Forgotten Leading Ladies of the American Theatre: Lives of 8 Female Players, Playwrights, Directors, Managers, and Activists of the 18th, 19th & Earl

These eight women made remarkable Laura Keene challenged tradition in 1858 by heading her own dramatic troupe; her career was ruined by Lincoln’s assassination. Mrs. John Drew, a star at 7 who toured until she was 76, was the matriarch of the Barrymore dynasty. Anna Cora Mowatt eloped at 15 with a lawyer more than twice her age, and went on the stage when he lost his fortune. She wrote a play, Fashion , that is still performed 140 years later. Five other women also have fascinating stories of courage and Susanna Haswell Rowson, Sophia Turner, Charlotte Cushman, Fanny Kemble and Minnie Madern Fiske.