The American Way
(1939)
By George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
Cast size: 34 men, 20 women; many sets
A dramatic epic story of assimilation, patriotism and prejudice in America. Kaufman and Hart’s most serious play.
For performance rights to this show, please contact: laurence.maslon@nyu.edu
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The Plot
A dramatic epic story of assimilation, patriotism and prejudice in America. A German immigrant named Martin Gunther comes to America at the turn of the century, moves to the Midwest where he thrives as a furniture manufacturer and raises a family.
Soon, WWI intervenes and he loses one son in the war; when a local pro-Nazi occurs in his town on the eve of the Second World War, Gunther loses his life for his principles. Kaufman and Hart’s most serious play, The American Way galvanized audiences at the large Century Theater in Rockefeller Center in the last days of the 1930s; it starred Frederic March as the leading character.
Other Plays in the Catalogue
Fancy Meeting You Again (1951). Written by George S. Kaufman and Leueen MacGrath. Theatres: Royale Theatre (Jan 14, 1952 - Jan 19, 1952)
Throughout his career, Kaufman made a fine art out of the revue sketch, the most popular theatrical form on Broadway in the 1920s and early 1930s. Several of his sketches are absolute classics and they can be singly or as part of a larger evening.
The Cocoanuts opened at the Lyric Theatre on December 8, 1925, where it ran 218 performances. Despite the success of the film version, it had never been professionally revived until a reconstructed text was staged at Washington DC's Arena Stage in 1986.
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Contact Us Today
Interested in bringing George S. Kaufman’s timeless plays to your stage?
Please refer to the contact information for each specific play on the various collection pages for direct amateur and professional licensing information.
Plays are represented by Concord Theatricals, Broadway Dramatic Licensing, and Music Theatre International respectively
If you are interested in first-class performance or film/television rights:
In the US, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:
CPK Artists, LLC
In the UK, George S. Kaufman’s plays are represented by:
Alan Brodie Representation
For more information about George S. Kaufman or this website, contact:
Laurence Maslon
Literary Trustee, George S. Kaufman Estate
