The Christian is an 1898 play written by British author Hall Caine. It is a drama, with a prologue and four acts. Caine insisted the play was not an adaptation of his 1896 novel of the same name, but rather a new story using the same principal characters. It was more a romance than the theological drama of the novel, as an Anglican vicar of a slum parish in 1890's London tries to persuade a music hall performer to give up her career.
It was first produced by Liebler & Company, with staging by Walter Clark Bellows, sets by Louis Young, music by William Furst, and starring Viola Allen. It ran on Broadway from October 1898 through March 1899, averaging over $15,000 per week at the box office. Liebler & Company sent out two touring companies to play venues around the United States. The tours were very successful, netting Liebler & Company a half-million dollars over the next few years, enabling it to produce plays with less commercial appeal, such as Children of the Ghetto.
Characters
Lead
Glory Quayle raised on the Isle of Man by her grandfather, is a successful music hall singer. John Storm son of Lord Storm, is a pious and inflexible Anglican priest, in love with Glory Quayle. Supporting Lord Storm is John's widower father, who decries his son's turning away from the world of politics. Horatio Drake is a gentleman who produces Glory Quayle's career and wishes to marry her. Lord Robert Ure is the younger brother of a duke; he is morally bankrupt and a corrupting influence. Archdeacon Wealthy is a hypocritical cleric whose career is more financial than spiritual. Mrs. Callender is a Scottish philanthropist and social reformer, who works with John Storm. Polly Love is a nurse and Glory's friend, who has been seduced by Lord Robert. Featured Parson Quayle is Glory's grandfather, a country parson on the Isle of Man. Father Lamplough is a crusading priest, retired from preaching, an inspiration to John Storm. The Faro King is a gambler and property owner in league with Lord Robert and the Manager. The Manager is a partner with Lord Robert in running the Colosseum Music Hall. Brother Paul is a young acolyte of Father John Storm, and older brother to Polly Love. Betty is a music hall performer, and "good friend" of the Manager and Lord Robert. Nettie is another music hall performer who goes with gentlemen. Letty is Betty's sister, and of the same professions. Liza is Glory's servant, whom Father John has helped in the past. Off-stage Prime Minister is Lord Storm's elder brother and uncle to John Storm.
Synopsis
Hall Caine rewrote the The Christian in 1907, the only version readily available today. This synopsis of the 1898 version is based on contemporaneous newspaper reviews.
Prologue (At the ruins of Peel Castle on the Isle of Man.) Lord Storm has heard from his elder brother that he will welcome his nephew John at Downing Street. Archdeacon Wealthy, Parson Quayle, Father Lamplough, and Mrs. Callender all drop by, each giving a picture of their philosophy and character thru conversation. John is particularly impressed by Father Lamplough's religious fervor. Horatio Drake, Lord Robert, and Glory Quayle join the group; they are abuzz with ideas for Glory to go on the stage. At the end, John refuses his uncle's offer, in order to enter a monastery. Lord Storm then disowns his son.
Act I (The green room of the Colosseum Music Hall in Soho, two years later.) Glory Quayle has gone to London and becomes a sensation as a Music Hall singer. Horatio Drake is promoting her career in hopes of marrying her. He gives a dinner in her honor, at which are Lord Robert, the Manager, the Faro King, and "three graces": Betty, Nettie, and Letty. Meanwhile, John Storm, who has become an Anglican priest, visits the music hall, hoping to see Glory. Her dresser, Liza, whom Father John has previously helped, takes him to see her. They meet just outside the green room, wherein the others are carousing. He warns Glory that this life will turn sour on her within a few years. She is glad to see him, but isn't ready to give up her career.