George S. Kaufman
George S. Kaufman (1889–1961) was an American playwright, director, and humorist whose sharp Broadway comedies were often written with collaborators.
You Can't Take It with You: A 1936 comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart about an eccentric family and its conventional neighbors. This Pulitzer-winning hit exemplifies Kaufman’s warm, ensemble-driven comedy.
Moss Hart: An American playwright and director whose Broadway partnership with George S. Kaufman produced several enduring comedies. Hart was Kaufman’s most celebrated writing partner, including on two Pulitzer-winning plays.
Algonquin Round Table: An informal circle of New York writers, critics, and performers who met regularly at the Algonquin Hotel in the 1920s. Kaufman’s association with the circle connected his theater writing to its celebrated wit.
Pulitzer Prize for Drama: An annual American award recognizing distinguished drama, established in 1917. Kaufman won for Of Thee I Sing and shared the award for You Can't Take It with You.
The Man Who Came to Dinner: A 1939 comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart about a caustic critic stranded with an Ohio family. Its domineering central character turns Kaufman’s gift for verbal combat into farce.
Edna Ferber: An American novelist and playwright who co-wrote Broadway comedies with George S. Kaufman. Their partnership produced The Royal Family and Dinner at Eight.
The New York Times: An American newspaper founded in 1851 and published in New York City. Kaufman worked as a drama critic for the paper before becoming a prominent playwright.
American musical theatre: A stage tradition combining songs, spoken dialogue, dance, and dramatic action in the United States. Kaufman helped broaden the musical’s possibilities through political satire and comic structure.
Of Thee I Sing: A 1931 musical satire by George S. Kaufman, Morrie Ryskind, and George Gershwin, the first musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It shows Kaufman applying political satire to the Broadway musical.
Marc Connelly: An American playwright, director, and actor who collaborated with George S. Kaufman on early Broadway comedies. Connelly shared authorship of Kaufman’s early successes, including Merton of the Movies.