Brooks Atkinson

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.