Jonathan Marc Sherman
Encyclopedia
Jonathan Marc Sherman is a contemporary American playwright
.
He was born in Morristown, New Jersey
, and grew up in Livingston
. He began writing plays on a typewriter his father gave him as a birthday gift when he was twelve or thirteen years old. His first performed original play was the one-act Confrontation (1986).
He submitted plays for several years Young Playwrights Inc.'s National Playwrights Competition before they did a staged reading of his one-act, Serendipity and Serenity in 1987, followed by a full production of his next play, Women and Wallace (1988).
He graduated from Bennington College
in 1990. He dropped out of the Yale School of Drama
after less than two months. His work has been performed in front of audiences across the country, as well as in Europe and Japan. He lives in New York City
.
The play was written in 1991, and was performed by Ethan Hawke
's Malaparte Theater Company in New York City
. Calista Flockhart
played Joanna, Josh Hamilton (actor)
played Toby and Ethan Hawke
played Max. In the play's earlier incarnation as a workshop reading, Sherman himself played the part of Toby.
In the play's foreword, Sherman stresses the significance of Toby in the play; that his character is the nucleus of the play.
in New York City. Directed by Ethan Hawke
. With Paul Dano
(Charlie), Peter Dinklage
(Sty), Josh Hamilton (actor)
(Teddy), and Zoe Kazan
(Stella). Sets by Derek McLane
, Lights by Jeff Croiter, Costumes by Mattie Ulrich, Sound by Daniel Baker.
(Chester), Bob Dishy (Raymond), Rightor Doyle (Steve), Annie Parisse (Tara), Susan Pourfar (Pauline), and Reg Rogers (Jerry). Sets by Alexander Dodge. Sound Design by Alex Neumann.
Playwright
A playwright, also called a dramatist, is a person who writes plays.The term is not a variant spelling of "playwrite", but something quite distinct: the word wright is an archaic English term for a craftsman or builder...
.
He was born in Morristown, New Jersey
Morristown, New Jersey
Morristown is a town in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town population was 18,411. It is the county seat of Morris County. Morristown became characterized as "the military capital of the American Revolution" because of its strategic role in the...
, and grew up in Livingston
Livingston, New Jersey
Livingston is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township population was 29,366.Livingston was incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 5, 1813, from portions of Caldwell Township and Springfield...
. He began writing plays on a typewriter his father gave him as a birthday gift when he was twelve or thirteen years old. His first performed original play was the one-act Confrontation (1986).
He submitted plays for several years Young Playwrights Inc.'s National Playwrights Competition before they did a staged reading of his one-act, Serendipity and Serenity in 1987, followed by a full production of his next play, Women and Wallace (1988).
He graduated from Bennington College
Bennington College
Bennington College is a liberal arts college located in Bennington, Vermont, USA. The college was founded in 1932 as a women's college and became co-educational in 1969.-History:-Early years:...
in 1990. He dropped out of the Yale School of Drama
Yale School of Drama
The Yale School of Drama is a graduate professional school of Yale University providing training in every discipline of the theatre: acting, design , directing, dramaturgy and dramatic criticism, playwriting, stage management, sound design, technical design and production, and theater...
after less than two months. His work has been performed in front of audiences across the country, as well as in Europe and Japan. He lives in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Serendipity and Serenity
1987. Young Playwrights Festival at Playwrights Horizons (staged reading)Women and Wallace
- 1988. Young Playwrights Festival at Playwrights Horizons. Josh HamiltonJosh Hamilton (actor)Josh C. Hamilton is an American actor.Hamilton was born in New York City, New York. His father is actor Dan Hamilton, and his stepmother is actress Stephanie Braxton...
as Wallace - 1990. American Playhouse (PBS television), with Josh Hamilton (Wallace), Joan CopelandJoan CopelandJoan Copeland is an American actress and the younger sister of celebrated playwright Arthur Miller. She began her career appearing in theatre in New York City during the mid 1940s. She moved into television and film during the 1950s while still maintaining an active stage career...
, Shaie Dively, Erica Gimpel, Joanna GoingJoanna GoingJoanna C. Going is an American actress.-Early life and education:Born in Washington, D.C., she is the oldest of six children of Lorraine M...
, Mary Joy, Debra MonkDebra MonkDebra Monk is an American actress, singer, and writer.Monk was born in Middletown, Ohio. She was voted "best personality" by the graduating class at Wheaton High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. She graduated from Frostburg State University in 1963...
, Cynthia NixonCynthia NixonCynthia Ellen Nixon is an American actress, known for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the HBO series Sex and the City . She has received two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Grammy Award....
, and Jill Tasker. Directed by Don Scardino.
Sons and Fathers
The short play is about a family of two brothers, Toby and Max, and their father, fifteen years after the mother committed suicide. Toby, an idealist who has never quite recovered from his mother's death, still wears diapers at the age of 21 and hardly leaves the house. His older brother Max often lectures him on the ways of life and love. Joanna, a new representative for the diaper company responsible for Toby's deliveries, makes a delivery and Toby instantly falls in love. The play ends with Toby leaving the house, and more symbolically, his dependence on his mother's memory, to be with Joanna.The play was written in 1991, and was performed by Ethan Hawke
Ethan Hawke
Ethan Green Hawke is an American actor, writer and director. He made his feature film debut in 1985 with the science fiction movie Explorers, before making a supporting appearance in the 1989 drama Dead Poets Society which is considered his breakthrough role...
's Malaparte Theater Company in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. Calista Flockhart
Calista Flockhart
Calista Kay Flockhart is an American actress who is primarily recognized for her work in television. She is best known for playing the title character in the Fox comedy-drama series Ally McBeal for which she won a Golden Globe Award...
played Joanna, Josh Hamilton (actor)
Josh Hamilton (actor)
Josh C. Hamilton is an American actor.Hamilton was born in New York City, New York. His father is actor Dan Hamilton, and his stepmother is actress Stephanie Braxton...
played Toby and Ethan Hawke
Ethan Hawke
Ethan Green Hawke is an American actor, writer and director. He made his feature film debut in 1985 with the science fiction movie Explorers, before making a supporting appearance in the 1989 drama Dead Poets Society which is considered his breakthrough role...
played Max. In the play's earlier incarnation as a workshop reading, Sherman himself played the part of Toby.
In the play's foreword, Sherman stresses the significance of Toby in the play; that his character is the nucleus of the play.
Veins and Thumbtacks
- 1991. Los Angeles Theatre Center. Jimmy Bonaparte: Fisher Stevens
- 1994. Malaparte (theater company)Malaparte (theater company)Malaparte was a nonprofit American theater company founded in 1991 and based in New York City.-A Joke:* adapted from Ma non e una cosa seria by Luigi Pirandello by Keith Bunin, directed by Keith Bunin....
in New York City. Jimmy Bonaparte: Frank Whaley - 2001. Basis for Frank Whaley's movie The Jimmy Show, with Frank Whaley, Carla Gugino, Ethan Hawke, and Lynn Cohen.
Sophistry
- March, 1993. Playwrights Horizons. With Linda Atkinson, Nadia DajaniNadia DajaniNadia Dajani is an American actress of Irish and Palestinian descent.-Acting career:For two seasons , she starred as Amanda Moyer in the Fox television sitcom, Ned & Stacey. She starred in numerous television pilots...
, Ethan HawkeEthan HawkeEthan Green Hawke is an American actor, writer and director. He made his feature film debut in 1985 with the science fiction movie Explorers, before making a supporting appearance in the 1989 drama Dead Poets Society which is considered his breakthrough role...
, Katherine Hiler, Scarlett JohanssonScarlett JohanssonScarlett Johansson is an American actress, model and singer.Johansson made her film debut in North and was later nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead for her performance in Manny & Lo . She rose to further prominence with her roles in The Horse Whisperer and Ghost World...
, Dick LatessaDick LatessaRichard Robert "Dick" Latessa is an American actor.Latessa was born in Cleveland, Ohio to a mother who was an automotive upholstery maker. Latessa made his Broadway debut in The Education of H*Y*M*A*N K*A*P*L*A*N in 1968...
, Anthony RappAnthony RappAnthony Deane Rapp is an American stage and film actor and singer best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway production of Rent in 1996 and later for reprising the role in the film version and the Broadway Tour of Rent in 2009...
, Jonathan Marc Sherman, and Steve ZahnSteve Zahn-Early life:Zahn was born in Marshall, Minnesota, the son of Zelda, who worked for the YMCA, and Carleton E. Zahn, a retired Missouri Synod Lutheran pastor. Zahn spent part of his childhood in Mankato, Minnesota, attending Kennedy Elementary School... - September–November, 1993. Playwrights Horizons. With Linda Atkinson, Nadia DajaniNadia DajaniNadia Dajani is an American actress of Irish and Palestinian descent.-Acting career:For two seasons , she starred as Amanda Moyer in the Fox television sitcom, Ned & Stacey. She starred in numerous television pilots...
, Calista FlockhartCalista FlockhartCalista Kay Flockhart is an American actress who is primarily recognized for her work in television. She is best known for playing the title character in the Fox comedy-drama series Ally McBeal for which she won a Golden Globe Award...
, Ethan HawkeEthan HawkeEthan Green Hawke is an American actor, writer and director. He made his feature film debut in 1985 with the science fiction movie Explorers, before making a supporting appearance in the 1989 drama Dead Poets Society which is considered his breakthrough role...
, Austin PendletonAustin PendletonAustin Pendleton is an American film, television, and stage actor, a playwright, and a theatre director and instructor.-Life and career:...
, Anthony RappAnthony RappAnthony Deane Rapp is an American stage and film actor and singer best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway production of Rent in 1996 and later for reprising the role in the film version and the Broadway Tour of Rent in 2009...
, Jonathan Marc Sherman, and Steve ZahnSteve Zahn-Early life:Zahn was born in Marshall, Minnesota, the son of Zelda, who worked for the YMCA, and Carleton E. Zahn, a retired Missouri Synod Lutheran pastor. Zahn spent part of his childhood in Mankato, Minnesota, attending Kennedy Elementary School...
.
Evolution
- 1998. Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts. Directed by Nicholas Martin. With Matt McGrath (actor)Matt McGrath (actor)Matt McGrath is an American actor.McGrath's film appearances include roles in The Notorious Bettie Page, Boys Don't Cry, The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy, and The Impostors. On television, McGrath has appeared in episodes of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Now and Again, and New York...
(Henry), Dylan BakerDylan BakerDylan Baker is an American actor, known for playing supporting roles in both major studio and independent films.-Early life:...
(Storyteller), Anna BelknapAnna BelknapAnna Belknap is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Detective Lindsay Monroe on CSI: NY.-Personal life:...
(Gina), Marin HinkleMarin HinkleMarin Elizabeth Hinkle is an American actress, perhaps best known for playing the role of Judith Harper-Melnick, Alan Harper's ex-wife on the hit series Two and a Half Men and her role as Judy Brooks the sister of the series lead Lily Manning on Once and Again.-Career:Hinkle started her career on...
(Hope), Justin KirkJustin KirkJustin Kirk is an American stage and film actor. He is known for playing Prior Walter in Mike Nichols's screen adaptation of Angels in America and for his portrayal of Andy Botwin in Showtime's Weeds.-Early life and education:Kirk was born in Salem, Oregon, son of a...
(Ernie), and Sam Breslin Wright (Rex). Sets by Alexander Dodge, Lights by Stephen Brady, Costumes by Marisa Timperman, Sound by Jerry N. Yager - 2002. 45 Below at Culture Project in New York City. Directed by Elizabeth Gottlieb. With Josh Hamilton (actor)Josh Hamilton (actor)Josh C. Hamilton is an American actor.Hamilton was born in New York City, New York. His father is actor Dan Hamilton, and his stepmother is actress Stephanie Braxton...
(Henry), Larry BlockLarry BlockLawrence Joel "Larry" Block is an American radio, TV, film and theater actor. In 1971, Block appeared on Sesame Street as Tom, who worked at Hooper's Store....
(Storyteller), Peter DinklagePeter DinklagePeter Dinklage is an American film, television and theater actor. Since his breakout role in the 2003 film The Station Agent, he has acted in Elf, Underdog, Find Me Guilty, the 2007 film Death at a Funeral and its 2010 remake, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian...
(Rex), Keira Naughton (Hope), Armando RiescoArmando RiescoArmando Riesco is a Puerto Rican film and television actor and voice artist.-Biography:Riesco was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico to Cuban immigrants who resettled there. He was raised in San Juan where he attended Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola. Riesco then attended Northwestern University...
(Ernie), and Ione SkyeIone SkyeIone Skye Lee is an English-born American actress, who became a teen idol after the 1989 movie Say Anything.... In 2006 VH1 placed her at number 84 in the "100 Greatest Teen Stars" list.-Early life:...
(Gina). Sets by Andromache Chalfant, Lights by Jeff Croiter, Costumes by Daphne Javitch, Video by Edmond Deraedt
Things We Want
2007. The New GroupThe New Group
The New Group, an Off-Broadway theater company located at Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street, is an artist-driven company with a commitment to developing and producing powerful, contemporary theater. Founded by Artistic Director Scott Elliott, The New Group produced its first play, Mike Leigh's...
in New York City. Directed by Ethan Hawke
Ethan Hawke
Ethan Green Hawke is an American actor, writer and director. He made his feature film debut in 1985 with the science fiction movie Explorers, before making a supporting appearance in the 1989 drama Dead Poets Society which is considered his breakthrough role...
. With Paul Dano
Paul Dano
Paul Franklin Dano is an American actor and producer. He has appeared in films such as L.I.E. , The Girl Next Door , Little Miss Sunshine , There Will Be Blood , and Where the Wild Things Are .-Early life:Dano was born in New York City, the son of Gladys and Paul Dano...
(Charlie), Peter Dinklage
Peter Dinklage
Peter Dinklage is an American film, television and theater actor. Since his breakout role in the 2003 film The Station Agent, he has acted in Elf, Underdog, Find Me Guilty, the 2007 film Death at a Funeral and its 2010 remake, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian...
(Sty), Josh Hamilton (actor)
Josh Hamilton (actor)
Josh C. Hamilton is an American actor.Hamilton was born in New York City, New York. His father is actor Dan Hamilton, and his stepmother is actress Stephanie Braxton...
(Teddy), and Zoe Kazan
Zoe Kazan
-Early life and education:Kazan was born in Los Angeles, the daughter of screenwriters Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord, and the granddaughter of film and theatre director Elia Kazan...
(Stella). Sets by Derek McLane
Derek McLane
Derek McLane is an American set designer for theatre, opera, and musical theatre). He graduated with a BA from Harvard College and an MFA from the Yale School of Drama....
, Lights by Jeff Croiter, Costumes by Mattie Ulrich, Sound by Daniel Baker.
Knickerbocker
2009. Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts. Directed by Nicholas Martin. With Brooks Ashmanskas (Melvin), Peter DinklagePeter Dinklage
Peter Dinklage is an American film, television and theater actor. Since his breakout role in the 2003 film The Station Agent, he has acted in Elf, Underdog, Find Me Guilty, the 2007 film Death at a Funeral and its 2010 remake, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian...
(Chester), Bob Dishy (Raymond), Rightor Doyle (Steve), Annie Parisse (Tara), Susan Pourfar (Pauline), and Reg Rogers (Jerry). Sets by Alexander Dodge. Sound Design by Alex Neumann.
Acting
- Oliver!Oliver!Oliver! is a British musical, with script, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens....
(as "The Artful Dodger") Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, 1983 - My First Swedish Bombshell (TV) (Harrison Slide) NBC & Showtime, 1985
- The Chopin Playoffs (as "Irving Yanover") American Jewish Theatre, 1986
- A Joke (as "Grizzoffi"), Malaparte (theater company)Malaparte (theater company)Malaparte was a nonprofit American theater company founded in 1991 and based in New York City.-A Joke:* adapted from Ma non e una cosa seria by Luigi Pirandello by Keith Bunin, directed by Keith Bunin....
, 1992 - Sophistry (as "Igor"), Playwrights Horizons, 1993
- Wild Dogs, Malaparte (theater company)Malaparte (theater company)Malaparte was a nonprofit American theater company founded in 1991 and based in New York City.-A Joke:* adapted from Ma non e una cosa seria by Luigi Pirandello by Keith Bunin, directed by Keith Bunin....
, 1993 - Unexpected Tenderness (as "Roddy Stern"), WPA, 1994
- The Great Unwashed, Malaparte (theater company)Malaparte (theater company)Malaparte was a nonprofit American theater company founded in 1991 and based in New York City.-A Joke:* adapted from Ma non e una cosa seria by Luigi Pirandello by Keith Bunin, directed by Keith Bunin....
, 1994 - Quiz ShowQuiz ShowQuiz Show is a 1994 American historical drama film produced and directed by Robert Redford. Adapted by Paul Attanasio from Richard Goodwin's memoir Remembering America, the film is based upon the Twenty One quiz show scandal of the 1950s...
(as Don Quixote Student #2), 1994 - SouthieSouthie (film)Southie is a 1999 American film directed by John Shea and starring Donnie Wahlberg. The film centers on Danny Quinn who returns home to South Boston from New York City and gets stuck between his friends, who are supported by one Irish gang, and his family, which are members of another...
(as "Eddie Eaton"), 1998 - Pigeonholed (as Bartender), 1999
- I Wanna Be Adored, NY Performance Works, 2000
- Zog's Place (as himself), 2001
- Broadway: The American Musical (TV), 2004
- The Baxter (as "Deaf Bar Baxter"), 2005
- Escape Artists (as "Linus"), 2005
- The Limbo Room (as "Guy Greenbaum"), 2006
- Steam (as "Norman"), 2006
- When The Nines Roll Over (as "the Australian"), 2006
- The Hottest StateThe Hottest StateThe Hottest State is a 2006 drama directed and written by Ethan Hawke, based on Hawke's 1996 novel of the same name. The film debuted at the Venice Film Festival on September 2, 2006, and received a limited theatrical release in the United States on August 24, 2007. It ran for 5 weeks and grossed...
, 2007