A. R. Gurney has written over thirty plays, including many standards in the repertoire of American theater. The Dining Room, Love Letters, The Cocktail Hour, and Sylvia, among others, delight audiences across the U.S. and around the world. His plays keep us laughing, even as they offer keen insights into American life. Inspired by Gurney's artistic vision, this unprecedented collection invites the reader into "the community of the play" - a collaborative forum comprised of actors, directors, playwrights, theatergoers, scholars, and critics. Selections include an opening interview with Gurney exploring his life and creative process, followed by discussions with three actors and noted stage director John Tillinger, who illuminate the playwright's craft from a practical perspective. The focus then shifts to original essays by prominent scholars who analyze Gurney's achievements in the context of American theater and culture. The casebook concludes with a selection of articles by Gurney drawn from important newspapers and periodicals that reveal his superb wit and engaging reflections on contemporary theater. Gurney's is the first among many voices featured in this entertaining collection, which addresses all readers who support and appreciate the theatrical community.