Rachel Crothers (1878-1958) was an American playwright whose works, which were highly successful commercially, reflected the position of women in American society more accurately than those of any other dramatist of her time. Among theatre historians, she is generally recognized as "the most successful and prolific woman dramatist writing in the first part of the 20th century."Karin Maresh is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Arts at Washington & Jefferson College, US, the current department chair for Communication Arts, and is the advisor to the Student Theatre Company and the College’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national honorary theatre society. She teaches a variety of courses including theatre history, film, gender and women’s studies, American studies, and acting. Additionally, she directs stage productions for the department, including musicals such as Avenue Q and Urinetown as well as dramas like Dancing at Lughnasa. Dr. Karin’s primary areas of interest include Irish theatre, particularly the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, women in theatre and film, American theatre, and musical theatre.

• AcknowledgementsPreface by Jonathan BanksIntroduction by Karin MareshThe PlaysHe and She (1911-1920)A Little Journey (1918)Mary the Third (1923)Let Us Be Gay (1929)Select ProductionsPlays by Rachel CrothersSelect Bibliography