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The House of Blue Leaves | Introduction

John Guare’s The House of Blue Leaves is his most popular and arguably most important play. It is based on the Pope’s visit to New York City on October 4, 1965.

Since the debut of The House of Blue Leaves Off-Broadway on February 10, 1971, however, critics have been divided over the play’s artistic merits. The story focuses on one man’s desire for success as a big-time songwriter, which clashes with his demanding, middle-class family life. Some reviewers did not know what to make of the play’s mix of black comedy, farce, realistic drama, and social commentary. They maintained that its comedic elements undermined the serious issues of the play.

The critics that praised The House of Blue Leaves appreciated Guare’s treatment of ideas. They also lauded the manner in which he depicted the dark underside of the American dream, especially his emphasis on the destructive nature of the media on people’s dreams and personal lives. Several critics noted the skillful manner in which Guare portrayed the quest for personal success as defined by a shallow value system.

Despite the controversy, the play ran for 337 performances and garnered several prestigious awards for Guare, including the Obie and New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best American Play. Revived on Broadway in 1986, it won more awards for him, including a Tony. Although critics were still divided over the value of The House of Blue Leaves during the revival, most appreciated the power and insight of Guare’s message.

The House of Blue Leaves Summary

Prologue
The House of Blue Leaves opens on the stage of the El Dorado Bar & Grill. Artie Shaughnessy sits at the piano and sings some of his songs. He is frustrated when he cannot get the house lights turned down and a spotlight to shine on him. His anger grows when the audience does not listen to his singing. He continues, but at the end of the show, when there is no applause, he quickly exits.

Act I
Act I opens late at night in Artie’s shabby apartment in Sunnyside, Queens. As Artie sleeps in a sleeping bag on the couch, his seventeen-year-old son Ronnie breaks into the apartment. When the doorbell rings soon after, the fatigue-clad Ronnie runs into his room without being seen.

Artie gets up and answers the door. It is Bunny Flingus, Artie’s plump girlfriend. She is extremely excited about seeing the Pope as he passes through Queens, but Artie does not share her enthusiasm. Bunny figures out that Artie performed during amateur night at the El Dorado... » Complete The House of Blue Leaves Summary