The Sultan of Sulu

Sultan of Sulu, The (1902), a musical comedy by George Ade (book, lyrics), Alfred G. Wathall (music). [ Wallack's Theatre, 192 perf.] Ki‐Ram (Frank Moulan) leads an idyllic life as the Sultan of Sulu until sailors from the American navy arrive to claim the island for Uncle Sam. Determined to maintain his trouble‐free ways, Ki‐Ram courts the lady judge‐advocate whom the American government has sent. But when the judge realizes that Ki‐Ram is merely offering her a place in his harem, she issues several decrees, which assure an end to Ki‐Ram's bliss. Luckily a legal technicality is discovered that allows Ki‐Ram to resume his own lackadaisical ways. Notable songs: Since I First Met You; The Smiling Isle. One of the few Chicago‐originated musicals to win acclaim in New York, it initiated the rage, which lasted for several seasons and culminated with The Red Mill, for musical comedies centering on the contrast between American and foreign ways of life. Other examples included The Isle of Spice, The Yankee Consul, The Sho‐Gun, It Happened in Nordland, and Fantana.