A romantic musical play in three acts, The Maid of the Mountains was one of the three biggest hits staged in London during the First World War, the others being Chu Chin Chow (q.v.) and The Bing Boys Are Here. The libretto was written by Frederick Lonsdale, with lyrics by Harry Graham (additional lyrics by 'Valentine' and F. Clifford Harris), and music by Harold Fraser-Simson (additional music by James Tate and Merlin Morgan)
The Maid of the Mountains was first staged at the Prince's Theatre, Manchester under the management of Robert Evett, on 23 December 1916. The director was Oscar Asche. Asche also co-designed (with Joseph Harker) the scenery and costumes. The production transferred to Daly's Theatre, London, on 10 February, running for 1,352 performances until 1 May, 1920.
The debut Australian season, again directed by Asche, was produced in Melbourne (beginning 22 January 1921) under the management of J. C. Williamson's Ltd. Starring Gladys Moncrieff as Teresa, the production toured Australia for some two years, and helped turned Moncrieff into a star.
