A playwright who wrote humorous, satirical plays that often explored social issues and politics, known for his clever dialogue and absurd characters.
Will Glickman, an American playwright, is renowned for his prolific collaborations with Joseph Stein, which resulted in a string of successful Broadway productions. His most notable work, Plain and Fancy, earned a Tony nomination for Best Musical in 1955, cementing his reputation as a master of the stage.
Glickman's journey in the world of theater began in 1948 with his Broadway debut, Lend an Ear, a revue featuring sketches co-written with Stein. This successful partnership led to the creation of several notable plays, including Mrs. Gibbons' Boys (1949), Alive and Kicking (1950), Mr. Wonderful (1956), and The Body Beautiful (1958).
Glickman's writing prowess extended to television, where he adapted The Desert Song and The Chocolate Soldier. He also wrote scripts for esteemed programs like The DuPont Show of the Month and The United States Steel Hour. Additionally, he collaborated with notable writers, including Fred Saidy and Neil Simon, on projects like Satins and Spurs, an original musical for Betty Hutton.
In recognition of his contribution to the world of theater, the Will Glickman Foundation and Theatre Bay Area established the Will Glickman Award in 1984. This prestigious award honors the author of the best play making its world premiere in the San Francisco Bay Area, accompanied by a $4,000 stipend. Notable past winners include Denis Johnson, Tony Kushner, and Rajiv Joseph, whose The North Pool received the award in 2011.
Throughout his illustrious career, Glickman demonstrated a unique ability to craft engaging stories and characters that captivated audiences. His work on Broadway and television left an indelible mark on the American theater landscape. As a testament to his enduring legacy, the Will Glickman Award continues to inspire new generations of playwrights, ensuring that his impact on the world of theater endures.
Will Glickman's remarkable body of work continues to inspire playwrights, directors, and theater enthusiasts alike, solidifying his place as a true legend of American theater.
Born in 1915
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright behind iconic dramas like "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible", exploring American identity and morality through powerful storytelling.
Born in 1911
A Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and poet, known for crafting emotionally charged, poetic dramas that explore the human condition, particularly in the American South.
Born in 1888
A pioneering playwright who explored the American experience through powerful, psychologically complex dramas, earning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1936.
Born in 1905
Pioneering playwright and screenwriter who crafted intricate, socially conscious dramas that probed the human condition, often focusing on moral dilemmas and personal relationships.
Born in 1906
A pioneering playwright and screenwriter of the 1930s, known for his gritty, socially conscious dramas that probed the American Dream and the struggles of the working class.
Born in 1913
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist known for poignant, nuanced portrayals of small-town American life, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the human condition.
Born in 1923
Acclaimed author and screenwriter behind iconic films like "Network" and "Marty", known for crafting thought-provoking, socially conscious stories that captivate audiences.
96 Years Old
Pioneering playwright and director who broke racial barriers on Broadway with her seminal work "A Raisin in the Sun", exploring African American experiences and social justice.
