Jon Kaplan (1947–2017) was a Canadian theatre critic. He was the senior theatre writer at NOW Magazine.
Jon Kaplan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1947 |
| Died | (aged 69) |
| Occupation | Theatre critic |
Early life and education
editKaplan grew up in Florida. He graduated from Brandeis University in 1969 with a degree in English before moving to Canada.[1] He later received a master's degree in English from York University. His thesis was on Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre.[2][3]
Career
editKaplan began his career as a theatre critic in Toronto in the 1970s writing reviews for The Body Politic.[3] A few years later, he began working for NOW Magazine.[1] Kaplan would go on to become NOW's senior theatre writer and to work for the magazine for 35 years.[3][4]
He wrote his last review for NOW two weeks before his death in 2017.[3]
Awards and nominations
editKaplan has received both the Harold Award and the Brenda Donohue Award.[5]
Death and legacy
editKaplan died at age 69 on April 28, 2017, from brain cancer.[5][6] He was survived by his husband, Don Cole.[7]
The Jon Kaplan Legacy Fund and the associated annual Jon Kaplan Awards are named in his honour. The Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award, awarded as part of Toronto's Dora Awards, is also named for Kaplan.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b Fulton, Allegra (2017-03-17). "Spotlight on Jon Kaplan". Intermission. Retrieved 2023-02-07.
- ^ "Kaplan, Jon". Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia. Athabasca University. 2017-06-28. Retrieved 2023-02-07.
- ^ a b c d Draaisma, Muriel (2017-04-29). "Toronto's theatre community mourns beloved critic". CBC. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- ^ Robertson, Kate (2017-05-01). ""Dim the lights of every Toronto theatre. Jon Kaplan is gone."". NOW Toronto. Retrieved 2023-02-07.
- ^ a b Cole, Susan G. (2017-04-28). "In memoriam: Jon Kaplan, 1947-2017 - NOW Magazine". NOW Toronto. Retrieved 2023-02-07.
- ^ Fricker, Karen; Maga, Carly (2017-05-03). "Jon Kaplan loved Toronto theatre and it loved him back: Wednesday Matinée". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2023-02-07.
- ^ Salerno, Rob (2017-05-03). "Toronto theatre critic remembered for helping queer artists thrive". Xtra Magazine. Retrieved 2023-02-06.
- ^ "Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award". TAPA. 2021-04-13. Retrieved 2023-02-07.