The play opened on Broadway in New York City, New York, USA on 16 January 1934 and closed in March 1934 after 56 performances. The opening night cast included Frankie Thomas, who originated his movie role in the play, and Mona Bruns (they were also in real life mother and son).
Title comes from the nursery rhyme line, "Wednesday's child is full of woe."
Frank M. Thomas is billed in the opening credits as "Tom Franklin" (his stage name), but as "Frank Thomas, Sr." in the end credits.