Life is so fresh, life is every day so new if we are fighting, only for the best. Sometimes I think the only real satisfaction in life is failure, failure in your endeavor to do your best.

Romeo and Juliet was followed by L'Aiglon in 1900 a French play about the life of Napoleon II of France in which Adams played the leading role foreshadowing her portrayal of another male (Peter Pan) five years later. Adams's great grandfather Platt Banker converted to Mormonism and it is said that the family migrated to Missouri with fellow members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. de Mille to specially write the part of Dora Prescott for Adams in their new play Men and Women which Frohman was producing.

Her last Broadway play in 1916 was Barrie's A Kiss for Cinderella. After a 13-year retirement Maude Adams appeared in more Shakespeare plays and then taught acting in Missouri. Adams began performing as a child while accompanying her actress mother on tour.