Today in Bookish and Literary History, December 13

1668 Britannicus by Jean Racine

The play takes place in ancient Rome and explores the power struggles and political intrigue within the imperial court during the reign of Emperor Nero.

1970 Gingerbread Lady by Neil Simon

A major departure from Simon's previous lighthearted plays, The Gingerbread Lady was a dark drama with comic overtones centering on Evy Meara, a cabaret singer whose career, marriage, and health all have been destroyed by alcohol. Alvin Klein noted that "The play was Mr. Simon's first attempt to play it straight and serious."

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