Christopher Durang Headshot

Christopher Durang

Date of Birth: January 02, 1949 (74)

Birth Place: Montclair, NJ, USA

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Christopher Durang BIO

Christopher Durang is an American playwright, actor, and director known for his dark comedies that often satirize American culture. He was born on January 2, 1949, in Montclair, New Jersey, and grew up in Pennsylvania. Durang attended Harvard University, where he studied English and Drama, and later received his MFA in Playwriting from the Yale School of Drama.

Durang's breakthrough as a playwright came in 1978 with his play "The Idiots Karamazov", which won an Obie Award for Best Play. The play is a parody of Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "The Brothers Karamazov" and features a dysfunctional family of four brothers who are all named after famous historical figures. The play was a critical and commercial success and established Durang as a major voice in American theater.

Durang's next major play was "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You", which premiered in 1979. The play is a satirical look at Catholicism and features a nun who gives a lecture on the Catholic faith to a group of children. The play was controversial and was protested by Catholic groups, but it was also a critical success and helped to establish Durang as a master of dark comedy.

Durang continued to write successful plays throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Beyond Therapy", "Baby with the Bathwater", and "The Marriage of Bette and Boo". In 1996, he won the Tony Award for Best Play for his play "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike", which is a modern take on the works of Anton Chekhov. The play features a dysfunctional family of siblings who are all named after Chekhov characters and explores themes of aging, regret, and family dynamics.

In addition to his work as a playwright, Durang has also acted in a number of films and television shows. He appeared in the films "The Secret of My Success" and "The Cowboy Way", as well as the television shows "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt". Durang has also written for television, including episodes of "The Simpsons" and "SNL".

Durang's work has been praised for its wit, humor, and satirical edge. His plays often feature dysfunctional families, absurd situations, and dark humor, and they explore themes of identity, family, and the human condition. Durang's plays have been performed on Broadway, off-Broadway, and in regional theaters across the United States, and they have been translated into many languages and performed around the world.

Durang's work has had a major influence on American theater, and he is considered one of the most important playwrights of his generation. His plays have been produced by some of the most prestigious theaters in the country, including the Lincoln Center Theater, the Public Theater, and the Roundabout Theatre Company. Durang has won numerous awards for his work, including the Obie Award, the Tony Award, and the Drama Desk Award.

In addition to his work in theater, Durang is also a professor of playwriting at the Juilliard School in New York City. He has taught at Juilliard since 1994 and has been a mentor to many successful playwrights, including Rajiv Joseph and Annie Baker.

In conclusion, Christopher Durang is a prolific and influential playwright, actor, and director who has made a major impact on American theater. His plays are known for their dark humor, satirical edge, and exploration of the human condition, and they have been performed around the world. Durang's work has won numerous awards and has been produced by some of the most prestigious theaters in the country, and he continues to be a major force in American theater today.

Christopher Durang Photos

Christopher Durang STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1995
Congressman Wilkins

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1993
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Ubu's Conscience

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Man

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Matt

[Off-Broadway]
1983
Michael (A New Approach)/ Wallace (The Birthday Present)

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Aloysius Benheim/ George Spevlin [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Performer

[College/University (US)]
World Premiere, 1974
Ensemble/Other Roles

Christopher Durang Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Writer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Adaptation
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Lyricist
Bookwriter

Christopher Durang Awards and Nominations

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

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

Obie Awards - 1999 - Playwrighting

Christopher Durang, Betty's Summer Vacation

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

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

Christopher Durang Videos

Christopher Durang News

Robert Cuccioli and Gordon Stanley to Lead HOUDINI AMONG THE SPIRITS Industry Readings

Tony Award-nominee Robert Cuccioli and Gordon Stanley will portray Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle respectively in Houdini Among the Spirits, a new musical.

The Assembly Theater to Premiere New Musical IN CORPO This Summer

The Assembly Theater (HOME/SICK) in association with Dutch Kills Theater (The Antelope Party) will present the World Premiere of IN CORPO, a new musical by Ben Beckley and Nate Weida with music by Nate Weida.

Louisville To Host The American Association of Community Theatre National Community Theatre Festival

The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) has announced AACTFest 2023, the National Community Theatre Festival, will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, June 12 – 17, 2023. 

Westport Country Playhouse Announces Departure Of Artistic Director Mark Lamos In January 2024

Mark Lamos will step down as Westport Country Playhouse artistic director after 15 seasons, effective January 15, 2024.

Immersive A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE Extends Through Late June

Spin Cycle has announced an extension of the World Premiere of A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE, a unique immersive theater experience that blends actual historical walking tour, theatrical character monologue and current celebrity worship culture.

Sondheim & Shevelove's THE FROGS & More to be Featured in MasterVoices' 2023-24 Season

MasterVoices has announced details of the celebrated chorus’ 82nd season, celebrating the power of the human voice to unite, inspire and connect since 1941.

Kate Burton, Eden Espinosa, and More Announced for Two River Theater's Spring Fundraising Gala

Three-time Tony Award nominee and Emmy nominee Kate Burton, Broadway's Eden Espinosa, three-time Tony nominee Christopher Fitzgerald, Barrymore Award winner and Drama Desk Award nominee Orville Mendoza, and Brazilian singer, actor, and songwriter Marina Pires will regale attendees with a fun-filled musical concert celebrating the announcement of Two River Theater's 30th Anniversary 2023/2024 season.  

BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY by Pearl Cleage Announced At McCarter's Berlind Theatre, May 6- 28

McCarter Theater will welcome audiences to Pearl Cleage's love letter to friendship and the Harlem Renaissance, BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY, on stage in the Berlind Theatre May 6th through the 28th. The play marks the McCarter directorial debut of Associate Artistic Director Nicole A. Watson. 

Ars Nova to Present THE CAMP BONFIRE SERIES, Four-Night Festival of New Comedy

Ars Nova has announced details for the third edition of The CAMP Bonfire Series, a four-night festival of new comedy works created by the organization’s resident comedy artists.

Concord Theatricals Recordings Digitally Re-Releases 27 Theatre Albums

Concord Theatricals Recordings has digitally re-released the third wave of albums from the former Fynsworth Alley theatrical recorded music catalog, including 27 titles that have not previously been available to stream or download.

VANYA, SONIA, MASHA & SPIKE Opens April 14th At Spotlighters

Spotlighters Theatre presents Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike - three crazy siblings and one hot mess, by Christopher Durang and directed by Erin Klarner. Running April 14 - April 30, 2023

Lost Nation Theater Kicks Off its 2023 Mainstage Season with THE KICK-FF CABARET

Favorite friends & collaborators of Lost Nation Theater are getting together in a One-Night-Only performance to celebrate 30+ years of LNT as your professional theater in Montpelier City Hall and the upcoming 2023 Season! It's The Kick-Off Cabaret – Saturday March 18.

Lost Nation Theater Kicks Off Its 2023 Mainstage Season In Style With THE KICK-OFF CABARET, March 18

Favorite friends & collaborators of Lost Nation Theater are getting together in a One-Night-Only performance to celebrate 30+ years of LNT as your professional theater in Montpelier City Hall and the upcoming 2023 Season! It's The Kick-Off Cabaret – Saturday March 18. It all happens onstage at Lost Nation Theater, wheelchair accessible and protected by a state-of-the-art Synexis Air Purification System.

Immersive Solo A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE Begins Performances March 28

Spin Cycle presents the World Premiere of A GAGA GUIDE TO THE LOWER EAST SIDE, a unique immersive theater experience that blends actual historical walking tour, theatrical character monologue and current celebrity worship culture. Performances begin on Lady Gaga's birthday - Tuesday, March 28.

Provocative World Premiere Solo Play HONG KONG MISSISSIPPI Announced At La MaMa, April 27- May 14

La MaMa presents the world premiere of Hong Kong Mississippi, a provocative new coming of age story written and performed by Wesley Du. Craig Belknap directs Mr. Du, who plays a captivating diversity of 16 characters.

McCarter Theatre Center Presents Ragamala Dance Company: FIRES OF VARANASI: DANCE OF THE ETERNAL PILGRIM 

Ragamala Dance Company's 30th season continues with Fires of Varanasi, presented March 15, 2023, at 7:30pm at McCarter Theatre Center.

Robin Aren Productions Presents VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE By Christopher Durang

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts has announced the Robin Aren Productions presentation of Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning play, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, staged Thursday, March 16, thru Sunday, March 19, at Bay Street Theater.

Ensemble Studio Theatre Names Estefanía Fadul and Graeme Gillis New Co-Artistic Directors

Ensemble Studio Theatre has appointed Estefanía Fadul and Graeme Gillis the new Co-Artistic Directors of the 55-year-old award-winning off-Broadway theater company.

Jason Graae and David Turner Will Lead MAX AND WILLY'S LAST LAUGH Reading at Mosaic Theater's Catalyst New Play Festival

Co-authored by Conor Duffy and Jake Broder, Max & Willy’s Last Laugh is based on the true story of entertainers Max Ehrlich and Willy Rosen, who for 18 months performed the funniest cabaret in Europe to ensure their safety at the Westerbork Transit Camp during World War II.

Camille Thurman Kicks Off New Partnership Between Jazz At Princeton And McCarter Theatre In February

Jazz at Princeton University, helmed by acclaimed saxophonist/composer Rudresh Mahanthappa, and the McCarter Theatre kick off a new partnership on Saturday, February 11 with “For the Love of It,” a concert celebrating life, love, and culture through diverse musical styles and composers.

Christopher Durang FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

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 .

Legend of Off Broadway Honoree () for , Best Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee (The Lortels), Playwrighting (Obie Awards) for Betty's Summer Vacation Playwriting (Obie Awards) for The Marriage of Bette and Booand Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You.

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