Walter Kerr

Walter Kerr (1913-1996) was an influential American theater critic, playwright and writer who served as the chief theater critic for the New York Herald Tribune and later The New York Times. His witty, insightful reviews and commentary on theater helped shape theatrical discourse in New York for over three decades, particularly during Broadway's golden age. As a theater critic, Kerr was known for his sharp analytical skills and ability to assess both the artistic and entertainment value of productions. His reviews combined scholarly understanding with accessibility, allowing him to connect with both theater professionals and general audiences. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1978 for his cumulative work. Beyond criticism, Kerr wrote and directed for the stage, including the Broadway musical Goldilocks (1958) which he co-wrote with his wife Jean Kerr. He authored several books about theater and dramatic criticism, including How Not to Write a Play (1955) and The Decline of Pleasure (1962), which explored changing American cultural attitudes. The Walter Kerr Theatre on West 48th Street in New York City's Theater District was named in his honor in 1990, recognizing his lasting influence on American theater. During his career, he wrote over 8,500 reviews and established himself as one of America's preeminent voices on theater in the 20th century.

Readers appreciate Kerr's accessible writing style and ability to analyze theater without academic pretense. His reviews are noted for their wit and clear explanations of why productions succeed or fail. What readers liked: - Clear, conversational writing that explains complex theatrical concepts - Balanced perspective on both artistic merit and entertainment value - Historical context provided for plays and productions - Humor integrated naturally into analysis What readers disliked: - Some found his views on experimental theater conservative - Occasional focus on New York theater scene felt limiting - Reviews from earlier decades can feel dated in cultural references From Goodreads (The Decline of Pleasure): 3.9/5 stars from 28 ratings Readers highlight his cultural commentary and observations about changing American attitudes toward entertainment. From Amazon (How Not to Write a Play): 4.2/5 stars from 12 reviews Readers value his practical advice and insider perspective, though some note the examples are primarily from mid-20th century theater. His collected reviews see fewer ratings but maintain 4+ star averages across platforms.

How Not to Write a Play (1955) A guide to dramatic writing that examines common mistakes and structural problems in playwriting based on Kerr's experience as a theater critic.

Criticism and Censorship (1957) An analysis of the role of criticism in theater and the balance between artistic freedom and societal constraints.

The Decline of Pleasure (1962) An examination of how modern society has lost its ability to enjoy simple pleasures and aesthetic experiences.

God on the Gymnasium Floor (1963) A collection of essays discussing Catholic education and its role in modern American society.

Tragedy and Comedy (1967) An exploration of these two fundamental theatrical genres and their evolution throughout theater history.

The Silent Clowns (1975) A comprehensive study of silent film comedians including Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd.

Journey to the Center of the Theater (1979) A collection of Kerr's theater criticism and essays examining significant productions and trends in American theater.

Brooks Atkinson wrote theater criticism for The New York Times during the same era as Kerr and focused on analyzing dramatic structure and performance technique. His reviews covered Broadway's golden age and he documented American theater's evolution through multiple decades.

Eric Bentley specialized in Brechtian analysis and wrote extensively about theatrical theory and criticism from the 1940s-1970s. His work combines academic analysis with practical theater experience as a director and dramaturg.

Harold Clurman co-founded the Group Theatre and wrote criticism that emphasized the social and political context of theater. His reviews and essays examine both commercial Broadway productions and experimental theater movements.

Kenneth Tynan served as theater critic for The Observer and later dramaturge at Britain's National Theatre. His writing style balanced intellectual analysis with attention to performance craft and staging.

John Mason Brown wrote for multiple New York publications and produced theater criticism focused on acting technique and directorial choices. His work spans both pre-war and post-war American theater developments.