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.
FAQ
What is the Julie Harris Award?
The Julie Harris Award is presented by the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild and recognizes outstanding achievements in playwriting, with a cash prize for the recipient.
What themes does the play “Angels” address?
“Angels” addresses themes surrounding healthcare, including the struggles of hospital residents balancing patient care with profit-driven demands, cost-cutting measures, and staffing issues.
How long has Mike Oppenheim been submitting his play?
Mike Oppenheim has been submitting his play “Angels” for over 20 years to various contests and theaters nationwide.
Key Features of Mike Oppenheim’s Journey
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 85 years old |
| Play | Angels |
| Awards | Beverly Hills Theatre Guild Julie Harris Award ($3,500 prize) |
| Submission History | Over 500 organizations hold his play |
| Previous Career | Hotel doctor in Los Angeles |
| Writing Schedule | Several hours each morning |
| Key Themes | Healthcare, politics, patient care vs profit |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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
