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BIO

Adam Rapp is an award-winning playwright and director. He is the author of numerous plays, which include Nocturne (American Repertory Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, The Almeida, London, The Traverse, Edinburgh), Faster (Rattlestick), Animals & Plants (A.R.T.), Finer Noble Gases(26th Humana Festival, Rattlestick, Edinburgh Fringe, The Bush, London), Stone Cold Dead Serious(A.R.T., Edge Theatre), Blackbird (The Bush, London; Edge Theatre), Gompers (Pittsburgh City Theatre, The Arcola, London), Essential Self-Defense (Playwrights Horizons/Edge Theatre), American Sligo(Rattlestick), Bingo with the Indians (The Flea), Kindness (Playwrights Horizons), The Metal Children (The Vineyard), The Hallway Trilogy (Rattlestick), The Edge of Our Bodies (36thHumana Festival), Dreams of Flying Dreams of Falling (The Atlantic), Wolf in the River (The Flea), The Purple Lights of Joppa Illinois(The Atlantic), and Red Light Winter (Steppenwolf, Scott Rudin Productions at Barrow Street Theatre), for which he won Chicago's Jeff Award for Best New Work, an OBIE, and was named a finalist for the 2006 Pulitzer Prize.



In addition to helming his own work, he directed the world premiere of Karen O's psycho opera, Stop the Virgens, for The Creators Project at St. Ann's Warehouse, which was then selected for The Vivid Live Festival, where it sold out the Sydney Opera House for six performances. He also directed Sam Shepard's True West at Actors Theatre of Louisville, which went on to be named one of the 2012 Best Moments in Culture by Louisville's N.P.R. affiliate, WFPL. His production of Finer Noble Gases garnered a Fringe First Award at the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he received The List's Best Newcomer Prize.

His playwriting honors include Boston's Elliot Norton Award, The Helen Merrill Prize, The 2006 Princess Grace Statue, a Lucille Lortel Playwright's Fellowship, The Benjamin H. Danks Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation Award.

Photos

Productions

NocturneNocturne
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Author
The Purple Lights of Joppa IllinoisThe Purple Lights of Joppa Illinois
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Director
Through The Yellow HourThrough The Yellow Hour
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
Kindness
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
Essential Self-Defense
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Composer
Red Light Winter
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director

Writing

Nocturne
Playwright
Kindness
Playwright
Faster
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Book of a Musical

Adam Rapp, The Outsiders

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Play

Adam Rapp, The Sound Inside

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music for a Play

Adam Rapp, Essential Self-Defense


winner
Obie Awards - 2007 - Voice Judges

Adam Rapp


winner
Obie Awards - 2006 - Special Citations

Adam Rapp, Red Light Winter

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - John Gassner Playwriting Award

Adam Rapp, Red Light Winter

The Pulitzer Prize - 2006 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Adam Rapp., Red Light Winter

The Pulitzer Prize - 2006 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Adam Rapp, Red Light Winter

Videos

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News


Mary-Louise Parker and David Alan Grier Join ELSBETH Season 2 as Guest Stars Photo
Mary-Louise Parker and David Alan Grier Join ELSBETH Season 2 as Guest Stars
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 18, 2025

Tony winners Mary-Louise Parker and David Alan Grier are the latest performers to guest star in the CBS crime series, joining an ever-growing list of Broadway alums.
Manhattan Theatre Club Reveals 2025 Ted Snowdon Reading Series Lineup Photo
Manhattan Theatre Club Reveals 2025 Ted Snowdon Reading Series Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2025

Manhattan Theatre Club has revealed the lineup for the 2025 Ted Snowdon Reading Series. Performances include How to Draw a Triangle By Jake Brasch, directed by Colm Summers and more. Learn more about the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
THE GREAT GATSBY and More Set for Broadway at the Hobby Center 2025-2026 Season Photo
THE GREAT GATSBY and More Set for Broadway at the Hobby Center 2025-2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 11, 2025

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts has revealed the 2025-2026 Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center Season featuring six Houston premieres and the return of audience favorites. Learn more!
ONE JEWISH BOY West Coast Premiere To Open Echo Theater Company's 2025 Season Photo
ONE JEWISH BOY West Coast Premiere To Open Echo Theater Company's 2025 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2025

Navigating any relationship is difficult enough. What happens when you factor in politics and rising prejudice? Echo Theater Company will present the West Coast premiere of One Jewish Boy by British playwright Stephen Laughton, a biting, bittersweet story of two young people in love confronted with the world's unpredictable cruelty.
Alex Joseph Grayson Will Take Over as 'Dallas' in THE OUTSIDERS Photo
Alex Joseph Grayson Will Take Over as 'Dallas' in THE OUTSIDERS
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 10, 2025

Alex Joseph Grayson (Parade, Into the Woods) will begin performances as “Dallas Winston” on Friday, February 28th at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Joshua Boone played his final performance in the role on Sunday, January 26th.
THE OUTSIDERS to Hold Open Casting Call For Ponyboy Curtis & Johnny Cade Photo
THE OUTSIDERS to Hold Open Casting Call For Ponyboy Curtis & Johnny Cade
by Michael Major - Feb 7, 2025

The Outsiders will hold an open casting call for the roles of Ponyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade this month. The call is for the national tour, as well as future Broadway replacements. Looking to join the Broadway or touring productions? Find out how to audition!
A/Park Productions To Present A Reading of Ben Beckley's SATURN'S CHILDREN Photo
A/Park Productions To Present A Reading of Ben Beckley's SATURN'S CHILDREN
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 7, 2025

A/PARK PRODUCTIONS (La Musica Deuxième) will present an invitation-only reading of SATURN'S CHILDREN: AN OCCASIONALLY SERIOUS NEW COMEDY ABOUT THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.
SHUCKED, & JULIET, and More Set For 2025/26 Main Mirvish Theatre Subscription Season Photo
SHUCKED, & JULIET, and More Set For 2025/26 Main Mirvish Theatre Subscription Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 4, 2025

Mirvish has announced its 2025/26 Main Subscription Season, which is made up of seven productions, all musicals.   Four are Canadian premieres, two are Toronto premieres and one is a brand-new sit-down Canadian production of an international hit. 
Echo Theater Company Reveals Upcoming Season Lineup Photo
Echo Theater Company Reveals Upcoming Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

The Echo Theater Company has announced another three-play season for 2025 that will provoke, entertain and surprise audiences. Learn more about the ilneup here!
THE OUTSIDERS Cancels Matinee Performance Saturday Due to Power Outage Photo
THE OUTSIDERS Cancels Matinee Performance Saturday Due to Power Outage
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 25, 2025

The Saturday, January 25th 2pm matinee of THE OUTSIDERS has been cancelled due to a Con Edison power outrage. Learn more about the show's upcoming schedule here.
WICKED, THE GREAT GATSBY & More Set for Broadway Dallas 2025/2026 Broadway Series Photo
WICKED, THE GREAT GATSBY & More Set for Broadway Dallas 2025/2026 Broadway Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2025

Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America revealed the full lineup of Broadway shows coming to Dallas in the 2025/2026 Broadway Series. See the full lineup including Wicked and more.
Paul Sparks to Replace Brendan Fraser in GRANGEVILLE at Signature Theatre Photo
Paul Sparks to Replace Brendan Fraser in GRANGEVILLE at Signature Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025

Paul Sparks has joined Samuel D. Hunter’s Grangeville, a Signature-commissioned world premiere directed by Jack Serio. Sparks replaces Brendan Fraser. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Danya Taymor and Emma Pittman Talk THE OUTSIDERS on Good Morning America Photo
Video: Danya Taymor and Emma Pittman Talk THE OUTSIDERS on Good Morning America
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 4, 2025

Watch Director Danya Taymor and cast member Emma Pittman discuss the success of THE OUTSIDERS with Gio Benitez on Good Morning America in the video here!
Broadway Buying Guide: December 16, 2024- WICKED and HAMILTON Are on Top Photo
Broadway Buying Guide: December 16, 2024- WICKED and HAMILTON Are on Top
by Team BWW - Dec 16, 2024

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 16, 2024.
Video: THE OUTSIDERS Cast and Composers Perform 'Far Away From Tulsa' Photo
Video: THE OUTSIDERS Cast and Composers Perform 'Far Away From Tulsa'
by Stephi Wild - Dec 12, 2024

The Broadway cast of The Outsiders made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night, where they performed “Far Away from Tulsa” from the musical. Check out the video here!
IAMA Theatre Company’s 7TH ANNUAL NEW WORKS FESTIVAL to Feature 8 New Plays Photo
IAMA Theatre Company’s 7TH ANNUAL NEW WORKS FESTIVAL to Feature 8 New Plays
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 31, 2024

IAMA Theatre Company will host its 7th Annual New Works Festival this December, featuring eight new plays presented as staged readings. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Mandy Greenfield Launches Production Company Red Yes Studio Photo
Mandy Greenfield Launches Production Company Red Yes Studio
by Stephi Wild - Oct 30, 2024

Theatrical producer Mandy Greenfield has launched her own independent production company, Red Yes Studio. The company aims to commission, develop, and produce bold new work for the stage and screen.
The Off Central Players Will Perform THE SOUND INSIDE Photo
The Off Central Players Will Perform THE SOUND INSIDE
by Stephi Wild - Oct 30, 2024

The Off Central Players fourth season will continue by featuring artistic associate Roxanne Fay in Pulitzer Prize finalist Adam Rapp’s The Sound Inside. 
Chicago Premiere Of THE BERLIN DIARIES Begins At Open Space Arts This December Photo
Chicago Premiere Of THE BERLIN DIARIES Begins At Open Space Arts This December
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2024

The Chicago premiere of THE BERLIN DIARIES has been announced at Open Space Arts.
Video: Watch the 'Hoods Turned Heroes' Music Video From THE OUTSIDERS Photo
Video: Watch the 'Hoods Turned Heroes' Music Video From THE OUTSIDERS
by Michael Major - Oct 15, 2024

The Outsiders has dropped a new music video for 'Hoods Turned Heroes.' The new video features footage of Daryl Tofa, Jason Schmidt, and the cast of the Tony-winning musical recording the track in the studio, along with footage from the Broadway production.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Adam Rapp written?

Adam Rapp has written 12 shows including Nocturne (Playwright), Faster (Playwright), Red Light Winter (Playwright), The 24 Hour Plays 2006 (Playwright), Essential Self-Defense (Playwright), Kindness (Playwright), Dreams of Flying Dreams of Falling (Playwright), Through The Yellow Hour (Playwright), The Purple Lights of Joppa Illinois (Playwright), The Edge of Our Bodies (Playwright), The Sound Inside (Playwright), The Outsiders (Book).

What awards has Adam Rapp been nominated for?

Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Outsiders, Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Sound Inside, Outstanding Music for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Essential Self-Defense, Voice Judges (Obie Awards), Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Red Light Winter, John Gassner Playwriting Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Red Light Winter , The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Red Light Winter and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Red Light Winter.

What awards has Adam Rapp won?

Adam Rapp has won the Voice Judges Award and Special Citations at the Obie Awards for his work on Red Light Winter.

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