The Most Underrated Plays, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the plays you think is the most underrated!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:16
In the wide realm of theatrical productions, numerous plays often slip under the radar, overshadowed by more famous titles. These hidden gems offer unique narratives and powerful performances that go unrecognized by the mainstage spotlight. Highlighting these works not only broadens audience perspectives but also celebrates the diverse creativity within the theater community.
Through voting for these underrated plays, a live ranking emerges, allowing more obscure works to receive their much-deserved recognition. This interactive approach also engages the theater-loving community, giving everyone a voice in lifting up the less-known but equally impactful productions. By participating, you contribute to reshaping the common theatrical canon to include a wider range of expressions and stories.
What Are the Most Underrated Plays?
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151votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde
Oscar WildeThis play is often dismissed as a light comedy, but it is actually a masterful satire of Victorian social conventions and the hypocrisy of the upper class.The Importance of Being Earnest is a satirical comedy play written by Oscar Wilde. It was first performed on 14 February 1895 at St James's Theatre in London. The play explores themes of deception, mistaken identity, and the triviality of social conventions in Victorian society. It is widely regarded as one of Wilde's most brilliant and enduring works, showcasing his wit, clever wordplay, and sharp social commentary.- Genre: Comedy
- Original performance date: 14 February 1895
- Setting: London, Victorian era
- Themes: Deception, mistaken identity, social conventions
- Style: Satire
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233votes
Alexander Bakshy · Public domain"The Cherry Orchard" by Anton Chekhov
Anton ChekhovThis play is often overshadowed by Chekhov's other works, but it is a poignant portrayal of the decline of the Russian aristocracy and the changing times.The Cherry Orchard is a play written by Anton Chekhov, a prominent Russian playwright. It portrays the story of a landowner's family who are forced to sell their beloved cherry orchard to pay off their debts. The play is a tragicomedy that delves into themes of social change, nostalgia, and the human condition. Chekhov's masterful writing captures the complexities of the characters' relationships and emotions.- Genre: Tragicomedy
- Language: Originally written in Russian
- Premiere date: January 17, 1904
- Setting: A Russian country estate
- Main characters: Liubov Andreevna Ranevskaya, Leonid Andreyevich Gaev, Yermolai Alexeyevich Lopakhin
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337votes
unknown (Billy Rose Theatre Collection) · Public domain"The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams
Tennessee WilliamsThis play is often overshadowed by Williams' other works, but it is a powerful exploration of family dynamics and the struggle for personal fulfillment.The Glass Menagerie is a play written by Tennessee Williams that premiered in 1944. It tells the story of a dysfunctional family living in St. Louis during the 1930s. The play explores themes of memory, illusions, and the struggles of longing for escape.- Genre: Drama
- Setting: St. Louis, 1930s
- Main Characters: Amanda Wingfield, Tom Wingfield, Laura Wingfield, Jim O'Connor
- Narrative Style: Memory Play
- Symbolism: Glass menagerie as fragility and illusions
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416votes
"The Lion in Winter" by James Goldman
James GoldmanThis play is often overshadowed by its film adaptation, but it is a witty and engaging depiction of the power struggles within the royal family of England.The Lion in Winter is a play written by James Goldman. It is set during Christmas of 1183 and tells the story of the complex and tumultuous relationship between King Henry II of England, his estranged wife Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their three ambitious sons. The play explores themes of power, family dynamics, and betrayal as the family members navigate their competing desires and schemes.- Genre: Historical drama
- Premiere: March 3, 1966
- Setting: Castle in Chinon, France
- Characters: King Henry II, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, Prince Richard, Prince Geoffrey, Prince John, Alais Capet, Philip II of France
- Themes: Power, family dynamics, betrayal
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521votesThis play is often dismissed as confusing or too abstract, but it is a haunting exploration of identity and the dangers of conformity.
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67votes
"The Iceman Cometh" by Eugene O'Neill
Eugene O'NeillThis play is often overshadowed by O'Neill's other works, but it is a powerful examination of the human condition and the search for meaning in life.The Iceman Cometh is a play written by Eugene O'Neill, often regarded as one of his most significant works. It was first published in 1946 and debuted on Broadway in 1946. The play takes place entirely in the dingy and decrepit backroom of Harry Hope's saloon in New York City. The story revolves around the desperate and disillusioned characters who visit the bar regularly, seeking solace and escape from their troubled lives. Throughout the play, the characters confront their shattered dreams and illusions, ultimately questioning the purpose and meaning of their existence.- Genre: Drama
- Publication Year: 1946
- Premiere Year: 1946
- Setting: Backroom of a saloon in New York City
- Themes: Despair, illusion, shattered dreams, existentialism
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714votes
Kmcody001 · CC BY-SA 3.0"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller
Arthur MillerThis play is often dismissed as a historical drama, but it is a timeless exploration of the dangers of groupthink and the consequences of fear.The Crucible is a four-act play written by Arthur Miller. Set in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, it vividly depicts the events of the Salem witch trials. The play brings to light the consequences of mass hysteria, fear, and deception, as well as the power dynamics and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.- Genre: Drama
- Setting: Salem, Massachusetts, 1692
- Themes: Mass hysteria, witchcraft, deceit, moral integrity
- Main Characters: John Proctor, Abigail Williams, Reverend Parris, Elizabeth Proctor, Judge Danforth
- Number of Acts: 4
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88votes
Francis Wheatley · Public domain"The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?" by Edward Albee
Edward AlbeeThis play is often dismissed as too controversial or strange, but it is a fascinating exploration of love, sexuality, and social norms.The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? is a play written by Edward Albee, which revolves around the unraveling of an upper-middle-class family when the husband reveals he is in love with a goat. The play explores themes of love, betrayal, and taboo desires, challenging societal norms and questioning the boundaries of human relationships.- Genre: Drama
- Premiere Date: March 10, 2002
- Setting: Contemporary suburban home
- Characters: 4 main characters: Martin Gray (the husband), Stevie Gray (the wife), Billy (their son), and Sylvia (the goat)
- Themes: Love, betrayal, taboo desires, societal norms
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96votes
KeepOnTruckin · CC BY 2.5"Noises Off" by Michael Frayn
Michael FraynThis play is often dismissed as a simple farce, but it is a brilliantly constructed comedy that satirizes the theater industry and the human tendency to make mistakes.Noises Off is a comedic play written by Michael Frayn that premiered in 1982. It is widely considered one of the most underrated plays of all time, often overshadowed by more well-known works. The play follows the backstage antics of a group of actors as they rehearse and perform a fictional farce called 'Nothing On' which, in turn, mirrors their own chaotic lives. The humor derived from the mishaps, misunderstandings, and physical comedy that ensue make Noises Off a delightful and entertaining theatrical experience.- Genre: Comedy
- Premiere Year: 1982
- Setting: Backstage and onstage
- Character Count: 9
- Act Count: 3
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107votes
"Topdog/Underdog" by Suzan-Lori Parks
Suzan-Lori ParksThis play is often dismissed as too experimental or obscure, but it is a powerful examination of race, identity, and sibling rivalry.Topdog/Underdog is a play written by Suzan-Lori Parks that explores themes of brotherhood, identity, and the struggle for survival. It depicts the complex relationship between two African American brothers, Lincoln and Booth, who are both trapped in a cycle of poverty and violence.- Genre: Drama
- Premiere Date: May 1, 2001
- Setting: A rundown apartment
- Characters: 2 (Lincoln and Booth)
- Themes: Identity, brotherhood, power dynamics
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Discussion
Ranking factors for underrated plays
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Complexity and depthConsider plays that have multi-layered characters, intricate plots, or deal with thought-provoking themes that are not often discussed or given attention in mainstream media.
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Originality and creativityLook for plays that bring something new to the table, whether through the way they are staged, their dialogue, or their perspective on a particular issue.
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Critical receptionExamine the critical response to the play at the time of its release or over the years. An underrated play may have received mixed or lukewarm reviews upon initial release, but has grown in esteem over time, or may have been overshadowed by other more popular works by the same playwright.
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Audience engagementConsider plays that have a strong impact on audiences, whether through laughter, tears, or thought-provoking discussions. Plays that make people think and feel deeply, but are not well-known or widely discussed, may be underrated.
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Cultural significanceLook for plays that explore underrepresented cultures, societies, or ways of life, or that challenge conventional norms and ideas. Plays that break new ground or shine a light on hidden aspects of society can be considered underrated.
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InfluenceDetermine if a play has had an impact on the larger theatrical landscape, whether through inspiring other playwrights or influencing the direction of future productions.
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Production qualityTake the technical aspects of the play into account, including the set, costumes, lighting, sound, and overall design. If these elements are well-executed and contribute to the storytelling, but have gone unnoticed, the play may be underrated.
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AccessibilityConsider how accessible the play is to a wide variety of audiences, as an underrated play may be one that transcends cultural or social barriers and speaks to a diverse group of people.
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Personal preferenceUltimately, one's judgment of what makes a play underrated will always be somewhat subjective. Keep in mind your own taste and preferences when considering which plays deserve more recognition.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most underrated plays. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or play is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2841 views
- 201 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each play once every 24 hours. The rank of each play is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most underrated plays
Underrated plays often fly under the radar in the world of theatre, but they can pack just as powerful a punch as their more popular counterparts. From lesser-known works by well-known playwrights to hidden gems by up-and-coming writers, there are countless plays that deserve more attention. These unsung heroes of the theatre world offer fresh perspectives, unique storytelling, and thought-provoking themes. In this article, we explore some of the most underrated plays that deserve to be brought into the spotlight.
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