On August 14, 1928, the opening night of The Front Page was met with roaring applause at New York’s Times Square Theatre. Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, two Chicago newspaper men, crafted this play amidst the hustle of political corruption. The simple plot follows reporter Hildy Johnson, who plans to leave journalism and move to New York after getting married. However, his editor, Walter Burns, persuades him to cover one last story as convicted killer Earl Williams escapes jail.
Set in a run-down press room, the play introduces poker-playing reporters, a worried mayor facing re-election, and a corrupt sheriff. This nearly century-old play is chosen to inaugurate Northlight Theatre’s $32 million Evanston venue. Artistic director BJ Jones states, “I’m thrilled. I love this play, and I think it has a great deal to say about our contemporary world. And it is so much about Chicago, and I want to highlight that.” Executive director Tim Evans praises the nuanced and relevant nature of the play during this pivotal time for the theater.
The play owes its success to producer Jed Harris and director George S. Kaufman, who shaped 1920s and ’30s comedy. While names like Osgood Perkins have faded, E.B. White’s review in the New Yorker celebrated its raw portrayal of journalism. Tennessee Williams appreciated its bold language and address of taboo topics, claiming it liberated American drama. Originally running for 278 performances, The Front Page returned to Broadway four times, featuring stars like Nathan Lane and John Goodman.
Cinematic adaptations include a 1931 film and the 1940 His Girl Friday, where Hildy became a woman played by Rosalind Russell. A 1974 version starred Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Northlight Theatre will present a refreshed adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher, who followed the Girl Friday model to make Hildy female.
Veteran actor Gary Houston recalls his experiences with The Front Page. Having worked in journalism, he played McCue in a 1981 Goodman Theater production. His portrayal resonated with former City News Bureau employees. The current newspaper landscape differs from Northlight’s stage portrayal. However, Hecht and MacArthur’s creation captures a world prioritizing headlines over humanity and speed over truth.
E.B. White lauded the play’s brilliance despite its imperfections. Memories of its legend, recounted by Hecht’s widow Rose, tell of the play’s first night success and MacArthur’s proposal to Helen Hayes. The Front Page endures as a testament to timeless storytelling.