Lynn Nottage
Student Blog: Rams in the Performing Arts (Feb 27, 2026)
Brisbane Cast Revealed for MJ THE MUSICAL (Feb 26, 2026)
MJ to Present Post-Show Talkback for Black History Month With Scottie Beam (Feb 25, 2026)
BIO
Lynn Nottage is a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright and a screenwriter. Her plays have been produced widely in the United States and throughout the world.
Plays include Sweat (Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Obie Award, Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, Evening Standard Award; Tony, Drama Desk award nominations); Ruined (Pulitzer Prize for Drama, New York Drama Critics Circle, DD, Outer Critics Circle, Lortel, Obie, and Audelco awards for Best Play); Floyd’s (Guthrie); Mlima’s Tale (The Public); By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (Lilly Award, DD nom); Fabulation, or The Re-Education of Undine (Obie Award; DD, Lortel award noms); Crumbs from the Table of Joy; Las Meninas; Mud, River, Stone; Por’knockers; and POOF!; as well as the book for the musical adaption of The Secret Life of Bees (Atlantic).
TV: She’s Gotta Have It (writer/producer). PEN/Laura Pels Master Dramatist Award, Doris Duke Artist Award, American Academy of Arts and Letters Award, MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellowship, a Guggenheim Grant, Lucille Lortel Fellowship, Visiting Research Fellowship at Princeton. Associate professor at Columbia. Member of the Dramatists Guild.
Photos
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: (L-R) Lisa Arrindell, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Stacey Sargent, Tonya Pinkins and Kenita Miller attend the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater)
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Krystal Joy Brown attends the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater)
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Nezzy De Jesus and Terence Archie attends the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater)
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Lynn Nottage and Michael Douglas attend the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater)
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Lynn Nottage and Michael Douglas attend the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater)
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: (L-R) Guest, Stacey Sargent, Lynn Nottage, Tonya Pinkins and Lisa Arrindell attend the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater )
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: A view of atmosphere as Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Hosts The 22nd Monte Cristo Award Honoring Lynn Nottage at Capitale on November 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Eugene O'Neill Theater)
From: Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center Honors Lynn Nottage at the 22nd Monte Cristo Awards
Productions
Writing
Awards and Nominations
Lynn Nottage, Intimate Apparel
Lynn Nottage, Intimate Apparel
Lynn Nottage, MJ the Musical
Lynn Nottage, The Secret Life of Bees
winner
Lynn Nottage, The Secret Life of Bees
Lynn Nottage, Sweat
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Lynn Nottage, Sweat
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Lynn Nottage, Lynn Nottage
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Lynn Nottage, Sweat
Lynn Nottage, Sweat
Lynn NottageIntimate Apparel
Lynn Nottage, By the Way, Meet Vera Stark
winner
Lynn Nottage, Ruined
winner
Lynn Nottage, Ruined
winner
Lynn Nottage , Ruined
winner
Lynn Nottage, Ruined
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Lynn Nottage, Fabulation
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Lynn Nottage, Intimate Apparel
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Lynn Nottage, Intimate Apparel
Videos
Video: Kara Young Stars in First Trailer for IS GOD IS Film Adaptation
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-02-20 10:28:09
Video: Kara Young Celebrates Tony Win for Best Featured Actress in a Play
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-08 22:27:37
Video: The Cast of MJ THE MUSICAL Performs 'ABC,' 'I Want You Back' & More in A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-12 11:28:42
Video: MJs Around the World Unite to Celebrate Michael Jackson's Birthday
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-08-29 10:34:30
Video: MJ " Das Michael Jackson Musical: Benét Monteiro in der Titelrolle!
by Joshua Wright - 2024-08-06 10:10:37
Video: Kara Young Responds to Tony Win for Best Featured Actress in a Play
by Joey Mervis - 2024-06-17 08:37:44
Video: MJ's Devin Bowles Sings National Anthem At Colorado Rockies Game
by Joshua Wright - 2024-04-15 10:00:56
Video: MJ Launches Sweepstakes in Celebration of 2 Million Tickets Sold
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-04-08 12:58:54
Video: Mahkai Dominique Talks CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY at Everyman Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-02-25 15:22:40
Video: Roman Banks Talks MJ at the Orpheum on KPIX CBS News Bay Area
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-02-03 14:09:39
Video: Go Inside The Meet & Greets For Asolo Rep's BORN WITH TEETH & INTIMATE APPAREL
by Joshua Wright - 2024-01-30 11:43:39
Video: Deidre Staples & Mahkai Dominique on CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY at Everyman Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2024-01-25 12:28:52
VIDEO: Director Reginald L. Douglas On CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY at Everyman Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2024-01-17 09:51:54
Video: Watch the MJ THE MUSICAL Cast Perform 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town' on TODAY
by Michael Major - 2023-12-26 11:16:41
Video: The Cast of MJ THE MUSICAL Performs 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town'
by Stephi Wild - 2023-12-14 09:19:17
News
by Student Blogger: Imogen Buck - Feb 27, 2026
I attend Fordham University’s Rose Hill Campus in the Bronx, New York, and the theatre scene at my school is particularly diverse and interesting, though quite confusing to a casual onlooker because of the multitude of different programs and opportunities!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2026
Broadway sensation Ilario Grant will lead the Brisbane season of the Olivier and Tony Award-winning MJ THE MUSICAL, following his celebrated run in Melbourne.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 25, 2026
MJ on Broadway will celebrate Black History Month with a special post-show talkback following the performance, moderated by Bronx-born podcast and radio host Scottie Beam.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2026
Canadian Stage will conclude its season with the Canadian Premiere of the newest play from two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage, CLYDE'S, on stage April 11th to 26th at the Bluma Appel Theatre.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 24, 2026
National Black Theatre will host its inaugural Spring Luncheon on March 16, 2026, honoring director Whitney White and producer Robyn Coles. The Harlem-based institution is celebrating Black women’s contributions to theatre while advancing its $100 million capital campaign.
by Team BWW - Feb 23, 2026
Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week. Check out the shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to this week, starting February 23, 2026.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 20, 2026
Last week, Broadway Across America convened approximately 250 of the commercial theater industry’s most influential leaders for the Biennial Broadway Across America Theatrical Conference. See photos.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 20, 2026
The first trailer has dropped for Is God Is, the new feature adaptation of Aleshea Harris' award-winning play of the same name. The movie marks Harris's feature directorial debut and stars two-time Tony winner Kara Young and Mallori Johnson. Watch it now.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 19, 2026
Second Stage Theater has revealed the complete cast for its upcoming production of Adam Bock’s dark comedy, The Receptionist, directed by Sarah Benson.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 18, 2026
Wellesley Repertory Theatre will present 'LIFTED,' the seventh installment in the Ufot Family Cycle, with performances scheduled across three venues in March.
by James Lindhorst - Feb 16, 2026
Lucy Kirkwood’s play The Children is fascinating and compelling. Her script prompts discussion about corporate responsibility, what accountability an organization’s employees should own, and how tragic circumstances force people to face personal transgressions and the fallout from their poor decisions.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2026
Laurel Mill Playhouse will present 'MEET VERA STARK' by Lynn Nottage, exploring the life of Vera Stark, an African American maid and aspiring actress, from February 20 to March 15, 2026. Directed by Lorraine Brooks and produced by Maureen Rogers, the play delves into Stark's complex relationship with her employer, a fading white Hollywood star.
by - Feb 13, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 13, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 12, 2026
IMITATION OF LIFE, a new musical by Lynn Nottage and John Legend, will premiere at The Shed in New York City. Directed by Liesl Tommy, the limited engagement is co-produced with National Black Theatre. Further casting and ticket details will be announced.
by Alison Bridget Chambers - Feb 11, 2026
Kerrville’s Playhouse 2000 presents “Sweat,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Lynn Nottage, February 6–22 at its VK Garage Theater.
by Cade Lott - Feb 9, 2026
What does it actually take to inhabit the soul of a global icon every night? In my latest sit-down for BroadwayWorld Birmingham, I caught up with Jordan Markus, the powerhouse leading the First National Tour of MJ the Musical. Having played both 'Michael' and 'MJ' from Broadway to the road, Jordan shares a unique look at the grit behind the glitter. We talked about his deep-dive research into the Dangerous era, the grueling physical discipline of the role, and why he refuses to 'box in' his artistry. Birmingham, get ready—this isn't just a tribute; it’s an electric celebration of a legend.
by Gillian Blum - Feb 8, 2026
Drama Works Theatre of Old Saybrook is set to kick off it's 2026 season with the historical drama Intimate Apparel by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2026
Bill Rauch ’84, acclaimed theater director and artistic director of the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York (PAC NYC), will be the recipient of the 2026 Harvard Arts Medal.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026
Yesterday afternoon, the Tony Award-winning global sensation MJ celebrated their 4th Anniversary on Broadway, including a special curtain call performance of Michael Jackson's hit song 'Remember the Time' lead by Matte Martinez. Watch the video!
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 31, 2026
The Kravis Center has announced its February lineup, featuring MJ and Kim’s Convenience. The month includes Broadway, classical concerts, cabaret, film, and family programming.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Lynn Nottage has written 12 shows including MJ (Bookwriter), Crumbs from the Table of Joy (Playwright), Por'Knockers (Playwright), Mud, River, Stone (Playwright), Intimate Apparel (Playwright), Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine (Playwright), The Antigone Project (Playwright), Ruined (Lyricist), By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (Playwright), In Your Arms (Story), Sweat (Playwright), Intimate Apparel (Libretto).
Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Intimate Apparel, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Intimate Apparel, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for MJ the Musical, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Secret Life of Bees, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Secret Life of Bees, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweat, Playwrighting (Obie Awards) for Sweat, Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee (The Lortels) for Lynn Nottage, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Sweat, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Sweat, Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for Intimate Apparel, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for By the Way, Meet Vera Stark , Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Ruined, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Ruined, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Ruined, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Ruined, Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Fabulation, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Intimate Apparel and John Gassner Playwriting Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Intimate Apparel .
Lynn Nottage has won numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. She received the Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Secret Life of Bees. She won the Playwriting award at the Obie Awards for Sweat and was also inducted into the Playwrights' Sidewalk by The Lortels. Nottage earned the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice, first for Sweat and again for Ruined. Additionally, she won Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Ruined and Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same work. She also received the Playwriting award at the Obie Awards for Fabulation. Her play Intimate Apparel earned Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards as well as the John Gassner Playwriting Award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards.
Videos