William Gillette (Debut) "THE PROFESSOR" Madison Square Theatre 1881 Postcard

Description

This is a rare advertising postcard promoting the Fourth Month of the WILLIAM GILLETTE comedy "THE PROFESSOR" at the Madison Square Theatre in New York City. (The production opened in New York in 1881 and ran for 151 performances before heading out on the road.) ..... The playwright and actor, best known for his portrayal of "SHERLOCK HOLMES", wrote "The Professor" while a member of Ben Macauley's Stock Company. He was determined to get the play produced and for two years he bedeviled every manager he could find with hopes of interesting someone to back a production. In desperation, Gillette produced the play himself, trying it out in Columbus, Ohio, New Haven, Hartford and Philadelphia. Critical opinion was mixed at best, and caused Gillette to begin revising at once. A year later, with the assistance of Mark Twain, he succeeded in persuading Charles Frohman to finance a production. It was the beginning of a long and profitable association for the two men. William Gillette starred in the title role, making his New York stage debut at the Madison Square Theatre. (Reprinted in part from William Gillette's "Plays By William Hooker Gillette") ..... DETAILS: The postcard measures 5 1/8" X 3" inches and is postmarked Nov. 17 (1881) in New York. The correspondence side includes artwork for "The Professor" and notes that the play was in its fourth month ..... CONDITION: With the exception of minor discoloration, staining and moderate surface and edge wear, this rare postcard is in very good condition and will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any theatre aficionado or historian. This item will be carefully packaged in a protective, carded sleeve and backed by stiff cardboard.