One was its name.

People in general did not understand the title, "For Old Eli." There was nothing "catchy" or drawing about it.
He gave it another name.

He called it, "True Blue: A Drama of College Life." The name proved effective.
He rewrote much of the play.

He strengthened the climax of the third act, and introduced a mechanical effect that was very ingenious.

And when the piece next went on the road it met with wonderful success everywhere.
Thus Frank snatched success from defeat.
It is a strange thing that when a person fights against fate and conquers, when fortune begins to smile, when the tide fairly turns his way, then everything seems to come to him.