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Michael Greif

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BIO

Greif attended Northwestern University and graduated from the University of California, San Diego graduate directing program. He was the Artistic Director of the La Jolla Playhouse, LaJolla, California from 1994 to 1999.



He was an Artistic Associate at the New York Theatre Workshop where he directed, among others, Bright Lights, Big City (1998–99) and the original production of Rent for which he received the Obie Award for direction of a musical and which he later directed on Broadway.

Greif has directed several original Broadway musicals and been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical four times. In addition to Rent, his Broadway credits include If/Then (also at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.), Next to Normal (also at Second Stage Theatre and Arena Stage), Grey Gardens (also at Playwrights Horizons), Dear Evan Hansen (also at Arena Stage and Second Stage), and War Paint (also at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago).

In August 2023, it was announced that his Chicago Shakespeare Theater production of The Notebook would transfer to Broadway in March 2024 and in September 2023, it was announced that he would transfer his Off-Broadway production of Days of Wine and Roses to Broadway in January 2024.

Among his many directing credits Off-Broadway are Alicia Keys' autobiographical musical Hell's Kitchen, Katori Hall's Our Lady of Kibeho, John Guare's Landscape of the Body and A Few Stout Individuals at Signature Theatre, Beauty of the Father for the Manhattan Theatre Club, the 2009 Playwrights Horizons production of Mrs. Sharp (with music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver and starring Jane Krakowski), and Romeo and Juliet, The Winter's Tale, and The Tempest at the New York Shakespeare Festival at the Delacorte Theater (2007, 2010, 2015).

Photos

Productions

Basura
 
[Broadway, 2026]
Director
Beautiful Little Fool
 
[West End, 2026]
Director
Hell's Kitchen
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
The Notebook
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
The NotebookThe Notebook
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Co-Director
Days of Wine and RosesDays of Wine and Roses
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
The NotebookThe Notebook
 
[Chicago, 2022]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
Next to NormalNext to Normal
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2020]
Director
Make BelieveMake Believe
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[Toronto, 2019]
Director
The Low RoadThe Low Road
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
A ParallelogramA Parallelogram
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
War PaintWar Paint
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
War PaintWar Paint
 
[Chicago, 2016]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
If/ThenIf/Then
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2015]
Director
The TempestThe Tempest
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
If/ThenIf/Then
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
Far From HeavenFar From Heaven
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
GiantGiant
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
RentRent
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
Next to NormalNext to Normal
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Director
Angels in America: Millennium ApproachesAngels in America: Millennium Approaches
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
Angels in America: PerestroikaAngels in America: Perestroika
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
The Winter's TaleThe Winter's Tale
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
Next to NormalNext to Normal
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
RentRent
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Director
Boys' Life
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
next to normal
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[US Tour, 2008]
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[West End, 2008]
Director
Romeo and Juliet
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
A Very Common Procedure
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
Grey GardensGrey Gardens
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Satellites
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Landscape of the Body
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
Beauty of the Father
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Mr. Marmalade
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
Spatter Pattern (Or, How I Got Away With It)
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
The Distance From Here
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Never Gonna DanceNever Gonna Dance
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
Cavedweller
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
F-ing A
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
Betty Rules
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Play Yourself
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Artistic Associate
A Few Stout Individuals
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Monster
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Everything That Rises Must Converge
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
First Love
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
Dogeaters
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
Bright Lights, Big City
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director/Choreographer
Director
Rent
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
RentRent
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Director
Rent
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
Director
Marisol
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
Spike Heels
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
Pericles
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
A Bright Room Called Day
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Machinal
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Sleight of Hand
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Assistant Director

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Michael Greif, Days of Wine and Roses

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Hell's Kitchen

The Lortels - 2018 - Outstanding Director

Michael Greif, The Low Road


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Director

Michael GreifOur Lady of Kibeho

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Next to Normal

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Grey Gardens

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Greif , Grey Gardens


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director - Play

Michael Greif, Dogeaters


winner
Obie Awards - 2001 - Direction

Michael Greif, Dogeaters

The Lortels - 2001 - Outstanding Director

Michael Greif, Dogeaters


winner
Obie Awards - 1996 - Special Citations

Michael Greif, Rent

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif , Rent

Videos

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News


John Patrick Hayden, Will Roland and More to Lead Bucks County Playhouse's New Master Photo
John Patrick Hayden, Will Roland and More to Lead Bucks County Playhouse's New Masterclass Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 19, 2026

Bucks County Playhouse will present a new masterclass series for 2026 with a lineup of adult education classes at Lambertville Hall in Lambertville, NJ, open to all ages and levels of experience.
Photos: Museum of Broadway Hosts Special RENT Event With Tim Weil Photo
Photos: Museum of Broadway Hosts Special RENT Event With Tim Weil
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 19, 2026

The Museum of Broadway recently hosted a 30th anniversary panel of RENT alums and a special reading of Making RENT: The Story Behind the Music that Changed Broadway. Check out photos here!
Video: Alysha Deslorieux Sings 'My Days' from THE NOTEBOOK Tour Photo
Video: Alysha Deslorieux Sings 'My Days' from THE NOTEBOOK Tour
by Joshua Wright - Feb 18, 2026

Watch Alysha Deslorieux, who plays Allie in The Notebook on Tour sing 'My Days' by Ingrid Michaelson on KRON4 in San Francisco.
Review: HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour at Durham Performing Arts Center Photo
Review: HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour at Durham Performing Arts Center
by Jeffrey Kare - Feb 18, 2026

Inspired by the music and upbringing of Alicia Keys. Hell’s Kitchen follows Ali, a 17-year-old girl full of fire, searching for freedom, passion, and her place in the world. Along the way, we meet her dynamic family, a musical mentor who changes her life, and the neighborhood that helps her grow up.
HAMILTON, THE OUTSIDERS, and More Set For Broadway In Birmingham 2026-27 Season Photo
HAMILTON, THE OUTSIDERS, and More Set For Broadway In Birmingham 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2026

The American Theatre Guild has announced 2026–27 Season for the BJCC Concert Hall, including Hamilton, The Outsiders, and more. Learn more about the season here!
THE NOTEBOOK Musical Set for Portland's Keller Auditorium in March Photo
THE NOTEBOOK Musical Set for Portland's Keller Auditorium in March
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 17, 2026

THE NOTEBOOK will play Keller Auditorium in Portland from March 10–15, 2026. The Broadway musical features music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter.
Review: THE NOTEBOOK at Orpheum Theatre Photo
Review: THE NOTEBOOK at Orpheum Theatre
by Steve Murray - Feb 14, 2026

What did our critic think of THE NOTEBOOK at Orpheum Theatre?
Museum of Broadway to Host Special RENT Event With Tim Weil Photo
Museum of Broadway to Host Special RENT Event With Tim Weil
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 11, 2026

The Museum of Broadway will host a 30th anniversary panel of RENT alums and a special reading of Making RENT: The Story Behind the Music that Changed Broadway.
HELL'S KITCHEN to Present Final Encore Sessions Featuring Alicia Keys & OBC Cast Memb Photo
HELL'S KITCHEN to Present Final Encore Sessions Featuring Alicia Keys & OBC Cast Members
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 11, 2026

In celebration of the final weekend of performances at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre, Hell's Kitchen, featuring the music of 17-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, will present the return of Encore Sessions.
13 GOING ON 30 THE MUSICAL Will Make North American Premiere in Toronto Photo
13 GOING ON 30 THE MUSICAL Will Make North American Premiere in Toronto
by Stephi Wild - Feb 10, 2026

The 2026/27 Operation Mirvish Theatre Season has been announced at the Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, including the North American premiere of 13 Going on 30 - The Musical. Learn more here!
THE NOTEBOOK Comes to Seattle in March Photo
THE NOTEBOOK Comes to Seattle in March
by Stephi Wild - Feb 10, 2026

THE NOTEBOOK, a new musical adaptation of the beloved novel and film, will grace the stage at The Paramount Theatre in Seattle from March 3-8, as part of the 25-26 Broadway series.
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, THE NOTEBOOK, and More Set for Broadway At The Hobby Center Photo
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, THE NOTEBOOK, and More Set for Broadway At The Hobby Center 2026"2027 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts has announced the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center 2026–2027 season, featuring six Houston premieres, first national tours, and the return of audience favorites.
SOCIETY Theatre Company to Debut ENTANGLED at HERE Arts Center This March Photo
SOCIETY Theatre Company to Debut ENTANGLED at HERE Arts Center This March
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 2, 2026

SOCIETY Theatre Company will present the world premiere of ENTANGLED: 12 SCENES IN A CIRCLE K OFF THE I-40 IN NEW MEXICO, exploring themes of quantum science and free will, from March 11-29 at HERE Arts Center in New York.
Review: THE NOTEBOOK - THE MUSICAL Floats Into OC's Segerstrom Center Photo
Review: THE NOTEBOOK - THE MUSICAL Floats Into OC's Segerstrom Center
by Michael Quintos - Jan 29, 2026

Adapted from Nicholas Sparks' ubiquitous 1996 novel (and its popular 2004 film iteration featuring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling), THE NOTEBOOK - THE MUSICAL re-stages a generational love story into a quietly sweeping, memory-fractured stage romance that subtly promotes emotional accumulation over plot novelty. Now on stage at OC's Segerstrom Center for the Arts, this 2024 three-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical's first national tour continues performances in Costa Mesa through February 8, 2026.
'Making Rent: The Story Behind the Music that Changed Broadway' Will Host Launch Even Photo
'Making Rent: The Story Behind the Music that Changed Broadway' Will Host Launch Event at The Strand
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2026

In celebration of its release, Apollo Publishers will host a launch event for Making Rent: The Story Behind the Music that Changed Broadway, written by Rent’s original musical director, Tim Weil. 
Review: BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL, Southwark Playhouse Borough Photo
Review: BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL, Southwark Playhouse Borough
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Jan 25, 2026

There is something that remains so alluring about the chaotic and ultimately tragic lives of F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. The booze, the breakdowns, not to mention the immense talent. Michael Greif's new musical, Beautiful Little Fool, tells their tempestuous story from the perspective of their adult daughter, Scottie. An intriguing concept, but the show fails to get beyond something shallow and unsatisfying.
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, DEATH BECOMES HER and More Set for Broadway Dallas 2026/2027 Photo
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, DEATH BECOMES HER and More Set for Broadway Dallas 2026/2027 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 24, 2026

Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America have announced the full lineup of Broadway productions coming to Dallas as part of the 2026/2027 Broadway Series presented by Broadway Dallas.
WICKED, DEATH BECOMES HER and More Set for Broadway In Boston 26/27 Season Photo
WICKED, DEATH BECOMES HER and More Set for Broadway In Boston 26/27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2026

The 2026/2027 Broadway In Boston Season at the Citizens Opera House and the Emerson Colonial Theatre, an Ambassador Theatre Group venue has been revealed!  Included in the Eight Show Season Subscription are Wicked and more.
Review Roundup: BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL at Southwark Playhouse Photo
Review Roundup: BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL at Southwark Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2026

The new musical Beautiful Little Fool is officially open at Southwark Playhouse Borough. The cast features David Hunter as ‘F. Scott’, alongside Lauren Ward and more. See what the critics are saying here.
Photos: BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL, Now Playing at Southwark Playhouse Photo
Photos: BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL, Now Playing at Southwark Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026

All new production photos have been released from Beautiful Little Fool, the brand new musical which opened at Southwark Playhouse Borough last week. Learn more and check out the photos here!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Michael Greif been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hell's Kitchen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for The Low Road, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Our Lady of Kibeho, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Next to Normal, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Grey Gardens, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Grey Gardens , Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dogeaters, Direction (Obie Awards) for Dogeaters, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Dogeaters, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Rent and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rent.

What awards has Michael Greif won?

Michael Greif has won several prestigious awards, including Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Dear Evan Hansen. He received the Outstanding Director - Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for Dogeaters. Additionally, he won the Direction award at the Obie Awards for Dogeaters, as well as Special Citations at the Obie Awards for Rent.

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