Cambridge University Press Theatre, Culture and Temperance Reform in Nineteenth-Century America: 17 (Cambridge Studies in American Theatre and Drama, Series Number 17)

Nineteenth-century America witnessed a full-blown campaign against alcohol and, for most of the century, temperance reform was a national cause. As an integral part of the various temperance movements, a new form of theatrical literature and performance developed, both professional and amateur, to help spread the message. John Frick examines the role of temperance drama in the overall scheme of American nineteenth-century theatre, taking examples from both mainstream productions and amateur theatricals. Frick also compares the American genre to its British counterpart. Review "Frick continues the incredible run of quality work emanating from the Cambridge series... Essential for all libraries specializing in the history of the American theater and popular culture." Choice Book Description This book examines the role of temperance drama in American theatre and compares the American genre to its British counterpart. About the Author John W. Frick is Associate Professor of Drama at the University of Virginia. He is author of New York's First Theatrical Center: The Rialto at Union Square, co-editor of The Directory of Historic American Theatres and Theatrical Directors: A Biographical Dictionary and is a contributing author to The Cambridge History of American Theatre (1999). He has published numerous articles and reviews in, among others, The Drama Review, Theatre Journal, The Journal of American Drama and Theatre and The New England Theatre Journal. He has worked Off-Off Broadway as a dramaturg and as a stage manager with theatre and dance companies in New York.