Pa (play)

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Pa is a three‑act farce‑musical comedy by Cal Wallace, first staged by the Sol Smith Russell Company. It opened in New York at the Standard Theatre on February 14, 1887.

Plot in simple terms:
Perkimen Guinney, known as Pa, is a widower with three daughters aged 35, 30, and 17. Pa wants to marry them off to wealthy men. To keep the youngest as a baby, she stays little and plays with dolls. Pa’s only income comes from the interest on $20,000 left to a dog, for which he acts as administrator. When Sydney Bumps, a rich father, wants his son to marry one of Pa’s daughters, Pa tries to arrange a match. The son is a rustic, not very bright, and many comic situations follow as Pa schemes to make a marriage work. In the end, the rustic suitor elopes with the baby, easing Pa’s troubles.

Reception:
Reviews praised Sol Smith Russell as the star and the piece as a lively, witty farce with plenty of laughs. The show is said to be full of humorous situations and clever dialogue, with Russell’s expressive acting and impersonations delivering most of the humor. The supporting cast was well received, with praise for dancing and musical moments. The production was expected to draw large crowds and was scheduled to run for additional performances.