In "Night Off; or A Page From Balzac" by Augustin Daly, readers are taken on a whirlwind journey through the behind-the-scenes drama of a stage production. The play-within-a-play format adds layers of complexity to the story, as the characters navigate their personal relationships while also trying to pull off a successful performance.

Daly's writing is witty and sharp, capturing the chaos and camaraderie of the theater world with precision. The dialogue crackles with energy, and the characters leap off the page with vivid personalities.

While the plot may seem a bit contrived at times, with convenient twists and turns to keep the drama flowing, the overall experience is thoroughly entertaining. Daly's keen insights into human nature and the dynamics of a theatrical company shine through, making "Night Off" a compelling read for anyone interested in the workings of the stage.

Overall, "Night Off; or A Page From Balzac" is a delightful romp through the world of theater, filled with humor, heart, and plenty of backstage intrigue. Daly's skilled storytelling and sharp wit make this a must-read for fans of both classic literature and the dramatic arts.

Book Description:
There are a number of subplots going on in this play. The Professor has unearthed a play that he wrote back in his University days. He has read it to his housekeeper while his wife was away at the expensive spa ... she disapproves of the theatre ... and said housekeeper was so fascinated by it that when a travelling dramatic troupe manager lobs into town, the Professor is receptive to the manager's manipulative and unscrupulous offer to put on his play. Meanwhile, one of the Professor's daughters has chanced across a page from Balzac which states "Every bride that lives if she could but know the past and secret life of her husband would renounce him even at the steps of the altar.". Her husband, a real Boy Scout of a man, gets sick and tired of her pestering him to "reveal his sordid past" to her, and substitutes the actual past of his visiting University buddy, so that she'll leave off. His wife is then so enraptured by her vanilla husband's supposed womaniser past that ... - Summary by Son of the Exiles Cast list: PROFESSOR JUSTINIAN BABBITT, Professor of ancient history in the Camptown university: ToddHW HARRY DAMASK, his son-in-law: realisticspeakers JACK MULBERRY, in pusuit of fortune, under the name of Chumley: Adrian Stephens LORD MULBERRY, in pursuit of Jack: Alan Mapstone MARCUS BRUTUS SNAP, in pursuit of fame and fortune under various legitimate aliases: Greg Giordano PROWL, usher at the university: James R. Hedrick MRS. ZANTIPPA BABBITT, Professor of conjugal management in the Professor's household: Sonia NISBE, the youngest "imp" of the household: Jenn Broda ANGELICA DAMASK, the eldest: Matea Bracic SUSAN, the "brassiest": Michele Eaton MARIA, servant at Damask's: Adrienne Prevost Stage Directions: TR Love Editing: ToddHW