Arizona (play)

Infobox Play
name = Arizona


image_size =
caption = Playbill (1907)
writer = Augustus Thomas
characters =
setting = Arizona Territory, before the Spanish-American War
premiere = June 12, 1899
place = Hamlin's Grand Opera House Chicago, Illinois
orig_lang = English
subject = Love
genre = Drama
ibdb_id =

"Arizona" is a dramatic play written in 1899 by Augustus Thomas, and is noted for being one of his best.

"Arizona" tells the story of the affection between a young cavalry man and a rancher's daughter. The young cavalryman is accused of theft, forced to resign, and then accused of murder. Sub-plots include indiscretions of a young wife married to an older cavalry officer, a cavalry officer who will not support his illegitimate child, and the love between a vaquero and the daughter of a German cavalry sergeant.

The play opened in Chicago at Hamlin's Grand Opera House on June 12, 1899. With a cast lead by Theodore Roberts, [Thomas, "Arizona", "The Original Cast".] sets and costumes designed by Frederic Remington, ["New York Times", "New Theatrical Bills": "The scenery and dresses, designed by Frederic Remington, were elaborate."] and authentic characterization of the soldiers and citizens of Arizona Territory, it was received enthusiastically by the audience. ["New York Times", "New Theatrical Bills": "The first act received two curtain calls, the second three, the third five."] The Chicago opening also featured a young Lionel Barrymore in a minor role as Lieutenant Young of the Eleventh Cavalry. [Thomas, "Arizona", "The Original Cast".]

Characters

*Henry Canby, owner of Aravaipa ranch.
*Colonel Frank Bonham, Eleventh United States Cavalry.
*Sam Wong, cook.
*Mrs. Canby, wife of rancher.
*Estrella Bonham, wife of the Colonel.
*Lena Kellar, a waitress.
*Lieutenant Harry Denton, Eleventh United States Cavalry.
*Bonita Canby, Estrella's sister.
*Miss MacCullagh, a school teacher.
*Dr. Fenlon, surgeon, Eleventh United States Cavalry.
*Captain Leonard Hodgman, Eleventh United States Cavalry.
*Tony Mostano, a vaquero.
*Lieutenant Hallock, Eleventh United States Cavalry.
*Sergeant Kellar, Eleventh United States Cavalry.
*Lieutenant Young, Eleventh United States Cavalry.
*Major Cochran, Eleventh United States Cavalry.

etting

Time: Just before the war with Spain.

Place: Aravaipa Ranch, in the Aravaipa Valley near Fort Grant, Arizona.

;Act I Evening, the interior of the adobe courtyard of Canby's ranch house. ;Act II Midnight, drawing-room of Colonel Bonham's quarters at Fort Grant.;Act III Two months later, dining room at Aravaipa Ranch.;Act IV Twenty minutes later, the interior of the adobe courtyard of Canby's ranch house.

References

Bibliography

*"New York Times". "New Theatrical Bills", Wednesday, June 13, 1899, p. 7.
*Thomas, Augustus. "Arizona: A Drama in Four Acts". New York: R.H. Russell (1899).