Rachel Crothers: Broadway Innovator, Feminist Pioneer

by John Bassett

Overview

This is the story behind one of the most important – yet largely forgotten – women in American theater during the early 20th century.
Rachel Crothers was renowned for her ability to command all aspects of a stage production-unusual for playwrights and even more so for a woman of this time period. Rachel Crothers: Broadway Innovator, Feminist Pioneer celebrates her remarkable skill and feminism, from her experiences as a young actress in Illinois and New York to the success of her first play in 1906 and beyond. Crothers integrated themes of double standards, prostitution, and women's rights in her work, and she went on to become President of the Stage Women's War Relief Fund through both World Wars and the Great Depression. Incorporating extensive archival material, this book also discusses each of Crother's plays with careful consideration for her attention to detail, character influences, motivations for social justice, and creative vision.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798881804916
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/28/2025
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

John Bassett is President Emeritus of Clark University, former President of Heritage University, and founding Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western Reserve University.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Growing Up in Illinois
2. Apprentice in New York
3. Three Plays on Broadway
4. Three Ambitious Ventures
5. Romances, Fairy Tales, and a Great War
6. Three Scripts Retrieved
7. The Young American Woman
8. The “Re-Marriage” Plays and Personal Challenges
9. Hollywood, Susan, and Another War
10. Two Plays and the Final Years

Notes
Select Sources
Select Creative Works
Index
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

John Bassett presents the first full-length study of Rachel Crothers in over 30 years, offering a comprehensive overview of her life and work. This book provides original insight into Crothers' craft and will reinvigorate discussions of her contributions to theatre.” —Lesley Broder, Professor of English, Kingsborough Community College of the City University of New York

“The remarkable Rachel Crothers wrote 24 plays which appeared on Broadway during the early decades of the 20th century, many in productions she directed herself. She deserves to be better known. John Bassett provides an accessible and comprehensive overview of Crother's life and career, drawing on all major archival collections as well as scholarship from recent decades. Rachel Crothers: Broadway Innovator, Feminist Pioneer should become the new standard source on this theatre artist.” —J.K. Curry, Professor, Theatre History, Susan & Gene Goodson Faculty Fellow, Wake Forest University

“Rachel Crothers: Broadway Innovator, Feminist Pioneer is a welcome addition to a growing body of scholarship on Rachel Crothers. Bassett thoughtfully weaves together insight into both her personal and professional lives. The archival depth is impressive – an essential work within the field of Crothers scholarship.” —Anna Andes, Associate Professor, Theatre, Coordinator, Women & Gender Studies, Susquehanna University

From the Publisher