Marc Connelly, a celebrated playwright of considerable repute, is distinguished for his esteemed position as a leading wit within the illustrious Algonquin Round Table, a gathering of prominent writers, critics, and intellectuals known for their clever repartee and witty banter.
Furthermore, Connelly is notable for his fruitful collaborations with the renowned playwright and director George S. Kaufman, with whom he co-authored a plethora of plays, including the notable Merton of the Movies, which premiered in 1947.
Patrick Joseph Connelly, a renowned playwright, was born on December 13, 1890, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to a family with a rich theatrical background. His parents, Patrick Joseph Connelly and Mabel Louise Cook, were both accomplished actors who not only honed their craft on stage but also operated a hotel, providing a unique blend of artistic expression and hospitality.
Connelly's early fascination with playwriting began at a tender age, and he soon discovered his passion for storytelling through the dramatic arts. Following his stint as a cub reporter for the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, he made the bold decision to relocate to New York City, driven by an unwavering dedication to realizing his dreams of success.
In the city that never sleeps, Connelly immersed himself in the vibrant world of theater, where he would eventually make a name for himself as a talented playwright. His journey was marked by perseverance, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, ultimately leading him to achieve great things in the world of entertainment.
Ernest Connelly's literary endeavors initially took center stage with his contribution to the 1916 musical-comedy production of The Amber Empress, a venture that unfortunately faltered and ceased operations after a mere 15 performances. Undeterred by this setback, Connelly went on to craft lyrics for the 1918 musical extravaganza The Maid of the Mountains, which, although not a resounding success, managed to garner a respectable 37 curtain calls before finally closing its doors.
During the tumultuous period that followed the cessation of hostilities in World War I, a prominent individual emerged as a valued member of the esteemed Algonquin Round Table, a renowned gathering of intellectuals and wits. Two years subsequent to this notable achievement, in the year 1921, this accomplished individual, in collaboration with his fellow Round Table stalwart, Kaufman, achieved a significant success with their initial joint effort, a sidesplitting comedy entitled Dulcy, which went on to delight audiences for an impressive 241 performances.
After their initial success, the creative duo went on to collaborate on a diverse range of projects, including the hilarious comedy "To the Ladies", a musical revue that showcased their talents in a unique and entertaining way.
Their subsequent collaborations also included the creation of "The '49ers", a musical revue that paid homage to the pioneers who settled the American West.
Additionally, they worked together on "Merton of the Movies", a comedy that proved to be a huge hit, enjoying a successful run of 392 performances.
In the year 1923, the musical comedy Helen of Troy, New York emerged as a moderately successful endeavor, marking a notable milestone in the duo's creative output. However, this same year also witnessed the unfortunate demise of their comedy The Deep Tangled Wildwood, which unfortunately closed its curtains after a mere 16 performances.
Undeterred by this setback, the duo made a triumphant return in the early months of 1924 with the comedy Beggar on Horseback, which garnered widespread acclaim and became a resounding hit. In contrast, their subsequent offering of 1924, the musical comedy Be Yourself, failed to replicate the same level of success, ultimately falling short of its potential.
As time went on, the professional collaboration between the two individuals gradually came to an end. In the year 1926, a notable success was achieved by Connelly, who penned an original comedic play titled The Wisdom Tooth. This production managed to run for a total of 160 performances, marking a significant milestone in Connelly's career.
However, his subsequent play, a comedy co-authored with Herman J. Mankiewicz, titled The Wild Man of Borneo, did not fare as well. Unfortunately, this production closed its curtains after a mere 15 performances, leaving a lasting impression of disappointment and failure.
The next significant undertaking of this renowned individual on Broadway, The Great White Way, was a highly acclaimed musical play inspired by the Old Testament, aptly titled The Green Pastures. This endeavour proved to be his most triumphant yet, as The Green Pastures enjoyed a remarkable run of 640 performances, a testament to its enduring appeal. Moreover, this monumental achievement earned Connelly the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama, a coveted honour that solidified his position as a master of his craft.
The individual in question went through a period of drought in terms of having his work presented on stage, with the notable exception being the 1934 production of "The Farmer Takes a Wife", which unfortunately closed its curtains after a relatively modest 104 performances.
However, his fortunes took a turn for the better in 1937 with the premiere of his comedy "Having Wonderful Time", which would ultimately prove to be the final significant milestone of his career, with a respectable 372 performances to its credit.
Michael Connelly's creative endeavors extended far beyond his impressive writing career, as he also ventured into the world of stage production, direction, and acting on Broadway. His talent didn't stop there, as he also made a mark on the silver screen and television, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
In 1936, Connelly co-directed the cinematic adaptation of his own work, "The Green Pastures", a testament to his multifaceted skills. His work in screenwriting wasn't limited to just one medium, as he penned scripts for both movies and television. His efforts were recognized with an Academy Award nomination for his work on "Captains Courageous" and an Emmy nomination for the 1951 "Hallmark Hall of Fame" adaptation of "The Green Pastures", further solidifying his reputation as a talented and accomplished artist.
Michael Connelly, a renowned playwright, had a remarkable career, and his memoir, aptly titled "Voices Offstage", was published in the year 1968, offering a glimpse into his life and experiences.
Connelly's life came to a close on December 21, 1980, a date that holds a peculiar significance, as it was just eight days prior to the scheduled start of his final play, "The Stitch in Time", which was slated to go into previews.
