Acclaimed Utah playwright and ‘artistic force’ David Kranes dies at 87

One theater director called Kranes, who launched Sundance Institute’s theater program, “the best American playwright you haven’t read yet.”

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) David Kranes photographed at his home in Salt Lake City, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011. The playwright, author and professor emeritus died Dec. 16, 2025.