Michael Bennett
Date of Death: July 02, 1987 (44)
Birth Place: Buffalo, NY, USA
Latest News on Michael Bennett:
Lee Wilson's New Memoir I DANCED ON BROADWAY to be Released This Fall (Jun 4, 2024)
Kate Baldwin, Beth Leavel, and More Join FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall (Jun 3, 2024)
Theatre By The Sea's 91st Season Opens With A CHORUS LINE Next Week (May 21, 2024)
Lee Wilson's New Memoir I DANCED ON BROADWAY to be Released This Fall (Jun 4, 2024)
Kate Baldwin, Beth Leavel, and More Join FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall (Jun 3, 2024)
Theatre By The Sea's 91st Season Opens With A CHORUS LINE Next Week (May 21, 2024)
Michael Bennett BIO
Michael Bennett was a renowned American dancer, choreographer, and director, known for his innovative work in musical theater. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1943, Bennett began his career as a performer, dancing in the chorus of Broadway shows such as "Subways Are for Sleeping" and "Here's Love." However, it was his choreography that would make him a legend in the industry.
Bennett's breakthrough came in 1975 with the groundbreaking musical "A Chorus Line," which he conceived, directed, and choreographed. The show, which followed the lives of aspiring dancers auditioning for a Broadway show, was a critical and commercial success, winning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Choreography for Bennett.
"A Chorus Line" ran for a record-breaking 6,137 performances and became one of the most beloved and influential musicals of all time. Bennett's innovative choreography, which blended contemporary dance with traditional Broadway style, set a new standard for musical theater and inspired generations of choreographers to come.
Bennett continued to make his mark on Broadway with shows such as "Dreamgirls," "Ballroom," and "Nine," for which he won his second Tony Award for Best Direction. He also worked on the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line" and choreographed the iconic opening number of the 1983 Academy Awards.
In addition to his work in theater, Bennett also made a name for himself in television and film. He choreographed the dance sequences in the film "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and directed and choreographed the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line." He also directed and choreographed the television special "Baryshnikov on Broadway" and the HBO special "My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies."
Bennett's talent and influence were recognized throughout the industry, and he received numerous awards and honors for his work. In addition to his two Tony Awards, he received a Drama Desk Award, an Emmy Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. He was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1986.
Sadly, Bennett's life and career were cut short when he passed away from complications of AIDS in 1987 at the age of 44. However, his legacy lives on through the countless performers and choreographers he inspired and the groundbreaking work he created.
In 2018, a documentary about Bennett's life and career titled "Every Little Step" was released, chronicling the creation of the original production of "A Chorus Line" and its impact on the world of musical theater. The film serves as a testament to Bennett's enduring influence and his status as one of the greatest choreographers and directors in Broadway history.
In conclusion, Michael Bennett was a visionary artist whose innovative choreography and direction set the standard for musical theater. His groundbreaking work on "A Chorus Line" and other shows inspired generations of performers and choreographers and cemented his status as a legend in the industry. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on through the countless shows and performers he influenced and the enduring impact of his work.
Michael Bennett Photos
Michael Bennett STAGE CREDITS
Michael Bennett Productions
Writing
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Michael Bennett Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Special Awards
Michael Bennett
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Special Awards
Michael Bennett
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Michael BennettThird Street
Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls
winner
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Musical
Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Choreography
Michael Bennett, Ballroom
winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, Ballroom
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Bennett, Ballroom
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Musical
Michael Bennett, Ballroom
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Choreography
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
winner
Olivier Awards - 1976 - Musical of the Year
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1976 - Special Awards
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1976 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
winner
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennet, A Chorus Line
winner
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Book of a Musical
Michael Bennett, Seesaw
winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett , Seesaw
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Bennett, Seesaw
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Best Musical
Michael Bennett, Seesaw
winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennet , Follies
winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Bennett , Follies
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Choreography
Michael Bennett, Follies
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Director
Michael Bennett, Follies
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, Company
Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, Promises, Promises
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, Henry, Sweet Henry
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, A Joyful Noise
Michael Bennett Videos
BWW Poll: Is 'Turkey Lurkey Time' A Thanksgiving Song or Christmas Song?
by Social Watch - Nov 23, 2022
Previews: FIRST LOOK: A CHORUS LINE at STAGES St. Louis In The Ross Family Theatre At The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
by James Lindhorst - Sep 14, 2022
VIDEO: Stephen Sondheim Sings 'Move On' At Michael Bennett's Memorial
by Robert Diamond - Nov 27, 2021
Broadway Rewind: 'Turkey Lurkey Time'- Thanksgiving Song or Christmas Song?
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - Nov 26, 2020
VIDEO: Watch an All New Lyric Video For 'One' From A CHORUS LINE, in Honor of the Show's 45th Anniversary
by Stephi Wild - Jul 27, 2020
TV: Michael Riedel Talks A CHORUS LINE, Michael Bennett and More for BroadwayWorld Book Club
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 6, 2020
BWW Exclusive: 'Turkey Lurkey Time'- Thanksgiving Song or Christmas Song?
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 28, 2019
VIDEO: Get A First Look At 42ND STREET At The Ordway Center For The Performing Arts
by Alan Henry - Aug 1, 2019
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer THE SHOP, from HBO Sports and LeBron James' Uninterrupted
by Kaitlin Milligan - Aug 22, 2018
Video: A CHORUS LINE Is One Singular Sensation at The LEXington Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 3, 2018
VIDEO: Sarah Bowden, Eloise Kropp, Anne Horak & Denis Lambert in A CHORUS LINE at The LEXington Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 2, 2018
VIDEO: A CHORUS LINE Alums Priscilla Lopez, Baayork Lee, and Don Pippin Reunite for Stories and Performance
by Julie Musbach - Mar 25, 2017
TV: It's Only the Beginning - Watch Highlights from DREAMGIRLS, Starring Amber Riley, in London!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Dec 14, 2016
Michael Bennett News
Lee Wilson's New Memoir I DANCED ON BROADWAY to be Released This Fall
Lee Wilson's memoir 'I Danced on Broadway' shares her experiences dancing in hits and flops, and stories about theatre legends. Learn how to purchase.
Lee Wilson's memoir 'I Danced on Broadway' shares her experiences dancing in hits and flops, and stories about theatre legends. Learn how to purchase.
Kate Baldwin, Beth Leavel, and More Join FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall
The complete cast has now been announced for Transport Group's concert production of Follies. The sold-out event will play one night only—Thursday, June 20, at 8:00 p.m. at Carnegie Hall.
The complete cast has now been announced for Transport Group's concert production of Follies. The sold-out event will play one night only—Thursday, June 20, at 8:00 p.m. at Carnegie Hall.
Theatre By The Sea's 91st Season Opens With A CHORUS LINE Next Week
Theatre By The Sea will open its 2024 Summer Season with the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical A Chorus Line, which will be presented from May 29 - June 22, 2024.
Theatre By The Sea will open its 2024 Summer Season with the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical A Chorus Line, which will be presented from May 29 - June 22, 2024.
Review: LOVE IS NEVER GONE Spotlights Marvin Hamlisch at Green Room 42
MARVIN HAMLISCH: LOVE IS NEVER GONE recalls the ups and downs and talents of the late man of music in advance of his 80th birthday in June. The much-admired composer and conductor's life story gets the musical biography jukebox treatment. The May 10th show shone a warm spotlight on Hamlisch, best known for writing the music to A CHORUS LINE.
MARVIN HAMLISCH: LOVE IS NEVER GONE recalls the ups and downs and talents of the late man of music in advance of his 80th birthday in June. The much-admired composer and conductor's life story gets the musical biography jukebox treatment. The May 10th show shone a warm spotlight on Hamlisch, best known for writing the music to A CHORUS LINE.
Cast Members From THE WIZ, STEREOPHONIC, and More Honored With 2024 Theatre World Awards
The 2024 Honorees have been announced for the Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. Learn more about the honorees here!
The 2024 Honorees have been announced for the Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. Learn more about the honorees here!
MARVIN HAMLISCH: LOVE IS NEVER GONE Comes to The Green Room 42
Learn about the extraordinary life and legacy of Marvin Hamlisch with the upcoming one-night-only staged reading of 'Marvin Hamlisch: Love Is Never Gone' - A Musical Biography.
Learn about the extraordinary life and legacy of Marvin Hamlisch with the upcoming one-night-only staged reading of 'Marvin Hamlisch: Love Is Never Gone' - A Musical Biography.
Video: Recap Broadway's Danciest Musicals
Some musicals from Broadway past, however, have used dance as the driving force of the musical narrative. Justin Peck continues in that tradition with Illinoise, now running on Broadway at the St. James Theatre. To celebrate it's arrival, check out a collection of videos of musicals in which dance is truly the star.
Some musicals from Broadway past, however, have used dance as the driving force of the musical narrative. Justin Peck continues in that tradition with Illinoise, now running on Broadway at the St. James Theatre. To celebrate it's arrival, check out a collection of videos of musicals in which dance is truly the star.
Baayork Lee & More Join Pittsburgh CLO 2024 Summer of Musicals
Pittsburgh CLO has unveiled the Creative Teams for the 2024 Summer of Musicals. See the productions and learn how to purchase tickets.
Pittsburgh CLO has unveiled the Creative Teams for the 2024 Summer of Musicals. See the productions and learn how to purchase tickets.
Holliday, Lewis, Benko, Billings & More to Star in FOLLIES at Carnegie Hall
Follies, featuring an all-star cast of Tony Award winners and nominees, will be the tenth presentation in the Transport Group's Anne L. Bernstein Concert Series—for one night only—at Carnegie Hall. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Follies, featuring an all-star cast of Tony Award winners and nominees, will be the tenth presentation in the Transport Group's Anne L. Bernstein Concert Series—for one night only—at Carnegie Hall. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Cast Set For Non-Replica A CHORUS LINE UK Tour
The full cast has been announced for the UK tour of Curve's smash-hit production of A CHORUS LINE. Learn more about the tour here!
The full cast has been announced for the UK tour of Curve's smash-hit production of A CHORUS LINE. Learn more about the tour here!
Review: Michael Feinstein and the Carnegie Hall Big Band Honor Tony Bennett
This reviewer was overwhelmed by the acclaimed musical Tour de Force that is Michael Feinstein and the marvelous Carnegie Hall Big Band at the March 27th edition of Standard Time with Michael Feinstein.
This reviewer was overwhelmed by the acclaimed musical Tour de Force that is Michael Feinstein and the marvelous Carnegie Hall Big Band at the March 27th edition of Standard Time with Michael Feinstein.
Concord Theatricals Awards A CHORUS LINE Licensing Package To Ten Schools In Under-Resourced Communities
Concord Theatricals is granting ten under-resourced schools the licensing package for A CHORUS LINE. Learn more about the package and the winners!
Concord Theatricals is granting ten under-resourced schools the licensing package for A CHORUS LINE. Learn more about the package and the winners!
Meet the Cast of HELL'S KITCHEN, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!
Hell's Kitchen, the new musical conceived by Alicia Keys, begins previews tonight, March 28, with an opening night set for Saturday, April 20 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. Meet the cast of Hell's Kitchen here!
Hell's Kitchen, the new musical conceived by Alicia Keys, begins previews tonight, March 28, with an opening night set for Saturday, April 20 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. Meet the cast of Hell's Kitchen here!
How Often Are Musicals Revived with Their Original Director?
This time, the reader question was: How often is a musical revived on Broadway directed by its original director?
This time, the reader question was: How often is a musical revived on Broadway directed by its original director?
John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Jared Grimes & More Join The Muny's 106th Season
The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!
The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!
DREAMGIRLS Starts Performances at McCarter This Week - Full Cast Announced!
McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the revival of the Tony and Grammy award-winning DREAMGIRLS. Learn more here!
McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the revival of the Tony and Grammy award-winning DREAMGIRLS. Learn more here!
Len Cariou & Peter Filichia To Be Honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards
The Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has announced two of the individuals to be honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards to be held on Monday evening, June 10, 2024 beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has announced two of the individuals to be honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards to be held on Monday evening, June 10, 2024 beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Complete Cast Set For HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway
The complete cast has been revealed for the Broadway premiere of the new musical HELL’S KITCHEN, set to begin performances next month! Learn more about who is joining the company here!
The complete cast has been revealed for the Broadway premiere of the new musical HELL’S KITCHEN, set to begin performances next month! Learn more about who is joining the company here!
London Theatre Week - See over 50 Award-Winning Musicals and Plays with Tickets from £15, £25 or £35
London Theatre Week is the West End’s biggest promotion, giving you the chance to see over 50 amazing award-winning musicals and stunning plays with tickets from £15, £25 or £35
London Theatre Week is the West End’s biggest promotion, giving you the chance to see over 50 amazing award-winning musicals and stunning plays with tickets from £15, £25 or £35
Review: 'Every Little Step' Is Perfection In The Argyle Theatre's A CHORUS LINE
What did our critic think of A CHORUS LINE at The Argyle Theatre?
What did our critic think of A CHORUS LINE at The Argyle Theatre?
Michael Bennett FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Michael Bennett been in?
Michael Bennett has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.
How many West End shows has Michael Bennett been in?
Michael Bennett has not appeared in the West End
What awards has Michael Bennett been nominated for?
Michael Bennett has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Special Awards at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Third Street," Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Ballroom," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "A Chorus Line," Special Awards at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Chorus Line," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "A Chorus Line," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "A Chorus Line," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "A Chorus Line," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Seesaw," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Follies," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Follies," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Follies," Outstanding Director at the Drama Desk Awards for "Follies," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Company," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Promises, Promises," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Henry, Sweet Henry," and Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "A Joyful Noise."
What awards has Michael Bennett won?
Michael Bennett has won several awards throughout his career. He has received Special Awards from the Drama Desk Awards. He won the Best Choreography Tony Award for Dreamgirls and Ballroom, and Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Awards for Ballroom and A Chorus Line. He also won the Outstanding Director - Musical Drama Desk Award for A Chorus Line and the Musical of the Year Olivier Award for A Chorus Line. Bennett received Special Awards from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Chorus Line and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for A Chorus Line. Additionally, he won the Best Direction of a Musical Tony Award for A Chorus Line and Follies, and the Best Choreography Tony Award for A Chorus Line, Seesaw, and Follies. He also received Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Awards for Follies, and Outstanding Director Drama Desk Awards for Follies.
How many shows has Michael Bennett written?
Michael Bennett has written 2 shows including Seesaw (Bookwriter), A Chorus Line (Conceiver).
Videos