Harold Prince

Also Credited As: Harold S. Prince

Date of Death: July 31, 2019 (91)

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Harold Prince BIO

Harold S. Prince (b. New York City, NY, 30 January 1928), also known as “Hal” Prince, was a theater producer and director who made a significant contribution to Broadway musicals in America. In a career that spanned more than fifty years, Prince has received ten Drama Desk Awards as Outstanding Director and 21 Tony Awards® for Best Direction, Best Producer, Best Musical, and Lifetime Achievement. In addition, Prince was the Kennedy Center Honoree in 1994 and the recipient of the National Medal of Arts in 2000.

Prince received his education at University of Pennsylvania, where he enrolled in a liberal arts program and was actively involved in the student theater group, Penn Players. After graduating in 1948, he returned to New York and began working as an assistant stage manager to producer and director George Abbott. This experience led to co-production opportunities with Robert E. Griffith and Frederick Brisson, resulting in the first two musicals that won Tonys® for Prince – The Pajama Game (1954) and Damn Yankees (1955).

After several co-productions, including the classic West Side Story in 1957, Prince began to produce his own musicals. His Fiddler on the Roof (1964) enjoyed enormous success with a record-breaking run of over three thousand performances between 1964 and 1972. Meanwhile, Prince also took on the role of director. Many of the most popular musicals of the following decades were created under his direction, including Cabaret (1966), Sweeney Todd (1979), Evita (1979), and The Phantom of the Opera (1988).

Besides his achievements as a producer and director, Prince is also known for bringing innovation to the theatrical arts. In collaboration with Stephen Sondheim, he was a pioneer in the development of the “concept musical,” taking its departure from an idea or theme rather than from a traditional story. Their first project of this kind, Company (1970), was a solid success and paved the way for other innovative musicals.

Prince’s contribution to the arts extends beyond the musical theater: he has made a number of movie adaptations (Damn Yankees 1958, A Little Night Music 1977), and directed for television (Candide 1986). In addition, he has served as a trustee for the New York Public Library and on the National Council of the Arts of the National Education Association.

Harold Prince Photos

Harold Prince STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Special Guest

Harold Prince Productions

 
[Broadway, 2023]
Co-Conceived
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2010]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Las Vegas, 2006]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2004]
Production Supervisor
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2003]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
 
[Australia, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[West End, 1992]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1988]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1986]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Director
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1982]
Director
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1982]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1980]
Director
 
[West End, 1980]
Director
 
[West End, 1980]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1979]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[West End, 1978]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1978]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Director
 
[Chicago, 1977]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1976]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1975]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1974]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1972]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1972]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1971]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1968]
Producer
 
[West End, 1968]
Director
Producer
 
[West End, 1967]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1967]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[West End, 1964]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1963]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Assistant Stage Manager
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director

Writing

Source Material

Harold Prince Movies

[1958]Damn Yankees producer

[1971]Fiddler on the Roof producer

Harold Prince Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Director of a Musical

Harold Prince, Kiss Of The Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Director

Harold Prince - Grandchild of Kings

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince , The Phantom of the Opera

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, On the Twentieth Century

Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Side by Side by Sondheim

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Pacific Overtures

Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music

Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, The Great God Brown

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music

Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Company

Tony Awards - 1965 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, Fiddler on the Roof

Tony Awards - 1964 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, She Loves Me

Tony Awards - 1963 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Harold Prince Videos

Harold Prince News


Review: A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC by ATG-A Stellar Production Now at Hamilton Stage

American Theater Group (ATG) New Jersey’s renowned professional theater company, is now presenting a stellar production of 'A Little Night Music' with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler. Hunter Foster, who directed ATG’s highly acclaimed production of Parade last season, directs.

Donna Lynne Champlin & More to Star in SWEENEY TODD at Virginia Arts Festival

Virginia Arts Festival will present Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning musical Sweeney Todd in an orchestral performance. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Extends Booking Until 29 March 2025

Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at His Majesty's Theatre has extended its booking until Saturday 29 March 2025. Find out how to get tickets here!

Review: A Powerful PARADE Sparks the Conversation at Manatee Players

From the moment the lights dim to the opening chords of the Prologue, the audience knew they were in for a treat. A haunting and stirring rendition of The Old Red Hills of Home, led by young actor Elijah Zurek as the Young Soldier, will have you in a chokehold from the very start.

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!

Jamila Ponton Bragg Named Manager of the Broadway Women's Fund

Jamila Ponton Bragg has been named the new manager of the Broadway Women's Fund. Learn more about Bragg here!

CABARET, THE LEHMAN TRILOGY & More Set for Guthrie Theater 2024-25 Season

The Guthrie Theater will present eight productions for its 2024–2025 Season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

WAITRESS, MARY POPPINS, and More Set For 5th Avenue Theatre 2024-25 Season

The 5th Avenue Theatre has announced its 2024/25 season. The six-show lineup includes five productions brand new to The 5th Avenue Theatre stage. Learn more about the full season lineup here!

FUNNY GIRL, THE WIZ, and More Set For Broadway in Kansas City 2024-25 Season

Broadway in Kansas City has announced its upcoming season for 2024-25. The season will kick off in December with Funny Girl, and continue for a total of 7 shows. Learn more about the full season here!

Hugh Panaro and More Set For the Wick Theatre's 10th Anniversary Gala

The Wick Theatre is hosting a fundraiser gala on Saturday, March 30, 2024, to celebrate ten years of bringing the best in musical theatre and cabaret to South Florida. Learn more about the event and find out how to get tickets here!

THE WIZ, COMPANY, and More Set For The Smith Center for the Performing Arts' 2024-25 Broadway Season

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts has announced its latest lineup of Broadway productions for 2024/2025 The new season features 10 stage productions direct from Broadway that have collectively been showered with 33 Tony Awards®, 18 Drama Desk Awards and five Laurence Olivier Awards. Learn which shows are included.

Broadway Theatre Project Adds Ann Morrison To This Summer's  Musical Theatre Program SHAPING THE ARTIST

Broadway Theatre Project welcomes award-winning actress Ann Morrison to their summer musical theatre program, 'Shaping The Artist.' Join the prestigious faculty for vocal performance and artistic development.

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL, SOME LIKE IT HOT & More Set for Broadway In Detroit 2024-25 Subscription Season

Broadway in Detroit has revealed its 2024-25 Subscription Season with seven shows coming to the Fisher Theatre and Detroit Opera House. 

American Repertory Ballet Presents CLASSIC BEAUTY: An All-Tchaikovsky Program At The New Brunswick Performing

American Repertory Ballet presents Classic Beauty: An All-Tchaikovsky Program featuring excerpts from Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, March 8-10, 2024. Experience timeless ballet masterpieces with renowned music and expressive characterizations.

WICKED, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE & More Set for BroadwaySF 2024/25 Season

BroadwaySF has unveiled the seven Broadway musicals that will make up the 2024/2025 season. See which shows are part of the lineup, and lear how to purchase tickets!

HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO Recorded for Lincoln Center Archives

How to Dance in Ohio, which concludes its Broadway run this Sunday, February 11, 2024, was recorded for the Lincoln Center Theatre on Film and Tape Archives, preserving it to be viewed in the future by theatre professionals.

SHUCKED, PETER PAN & More Set for Broadway at the Hobby Center 2024-2025 Season

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts has revealed the 2024-2025 Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center Season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets!

Hennepin Theatre Trust Announces PURPLE RAIN World Premiere, KIMBERLY AKIMBO And More For 2024-2025 Broadway Season

Hennepin Theatre Trust announces the 2024-2025 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season. Find out the exciting lineup of shows coming to Minneapolis. The lineup includes seven Minnesota premieres and four returning favorites, highlighted by recently announced pre-Broadway world premiere of Purple Rain at the historic State Theatre in 2025.

Photos/Video: First Look At FIDDLER ON THE ROOF At Drury Lane Theatre

Drury Lane Theatre has released first look photos and video of its final show of the 2023/2024 season, the beloved Fiddler on the Roof.

HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO Plays Final Broadway Performance

How to Dance in Ohio will conclude its Broadway run on February 11, 2024, following 27 previews and 72 regular performances at the Belasco Theater.

Harold Prince FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Harold Prince has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

Harold Prince has not appeared in the West End

Harold Prince has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include the Harold Prince Award for Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for LoveMusik, the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Parade, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director - Musical for Showboat, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Director - Musical for Show Boat, the Olivier Award for Best Director of a Musical for Kiss Of The Spider Woman, and the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for Kiss of the Spider Woman. He has also been nominated for the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production for The Phantom of the Opera and Cabaret, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Director for Grandchild of Kings, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director - Musical for Phantom of the Opera and Cabaret, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for The Phantom of the Opera, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Grind, and the Tony Award for Best Musical for Grind. Other nominations include the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director of a Musical for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Costume Design for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Sweeney Todd, the Olivier Award for Director of the Year for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for On the Twentieth Century, the Tony Award for Best Musical for Side by Side by Sondheim, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director - Musical for Pacific Overtures, and the Tony Award for Best Musical for Pacific Overtures. He has also been nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for The Visit and Candide, the Obie Award for Distinguished Direction for Candide, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Candide, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for A Little Night Music and The Great God Brown, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for A Little Night Music, the Tony Award for Best Musical for A Little Night Music, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Follies, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for Follies, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Company, the Tony Award for Best Musical for Company, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for Company, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Zorba and Cabaret, and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for She Loves Me. Additionally, he has received nominations for the Tony Award for Producer (Musical) for Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Harold Prince has won several awards throughout his career in the theater industry. Some of the notable awards he has received include the Harold Prince Award at the Drama Desk Awards, the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the Tony Awards, and the Outstanding Director - Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on Showboat. He has also won awards for his direction of other musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Sweeney Todd, and A Little Night Music. In addition, he has received recognition for his work as a producer on shows like Fiddler on the Roof and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Harold Prince's contributions to the theater industry have been widely celebrated and acknowledged through these awards and honors.

Harold Prince has written 1 shows including Parade (Source Material).

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