Will Glickman, American playwright (b. 1910)

The Enduring Legacy of Playwright Will Glickman

Will Glickman, a prolific American playwright born on March 7, 1910, and whose vibrant career concluded with his passing on March 11, 1983, left an indelible mark on both the Broadway stage and early television. Known for his keen wit and collaborative spirit, Glickman frequently partnered with fellow writer Joseph Stein, forging a creative alliance that yielded a string of notable theatrical productions.

A Distinguished Career on Broadway

Glickman made his Broadway debut in 1948, not with a full-length play, but with the engaging sketches he co-wrote with Joseph Stein for the revue Lend an Ear. This initial success paved the way for a fruitful partnership, as the duo continued their collaboration on several other Broadway ventures. Their joint efforts included the plays Mrs. Gibbons' Boys in 1949 and Alive and Kicking in 1950. As the decade progressed, they also contributed to the musical theater landscape with Mr. Wonderful in 1956 and The Body Beautiful in 1958.

However, it was their 1955 production, Plain and Fancy, that truly resonated with audiences and critics alike. This musical proved to be their most significant success, earning a coveted Tony Award nomination for Best Musical. Its blend of humor, heart, and a unique look at Amish country life captivated theatergoers, solidifying Glickman and Stein's reputation as a formidable writing team.

Ventures into Early Television

Beyond the bright lights of Broadway, Will Glickman also lent his talents to the burgeoning medium of television. His credits include crafting adaptations of classic operettas like The Desert Song and The Chocolate Soldier, bringing these beloved stories to a wider audience. Glickman further contributed to the small screen by writing scripts for prestigious anthology series such as The DuPont Show of the Month and The United States Steel Hour, which were instrumental in showcasing dramatic arts during television's golden age.

In a notable collaboration, Glickman joined forces with Fred Saidy and the legendary Neil Simon, among others, to create Satins and Spurs. This original musical, specifically tailored for the effervescent Betty Hutton, was a significant event in early television history, broadcast by NBC in September 1954, underscoring Glickman's versatility across different entertainment formats.

The Will Glickman Award: A Lasting Tribute

Will Glickman's contributions to playwriting are honored annually through the Will Glickman Award. Established in 1984, the year after his passing, this prestigious award is administered by the Will Glickman Foundation in collaboration with Theatre Bay Area. It is presented to the author of the best new play that makes its world premiere in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, recognizing and fostering emerging and established talent in regional theater.

The annual award comes with a generous $4,000 check, providing crucial support for playwrights. Over the years, it has celebrated a diverse array of theatrical voices, with past recipients including acclaimed writers such as Denis Johnson and Tony Kushner. In 2011, the honor was bestowed upon Rajiv Joseph for his compelling work, The North Pool, further cementing the award's reputation for identifying significant new plays.

Frequently Asked Questions about Will Glickman

Who was Will Glickman?
Will Glickman (1910–1983) was an American playwright known for his extensive work on Broadway, particularly his collaborations with Joseph Stein, and his contributions to early television.
What was Will Glickman's most famous work?
His biggest success was the 1955 Broadway musical Plain and Fancy, which he co-wrote with Joseph Stein. It earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical.
When did Will Glickman make his Broadway debut?
He made his Broadway debut in 1948, contributing sketches he co-wrote with Joseph Stein for the revue Lend an Ear.
What is the Will Glickman Award?
The Will Glickman Award is an annual prize, established in 1984, that honors the author of the best new play to have its world premiere in the San Francisco Bay Area. It includes a $4,000 monetary prize.
Did Will Glickman work in television?
Yes, Will Glickman had several television credits, including adaptations of operettas, scripts for anthology series like The DuPont Show of the Month, and co-writing the original musical Satins and Spurs for NBC in 1954.