Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-04-29
THE FIRST AMERICAN PLAY.
1t Was Acted in New York One Hundred Years
Aon


Ago.
AS we live in an age of centennlals, L
am much surprised at the prospective ne
glect of our theatre managers TO celebrate
the centennial of the American drama,
writes New York correspondent of the
Troy Times.
l mean by this the performance of the
first play of American authorship. Now
that play-writing has become so extensive
a feature in our literature, it certainly is
q matter of interest to recall its incep-
ton. 1t is, indeed, not too late for a CEN
wtennial observation, and hence l would
mention that the 18th of April, 1876, was
the time referred to. The play was the
Contrast" written by Royal Tyler and
produced at the old John Street theatre
by managers Hallam and Henry. John
street. which is now business locality,
and is considerd far down town, was then
IN the suburbs; but it was nearer the cen
ter of fashion than even the theatres of
the present day. Hallam was then not
only the leading player, but was also at
the head of a histrionic family which won
a name in the early history of the Amer
lean drama. He continued in this city
for twenty years, saw the erection of the
Park (then termed. the new theatre")
which became the chief Thespian resort
for half a century, and still holds place
in memory.
The drama to which have referred was
written by a witty and well educated law
yer, who had reached his thirtieth year
before thus making his debut as play
wright. The plan of Contrast" flor it
has no plot is certainly both original and
amusing. country fellow visits the met
rOpolis, and while gazing at the sights is
attracted by the theatre, but does not I'M
derstand the nature of the performance.
He supposed it to be ledgerdemain ex-
hibition, and expects to see a cOnjurer
swallow an egg and then pull ribbons out
of his sleeve, with similar feats. Next
day, on being asked what he saw at the
theatre, he replied:
'Why, [ vow, while was looking for
the man with the tricks they lifted up a
big green cloth and let me see right into
Che neighbours house,
GLOW did you like the family?" was the
next inquiry.
"Why, | VOW was the reply, 'they were
pretty much like other families; there was
poor, gOOd-natured cuss of a husband
and a regular rantipate of a wife, when
they got done [ asked for my money back
for that's no show, but only hearing
folks private family business gabbed
about"
The object of the "Contrast" is to dis
play in a Iaughable manner the blunders
IF the greenhOrn, and also his Yankee di
alect. This was afterward done more adj
mirably by Yankee Hill, and has always
been a popular entertainment for the
masses.
The Contrast" took well and had an
encouraging run, which led its author to
write another drama, in which he turned
the laugh, on the city folks. He had OBJ
served the great amount of spring NOV
ing, which he showed up in very hum
orous manner in MAY day; or, New York
in an Uproar." This play was also very
popular, and Wignell, who appeared in
both, found it gratifying harvest. The
author gave him the copyright, and the
Contrast" was published and had a re-
munerative SALE but copies are now so
rare as to be among the curiosities of the
drama.
Tyler soon left New York and went to
the interior of New England, where he
became contributor to various papers
published both in Boston and in
the country. He formed the imaginary
firm of "Colon q SpOndee,' and advertis-
ed literary goods, including orations, on
the shortest notice; dead languages for
living drOnes, anagrams and acrosticks,
also puns and cOnundrums by the Dozen
love-letters by the ream, sermons for
texts and texts for sermons, old OratiOns
secured and blunt epigrams new pointed,
serenades for nocturnal lovers and black
jokes of all kinds. Newspaper editors
supplied with accidents, bloody murders,
premature news, thunder and lightning
with hailstOnes of all sizes, adapted to the
seasons. Also, serious cautions against
drunkenness and other coarse Wrapping
paper gratis to all who buy the smallest
article. N. Bon hand, few tierces of
Attic salt; also, highest price paid in cash
raw wit, or taken in exchange for the
above articles
1t is very evident that Royal Tyler was
the cleverest humOrist of that day, but he
was also one of its ablest lawyers, and in
his fOrty-fourth year the legislature of
Vermont elected him chief justice of the
state. While holding this Office he pub
hshed nine volumes of reports and gave
other proof of eminent professional abil-
ity. Judge Tyler died at Brattleboro in
his SEVENTEEN year, and it may be added
that his combination of wit, eloquence,
learning and business ability is reproduc-
ed IN vastly increased volume in the
gifted and admirable Chauncey NJ. Depew.