Arizona (play)


Arizona is a dramatic play written in 1899 by Augustus Thomas, considered one of his best. The play takes place in the Arizona Territory before the Spanish–American War of 1898.
The Territory became the U.S. state of Arizona in 1912.

Plot

Arizona tells the story of the affection between a young cavalryman and a rancher's daughter. The cavalryman is accused of stealing books from the library that contained a hidden key to the chancellor's office. Sub-plots include indiscretions of the young wife of 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. Thomas based his play on his visits to Henry Hooker's Sierra Bonita Ranch and the two primary characters Canby and Bonita on Hooker's family.

Setting

The play is set just before the Spanish–American War and at 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.

Characters

in parentheses, cast of the Broadway premiere of the play Sept. 10, 1900, Herald Square Theater
  • 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.

Production and reception

The play was produced by Kirke La Shelle and opened in Chicago at Hamlin's Grand Opera House on June 12, 1899. With a cast led by Theodore Roberts, sets and costumes designed by Frederic Remington, and authentic characterization of the soldiers and citizens of Arizona Territory, it was received enthusiastically by the audience. The Chicago opening also featured a young Lionel Barrymore in a minor role as Lieutenant Young of the Eleventh Cavalry. Sigmund Romberg later adapted the play as an operetta, The Love Call ..