Jack Heifner

Jack Heifner (born 1946) is an American playwright, librettist, and educator best known for his sharp, witty explorations of contemporary life and relationships. A native of Texas, Heifner studied theatre at Southern Methodist University in Dallas before launching a writing career that would span stage, musical theatre, and television. His breakout work came with Vanities (1976), a bittersweet comedy following three Texas cheerleaders from high school through adulthood. The play became one of the longest-running shows in Off-Broadway history and remains a favorite in regional and educational theatre.

As a librettist, Heifner has collaborated on several musicals, bringing his keen ear for dialogue and character development to the form. He adapted Vanities into a stage musical, with music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, which premiered in 2006 and later played Off-Broadway. His other libretti include adaptations and original works that often merge humor with poignancy, giving performers and audiences richly drawn characters to engage with.

In addition to his stage work, Heifner has written for film and television, contributing scripts that display his signature mix of wit, warmth, and insight into human behavior. His versatility has allowed him to work across genres, from intimate character studies to broader comedic pieces.

Beyond his writing career, Heifner has been a devoted educator and mentor to aspiring theatre artists. For many years, he served as playwright-in-residence at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he taught playwriting and nurtured the next generation of storytellers.

Jack Heifner’s work continues to be performed widely, celebrated for its humor, emotional honesty, and deep understanding of personal relationships. Whether in plays, musicals, or television scripts, his writing reflects a commitment to creating stories that are as entertaining as they are resonant.