Emerson Colonial Theatre Official Blog

The Quaker Girl, starring Ina Claire, took to the Colonial stage in 1912. An Edwardian musical comedy in three acts, the book is by James T. Tanner, lyrics by Adrian Ross and Percy Greenbank, and music by Lionel Monckton. In its story, The Quaker Girl contrasts dour Quaker morality with Parisienne high fashion. The protagonist, Prudence, is thrown out of her house by her quaker parents for drinking a glass of champagne. Later, in Paris, her simple grey dress and bonnet become the height of fashion.

The musical had productions in London, Paris, and New York before opening in Boston.

To avoid censorship from local officials, Claire created the “No Flirting Agreement” with the 60 chorus girls performing alongside her. This strategy kept the show from being banned in Boston, and she and her chorus girls were loved by many.

Photo 1 and 2: Postcards of Ina Claire in The Quaker Girl