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The Cocktail Hour

Closing: August 10, 1989

The Cocktail Hour - 1988 Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Promenade Theatre
2162 Broadway New York, NY 10024

The time is the mid '70s, the place a city in upstate New York. John, a playwright, returns to his family’s house, bringing with him a new play which he has written about them. His purpose is to obtain their permission to proceed with production, but his wealthy, very proper parents are cautious from the outset. For them the theatre is personified by the gracious, comforting era of the Lunts and Ina Claire, and they are disturbed by the bluntness of modern plays. And there is also John’s sister, Nina, to contend with, although her reservations have to do with the fact that John has given her character such a minor role. Their confrontation takes place during the ritual of the cocktail hour, and as the martinis flow so do the recriminations and revelations, both funny and poignant. In the end it is evident that what John has written is closer to the truth than his family has heretofore been willing to admit, and that beneath their WASP reserve his parents and siblings are as beset with uncertainties and frustrations as their presumed “inferiors.” But while they seem shackled by the past, and tantalized by an alien future, the ties which bind them do prevail—surmounting disputes and disappointments and, with unfailing warmth and humor, converting pained resignation into cautious but hopeful anticipation.


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Pittsburgh CLO to Host 80th Anniversary Gala Concert Honoring Carol Hefren Tillotson
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2026


Pittsburgh CLO will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a gala on June 12 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. The event will honor Carol Hefren Tillotson and feature a special anniversary concert highlighting the organization's history.

Boston Symphony Orchestra Unveils 2026 Tanglewood Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 29, 2026


Tanglewood has revealed the details of its 2026 season, opening in late June and continuing to Labor Day weekend. The schedule brings many of the world’s most exciting musicians to the beautiful Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts.

GOD OF CARNAGE and WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF Come to South Coast Repertory
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2026


South Coast Repertory will open 2026 with a rotating repertory of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton.

Tectonic Theater Project To Honor Broadway Cares' Tom Viola at A Tectonic Cabaret
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 13, 2024


Tectonic Theater Project will honor Tom Viola of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS for his contributions to the theater community. Learn more about Viola and about the event.

Feature: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA's Franc D'Ambrosio to be Featured at UC Davis School Of Veterinary Medicine 75th Anniversary Gala
by Courtney Symes - Jun 24, 2024


A veterinarian, a figure skater, and the Phantom of the Opera all walk into a room…but it’s not a joke. They are all gathering in the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium on June 29th for the 75th Anniversary Gala celebrating the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. This event will raise money supporting scholarships for our future veterinarians and scientists.

Ballet Hispánico's Quinceañera Gala Raised More Than $1.3 Million
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 26, 2024


Ballet Hispánico's Quinceañera Gala raises over $1.3 million for artistic, educational, and community outreach programs.

Ballet Hispánico Announces THE QUINCEAÑERA GALA
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 21, 2024


Ballet Hispánico has announced THE QUINCEAÑERA GALA, honoring former United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz and celebrating Eduardo Vilaro's 15th season as Artistic Director.

Miller Theatre Announces The Winter 2024 Season Of Its Free POP-UP CONCERTS
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 14, 2023


Miller Theatre announces its Winter 2024 season of free POP-UP CONCERTS. Don't miss this exciting lineup of performances from January 23rd to March 12th.

Video: See Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, Cynthia Nixon & More at A TECTONIC CABARET
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2023


Hosted by Tony Award-winner Jane Krakowski, Tectonic Theater Project’s annual benefit, A Tectonic Cabaret, took place on Monday, October 2, 2023. Check out footage below!

Photos: See Cynthia Nixon, Jane Krakowski & More at A TECTONIC CABARET
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 4, 2023


Get a glimpse into the star-studded performance of A TECTONIC CABARET, featuring Jane Krakowski, Cynthia Nixon, and more. Explore the captivating photos from this unforgettable night of entertainment.

SAY GOODNIGHT, New Musical In Development At WaterTower Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 27, 2023


Shane Peterman, Producing Artistic Director has announced that WaterTower Theatre is continuing our dedication to the development of new Music Theatre works with a workshop of a new musical SAY GOODNIGHT by Steve Dorff, John Bettis, and Rick Hawkins.

WHITE WAVE Dance Artistic Director, Young Soon Kim, To Receive 2023 Bessies Angel Honoree Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2023


WHITE WAVE Dance Artistic Director, Young Soon Kim, will receive 2023 Bessies Angel Honoree Award. Join us at the Bessies Angel Party on October 11, 2023, to celebrate Young Soon Kim's immeasurable impact on the dance and performance field.

Cynthia Nixon & Kevin Jennings to be Honored at A TECTONIC CABARET Featuring Jane Krakowski & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2023


Hosted by Tony Award-winner Jane Krakowski, Tectonic Theater Project’s annual benefit, A Tectonic Cabaret, will take place on Monday, October 2, 2023 with a cocktail hour at 6:30 PM and performances at 7:30 PM at Sony Hall. Learn how to purchase tickets!

PHILADELPHIA BOUND? Fall Presents Over 120 Festivals, Block Parties, Shows, Charity Events and More
by Marina Kennedy - Sep 3, 2023


Are you bound for the Philadelphia area this fall.  There’s so much to see and do that our readers will like to know about. 

Miller Theatre Announces Fall 2023 Season Of Free POP-UP CONCERTS
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 13, 2023


Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts has announced the fall season of POP-UP CONCERTS. 'Close to the music' takes on new meaning with this friendly, free modern music series with the audience onstage and free drinks at cocktail hour. 

LOVE LETTERS Starring Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti Adds Performances at Irish Rep
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 5, 2023


Irish Repertory Theatre has added five additional performances for Love Letters by A.R. Gurney, directed by Ciarán O’Reilly (Endgame), starring Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick and Tony Award winner Laura Benanti.

Matthew Broderick, Laura Benanti, Melissa Errico & David Staller to Lead THE LETTERS SERIES at Irish Rep
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 28, 2023


Irish Repertory Theatre will present The Letters Series, featuring Dear Liar by Jerome Kilty & George Bernard Shaw, directed by Charlotte Moore. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

A.R. Gurney's LOVE LETTERS to Open at Spotlight Repertory Theatre Company This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 8, 2023


Just in time for Valentine's Day, Spotlight Repertory Theatre Company will present a special engagement of A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters, directed by Mimi McMann and starring Renée Rogers & Steve Witting and Mary Lee Marson Aloia & Jacques Stewart. 

Theater for the New City to Present 20th Annual LOVE 'N COURAGE Gala Honoring Eduardo Machado & Carlina Rivera
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2023


Theater for the New City's Emerging Playwrights Program will be beneficiary of the theater's 20th annual Love 'n Courage benefit Monday, February 13, 2022 at The Players, 16 Gramercy Park South. 

The Neon Museum To Hold PRIDE Weekend Gallery Talks This Week
by Stephi Wild - Oct 4, 2022


The Neon Museum will hold special Gallery Talks during Las Vegas PRIDE 2022. The free 15-minute docent-led discussions will highlight the history and impact of the LGBTQ+ community in Las Vegas on Friday, Oct. 7, Saturday, Oct 8, and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. each day.

HARMONY, ASSASSINS & More Win 2022 Off Broadway Alliance Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 24, 2022


The Off Broadway Alliance, an organization of Off-Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents, and marketing professionals, today announced the winners of the 11th Annual Off-Broadway Alliance Awards, honoring commercial and not-for-profit productions that opened Off Broadway during the 2021-2022 season.

KIMBERLY AKIMBO, HARMONY & More Nominated for Off Broadway Alliance Awards
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2022


The Off Broadway Alliance, an organization of Off-Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents, and marketing professionals, has announced the nominees for the 11th Annual Off-Broadway Alliance Awards, honoring commercial and not-for-profit productions that opened Off Broadway during the 2021-2022 season. 

Glenn Close, Joel Grey and More Announced for Irish Rep's 2022 Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 19, 2022


Irish Repertory Theatre has announced performers and presenters for A Celebration of the Musicals of Harold Prince, this season’s annual Gala benefit production. The evening will take place at The Town Hall (123 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036) on Monday June 13, 2022, at 7pm and will honor Loretta Brennan Glucksman.

San Francisco Ballet Celebrates Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer Helgi Tomasson's 37th and Final Season in 2022
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 6, 2021


San Francisco Ballet has announced Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer Helgi Tomasson’s farewell season in 2022, celebrating Tomasson’s remarkable 37-year tenure leading the Company.

Cyndi Lauper, Laura Osnes, Sarah Paulson, Santino Fontana and More To Take Part in Bucks County Playhouse Virtual Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 13, 2020


Bucks County Playhouse will stage its annual benefit gala as a starry online broadcast featuring special guest, Cyndi Lauper, on Saturday, October 24 at 7 pm. Entitled, 'Bucks County Playhouse - At Home 2020: A Gala Celebration,' the virtual event replicates the Playhouse's annual in-person celebration.

The Cocktail Hour History

Other Productions of The Cocktail Hour

1988   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway

The Cocktail Hour - 1988 Off-Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
The Cocktail Hour — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1989 Obie Awards Performance Nancy Marchand
1989 The Lortels Outstanding Play Steven Baruch
1989 The Lortels Outstanding Play Richard Frankel
1989 The Lortels Outstanding Play Roger L. Stevens
1989 The Lortels Outstanding Play Thomas Viertel
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress - Play Nancy Marchand
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Play Jock O'Brian
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress - Play Holland Taylor
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding New Play A.R. Gurney

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