Maude Adams: Idol of American Theater, 1872-1953

by Armond Fields

Maude Adams (1872-1953) was a beloved and talented American Broadway actress who greatly influenced succeeding acting methods and production techniques. She first appeared on stage as an infant in her actress mother's arms, and then moved to a succession of children's parts. Her New York debut came in 1888, supported by E. H. Southern and then Charles Frohman, a demanding mentor. In 1905, she played her most famous role: the star of James M. Barrie's Peter Pan . Beautiful, kind, and very private, this early American actress is chronicled in a biography covering both her life experiences and innovations on the stage.

Genres: Biography

326 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2004

Reviews

[Amanda Seale]

Interesting look at early 20th century American theatre. Not much insight into Maude the person, and the veiled references to any queerness date the book pretty quickly.

[Keith]

Very interesting biography of famous Utah-born actress. The first to play Peter Pan in America. She inspired the movie "Somewhere in Time"!

[Tracy Alan]

In my opinion, the most comprehensive biography of this forgotten legend.

“The actor writes his or her record on the passing moment and leaves no monument, unless indeed they leave it in our hearts.”

[Kathryn Pritchett]

Fascinating bio of actress Maude Adams who was born in SLC and went on to become the muse for J.M.Barrie. She was the first to play his "Peter Pan."