This is a rare June 5th, 1921 program (playbill) from the second week of the National Tour engagement of the REGINALD DE KOVEN and HARRY B. SMITH comic opera "ROBIN HOOD" at the Illinois Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. ("Robin Hood" premiered on June 9th, 1890 at the Chicago Opera House and was first seen in New York City on September 22nd, 1891 at the Standard Theatre. The comic opera would open the same year at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London with a new title, "Maid Marian".) ..... The comic opera starred RALPH SOULE in the title role and ELSIE THIEDE as "Maid Marian" and the cast included WILLIAM DANFORTH, SOL SOLOMON, WILLIAM REID, WILLIAM DEGEN, JOHN MacSWEENEY, LORNA DOONE JACKSON, Mrs. CLARENCE BENNETT and JOE CLETA HOWE ..... Biographical Note: Henry Louis Reginald De Koven (April 3rd, 1859 – January 16th, 1920) was an American music critic, conductor, and prolific composer, particularly of comic operas, who helped establish the style of American light opera.  De Koven was born in Middletown, Connecticut, but in 1870, when Reginald was eleven, the family moved to England, where he received the majority of his education. He graduated from St. John’s College of Oxford University in England in 1879 and undertook various musical studies in Stuttgart, Germany. De Koven returned to the U.S. in 1882 to live in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked in a brokerage firm until his marriage to Anna Farwell, and later lived in New York City. In 1883, De Koven started a dry-goods business that became very successful. With the steady income, he was able to return to music. With his wide musical knowledge, he found his scope as a critic with Chicago’s "Evening Post", "Harper’s Weekly", and the "New York World". Between 1887 and 1913, De Koven composed twenty light operas, beginning with "The Begum" in1887 (libretto by Harry B. Smith), in addition to hundreds of songs (over 450), orchestral works, two piano sonatas, and ballets. In 1888 he again teamed with Smith to compose the opera "Don Quixote". From 1902 to 1904, De Koven conducted the Washington, D.C. Symphony, which he helped organize. De Koven’s greatest success was "Robin Hood", also with libretto by Harry B. Smith, which premiered at the Chicago Opera House on June 9th, 1890 but was performed all across the country. It played in New York at the Standard Theatre in 1891 and in London the same year, retitled "Maid Marian", and it continued to be revived for many years. Many of his songs became popular, especially “Oh Promise Me” from "Robin Hood", with words by Clement Scott, which was one of the biggest song successes of its time and remains a wedding standard. (Reprinted in part from the Walker Home School website) ..... CREDITS: Music composed by REGINALD DE KOVEN; Libretto by HARRY B. SMITH; Produced by RALPH DUNBAR ..... DETAILS: The 28 page program measures 5 1/4" X 7 3/4" inches and includes partial production credits, cast list, synopsis of scenes, the Story of Robin Hood and wonderful vintage advertising, but no cast photos or bios ..... BONUS: Includes a full page advertisement promoting ticket sales for the World Championship Fight between JACK DEMPSEY and GEORGES CARPENTIER on July 2nd, 1921 in Jersey City, New Jersey (eighth scanned image). Scheduled for 12 rounds, the fight ended in the 4th round when Dempsey knocked out Carpentier ..... CONDITION: With the exception of minor rust marks at the staples, light soiling to the cover and corner creases to several inside pages, this rare program is in excellent condition and will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any musical theatre aficionado or historian. This item will be carefully packaged in a protective, carded sleeve and backed by stiff cardboard.