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The Time of Your Life

The Time of Your Life - 1939 Broadway History , Info & More

Booth Theatre (Broadway)
222 West 45th St. New York, NY

'In the time of our life, live - so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it' The Time of Your Life, a rich tapestry of human life, peopled by a profusion of wistful dreamers, pining lonely hearts, and beer-hall-philosophers, is a twentieth century American masterpiece. The Time of Your Life was first presented at The Shubert Theatre, New Haven, USA, on 7 October 1939. It was the first play to win both the New York Drama Critics' Circle award and the Pulitzer Prize. . It has been revived three times on Broadway; was filmed in 1948, starring James Cagney; and twice filmed for TV.


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THE HO-HO-HO-LIDAY SHOW and ORDINARY GIRLS to Get Developmental Readings at York Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2026


The York Theatre will present developmental readings of two new works: THE HO-HO-HO-LIDAY SHOW, a comedy revue by Alice Scovell, and ORDINARY GIRLS, a play with music set in Dutch wartime. Both are by invitation only.

A History of Musicals About Friendship
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 10, 2026


Friendship is nearly always a side element in musicals. From the comic sidekick of the leading character to the backup pals who provide background vocals, friends are part of the fabric of many shows—but rarely are they the main event. 

Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ at Children's Theatre Company
by Joe Sarafolean - Apr 26, 2026


The Wizard will certainly see you now.

THE FEAST Reveals 2026 Seattle Season Including THE WEALTH WALK Remount
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2026


Seattle's The Feast announced its 2026 season, including a remount of THE WEALTH WALK, a second iteration of ARTISTS DOING, and a workshop of William Saroyan's THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE, alongside a living-wage advocacy campaign.

Interview: Carmen Cusack of BACK TO OZ at Mark Taper Forum
by Melissa Heckscher - Apr 13, 2026


BroadwayWorld talks with WICKED alumn Carmen Cusack, who will headline BACK TO OZ: From The Wonderful Wizard to The Wiz to Wicked at the Mark Taper Forum April 18–26.

Did you Know that These Broadway Shows Are Inspired by Magazine Articles?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Apr 19, 2026


Musicals and plays based on movies? Many. Based on books? Also plentiful. Based on true stories? Of course. But musicals and plays based on or inspired by magazine articles? These are a rare breed. One recently opened on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre.

Reading Into It- Broadway Books for 2026
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 15, 2026


A new Broadway season is here, full of exciting new shows and revivals of beloved classics. While many of them are original concepts or based on plays, some are based on books or the lives of famous people or real events, which you can add to your reading list. If you are seeing any of the these productions in 2026, check out how you can study up beforehand or unpack afterwards!

Review: THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE at Carlisle Theatre Players On High
by Andrea Stephenson - Mar 1, 2026


The cast and creative team at Carlisle Theatre have put together a production that is as relevant today as it was in the 30s. If you enjoy interesting characters in a slice of life production, The Time of Your Life is the show for you.

Interview: Theatre Life with Susan Jaffe
by Elliot Lanes - Feb 9, 2026


Today’s subject Susan Jaffe is currently living her theatre and dance lives as the Artistic Director of One the country’ finest dance companies American Ballet Theatre (ABT). She assumed the post in December of 2022. ABT is coming to town this week for a weeklong engagement of the Christopher Wheeldon choreographed The Winter’s Tale. The show performs in the Opera House at Kennedy Center from February 11th through 15th.

THE WIZARD OF OZ Returning to Broadcast Television Later This Year
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 5, 2026


The 1939 movie musical The Wizard of Oz is set to return to broadcast television later this year, courtesy of classic network MeTV. This will mark the first time the film has been seen on linear television since its most recent CBS broadcast on May 9, 1998.

A Look Back at the 10 Longest Running Plays on Broadway History
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 15, 2026


Four of Broadway’s ten longest running musicals are currently on the boards: Chicago, The Lion King, Wicked, and The Book of Mormon. One, The Phantom of the Opera, closed in 2023 after attaining the title of longest running Broadway show of all time.  But what about Broadway’s longest running plays?

Caramoor to Host Series of Spring Concerts and New Wellness Events
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 29, 2026


Caramoor will present a diverse lineup of eight classical, jazz, and folk concerts this spring, alongside the launch of its new 'Beyond the Music' series featuring yoga, teas, and talks.

Cast and Creative Team Set For THE LAST PICTURE
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2026


York Theatre Royal, English Touring Theatre (ETT) and An Tobar and Mull Theatre have announced the full creative team and cast for The Last Picture. Learn more here!

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 20, 2025- Inside WICKED: FOR GOOD NY Premiere and More
by - Nov 20, 2025


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 20, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Interview: Alan Edmunds and Richard Winzeler on Bringing the Mystery of a 1920s Child Prodigy to life in PERFECT WORLD
by Melissa Heckscher - Oct 30, 2025


The creators of PERFECT WORLD discuss how the true story of a brilliant young novelist who vanished in 1939 became the inspiration for their new musical, playing Nov. 1-9 at the El Portal Theatre.

Review: THE LITTLE FOXES at Intiman Theatre
by Amelia Divine - Oct 20, 2025


It’s spooky season, and what’s spookier than a wealthy, greedy family willing to do anything to fulfill their selfish desires? Moral decay lies at the heart of Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes, now performing at Intiman Theatre in a production by The Feast. When it premiered in 1939, it shocked audiences with its depiction of avarice, corruption, and gendered power in the American South. Nearly a century later, those same themes still resonate. 

World Premiere Of Catherine Dyson's THE LAST PICTURE Will Embark On UK Tour
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2025


The UK tour has been announced of The Last Picture, a brand-new play by Catherine Dyson, known for her evocative storytelling and sharp insight into human connection.

All the Off-Broadway Shows to See in Fall 2025 - A Complete Guide
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2025


BroadwayWorld is here with your fall 2025 guide to all the shows lighting up New York’s stages. From world premieres to long-awaited revivals, this season’s Off-Broadway lineup delivers something for every kind of theater fan!

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 26, 2025- MAMMA MIA! Stars Do A Deep Dive on Their Characters and More
by - Aug 26, 2025


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is  August 26, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

The History of the Mark Hellinger Theatre and the Attempts to Bring It Back
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 17, 2025


The Times Square Church, located on 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, is an extremely storied New York City spot. While it may not be apparent to those who unknowingly pass by the church, the venue across from the Gershwin’s stage door was once a glorious Broadway theater… and could potentially be one again someday.

Interview: A Wicked Turn: Elissa Cuellar Takes the Stage
by Armando Urdiales - Jul 18, 2025


Elissa Cuellar steps into the emerald spotlight as the Wicked Witch of the West in A.D. Players’ production of The Wizard of Oz, a role steeped in cinematic legacy and theatrical flair. In this interview, she reflects on her childhood obsession with the story, the creative inspirations behind her nuanced portrayal, and the surprising joy of winning over young fans, including the green makeup

The 7th Annual Rogue Theater Festival To Present 37 New Productions
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 14, 2025


Rogue Theatre Festival (RTF) returns with a bold and eclectic lineup for their 7th annual celebration of new works. This year, the festival will showcase 37 original plays and musicals, including fully staged productions, short plays, staged readings, and digital streaming performances.

LakehouseRanchDotPNG Unveils Season 4 Lineup Featuring Six Shows
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 25, 2025


South Florida's experimental theatre LakehouseRanchDotPNG is back for their fourth season with some new and exciting programming for 2025-2026. See the full lineup here!

Nancy Manocherian's The Cell Theatre Announces New Artists-in-Residence
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 20, 2025


Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre has announced a brand new cohort of resident artists who will be presenting a plethora of developmental readings, workshops, and fully staged productions as part of their 2025-26 season.

THE WIZARD OF OZ Comes to North Shore Music Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jun 17, 2025


Follow the Yellow Brick Road as Bill Hanney's award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) continues their 70th Anniversary Season with a production of THE WIZARD OF OZ.

The Time of Your Life History

Other Productions of The Time of Your Life

1939   Broadway
Broadway
1940   Broadway
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1955   Broadway
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1969   Broadway
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1975   Broadway
Broadway

The Time of Your Life - 1939 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
The Time of Your Life — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1940 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best American Play William Saroyan
1940 The Pulitzer Prize The Pulitzer Prize for Drama William Saroyan

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