 The History Boys won critics' praise in London before its New York run |
Alan Bennett's The History Boys has been named as play of the year by the New York Drama Critics' Circle. The classroom drama tells of a group of young men trying to earn university places at Oxford or Cambridge, and the teachers who inspire them.
Cast members including Richard Griffiths and Frances de la Tour transferred to Broadway from the original London version.
It is also expected to included in next week's nominations for the Tony Awards.
These are the Oscars of the American theatrical world, and are announced on Tuesday.
Best musical winner
Founded in 1935, the Critics' Circle comprises 19 journalists from newspapers, magazines and news agencies based in New York.
They chose The Drowsy Chaperone - which celebrates stage shows of the 1920s - as best musical.
Special awards were also given to the current Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd, in which the performers play all of the show's instruments, and to Christine Ebersole for her role in Grey Gardens.
This is a musical version of a 1975 film documentary about a reclusive mother and daughter who were relates of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, wife of President John F Kennedy.
The award for The History Boys comes in the same week that celebrated author and playwright Bennett was made a freeman of his home city in northern England.
The 72-year-old received the honour in Leeds in recognition of his achievements as an author and his local roots.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 