DALE, ALAN

(1861-1928)

   Born Alfred J. Cohen in Birmingham, England, the renowned drama critic came to New York in 1885 and learned all about theatre while working as secretary for Leander Richardson. In 1887, he joined the Evening World as drama critic, and later moved to the Evening Journal. From 1895 to 1915, Dale reached the height of his influence as reviewer for William Randolph Hearst's New York American, but left apparently because he refused to tone down his vitriolic pronouncements. After freelancing for a time, he returned to the American, but wrote in a softened vein. Green and Laurie pronounced him "a triton among minnows" (1953, 116). Dale also wrote many books and one unsuccessful play.