Christopher Durang
Birth Place: Montclair, NJ, USA
Latest News on Christopher Durang:
Review: SCENE & HEARD: MOLLY'S MAINSTAGE THEATRE FESTIVAL at Southern Arkansas University Magnolia (Nov 19, 2025)
Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Broadway Actress, Dies At 84 (Nov 15, 2025)
New York Theater Festival Will Present THE DISCERNING DUMMY World Premiere (Oct 22, 2025)
Review: SCENE & HEARD: MOLLY'S MAINSTAGE THEATRE FESTIVAL at Southern Arkansas University Magnolia (Nov 19, 2025)
Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Broadway Actress, Dies At 84 (Nov 15, 2025)
New York Theater Festival Will Present THE DISCERNING DUMMY World Premiere (Oct 22, 2025)
BIO
Christopher Ferdinand Durang (January 2, 1949 – April 2, 2024) was an American playwright known for works of outrageous and often absurd comedy. His work was especially popular in the 1980s, though his career seemed to get a second wind in the late 1990s.
Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You was Durang's watershed play as it brought him to national prominence when it won him the Obie Award for Best Playwright (1980). His play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2013. The production was directed by Nicholas Martin, and featured Sigourney Weaver, David Hyde Pierce, Kristine Nielsen, Billy Magnussen, Shalita Grant and Genevieve Angelson. Durang was a past co-director of the Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program at Juilliard.
Photos
Felicity (Tracey Green) wakes up in the arms of stranger (Siddhartha Rajan) in Eclipse Theatre''s production of ?Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them? by Christopher Durang, directed by S
Date:
11/16/2019
From: Photo Flash: WHY TORTURE IS WRONG, AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM Is Now Open
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STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
1983
Michael (A New Approach)/ Wallace (The Birthday Present)
[Off-Broadway]
1981
Aloysius Benheim/ George Spevlin [Replacement]
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Lyricist
Playwright
Bookwriter
Author
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Story
Playwright
Playwright
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
winner
- 2013 - Legend of Off Broadway Honoree
Christopher Durang
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2013 - Best Play
Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Play
Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Play
Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
winner
The Lortels - 2007 - Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee
Christopher Durang
The Pulitzer Prize - 2006 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Christopher Durang, Miss Witherspoon
The Pulitzer Prize - 2006 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Christopher Durang, Miss Witherspoon
winner
Obie Awards - 1999 - Playwrighting
Christopher Durang, Betty's Summer Vacation
winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Playwriting
Christopher Durang, The Marriage of Bette and Boo
Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical
Christopher Durang, Das Lusitania Songspiel
winner
Obie Awards - 1980 - Playwriting
Christopher Durang, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Book of a Musical
Christopher Durang, A History of the American Film
Videos
Video: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at Theater Raleigh
by Joshua Wright - 2024-07-18 13:46:34
VIDEO: Get a First Look at DREAMGIRLS at McCarter Theatre Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-01-09 17:25:05
VIDEO: Mile Square Theatre Presents VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-09-24 16:47:05
VIDEO: Carolee Carmello, Andrea Burns and More in Two River's PAMELA'S FIRST MUSICAL
by Alan Henry - 2018-09-18 17:57:39
VIDEO: Andrea Burns, Carolee Carmello, and the Cast of PAMELA's FIRST MUSICAL Reveal Their First Musicals
by Alan Henry - 2018-09-07 14:19:31
VIDEO: On This Day, March 14- VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Opens on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-03-14 16:23:31
STAGE TUBE: Go Backstage with the Stars of TACT's HARD LOVE Off-Broadway
by Stage Tube - 2015-10-06 17:48:37
STAGE TUBE: See Donna McKechnie and More in Highlights from IN YOUR ARMS at The Old Globe
by TV - On the Road - 2015-09-25 18:19:56
STAGE TUBE: Promo for Arena Stage's VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
by Stage Tube - 2015-03-19 12:46:46
STAGE TUBE: Watch Highlights from Paper Mill's VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
by Tyler Peterson - 2015-01-23 15:20:56
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with Marilu Henner and the Cast of 'VANYA AND SONIA' at Bucks County Playhouse
by Stage Tube - 2014-07-25 18:35:35
TV: HEDWIG's Kevin Adams Celebrates Tony Win for Best Lighting Design of a Musical
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-06-09 12:00:01
TV: Leslie Bibb, Christopher Gattelli & More Preview Powerhouse Summer Season!
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-06-04 16:50:35
STAGE TUBE: Laura Benanti Performs PASSION MASSION with The Skivvies
by Louisa Brady - 2014-05-01 11:41:51
TV: Chatting with Christopher Durang and the Cast of BEYOND THERAPY on Opening Night!
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-03-26 15:44:36
STAGE TUBE: David Hyde Pierce and Christopher Durang Talk 'VANYA AND SONIA' in LA
by Stage Tube - 2014-03-12 21:00:09
STAGE TUBE: David Hyde Pierce Hints at Taking 'VANYA AND SONIA' to London This Fall!
by Stage Tube - 2014-02-13 17:27:55
STAGE TUBE: Director Richard E.T. White Talks Berkeley Rep's 'VANYA AND SONIA'
by Stage Tube - 2013-09-05 13:46:16
News
Review: SCENE & HEARD: MOLLY'S MAINSTAGE THEATRE FESTIVAL at Southern Arkansas University Magnolia
by Theresa Bertram - Nov 19, 2025
Performing One Acts has increasingly become a popular way for schools to give more students meaningful stage time while exploring bold themes within a manageable rehearsal window, and Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia embraced that spirit beautifully with their Scene & Heard: Molly's Mainstage Theatre Festival! Presented November 8–10, the festival was entirely student-directed, student-designed, and student-produced, showcasing the remarkable creativity and leadership flourishing within their program.
by Theresa Bertram - Nov 19, 2025
Performing One Acts has increasingly become a popular way for schools to give more students meaningful stage time while exploring bold themes within a manageable rehearsal window, and Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia embraced that spirit beautifully with their Scene & Heard: Molly's Mainstage Theatre Festival! Presented November 8–10, the festival was entirely student-directed, student-designed, and student-produced, showcasing the remarkable creativity and leadership flourishing within their program.
Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Broadway Actress, Dies At 84
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2025
Tony Award–winning actress Elizabeth Franz, best known for her acclaimed Broadway performances in Death of a Salesman, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Broadway Bound, and Morning’s at Seven, has died at 84.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2025
Tony Award–winning actress Elizabeth Franz, best known for her acclaimed Broadway performances in Death of a Salesman, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Broadway Bound, and Morning’s at Seven, has died at 84.
New York Theater Festival Will Present THE DISCERNING DUMMY World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025
New York Theater Festival will premiere The Discerning Dummy by Juan Carlos Hernandez at The LATEA Theater, running November 17–22, 2025. The play follows a young seminarian and his ventriloquist dummy as they navigate questions of faith, corruption, and conscience.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025
New York Theater Festival will premiere The Discerning Dummy by Juan Carlos Hernandez at The LATEA Theater, running November 17–22, 2025. The play follows a young seminarian and his ventriloquist dummy as they navigate questions of faith, corruption, and conscience.
PUTTING IT TOGETHER Comes To Sydney's Foundry Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 17, 2025
A celebration of Stephen Sondheim's greatest work, Putting It Together, is coming to Sydney's Foundry Theatre in January. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 17, 2025
A celebration of Stephen Sondheim's greatest work, Putting It Together, is coming to Sydney's Foundry Theatre in January. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!
Review: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at Cygnet Theatre
by ErinMarie Reiter - Oct 16, 2025
Christopher Durang’s “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is a riotous blend of sibling rivalry, absurdist farce, and Chekhovian melancholy. A laugh-out-loud farce with real heart, Director Anthony Methvin finds balance in the absurdity while still landing the emotional punches.
by ErinMarie Reiter - Oct 16, 2025
Christopher Durang’s “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is a riotous blend of sibling rivalry, absurdist farce, and Chekhovian melancholy. A laugh-out-loud farce with real heart, Director Anthony Methvin finds balance in the absurdity while still landing the emotional punches.
Workshop of CODE RED Comes to Mosaic Theater Company
by Stephi Wild - Oct 16, 2025
Mosaic Theater Company will present a workshop for CODE RED, a new play that illuminates day-to-day life in an environment perpetually alert—the American public school system.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 16, 2025
Mosaic Theater Company will present a workshop for CODE RED, a new play that illuminates day-to-day life in an environment perpetually alert—the American public school system.
Cast and Creatives Set For VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at Cygnet Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Sep 19, 2025
Cygnet Theatre will present the offbeat comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang. Directed by Anthony Methvin, performances begin next month.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 19, 2025
Cygnet Theatre will present the offbeat comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang. Directed by Anthony Methvin, performances begin next month.
Photos: VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE At Bristol Riverside Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 18, 2025
Bristol Riverside Theatre has launched its 2025–26 season with Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning comedy VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE, running through October 5, 2025. See photos of the production below.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 18, 2025
Bristol Riverside Theatre has launched its 2025–26 season with Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning comedy VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE, running through October 5, 2025. See photos of the production below.
George C. White, Founder of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Dies at 89
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 11, 2025
George C. White, founder of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, died August 6, 2025, just ten days before his 90th birthday. Over 37 years as Chairman, White transformed Waterford, Connecticut, into one of the most celebrated hubs for developing new plays and musicals in the United States.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 11, 2025
George C. White, founder of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, died August 6, 2025, just ten days before his 90th birthday. Over 37 years as Chairman, White transformed Waterford, Connecticut, into one of the most celebrated hubs for developing new plays and musicals in the United States.
VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE to be Presented at Bristol Riverside Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 7, 2025
Bristol Riverside Theatre is launching its 2025-26 mainstage season with Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning comedy Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 7, 2025
Bristol Riverside Theatre is launching its 2025-26 mainstage season with Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning comedy Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike. Learn more!
THE ACTOR'S NIGHTMARE and OTHER 10-MINUTE
PLAYS to be Presented at Savage Wonder
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 5, 2025
Savage Wonder will continue its unpredictable and intimate programming with The Actor's Nightmare and Other 10-Minute Plays—featuring Christopher Durang's classic one-act The Actor's Nightmare and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 5, 2025
Savage Wonder will continue its unpredictable and intimate programming with The Actor's Nightmare and Other 10-Minute Plays—featuring Christopher Durang's classic one-act The Actor's Nightmare and more.
Dramatists Play Service Rolls Out One-Act PETER PAN GOES WRONG Across the US and Canada
by Team BWW - Aug 5, 2025
Dramatists Play Service, an iconic imprint of Concord Theatricals, announced the release of One-Act Peter Pan Goes Wrong, a shortened version of the original hilarious full-length play. The new comedy is now available to license for productions across US and Canada.
by Team BWW - Aug 5, 2025
Dramatists Play Service, an iconic imprint of Concord Theatricals, announced the release of One-Act Peter Pan Goes Wrong, a shortened version of the original hilarious full-length play. The new comedy is now available to license for productions across US and Canada.
Bristol Township Residents Can Purchase $10 Tickets To Bristol Riverside Theatre's 2025"2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 4, 2025
For the fifth consecutive season, Bristol Township residents can experience the magic of live theatre for just $10. Learn more about the season and see how to purchase tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 4, 2025
For the fifth consecutive season, Bristol Township residents can experience the magic of live theatre for just $10. Learn more about the season and see how to purchase tickets here!
Patrick Page, Peppermint and More to Star in Stan Zimmerman's RIGHT BEFORE I GO at The Tank
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 28, 2025
The Tank has revealed the casts for a limited four performance run of Stan Zimmerman's suicide awareness play, Right before I go. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 28, 2025
The Tank has revealed the casts for a limited four performance run of Stan Zimmerman's suicide awareness play, Right before I go. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Resident Ensemble Players Reveals New Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Jul 1, 2025
The Resident Ensemble Players (REP), the professional theatre company in residence at the University of Delaware, has announced its upcoming season of productions.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 1, 2025
The Resident Ensemble Players (REP), the professional theatre company in residence at the University of Delaware, has announced its upcoming season of productions.
VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Comes to the Provincetown Theater
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2025
The Provincetown Theater will present Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike for an 8-week run beginning next month.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2025
The Provincetown Theater will present Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike for an 8-week run beginning next month.
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES and More Set for Bristol Riverside Theatre 2025-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 17, 2025
Bristol Riverside Theatre has unveiled its 2025-26 season filled with a dynamic blend of mainstage productions and special programming that celebrate storytelling, music, and community. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 17, 2025
Bristol Riverside Theatre has unveiled its 2025-26 season filled with a dynamic blend of mainstage productions and special programming that celebrate storytelling, music, and community. Learn more!
Review: A STRANGE LOOP at Soulpepper
by Ilana Lucas - May 16, 2025
Michael R. Jackson’s A STRANGE LOOP is a striking text and meta-text, calculatedly raw and messy, archly vulnerable, and sacredly profane.
by Ilana Lucas - May 16, 2025
Michael R. Jackson’s A STRANGE LOOP is a striking text and meta-text, calculatedly raw and messy, archly vulnerable, and sacredly profane.
Haines City Theatre Honors Ken and Mary Higgins With Auditorium Naming
by Stephi Wild - May 12, 2025
Haines City Theatre has announced that its main auditorium will now be named the Ken and Mary Higgins Auditorium, in recognition of the contributions of longtime board member, volunteer, and supporter Ken Higgins and his late wife, Mary.
by Stephi Wild - May 12, 2025
Haines City Theatre has announced that its main auditorium will now be named the Ken and Mary Higgins Auditorium, in recognition of the contributions of longtime board member, volunteer, and supporter Ken Higgins and his late wife, Mary.
Photos: Dramatists Guild Awards Honor David Henry Hwang, Shaina Taub and More
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025
Last night, the Dramatists Guild of America honored the recipients of their 2025 Awards with a ceremony at Green Fig at which playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists celebrated their fellow theatre writers. Check out photos here!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025
Last night, the Dramatists Guild of America honored the recipients of their 2025 Awards with a ceremony at Green Fig at which playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists celebrated their fellow theatre writers. Check out photos here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Christopher Durang written?
Christopher Durang has written 21 shows including Das Lusitania Songspiel (Author), Titanic (Playwright), A History of the American Film (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You (Playwright), Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You/ The Actor's Nightmare (Playwright), Beyond Therapy (Playwright), Baby with the Bathwater (Playwright), The Marriage of Bette and Boo (Playwright), Laughing Wild (Playwright), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), Durang/ Durang (Playwright), Sex and Longing (Playwright), Betty's Summer Vacation (Playwright), Adrift in Macao (Bookwriter), Miss Witherspoon (Playwright), The Marriage Of Bette And Boo (Playwright), Why Torture Is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them (Playwright), All About Me (Playwright), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Playwright), In Your Arms (Story), Pamela's First Musical (Bookwriter).
What awards has Christopher Durang been nominated for?
Legend of Off Broadway Honoree () for , Best Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee (The Lortels), The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Miss Witherspoon, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Miss Witherspoon, Playwrighting (Obie Awards) for Betty's Summer Vacation, Playwriting (Obie Awards) for The Marriage of Bette and Boo, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Das Lusitania Songspiel, Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for A History of the American Film.
What awards has Christopher Durang won?
Christopher Durang has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He was honored as a Legend of Off Broadway Honoree. He won Best Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Durang is also a Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee recognized by The Lortels. Additionally, he received multiple Obie Awards for Playwriting, including for Betty's Summer Vacation, The Marriage of Bette and Boo, and Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You.
Videos