A.R. Gurney Biography

Albert Ramsdell Gurney, less formally known as "Pete," is one of the most prolific and produced playwrights in America. His work focuses primarily on the issues and realities of middle-class American life and has been produced on international theatre stages for more than 30 years.

After receiving a bachelor of arts degree in 1952, Gurney joined the United States Navy during the Korean War, writing shows to entertain the military personnel. Following his discharge in 1955, he enrolled in the Yale School of Drama where he received his master's degree in playwriting. Later he joined the faculty at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge where he taught until 1987.

In 1958, Gurney wrote Love in Buffalo the first musical ever produced at Yale. His breakthrough success came in 1982 with The Dining Room. Other award- winning plays include The Perfect Party, Another Antigone, The Cocktail Hour, Love Letters and A Cheever Evening. His two most recent plays premiered earlier this year - Sylvia, at the Manhattan Theatre Club and Overtime at The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego.

Gurney is the recipient of many awards, notably a Drama Desk Award in 1971, a Rockefeller Award in 1977 and two Lucille Lortel Awards in 1989 and 1994. He is on the Artistic Board of Playwrights Horizons and is currently on leave from M.I.T.

Later Life premiered off-Broadway for a limited run at Playwrights Horizon on May 23, 1993. It tells the story of love and second chances, and according to Gurney, has been a high point in his career.

(Later Life program notes from Canadian Stage Company. Author of notes not credited.)