Directed by John DeBenedetto
Written by John Maddison Morton
May 20th-31st, 2026
“A Desperate Game” (1853) is a 1-Act classic comedy by John Maddison Morton. A wealthy widow is romantically pursued by two very different men for two very different reasons.
The play premiered in London at the Theatre Royal Adelphi, on Saturday April 9th, 1853.
Morton was a prolific farcical playwright in his time. His style went out of fashion and he fell on hard times. He is best known for Box and Cox. A musical version, Cox and Box (1867), was created by F. C. Burnand and Arthur Sullivan – although Morton saw none of those royalties it kept his name in circulation – and the musical is often revived by fans of Gilbert & Sullivan. Morton has a large body of work but has not been performed regularly since his death, with the exception of the spin-off Cox and Box.
A Desperate Game is presented as part of the ATA’s 50th Classical Season.
Cast
Ted Doyle (Capt. Ratcliffe)
Charles Kennedy IV (Patrick)
Paul Maurizio (Percy Postlewaite)
Alex Silverman (David)
Stephanie Sottile (Mrs. Somerton)