Arthur Laurents
Birth Place: New York, NY, USA
Latest News on Arthur Laurents:
Interview: Winnie Holzman and CHOICE at McCarter Theatre Center (Apr 22, 2024)
Pittsburgh CLO Announces Three New Programs To Make Theater More Family Accessible (Apr 9, 2024)
The Green Room 42 Presents The Return Of Josie De Guzman This May (Apr 4, 2024)
Interview: Winnie Holzman and CHOICE at McCarter Theatre Center (Apr 22, 2024)
Pittsburgh CLO Announces Three New Programs To Make Theater More Family Accessible (Apr 9, 2024)
The Green Room 42 Presents The Return Of Josie De Guzman This May (Apr 4, 2024)
Arthur Laurents BIO
Arthur Laurents was a renowned American playwright, screenwriter, and director who was born on July 14, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. He was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over six decades and was widely regarded as one of the most influential playwrights of his generation.
Laurents began his career in the theater as an assistant to playwrights such as Robert E. Sherwood and Moss Hart. He made his Broadway debut as a playwright in 1945 with the play "Home of the Brave," which dealt with anti-Semitism in the military. The play was a critical and commercial success and established Laurents as a major talent in the theater world.
In 1957, Laurents wrote the book for the musical "West Side Story," which was a collaboration with composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. The show was a modern retelling of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" set in the streets of New York City. It was a groundbreaking work that tackled issues of race, immigration, and gang violence. The show was a critical and commercial success and won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Laurents continued to work in the theater throughout the 1960s and 1970s, writing and directing several successful plays and musicals. In 1968, he wrote the book for the musical "Hallelujah, Baby!," which was a collaboration with composer Jule Styne and lyricist Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The show was a satirical look at the civil rights movement and won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Laurents continued to work in the theater as a director, directing several successful revivals of classic musicals. In 1983, he directed a revival of "La Cage aux Folles," which was a collaboration with composer Jerry Herman and lyricist Harvey Fierstein. The show was a critical and commercial success and won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival.
Laurents also worked extensively in film and television throughout his career. He wrote the screenplays for several successful films, including "The Way We Were" (1973), which starred Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, and "The Turning Point" (1977), which starred Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft. He also directed several films, including "The Way We Were" and "The Turning Point."
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Laurents was also a political activist who was involved in several social and political causes. He was a vocal supporter of gay rights and was an active member of the Democratic Party.
Laurents continued to work in the theater until his death on May 5, 2011, at the age of 93. His most recent work was a revival of his play "West Side Story," which opened on Broadway in 2009. The production was directed by Laurents himself and was a critical and commercial success.
Arthur Laurents Photos
Arthur Laurents Productions
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Arthur Laurents Movies
Rope
[ 1948 ] writer
[ 1948 ] writer
Home of the Brave
[ 1949 ] writer
[ 1949 ] writer
Caught
[ 1949 ] writer
[ 1949 ] writer
Anna Lucasta
[ 1949 ] writer
[ 1949 ] writer
Anastasia
[ 1956 ] writer
[ 1956 ] writer
Bonjour Tristesse
[ 1958 ] writer
[ 1958 ] writer
West Side Story
[ 1961 ] writer
[ 1961 ] writer
The Way We Were
[ 1973 ] writer
[ 1973 ] writer
The Turning Point
[ 1977 ] producer
[ 1977 ] producer
Arthur Laurents Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama League Awards - 2009 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Arthur Laurents
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Arthur Laurents, West Side Story
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Arthur Laurents, Gypsy
Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Direction of a Musical
Arthur Laurents, Gypsy
Helen Hayes Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production
Arthur LaurentsGypsy
winner
Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Direction of a Musical
Arthur Laurents, La Cage aux Folles
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Arthur Laurents, Gypsy
Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Direction of a Musical
Arthur Laurents, Gypsy
Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Musical
Arthur Laurents, Gypsy
Arthur Laurents Videos
Video: First Look at Jodie Prenger in GYPSY at the Opera House Manchester
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2024
Video: Ryan McCartan Sings 'Something's Coming' From WEST SIDE STORY at Lyric Opera of Chicago
by Alan Henry - Jun 13, 2023
Video: Michael Starr Performs 'All I Need Is the Girl' In GYPSY at Goodspeed Musicals
by Alan Henry - May 24, 2023
Video: Patrick Pacheco Opens Up About Putting Pen to Paper with Chita Rivera
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - May 9, 2023
Video: Steve Guttenberg Is Getting Ready to Tell His Story in TALES OF THE GUTTENBERG BIBLE
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - Apr 28, 2023
Exclusive: Broadway Legend (and Author) Chita Rivera Unpacks Her Life in the Theatre
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - Apr 25, 2023
VIDEO: First Look At George Street Playhouse's THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Alan Henry - Mar 27, 2023
VIDEO: Watch Ariana DeBose Perform 'America' in New WEST SIDE STORY Music Video
by Michael Major - Mar 2, 2022
VIDEO: WEST SIDE STORY Cast Sings 'America' in Scoring Session Featurette
by Michael Major - Feb 1, 2022
VIDEO: Watch a Costume Featurette From WEST SIDE STORY Featuring Paul Tazewell
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 20, 2022
VIDEO: Tony Kushner Talks WEST SIDE STORY, Working With Steven Spielberg, and More
by Stephi Wild - Jan 12, 2022
VIDEO: Steven Spielberg & Janusz Kamiński Discuss WEST SIDE STORY Cinematography
by Michael Major - Dec 28, 2021
VIDEO: Steven Spielberg Talks David Alvarez as Bernardo in WEST SIDE STORY
by Michael Major - Dec 9, 2021
VIDEO: Watch the Stars of WEST SIDE STORY on the Red Carpet at the Los Angeles Premiere
by Michael Major - Dec 8, 2021
Arthur Laurents News
Interview: Winnie Holzman and CHOICE at McCarter Theatre Center
Broadwayworld had the pleasure of interviewing Winnie Holzman about her career and 'CHOICE' at McCarter Theatre Center.
Pittsburgh CLO Announces Three New Programs To Make Theater More Family Accessible
Pittsburgh CLO is implementing changes to make theater more accessible for families. Discover how they're removing barriers and promoting inclusivity in the world of Broadway.
The Green Room 42 Presents The Return Of Josie De Guzman This May
Join two-time Tony Award nominee JOSIE DE GUZMAN as she returns to THE GREEN ROOM 42. Known for her roles in GUYS AND DOLLS and WEST SIDE STORY, don't miss her performances on 5/4-5.
Special Offer: EXPERIENCE THE UNFORGETTABLE PATTI LUPONE at Symphony Hall
Special offer: experience the unforgettable Patti LuPone
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?
Houston Grand Opera Reveals 2024-25 Season
Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2024-25 season, featuring a spectacular, new, season-opening production of Il trovatore; the return of charming, family-friendly Cinderella, classic tragedy La bohème, and blockbuster musical West Side Story; Houstonians’ first-ever chance to see award-winning opera Breaking the Waves; and a lushly beautiful new production of Tannhäuser.
Shereen Pimentel and Brenton Ryan To Lead WEST SIDE STORY At Houston Grand Opera; Full Season Announced
Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2024-25 season, which includes a concert presentation of the Broadway masterpiece, West Side Story, led by Broadway's Shereen Pimentel and tenor Brenton Ryan.
Patti LuPone & More to Join Atlantic Theater Company 2024 Gala
Atlantic Theater Company will present their 2024 Gala on Monday, April 29, 2024 at The Plaza. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
Pittsburgh CLO Announces WEST SIDE STORY And More For 2024 Summer Season
Pittsburgh CLO has your summer mapped out promising an array of captivating productions across the city's Cultural District. Pittsburgh CLO continues their long-standing commitment of creating Broadway caliber shows made by Pittsburgh, for Pittsburgh, and in partnership with Pittsburgh.
WEST SIDE STORY, GYSPY & More Set for OFC Creations Theatre 2024-25 Season
OFC Creations Theatre has revealed its 2024-25 season, featuring six professional musical productions directed by Eric Vaughn Johnson. See the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
ALADDIN & More Lead Seattle's Spring 2024 Top Theatre Shows
Seattle is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for Spring 2024 include Aladdin and more.
TOCANDO NUESTRA CANCI�"N y GYPSY comienzan sus audiciones
El Teatro del Soho Caixabank ha comenado en Madrid las audiciones para los dos próximos musicales dirigidos por Antonio Banderas que llegarán a Málaga este año, y GYPSY.
Patti LuPone to Perform at Young People's Chorus of NYC's Gala Concert and Benefit Dinner
Young People’s Chorus of New York City will present its annual gala in March, featuring Patti LuPone. Learn how to purchase tickets.
GYPSY to be Presented at The Lee Strasberg Institute in March
The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute will present Gypsy: A Musical Fable. Learn performances dates and see how to purchase tickets.
THE LOOK OF LOVE Comes to BAM Next Month
Mark Morris will team up again with musical collaborator Ethan Iverson for The Look of Love, a wistful and heartfelt homage to the chart-topping songs of Burt Bacharach which premiered to acclaim in 2022 at the Kennedy Center.
Video: First Look at Jodie Prenger in GYPSY at the Opera House Manchester
An all new video is giving a first look at Jodie Prenger as Rose ahead of a new one-night concert version of Gypsy, at the Opera House, Manchester on Sunday 25th February. Check out the video here!
Eisemann Center to Present PATTI LUPONE: A LIFE IN NOTES in March
Eisemann Center Presents will continue the 2023-2024 Season with Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes next month. Learn more about the concert featuring the legendary 3-time Tony Award winner here!
Patti LuPone & More to Perform at Mayo Performing Arts Center in March
Mayo Performing Arts Center has unveiled its March lineup featuring Patti LuPone and more. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets!
Full Cast and Creative Team Set For Hope Mill Theatre's GYPSY Fundraising Concert
Hope Mill Theatre has revealed the full cast that will be joining the already-announced Jodie Prenger in a new one-night concert version of Gypsy, at the Opera House, Manchester on Sunday 25th February.
Arthur Laurents FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Arthur Laurents written?
Arthur Laurents has written 18 shows including Home of the Brave (Playwright), The Bird Cage (Playwright), The Time of the Cuckoo (Playwright), A Clearing in the Woods (Playwright), West Side Story (Bookwriter), Gypsy (Bookwriter), Invitation to a March (Playwright), Anyone Can Whistle (Bookwriter), Do I Hear a Waltz? (Source Material), Hallelujah, Baby! (Bookwriter), The Enclave (Playwright), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Bookwriter), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Bookwriter), Nick & Nora (Bookwriter), The Radical Mystique (Playwright), Angela Lansbury - A Celebration (Playwright), The Time of the Cuckoo (Playwright), The Light in the Piazza (Bookwriter).
What awards has Arthur Laurents been nominated for?
Arthur Laurents has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "West Side Story" and "Gypsy," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Gypsy" and "La Cage aux Folles," Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Gypsy," and Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Gypsy." Additionally, "Gypsy" received nominations for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Musical at the Tony Awards.
What awards has Arthur Laurents won?
Arthur Laurents has won the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards, the Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "La Cage aux Folles," and the Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Gypsy."
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