Stranger, The

Stranger, The (1798). William Dunlap's adaptation of Kotzebue's Menschenhass und Reue was first presented at the Park Theatre in 1798 and initiated the popularity of the German playwright in America. Its air of melancholy and mystery provided American playgoers with their introduction to theatrical romanticism. The story recounted the heroic actions of a Stranger who comes to a castle where a Mrs. Haller is staying. She has been unfaithful to her husband, and they have long been separated. Although she is courted by Baron de Steinfort, Mrs. Haller refuses all offers of marriage. The Stranger turns out to be Mrs. Haller's husband. At first he is reluctant to be reunited with her, but the entreaties of their children eventually prevail. Thomas Abthorpe Cooper was the first American Stranger. The play remained in favor until the Civil War era. Later actors who essayed the title role included James William Wallack, Thomas Barry, and James Murdoch.