick Dundreary.
The role was perfected by veteran stage actor E.A. Sothern, from a part that originally had but 50 lines.
"Do anything you like with it, only play it," Ms. Keene reportedly said. And he did.
Night after night, Mr. Sothern introduced new gags, eventually making Lord Dundreary the featured character in the play. Thanks to the Dundreary character, the play was a rousing success on the London stage, as well.
The character, a dimwitted aristocrat, became popular for the absurd riddles he propounded. "Dundrearyisms," twisted aphorisms such as "birds of a feather gather no moss," also enjoyed a brief vogue.
Despite the raucous humor of the Dundreary character, the play received critical acclaim, as well.
"The dramatic situation that struck me as the most important one in this play was the love scene in the opening of the last act," said one critic. "It was altogether fresh, original, and perfectly natural, and I notice that in this important phase of dramatic composition authors are conspicuously weak. The love scenes in most all of our modern plays are badly constructed. In the English dramas they are sentimental and insipid, being filled with either flowery nonsense or an extravagance bordering upon burlesque; while the love scenes in the French plays are coarse and disgusting."
Another critic said, "The Abel Murcott of Mr. Couldock was a gem, and the extravagant force and humor of Mr. Sothern's Dundreary, the fame of which afterwards resounded all over the English-speaking world, is too well known to need any comment."
If you ever get a chance to see "Our American Cousin," I highly recommend it. But avoid the balcony seats. This is a play best seen from the orchestra.
Share the Eye:
Tom Taylor wayneturney.20m.com Take a look at an interesting article we found.
Lincoln Bicentennial lincolnbicentennial.gov Take a look at an interesting article we found.
Virtual Tour of Ford's Theater fordstheater.com Take a look at an interesting article we found.
still thinking about today...
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MsLaCour said...
The characters Ricky Ricardo (I Love Lucy) and Michael Scott (The Office) use(d) the same dundrearyisms to endear the audience in spite of their barely tolerable self importance..Ricky, due to his difficulty with English and Michael with his pseudo intellect. Brilliant to humorously arouse sympathy for a weakness while letting the audience feel superior and protective toward the 'misidentified' alpha male..
I've seen two Shakespeare plays performed "in the park". The outdoor experience was different and actually enhanced the experience.
I wonder if "Our American Cousin" could be performed outdoors? Perhaps the "grassy knoll" in Dallas, TX would be an appropriate venue. Avoid sitting in a car.
Is "Our American Cousin" still performed on stage?
john peterman said...
Well ExPat, I see that you are as sharp as ever.
I live in Boise, Idaho and we have an annual Shakesphere by the River festival through out the summer. They have a permanent amphitheatre location right near the river; the sun stays out until 10:30 so the evening is light and warm. We bring our picnics and wine; blankets; etc. and have an incredible evening under the stars. I love the outdoor venue.
They don't always perform Shakesphere; last season they performed Little Shop of Horrors and were very creative on the stage with props. I just received this season's performances and we will have All Well that Ends Well; the Crucible; Into the Woods, Macbeth and Greater Tuna. I can't wait!!
I could suggest "Our American Cousin", they are always looking for suggestions.
To:ExPat:
I vote for "Our American Cousin" being performed outdoors, on the "grassy knoll" in Dallas, TX!
From: A Gal From Texas