Expressing Willie

By Rachel Crothers

"Expressing Willie" is a sharp-witted three-act comedy by the acclaimed American playwright Rachel Crothers. Set during the 1920s, the play provides a satirical look at the period's obsession with self-expression and modern psychological trends. The story follows Willie Smith, a successful businessman who has built a magnificent mansion and finds himself surrounded by a group of bohemian guests. These "advanced" individuals encourage Willie to liberate his hidden self and express his inner soul, leading to a series of humorous and insightful social complications.

As Willie navigates the pressures of his sophisticated friends, the arrival of his more grounded mother and a childhood friend, Minnie Whitcomb, brings a necessary clash between pretension and sincerity. Crothers skillfully uses this dynamic to explore themes of authenticity, social ambition, and the search for genuine identity. Known for her ability to blend social commentary with popular entertainment, Crothers delivers a sophisticated examination of human nature and the fads of the Jazz Age. "Expressing Willie" remains a significant work in early 20th-century American theater, showcasing the wit and dramatic craftsmanship that made Rachel Crothers one of the most successful dramatists of her era.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102542686X
• ISBN13: 9781025426860
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 90 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.1" x 9.2"