The Cocktail Hour 1988

Opened: October 20, 1988
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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The Cocktail Hour FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Cocktail Hour have there been?
The Cocktail Hour has had 1 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 1988.
What awards has The Cocktail Hour been nominated for?
The Cocktail Hour has been nominated for several awards. Nancy Marchand received a Performance nomination at the Obie Awards. Steven Baruch, Richard Frankel, Roger L. Stevens, and Thomas Viertel were all nominated for Outstanding Play at The Lortels. Jock O'Brian was nominated for Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards, and A.R. Gurney received a nomination for Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards.
What awards has The Cocktail Hour won?
The Cocktail Hour has won several awards, including the Performance (Obie Awards) for Nancy Marchand, Outstanding Play (The Lortels) for Steven Baruch, Richard Frankel, Roger L. Stevens, and Thomas Viertel, as well as the Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jock O'Brian and Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A.R. Gurney.

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