Philadelphia Artists’ Collective presents Royall Tyler’s The Contrast

Good, ol' jokes

Written by Royall Tyler in 1787, The Contrast holds the distinction of being America’s first comedy, and a smash hit in its day. Part rom-com, part social satire, the play follows the unhappy engagement of Maria Van Rough (played by Brittany Onukwugha) to the European dandy Mr. Dimple (James Kern). A romantic rival soon emerges, the patriotic Colonel Manly (Zachary Valdez), and—what else?—hilarity ensues. Rounding out the cast is an ensemble of Philly mainstays, including Jenna Kuerzi, Eliza Carson, Nathan Foley, Kevin McCann, Brandon Tyler, James Kern, and Megan McDermott.

The production is directed by Ann Garner, producing artistic director at PAC, who has admired the play since reading it more than a decade ago. “I remember thinking at the time that it was surprisingly funny,” says Garner. “Genuinely funny, not just funny for an old play with a bunch of references we only kinda-sorta understand.”

The Contrast can be said to be America’s first comedy not simply by virtue of chronology, but also because it introduces distinctly American archetypes to the stage. While traditional European comedies concerned themselves with overtly British manners, Tyler’s play contains something of the personality of its young nation.

“Tyler basically invented a stock character: the Yankee, who is named Jonathan in this play,” explains Garner. “This is a character that shows up in various forms from this point on—the title character in Our American Cousin, the idea of the ‘ugly American,’ Woody on Cheers. Whereas you might have had a crafty servant in a European play, Jonathan is always reminding us that he’s independent. He can please himself.”

It’s an ideal that, for better or worse, has come to define the American character, and which Garner finds particularly ripe for examination in our current moment.

“Right now, during the semiquincentennial, and at a moment in our nation’s history that feels bewildering to many, I’m excited to delve into what was on the minds of newly minted Americans, people who would set the tones and values for the next generations,” says Garner. “Producing this wildly popular play from 1787 gives us direct access to that culture, and to get to do that with such an entertaining play is a joy.”