Marsha Norman

Birth Place: Louisville, KY, USA

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Marsha Norman BIO

Marsha Norman is an American playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. Born on September 21, 1947, in Louisville, Kentucky, Norman grew up in a family of women who were all storytellers. Her mother, sister, and grandmother all shared a love of literature and storytelling, which inspired Norman to pursue a career in writing.

Norman attended Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, where she earned a degree in philosophy in 1969. After graduation, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in writing. She worked odd jobs to support herself while she wrote plays and submitted them to theaters.

Norman's breakthrough came in 1980 with her play "Getting Out," which tells the story of a woman who has just been released from prison and is trying to start a new life. The play was a critical and commercial success and earned Norman the John Gassner Playwriting Award.

Norman's next play, "The Holdup," premiered off-Broadway in 1982. The play explores the relationship between a young woman and her father, who is a bank robber. "The Holdup" was not as successful as "Getting Out," but it established Norman as a playwright with a unique voice.

Norman's most famous play, " 'night, Mother," premiered on Broadway in 1983. The play tells the story of a woman who announces to her mother that she plans to commit suicide that evening. The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.

In addition to her work in the theater, Norman has also written for film and television. She wrote the screenplay for the 1985 film "The Color Purple," which was based on the novel by Alice Walker. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover. Norman's screenplay was nominated for an Academy Award.

Norman has also written for television. She wrote the screenplay for the 1995 television movie "The Gift," which starred Mary Steenburgen and had a score by Bob Dylan. She has also written for the television series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

In addition to her work as a playwright and screenwriter, Norman has also written novels. Her first novel, "The Fortune Teller," was published in 1995. Her second novel, "The Birds of Paradise," was published in 1998.

Norman has received numerous awards and honors for her work. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, she has been awarded the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, the Hull-Warriner Award, and the Drama Desk Award. She has also been inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

Norman's most recent work is the play "Last Dance," which premiered off-Broadway in 2019. The play tells the story of a woman who is dying of cancer and her relationship with her daughter. "Last Dance" was well-received by critics and audiences alike.

Marsha Norman's contributions to the theater, film, and television industries have made her one of the most respected and celebrated writers of her generation. Her ability to tell stories that are both poignant and powerful has earned her a place in the pantheon of great American writers.

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Photos: THE COLOR PURPLE Character Posters Show New Look at Colman Domingo, Danielle Brooks & More

Ahead of the release of the The Color Purple, check out new character poster photos for the musical movie, featuring Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as Young Celie, H.E.R. as Squeak, Colman Domingo as Mister, Corey Hawkins as Harpo, Halle Bailey as Young Nettie, Danielle Brooks as Sofia, and Fantasia Barrino as Celie.

THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Cuts 'African Homeland,' 'Our Prayer' & More Songs

The song list for the upcoming The Color Purple movie musical has revealed what songs from the stage version have been cut for the adaptation. Songs like 'Somebody Gonna Love You,' 'Our Prayer,' 'Big Dog,' 'Dear God - Sofia,' 'Brown Betty,' 'Uh-Oh,' 'African Homeland,' have been cut from the movie. Find out the full list now!

Photos: Inside The 14th Annual Lilly Awards Ceremony

On Monday November 27, the 14th annual Lilly Awards, a ceremony dedicated to honoring the work of women in the American theater, were held at Playwrights Horizons. The inspirational evening recognized the work of the generation of women who led the push for parity. Check out photos here!

Oprah Will Go Behind THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Musical In New Max Documentary

The Max Original documentary, provides a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the upcoming movie musical reimagining of “The Color Purple.” Oprah Winfrey will take viewers inside the four-decade phenomenon, exploring the importance of the novel, films and musical, and the ever-evolving conversation around this seminal work.

THE COLOR PURPLE Soundtrack to Feature Music By Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson & More

The album will feature songs from the musical sung by Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Halle Bailey, H.E.R., Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, and Fantasia Barrino. The album will also feature Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Megan Thee Stallion, Coco Jones, Keyshia Cole, Usher, Missy Elliott, and more.

Video: Watch New Clips of 'Hell No,' 'Mysterious Ways,' and 'Push Da Button' from THE COLOR PURPLE

Watch interviews with the cast and new clips from the film, including 'Hell No,' 'Mysterious Ways,' and 'Push Da Button,' in the new THE COLOR PURPLE promo video here!

Video: Halle Bailey Sings 'Huckleberry Pie' From THE COLOR PURPLE With Phylicia Pearl Mpasi in New Promo

Following her performance in The Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey is continuing her year by playing Nettie in The Color Purple movie musical. Bailey plays Nettie, the younger sister of Celie, who is first played by Phylicia Pearl Mpasi before Fantasia Barrino takes on the mature version. Nettie is later played by Ciara. Watch the video!

Photos: See the THE COLOR PURPLE Cast Attend London Screening

The Color Purple attended a VIP screening of the film at the Regent Street Cinema in London, England. Check out photos of Corey Hawkins, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Fantasia Barrino and Colman Domingo and director Blitz Bazawule at the screening now! Following the screening, the cast attended an event at The IET Building Rooftop in London.

Halle Bailey Co-Wrote a New Song For THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Musical

Halle Bailey has co-written a new song for the upcoming movie musical adaptation of The Color Purple. The song, titled 'Keep It Movin',' is sung by Bailey as Nettie in the film, along with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, who plays young Celie. The Little Mermaid star worked on the song with Denisia Andrews, Brittany Coney and Morten Ristorp.

THE SECRET GARDEN, THE MUSICAL Returns To The Chance By Popular Demand This Holiday Season

Chance Theater, Anaheim's official resident theater company, has announced an encore presentation of “The Secret Garden, The Musical,” presented as part of Chance Theater's Holiday Literature Series. Adapted from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman, and music by Lucy Simon.

Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs & More to Join The Drama League EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala

Get ready for a night of incredible performances at The Drama League 'Embrace The Season' Gala. Join Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs, and other talented artists as they take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on this star-studded event!

Tickets to See THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Musical On Sale Now; 'Gift a Ticket' Program on Oprah's Favorite Things Holiday List

Get ready to be swept away by the newly reimagined movie musical version of The Color Purple, starring Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson. To make things even better, Fandango’s “Gift a Ticket” offering for the movie was selected by the film’s producer Oprah Winfrey as one of Oprah’s 2023 Favorite Things Holiday Gifts List. 

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Unveils 2024 Summer Season

Discover the upcoming season of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, featuring Shakespeare plays, musicals, and children's theatre. Explore the theme of 'Persistence of Love' and experience engaging performances that celebrate love in all its forms. Get ready for an exciting summer of theater!

The Acting Company to Present Annual Louanna O. Carlin & John MacDonald Reading Series

The Acting Company will present their annual Louanna O. Carlin & John MacDonald Reading Series, featuring a trio of unique Shakespeare interpretations. Get all the details about this exciting event in New York City.

Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Norm Lewis & More To Join The Drama League's EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala

Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Norm Lewis, Danny Burstein, and more will be performing at The Drama League's 'Embrace The Season' Gala.

Video: Watch a New THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Musical Trailer With Taraji P. Henson Singing 'Push Da Button'

A new trailer for the movie musical adaptation of The Color Purple has been released. Watch Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, and the star-studded cast in the new video now! The film is produced by produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and more.

Photo: Check Out a New THE COLOR PURPLE Movie Musical Poster With Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks & Taraji P. Henson

A new poster for the upcoming movie musical adaptation of The Color Purple has been revealed featuring Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson. This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule (“Black Is King'). Check out the photo of the poster now!

THE COLOR PURPLE, The MUSIC MAN & More Set for Pittsburgh CLO 2024 Summer Series Lineup

Pittsburgh CLO has unveiled the exciting lineup for their 2024 Summer Series. Find out the dates and locations of the upcoming shows.

THE SECRET GARDEN: SPRING VERSION Comes to New Stage Theatre Next Year

The Secret Garden: Spring Version comes to New Stage Theatre next year. Performances run February 6-10, 13, 15-17 at 7:00 p.m. and February 11 & 18 at 2:00 p.m. Learn more about the production here!

Caroline Aaron, Marilu Henner, Melanie Mayron & JoBeth Williams to Star in MADWOMEN OF THE WEST Off-Broadway

LDOS Media Lab, with Deco Rose Productions will present the New York premiere of Madwomen of the West, a new comedy by Sandra Tsing Loh. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

Marsha Norman FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Marsha Norman has written 12 shows including Getting Out (Playwright), night Mother (Playwright), The Secret Garden (Bookwriter), The Red Shoes (Bookwriter), Love's Fire: Fresh Numbers by Seven American Playwrights (Playwright), Trudy Blue (Playwright), Last Dance (Playwright), 'night, Mother (Playwright), Caraboo (Bookwriter), The Color Purple (Bookwriter), The Bridges of Madison County (Bookwriter), In Your Arms (Story).

Marsha Norman has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Bridges of Madison County," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Color Purple," and Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Secret Garden." Additionally, she received a nomination for Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Secret Garden," and her work on "The Secret Garden" was also nominated for Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Norman was nominated for Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "The Secret Garden" as well. In the realm of plays, Norman's work on "night, Mother" earned her nominations for Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and the Tony Awards. She also won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Night, Mother." Additionally, Norman received the John Gassner Playwriting Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her play "Getting Out."

Marsha Norman, a renowned playwright, has received several prestigious awards for her work in the Broadway industry. Some of her notable achievements include winning the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for "The Secret Garden." She was also honored with the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her play "Night, Mother." Additionally, Norman received the John Gassner Playwriting Award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her play "Getting Out." These accolades highlight her exceptional talent and contribution to the world of theater.

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