A Parlor Match

A Parlor Match is an American musical play which debuted in 1884 and was one of the biggest hits of its time. It starred Charles E. Evans and William F. Hoey.[1]

Charles E. Evans in A Parlor Match

Charles H. Hoyt authored the play, adapting Evans' and Hoey's vaudeville piece "The Book Agent" (which came from an afterpiece by Frank Dumont) into a full-length play. The scant plot involved two hustlers who convince Captain William Kidd that he is actually a medium, serving as a vehicle for interpolated songs and dances, which would vary over time as the play traveled, and aged.[2][3][4]

The play debuted on September 22, 1884, at Tony Pastor's Theatre, and the show played far and wide over the following years. In the 1892-93 season of its run, the English music hall song "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" was added to great success.[3]

Ziegfeld's actress Anna Held debuted in an 1896 revival at the Herald Square Theatre, which also featured Evans and Hoey returning to their original roles.

References
  1. Morden, Ethan. Ziegfeld: The Man Who Invented Show Business, p. 32 (2008)
  2. The Historical Dictionary of the American Theater, Retrieved 26 November 2013
  3. Cullen, Frank. Vaudeville, Old & New: An Encyclopedia of Variety Performers ... Vol. I, p. 364-65 (2006)
  4. Hischak, Thomas S. Boy Loses Girl: Broadway's Librettists, p. 57 (2002)
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