Good year for female dramatists

WOMEN playwrights lead the pack in American Theatre magazine’s annual survey of the most frequently scheduled plays in 2005-06.

At the top of the list is Lynn Nottage, whose “Intimate Apparel” is slated for 16 productions. In second place with 15 productions is Regina Taylor with “Crowns,” which examines the tradition of hats in church.

In third place, Doug Wright and “I Am My Own Wife” briefly interrupt the string of plays by women.

But the distaff roster resumes with Bryony Lavery’s “Frozen,” Caryl Churchill’s “A Number” and Theresa Rebeck’s “Bad Dates.” The seventh-place show, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” has a libretto by Linda Woolverton. Marie Jones’ “Stones in His Pockets” appears in 12th place.

The magazine’s list always excludes from consideration “A Christmas Carol” and the works of Shakespeare.