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Suzan-Lori Parks Headshot

Suzan-Lori Parks

Birth Place: Kentucky, USA

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Productions

The Gershwins' Porgy and BessThe Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Bookwriter
Golden Boy
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Adaptation

Writing

Fucking A
Composer
Lyricist
Fucking A
Playwright
Bookwriter
White Noise
Playwright
Bookwriter

Movies

Girl 6
[ 1996 ] writer
The Making of Plus One
[ 2010 ] Skye Brown - the director
The United States vs. Billie Holiday
[ 2021 ] writer

Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2024 - Outstanding Play

Suzan-Lori Parks, Plays For The Plague Year


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Music in a Play

Suzan-Lori Parks, Plays for the Plague Year

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Suzan-Lori Parks, The Harder They Come


winner
Obie Awards - 2019 - Playwriting Award

Suzan-Lori Parks, White Noise


winner
The Lortels - 2016 - Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee

Suzan-Lori Parks


winner
Obie Awards - 2015 - Playwriting

Suzan-Lori Parks, Father Comes Home From the Wars Parts I, II, & III


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Play

Suzan-Lori Parks, Topdog/Underdog


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - John Gassner Playwriting Award

Suzan-Lori Parks , Topdog / Underdog


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 2002 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Suzan-Lori Parks, Topdog/Underdog

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Play

Suzan-Lori Parks, Topdog/Underdog

The Pulitzer Prize - 2000 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Suzan-Lori ParksIn The Blood

The Pulitzer Prize - 2000 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Suzan-Lori ParksIn the Blood


winner
Obie Awards - 1998 - Guest Judges

Suzan-Lori Parks


winner
Obie Awards - 1996 - Playwriting

Suzan-Lori Parks, Venus


winner
Obie Awards - 1990 - Best New American Play

Suzan-Lori ParksImperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom

Videos

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News


LaChanze, Vanessa Williams and More to Join BTU's THE BUSINESS OF SHOW Series Photo
LaChanze, Vanessa Williams and More to Join BTU's THE BUSINESS OF SHOW Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

Black Theatre United will present the next installment of The Business of Show Series: Producing 101. Learn more about the series and see how to tune in!
Steppenwolf Sets World Premiere and More for 50th Anniversary Season Photo
Steppenwolf Sets World Premiere and More for 50th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has revealed its its 50th Anniversary Season. Learn more about the 50th anniversary programming and see how to purchase tickets to upcoming productions!
Interview: Gregg T. Daniel of TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Pasadena Playhouse Photo
Interview: Gregg T. Daniel of TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Pasadena Playhouse
by Andrew Child - Mar 4, 2025

“There’s a great sense of theatricality, an element of surprise. (Parks) brings us in with humor and lightness and then pulls the veil back on us. The play exists in the world of three-card monte—- she cons us.”
Feature: Pulitzer Winner TOPDOG/UNDERDOG Centers Black Stories at Passage Theatre Photo
Feature: Pulitzer Winner TOPDOG/UNDERDOG Centers Black Stories at Passage Theatre
by Chloe Yang - Mar 4, 2025

In a historic Gothic church turned playhouse in Trenton’s Mill Hill neighborhood, two brothers take the stage in a story that plays for deadly stakes. Passage Theatre Company’s production of Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning TOPDOG/UNDERDOG marks both a departure and a homecoming for Trenton’s only professional theater company.
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents THE BOOK OF GRACE Chicago Premiere Photo
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents THE BOOK OF GRACE Chicago Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 4, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company will continue its 49th season with the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace, an incendiary family portrait by Suzan-Lori Parks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Topdog/Underdog.
THE INHERITANCE, SALLY & TOM, and More Come to the Round House Theatre Photo
THE INHERITANCE, SALLY & TOM, and More Come to the Round House Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 28, 2025

Round House Theatre has announced its 2025-2026 Season. The lineup will introduce audiences to four new-to-DC plays and more. Learn more about the lineup here!
Meet the Talented Cast of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB as It Lights Up Broadway Photo
Meet the Talented Cast of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB as It Lights Up Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Feb 21, 2025

Discover the vibrant cast of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB as they bring Cuba's golden age to Broadway. Performances start tonight at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Learn more!
Jane Lynch, Sharon Lawrence, Gina Torres, John Ross Bowie And More Set For PARENTS IN Photo
Jane Lynch, Sharon Lawrence, Gina Torres, John Ross Bowie And More Set For PARENTS IN CHAINS World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025

Ensemble Theatre Company has announced additional casting for an add-on production to its season, the world premiere of a new comedy, PARENTS IN CHAINS, written by Emmy and Peabody award-winner Jay Martel and directed by Andy Fickman.
Full Cast Set for THE BOOK OF GRACE Chicago Premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre Photo
Full Cast Set for THE BOOK OF GRACE Chicago Premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 20, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has revealed the full cast for the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace, an incendiary family portrait by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Steve H. Broadnax III. Learn more!
Review: TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at 4th Wall Theatre Co. Photo
Review: TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at 4th Wall Theatre Co.
by Armando Urdiales - Feb 19, 2025

4th Wall Theatre's production of Suzan-Lori Parks' Topdog/Underdog is a powerful, riveting exploration of family, survival, and identity that solidifies the company's reputation for bringing bold, intimate theater to life. Directed with precision and insight by Aaron Brown, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play finds new resonance in a production that balances sharp humor with gut-wrenching drama.
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre Appoints Steve H. Broadnax III as New Artistic Directo Photo
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre Appoints Steve H. Broadnax III as New Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre has named Steve H. Broadnax III as its new Artistic Director. Learn more about Broadnax III and about The Arkansas Repertory Theatre.
Photos: Backstage at TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Pasadena Playhouse Photo
Photos: Backstage at TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 12, 2025

Pasadena Playhouse is offering a first look of its upcoming production of Topdog/Underdog, currently in rehearsal. These photos were taken on the roof of the Playhouse. Check out photos of the cast here!
Cause for Celebration and Calls for Change: The Museum of Broadway's Black Storytelle Photo
Cause for Celebration and Calls for Change: The Museum of Broadway's Black Storytellers Exhibit
by Caitlin Hornik - Feb 12, 2025

The energy of attendees walking through the Museum of Broadway's new limited-time exhibit centered around Black storytellers was palpable during its February 3rd opening night. Crafting Excellence: Black Storytellers of Broadway.
BLOOD AT THE ROOT Dates and Director Changed at Fells Point Corner Theatre Photo
BLOOD AT THE ROOT Dates and Director Changed at Fells Point Corner Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025

Fells Point Corner Theatre has announced a schedule change and new director for its upcoming production of Blood at the Root by Dominique Morisseau.
Roger Q. Mason's CALIFAS TRILOGY is Coming to Los Angeles Photo
Roger Q. Mason's CALIFAS TRILOGY is Coming to Los Angeles
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 4, 2025

Roger Q. Mason will have their Califas Trilogy produced by Outside In Theatre and Skylight Theatre Company in association with Roots & Wings Project in Los Angeles this spring and summer. Learn more!
Photos: The Museum of Broadway Celebrates Black Storytellers of Broadway in New Exhib Photo
Photos: The Museum of Broadway Celebrates Black Storytellers of Broadway in New Exhibit
by Stephi Wild - Feb 4, 2025

The Museum Of Broadway recently celebrated its new special exhibit, Crafting Excellence: Black Storytellers of Broadway. Check out photos from the event here!
Roger Q. Mason's THE PRIDE OF LIONS To Receive Reading At The Tank Photo
Roger Q. Mason's THE PRIDE OF LIONS To Receive Reading At The Tank
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 29, 2025

Acclaimed Black Filipinx playwright and Kilroys List honoree Roger Q. Mason will receive a staged reading of their play THE PRIDE OF LIONS, directed by legendary intimacy coordinator Ann James with dramaturgy by Gaven Trinidad, at The Tank.
Cast Set For TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Pasadena Playhouse Photo
Cast Set For TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Pasadena Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2025

Pasadena Playhouse has announced Brandon Gill to star as Booth and Brandon Micheal Hall to star as Lincoln in Topdog/Underdog  by Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Gregg T. Daniel.
OUR TOWN Plays Final Broadway Performance Photo
OUR TOWN Plays Final Broadway Performance
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 19, 2025

Our Town will play its final performance at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre following 26 previews and 117 regular performances. The venue will soon be home to Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal.
The Museum of Broadway to Present Exhibit Showcasing Black Storytellers of Broadway Photo
The Museum of Broadway to Present Exhibit Showcasing Black Storytellers of Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 16, 2025

The Museum of Broadway will present a new special exhibit to celebrate and showcase the work of Black storytellers of Broadway, past and present: Crafting Excellence: Black Storytellers of Broadway. Learn more.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Suzan-Lori Parks written?

Suzan-Lori Parks has written 9 shows including Unchain My Heart (Bookwriter), The America Play (Playwright), Urban Zulu Mambo (Playwright), Topdog / Underdog (Playwright), F-ing A (Composer), The Book Of Grace (Playwright), The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World (Playwright), The Red Letter Plays: In the Blood (Author), White Noise (Playwright).

What awards has Suzan-Lori Parks been nominated for?

Outstanding Play (The Lortels) for Plays For The Plague Year, Outstanding Music in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Plays for the Plague Year, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Harder They Come, Playwriting Award (Obie Awards) for White Noise, Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee (The Lortels) for , Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Father Comes Home From the Wars Parts I, II, & III, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, John Gassner Playwriting Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog / Underdog , The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Topdog/Underdog, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for In The Blood, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for In the Blood , Guest Judges (Obie Awards), Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Venus and Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom.

What awards has Suzan-Lori Parks won?

Suzan-Lori Parks has received numerous awards throughout her career, including: - Outstanding Music in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Plays for the Plague Year - Playwriting Award (Obie Awards) for White Noise - Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee (The Lortels) - Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Father Comes Home From the Wars Parts I, II, & III - Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Topdog/Underdog - John Gassner Playwriting Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog/Underdog - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Topdog/Underdog - Guest Judges (Obie Awards) - Playwriting (Obie Awards) for Venus - Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom

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