For four years, while missing her mother and the theater, Maude Adams stayed at the Presbyterian Collegiate Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. She also spent those four years begging her mother to let her leave school and return to acting. Finally, her mother gave in. But her childhood stardom was behind her and mostly forgotten by the public. Maude would have to start over by taking parts as extras.
Off to New York City
Maude's mother knew that there was a better chance for her daughter securing bigger roles in New York City. There, Maude auditioned for several shows. Finally she landed a part in the play The Paymaster. No longer was she being billed on the program as "Little Maude." Now she was Maude Adams.
Belasco and Frohman Applaud Maude
Her old manager, David Belasco, was in the audience the night the play opened. He hadn't seen Maude in seven years, but instantly recognized the extreme talent the young lady had developed into. Charles Frohman, another noted stage manager of the era, was also in the audience that night. He, too, was impressed with Maude's performance.
Maude went on to be managed by Charles Hoyt and was a great success in A Midnight Bell at the Bijou Theater. Hoyt offered her a five-year contract but Maude declined, deciding to sign with manager Charles Frohman.
Bigger Roles for Maude
Under Frohman's management Maude went on to play Nell, the lame girl, in The Lost Paradise, and to star opposite John Drew. Frohman hired Scottish author J. M. Barrie, who would write Peter Pan, to turn his novel The Little Minister into a play. In this production Maude made her first metropolitan appearance at the Empire Theater in New York on September 28, 1897. The play, and Maude's performance as Lady Babbie, was a huge success.
Maude Adams Returns to the Stage: New York, Here She Comes continues with: Maude Adams Heads West Juliet and Joan of Arc Wait in the Wings.
Previous: Maude Adams: The Girl Who Grew Up to Become Peter Pan.
