Poison: A Farce

"Poison: A Farce" by George M. Baker is a comedic play written in the late 19th century. The work is a farce that explores themes of misunderstanding and mistaken identity, centering around the amusing misadventures of its characters. The setting is primarily in the breakfast room of a suburban villa, highlighting the domestic hilarities that ensue. The story revolves around Mr. Theophilus Twitters, a retired sugar merchant, who is beset by a series of comedic complications. As he prepares for a journey, he faces interference from various characters, including his daughter's suitor, Dr. Squillcox, and the mother of his late wife. Amidst the chaos of breakfast interruptions and an ominous letter warning of poison in his sugar, Twitters navigates through misunderstandings that threaten his plans and familial relationships. The characters' interactions lead to humorous situations, culminating in an outrageous resolution where mistaken identities and motives are revealed, making for a lively and entertaining performance. (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.