Suzan-Lori Parks
Birth Place: Kentucky, USA
Latest News on Suzan-Lori Parks:
The Museum of Broadway to Present Exhibit Showcasing Black Storytellers of Broadway (Jan 16, 2025)
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG Trenton Premiere to be Presented at Passage Theatre Company (Jan 15, 2025)
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit (Jan 14, 2025)
The Museum of Broadway to Present Exhibit Showcasing Black Storytellers of Broadway (Jan 16, 2025)
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG Trenton Premiere to be Presented at Passage Theatre Company (Jan 15, 2025)
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit (Jan 14, 2025)
Photos
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Author
Playwright
Bookwriter
Movies
Girl 6
[ 1996 ] writer
[ 1996 ] writer
The Making of Plus One
[ 2010 ] Skye Brown - the director
[ 2010 ] Skye Brown - the director
The United States vs. Billie Holiday
[ 2021 ] writer
[ 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
Video: SUFFS Hosts Roll Call With Representatives from the 36 States that Ratified 19th Amendment
by Blair Ingenthron - 08/25/2024
LEROY AND LUCY World Premiere, NOISES OFF & More Announced For Steppenwolf's 2024/2025 Season
by Joshua Wright - 03/13/2024
Video: Watch LaChanze Discuss Becoming a Broadway Producer on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - 02/18/2024
Video: Watch Rehearsal Footage of HELL'S KITCHEN at The Public Theater
by Blair Ingenthron - 10/07/2023
Video: Suzan-Lori Parks Celebrates Tony Win for 'Best Revival of a Play'
by Richard Ridge - 06/12/2023
Video: Corey Hawkins Wants to 'Plant the Seeds of Possibility ' on Broadway
by Richard Ridge - 06/03/2023
Video: Watch Suzan-Lori Parks Talk PLAYS FOR THE PLAGUE YEAR on PBS NEWSHOUR
by Blair Ingenthron - 04/22/2023
VIDEO: Go Inside THE HARDER THEY COME Sitzprobe at The Public Theater
by Blair Ingenthron - 02/17/2023
VIDEO: Watch the Cast of TINA Unite to Perform Daniel J. Watts' Poignant Poem, 'The Gatherers'
by Nicole Rosky - 02/22/2021
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer for Suzan-Lori Parks-Penned THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY on Hulu
by Nicole Rosky - 01/11/2021
News
The Museum of Broadway to Present Exhibit Showcasing Black Storytellers of Broadway
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.
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.
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG Trenton Premiere to be Presented at Passage Theatre Company
In celebration of Black History Month, Passage Theatre is producing the Trenton premiere of Topdog/Underdog by Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
In celebration of Black History Month, Passage Theatre is producing the Trenton premiere of Topdog/Underdog by Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit
Red Bull Theater has announced that John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit.
Red Bull Theater has announced that John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit.
Rachel Bay Jones, Stephanie J. Block, Derrick Baskin & Aaron Lazar Will Lead FOLLIES in Concert at Pasadena Playhouse
Casting has been announced for Follies in Concert at Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Rachel Bay Jones will star as Sally Durant Plummer, Stephanie J. Block will star as Phyllis Rogers Stone, Derrick Baskin will star as Buddy Plummer, and Aaron Lazar will star as Benjamin Stone in Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical presented in concert with a full 25-piece orchestra.
Casting has been announced for Follies in Concert at Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Rachel Bay Jones will star as Sally Durant Plummer, Stephanie J. Block will star as Phyllis Rogers Stone, Derrick Baskin will star as Buddy Plummer, and Aaron Lazar will star as Benjamin Stone in Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking musical presented in concert with a full 25-piece orchestra.
THE BOOK OF GRACE Chicago Premiere to be Presented at Steppenwolf Theatre
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. Learn how to purchase tickets.
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. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: LaChanze Takes On 'Heaven on Their Minds' at Miscast
Tony winner LaChanze appears in the latest flashback performance from MCC Theater's MISCAST23! Watch as she sings 'Heaven on Their Minds' from Jesus Christ Superstar in this video.
Tony winner LaChanze appears in the latest flashback performance from MCC Theater's MISCAST23! Watch as she sings 'Heaven on Their Minds' from Jesus Christ Superstar in this video.
OUR TOWN Will Host Autism Friendly Performance in January
TDF will host an autism-friendly performance of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in January, tailored for families with members on the autism spectrum or with other developmental or cognitive disabilities.
TDF will host an autism-friendly performance of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in January, tailored for families with members on the autism spectrum or with other developmental or cognitive disabilities.
Feature: BEYOND CASTING: THE PLAY IS THE THING
While casting practices have evolved to enhance diversity (albeit, too slowly and not enough), the selection of plays remains strikingly homogeneous. We need to focus on what is produced as much as who is cast.
While casting practices have evolved to enhance diversity (albeit, too slowly and not enough), the selection of plays remains strikingly homogeneous. We need to focus on what is produced as much as who is cast.
Los Angeles New Play Project Awards Four Prizes in 2024 Competition
Local theater companies in Los Angeles have been awarded grants to produce new plays, focusing on compelling stories that aim to shape the future of theater. Learn more about the grants!
Local theater companies in Los Angeles have been awarded grants to produce new plays, focusing on compelling stories that aim to shape the future of theater. Learn more about the grants!
Roger Q. Mason Awarded LA New Play Project From UCLA
Roger Q. Mason received the Los Angeles New Play Project award from UCLA for their play HIDE AND HIDE, part of a trilogy exploring California's history and gentrification. The world premiere is set for May 2025.
Roger Q. Mason received the Los Angeles New Play Project award from UCLA for their play HIDE AND HIDE, part of a trilogy exploring California's history and gentrification. The world premiere is set for May 2025.
LAVENDER MEN Wins Awards for Best Narrative Feature, Festival Favorite & Best Actor
Lavender Men, a new film directed by Lovell Holder and written by Holder and Roger Q. Mason, based on Mason’s critically acclaimed stage play, has been touring the festival circuit this fall and won several awards in the process.
Lavender Men, a new film directed by Lovell Holder and written by Holder and Roger Q. Mason, based on Mason’s critically acclaimed stage play, has been touring the festival circuit this fall and won several awards in the process.
Photos: Epic Party Theatre Presents Roger Q. Mason's LAVENDER MEN At Z Space
On Monday, October 28, Epic Party Theatre presented a special reading of Black Filipinx playwright and Kilroys List honoree Roger Q. Mason’s acclaimed stage play, Lavender Men in the lobby of Z Space. See photos here.
On Monday, October 28, Epic Party Theatre presented a special reading of Black Filipinx playwright and Kilroys List honoree Roger Q. Mason’s acclaimed stage play, Lavender Men in the lobby of Z Space. See photos here.
OUR TOWN to Honor Veterans in November in Partnership with TDF
The current Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, is launching a partnership with TDF’s Veterans Theatregoing Program. Learn more!
The current Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, is launching a partnership with TDF’s Veterans Theatregoing Program. Learn more!
Video: Jim Parsons, Katie Holmes & More in OUR TOWN
Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, opened on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre where the production is running for a strictly limited engagement. Get a first look at footage from the production here!
Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, opened on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre where the production is running for a strictly limited engagement. Get a first look at footage from the production here!
How a Single TikTok Changed the Game for an Obscure Off-Broadway Show
OBIE Award-winning experimental troupe Hoi Polloi are accustomed, even following 17 years of acclaimed work, to banking on strong reviews for selling out their shows. For the company’s last production, it only took a single TikTok. Find out more about how it went down!
OBIE Award-winning experimental troupe Hoi Polloi are accustomed, even following 17 years of acclaimed work, to banking on strong reviews for selling out their shows. For the company’s last production, it only took a single TikTok. Find out more about how it went down!
LAVENDER MEN To Screen At Micheaux Film Festival
Lavender Men, directed by Lovell Holder and written by Holder and Roger Q. Mason, will screen at the Micheaux Film Festival in Los Angeles. The film reimagines Abraham Lincoln's life through the eyes of a stage manager. Learn how to attend the screening.
Lavender Men, directed by Lovell Holder and written by Holder and Roger Q. Mason, will screen at the Micheaux Film Festival in Los Angeles. The film reimagines Abraham Lincoln's life through the eyes of a stage manager. Learn how to attend the screening.
THE PLAY'S THE THING BY by James Magruder Published by Yale University Press
The stories of American film, television, Broadway, and regional theater are entwined with the story of Yale Repertory Theatre in The Play's the Thing out now.
The stories of American film, television, Broadway, and regional theater are entwined with the story of Yale Repertory Theatre in The Play's the Thing out now.
Photos: TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at The Gift Theatre
The Gift Theatre, is presenting Topdog/Underdog, written by Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Shanésia Davis, through October 20, at Filament Theater. Opening night is tonight, Sunday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. Check out production photos here!
The Gift Theatre, is presenting Topdog/Underdog, written by Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Shanésia Davis, through October 20, at Filament Theater. Opening night is tonight, Sunday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. Check out production photos here!
LAVENDER MEN To Tour Multiple Film Festival This Fall
LAVENDER MEN will tour to multiple film festivals this fall. Learn more about the film.
LAVENDER MEN will tour to multiple film festivals this fall. Learn more about the film.
Video: Jim Parsons Says OUR TOWN Role Represents Playwright Thornton Wilder
Jim Parsons, star of the new Broadway revival of Our Town, visited The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday to discuss the highly-anticipated production. Watch the full interview now!
Jim Parsons, star of the new Broadway revival of Our Town, visited The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday to discuss the highly-anticipated production. Watch the full interview now!
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, including Outstanding Music in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Plays for the Plague Year. She won the Playwriting Award at the Obie Awards for White Noise and is a Playwrights' Sidewalk Inductee from The Lortels. Additionally, she received the Playwriting award at the Obie Awards for Father Comes Home From the Wars Parts I, II, & III. Parks won Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Topdog/Underdog and the John Gassner Playwriting Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same work. She was awarded The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Topdog/Underdog, served as a guest judge for the Obie Awards, and received the Playwriting award at the Obie Awards for Venus. Lastly, she won Best New American Play at the Obie Awards for Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom.
Videos