Pulitzer Prize Predictions

As the year is coming to a wrap, what plays do people think will make the Pulitzer list next year? So far this year I've been most impressed with HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING, DADDY, OCTET, WHITE NOISE, and HURRICANE DIANE. And I could see any of them getting onto the list with how much the committee emphasizes current and social relevance when determining what're the landmarks of the year. Is INHERITANCE eligible for this year, or was that submitted for last year?

If we widen our scope to plays that haven't been seen in NYC yet, Hnath's DANA H. and Adam Bock's BEFORE THE MEETING could be contenders.

I was coming here to say SOFT POWER, too. Even though the reviews were all over the place, it's undeniably ambitious and speaks to the theatre's troubled past in telling Asian stories.

But also remember, last year it looked like SLAVE PLAY and Bruce Norris's DOWNSTATE would be clear finalists or winners. DANCE NATION was kind of a surprise. In prior years, Cost of Living, Everybody, 24 Decade History..., and The Flick weren't totally expected either.

Nantucket Sleigh Ride, Gary, Marys Seacole, BLKS, and Hurricane Diane are all contenders, as well.

Is The Sound Inside not eligible?

Marys Seacole, Dana H., Heroes, Octet.

little_sally said: "We have lots of time to go but I think Heroes and A Strange Loop are strong contenders. There is always one that is a left-field choice nominee though."

A Strange Loop is an interesting piece for this because while I think the book and concept are absolutely Pulitzer-type material, I think the music and lyrics are absolutely not Pulitzer-type material.

I don't know much about how voting works, but I can't imagine it's anything that can't be done remotely

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/The-Pulitzer-Prize-Announcement-Will-be-Postponed-by-Two-Weeks-Due-to-the-Global-Health-Crisis-20200407

Announcement delayed by 2 weeks - at least it isn't cancelled altogether (though as I said in my post above, I don't see why it would have been).

The reason they give is interesting - that the journalists who comprise the Pulitzer committee have been focused on covering COVID.

@MadonnaMusical

I enjoyed Halfway Bitches, but wasn't head over heels for it. I certainly wouldn't peg it as the next great play of the 21st century. Having said that, I think you're right to point out that it has become a more and more viable option for the Pulitzer. It ticks all the boxes, and it got a lot of love from both the Drama Desks and the Lortel awards, and that will probably turn some of the heads of the Pulitzer committee. It's possible that the attention it's getting will help it to edge out the other major contenders.

As for me personally, I'm still crossing my fingers for Ain't No Mo' - though I doubt that will win at this point. Still, you never know with the Pulitzer folks! Last year I said the same thing about Fairview, and we all know what happened there!

Updated On: 4/21/20 at 06:12 PM

JBroadway said: "@MadonnaMusical

I enjoyed Halfway Bitches, but wasn't head over heels for it. I certainly wouldn'tpegit as the next great play of the 21st century. Having said that, I think you're right to point out that it has become a more and more viable option for the Pulitzer. It ticks all the boxes, and it got a lot of love from both the Drama Desks and the Lortelawards, and that will probably turn some of the heads of the Pulitzer committee. It's possible that the attention it's getting will help it to edge out the other major contenders.

As for me personally, I'm still crossing my fingers for Ain't No Mo' - though I doubt that will win at this point. Still, you never know with the Pulitzer folks! Last year I said the same thing about Fairview, and we all know what happened there!"

I don't think the Pulitzer committee cares anything about other awards. They pick the play they want and that's it. It's supposed to say something new about the American Experience... so really I think these six plays we've mentioned are all great contenders.