Critics dub 'Coast of Utopia' best play

NEW YORK, May 7 (UPI) -- The New York Drama Critics' Circle has named Tom Stoppard's play "The Coast of Utopia" the best of the 2006-07 season.

The organization announced the award Monday during its 72nd annual voting meeting in Manhattan. Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik's "Spring Awakening" was named best musical.

The organization will present the awards May 14 at the Algonquin Hotel, famous as a gathering place for literary notables like Dorothy Parker, Alexander Woolcott and George S. Kaufman.

Playbill said Stoppard's play recounts the tale of a group of 19th century Russian intellectuals in a trilogy. The plot revolves around political and philosophical debates, and efforts to reform the Russian political system. Each of the three sub-plays opened in succession during a two-month period.

Playbill said the late August Wilson's "Radio Golf" was named best American play.