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Lanford Wilson, an American playwright who won the Pulitzer Prize for his play Talley’s Folly and whose work often broke ground in the depiction of homosexuality, died today of complications from pneumonia, according to the New York Times. He was 73. Born in Lebanon, Mo., Wilson co-founded the off-Broadway theater company the Circle Repertory Company, which debuted several of Wilson’s plays, including The Hot l Baltimore (1973), Fifth of July (1978), and Talley’s Folly (1980), a one-act play set in real time about a man and a woman deciding whether to get married.
Wonderful playwright.
I had to read “Fifth of July” for a drama class. I loved it. After the paper on it was turned in, we were shown the production with Cynthia Nixon (man was she young. might have been before Little Darlings)Richard Thomas (John Boy) and Jeff Daniels. Prior to this I never really liked plays, just big production musicals. It really turned me onto lots of fantastic plays. Thank you, Lanford Wilson
Good night sweet prince and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Thank you for all you have left behind. Your work will live forever.
He was amazing.
Saw the revival of BALM IN GILEAD on my first visit to NYC in the 80′s. One of the finest moments I’ve spent in a theater.