Origin and Triumph of "The Foreigner"

The Foreigner burst onto the theatrical scene at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre in January 1983, enveloping its audience in waves of laughter that heralded its triumph. Garnering accolades from the American Theatre Critics Association as one of the top regional productions of the 1983-1984 season, the play's journey continued to Off-Broadway in November 1984, gracing the stage of the Astor Place Theatre in New York City. Despite the critics' tepid reviews, the public's affection remained unabated. As Laurie Winer noted in a 1988 New York Times article, it defied the odds, "one of the few Off-Broadway plays to overcome negative reviews," with a remarkable 685 performances and fully reclaiming its $250,000 investment.

The Ripple Effect of Success

The dazzling commercial triumph of The Foreigner cast a spotlight on Shue's other plays, drawing the interest of theatre troupes across America. His earlier comedic piece, The Nerd, transitioned from its Milwaukee debut in 1981 to resounding success in England, delighting audiences in Manchester in 1982 and at London's Aldwych Theatre in 1984. There, it outperformed every other American play on the West End, amassing substantial earnings. Even after Shue's untimely death in 1987, The Nerd found its way to Broadway, and his more introspective work, Wenceslas Square (1984), gained popularity. Today, these plays are cherished fixtures in university, regional, and community theatres across the nation.

Inspiration and Legacy

In 1980, Shue ventured to Japan, immersing himself in its theatrical culture. It was there that the seed for The Foreigner was sown. Observing that his eccentricities were readily excused due to his foreign status, Shue realized the comic potential in the premise of an outsider navigating unfamiliar customs. This insight birthed The Foreigner, which stands as Shue's crowning achievement and is heralded as his most flawlessly crafted theatrical work.