The play was first produced on 21 April 1894 at the Avenue Theatre and published in 1898 as part of Shaw's "Plays Pleasant" volume, which also included "Candida", "You Never Can Tell," and "The Man of Destiny." "Arms and the Man" was one of Shaw's first commercial successes. He was called onto stage after the curtain, where he received enthusiastic applause. Amidst the cheers, one audience member booed. Shaw replied, in characteristic fashion, "My dear fellow, I quite agree with you, but what are we two against so many?"