Old Acquaintance

Performances

December 8, 1944

Venue

Majestic Theatre

Synopsis

Katherine Markham is a brilliant American novelist whose works are admired by many but bought by few. Her oldest friend is Mildred Watson Drake whose particular novels have made her a wealthy woman. Katherine has quite a satisfactory attachment to Rudd, a man some ten years her junior, and she has decided to marry him. But Rudd, somewhat to his own surprise, falls desperately in love with Deirde Drake, Mildred’s daughter. It is then necessary for Katherine and Mildred to go through the business of discussing the situation in what is most certainly a scintillating fashion. It is rather to the astonishment of all concerned that the attachment of the younger people leads to a greater understanding between the women and serves to cement their friendship when it was thought it might have permanently disrupted it.

Author: John Van Druten

Historian’s Corner

The two ladies playing the leading roles in “Old Acquaintance” needed neither introduction to each other nor to Players’ audiences. Mrs. O’Neill and Mrs. Tate had performed together three other times in past shows since 1934. Again, the size of the audiences required Players to announce that the third production of the season would be given in two performances to allow all season ticket holders a guaranteed seat and also allow more opportunities for single admission ticket sales.