Mr Bluebeard in literature

Website with 682+ pages devoted to 1903 Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago

Contents
Audience stories	Performers: pg 1 pg 2
Fire in court	Stage workers
Life in 1903 pg 1 pg 2	Theater owners
Municipal response	Theater structure
Newspaper coverage

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Bluebeard is a French folktale. The best-known version appeared in 1697. The storyline has various permutations, but the basic plot always includes a blue-bearded, wife-killing nobleman.

Many talented artists have illustrated Bluebeard, including W. Heath Robinson, Walter Crane, R. Heighway, John Austen, Harry Clarke, and Edmund Dulac.

The 1903 Bluebeard production by Klaw & Erlanger, put a bad nobleman with a flock of wives into a vaudeville-like pantomime with comedy, dance, exotic costumes, hundreds of performers and extravagant lighting. Children loved it, theater critics held their noses.

Fairy tales on Broadway 1903 style

Who did what in 1903 Mr. Bluebeard

Stagehands at 1903 Iroquois Theater

Other discussions you might find interesting

Story 1185

A note about sourcing. When this project began, I failed to anticipate the day might come when a more scholarly approach would be called for. When my mistake was recognized I faced a decision: go back and spend years creating source lists for every page, or go forward and try to cover more of the people and circumstances involved in the disaster. Were I twenty years younger, I'd have gone back, but in recognition that this project will end when I do, I chose to go forward. These pages will provide enough information, it is hoped, to provide subsequent researchers with additional information.

I would like to hear from you if you have additional info about an Iroquois victim, or find an error, and you're invited to visit the comments page to share stories and observations about the Iroquois Theater fire.

Judy Cooke 2024 All rights reserved ©