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Donald Margulies

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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.

Photos

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

Videos

News


THE LITTLE MERMAID & More Lead Chicago's Holiday 2024 Top Theatre Shows

Chicago is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for the holiday season include The Little Mermaid and more.
The Cloverdale Playhouse Unveils 2025 Season Featuring THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION & More

The Cloverdale Playhouse in Montgomery, Alabama revealed its 2025 season, 'A Season of Give And Take,' focusing on themes of compassion, understanding, and the transactional nature of human interactions. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon

The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
Bridge Players Theatre Company Presents DINNER WITH FRIENDS

Bridge Players Theatre Company, the Burlington City-based community theatre group will begin its 2024-2025 'Season of Change' with DINNER WITH FRIENDS, opening September 6 and continuing weekends through September 21.
Bluebird Arts to Present DINNER WITH FRIENDS By Donald Margulies Beginning in October

Bluebird Arts, Chicago's only English-Russian Cross-Cultural Theatre has announced their Cast and Creative Team for their upcoming production of DINNER WITH FRIENDS by DONALD MARGULIES, opening SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024 at THEATER WIT.
SHIPWRECKED! Kicks off RLTP's 21st Season in Downtown Buffalo

Road Less Traveled Productions (RLTP) will begin its 21st season with high comedy Shipwrecked! An Entertainment—The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself), written by RLTP National Advisory Board Member, Donald Margulies.
Amy Berryman's WALDEN Joins Second Stage Theater's Upcoming Season

Amy Berryman’s play, WALDEN, directed by Whitney White, has been added to Second Stage Theater's upcoming season. Learn more about the season and see how to purchase tickets.
Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon to be Honored at York Theatre Company Gala

The York Theatre Company will honor Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon at their Gala Evening. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Meet the Cast of JOB, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway!

Following two sold-out runs Off-Broadway, JOB, the play by Max Wolf Friedlich, starring acclaimed original cast members Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon, is coming to Broadway! Previews begin tonight. Meet the cast of JOB here!
Evan Cabnet Appointed Artistic Director of Second Stage

The Board of Trustees of Second Stage Theater have announced that Evan Cabnet, currently Artistic Director of Lincoln Center Theater’s LCT3, will be Second Stage Theater’s new Artistic Director.
Leslye Headland's CULT OF LOVE Headed to Broadway as Part of Second Stage's Fall Season

Leslye Headland's Cult of Love is headed to Broadway later this year as part of Second Stage Theater's upcoming fall season. Additionally, Donald Margulies’ Lunar Eclipse will open off-Broadway this fall.
SheLA Arts to Present HERE COMES THE NIGHT Next Month

SheLA Arts is set to present here comes the night, by Lisa Kenner Grissom, directed by Hailey McAfee.
Del Hughes Awards Honorees for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management, The Founders Award & Special Recognition Award Revealed

The Stage Managers’ Association (SMA) has announced its annual Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management.
Feature: BROADWAY BOUND FESTIVAL at Town Players Of New Canaan

Mark you calendars from August 8 through September 1 for New York's Broadway Bound Festival's debut in Connecticut.
Jeanine Tesori and Bess Wohl Join Dramatists Guild Council

Jeanine Tesori and Bess Wohl have joined The Dramatists Guild Council, the leadership team of the Guild.
JOB, Starring Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon, Will Open on Broadway This Summer

Following two sold-out runs Off-Broadway, JOB, the smash hit play by Max Wolf Friedlich, will open on Broadway this summer starring acclaimed original cast members Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon. We have all of the details!
Photos: APPROPRIATE's Sarah Paulson Receives Portrait at Sardi's

Sarah Paulson, currently appearing in Appropriate on Broadway, was honored with her portrait at Sardi's recently. BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling and you can check out photos here!
Virginia Theatre Festival Announces Cast For 50 YEARS AND COUNTING: A MUSICAL REVUE

Discover the cast of the Virginia Theatre Festival's musical revue, 50 YEARS AND COUNTING. Celebrating half a century of theatrical excellence, the event promises a memorable performance.
Casts of HELL'S KITCHEN, THE NOTEBOOK & More to Perform at New Dramatists Spring Luncheon

New Dramatists will host its Annual Spring Luncheon Tribute on Tuesday, May 14 at the New York Marriott Marquis. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Donald Margulies written?

Donald Margulies has written 14 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), Lunar Eclipse (Playwright).

What awards has Donald Margulies been nominated for?

Best Play (Tony Awards) for Time Stands Still, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Dinner With Friends, Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dinner with Friends, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Collected Stories, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Collected Stories , The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Collected Stories, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Collected Stories, Playwriting (Obie Awards) for The Model Apartment, Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Sight Unseen, Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for Sight Unseen and John Gassner Playwriting Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sight Unseen.

What awards has Donald Margulies won?

Donald Margulies has received several prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Dinner With Friends. He won Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Dinner With Friends and Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Collected Stories. Additionally, he was awarded 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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