Opening Nights, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Janet Burroway, came out in 1985. It’s a black comedy about a bunch of theater nerds and the ways their lives intertwine. It’s incredibly original and lots of fun, even if you’re not typically into theater, drama, and all that jazz.
The story focuses on the lives of a few core characters. There’s flouncy costume designer Shaara Soole; her ex-husband and theater director Boyd Soole; Boyd’s new, young wife Wendy; and Gene Keyes—a low-class laborer vying for Shaara’s affection. Each character is quirky in their own cool way. The book is raw, sarcastic, and gross at times, which is another reason it’s super fun, and also kind of charming.
I like how the book doesn’t go into long detail about Boyd’s play. His play is more like an afterthought and less like a focal point, like I thought it might be. Overall, Opening Nights is very kooky, and its climax is shocking and unforgettable. Just lots of fun in general!
Another super cool thing about this book is that it’s evergreen—classic and timeless. Give it a try if you can get your hands on it!
Other books by Janet Burroway:
- The Dancer from the Dance (1968)
- Bridge of Sand (2009)
- Simone in Pieces (2025)
What did you think about Opening Nights?
Last Updated on February 2, 2026 by Sarah Ann
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