The Heidi Chronicles
by Wendy Wasserstein

Name: The Heidi Chronicles
Brand: Wendy Wasserstein
SKU: 9780822205104
Rating: 3.77 (1966 reviews)

BroadwayOff-BroadwayOff-West End

The Heidi Chronicles Book Cover — The Heidi Chronicles Cover

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

120 mins1980sStrong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle)Unit Set/Multiple SettingsPeriod CostumesAmerican LGBTQ Comedy

Awards & Recognition

Drama Critics CircleDrama Desk AwardOuter Critics CirclePulitzer PrizeTony Award

Winner! 1989 Tony Award for Best Play Winner! 1989 Pulitzer Prize for Drama Winner! 1989 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play Winner! 1989 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Broadway Play Winner! 1989 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play Winner! 1988 Hull-Warriner Award Winner! 1989 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the insightful exploration of feminism and the relatable experiences of the main character, Heidi. Many find the play's humor quotable and its themes relevant despite some dated references. Overall, it captures the challenges and evolution of women from the 1960s to the 1990s with a blend of laughter and poignancy.

Insightful exploration of feminismHumorous and quotableRelatable character experiencesSome elements feel dated

Synopsis

Comprised of a series of interrelated scenes, the play traces the coming of age of Heidi Holland, a successful art historian, as she tries to find her bearings in a rapidly changing world.

Gradually distancing herself from her friends, she watches them move from the idealism and political radicalism of their college years through militant feminism.

Press Reviews

"Not many plays manage Heidi’s feat of inducing almost continuous laughter while forcing the audience to examine its preconceptions. It’s the play of the season."
— Variety

"A wonderful and important play."
— Newsday

"The author looks beyond feminism and yuppie-ism to individualism and one’s need to have pride of accomplishment. We are what we make of ourselves, but we keep looking for systems of support. As Heidi learns, her friends are her family."
— The New York Times

"The writing is emotional and heartfelt, rare qualities in today’s trivial theatre, and all the more extraordinary when combined with perceptive characterizations and witty dialogue."
— Backstage

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
HEIDI HOLLAND An art historian and professor whose life journey is the central focus of the play.	—	—	An art historian and professor whose life journey is the central focus of the play.
SCOOP ROSENBAUM A charming but complicated man with whom Heidi has a tempestuous and on-again, off-again relationship.	male	—	A charming but complicated man with whom Heidi has a tempestuous and on-again, off-again relationship.
PETER PATRONE Heidi’s close friend, a gay man, who is a constant in her life.	female	—	Heidi’s close friend, a gay man, who is a constant in her life.
SUSAN JOHNSTON Heidi’s friend, a prominent feminist.	—	—	Heidi’s friend, a prominent feminist.
CHRIS BOXER and OTHERSJILL and OTHERSFRAN and OTHERSBECKY and OTHERS	—	—	—