Join us at Normal Public Library, or online via live stream, on Wednesday, March 25, at 6:30 p.m. to learn about one of the most successful and prolific woman dramatists on Broadway — who just so happens to be from McLean County.
Rachel Crothers (1878-1958) wrote a whopping 37 plays in her lifetime, 24 of which were produced on Broadway.
We’re excited to host author and scholar John Bassett for a free program combining lecture and discussion to explore Crothers’ life and career as one of America’s most successful — yet largely forgotten — female playwrights.
Together, we will delve into how she was able, as almost no other playwright, male or female, was, to direct all her own plays on Broadway; the place of Broadway productions in the study of American culture; how her Bloomington years influenced her career; and more.
John Bassett is President and Professor Emeritus at Clark University, as well as Founding Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. His previous books are on William Faulkner, Mark Twain, Sherwood Anderson, and Southern Literature. He and his wife, Kay, live in retirement near their grandchildren in Michigan.
Bassett’s new book, "Rachel Crothers: Broadway Innovator, Feminist Pioneer,” is available for purchase in our Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop. We’ll also bring a few copies to sell at the program on the 25th. Bassett will do a book signing immediately following the program. Registration is required to participate online or in person. Please visit https://bit.ly/Crothers26 to do so.
Questions? Click here to contact us, or call us at 309-827-0428 and ask to be transferred to the Education Department.