Nina Boucicault (sp?) and her "breakdown"??

[mikey2573]

I am reading the fascinating book FIFTY YEARS OF PETER PAN.  The author mentions that Nina left the first production of PETER PAN before it closed as the role caused her to have some kind of breakdown.  DeMaurier (Hook) also left the show before it closed for similar reasons.
Anyone know specifics about this?
 I found it intriguing.

[andrew]

They were both exhausted!  In the case of Nina, playing Peter "nearly killed her" according to Mackail (p360) - she was not a particularly strong woman physically, and George Kirby's Mk 1 flying rig put a huge strain on her. As for du Maurier, he was somewhat hoisted on his own petard. Having initially demanded that he should play both Hook and Mr Darling, he soon realised his mistake in terms of physical endurance!

[Maureen]

In the introduction to the Barnes & Noble version of Peter Pan, Amy Billone writes,

"When Peter endeavors to save Tinker Bell's life, he shouts to the audience, 'Do you believe in fairies? If you believe, wave your handkerchiefs and clap your hands!' Because Barrie was convinced that the play would be a disaster and that this line would be greeted with silence from the stylish adult audience, he had arranged with the musical director to have the orchestra put down their instruments and clap. As it turned out, when Nina Bouciault asked if anyone believed in fairies, the audience applauded so enthusiastically that she burst into tears. (xxi)"

[tcarroll]

Andrew, was it unusual at that time for people to work excessive hours? Was that what it took to put on such a production in those days? It had to be much harder than it is now.