An American Citizen at the Grand Opera House in 1908

An American Citizen was a comedic play written by Madeline Lucette Ryley, which played in New York’s Knickerbocker Theatre in the late 1890’s. The play’s leading character is a patriotic young man who is entitled to a wealthy inheritance, but only if he gives up his American citizenship. In 1914 the play was made into a movie that starred John Barrymore. An American Citizen was performed in Sandusky, Ohio on April 24, 1908. Special permission was granted to allow this performance at Sandusky’s Grand Opera House, in which the roles were played by local residents. 

Mr. Albert James Peters was the director of the performance, and also played the leading character, Beresford Cruger. 

A photographic collage  by W. A. Bishop appeared in the play’s program. Mr. Bishop portrayed a schemer named Otto Stroble in “An American Citizen.”

Several other Sandusky residents played parts in the play. Ackley’s Orchestra played six musical selections in the play. Furniture and draperies were furnished by the Herb & Myers Company.

An advertisement which appeared in the April 24, 1908 issue of the Sandusky Register stated that the play was to be the attraction of the season.

Besides being active in local theater, Albert James Peters was one of the founders of the Alvord & Peters Company, which published the Star Journal newspaper in Sandusky for many years. Mr. Peters died in 1929 at age 57, and was buried in Oakland Cemetery.