Wit 1998 - Articles Page 17

Opened: September 19, 1998

Wit - 1998 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

MCC Theater
511 West 52nd St New York, NY 10019

Wit, a one-act play written by Margaret Edson, is a powerful and poignant exploration of mortality and the human spirit in the face of terminal illness. Debuting in 1995, Wit quickly garnered critical acclaim for its insightful writing and raw emotional impact. In 1999, it was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, solidifying its place as a significant work of contemporary theatre.



The play centers around Vivian Bearing, a brilliant but emotionally reserved professor of Donne poetry, diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. As Vivian undergoes aggressive treatment, the audience witnesses her grapple with mortality, her strained relationship with her students and colleagues, and the search for meaning in her final days.



While cancer is a central element in the play, Wit transcends the confines of a medical drama. It delves into themes of human connection, the power of language, and the enduring search for intellectual and emotional fulfillment.

Wit - 1998 - Off-Broadway Cast

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Wit - 1998 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 17

Thorson, Armbruster & More Star Guthrie's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST 9/12-11/8
by BWW News Desk - Nov 8, 2009


The Guthrie today announced the complete cast and creative team for director Joe Dowling's upcoming production of Oscar Wilde's most perfect comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, with actress Linda Thorson (best known for her role as Tara King in the classic 1960s British television series 'The Avengers') leading the company as Lady Bracknell.

Erica Watson's FAT B*TCH! Makes Limited Run In Chicago This Holiday Season
by Gabrielle Sierra - Nov 2, 2009


Erica Watson - 'big, bold and beautiful' actor, comedian, director and commentator for the Oxygen Network and BET - returns to her hometown Chicago with the solo show 'Fat Bitch!' This five-night only run is a funny yet thought-provoking look at how society's obsession with weight, race and class have formed the way the world views her shape, and includes her interactions with men, from the boardroom to the bedroom.

FAT B*TCH! Opens 11/19 At Chicago Center for the Performing Arts
by Gabrielle Sierra - Sep 15, 2009


Erica Watson - 'big, bold and beautiful' actor, comedian, director and commentator for the Oxygen Network and BET - returns to her hometown Chicago with the solo show 'Fat Bitch!' This five-night only run is a funny yet thought-provoking look at how society's obsession with weight, race and class have formed the way the world views her shape, and includes her interactions with men, from the boardroom to the bedroom.

Thorson, Armbruster & More Star Guthrie's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST 9/12-11/8
by BWW News Desk - Sep 12, 2009


The Guthrie today announced the complete cast and creative team for director Joe Dowling's upcoming production of Oscar Wilde's most perfect comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, with actress Linda Thorson (best known for her role as Tara King in the classic 1960s British television series 'The Avengers') leading the company as Lady Bracknell.

Channing, Alexander Star In Westport Country Playhouse's THE BREATH OF LIFE, Runs 9/29-10/17
by Gabrielle Sierra - Sep 11, 2009


Jane Alexander and Stockard Channing will appear in Sir David Hare's witty and elegant 'The Breath of Life' at Westport Country Playhouse, September 29 through October 17. Mark Lamos, named artistic director in February 2009 at the historic theater in Westport, Connecticut, will direct. 'The Breath of Life' will be the final production in the Playhouse's six-play 2009 season.

Ellen DeGeneres Joins AMERICAN IDOL as Official Fourth Judge
by Robert Diamond - Sep 9, 2009


Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined AMERICAN IDOL as a fourth judge. DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and offer her own unique perspective to the contestants throughout the competition.

Thorson, Armbruster & More Star Guthrie's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST 9/12-11/8
by Charlie Piane - Aug 13, 2009


The Guthrie today announced the complete cast and creative team for director Joe Dowling's upcoming production of Oscar Wilde's most perfect comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, with actress Linda Thorson (best known for her role as Tara King in the classic 1960s British television series 'The Avengers') leading the company as Lady Bracknell.

Bluebarn Theatre Adds Two Additional Performances to REEFER MADNESS 7/16, 7/17
by BWW News Desk - Jul 16, 2009


Due to poplar demand, the BLUEBARN Theatre will add two additional performances of REEFER MADNESS - the Musical! The added shows will run Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for adults; and $20 for students, TAG members, seniors 65+, and groups of 10 or more. Call (402) 345-1576 for reservations.

Bluebarn Theatre Adds Two Additional Performances to REEFER MADNESS 7/16, 7/17
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jul 8, 2009


Due to poplar demand, the BLUEBARN Theatre will add two additional performances of REEFER MADNESS - the Musical! The added shows will run Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for adults; and $20 for students, TAG members, seniors 65+, and groups of 10 or more. Call (402) 345-1576 for reservations.

Campy Spoof REEFER MADNESS Comes To Bluebarn Theatre Opens 6/18-7/11
by BWW News Desk - Jun 18, 2009


BLUEBARN Theatre will end their season with the campy spoof, Reefer Madness - the Musical, which opens June 18 and runs through July 11 (no show on July 4th). BLUEBARN's Artistic Director, Susan Clement-Toberer directs the hilarious send-up of the original 1936 cult classic, Reefer Madness. The musical comedy showcases costumes by Jenny Poole, scenic design by Martin Scott Marchitto, lighting design by Carol Wisner, musical direction by Mitch Fuller, and choreography by Roxanne Nielsen. Shows run Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 and Sunday, July 5 at 6 p.m. There will be no show on July 4. Ticket prices are $25 for adults; and $20 for students, TAG members, seniors 65+, and groups of 10 or more.

B Street Theatre Presents Norm Foster's THE FOURSOME, Previews Begin 6/13
by BWW News Desk - Jun 13, 2009


The B Street Theatre kicks off its 2009-2010 Mainstage Season with the Norm Foster comedy, The Foursome. Canada?s most produced playwright, Norm Foster has been a regular at B Street Theatre where five of his plays have been produced. The Affections of May (1998); The Motor Trade (1999); The Melville Boys (2000); Drinking Alone (2001), and Mending Fences (2009).

FELA! Opens 11/23
by Reynard Loki - Jun 12, 2009


Fela!, the critically acclaimed musical that had audiences on their feet during its world premiere last summer at Off-Broadway's 37 Arts, will arrive on Broadway this fall where it begins performances at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street) on Monday, October 19. The official opening is set for Monday, November 23. This new musical, based on the life of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Bill T. Jones (Spring Awakening), with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones. Sahr Ngaujah will return in the title role for which he received universal acclaim, while the world renowned Antibalas and other members of the NYC Afrobeat community, under the direction of Aaron Johnson, will again perform Kuti?s rousing music live onstage. Winner of this year?s Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical, Fela! was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Steve Hendel.

Kathy Griffin Comes To Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre 6/12, 6/13
by BWW News Desk - Jun 12, 2009


Emmy(R) winner Kathy Griffin, a multi-faceted performer with a rapid fire wit, is coming to The Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre on Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th! After moving west and joining the famed Los Angeles Groundlings comedy improvisational troupe, Kathy began building her resume with guest starring roles on such series as ER and Seinfeld -- where she created recurring character Sally Weaver.

Ivey Is Landers In 'THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS' At The Cherry Lane 10/7 - 11/29
by Eddie Varley - Jun 1, 2009


wo-time Tony Award-winning actress Judith Ivey will portray that great woman of American letters -- letters from readers seeking advice, that is -- when she plays the legendary, trailblazing columnist Ann Landers in David Rambo's play THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS Off-Broadway this fall, starting performances October 7, 2009 at the Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce St.) in New York City. B.J. Jones directs. The production will run through November 29. Opening night TBA.

B Street Theatre Presents Norm Foster's THE FOURSOME, Previews Begin 6/13
by Reynard Loki - May 27, 2009


The B Street Theatre kicks off its 2009-2010 Mainstage Season with the Norm Foster comedy, The Foursome. Canada?s most produced playwright, Norm Foster has been a regular at B Street Theatre where five of his plays have been produced. The Affections of May (1998); The Motor Trade (1999); The Melville Boys (2000); Drinking Alone (2001), and Mending Fences (2009).

'The Lion King:' More Very Welcome Broadway On The Strip
by Ellen Sterling - May 22, 2009


Joining 'Phantom' and 'Jersey Boys,' in Las Vegas, Disney's 'The Lion King' Opens at Mandalay Bay

Campy Spoof REEFER MADNESS Comes To Bluebarn Theatre Opens 6/18-7/11
by Gabrielle Sierra - May 19, 2009


BLUEBARN Theatre will end their season with the campy spoof, Reefer Madness - the Musical, which opens June 18 and runs through July 11 (no show on July 4th). BLUEBARN's Artistic Director, Susan Clement-Toberer directs the hilarious send-up of the original 1936 cult classic, Reefer Madness. The musical comedy showcases costumes by Jenny Poole, scenic design by Martin Scott Marchitto, lighting design by Carol Wisner, musical direction by Mitch Fuller, and choreography by Roxanne Nielsen. Shows run Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 and Sunday, July 5 at 6 p.m. There will be no show on July 4. Ticket prices are $25 for adults; and $20 for students, TAG members, seniors 65+, and groups of 10 or more.

BRIGHT YOUNG PEOPLE Tribute To Noel Coward Runs 5/8-5/23 At Zeum Theater
by BWW News Desk - May 8, 2009


A.C.T. Young Conservatory proudly presents Bright Young People: The Words and Music of Noël Coward, a brilliant, buoyant tribute to one of the greatest theater artists of all time. This world premiere revue showcases everything you love about Noël Coward-the songs, the wit, the style-with scenes and music from his greatest hits, such as The Vortex, Design for Living, and Hay Fever, as well as lesser known gems, some of which haven't been produced since the 1920s.

SPEECH AND DEBATE And THE MARRIAGE BED Among Diversionary Theatre 2009/10 Season
by Reynard Loki - May 1, 2009


Diversionary Theatre's 2009-2010 season of two gender-bending musicals and four provocative plays includes two West Coast Premieres, dynamic local actors and directors, and a reading of a new queer opera. The six-show mainstage season includes: the new musical Twist by Gila Sand and Paul Leschen, based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, directed by James Vasquez; Bent, the seminal play by Martin Sherman, in a co-production with ion theatre company; Paul Rudnick's big gay comedy The New Century, directed by Igor Goldin; same-sex marriage gets a comic nod with The Marriage Bed by Nona Shepphard, directed by Rosina Reynolds; laugh out loud with teenage angst in Speech and Debate by Steven Karam, directed by Jason Southerland; and filled with melancholy and lust, the musical play Moscow, by Nick Salamone and Maury R. McIntyre, rounds out the season.

Actors and Directors Announced for SCR's 12th Annual Pacific Playwrights Festival 5/1 - 5/3
by BWW News Desk - May 1, 2009


South Coast Repertory has announced the lineup of actors and directors who will participate in the 12th annual Pacific Playwrights Festival (PPF). Since its creation in 1998, PPF has grown into one of the most important festivals of new scripts in the United States. This year?s Festival will take place during the May 1 through May 3 weekend and will feature five staged readings and two fully-produced World Premieres on South Coast Repertory?s Segerstrom and Julianne Argryos Stages. Tickets to PPF may be purchased online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or in person at the SCR box office.

Kathy Griffin Comes To Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre 6/12, 6/13
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 27, 2009


Emmy(R) winner Kathy Griffin, a multi-faceted performer with a rapid fire wit, is coming to The Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre on Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th! After moving west and joining the famed Los Angeles Groundlings comedy improvisational troupe, Kathy began building her resume with guest starring roles on such series as ER and Seinfeld -- where she created recurring character Sally Weaver.

16th Merit Award Honors Todd Rosenthal 4/27 At Steppenwolf
by BWW News Desk - Apr 27, 2009


The 16th Annual Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration program, honoring world class scenic designer Todd Rosenthal (August: Osage County), will take place on Monday, April 27, at the Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Theatre. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a viewing of the third annual ?Theater Design Expo' showcasing the works of over 20 Chicago-area emerging theatrical designers and a student portfolio review. Martha Lavey, Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, will moderate an inclusive discussion, 'Moving Chicago Productions to New York and Beyond' with the awardees, Director Anna Shapiro and Joshua Schmidt, composer and librettist, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Actors and Directors Announced for SCR's 12th Annual Pacific Playwrights Festival 5/1 - 5/3
by Reynard Loki - Apr 16, 2009


South Coast Repertory has announced the lineup of actors and directors who will participate in the 12th annual Pacific Playwrights Festival (PPF). Since its creation in 1998, PPF has grown into one of the most important festivals of new scripts in the United States. This year?s Festival will take place during the May 1 through May 3 weekend and will feature five staged readings and two fully-produced World Premieres on South Coast Repertory?s Segerstrom and Julianne Argryos Stages. Tickets to PPF may be purchased online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or in person at the SCR box office.

BRIGHT YOUNG PEOPLE Tribute To Noel Coward Runs 5/8-5/23 At Zeum Theater
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 14, 2009


A.C.T. Young Conservatory proudly presents Bright Young People: The Words and Music of Noël Coward, a brilliant, buoyant tribute to one of the greatest theater artists of all time. This world premiere revue showcases everything you love about Noël Coward-the songs, the wit, the style-with scenes and music from his greatest hits, such as The Vortex, Design for Living, and Hay Fever, as well as lesser known gems, some of which haven't been produced since the 1920s.

Photo Flash: South Coast Repertory Announces 09-10 Season
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 1, 2009


South Coast Repertory will open its 2009-2010 season with a celebration of the music of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim and will shine the spotlight later in the season on the up-and-coming musical theater composer and lyricist, Adam Gwon. The season lineup includes World Premieres by Bathsheba Doran, Julie Marie Myatt and Howard Korder, and a West Coast Premiere by Noah Haidle.

Wit FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Wit have there been?
Wit has had 3 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 1998, Off-Broadway which opened in 1998 and Broadway which opened in 2012.
What awards has Wit been nominated for?
Wit has been nominated for several awards, including the Distinguished Production of a Play at the Drama League Awards. Kathleen Chalfant and John Gassner were both nominated for Performance at the Obie Awards. Margaret Edson, the playwright of Wit, was nominated for the John Gassner Playwriting Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.
What awards has Wit won?
Wit has won several awards, including the Distinguished Production of a Play at the Drama League Awards. Kathleen Chalfant and John Gassner both received Performance awards at the Obie Awards. Margaret Edson, the playwright, won the John Gassner Playwriting Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. These accolades highlight the exceptional talent and success of the production.

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