Moses: A Career in Playwriting and Screenwriting
Moses is a versatile writer whose work spans the worlds of Off-Broadway, Broadway, and prestige television. Known for blending intellectual curiosity with emotional depth, his writing often explores complex human relationships, academic intersections, and the challenging nuances of political and social conflict.
Key Facts
- Tony Award Winner: Won the 2018 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for The Band's Visit.
- Diverse Portfolio: Work includes plays, musicals, and television series for HBO and TNT.
- Academic Themes: Often incorporates specialized subjects like computer science and molecular biology into his narratives.
- Award Nominations: Nominated for two Writers Guild of America Awards and a Drama Desk Award.
Early Stage Success and Academic Themes
Moses first gained significant attention with the 2011 play Completeness. The production premiered at the South Coast Repertory Theatre before moving to Playwrights Horizons in New York City. The story focuses on university students from the Biology and Computer Science departments, weaving together discussions on love, molecular biology, and computer science through a series of romantic partnerships.
The play was nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play. Critic Bob Verini of Variety noted Moses's ability to write for both genders and praised his ear for the complex conversational loops of contemporary sexual politics.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Television and Screenwriting
Beyond the stage, Moses has contributed to high-profile television dramas. He wrote for the TNT comedy-drama Men of a Certain Age (2010–2011) and the HBO series Boardwalk Empire (2011). His contributions to Boardwalk Empire were particularly recognized, earning him nominations for two Writers Guild of America Awards.
Musical Theatre and Broadway
In 2014, Moses collaborated with Michael Friedman, who provided music and lyrics, to create the musical The Fortress of Solitude. Premiering at The Public Theater, this coming-of-age story follows teenagers in 1970s Brooklyn. While Variety's Marilyn Stasio praised the production as a tragedy of lost friendships rather than a nostalgia piece, she questioned whether the show would find a broad enough audience for Broadway.
Moses achieved his most prominent success with The Band's Visit. The musical opened on December 8, 2016, at the Atlantic Theater Company, where it won the 2017 Obie Award for Musical Theatre Off-Broadway. The production later transitioned to Broadway, opening at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on November 9, 2017. This work earned Moses the 2018 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Recent Works and Political Nuance
In 2024, Moses released the comedy-drama The Ally, directed by Lila Neugebauer. The play stars Josh Radnor as a Jewish college professor facing a moral dilemma regarding a petition denouncing the state of Israel. Although conceived during the Obama administration and slated for a 2020 premiere, the production was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The play has sparked critical discussion regarding its handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sara Holdren of Vulture praised the writing for addressing the "perilous face of nuance," while Jesse Green of The New York Times noted that while the arguments on all sides were eloquent, the narrative lacked certain stakes.
Career Summary Table
| Work | Year | Medium | Key Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completeness | 2011 | Play | Drama Desk Award Nomination |
| Boardwalk Empire | 2011 | TV Series | 2x Writers Guild of America Nominations |
| The Fortress of Solitude | 2014 | Musical | Premiered at The Public Theater |
| The Band's Visit | 2016/2017 | Musical | Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical |
| The Ally | 2024 | Play | Positive critical reception for nuance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which work won Moses a Tony Award?
Moses won the 2018 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for his work on The Band's Visit.
What is the plot of the play Completeness?
The play follows university students in the Computer Science and Biology departments as they navigate love and relationships while discussing their respective academic fields.
What television shows has Moses written for?
He has written for the TNT comedy-drama Men of a Certain Age and the HBO drama series Boardwalk Empire.
What is the central conflict in the play The Ally?
The play focuses on a Jewish college professor who must deal with the moral quandary of being asked to sign a petition involving the denouncement of the state of Israel.
When did The Band's Visit move to Broadway?
After winning an Obie Award Off-Broadway, the production began previews on October 7, 2017, and officially opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on November 9, 2017.