Picnic (play)

JU Production Picnic

Picnic is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play written by William Inge in 1953. The play is set in a small town in Kansas and revolves around the lives of several characters during a Labor Day picnic.

Plot

The story follows the arrival of Hal Carter, a charming and handsome drifter, in the town of Salina, Kansas. Hal's presence disrupts the lives of the Owens family, particularly Madge Owens, a beautiful young woman who becomes infatuated with him. As the picnic unfolds, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and relationships are tested.

Characters

The main characters in Picnic include:

• Hal Carter
• Madge Owens
• Flo Owens
• Rosemary Sydney
• Alan Seymour
• Millie Owens
• Howard Bevans

Themes

Picnic explores themes of desire, longing, societal expectations, and the search for happiness. The play delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of external influences on personal choices.

Production History

Picnic premiered on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre on February 19, 1953. The original production was directed by Joshua Logan and featured a cast that included Paul Newman and Kim Stanley. The play received critical acclaim and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1953.

Legacy

Picnic remains a classic of American theater and is frequently performed in theaters around the world. The play's exploration of human emotions and relationships continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless piece of dramatic literature.