Dombey and Son: The 1848 Theatrical Adaptation

The first American version of the Charles Dickens' novel was adapted by the distinguished American playwright John Brougham and originally produced by William Burton's theatre troupe, the most respected acting company in America at the time. Originally opening in July of 1848 as "Bunsby" it played for four nights and was not a success. Brougham rewrote the play and a month later, it reopened in a new version titled "Dombey and Son." It became an immediate and enormous success. As one critic...