The Mimic Stage A Series of Dramas, Comedies, Burlesques, and Farces for Public Exhibitions and Private Theatricals

"The Mimic Stage" by George M. Baker is a collection of dramatic pieces written in the late 19th century. This compilation includes a variety of comedies, dramas, burlesques, and farces specifically designed for amateur performances, highlighting the accessible nature of theater for public exhibitions and private theatricals. The collection is aimed at providing enjoyment and entertainment for young and old alike, removing the burden of cost and elaborate staging. The opening of the work presents "Down by the Sea," the first of the included dramas. This piece introduces us to several characters, including John Gale, a fisherman, and his two protégés, March and September Gale, who were rescued as infants from shipwrecks. As the story unfolds, the interactions among the characters depict a blend of humor and warmth, showcasing their relationships, aspirations, and the peculiarities of coastal life. The narrative hints at underlying themes of family and identity as they grapple with their shared past and the mysteries of their origins. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Melville Baker (1832–1890) was a playwright and publisher in Boston, Massachusetts, in the 19th century. He worked for Lee & Shepard publishers, then opened his own imprint. "George M. Baker & Co." issued works by authors such as Henry M. Baker, F.E. Chase, and Herbert Pelham Curtis. Baker's company ceased in 1885, succeeded by his brother's "Walter H. Baker & Co." George Baker also performed with comedian Henry C. Barnabee, appearing in "lyceum entertainments" in New England. He belonged to the Mercantile Library Association. He married Emily Bowles in 1858; children included novelist Emilie Loring, playwright Rachel Baker Gale, and screenwriter Robert Melville Baker.