T

 he two Clive Award-winning plays received their premiere readings before full houses on June 12 in the heart of New York’s Theatre District at Theatre Row.

First-place winner Mike Solomonson accepted his $25,000 in prize money following an evening staged reading of his new, original play Big Pearls & Small Hips, bringing to life the fascinating relationship between Claire Booth Luce and Monsignor (later Bishop) Fulton Sheen. 

“It was nearly nine years between when I wrote the play to the moment I learned I won the contest,” Mike said. “With that sort of time gap, I doubted the play would ever find its audience. So, being recognized as the first prize winner of The Clive Awards was such a meaningful validation of the play.”

The afternoon production featured Tiger Takeout by Joe Borini, who received a $15,000 prize. In the play, a young delivery man, trapped in an elevator, has a life-changing theological encounter with a 400 lb. Bengal tiger, which evokes a modern-day Aslan. 

“I’m honored and thrilled that FPA chose Tiger Takeout as runner up for its first Clive Award,” Joe said. “FPA’s success over the years proves there is a place in contemporary theatre for plays that grapple with humanity’s oldest and most important questions: Who are we? Why are we here?”

The prizes and readings marked the conclusion of the inaugural Clive Awards, named for Clive Staple (C.S.) Lewis, encouraging new and professional playwrights to submit Christian-worldview plays for a theologically diverse audience.