5 Favorite Classic Plays
If this was called the Friday 6, Our Town would have made today's list. After purchasing tickets to this season's revival, I got to thinking about older plays that I love. I'm not talking about Shakespeare older, but early to mid 20th century classics. Plays that for me resonate despite (and because of) their age. Each speaks as clearly to us today as they did to audiences decades ago.
All My Sons - Arthur Miller
You might expect that Miller's more famous plays, Death of a Salesman and/or The Crucible, would make this list. They are fine scripts, but the very first Tony Award-winning Best Play (it was awarded to the playwright as "Best Author") is the one that sticks with me. Is there anything more American than greed and corruption wrapped up in patriotism and family values? Timeless.
An Inspector Calls - J.B. Priestley
A chilling suspense play, with a dash of societal criticism, this very British play is exciting from the moment it starts. The revival from the 90s was so great, I saw it three times. The highly stylized production was engrossing and very wet, but for all the spectacle, the play itself shone through. I hung on every word.
Arsenic and Old Lace - Joseph O. Kesselring
When I see a play like this one, that is good whether it is a professional production, a local show, or a high school performance, it speaks to the quality of the writing. A great plot, full of twists and turns, expertly drawn characters, and genuinely funny situations all combine to make a light night of high quality entertainment. It was the perfect antidote to a war-worried and weary audience.
The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams
If I had to name my single favorite play of all time it would be this beautiful play. It is so rich that every time I see it (I've seen it close to two dozen times in a variety of venues) I find something more to marvel at and think about. Of all of those, I think I enjoyed the Cherry Jones-Zachary Quinto revival the most. The dreamlike quality of it leaned into the "memory play" aspect of it.
The Man Who Came to Dinner - George S. Kaufman & Moss Hart
A comedy classic with a cast of thousands (thank you, WPA), this 3-act gem concerns critic and radio personality Sheridan Whiteside, stuck in the suburbs with a middle class family. He lures some of his celeb friends to the small town, and a bunch of craziness involving, among other things, an Egyptian sarcophagus and dozen penguins. With its sharp barbs and commentary on the classes, fame and media influence, I'm surprised this one hasn't been on Broadway in almost a quarter century. The last time, it starred Nathan Lane, Harriet Harris...and Jean Smart.
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