Thomas A. Bogar Libros

This book recounts the personal and professional life of Thomas Souness Hamblin (1800-1853), Shakespearean actor and Bowery Theatre manager. Primarily responsible for the popularity of “blood and thunder” melodramas with working class audiences in New York City, Hamblin discovered, trained and promoted many young actors and, especially, actresses who later became famous in their own right. He also epitomized the “sporting man” of mid-nineteenth century life, conducting a scandalous series of affairs and visits to Manhattan brothels, which cost him his marriage to Elizabeth Blanchard Hamblin (1799-1849) and made him the brunt of moralist, religious and journalistic crusades, notably that of James Gordon Bennett’s New York Herald . His machinations and perseverance through trying challenges, including several destructions of the Bowery Theatre by fire, extensive financial and legal complications, and the untimely deaths of several young protégées, earned him equal measures of admiration and opprobrium.

The book explores the historical relationship between American presidents and theatre, spanning 255 years. It highlights notable moments, such as George Washington's first play in 1751 and John Quincy Adams' dramatic critiques, while also noting presidents like William McKinley, who shunned theatre for personal reasons. Additionally, it recounts Richard Nixon's meeting with his wife at a community theatre audition. Through these stories, the book illustrates how presidential theatre attendance mirrors changing cultural preferences in America.

The biography explores the life of Maggie Mitchell, the first American musical comedy star, highlighting her extraordinary talent and the numerous challenges she faced throughout her career. It delves into her remarkable perseverance that allowed her to entertain audiences for four decades while navigating a profession often criticized by moralists. As a symbol of respectability, she forged a lasting legacy in the world of theater, making significant contributions to the genre.