Elizabeth the Queen (play) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elizabeth the Queen |
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First edition 1930
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| Written by | Maxwell Anderson |
| Date of premiere | November 27, 1930 |
| Place of premiere | Guild Theatre New York City |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Drama |
| Setting | various parts of Whitehall palace |
Elizabeth the Queen is a famous play from 1930. It was written by Maxwell Anderson and tells a dramatic story. This play was shown on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York City.
The play ran for 147 shows from November 1930 to March 1931. It was performed at the Guild Theatre. The main actors were Lynn Fontanne as Queen Elizabeth and Alfred Lunt as Lord Essex.
Contents
What is Elizabeth the Queen About?
This play is a drama that focuses on the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I of England and a younger nobleman, Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. Queen Elizabeth was getting older, and Lord Essex was very ambitious. He wanted more power and influence.
The story explores their complicated feelings for each other. It shows how love and power struggles can mix, especially when one person is a powerful queen.
How the Play Was Adapted
Elizabeth the Queen was so popular that it was turned into other forms of entertainment.
Movies Based on the Play
The play became a movie called The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex in 1939. This film starred famous actors Bette Davis as Elizabeth and Errol Flynn as Essex. It was directed by Michael Curtiz.
Later, in 1968, it was also made into a television movie. This TV version starred Judith Anderson and Charlton Heston.
Radio Show Adaptations
The story of Elizabeth the Queen was also adapted for radio four times! People could listen to the play on their radios.
- On May 7, 1939, it was on NBC's "Great Plays" program.
- On December 17, 1944, it was part of Matinee Theater.
- On December 2, 1945, it was featured on The Theatre Guild on the Air.
- On November 9, 1952, it was broadcast on Best Plays.
Who Was in the Original Play?
The original Broadway production had many talented actors. Here are some of the main cast members:
- Lynn Fontanne played Queen Elizabeth.
- Alfred Lunt played Lord Essex.
- Mab Anthony played Mary.
- Morris Carnovsky played Francis Bacon.
- Percy Waram played Sir Walter Raleigh.
- Robert Conness played Lord Burghley.
- Arthur Hughes played Sir Robert Cecil.
- Whitford Kane played Burbage.
- Phoebe Brand played Ellen.
- Louise Huntington played a Lady-in-waiting.
- Annabelle Williams played another Lady-in-waiting.
- Royal Beal played Marvel.
- Barry Macollum played the fool.
- Philip Foster played Captain Armin.
- Edla Frankau played Tressa.
- Anita Kerry played Penelope Gray.
- Edward Oldfield played a captain of the guards.
- Curtis Arnall played Poins, and also a courtier, a guard, and a man-at-arms.
- Charles Brokaw played a courier and Heming.
- Robert Caille played a courtier.
- John Ellsworth played a man-at-arms.
- Vincent Sherman played a herald.
Many other actors played multiple roles as Courtiers, Guards, and Men-at-arms. These included Michael Borodin, James A. Boshell, Thomas Eyre, George Fleming, Perry King, Henry Lase, Guy Moore, Stanley Ruth, Nick Wiger, and James Wiley.
