Description
Book SynopsisFor two centuries, nearly all historical accounts of American theatre have focused on New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. 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.
Trade ReviewThomas 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"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
