Henry Hewes (critic) facts for kids

Henry Hewes (born April 9, 1917 – died July 18, 2006) was an important American writer who loved theater. He worked as a drama critic for a magazine called Saturday Review from 1955 to 1979. A drama critic watches plays and writes reviews about them. Henry Hewes was special because he was the first main critic to review plays not just from New York, but also from other parts of the U.S. and even other countries.

He cared a lot about theater happening outside of big cities. Because of his passion, he helped start the American Theater Critics Association. He also helped create a special Tony Award for regional theater. This award celebrates great theater groups from different areas. Another award for theater design is now named after him: the Hewes Award. In 2002, he was honored by being added to the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Growing Up and School

Henry Hewes was born in Boston into a well-known family. His mother, Margaret Gordon Warman, was a theater producer. This meant Henry got interested in plays and shows from a young age, around ten years old.

He first started studying to become a doctor at Harvard University. However, his studies were stopped because of World War II. Henry joined the Army Air Corps during the war. After the war ended, he changed his focus. He decided to study theater instead. He then graduated from Columbia University in 1949.

His Work in Theater

Henry Hewes' first job in writing was at New York Times newspaper. He started as a copy boy', which means he helped deliver messages and papers. A famous critic named Brooks Atkinson encouraged him. Soon, Henry began writing articles about arts and culture for the Times Sunday magazine.

Becoming a Drama Critic

After working at the Times, Henry moved to the Saturday Review. This was a weekly magazine. He started as a secondary drama critic, helping the main critic, John Mason Brown. In 1955, Henry Hewes became the main drama critic. He held this important job until 1976.

He became well-known for supporting new plays and writers. He was also famous for being the first major critic to review theater from different parts of the U.S. and other countries. Before him, most critics only focused on New York shows. Besides writing reviews, Henry also edited a yearly book called Best Plays from 1960 to 1964. This helped bring more attention to new and exciting plays.

Directing and Awards

While Henry Hewes was mostly a writer and critic, he also tried his hand at theater directing. In 1972, he directed a play called Our Very Own Hole in the Ground by Bernie Kahn. This play was performed at a place called La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York City.

In 1974, Henry Hewes helped create the American Theater Critics Association. He did this because he believed in theater happening all over the country, not just in big cities. He also helped start the Tony Award for regional theater. This award celebrates excellent theater groups outside of Broadway. He also helped create an award for theater design, which is now called the Henry Hewes Design Award.

Personal Life

Henry Hewes was married to Jane Fowle. They had three sons together: Henry, Tucker, and Havelock. Henry Hewes passed away in Manhattan on July 18, 2006. He was 89 years old.

Legacy and Honors

• He was chosen to be the president of the New York Drama Critics' Circle.
• He was also chosen to be the president of the Drama Desk.
• In 2002, he was added to the American Theater Hall of Fame. This is a special honor for people who have made a big difference in American theater.