Simon To Be Honored With O'Neill Monte Cristo Award

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center is presenting its annual Monte Cristo Award to Pulitzer Prize and triple Tony Award-winning playwright Neil Simon, in recognition of his distinguished accomplishments and contributions to the American theater, exemplifying Eugene O'Neill's standard of excellence on Monday April 21st at the Rainbow Room. 
           
Neil Simon is among the world's most successful playwrights.  He has had countless plays and screenplays produced, and has received more Academy and Tony award nominations than any other writer.  He is the only playwright to have had four Broadway productions running simultaneously.  The Odd Couple (1965), Biloxi Blues (1985) and Lost in Yonkers (1991) garnered him Tony Awards for Best Play.  Lost in Yonkers also received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.  America's stages continue to be invigorated by his stories and iconic characters, and by his ability to create humor from the lives and troubles of everyday people.

The Monte Cristo Award is given in recognition of distinguished careers exemplifying Eugene O'Neill's standard of excellence and pioneering spirit.  Past recipients of the Award include Jason Robards, Jr., Edward Albee, August Wilson, Zoe Caldwell, Brian Dennehy, Karl Malden, Arthur Gelb & Barbara Gelb and Wendy Wasserstein.