Christopher Durang
Birth Place: Montclair, NJ, USA
Latest News on Christopher Durang:
Carolina Actors Studio Theatre Marks Triumphant Return After Decade-Long Hiatus (Feb 14, 2025)
Previews: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at Revolution Stage Company (Feb 12, 2025)
A/Park Productions To Present A Reading of Ben Beckley's SATURN'S CHILDREN (Feb 7, 2025)
Carolina Actors Studio Theatre Marks Triumphant Return After Decade-Long Hiatus (Feb 14, 2025)
Previews: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at Revolution Stage Company (Feb 12, 2025)
A/Park Productions To Present A Reading of Ben Beckley's SATURN'S CHILDREN (Feb 7, 2025)
BIO
Christopher Ferdinand Durang (January 2, 1949 – April 2, 2024) was an American playwright known for works of outrageous and often absurd comedy. His work was especially popular in the 1980s, though his career seemed to get a second wind in the late 1990s.
Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You was Durang's watershed play as it brought him to national prominence when it won him the Obie Award for Best Playwright (1980). His play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2013. The production was directed by Nicholas Martin, and featured Sigourney Weaver, David Hyde Pierce, Kristine Nielsen, Billy Magnussen, Shalita Grant and Genevieve Angelson. Durang was a past co-director of the Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program at Juilliard.
Photos
Felicity (Tracey Green) wakes up in the arms of stranger (Siddhartha Rajan) in Eclipse Theatre''s production of ?Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them? by Christopher Durang, directed by S
Date:
11/16/2019
From:Â Photo Flash: WHY TORTURE IS WRONG, AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM Is Now Open
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STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
1983
Michael (A New Approach)/ Wallace (The Birthday Present)
[Off-Broadway]
1981
Aloysius Benheim/ George Spevlin [Replacement]
Productions
Writing
Playwright
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Lyricist
Playwright
Bookwriter
Author
Playwright
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Story
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Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
winner
- 2013 - Legend of Off Broadway Honoree
Christopher Durang
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2013 - Best Play
Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Play
Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Play
Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
winner
The Lortels - 2007 - Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee
Christopher Durang
The Pulitzer Prize - 2006 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Christopher Durang, Miss Witherspoon
The Pulitzer Prize - 2006 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Christopher Durang, Miss Witherspoon
winner
Obie Awards - 1999 - Playwrighting
Christopher Durang, Betty's Summer Vacation
winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Playwriting
Christopher Durang, The Marriage of Bette and Boo
Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical
Christopher Durang, Das Lusitania Songspiel
winner
Obie Awards - 1980 - Playwriting
Christopher Durang, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Book of a Musical
Christopher Durang, A History of the American Film
Videos
Video: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at Theater Raleigh
by Joshua Wright - 2024-07-18 13:46:34
VIDEO: Get a First Look at DREAMGIRLS at McCarter Theatre Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-01-09 17:25:05
VIDEO: Mile Square Theatre Presents VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-09-24 16:47:05
VIDEO: Carolee Carmello, Andrea Burns and More in Two River's PAMELA'S FIRST MUSICAL
by Alan Henry - 2018-09-18 17:57:39
VIDEO: Andrea Burns, Carolee Carmello, and the Cast of PAMELA's FIRST MUSICAL Reveal Their First Musicals
by Alan Henry - 2018-09-07 14:19:31
VIDEO: On This Day, March 14- VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Opens on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-03-14 16:23:31
STAGE TUBE: Go Backstage with the Stars of TACT's HARD LOVE Off-Broadway
by Stage Tube - 2015-10-06 17:48:37
STAGE TUBE: See Donna McKechnie and More in Highlights from IN YOUR ARMS at The Old Globe
by TV - On the Road - 2015-09-25 18:19:56
STAGE TUBE: Promo for Arena Stage's VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
by Stage Tube - 2015-03-19 12:46:46
STAGE TUBE: Watch Highlights from Paper Mill's VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
by Tyler Peterson - 2015-01-23 15:20:56
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes with Marilu Henner and the Cast of 'VANYA AND SONIA' at Bucks County Playhouse
by Stage Tube - 2014-07-25 18:35:35
TV: HEDWIG's Kevin Adams Celebrates Tony Win for Best Lighting Design of a Musical
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-06-09 12:00:01
TV: Leslie Bibb, Christopher Gattelli & More Preview Powerhouse Summer Season!
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-06-04 16:50:35
STAGE TUBE: Laura Benanti Performs PASSION MASSION with The Skivvies
by Louisa Brady - 2014-05-01 11:41:51
TV: Chatting with Christopher Durang and the Cast of BEYOND THERAPY on Opening Night!
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-03-26 15:44:36
STAGE TUBE: David Hyde Pierce and Christopher Durang Talk 'VANYA AND SONIA' in LA
by Stage Tube - 2014-03-12 21:00:09
STAGE TUBE: David Hyde Pierce Hints at Taking 'VANYA AND SONIA' to London This Fall!
by Stage Tube - 2014-02-13 17:27:55
STAGE TUBE: Director Richard E.T. White Talks Berkeley Rep's 'VANYA AND SONIA'
by Stage Tube - 2013-09-05 13:46:16
News
Carolina Actors Studio Theatre Marks Triumphant Return After Decade-Long Hiatus
by Joshua Wright - Feb 14, 2025
After a hiatus of over a decade, Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST) is set to stage a comeback with its upcoming production of Alabaster, a play by Audrey Cefaly. The theater, known for its immersive and experiential productions, will run the show from February 27 through March 16, 2025 at the Van Every Auditorium in the Mint Museum Randolph.
by Joshua Wright - Feb 14, 2025
After a hiatus of over a decade, Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST) is set to stage a comeback with its upcoming production of Alabaster, a play by Audrey Cefaly. The theater, known for its immersive and experiential productions, will run the show from February 27 through March 16, 2025 at the Van Every Auditorium in the Mint Museum Randolph.
Previews: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at Revolution Stage Company
by Kay Kudukis - Feb 12, 2025
Revolution Stage Company proudly presents Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike for six performances only, running February 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 at 7 PM. This production is directed by Trevor Biship-Gillespie, fresh off his acclaimed staging of Spring Awakening at Revolution Stage Company.
by Kay Kudukis - Feb 12, 2025
Revolution Stage Company proudly presents Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike for six performances only, running February 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 at 7 PM. This production is directed by Trevor Biship-Gillespie, fresh off his acclaimed staging of Spring Awakening at Revolution Stage Company.
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.
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.
VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Opens At Music Mountain Theatre This Week
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2025
Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike will open at Music Mountain Theatre. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike runs for 12 performances from February 7 through February 23.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2025
Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike will open at Music Mountain Theatre. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike runs for 12 performances from February 7 through February 23.
Lois Robbins and Ephraim Birney To Star In Benefit Reading Of THE FUN-ER-AL: A FUNDRAISING MEMORIAL FOR THE DEATH OF AMERICAN THEATRE
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2025
Royal Family Productions will present a benefit reading of Artistic Director Chris Henry's new short comedy, inspired by Christopher Durang, titled The Fun-er-al: AÂ Fundraising Memorial for the Death of the American Theatre.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2025
Royal Family Productions will present a benefit reading of Artistic Director Chris Henry's new short comedy, inspired by Christopher Durang, titled The Fun-er-al: AÂ Fundraising Memorial for the Death of the American Theatre.
Cygnet Theatre Announces Lineup For Season 21 + Opening Date For New Contemporary Home
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2025
Cygnet Theatre has announced its 21st season, which will launch September 10, 2025 and run through July 19, 2026. The lineup will feature four musicals and two plays, including several award-winning and critically acclaimed productions.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2025
Cygnet Theatre has announced its 21st season, which will launch September 10, 2025 and run through July 19, 2026. The lineup will feature four musicals and two plays, including several award-winning and critically acclaimed productions.
MODERATION By Kevin Kautzman Opens At Hope Theatre In March
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 21, 2025
Over Here Theatre and Bad Mouth Theatre have announced casting for the UK premiere of Moderation at the Hope Theatre, 19 March to 5 April. Moderation is a startling dark comedy about a pair of social media moderators who become increasingly 'brainsick' from the disturbing content they're forced to view at work.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 21, 2025
Over Here Theatre and Bad Mouth Theatre have announced casting for the UK premiere of Moderation at the Hope Theatre, 19 March to 5 April. Moderation is a startling dark comedy about a pair of social media moderators who become increasingly 'brainsick' from the disturbing content they're forced to view at work.
Cygnet Theatre Unveils 21st Season At New Contemporary Permanent Home, The Joan
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2025
Cygnet Theatre has revealed its 21st season, which will launch September 10, 2025 and run through July 19, 2026. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2025
Cygnet Theatre has revealed its 21st season, which will launch September 10, 2025 and run through July 19, 2026. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Theatre East To Honor Tim Blake Nelson With Laurette Taylor Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 9, 2025
Theatre East Board of Directors will present Tim Blake Nelson with the 2025 Laurette Taylor Award. The event will include tributes, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 9, 2025
Theatre East Board of Directors will present Tim Blake Nelson with the 2025 Laurette Taylor Award. The event will include tributes, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Theatre East Unveils Fifteenth Season Lineup Featuring World Premiere & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 20, 2024
Theatre East has revealed its 2024-2025 Season, featuring the world premiere of Canaan Unremembered in March 2025. Learn more about upcoming programming and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 20, 2024
Theatre East has revealed its 2024-2025 Season, featuring the world premiere of Canaan Unremembered in March 2025. Learn more about upcoming programming and see how to purchase tickets.
Kevin McHale Will Make UK Stage Debut in Sondheim's THE FROGS
by Stephi Wild - Dec 5, 2024
Kevin McHale will make his UK stage debut in Sondheim's The Frogs, coming to Southwark Playhouse Borough next year. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 5, 2024
Kevin McHale will make his UK stage debut in Sondheim's The Frogs, coming to Southwark Playhouse Borough next year. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
Review: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at 4th Wall Theatre Company
by Brett Cullum - Nov 29, 2024
I feel like this company, at this point in time, is simply happy to be here doing this show, and I can say the feeling is infectious. It’s not your typical holiday offering, but you can never be wrong with the wit of Christopher Durang and the magic of invoking the spirit of Maggie Smith. I’m thankful this season for companies like 4th WALL, which produce plays that offer the joy of what theater is all about.
by Brett Cullum - Nov 29, 2024
I feel like this company, at this point in time, is simply happy to be here doing this show, and I can say the feeling is infectious. It’s not your typical holiday offering, but you can never be wrong with the wit of Christopher Durang and the magic of invoking the spirit of Maggie Smith. I’m thankful this season for companies like 4th WALL, which produce plays that offer the joy of what theater is all about.
Photos: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Presented By 4th Wall Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 22, 2024
4th Wall Theatre Company continues its 14th season with Christopher Durang’s VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, directed by 4th Wall Artistic Director, Jennifer Dean. Get a first look at photos!
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 22, 2024
4th Wall Theatre Company continues its 14th season with Christopher Durang’s VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, directed by 4th Wall Artistic Director, Jennifer Dean. Get a first look at photos!
Jinkx Monsoon, Nicholas Barasch, Preston Truman Boyd, Samantha Williams Join PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 13, 2024
Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced further casting, design team and a brand-new title for its reimagined The Pirates of Penzance. This jazz-infused, New Orleans-style Broadway production, now titled Pirates! The Penzance Musical and we've got all the information about the new production.
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 13, 2024
Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced further casting, design team and a brand-new title for its reimagined The Pirates of Penzance. This jazz-infused, New Orleans-style Broadway production, now titled Pirates! The Penzance Musical and we've got all the information about the new production.
DO YOU FEEL ANGER? Comes to the Court Square Theatre This Week
by Stephi Wild - Nov 4, 2024
An all new production:Â Do You Feel Anger? will come to the Court Square Theatre this week. Do You Feel Anger? is an absurdist comedy that provides a satirical look at everyday power dynamics in the workplace.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 4, 2024
An all new production:Â Do You Feel Anger? will come to the Court Square Theatre this week. Do You Feel Anger? is an absurdist comedy that provides a satirical look at everyday power dynamics in the workplace.
Photos: First Look at MRS. BOB CRATCHIT’S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE at SBCC
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 31, 2024
The SBCC Theatre Arts Department presents a student showcase production of MRS. BOB CRATCHIT’S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE by Christopher Durang, directed by Katie Laris, November 13-23, 2024 in the Jurkowitz Theatre. Check out first look photo here!
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 31, 2024
The SBCC Theatre Arts Department presents a student showcase production of MRS. BOB CRATCHIT’S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE by Christopher Durang, directed by Katie Laris, November 13-23, 2024 in the Jurkowitz Theatre. Check out first look photo here!
Theatre East to Present Reading of FRIDAY THE 13TH At Court Square Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 28, 2024
Theatre East's Neighborhood Reading Series will return with a spooky adaptation of FRIDAY THE 13TH at Court Square Theater.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 28, 2024
Theatre East's Neighborhood Reading Series will return with a spooky adaptation of FRIDAY THE 13TH at Court Square Theater.
VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Comes to 4th Wall Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Oct 17, 2024
Following the hit success of Kate Hamill’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY last year, 4th Wall Theatre Company will launch into the upcoming holiday season with a revival of the Tony Award-winning comedy, VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 17, 2024
Following the hit success of Kate Hamill’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY last year, 4th Wall Theatre Company will launch into the upcoming holiday season with a revival of the Tony Award-winning comedy, VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE.
The SBCC Theatre Arts Department Will Perform MRS. BOB CRATCHIT'S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE
by Stephi Wild - Oct 16, 2024
The SBCC Theatre Arts Department will present a student showcase production of MRS. BOB CRATCHIT’S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE by Christopher Durang, directed by Katie Laris, November 13-23, 2024 in the Jurkowitz Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 16, 2024
The SBCC Theatre Arts Department will present a student showcase production of MRS. BOB CRATCHIT’S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE by Christopher Durang, directed by Katie Laris, November 13-23, 2024 in the Jurkowitz Theatre.
VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE to be Presented at Allen Contemporary Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2024
Allen Contemporary Theatre has revealed its fall production, Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike. This Tony Award-winning comedy, written by Christopher Durang, is a witty, laugh-out-loud modern twist on family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and the absurdities of life. Learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2024
Allen Contemporary Theatre has revealed its fall production, Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike. This Tony Award-winning comedy, written by Christopher Durang, is a witty, laugh-out-loud modern twist on family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and the absurdities of life. Learn how to purchase tickets.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Christopher Durang written?
Christopher Durang has written 21 shows including Das Lusitania Songspiel (Author), Titanic (Playwright), A History of the American Film (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You (Playwright), Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You/ The Actor's Nightmare (Playwright), Beyond Therapy (Playwright), Baby with the Bathwater (Playwright), The Marriage of Bette and Boo (Playwright), Laughing Wild (Playwright), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), Durang/ Durang (Playwright), Sex and Longing (Playwright), Betty's Summer Vacation (Playwright), Adrift in Macao (Bookwriter), Miss Witherspoon (Playwright), The Marriage Of Bette And Boo (Playwright), Why Torture Is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them (Playwright), All About Me (Playwright), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Playwright), In Your Arms (Story), Pamela's First Musical (Bookwriter).
What awards has Christopher Durang been nominated for?
Legend of Off Broadway Honoree () for , Best Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee (The Lortels), The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Miss Witherspoon, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Miss Witherspoon, Playwrighting (Obie Awards) for Betty's Summer Vacation, Playwriting (Obie Awards) for The Marriage of Bette and Boo, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Das Lusitania Songspiel, Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You and Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for A History of the American Film.
What awards has Christopher Durang won?
Christopher Durang has received several awards, including the Legend of Off Broadway Honoree, Best Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and he is a Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee (The Lortels). Additionally, he has won Playwriting awards (Obie Awards) for Betty's Summer Vacation, The Marriage of Bette and Boo, and Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You.
Videos