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Donald Margulies

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Donald Margulies BIO

Donald Margulies is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, screenwriter, and professor of English and Theater Studies at Yale University. Born in Brooklyn in 1954, Margulies is known for his witty and insightful explorations of family dynamics, love, and loss.
Margulies began his career as a playwright in the 1980s with works such as "Found a Peanut" and "The Loman Family Picnic." However, it wasn't until the 1990s that he gained widespread recognition with his plays "Sight Unseen" and "Collected Stories."
"Sight Unseen," which premiered in 1991 at the Manhattan Theatre Club, tells the story of a successful artist who must confront the woman who inspired his early work. The play explores themes of identity, creativity, and the price of success. "Collected Stories," which premiered in 1996 at the South Coast Repertory Theatre, centers on a young writer who becomes the protégé of a famous author, only to discover her mentor's dark secrets.
In 2000, Margulies won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play "Dinner with Friends." The play, which premiered at the Humana Festival of New American Plays, follows two couples as they navigate the complexities of marriage and friendship. "Dinner with Friends" was later adapted into an HBO movie, which Margulies also wrote.
Margulies has also had success as a screenwriter. He wrote the screenplay for the 1993 film "The End of the Tour," which tells the story of a journalist who interviews the writer David Foster Wallace. Additionally, he wrote the screenplay for the 2001 film "The Safety of Objects," which was based on his own short stories.
In addition to his work as a playwright and screenwriter, Margulies is a professor of English and Theater Studies at Yale University. He has also taught at the Juilliard School, the Yale School of Drama, and the University of California, Irvine.
Margulies continues to be a prolific and influential voice in American theater. His most recent work includes the play "Long Lost," which premiered at the Manhattan Theatre Club in 2019. The play centers on two estranged brothers who reunite after many years, and explores themes of family, memory, and forgiveness.

Donald Margulies Photos

Donald Margulies Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Play

Donald Margulies, Time Stands Still


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 2000 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Donald Margulies, Dinner With Friends


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding New Play

Donald Margulies, Dinner with Friends


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Play

Donald Margulies, Collected Stories

Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Play

Donald Margulies, Collected Stories

The Pulitzer Prize - 1997 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Donald Margulies, Collected Stories

The Pulitzer Prize - 1997 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Donald Margulies, Collected Stories


winner
Obie Awards - 1996 - Playwriting

Donald Margulies, The Model Apartment

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding New Play

Donald Margulies, Sight Unseen


winner
Obie Awards - 1992 - Best New American Play

Donald Margulies, Sight Unseen

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - John Gassner Playwriting Award

Donald Margulies, Sight Unseen

Donald Margulies Videos

Donald Margulies News


Virginia Theatre Festival To Host UVA Alums As Artists In Residence On April 22-23


Explore the Virginia Theatre Festival's new initiative, hosting alumni as Artists in Residence. Discover how this exciting program fosters creativity and supports the theatre community.

Photos: Go Inside DINNER WITH FRIENDS Opening Night Celebration At The Zephyr Theatre


Adriano Aragon/Foursome Productions and Peter Allas, in association with Michael Donovan, present the 2000 Pulitzer Prize-winning play DINNER WITH FRIENDS by Donald Margulies. Peter Allas (The Odyssey Theatre's God of Carnage, Off-Broadway's Danny & The Deep Blue Sea) directs this humorous drama on its first Los Angeles equity revival since its 2000 Los Angeles premiere. See photos from inside opening night below.

Interview: Leith Burke Excited to Have DINNER WITH New FRIENDS


Donald Margulies’ 2000 Pulitzer Prize-winning play Dinner With Friends opens April 5, 2024 at the Zephyr for a limited engagement (with a preview April 4th).  Peter Allas directs the cast of: Jack Esformes, Marieh Delfino, Leith Burke, Amy Motta, Chala Savino and Rick Segall. Leith found time amidst rehearsals to discuss some behind the scenes of his Dinner prep.

NH Theatre Project to Present Pulitzer Prize Nominated Play COLLECTED STORIES


New Hampshire Theatre Project will continue to celebrate its 2023-24 season theme of What's Your Story? with its spring production of Donald Margulies' unforgettable drama Collected Stories, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 1997. 

DINNER WITH FRIENDS Begins Performances At The Zephyr Theatre In April


DINNER WITH FRIENDS at the Zephyr Theatre, directed by Peter Allas, will run from April 4 to 28.

DINNER WITH FRIENDS To Be Presented At The Zephyr Theatre This April


DINNER WITH FRIENDS, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Donald Margulies, will be presented by Adriano Aragon and Foursome Productions at the Zephyr Theatre.

Interview: Bruce Nozick Slickly Wears His BESPOKE OVERCOAT


Currently at Pacific Resident Theatre, Wolf Mankowitz’ The Bespoke Overcoat which opened March 9, 2024. Marilyn Fox & Dana Jackson co-direct the cast of: Harry Herman, Robert Lesser, Bruce Nozick and Tobias Echeverria. Had the chance to cover Bruce with some queries on bespoking his Overcoat. 

SHIPWRECKED! AN ENTERTAINMENT Comes to Cinnabar Theater Next Month


Petaluma’s premier theater company, Cinnabar Theater, under the leadership of Artistic Director Nathan Cummings and Executive Director Diane Dragone, continues their 51st season with  “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself)”.

Primary Stages Announces 2024 Fresh Ink Reading Series And Playwriting Cohort


Explore the 2024 Fresh Ink Reading Series and Playwriting Cohort announced by Primary Stages. Discover new talents and upcoming plays in the world of Broadway.

Big Laughs And High Seas With SHIPWRECKED! AN ENTERTAINMENT


Join The Human Race Theatre Company for a comedic adventure on the high seas with 'SHIPWRECKED! An Entertainment.' Experience the amazing adventures of Louis de Rougement as he weaves a mesmerizing tale of survival, bravery, and fame. Get ready for laughter, thrills, and a touch of theatrical spectacle.

New Dramatists Will Honor Michael Greif At Annual Spring Luncheon This May


New Dramatists will honor Michael Greif, the acclaimed director of this season's Days of Wine and Roses, The Notebook and Hell's Kitchen at its Annual Spring Luncheon Tribute on Tuesday, May 14.

Charles Busch, Judy Kaye, Jen Cody & More to Star in IBSEN'S GHOST at George Street Playhouse


George Street Playhouse in association with Primary Stages has revealed the complete cast for IBSEN’S GHOST: An Irresponsible Biographical Fantasy, a new play written by and starring Tony Award nominee Charles Busch.

JOB, Starring Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon, Returns Off-Broadway Next Month


JOB, the critically acclaimed psychological thriller about the toll life on the internet takes on all of us, which played a sold-out, twice-extended Off Broadway run this fall, will return for an encore engagement next month.  Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!

Tangent Theatre To Present THE SEAFARER Reading At The Stissing Center


Tangent Theatre presents 'The Seafarer' reading at The Stissing Center. Join us for this critically acclaimed black comedy exploring regret, family, and supernatural encounters on Christmas Eve in Dublin, Ireland. RSVP required.

Andy Grotelueschen & Nicholas Edwards to Join New Maltby & Shire Musical THE COUNTRY WIFE at Red Bull Theater


Andy Grotelueschen will replace the previously announced Jacob Ming-Trent for the first major New York presentation of Maltby & Shire’s new musical, The Country Wife at Red Bull Theater.

Interact Theatre Company to Present Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play Series at the Los Angeles Public Library


Get ready to immerse yourself in a series of Pulitzer Prize-winning plays presented by INTERACT THEATRE COMPANY in collaboration with the Los Angeles Public Library. From January to May 2024, don't miss the chance to experience these captivating performances for free at the Studio City Branch Library.

SCR Managing Director Paula Tomei Will Step Down After 44 Years


South Coast Repertory announced that Managing Director Paula Tomei will step down at the end of the current season—SCR's 60th and her 44th, with the last 30 years serving as managing director.

DreamWrights Center for Community Arts Reveals 2024 Season


DreamWrights Center for Community Arts unveils its highly anticipated 2024 America Season on this momentous Election Day. Embracing the spirit of democracy, DreamWrights invites audiences to join in for an enlightening and entertaining exploration of American history through a diverse and captivating series of productions.

Brad Oscar, Jelani Remy, Christina Sajous & More to Star in in THE COUNTRY WIFE at Red Bull Theater


Get the latest news on Red Bull Theater's upcoming production of THE COUNTRY WIFE, featuring an incredible cast including Nicholas Christopher, Carson Elrod, Eddie Korbich, Kristolyn Lloyd, Jacob Ming-Trent, Brad Oscar, Jelani Remy, and Lauren Worsham. Don't miss this one-night-only event.

Theresa Rebeck's DIG Extended For Two Weeks at Primary Stages


Dig, a new play written and directed by Pulitzer Prize finalist Theresa Rebeck (Bernhardt/Hamlet, Downstairs at Primary Stages), has been extended for two weeks. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Donald Margulies FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Donald Margulies written?

Donald Margulies has written 13 shows including Found a Peanut (Playwright), Sight Unseen (Playwright), The Loman Family Picnic (Playwright), What's Wrong With This Picture? (Playwright), The Model Apartment (Playwright), Dinner with Friends (Playwright), Sight Unseen (Playwright), Brooklyn Boy (Playwright), Shipwrecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As Told By Himself) (Playwright), Time Stands Still (Playwright), Collected Stories (Playwright), The Country House (Author), Long Lost (Playwright).

What awards has Donald Margulies been nominated for?

Donald Margulies has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including Best Play at the Tony Awards for "Time Stands Still," the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Dinner With Friends" and "Collected Stories," Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Dinner with Friends" and "Sight Unseen," Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Collected Stories," Playwriting at the Obie Awards for "The Model Apartment," Best New American Play at the Obie Awards for "Sight Unseen," and the John Gassner Playwriting Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Sight Unseen."

What awards has Donald Margulies won?

Donald Margulies has won several awards, including The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Dinner With Friends," Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Dinner with Friends," Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Collected Stories," Playwriting at the Obie Awards for "The Model Apartment," and Best New American Play at the Obie Awards for "Sight Unseen."

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