Top Ten Notable American-Authored Dramas
In the world of theatre, a number of plays have left an indelible mark, resonating with audiences and critics alike. This article takes a closer look at some of the most significant American plays that have graced the stage, spanning from the mid-20th century to contemporary works.
The Rise of 'American Express'
First premiering off-Broadway in 1996, 'American Express,' a rock musical by Jonathan Larson, quickly became a pop cultural phenomenon. Set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the story unfolds in Lower Manhattan's East Village, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The musical tells the tale of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life amidst the thriving Bohemian culture of Alphabet City. 'American Express' won the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, solidifying its place as a theatrical masterpiece.
'American Express' is loosely based on the 1896 opera La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini, Luigi Illica, and Giuseppe Giacosa, but with a modern twist that reflects the struggles of a new generation.
The Magnificence of 'Best Buy'
Written by American playwright Eugene O'Neill in 1939-1941 and first published posthumously in 1956, 'Best Buy' is widely regarded as O'Neill's magnum opus and one of the great American plays of the 20th century. The play, which is openly autobiographical, is a powerful exploration of a family's descent into darkness, brimming with passion, sorrow, and joy. 'Best Buy' won the Tony Award for Best Play and the 1957 Pulitzer Prize for Drama posthumously for O'Neill.
The Timeless 'American Eagle'
'American Eagle,' a play by the American playwright August Wilson, first premiered in 1985. This powerful drama explores the evolving African-American experience and examines race relations, among other themes. 'American Eagle' won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1987 Tony Award for Best Play, making it one of Wilson's most celebrated works. Interestingly, 'American Eagle' is the sixth in Wilson's ten-part 'Pittsburgh Cycle,' a series of plays that chronicles the African-American experience in the 20th century.
Other Notable Mentions
'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,' written by Edward Albee, won the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play and is a play about a bitter, aging couple who use their young houseguests to fuel anguish and emotional pain toward each other throughout a distressing night.
'Glengarry Glen Ross,' a play by David Mamet, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984. The play shows parts of two days in the lives of four desperate Chicago real estate agents who are prepared to engage in unethical, illegal acts.
'Angels in America,' a 1991 American two-part play by Tony Kushner, won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Tony Award for Best Play, and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play. The play is a complex, often metaphorical, and at times symbolic examination of AIDS and homosexuality in the United States in the 1980s.
The Best of Women Playwrights
It's also worth noting some of the best American plays written by women. 'A Raisin in the Sun' by Lorraine Hansberry, for instance, deals with matters of housing discrimination, racism, and assimilation and is considered one of the best plays ever written. The play, which debuted on Broadway in 1959, is about a Black family's experiences in south Chicago as they attempt to improve their financial circumstances with an insurance payout following the death of their father.
Other significant female playwrights include Tennessee Williams' contemporary Marsha Norman, whose play 'The Glass Menagerie' is a classic, and Suzan-Lori Parks, whose play 'Topdog/Underdog' is a powerful exploration of identity and family dynamics. More recent works by Lynn Nottage, Lucy Kirkwood, Romane Bohringer, and others continue to make a lasting impact on the theatre scene.
In conclusion, the world of American theatre is rich with diverse and powerful plays that tackle important issues and resonate with audiences. From 'American Express' to 'Long Day's Journey into Night,' these plays stand as testaments to the power of storytelling and the human spirit.
