Biography

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Mary McDonough Coyle Chase was a notable American playwright celebrated for her whimsical contributions to theater in the period following World War II. Her works, characterized by their eccentric yet endearing characters, embody a comedic, humane essence filled with a hopeful spirit. Born to working-class parents, Chase inherited a blend of work ethic and whimsical imagination that would define her career.

Early Influences and Education

As a child, Chase was enchanted by the Irish folklore tales spun by her mother and Uncle Timothy. Despite her tomboyish nature, she harbored a deep love for books. She often jested about her school days, where she managed to achieve high marks in academics but not so much in conduct. Her passion for theater sparked at the tender age of eleven when she would skip school to attend matinee performances. After completing high school by fifteen, she pursued higher education at the University of Denver before moving on to the University of Colorado. During her summers, she worked as an apprentice reporter at The Rocky Mountain News.

Journalism and Early Career

Chase's tenure at the newspaper served as a training ground for her future in playwriting. Her role as a society reporter allowed her to keenly observe social dynamics, which she later satirized in her plays. As a human-interest writer, she honed the skill of evoking emotions, whether tears or laughter, through her stories.

First Forays into Playwriting

Chase debuted with Me, Third, a political satire staged in Denver through the Federal Theatre Project. Broadway producer Brock Pemberton later brought the play to New York, renaming it Now I’ve Done It, though it didn't achieve success. Undeterred by the setback, Chase continued to write, with her screenplay Sorority House being adapted into a film, while A Slip of a Girl met with disappointment. However, her resilience and optimistic nature led her to persist in refining her craft.

Creating a Masterpiece

Writing primarily at night while her children slept, Chase aimed to craft a play that would bring laughter to a nation weary from the war. This effort culminated in her second New York production, Harvey, which premiered on November 1, 1944. Despite initial skepticism about its story—a genial drinker and his giant rabbit friend from Irish legend—the play captured audiences' hearts with its humor and fantasy, running for an impressive 1,175 performances. At thirty-seven, Chase became an overnight sensation, with Harvey earning a Pulitzer Prize and later being adapted into a film in 1950, starring James Stewart.

Subsequent Works and Challenges

While Harvey soared, Chase's subsequent play, The Next Half Hour, closed soon after its 1945 premiere. Its darker exploration of Irish folklore did not resonate with audiences seeking lighthearted entertainment. In response, she crafted Mrs. McThing, aimed at children aged seven to fourteen, which, despite modest expectations, enjoyed significant success. The play ran longer than anticipated and became a beloved choice for children’s theaters. Her 1952 play Bernardine also saw a respectable run and was later adapted into a 1957 film. Unfortunately, Chase’s final Broadway show, Midgie Purvis, opened in 1961 but closed after only twenty-one performances.

Legacy and Influence

By the time of her death in 1981, Chase had six Broadway productions to her name, with three achieving notable success. Even if Harvey had been her sole contribution, it would still secure her legacy as the creator of one of the most cherished comedies in American theater. Her works are imbued with an unyielding optimism and humanistic charm, celebrating the perseverance and goodness within the human spirit.

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