As the first American dramatization, John Brougham's adaptation of "David Copperfield" opened at New York's Lyceum Theatre in 1851 and was an immediate success. It was considered by its peers to be one of the best adaptations of the novel. Staying true to Dickens' version, Brougham did not take liberties with the original text unlike other adaptations. Brougham's skill as a playwright is evident as he brings Dickens' classic characters to life on the stage. The play would continue to be produced for the next two decades 19th Century actor, playwright and theatre producer, John Brougham was a prolific playwright having written over 120 plays, burlesques, comedies, and musical extravaganzas earning him the nickname "The American Aristophanes" from critics of the time.