Pulitzer Prize-Winning Plays Ralph Loomis

Anna Christie by Eugene O’Neill (1922). In this compelling account of a young woman’s decline and subsequent salvation, O’Neill presents a realistic and painful exploration of family conflict and the harsh reality of women’s lives in the early part of the 20th century.

Picnic by William Inge (1953). Inge’s exploration of small town life, his focus on family relationships and his depiction of the loneliness that permeates so many peoples’ lives struck a chord with 1950’s audiences and has continued to do so today.

Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank (1956). The drama details approximately two years in the life of a Jewish teenager during World War II. During much of the period covered by her journal, Anne and her family are in hiding in an attempt to escape Hitler’s anti-Jewish laws and genocidal acts.

Tally’s Folly by Lanford Wilson (1980). Sally is from a conservative wealthy small town family of bigoted Protestants, and Matt is a Jewish accountant twelve years her senior. The story of how they become brave enough to reveal their most painful secrets touch audiences and critics alike.

That Championship Season by Jason Miller (1983). Miller’s drama was regarded as one of the more important plays of the time. In addition to reflecting the emptiness of America’s emphasis on winning and other suspect values, the play was also regarded as the kind of quintessential American drama Broadway should have been producing, but was not.

The Heidi Chronicles by Wendy Wasserstein (1989). The Heidi Chronicles is seen as a success in the subgenre of feminist theatre. The play distinguished Wasserstein as a significant dramatic voice of the Baby Boom generation. Most critics and viewers found the play to be entertaining and few could deny the author’s facility with comedic dialogue.

Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon (1991). The play follows Jay Kurnitz, a 16-year-old boy living with his grandmother while trying to help raise his younger brother Arty. His highly dysfunctional family provides little support for Jay. In fact, they call upon Jay to help them with their own problems and insecurities.

Dinner With Friends by Donald Margulies (2000). All around us, according to Margulies, relationships are changing, marriages are breaking up. Its notions of impermanence, the yearning for something else, that the play explores. And, apparently, Margulies has also tapped into audiences all over the world as his play enjoys enormous international success.