Brooks Atkinson
Birth Place: Melrose, MA, USA
Latest News on Brooks Atkinson:
Declan Bennett, Chumisa Dornford-May, Jamie Muscato, and More Will Lead UK Premiere of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (Oct 17, 2024)
SIX Celebrates Third Anniversary on Broadway With Special Events (Oct 1, 2024)
Broadway's SIX Will Offer $35 Student Rush Tickets (Sep 30, 2024)
Declan Bennett, Chumisa Dornford-May, Jamie Muscato, and More Will Lead UK Premiere of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (Oct 17, 2024)
SIX Celebrates Third Anniversary on Broadway With Special Events (Oct 1, 2024)
Broadway's SIX Will Offer $35 Student Rush Tickets (Sep 30, 2024)
BIO
Brooks Atkinson was an American journalist and theater critic born on November 28, 1894, in Melrose, Massachusetts. He attended Harvard University and served in World War I before beginning his career in journalism. Atkinson worked for The New York Times for over 30 years, where he served as the theater critic from 1925 until his retirement in 1960.
Atkinson was known for his insightful and often poetic reviews of Broadway shows. He was a champion of new and experimental works, and he helped to launch the careers of many playwrights and actors. Some of his most famous reviews include his glowing praise of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" and his scathing critique of the musical "Candide."
In addition to his work as a critic, Atkinson was also a playwright and author. He wrote several plays, including "The Creaking Chair" and "The Unicorn in the Garden," and he published several books, including "Broadway" and "East Side, West Side."
Atkinson's influence on the theater world was immense, and his opinions were highly respected by both audiences and industry professionals. He was a member of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters and was awarded a Tony Award for his contributions to the theater in 1956.
Atkinson passed away on January 14, 1984, at the age of 89. His legacy lives on through his writing and through the annual Brooks Atkinson Theatre Awards, which are presented to outstanding high school theater programs in the New York metropolitan area.
Photos
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Theatre Marquee unveiling for "Six" staged as a pop concert starring the six wives of King Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on January 17, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/17/2020
From: Up on the Marquee: SIX
Derek Keeling & Anna Aimee White take bows as American Idol Heartthrob Ace Young makes his Broadway Debut in the Broadway Revival of GREASE at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York City.
September 11, 2008
Date:
01/09/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Remembering GREASE And MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Star Derek Keeling
Derek Keeling & Ashley Spencer poster Atmosphere at GREASE playing at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre during
"Black Sunday on Broadway" with nine productions closing all on the same Sunday afternoon.
January 4, 2009
Date:
01/09/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Remembering GREASE And MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Star Derek Keeling
Derek Keeling & Anna Aimee White taking bows during American Idol Heartthrob Ace Young makes his Broadway Debut in the Broadway Revival of GREASE at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York City.
September 11, 2008
Date:
01/09/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Remembering GREASE And MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Star Derek Keeling
Derek Keeling & Ace Young attend American Idol Heartthrob Ace Young after making his Broadway Debut in the Broadway Revival of GREASE at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre presented Planet Hollywood Times Square with a T - Bird Leather Jacket as a donation to th
Date:
01/09/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Remembering GREASE And MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Star Derek Keeling
Derek Keeling & Ace Young attend American Idol Heartthrob Ace Young after making his Broadway Debut in the Broadway Revival of GREASE at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre presented Planet Hollywood Times Square with a T - Bird Leather Jacket as a donation to th
Date:
01/09/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Remembering GREASE And MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Star Derek Keeling
Derek Keeling & Ace Young attend American Idol Heartthrob Ace Young after making his Broadway Debut in the Broadway Revival of GREASE at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre presented Planet Hollywood Times Square with a T - Bird Leather Jacket as a donation to th
Date:
01/09/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Remembering GREASE And MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Star Derek Keeling
Lindsay Memdez, Ace Young, Derek Keeling & Anna Aimee White during American Idol Heartthrob Ace Young makes his Broadway Debut in the Broadway Revival of GREASE at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York City.
September 11, 2008
Date:
01/09/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Remembering GREASE And MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Star Derek Keeling
Janine Divita, Ace Young, Derek Keeling & Anna Aimee White during American Idol Heartthrob Ace Young makes his Broadway Debut in the Broadway Revival of GREASE at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York City.
September 11, 2008
Date:
01/09/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Remembering GREASE And MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Star Derek Keeling
Dakin Matthews, Nick Cordero, Christopher Fitzgerald and Eric Anderson during the Actors' Equity Gypsy Robe Ceremony honoring Charity Angel Dawson for 'Waitress' at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on April 24, 2016 in New York City.
Date:
04/26/2016
From: Exclusive Photo Coverage: Inside the WAITRESS Gypsy Robe Ceremony!
David Burtka, Edward Hibbert, Michael X. Martin, Harriet Harris, Lisa Howard, Tyne Daly, Chip Zien, Sierra Boggess and Josh Grisetti during the Broadway Opening Night Performance Curtain Call for ''It Shoulda Been You'' at The Brooks Atkinson Theatre on A
Date:
04/15/2015
From: Photo Coverage: Wedding Bells Are Ringing! IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU Takes Opening Night Bows
Billboard for ''After Midnight'' starring Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole as the special guest stars i''After Midnight'' at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on June 29, 2014 in New York City.
Date:
06/30/2014
From: Photo Coverage: AFTER MIDNIGHT Company Takes Final Bows at Brooks Atkinson Theatre
Awards and Nominations
winner
Tony Awards - 1962 - Special Tony Award
Brooks Atkinson
winner
Obie Awards - 1960 - Special Citation
Brooks Atkinson
Videos
Video: Watch Sara Bareilles Perform 'She Used to Be Mine' on TODAY Ahead of the WAITRESS Movie Theater Release
by Michael Major - Nov 30, 2023
VIDEO: See the Cast of ROCK OF AGES at Paramount Theatre Perform 'I Wanna Rock'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 25, 2022
VIDEO: SIX Queens Get Ready to Bring the New Musical Across the Country!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 11, 2022
VIDEO: Ciara Renee and Joshua Henry Perform 'You Matter to Me' From WAITRESS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 6, 2021
VIDEO: Sara Bareilles and the Cast of WAITRESS Perform 'Opening Up' in Rehearsal
by Stephi Wild - Aug 7, 2021
Celebrating Black History Month: AFTER MIDNIGHT Brings Jazz Back to Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 11, 2021
Broadway Rewind: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Takes Flight on Broadway in 2012
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 12, 2020
VIDEO: Hear An Early Version of 'Opening Up' In New WAITRESS Clip from A.R.T!
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 11, 2020
News
Declan Bennett, Chumisa Dornford-May, Jamie Muscato, and More Will Lead UK Premiere of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812
The Donmar Warehouse has announced the full cast for the UK premiere of Dave Malloy's Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812 which marks new Artistic Director Tim Sheader's directorial debut at the venue.
The Donmar Warehouse has announced the full cast for the UK premiere of Dave Malloy's Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812 which marks new Artistic Director Tim Sheader's directorial debut at the venue.
SIX Celebrates Third Anniversary on Broadway With Special Events
SIX, the Tony Award®-winning new musical by Tony Award®-winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, will celebrate three years on Broadway this October with anniversary festivities continuing the entire month! Learn more about the upcoming events here!
SIX, the Tony Award®-winning new musical by Tony Award®-winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, will celebrate three years on Broadway this October with anniversary festivities continuing the entire month! Learn more about the upcoming events here!
Broadway's SIX Will Offer $35 Student Rush Tickets
SIX, the Tony Award-winning new musical by Tony Award-winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, is celebrating its third anniversary on Broadway by offering a student rush ticket. Find out how to get discounted tickets for students.
SIX, the Tony Award-winning new musical by Tony Award-winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, is celebrating its third anniversary on Broadway by offering a student rush ticket. Find out how to get discounted tickets for students.
How Often Do Broadway Theatre Names Change?
This time, the reader question was: How often do Broadway theatre names change?
This time, the reader question was: How often do Broadway theatre names change?
From Encores! to Broadway
This time, the reader question was: How often do City Center Encores! shows transfer to Broadway?
This time, the reader question was: How often do City Center Encores! shows transfer to Broadway?
Review: Theatre Raleigh's JANE EYRE
Based on Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 novel of the same name, Jane Eyre follows a young orphan who is put in the unfortunate care of her cruel Aunt Sarah and cousin, John Reed, as per her uncle’s dying wish. After spending six years at Lowood School for Girls, Jane leaves and is shortly after hired as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets Mr. Edward Rochester, thus beginning her passionate and heart-wrenching journey of love, loss, and the struggles of morality.
Based on Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 novel of the same name, Jane Eyre follows a young orphan who is put in the unfortunate care of her cruel Aunt Sarah and cousin, John Reed, as per her uncle’s dying wish. After spending six years at Lowood School for Girls, Jane leaves and is shortly after hired as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets Mr. Edward Rochester, thus beginning her passionate and heart-wrenching journey of love, loss, and the struggles of morality.
Cast Set for GREASE at Mountain Theatre Company in June
The cast has been revealed for Mountain Theatre Company's production of Grease. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
The cast has been revealed for Mountain Theatre Company's production of Grease. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Recap Broadway's Danciest Musicals
Some musicals from Broadway past, however, have used dance as the driving force of the musical narrative. Justin Peck continues in that tradition with Illinoise, now running on Broadway at the St. James Theatre. To celebrate it's arrival, check out a collection of videos of musicals in which dance is truly the star.
Some musicals from Broadway past, however, have used dance as the driving force of the musical narrative. Justin Peck continues in that tradition with Illinoise, now running on Broadway at the St. James Theatre. To celebrate it's arrival, check out a collection of videos of musicals in which dance is truly the star.
Petition Launched to Rename Broadway Theatre for Chita Rivera
A petition has been launched to rename a Broadway theatre for the late stage icon Chita Rivera. Learn more bout the petition!
A petition has been launched to rename a Broadway theatre for the late stage icon Chita Rivera. Learn more bout the petition!
Meet the Cast of THE WIZ, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
The Wiz is beginning previews on Broadway tonight, March 29, following its pre-Broadway national tour! Meet the cast of The Wiz here!
The Wiz is beginning previews on Broadway tonight, March 29, following its pre-Broadway national tour! Meet the cast of The Wiz here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 21, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 21, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 21, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Arthur Miller's DEATH OF A SALESMAN to Open This Month at Palm Beach Dramaworks
Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman is set to open at Palm Beach Dramaworks this month. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman is set to open at Palm Beach Dramaworks this month. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Actor from Massachusetts David Benoit talks GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY
When you’re considered to be one of the greatest songwriters ever, with a catalogue stretching back 60 years, it’s not surprising that you would want to put your music in proven hands when it’s time for Broadway.
When you’re considered to be one of the greatest songwriters ever, with a catalogue stretching back 60 years, it’s not surprising that you would want to put your music in proven hands when it’s time for Broadway.
Roundabout's Home on Broadway Officially Renamed the Todd Haimes Theatre
The 104-year-old Selwyn Theatre, previously known as the American Airlines Theatre, is now officially named the Todd Haimes Theatre.
The 104-year-old Selwyn Theatre, previously known as the American Airlines Theatre, is now officially named the Todd Haimes Theatre.
Interview: How Caitlin Houlahan Reimagined 'Dawn' for the WAITRESS Movie
While filming the live capture of Waitress, Caitlin Houlahan says she was able to play her character of Dawn in 'a completely different way.' BroadwayWorld sat down Houlahan to discuss how she rediscovered Dawn for the film, what its like to flim two Broadway musicals back-to-back, her relationship with Sara Bareilles, and more.
While filming the live capture of Waitress, Caitlin Houlahan says she was able to play her character of Dawn in 'a completely different way.' BroadwayWorld sat down Houlahan to discuss how she rediscovered Dawn for the film, what its like to flim two Broadway musicals back-to-back, her relationship with Sara Bareilles, and more.
Sara Bareilles Wants Kelly Clarkson to Star in WAITRESS
Sara Bareilles sat down with Kelly Clarkson this morning to discuss Waitress: the Musical, coming to theaters. The Tony nominee discussed how the film is a bookend to her time starring in Waitress. While she sees it as her final time playing the role of Jenna, Bareilles did have a suggestion of who could play the role next. Watch video clips!
Sara Bareilles sat down with Kelly Clarkson this morning to discuss Waitress: the Musical, coming to theaters. The Tony nominee discussed how the film is a bookend to her time starring in Waitress. While she sees it as her final time playing the role of Jenna, Bareilles did have a suggestion of who could play the role next. Watch video clips!
Video: Watch Sara Bareilles Perform 'She Used to Be Mine' on TODAY Ahead of the WAITRESS Movie Theater Release
Sara Bareilles appeared on the TODAY Show this morning to perform a string version of 'She Used to Be Mine' from Waitress the Musical. The Tony nominee sat down to discuss bringing a filmed version of Waitress the Musical on Broadway to movie theaters. Watch the video of the performance and get tickets to see Waitress in cinemas now!
Sara Bareilles appeared on the TODAY Show this morning to perform a string version of 'She Used to Be Mine' from Waitress the Musical. The Tony nominee sat down to discuss bringing a filmed version of Waitress the Musical on Broadway to movie theaters. Watch the video of the performance and get tickets to see Waitress in cinemas now!
22 Theater Books for Your Winter 2024 Reading List
The weather outside might still be frightful for a while, but what better time to stay in and snuggle up with a great Broadway read? Check out our complete Winter 2024 reading list!
The weather outside might still be frightful for a while, but what better time to stay in and snuggle up with a great Broadway read? Check out our complete Winter 2024 reading list!
How Often Are Broadway Musicals About Real People?
This time, the reader question was: With Harmony sharing the real story of The Comedian Harmonists, I’m wondering- how often are Broadway musicals about real people who actually existed?
This time, the reader question was: With Harmony sharing the real story of The Comedian Harmonists, I’m wondering- how often are Broadway musicals about real people who actually existed?
Telly Leung & More to Star in HAS ANYONE SEEN MY MIND? Industry Readings
Private industry readings of 'Has Anyone Seen My Mind?' by Bill Russell, are scheduled for October 26 & 27.
Private industry readings of 'Has Anyone Seen My Mind?' by Bill Russell, are scheduled for October 26 & 27.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Brooks Atkinson been nominated for?
Brooks Atkinson has been nominated for a Special Tony Award at the Tony Awards and received a Special Citation at the Obie Awards.
What awards has Brooks Atkinson won?
Brooks Atkinson has won a Special Tony Award (Tony Awards) and a Special Citation (Obie Awards).
Videos