Program for Henry James play "The American" at the Opera Comique Theatre

Program from the Opera Comique Theatre for Edward Compton's production of Henry James' play The American, a theatrical adaptation of his 1877 novel. Single sheet, folded, with modest wear at corners of folds. His literary agent Wolcott Balestier negotiated a contract between James and Edward Compton of the Compton Comedy Company, who took the play on tour before its opening at the Opera Comique Theatre in London on September 26, 1891. It starred Elizabeth Robins and Kate Bateman, and ran for 70 performances.

Though not marked as such, the program comes from Maurice Sendak's collection of Henry James, sold at auction in February, 2023.