Pulitzer Prize Predictions

[Ledaero]

As the year is coming to a wrap, what plays do people think will make the Pulitzer list next year? So far this year I've been most impressed with HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING, DADDY, OCTET, WHITE NOISE, and HURRICANE DIANE. And I could see any of them getting onto the list with how much the committee emphasizes current and social relevance when determining what're the landmarks of the year. Is INHERITANCE eligible for this year, or was that submitted for last year? 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

INHERITANCE is eligible, because this is the first U.S. production.

HEROES could be a contender, and possible A STRANGE LOOP. I doubt OCTET would make the cut, enjoyable as it is.

[JBroadway]

In addition to the titles already mentioned, I think “Ain’t No Mo’” should definitely be in the mix.

“inheritance” is probably the biggest front runner at this point.

[Kad]

Heroes, Strange Loop, Is This a Room (if eligible), Dr. Ride's American Beach House seem like possible contenders of works so far. Possibly Soft Power.

The Inheritance is maybe too big to ignore, at least for a finalist slot. 

For things opening soon: maybe Lucas Hnath's The Thin Place. 

[LarryD2]

If we widen our scope to plays that haven't been seen in NYC yet, Hnath's DANA H. and Adam Bock's BEFORE THE MEETING could be contenders.

[Falsettolands]

"Heroes" seems like such a contender to be a finalist. Subject matter and relevance considering.

I really loved "Dr. Ride's" but I don't think it has much chance considering how masked the themes are. It's a damn good play but not what I suspect they look for.

I would be so disappointed if "The Inheritance" did win.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

I was coming here to say SOFT POWER, too. Even though the reviews were all over the place, it's undeniably ambitious and speaks to the theatre's troubled past in telling Asian stories.

But also remember, last year it looked like SLAVE PLAY and Bruce Norris's DOWNSTATE would be clear finalists or winners. DANCE NATION was kind of a surprise. In prior years, Cost of Living, Everybody, 24 Decade History..., and The Flick weren't totally expected either.

[Alex Kulak2]

I would not be disappointed at all if OCTET was at least a finalist. I feel like THE INHERITANCE ha a good shot too.

Another thing worth mentioning is that the Pulitzer committee has been really good with representation. The last 8 Pulitzers for Drama have gone to women or people of color. The last time a white guy received the prize was Bruce Norris for CLYBOURNE PARK (a play which was itself a commentary on racist real estate practices and gentrification). I could definitely see A STRANGE LOOP being a finalist as well.

[Synecdoche2]

Nantucket Sleigh Ride, Gary, Marys Seacole, BLKS, and Hurricane Diane are all contenders, as well.

[JSquared2]

There's also GREATER CLEMENTS by Samuel D. Hunter

[Jarethan]

Is The Sound Inside not eligible?

 

[little_sally]

Synecdoche2 said: "Nantucket Sleigh Ride, Gary, Marys Seacole, BLKS, and Hurricane Diane are all contenders, as well."

Did you see Nantucket Sleigh Ride? Also, I would think Hurricane Diane was eligible last year?

The Sound Inside was at WTF the summer of 2018--does that mean it was eligible last year as well? 

[LightsOut90]

Marys Seacole, Dana H., Heroes, Octet.

 

[little_sally]

We have lots of time to go but I think Heroes and A Strange Loop are strong contenders. There is always one that is a left-field choice nominee though.

[Ledaero]

little_sally said: "We have lots of time to go but I think Heroes and A Strange Loop are strong contenders. There is always one that is a left-field choice nominee though."

A Strange Loop is an interesting piece for this because while I think the book and concept are absolutely Pulitzer-type material, I think the music and lyrics are absolutely not Pulitzer-type material.

[TheSassySam]

I saw Dana H. at Goodman and, while good, do not see it getting nominated.