Kenny Leon
Latest News on Kenny Leon:
Final Days To Vote For the 21st Annual Theatre Fans' Choice Awards (May 29, 2024)
Exclusive: Hasna Muhammad on Shadowing the Call at PURLIE VICTORIOUS (May 28, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: May 28, 2024- HADESTOWN Is Back on Top (May 28, 2024)
Final Days To Vote For the 21st Annual Theatre Fans' Choice Awards (May 29, 2024)
Exclusive: Hasna Muhammad on Shadowing the Call at PURLIE VICTORIOUS (May 28, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: May 28, 2024- HADESTOWN Is Back on Top (May 28, 2024)
Kenny Leon BIO
Kenny Leon is a Tony Award-winning Broadway and television director. His Broadway credits include the Tupac musical Holler If You Hear Me, A Raisin in the Sun starring Denzel Washington (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Mountaintop starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett, Stick Fly, August Wilson’s Fences (which garnered ten Tony nominations and won three Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play), Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf. He also directed Smart People for Second Stage. Leon's recent television work includes "Hairspray Live!", and "The Wiz Live!" on NBC. He is the recipient of the 2016 Mr. Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing and the 2010 Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League. Mr. Leon serves on the board of New York's Public Theater and is Artistic Director of Atlanta's Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company.
Kenny Leon Photos
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Douglas Turner Ward, Charles Fuller and David Alan Grier with Kenny Leon with the cast During the Broadway Opening Night Curtain Call Bows for The Roundabout Theatre Company's "A Soldier's Play" at the American Airlines Theatre on January 21, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/22/2020
From: Photo Coverage: The Cast of A SOLDIER'S PLAY Takes Their Opening Night Bows
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Kenny Leon, Lizbeth Mackay, Isabella Russo, Nicholas Hutchinson, Charles Turner, Denise Burse, Hannah Cabell, Lenne Klingaman, Nidra Sous La Terre, Luis Vega, Michael Countryman, Howard Overshown, Carole Rothman and Will Eno
Date:
11/21/2019
From: Photo Coverage: Second Stage Celebrates Opening Night of THE UNDERLYING CHRIS
Kenny Leon, Lizbeth Mackay, Isabella Russo, Nicholas Hutchinson, Charles Turner, Denise Burse, Hannah Cabell, Lenne Klingaman, Nidra Sous La Terre, Luis Vega, Michael Countryman, Howard Overshown and Will Eno
Date:
11/21/2019
From: Photo Coverage: Second Stage Celebrates Opening Night of THE UNDERLYING CHRIS
The American Son team: playwright Christopher Demos-Brown, cast members Steven Pasquale, Kerry Washington, Eugene Lee, Jeremy Jordan, and director Kenny Leon. attend the Cast photo call for the New Broadway Play "American Son" on September 14, 2018 at the
Date:
09/15/2018
From: Photo Coverage: The Cast of AMERICAN SON Meets the Press
NBCUNIVERSAL EVENTS -- NBCUniversal Summer Press Tour, August 2, 2016 -- NBC''s ''Hairspray Live!'' Panel -- Pictured: (l-r) Alex Rudzinski, Live Television Director; Neil Meron, Executive Producer; Craig Zadan, Executive Director; Kenny Leon, Director --
Date:
08/03/2016
From: Photo Flash: Kristin Chenoweth & Cast of NBC's HAIRSPRAY LIVE Appear at Summer Press Tour
NBCUNIVERSAL EVENTS -- NBCUniversal Summer Press Tour, August 2, 2016 -- NBC''s ''Hairspray Live!'' Panel -- Pictured: (l-r) Back Row: Neil Meron, Executive Producer; Craig Zadan, Executive Director; Kenny Leon, Director; Front Row: Harvey Fierstein, Jenn
Date:
08/03/2016
From: Photo Flash: Kristin Chenoweth & Cast of NBC's HAIRSPRAY LIVE Appear at Summer Press Tour
THE WIZ LIVE! -- Television Academy Event at The DGA, Los Angeles, June 1, 2016 -- Pictured: (l-r) Holly Robinson Peete, Moderator; Harvey Mason, Jr., Composer; Fatima Robinson, Choregorapher; Amber Riley, David Alan Grier, Kenny Leon, Director; Shanice W
Date:
06/02/2016
From: Photo Flash: Cast of THE WIZ LIVE Reunite for Panel Discussion & Live Musical Performances
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Kenny Leon and Hilda Wills presenting the 16 finalists-Alexander Albritton, Alexis Baldridge, Chantelle Charles, Tigona Davy, Jonah Gould, Atiauna Grant, Ashley Herbert, Trinidad Ramikissoon, Taylor Salter, Candace Spates, Lauren Steele, Mykeala Sterris,
Date:
05/06/2014
From: Photo Coverage: Kenny Leon & Denzel Washington Visit August Wilson Monologue Competition
Denzel Washington, Saul Williams Ben Thompson, Kenny Leon Hilda Wills, Patty Ornst the judges-Narda E. Alcorn, David Cromer, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Pauletta Washington and James A Williams with all the finalists and semi finalists Alexander Albritto
Date:
05/06/2014
From: Photo Coverage: Kenny Leon & Denzel Washington Visit August Wilson Monologue Competition
Guy Davis, David Gallo, Kenny Leon, Jasmine Guy, James A. Williams
L-R, bottom row: Lynn Nottage, third place finalist Tyler Edwards, second place finalist Christian Helem, Hilda Willis, first place finalist Saidah Wade, and Crystal Dickinson
Date:
05/09/2012
From: Photo Flash: Lynn Nottage, David Gallo et al. with August Wilson Monologue Competition Winners
Kenny Leon Productions
Kenny Leon Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Drama League Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog
winner
Obie Awards - 2020 - Directing Award
Kenny Leon, Much Ado About Nothing
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play
winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun
winner
Drama League Awards - 2010 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Kenny Leon
Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Fences
Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
Kenny LeonTambourines to Glory
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director - Play
Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun
Helen Hayes Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
Kenny LeonBlues in the Night
Kenny Leon Videos
Photos & Video: PURLIE VICTORIOUS Concludes Broadway Run with Proclamations From Congress and the State of New York
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2024
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares His Daughter's Reaction to PURLIE VICTORIOUS on FALLON
by Michael Major - Oct 13, 2023
Video: Leslie Odom, Jr. & Company Celebrate Opening Night of PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway
by Opening Night - Oct 2, 2023
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS Is a 'Very Rare Piece'
by Michael Major - Sep 27, 2023
Video: Watch Highlights from Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth in Times Square
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 19, 2023
Photos & Video: First Look at KING JAMES at Manhattan Theatre Club
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 21, 2023
VIDEO: Mariah Carey Surprises Audience at SOME LIKE IT HOT Curtain Call
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 11, 2023
VIDEO: Audra McDonald Talks OHIO STATE MURDERS & THE GILDED AGE on TODAY
by Michael Major - Jan 6, 2023
Video: First Look at Norm Lewis, Eugene Lee & More in A SOLDIER'S PLAY National Tour
by Show Highlights - Dec 16, 2022
VIDEO: Audra McDonald Reveals Why OHIO STATE MURDERS Is Her 'Hardest' Role on THE VIEW
by Michael Major - Dec 15, 2022
Photos/Video: First Look at Audra McDonald and More in OHIO STATE MURDERS, Opening Tonight!
by Show Highlights - Dec 8, 2022
Video: Audra McDonald and Kenny Leon Open Up About the Drama of OHIO STATE MURDERS
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - Nov 12, 2022
Video: Audra McDonald, Lizan Mitchell & More Discuss Bringing OHIO STATE MURDERS to Broadway
by Sneak Peek - Nov 6, 2022
Kenny Leon News
Final Days To Vote For the 21st Annual Theatre Fans' Choice Awards
The latest standings have been announced for the 21st Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards, honoring and celebrating the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
The latest standings have been announced for the 21st Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards, honoring and celebrating the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
Exclusive: Hasna Muhammad on Shadowing the Call at PURLIE VICTORIOUS
Purlie Victorious may have played its final Broadway performance months ago, but the acclaimed production was not forgotten by Tony nominators. The revival earned six 2024 Tony nominations, including Best Revival of a Play. Enjoy 'Shadowing the Call' by Hasna Muhammad.
Purlie Victorious may have played its final Broadway performance months ago, but the acclaimed production was not forgotten by Tony nominators. The revival earned six 2024 Tony nominations, including Best Revival of a Play. Enjoy 'Shadowing the Call' by Hasna Muhammad.
Broadway Buying Guide: May 28, 2024- HADESTOWN Is Back on Top
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, May 28, 2024.
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, May 28, 2024.
Photos: First Look At HOME On Broadway, Directed By Kenny Leon
Roundabout Theatre Company’s new Broadway production of HOME by Samm-Art Williams, directed by Kenny Leon, is now in previews at the Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). See photos from the production.
Roundabout Theatre Company’s new Broadway production of HOME by Samm-Art Williams, directed by Kenny Leon, is now in previews at the Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). See photos from the production.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld May 24, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 24, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 24, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: MCC Celebrates Opening Night of THE LONELY FEW
MCC just celebrated opening night of The Lonely Few, a new musical with a book by Rachel Bonds, music and lyrics by Zoe Sarnak, and directed by Trip Cullman and Ellenore Scott. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big day and you can check out photos here.
MCC just celebrated opening night of The Lonely Few, a new musical with a book by Rachel Bonds, music and lyrics by Zoe Sarnak, and directed by Trip Cullman and Ellenore Scott. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big day and you can check out photos here.
HOME On Broadway Begins Previews Tomorrow At The Todd Haimes Theatre
HOME begins previews tomorrow at the Todd Haimes Theatre in a new production from Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon.
HOME begins previews tomorrow at the Todd Haimes Theatre in a new production from Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld May 17, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 17, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 17, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Milwaukee HS Student Wins 1st Place At Next Narrative Monologue Competition
A Milwaukee high school student has won first place at the Next Narrative Monologue Competition, showcasing their talent and dedication in the performing arts. Learn more about the competition!
A Milwaukee high school student has won first place at the Next Narrative Monologue Competition, showcasing their talent and dedication in the performing arts. Learn more about the competition!
Unpack the Tony Awards History of the 2024 Nominated Revivals
The results of this season's Tony races are still up in the air, but many of this season's nominated revivals have been through awards season before. How did they fare? The past may not always be the best indicator of the future, but accolades of years past provide interesting insight nonetheless. Check out a complete list of who was nominated, in what categories, and most importantly... if they won!
The results of this season's Tony races are still up in the air, but many of this season's nominated revivals have been through awards season before. How did they fare? The past may not always be the best indicator of the future, but accolades of years past provide interesting insight nonetheless. Check out a complete list of who was nominated, in what categories, and most importantly... if they won!
Tony-Nominated HOME Playwright Samm-Art Williams Dies At Age 78
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of Samm-Art Williams, a multi award winning playwright, actor, director, and producer whose Tony-nominated play Home is currently in rehearsals for its return to Broadway.
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of Samm-Art Williams, a multi award winning playwright, actor, director, and producer whose Tony-nominated play Home is currently in rehearsals for its return to Broadway.
Meet the Cast of HOME, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
Samm-Art Williams' Home is coming Broadway, in a production directed by Kenny Leon. Previews begin tonight, May 17, at the Todd Haimes Theatre. Meet the cast of Home here!
Samm-Art Williams' Home is coming Broadway, in a production directed by Kenny Leon. Previews begin tonight, May 17, at the Todd Haimes Theatre. Meet the cast of Home here!
First Standings Announced For the 21st Annual Theatre Fans' Choice Awards; THE GREATS GATSBY Leads Best Musical
The first standings have been announced for the 21st Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards, honoring and celebrating the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
The first standings have been announced for the 21st Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards, honoring and celebrating the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
STEREOPHONIC, SUFFS & More Win Outer Critics Circle Awards
The Outer Critics Circle, the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town newspapers and national publications, announced the winners of the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards. Check out the Full List of winners here!
The Outer Critics Circle, the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town newspapers and national publications, announced the winners of the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards. Check out the Full List of winners here!
Photos: Danielle Brooks, Kenny Leon & Norm Lewis Visit LEMPICKA
See photos of Danielle Brooks, Kenny Leon & Norm Lewis visiting Lempicka on Broadway!
See photos of Danielle Brooks, Kenny Leon & Norm Lewis visiting Lempicka on Broadway!
Up on the Marquee: HOME
Samm-Art Williams' Home is coming Broadway, in a production directed by Kenny Leon. The marquee just went up at the Todd Haimes Theatre and you can check out photos here.
Samm-Art Williams' Home is coming Broadway, in a production directed by Kenny Leon. The marquee just went up at the Todd Haimes Theatre and you can check out photos here.
Photos: In Rehearsal With Kenny Leon And the Cast of HOME On Broadway
See photos from inside the rehearsal room as Home by Samm-Art Williams prepares to open on Broadway, in a production directed by Kenny Leon.
See photos from inside the rehearsal room as Home by Samm-Art Williams prepares to open on Broadway, in a production directed by Kenny Leon.
James Ijames' GOOD BONES, Delacorte Theater Reopening & More Set for The Public Theater 24-25 Season
The Public Theater has revealed the line-up for The Public’s 2024-25 Season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
The Public Theater has revealed the line-up for The Public’s 2024-25 Season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Behind the Scenes with the 2024 Tony Nominees
The nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York on Thursday to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there for the special day. Check out behind the scenes photos of the 2024 nominees below and check out even more of the acting nominees and creative nominees.
The nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York on Thursday to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there for the special day. Check out behind the scenes photos of the 2024 nominees below and check out even more of the acting nominees and creative nominees.
Breaking Down the 2024 Tony Awards Nominations
Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from yesterday's big announcement.
Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from yesterday's big announcement.
Kenny Leon FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Kenny Leon been nominated for?
Kenny Leon has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout his career. These nominations include Outstanding Direction of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Purlie Victorious," Outstanding Direction of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Purlie Victorious," Outstanding Direction of a Play at the Drama League Awards for "Topdog/Underdog," and Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for "A Soldier's Play," "A Raisin in the Sun," and "Fences." He also received the Directing Award at the Obie Awards for "Much Ado About Nothing," the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards, and Outstanding Director, Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Tambourines to Glory" and "Blues in the Night." Additionally, he was recognized with Outstanding Director of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Soldier's Play" and "A Raisin in the Sun."
What awards has Kenny Leon won?
Kenny Leon has won several awards for his directing work, including the Directing Award at the Obie Awards for "Much Ado About Nothing," Outstanding Director of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Soldier's Play," Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun," the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards, and Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun."
Videos
