Christopher Durang

Birth Place: Montclair, NJ, USA

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Christopher Durang BIO

Christopher Durang is an American playwright, actor, and director known for his dark comedies that often satirize American culture. He was born on January 2, 1949, in Montclair, New Jersey, and grew up in Pennsylvania. Durang attended Harvard University, where he studied English and Drama, and later received his MFA in Playwriting from the Yale School of Drama.

Durang's breakthrough as a playwright came in 1978 with his play "The Idiots Karamazov", which won an Obie Award for Best Play. The play is a parody of Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "The Brothers Karamazov" and features a dysfunctional family of four brothers who are all named after famous historical figures. The play was a critical and commercial success and established Durang as a major voice in American theater.

Durang's next major play was "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You", which premiered in 1979. The play is a satirical look at Catholicism and features a nun who gives a lecture on the Catholic faith to a group of children. The play was controversial and was protested by Catholic groups, but it was also a critical success and helped to establish Durang as a master of dark comedy.

Durang continued to write successful plays throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Beyond Therapy", "Baby with the Bathwater", and "The Marriage of Bette and Boo". In 1996, he won the Tony Award for Best Play for his play "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike", which is a modern take on the works of Anton Chekhov. The play features a dysfunctional family of siblings who are all named after Chekhov characters and explores themes of aging, regret, and family dynamics.

In addition to his work as a playwright, Durang has also acted in a number of films and television shows. He appeared in the films "The Secret of My Success" and "The Cowboy Way", as well as the television shows "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt". Durang has also written for television, including episodes of "The Simpsons" and "SNL".

Durang's work has been praised for its wit, humor, and satirical edge. His plays often feature dysfunctional families, absurd situations, and dark humor, and they explore themes of identity, family, and the human condition. Durang's plays have been performed on Broadway, off-Broadway, and in regional theaters across the United States, and they have been translated into many languages and performed around the world.

Durang's work has had a major influence on American theater, and he is considered one of the most important playwrights of his generation. His plays have been produced by some of the most prestigious theaters in the country, including the Lincoln Center Theater, the Public Theater, and the Roundabout Theatre Company. Durang has won numerous awards for his work, including the Obie Award, the Tony Award, and the Drama Desk Award.

In addition to his work in theater, Durang is also a professor of playwriting at the Juilliard School in New York City. He has taught at Juilliard since 1994 and has been a mentor to many successful playwrights, including Rajiv Joseph and Annie Baker.

In conclusion, Christopher Durang is a prolific and influential playwright, actor, and director who has made a major impact on American theater. His plays are known for their dark humor, satirical edge, and exploration of the human condition, and they have been performed around the world. Durang's work has won numerous awards and has been produced by some of the most prestigious theaters in the country, and he continues to be a major force in American theater today.

Christopher Durang Photos

Christopher Durang STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1995
Congressman Wilkins

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1993
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Ubu's Conscience

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Man

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Matt

[Off-Broadway]
1983
Michael (A New Approach)/ Wallace (The Birthday Present)

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Aloysius Benheim/ George Spevlin [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Performer

[College/University (US)]
World Premiere, 1974
Ensemble/Other Roles

Christopher Durang Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Writer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Adaptation
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Lyricist
Bookwriter

Christopher Durang Awards and Nominations

BroadwayWorld Awards - 2013 - Best Play

Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Play

Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Play

Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

The Pulitzer Prize - 2006 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Christopher Durang, Miss Witherspoon

The Pulitzer Prize - 2006 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Christopher Durang, Miss Witherspoon

Obie Awards - 1999 - Playwrighting

Christopher Durang, Betty's Summer Vacation

Obie Awards - 1985 - Playwriting

Christopher Durang, The Marriage of Bette and Boo

Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Christopher Durang, Das Lusitania Songspiel

Obie Awards - 1980 - Playwriting

Christopher Durang, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Book of a Musical

Christopher Durang, A History of the American Film

Christopher Durang Videos

Christopher Durang News


The Adobe Theater Presents VANYA & SONYA & MASHA & SPIKE

Catch the hilarious comedy VANYA & SONYA & MASHA & SPIKE at THE ADOBE THEATER from April 19 to May 12, 2024. Performances on Fridays, Saturdays, with a special $10 show on Thursday, May 9.

Review: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at Placer Community Theater

Sibling rivalry, unrealized dreams, and learning to age gracefully are some themes currently on display in Placer Community Theater’s production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Christopher Durang’s nod to the works of Anton Chekhov premiered on Broadway in 2013 and won the Tony Award for Best Play. It incorporates Chekhov Easter eggs such as character names, locations, and situations, yet familiarity with Chekhov isn’t necessary to enjoy Durang’s play.

AXIS Comes to The Marsh in April

The Marsh San Francisco will present Axis, a vivid new production directed and written by Dirk Alphin. Performances run April 7-28, 2024.

Work by Rachel Bloom, Sara Porkalob & More Set for 2024 Williamstown Theatre Festival Summer Season

The 2024 Williamstown Theatre Festival summer season has revealed its lineup. See the shows being presented and learn how to purchase tickets.

Gloucester Stage Company Reveals 45th Anniversary Season

Gloucester Stage Company has announced the upcoming season, marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 45th year of bringing theater to audiences in Gloucester and beyond. Learn more about the full season lineup here!

VANYA, SONIA, MASHA, AND SPIKE Comes to Placer Community Theater

 Opening its 2024 Season, Placer Community Theater will present this Friday, March 8, and for 3 consecutive weekends, ending on March 23, the Tony Award-winning play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a comedy written by Christopher Durang.

DREAMGIRLS Starts Performances at McCarter This Week - Full Cast Announced!

McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the revival of the Tony and Grammy award-winning DREAMGIRLS. Learn more here!

Christopher Durang to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Dramatists Guild Awards

Playwright Christopher Durang is the recipient of The Dramatists Guild's 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more about Durang and about the award!

Ballet Tech to Present 30th Anniversary Kids Dance at the Joyce

Ballet Tech will return to The Joyce Theater for the 30th anniversary of its Kids Dance student performance troupe, May 30–June 2. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 22, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 22, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Sigourney Weaver, David Hyde Pierce & More to Reunite for VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE

Bartlett Sher will direct a staged reading of Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning play VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, featuring original cast members. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

Middlebury Community Players Presents VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE!

Tickets Now on Sale for VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE! A wickedly funny play about family, hope, and the choices we make in life!

Theatre East to Present PLAY ROOM SERIES Starting Next Week

Theatre East will celebrate new plays with the Play Room Series beginning January 22.

VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Comes to Placer Community Theater in March

Placer Community Theater will bring to stage the Tony Award winning play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a comedy written by Christopher Durang, for three consecutive weekends, March 8-23, at the General Gomez Arts center in Auburn.

VIDEO: Get a First Look at DREAMGIRLS at McCarter Theatre Center

Get a first look at footage of Dreamgirls at McCarter Theatre Center. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Director Jon Royal Selected As The SDCF 2023 Lloyd Richards New Futures Resident Artist At St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre

Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) announces that Jon Royal, a director, teaching artist, and facilitator from Nashville, TN, has been selected as the 2023 Lloyd Richards New Futures Resident Artist at St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, where he will work with Founder and Producing Director Ron Himes.

Review: MRS. BOB CRATCHIT'S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE at Contemporary Theater Company

What did our critic think of MRS. BOB CRATCHIT'S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE at Contemporary Theater Company? While Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol is the go-to Christmas play each and every year, there's something fresh about a new Christmas play that has a little bit of the familiar with mostly all new takes and skits.  Welcome to Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge that eill keep you laughing to the very last!

The Contemporary Theater Company Presents MRS. BOB CRATCHIT'S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE

The Contemporary Theater Company is all set to jingle some bells and deck the halls with a quirky twist on a beloved classic! Brace yourselves for an uproarious rollercoaster ride through the holiday season with their latest production, Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge, a long-time audience favorite, running December 1 - 23.

Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs & More to Join The Drama League EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala

Get ready for a night of incredible performances at The Drama League 'Embrace The Season' Gala. Join Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs, and other talented artists as they take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on this star-studded event!

How Many Shows Have Premiered After the Writer Has Passed Away? 

This time, the reader question was: After seeing Here We Are, I’m wondering: have other shows premiered soon after one of the writers has passed away? 

Christopher Durang FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Christopher Durang has written 21 shows including Das Lusitania Songspiel (Author), Titanic (Playwright), A History of the American Film (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You (Playwright), Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You/ The Actor's Nightmare (Playwright), Beyond Therapy (Playwright), Baby with the Bathwater (Playwright), The Marriage of Bette and Boo (Playwright), Laughing Wild (Playwright), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), Durang/ Durang (Playwright), Sex and Longing (Playwright), Betty's Summer Vacation (Playwright), Adrift in Macao (Bookwriter), Miss Witherspoon (Playwright), The Marriage Of Bette And Boo (Playwright), Why Torture Is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them (Playwright), All About Me (Playwright), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Playwright), In Your Arms (Story), Pamela's First Musical (Bookwriter).

Christopher Durang has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including the Legend of Off Broadway Honoree for "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike," Best Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for the same production, Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike," and Best Play at the Tony Awards for the same play. He was also recognized as a Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee at The Lortels. Durang won The Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice, once for "Miss Witherspoon" and once for "Betty's Summer Vacation." He also won Playwriting awards at the Obie Awards for "The Marriage of Bette and Boo" and "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You." Additionally, he won Outstanding Actor in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Das Lusitania Songspiel" and Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "A History of the American Film."

Christopher Durang has won the Legend of Off Broadway Honoree award, Best Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike," been inducted into the Playwrights' Sidewalk by The Lortels, and won the Obie Awards for Playwriting for "Betty's Summer Vacation," "The Marriage of Bette and Boo," and "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You."

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