Stage Door: A Drama of the American Dream

Stage Door was a well-produced depiction of 1930's life. The production was artfully designed to give the appearance and feel of a 1930's black and white film. The story is a poignant one that highlights some key points about the nature of the American Dream, including some that contradict each other. These points include: the American Dream is not applicable to all people, wealth and fame may not be as desirable as they seem to be, and there is merit to hard work and persistence.

Firstly, the most emotionally charged scene in the play is Kay's final scene. The hopelessness in her circumstances provides a moving backdrop that accentuates the fact that the majority of the girls in the home spent the whole story almost entirely without work or economic progress. This is indicative of the social circumstances that existed during the 1930's. It was an age of general economic prosperity in the same strain as The Great Gatsby. There were some people who were able to achieve wealth and prosperity through a lucky break, but in the crunch of competition and the beginnings of economic strain, many people were stuck in the dregs of poor society. Kay's role also reveals something about the emotional state of many Americans. For those faced with debilitating debt and no hope to recover, there is often no help, but instead social-climbing landlords that throw them out on the street. It shows the selfish, money-centered mindset that many people had, and the disregard they had for the less fortunate.

Another important theme that came out in the play is the degrading influence of wealth and fame. Mr. Burgess' transformation after moving to Hollywood is an example of this influence. Before his big break, he was a man for the underprivileged, the overworked, and the discriminated. He wanted to change the world through his talent for theater, be the voice for those who couldn't speak for themselves. When he finally got the means that could make a difference, however, he became absorbed with himself, and abandoned the ideals that had guided his life earlier in his career.

The corruption that wealth seems to have had on his life is reflected to a lesser degree in Gene's story. She was given the opportunity to make it big in the movie business, and because of her looks she was successful. That is a commentary on the materialistic and superficial values of America culture. It is an unfortunate occurrence when a person is rewarded more on the basis of looks than on talent, character, and hard work. This may be a commentary on social trends in America that glorifies certain people while leaving the hard-working poor people in the dust.

The final message is one that runs contrary to the other themes I have discussed. The end of the play shows the lead girl finally getting an opportunity to showcase her talents and love of theater. She is one of the more likeable characters in the story, caring and conscientious of other people, and she works day in and day out to reach her dream, no matter how dark and dismal the road. Her story demonstrates that anyone can eventually reach their dream if they only persevere and maintain hope for the future. This is a bright ending that gives the audience a hope that things will work out in the end. It gives them hope that there is an American Dream, if they don't get discouraged or distracted from their goal.