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Birthdate
David Lindsay-Abaire was born in November 30th, 1966 in Boston, Massachusetts! He was raised in the South Boston neighborhood. -
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Highschool Years
He attended Milton Academy on a scholarship in the 7th grade and graduated in 1988! -
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Moved for College
He moved to attend Sarah Lawrence College (Bronxville, New York) where he majored in Theatre and developed his early playwriting skills. -
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Contextual Information: World Events, Politics, & Historical Events
World Events/Politics: End of the Cold War (1991), 9/11 Attacks (2001), Great Recession (2008-2009), COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2021)
Historical Events (Educated Guess): Boston’s Social Economic Divide (Growing up), Advancements in Genetics Medicine (2000), and Rise of Dark Comedy Absurdist Theatre (1999). -
College Graduation!
David graduated from Sarah Lawrence College and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, focusing on theater! (Started in 1988) -
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Juilliard School's Playwriting Program
He studied playwriting at Juilliard’s Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program under mentors Marsha Norman and Christopher Durang. -
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Relocation for Juilliard!
He had to relocate for Juilliard's Playwrighting Program and built his career in theatre and screenwriting, becoming a prominent playwright; this took place in New York City, New York! And, he still lives there till this day. -
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Inspiration & Influence!
Marsha Norman Christopher Durang – His mentors at Juilliard, who shaped his approach to playwriting.
His South Boston Upbringing – His working-class background influenced his storytelling, often mixing humor with deep emotional themes.
Absurdist and Dark Comedy Playwrights – Influenced by writers like Edward Albee and Samuel Beckett. -
Off-Broadway Debut with "A Devil Inside"
This was his first major play produced Off-Broadway! -
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Got married to Chris Lindsay-Abaire
David was at the age of 27 when he got married! He keep information regarding his family private, but he does have one child! He's never been divorced either. -
Premiere of "Fuddy Meers"
This play was debuted Off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club. This play was a dark comedy about a woman with amnesia navigating her bizarre reality. -
"Kimberly Akimno" Debuts Off-Broadway
This musical was a dark, heartwarming comedy about a teenager with a rare aging disease! -
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Health Issues - None, but...
There are no health issues documents; however, themes of illness and mortality appear in his works, such as "Kimberly Akimbo," which follows a teenager with a rare genetic disorder. -
"Wonder of the World" Premieres!
This play starred Sarah Jessica Parker and opened Off-Broadway! A comedy about a woman’s existential journey. -
"High Fidelity" Musical Debuts!
David wrote the book for this Broadway musical adaptation! -
"Rabbit Hole" Opens on Broadway!
The following year, this drama earned the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2007! This cemented his reputation as a leading playwright. Fun fact: When he wrote "Rabbit Hole," it was actually because Marsha told him to write something he was scared of, and so he wrote about death and grief. -
"Shrek the Musical" Premieres on Broadway
He provided the book and lyrics for this adaptation of the popular film!! It received multiple award nominations. -
"Rabbit Hole" Film Adaptation Released
David adapted his play into a screenplay! The film starred Nicole Kidman. -
"Good People" Opens on Broadway
A comedy about two elderly women in a retirement home battling for dominance. In other words, a play exploring class and privilege in America, earning two Tony nominations! -
Screenplay for "Rise of the Guardians"
He contributed to the animated film's screenplay! :) -
Co-wrote "Oz the Great and Powerful" Screenplay
This film was a fantasy adventure fil exploring the origins of the Wizard of Oz! -
"Ripcord" Premieres Off-Broadway
A comedy about two women in a senior living facility. -
Appointed Co-Director at Juilliard!
Became co-director of Juilliard's Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program, mentoring emerging writers. -
"Kimberly Akimbo" Musical Debuts Off-Broadway
He adapted his earlier play into a musical with composer Jeanine Tesori. -
Wins Tony Awards for "Kimberly Akimbo"
Awarded Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score! -
"Kimberly Akimbo" Opens on Broadway
The musical transfers to Broadway, receiving critical acclaim.