Peter Parnell facts for kids

Peter Parnell (born in 1953) is an American writer. He is known for writing plays for Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters. He also writes for television shows and creates children's books. Peter Parnell is also a leader at the Dramatists Guild of America. This is a professional group that supports playwrights, composers, and lyricists.

About Peter Parnell's Life

Peter Parnell is married to Justin Richardson, a psychiatrist. They live in Manhattan with their daughter.

Plays Written by Peter Parnell

Peter Parnell has written many plays that have been performed in theaters. Here are some of his well-known works:

• The Hunchback of Notre Dame – This musical was created with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
• On a Clear Day You Can See Forever – This play was shown on Broadway in 2011. It starred famous actors like Harry Connick Jr.
• Trumpery – This play first opened in 2007. It later had its first European show in the UK in 2014.
• QED – This play starred the actor Alan Alda. It was performed in 2001.
• The Cider House Rules, Part One and Part Two – These plays were adapted from a novel by John Irving. They were performed by several theater companies.
• Flaubert's Latest – This play was shown in 1992.
• Hyde in Hollywood – This play was performed in 1989.
• An Imaginary Life – This play was shown in 1993.
• Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket – This play starred Thomas Hulce.
• Romance Language – This play was performed in 1985.
• Scooter Thomas Makes It to the Top of the World – This play was first shown in 1977.
• Sorrows of Stephen – This play was performed in 1979.

Television Shows Peter Parnell Wrote For

Peter Parnell has also worked on several television series. He helped write and produce these shows:

• The West Wing – He was an Executive Story Editor for Season One (1999–2000). He also worked as a Co-Producer for Season Two (2000–2001).
• The Guardian – He was a Producer for Season One (2001–2002).
• Inconceivable – He worked as a Producer for Season One (2005).
• Six Degrees – He was a Consulting Producer for Season One (2006–2007).
• BrainDead – He worked as a Producer for this show in 2017.

Children's Books by Peter Parnell

Peter Parnell has written popular books for children:

• And Tango Makes Three – He wrote this book with Justin Richardson. It tells the true story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo. They bonded and raised a chick named Tango together. This book has won many awards. It was also one of the most challenged or banned books in the U.S. in several years.
• Christian, the Hugging Lion – This children's book is about the true story of Christian the lion.

Awards and Honors

Peter Parnell has received many awards and grants for his work. These include honors from:

• The NEA (National Endowment for the Arts)
• The Guggenheim Foundation
• The Ingram Merrill Foundation
• The Lecomte de Nouy Foundation
• The Fund for New American Plays
• The Kennedy Center
• The American Theatre Critics' Association
• Ovation awards for Best Play (for The Cider House Rules)

His book And Tango Makes Three also received special recognition:

• American Library Association Notable Children's Book – 2006
• ASPCA's Henry Bergh Award – 2005
• Gustavus Myer Outstanding Book Award – 2006
• Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Book of the Year – 2006
• Bank Street Best Book of the Year – 2006
• Cooperative Children's Book Council Choice – 2006
• CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book – 2006
• Lambda Literary Award finalist – 2006
• Sheffield Children's Book Award – shortlisted – 2008