Title: Strange duets : impresarios and actresses in the American theatre, 1865-1914 /
Authors: Marra, Kim, 1957-
Publisher: University of Iowa,
Year: 2006
Subjects: Actresses United States Biography.; Impresarios United States Biography.
Abstract: "Autocratic male impresarios increasingly dominated the American stage between 1865 and 1914. Many rose from poor immigrant roots and built their own careers by making huge stars out of "undiscovered," Anglo-identified actresses. Reflecting the antics of self-made industrial empire-builders and independent, challenging New Women, these theatrical potentates and their protegees gained a level of wealth and celebrity comparable to that of Hollywood stars today. In Strange Duets, Kim Marra spotlights three passionate impresario-actress relationships of exceptional duration that encapsulated the social tensions of the day and strongly influenced the theatre of the twentieth century."--Jacket.
Contents: Pioneering on the theatrical frontier : Augustin Daly's early ventures -- A troubled republic : Daly and his leading ladies -- Birds of a feather : the queer theatrical empire of Charles Frohman and Maude Adams -- Through fairy and fowl : civilization by sexual inversion on Frohman's imperial stages -- A priestly acting pedagogy : David Belasco's quest for sexual knowledge -- Drilling her in the emotional parts : David Belasco trains Mrs. Leslie Carter for the stage -- Imperial expiations : Belasco's othered worlds.