Thornton Wilder: Exploring His Five Most Popular Plays

Thornton Wilder, one of America’s most beloved playwrights and novelists, is renowned for his unique storytelling style and deep exploration of universal themes. His plays combine innovation, poignancy, and an appreciation for life’s small, beautiful moments. Let’s take a closer look at five of Wilder’s most iconic works, along with a short synopsis of each.

1. Our Town (1938)

Wilder’s most famous work, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a timeless celebration of life, love, and community. Its innovative staging and universal themes make it a cornerstone of American theatre.

Synopsis:
Set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, the play follows the lives of its residents over the course of three acts: daily life, love and marriage, and death. Narrated by the omniscient Stage Manager, Our Town reminds audiences to cherish the beauty of everyday moments.

2. The Skin of Our Teeth (1942)

This Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a bold and surreal exploration of human resilience and survival. Mixing historical, mythical, and contemporary elements, Wilder crafts a sweeping allegory of humanity’s ability to endure.

Synopsis:
The Antrobus family faces a series of apocalyptic challenges—from an Ice Age to a great flood—while navigating everyday domestic struggles. Blurring the lines between comedy, drama, and absurdity, the play highlights the cyclical nature of history and the indomitable spirit of humanity.

3. The Matchmaker (1954)

This charming comedy, which later inspired the musical Hello, Dolly!, is a delightful romp about love, money, and the pursuit of happiness. Wilder’s wit and keen insight into human nature shine throughout.

Synopsis:
Horace Vandergelder, a wealthy but miserly merchant, hires matchmaker Dolly Levi to find him a wife. Dolly, however, has her own plans—she schemes to marry Horace herself. Along the way, mistaken identities and romantic hijinks ensue, leading to a joyful conclusion.

4. The Happy Journey to Trenton and Camden (1931)

One of Wilder’s earlier works, this one-act play captures the simplicity and tenderness of a family road trip. It’s a quiet yet powerful exploration of familial love and the fleeting nature of life.

Synopsis:
The Kirby family embarks on a journey to visit their married daughter in Camden, New Jersey. Along the way, their conversations reveal their hopes, fears, and connections. The play’s minimal staging and focus on dialogue highlight the beauty of ordinary moments.

5. The Long Christmas Dinner (1931)

This one-act play compresses 90 years of family history into a single dining room and a single Christmas meal. It’s a poignant meditation on time, tradition, and the cycles of life.

Synopsis:
The Bayard family gathers for Christmas dinner over multiple generations. As the decades pass, the table’s occupants change, but the rituals and traditions remain constant. Wilder’s use of time-lapse storytelling emphasizes the enduring nature of family and memory.

The Timeless Legacy of Thornton Wilder

Thornton Wilder’s plays are a celebration of life’s beauty and complexity, exploring themes of love, resilience, and the passage of time. Whether it’s the quiet profundity of Our Town or the allegorical brilliance of The Skin of Our Teeth, Wilder’s work continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Which Thornton Wilder play speaks to you the most? His ability to capture the essence of humanity ensures that his works remain a vital part of the theatrical canon. Take a moment to experience his timeless stories and reflect on the beauty of life’s fleeting moments!