Kenny Leon
Latest News on Kenny Leon:
Broadway & Beyond to Present 2024 Networking Event for Stage Managers of Color (Jun 11, 2024)
Exclusive: On the History and Hope of PURLIE VICTORIOUS (Jun 11, 2024)
2024 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List (Jun 10, 2024)
Broadway & Beyond to Present 2024 Networking Event for Stage Managers of Color (Jun 11, 2024)
Exclusive: On the History and Hope of PURLIE VICTORIOUS (Jun 11, 2024)
2024 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List (Jun 10, 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
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
Video: Get a First Look at HOME on Broadway Directed By Kenny Leon
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 7, 2024
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
Kenny Leon News
Broadway & Beyond to Present 2024 Networking Event for Stage Managers of Color
Broadway & Beyond: Access for Stage Managers of Color will host their annual hybrid networking event (virtual and in-person) in New York City in July. Learn how to attend.
Broadway & Beyond: Access for Stage Managers of Color will host their annual hybrid networking event (virtual and in-person) in New York City in July. Learn how to attend.
Exclusive: On the History and Hope of PURLIE VICTORIOUS
In this edition, we hear from producer Jeffrey Richards, who contributed the below essay about his six-time Tony-nominated Best Revival of a Play, Purlie Victorious.
In this edition, we hear from producer Jeffrey Richards, who contributed the below essay about his six-time Tony-nominated Best Revival of a Play, Purlie Victorious.
2024 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway came together for the 68th Annual Drama Desk Awards, which were held at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway came together for the 68th Annual Drama Desk Awards, which were held at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
Drama Book Shop Will Host Signing and Talkback Event For 'The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre'
The Drama Book Shop will host an event in conjunction with the release of the book, 'The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre'. The event will feature Eila Mell and Heather A. Hitchens, and will include a talkback, signing, and live podcast recording.
The Drama Book Shop will host an event in conjunction with the release of the book, 'The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre'. The event will feature Eila Mell and Heather A. Hitchens, and will include a talkback, signing, and live podcast recording.
Broadway Buying Guide: June 10, 2024- Get Tickets to Incoming Shows
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, June 10, 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, June 10, 2024.
Video: Get a First Look at HOME on Broadway Directed By Kenny Leon
Get a first look at footage of Home on Broadway! Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Get a first look at footage of Home on Broadway! Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 7, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 7, 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 June 7, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: See Kenny Leon & More on the Red Carpet for HOME on Broadway
Check out photos from the opening night red carpet of Home on Broadway!
Check out photos from the opening night red carpet of Home on Broadway!
Photos: On the Red Carpet at Opening Night of HOME on Broadway
Roundabout Theatre Company’s new Broadway production of HOME by Samm-Art Williams, directed by Kenny Leon, officially opened last night, June 5, at Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway. Check out photos from the opening night red carpet here!
Roundabout Theatre Company’s new Broadway production of HOME by Samm-Art Williams, directed by Kenny Leon, officially opened last night, June 5, at Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway. Check out photos from the opening night red carpet here!
Photos: Inside HOME's Opening Night Curtain Call
Roundabout Theatre Company’s new Broadway production of HOME by Samm-Art Williams, directed by Kenny Leon, officially opened last night, June 5, at Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway. Check out photos from the curtain call here!
Roundabout Theatre Company’s new Broadway production of HOME by Samm-Art Williams, directed by Kenny Leon, officially opened last night, June 5, at Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway. Check out photos from the curtain call here!
Review Roundup: HOME Opens On Broadway Directed By Kenny Leon
Home opens at the Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway. Read the reviews!
Home opens at the Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway. Read the reviews!
SOME LIKE IT HOT Is Coming To The Fisher Theatre This October 1
Experience the musical SOME LIKE IT HOT at the Fisher Theatre from October 1-13.
Experience the musical SOME LIKE IT HOT at the Fisher Theatre from October 1-13.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 6, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 6, 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 June 6, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours:
Jake Gyllenhaal Discusses Learning Shakespeare for Broadway's OTHELLO
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Tony award-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal discussed several of his current and upcoming projects, including his turn as the villainous Iago in the 2025 Broadway production of Shakespeare's Othello.
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Tony award-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal discussed several of his current and upcoming projects, including his turn as the villainous Iago in the 2025 Broadway production of Shakespeare's Othello.
Alicia Keys, Linda Twine, and Maxine Williams Will Be Honored at the 2024 Black Theatre United Gala
Black Theatre United will host its second annual Gala on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York. Learn more about how to attend here!
Black Theatre United will host its second annual Gala on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York. Learn more about how to attend here!
Interview: Steve H. Broadnax III & Rashad McPherson Are Getting Ready for Another Juneteenth in Times Square
BroadwayWorld checked in with Director and Writer Steve H. Broadnax III and Music Director Rashad McPherson to get the scoop on what's to come for this fourth annual event!
BroadwayWorld checked in with Director and Writer Steve H. Broadnax III and Music Director Rashad McPherson to get the scoop on what's to come for this fourth annual event!
Harlem Stage Announces New Artistic Director and CEO
Harlem Stage has announced producer, director, scholar, and arts and cultural executive Dr. Indira Etwaroo as its new Artistic Director and CEO.
Harlem Stage has announced producer, director, scholar, and arts and cultural executive Dr. Indira Etwaroo as its new Artistic Director and CEO.
Broadway Buying Guide: June 3, 2024- Ben Platt is Back
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, June 3, 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, June 3, 2024.
The Studio Theatre Reveals The Cast of EXIT LAUGHING
In July, The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol will open the second Summer Show of the 2024/2025 Season, with Exit Laughing by Paul Elliott.
In July, The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol will open the second Summer Show of the 2024/2025 Season, with Exit Laughing by Paul Elliott.
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Talks Tony Noms for PURLIE VICTORIOUS and Good Broadway Etiquette
Leslie Odom Jr. stopped by TODAY on Wednesday to discuss starring and producing the play Purlie Victorious, which recently was nominated for 6 Tony Awards. Later on in the interview, he also went on to discuss good Broadway etiquette for audience members. Watch the interview now!
Leslie Odom Jr. stopped by TODAY on Wednesday to discuss starring and producing the play Purlie Victorious, which recently was nominated for 6 Tony Awards. Later on in the interview, he also went on to discuss good Broadway etiquette for audience members. Watch the interview now!
Kenny Leon FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Kenny Leon been nominated for?
Kenny Leon has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including 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," and Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for "Purlie Victorious." He has also received nominations for Outstanding Direction of a Play at the Drama League Awards for "Topdog/Underdog," Outstanding Director of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Topdog/Underdog," and the Directing Award at the Obie Awards for "Much Ado About Nothing." Additionally, he was nominated for 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 Soldier's Play," and Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun." Kenny Leon also received the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards and nominations for Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for "Fences." He has won awards such as Outstanding Director, Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Tambourines to Glory," Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun," and Outstanding Director, Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Blues in the Night."
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."
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