John A. McCaull

McCaull, John A. (1846–94), producer. Often called “The Father of American Comic Opera,” the Scottish‐born lawyer practiced in Baltimore after fighting as a colonel for the Confederacy. While handling a case for John Ford (some sources say for Emily Melville, the singer), he found the theatre so attractive that he first specialized in theatrical cases, then entered the producing ranks. He established the McCaull Opera Comique Company, which became a leading importer of foreign comic operas (mostly now‐forgotten German and Viennese works), and was so successful that several branches were soon organized. Although he was sufficiently commercial to cater to the insistent demand for European material, he also attempted to develop a native school of writing and performing. To this end he was the first important producer to mount the comic operas of John Philip Sousa and gave major breaks to such entertainers as De Wolf Hopper and Francis Wilson. With Rudolf Aronson he built the Casino Theatre, the first legitimate playhouse erected in America expressly for the purpose of offering musicals. Wilson recalled him as “a proud man, he was swift to take offense; he could be a firm friend and a bitter enemy. His impulsiveness often warped his judgment.”