Playwright Mike Oppenheim Wins Prestigious Award

Beverly Hills, California, September 5, 2025

News Summary

Mike Oppenheim, an 85-year-old playwright from Lexington, has received the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild Julie Harris Award for his play “Angels.” After 20 years of submissions and rejections, his persistence has finally led to this recognition, along with a $3,500 cash prize. Despite this achievement, Oppenheim remains hopeful that his play will one day be staged. His journey underscores the importance of resilience in pursuing artistic aspirations, regardless of age.

Beverly Hills, California

Mike Oppenheim, an 85-year-old playwright from Lexington, has achieved a significant milestone by winning the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild Julie Harris Award for his play “Angels.” After more than 20 years of submitting his work and facing numerous rejections, Oppenheim’s perseverance has finally paid off, earning him a $3,500 cash prize. However, despite this recognition, the award does not guarantee the production of his play, and Oppenheim remains hopeful that it will eventually be staged.

Oppenheim has enrolled around 500 organizations to review “Angels,” emphasizing the importance of continuing to submit his work, as he believes that persistence is key to achieving success in the arts. His journey reflects not only his dedication to writing but also his belief that one should never give up on their dreams, regardless of age.

The award he received places him among a prestigious list of previous winners, many of whom have noteworthy careers in acting and playwriting. Oppenheim graduated from UCLA in 1964 and initially sought to establish his writing career in New York City. However, despite securing a rent-controlled apartment in the East Village, he struggled to find traction in the competitive writing landscape.

Transitioning into Medicine

After reading a book about medical residency, Oppenheim transitioned from theater to medicine, gaining admission to New York University’s medical school. He later became a hotel doctor in Los Angeles, making over 18,000 visits to patients throughout his career. He and his wife, Susan King, who shares his artistic talents as a writer and artist, moved to Lexington in 2016.

His Writing Process

In Lexington, Oppenheim maintains a rigorous writing schedule, dedicating several hours each morning to his craft before breakfast. He has completed two notable plays: “Angels” and a one-act play from his undergraduate days, which also received a national award. Oppenheim believes “Angels” particularly resonates with contemporary audiences due to its themes related to healthcare and politics.

The Themes of “Angels”

The central narrative of “Angels” explores the struggles of hospital residents attempting to balance patient care with the profit-driven demands imposed by medical officials. Key topics addressed in the play include cost-cutting measures, assistance in deporting undocumented immigrants, and reductions in medical staffing. Although Oppenheim aimed to create an entertaining work, he acknowledges the politically charged undertones in the narrative.

Despite being written two decades ago, Oppenheim maintains that his play is well-crafted, witty, and relevant to present-day issues. He has since focused on writing book reviews and has also established a blog chronicling his experiences as a hotel doctor.

Reflections on Aging and Creativity

As Oppenheim navigates the challenges of aging, he grapples with concerns about his physical health and the inevitable passage of time. Nevertheless, he continues to dedicate himself to his writing, demonstrating a commitment to creativity and storytelling that remains undeterred by age.

Conclusion

Mike Oppenheim’s journey as a playwright highlights the importance of persistence and the enduring power of storytelling. With recognition through the Julie Harris Award, he remains optimistic about the future of his plays and the impact they might have on viewers grappling with pressing social issues.

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Additional Resources

• Kentucky.com: Mike Oppenheim Wins Julie Harris Award
• Wikipedia: Playwright
• HistoryNet: Four Ages of American Foreign Policy Review
• Google Search: American Foreign Policy
• HistoryNet: Remembering Edward M. Kennedy
• Google Scholar: Edward M. Kennedy
• HistoryNet: How the Victors Divvied the Spoils at Yalta
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Yalta

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