Dear friends

I am examining the theatrical exploits of William B Gill, a lesser-known
actor/writer who left Australia in 1874 and later enjoyed considerable
success in America. Kurt Gaenzle's book "William B. Gill -- From the
Goldfields to Broadway" outlines (pp.69-71) how Willie Gill attempted to
stage a production of Twain's "The Gilded Age" in Salt Lake City in February
1875. I wonder if the above-mentioned William B Gill is the same as the
William F. Gill, with whom Twain corresponded about copyright issues in May
and June of 1875? (see
http://www.marktwainproject.org/xtf/view?docId=letters/UCCL01237.xml;query=G
ill;searchAll=yes;sectionType1=text;sectionType2=explanatorynotes;sectionTyp
e3=editorialmatter;sectionType4=textualapparatus;sectionType5=;doc.view=text
_note_comm;style=letter;brand=mtp#1) Willie Gill's production of "The Gilded
Age" was evidently closed down by Twain who told his lawyers: "No compromise
with thieves on any terms, not even for the entire proceeds."

On another matter, can anyone recall where they might have read comments
about Twain hiring someone to count heads at performances of "The Gilded
Age"? I can't find it anywhere!

Regards

Ron Hohenhaus