BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: All the Drama: The Old Maid, 1935 Winner, Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Release Date: February 8, 2025

Introduction and Historical Context

The episode opens with host Jan Simpson setting the stage for 1935, a tumultuous year marked by significant global and domestic events. Adolf Hitler's announcement of Germany's military rearmament sparked unease across Europe, while in the United States, President Franklin Roosevelt introduced the Social Security Act, establishing a foundational safety net for widows and orphans. Concurrently, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt championed women's roles in American society through her radio series "It's a Woman's World." Amid these societal shifts, Zoe Akins' play "The Old Maid" triumphed, earning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Jan Simpson [00:10]: "In that year of 1935, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama went to Zoe Aiken's The Old Maid, an adaptation of a novella by Edith Wharton..."

Zoe Akins: Life and Career

Jan Simpson delves into the life of Zoe Akins, a prolific playwright and screenwriter active from the 1920s to the 1940s. Born on October 30, 1886, in Humansville, Missouri, Akins moved to St. Louis during her teenage years, where her literary talents blossomed. Her early works included poetry, criticism, and her first play—a parody of a Greek tragedy. A romantic relationship with influential editor William Marion Reedy further propelled her career.

Akins' move to New York in her early twenties marked a pivotal moment. Inspired by Ethel Barrymore's stage presence, Akins vowed to write plays that would feature prominent actresses. Her first full-length play, "Papa," had a brief run of 12 performances but garnered critical attention, encouraging her to persevere. By 1919, Akins fulfilled her promise when Ethel Barrymore starred in "Declassee," a play that became a significant hit.

Over the next fifteen years, Akins produced 11 Broadway shows, often showcasing leading female stars like Tallulah Bankhead and Laurette Taylor. Notably, her 1930 comedy "The Greeks Had a Word For It" later inspired the beloved 1953 film How to Marry a Millionaire.

The Old Maid: Plot Overview

"The Old Maid" centers on two cousins in 19th-century New York: Delia, the outgoing cousin who marries a wealthy man over her true love, artist Clem Spencer, and Charlotte, the quieter cousin who also loves Clem. After a complicated romantic entanglement leads Charlotte to become pregnant out of wedlock—a significant social stigma at the time—she secretly raises her daughter, Clementina (Tina). As Tina grows, she adores Delia, unknowingly viewing her as a mother figure. Tragedy and societal pressures culminate in Charlotte being labeled the "old maid," unable to find happiness or acceptance.

Jan Simpson [08:15]: "The rivalry between Charlotte and Delia had been a subtext in both Wharton's story and the play."

Production and Critical Reception

The idea to adapt Edith Wharton's novella into a play originated with actress Josephine Victor, who envisioned it as a vehicle for her talents. After initial production struggles and a five-year stall, Akins secured producer Harry Moses and director Guthrie McClintock. Renowned actress Judith Anderson portrayed Delia, while Helen Menken took on Charlotte.

Upon its Broadway debut, "The Old Maid" received mixed reviews. New York Times critic Brooks Atkinson remarked, "The Old Maid ought to be a masterpiece. This reviewer cannot pretend to know exactly why. It is a good deal less than that." Some critics dismissed it as an outdated melodrama. Nevertheless, the play gained popularity over time, eventually winning the Pulitzer Prize, albeit amidst controversy due to competing plays like Lillian Hellman's "The Children's Hour."

The Pulitzer decision sparked discontent among supporters of Hellman's play, which tackled lesbian themes—a bold subject that some jury members found "morally disgusting."

Alan Kresenbeck [16:28]: "...the Pulitzer, at least in those days, was more concerned with moral values... of family and fidelity, more, I guess, Judeo-Christian values..."

Alan Kresenbeck Interview: Analysis and Insights

The episode features an insightful interview with Alan Kresenbeck, Associate Professor at the University of Maryland and author of "Zoe, Broadway Playwright." Kresenbeck discusses his journey in uncovering Zoe Akins' legacy, highlighting her peak popularity and subsequent decline.

He explores the reasons behind the Pulitzer jury's selection of "The Old Maid," emphasizing the committee's preference for plays that adhered to middle-class puritan morality over more avant-garde or socially challenging works like "The Children's Hour." Kresenbeck notes that the Pulitzer process involved expert jurors and an advisory board, ultimately reflecting the tastes and biases of its time.

Alan Kresenbeck [15:46]: "I don't know if other people have been through this for your broadcast or not, but the misconception is that the Pulitzer Prize is awarded to the best play produced... during that year..."

Kresenbeck also touches upon Akins' struggle between artistic expression and commercial success. He suggests that Akins prioritized pleasing her audience—primarily upper-middle-class women affiliated with groups like the Theater Club—over pushing artistic boundaries, which may have contributed to her eventual obscurity.

Alan Kresenbeck [24:31]: "She defined her audience as women playgoers... She considered women to be a more sympathetic kind of audience that would rather cease a playwright or a play succeed..."

Legacy of The Old Maid and Zoe Akins

Despite its initial success and Pulitzer accolade, "The Old Maid" has faded from contemporary theatrical repertoires. The play's focus on upper-middle-class women's romantic struggles, without broader societal engagement, rendered it less relevant to evolving theatrical tastes that began embracing more diverse and socially conscious narratives.

Zoe Akins continued to work in Hollywood after her Broadway endeavors, penning successful scripts like the 1936 film "Camille," which earned Greta Garbo critical acclaim. However, her later years were marked by personal tragedies and financial decline, leading to her quiet passing in 1958.

Today, Akins' legacy persists primarily through her Pulitzer-winning play and its film adaptation starring Bette Davis. As Kresenbeck remarks, while Akins may not be a household name, her contributions to American theater remain officially recognized.

Alan Kresenbeck [29:21]: "Right. Exactly. She and the Old Maid are still Pulitzer winners."

Conclusion

All the Drama: The Old Maid provides a comprehensive exploration of Zoe Akins' notable yet often overlooked contribution to American theater. Through historical context, detailed narrative, and expert analysis, the episode sheds light on a playwright whose work once captivated audiences and critics alike, earning prestigious accolades that have since faded into obscurity. The conversation between Jan Simpson and Alan Kresenbeck underscores the complexities of artistic legacy, societal norms, and the ever-evolving landscape of theater.

Notable Quotes:

• Jan Simpson [00:10]: "In that year of 1935, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama went to Zoe Aiken's The Old Maid..."

• Alan Kresenbeck [16:28]: "...the Pulitzer, at least in those days, was more concerned with moral values..."

• Alan Kresenbeck [24:31]: "She defined her audience as women playgoers..."

• Alan Kresenbeck [29:21]: "Right. Exactly. She and the Old Maid are still Pulitzer winners."