George C. Wolfe
Birth Place: Frankfort, KY, USA
Latest News on George C. Wolfe:
Video: First Look At Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jelani Alladin And Jordan Donica In THE WILD PARTY (Feb 19, 2026)
Joshua Henry to Record Acoustic Album Live at Lincoln Center; Attend For Free (Feb 10, 2026)
Jelani Alladin, Jordan Donica and Tonya Pinkins Join Encores! THE WILD PARTY (Feb 10, 2026)
Video: First Look At Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jelani Alladin And Jordan Donica In THE WILD PARTY (Feb 19, 2026)
Joshua Henry to Record Acoustic Album Live at Lincoln Center; Attend For Free (Feb 10, 2026)
Jelani Alladin, Jordan Donica and Tonya Pinkins Join Encores! THE WILD PARTY (Feb 10, 2026)
BIO
Theatre directing credits include The Iceman Cometh, Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (NY Drama Critics' Circle Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Musical); Lucky Guy; The Normal Heart (Drama Desk); Jelly's Last Jam (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award); Angels in America: Millennium Approaches (Tony Award and Drama Desk) and Perestroika (Drama Desk); Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk (Tony and Drama League Award); Topdog/Underdog (Obie Award); Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Drama Desk); Elaine Stritch at Liberty (Tony for Special Theatrical Event); The Tempest; Caroline, or Change (Olivier Award Best Musical); and A Free Man of Color.
From 1993-2005 Wolfe was the Producer of The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival. He is the writer of the award-winning The Colored Museum, Shuffle Along..., he directed/adapted Spunk (Obie), and Harlem Song.
Wolfe directed and co-wrote the HBO film "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," as well as "Lackawanna Blues," for which he earned The Directors Guild Award and a National Board of Review Award.
He is the Chief Creative Officer of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and from 2009-2017 served on The President's Committee for the Arts and the Humanities.
Additional awards include the Actors' Equity Paul Robeson Award, Society of Directors and Choreographers' Mr. Abbott and Callaway Awards, The Dramatists Guild's Hull-Warriner Award, The NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, The Brendan Gill Prize, and The Monte Cristo Award.
Wolfe was named a Library Lion by the New York Public Library and a living landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
Photos
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Productions
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
Writing
Adaptation
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Playwright
Source Material
Lyricist
Conceiver
Lyricist
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Libretto
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Gypsy
Drama League Awards - 2025 - OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
George C. Wolfe, Gypsy
Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe, Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus
Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe, The Iceman Cometh
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Book of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Direction of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe, Lucky Guy
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Director of a Play
George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart
Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director - Musical
George C. Wolfe, Caroline, or Change
winner
Drama League Awards - 2004 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
George C. Wolfe
winner
Obie Awards - 2004 - Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater
George C. Wolfe
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Caroline
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Direction of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Caroline, or Change
winner
Obie Awards - 2002 - Direction
George C. Wolfe, Topdog / Underdog
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director of a Play
George C. Wolfe, Topdog / Underdog
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Book of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, The Wild Party
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Musical
George C. Wolfe, The Wild Party
winner
Drama League Awards - 1996 - Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre
George C. Wolfe
winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Musical
George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Director - Play
George C. Wolfe, Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Director - Play
George C. Wolfe, Angels in America
Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe , Angels in America: Perestroika
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Director - Pla
George C. Wolfe, Angels in America
winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe , Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Book of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Director - Musical
George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Book of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Musical
George C. Wolfe , Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Obie Awards - 1990 - Direction
George C. Wolfe, Spunk
Videos
Video: Broadway Stars on What Pride Means to Them " Michael Arden, Nick Jonas & More
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-26 12:28:36
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on ‘Legend’ Status and GYPSY Role in CBS Interview
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-03 10:59:39
Video: Audra McDonald and GYPSY Cast Perform 'Some People' on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2025-05-23 07:06:11
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on Kamala Harris' Visit to GYPSY on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-03 14:32:49
Video: Audra McDonald, Danny Burstein & Joy Woods Perform 'Together, Wherever We Go' From GYPSY
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-03-13 10:10:20
Video: Audra McDonald Talks the 'Tornado' of Mama Rose and How Gavin Creel Inspired Her to Play the Role
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-02-04 10:53:12
Video: Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, & More Talk GYPSY on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-12-15 11:36:50
Video: Joy Woods Talks GYPSY and Offers Advice for Young Performers on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-09 11:53:51
Video: Inside the Reveal of the Newly Restored Majestic Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-09-11 12:43:18
Photos/Video: First Look at Pasadena Playhouse's JELLY'S LAST JAM
by Joshua Wright - 2024-06-03 14:27:53
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-05-29 15:30:20
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-21 10:05:16
News
Video: First Look At Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jelani Alladin And Jordan Donica In THE WILD PARTY
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2026
Go behind the scenes of ENCORES! THE WILD PARTY, starring Jasmine Amy Rogers (BOOP!), Jelani Alladin (Frozen), and Jordan Donica (Camelot) as City Center releases a new look at the stars during their first cast photo shoot. Watch the video!
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2026
Go behind the scenes of ENCORES! THE WILD PARTY, starring Jasmine Amy Rogers (BOOP!), Jelani Alladin (Frozen), and Jordan Donica (Camelot) as City Center releases a new look at the stars during their first cast photo shoot. Watch the video!
Joshua Henry to Record Acoustic Album Live at Lincoln Center; Attend For Free
by Michael Major - Feb 10, 2026
Joshua Henry is inviting a select amount of audience members to witness the recording of his new acoustic album. The Ragtime star took to Instagram to reveal that he will be releasing a new acoustic LP, recording it this month at Lincoln Center.
by Michael Major - Feb 10, 2026
Joshua Henry is inviting a select amount of audience members to witness the recording of his new acoustic album. The Ragtime star took to Instagram to reveal that he will be releasing a new acoustic LP, recording it this month at Lincoln Center.
Jelani Alladin, Jordan Donica and Tonya Pinkins Join Encores! THE WILD PARTY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 10, 2026
The complete cast has been set for New York City Center Encores! The Wild Party. Original Broadway cast member Tonya Pinkins returns to the show, this time as Dolores Montoya.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 10, 2026
The complete cast has been set for New York City Center Encores! The Wild Party. Original Broadway cast member Tonya Pinkins returns to the show, this time as Dolores Montoya.
Joel Grey and Phylicia Rashad to be Honored at Center Theatre Group 2026 Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026
Center Theatre Group will present CTG: The Gala, the not-for-profit's annual event which will be held at The Music Center, featuring cocktails and dinner on the Jerry Moss Plaza and a one-night-only show at the Mark Taper Forum.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026
Center Theatre Group will present CTG: The Gala, the not-for-profit's annual event which will be held at The Music Center, featuring cocktails and dinner on the Jerry Moss Plaza and a one-night-only show at the Mark Taper Forum.
Listen to the 2026 Grammy Nominees for Best Musical Theater Album
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 31, 2026
Before the 2026 winner is announced on Sunday, February 1, take a listen to all five of the 2026 Grammy-nominated albums, including Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, Gypsy, Just in Time, and Maybe Happy Ending.
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 31, 2026
Before the 2026 winner is announced on Sunday, February 1, take a listen to all five of the 2026 Grammy-nominated albums, including Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, Gypsy, Just in Time, and Maybe Happy Ending.
Drama Desk Awards Set 2026 Date
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2026
The date has been set for the 70th Drama Desk Awards! The 2026 Drama Desk Awards will be held at The Town Hall on May 17, 2026. Learn more about the event here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2026
The date has been set for the 70th Drama Desk Awards! The 2026 Drama Desk Awards will be held at The Town Hall on May 17, 2026. Learn more about the event here!
Carnegie Hall Unveils UNITED IN SOUND Festival 2026 Partner Events
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2026
Carnegie Hall has announced its schedule of partner events presented by leading cultural and academic institutions across New York City and beyond from February through July 2026 as part of the Hall's United in Sound: America at 250 festival.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2026
Carnegie Hall has announced its schedule of partner events presented by leading cultural and academic institutions across New York City and beyond from February through July 2026 as part of the Hall's United in Sound: America at 250 festival.
ENCORES! Series and More Set for New York City Center 2026 Winter/Spring Programs
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026
New York City Center will present its 2025–2026 Winter/Spring season. From the Tony-honored Encores! series to internationally acclaimed dance companies and singular ballet artists, the season brings unforgettable performances to its stage.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026
New York City Center will present its 2025–2026 Winter/Spring season. From the Tony-honored Encores! series to internationally acclaimed dance companies and singular ballet artists, the season brings unforgettable performances to its stage.
Interview: Meet the General Managers That Keep Broadway Running, Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey M. Wilson
by Robert Diamond - Jan 6, 2026
Every Broadway show needs general management and Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey M. Wilson are here to provide. The pair heads 101 Productions, Ltd.- a theatrical General Management firm formed in 1994.
by Robert Diamond - Jan 6, 2026
Every Broadway show needs general management and Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey M. Wilson are here to provide. The pair heads 101 Productions, Ltd.- a theatrical General Management firm formed in 1994.
Video: Watch Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, & GYPSY Stars Perform Grammy Museum Concert
by Michael Major - Dec 11, 2025
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and Kevin Csolak performed for the GRAMMY Museum's “A New York Evening Celebrating Gypsy” last week. The video features performances of 'Now All I Need Is the Girl,' 'If Mama Was Married,' and 'Some People.'
by Michael Major - Dec 11, 2025
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and Kevin Csolak performed for the GRAMMY Museum's “A New York Evening Celebrating Gypsy” last week. The video features performances of 'Now All I Need Is the Girl,' 'If Mama Was Married,' and 'Some People.'
Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady and More Join 2026 Encores! Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2025
New York City Center has revealed additional cast members for the 2026 Encores! series, including Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady, Claybourne Elder, and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2025
New York City Center has revealed additional cast members for the 2026 Encores! series, including Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady, Claybourne Elder, and more.
Video: Michael McElroy Tours SYNCOPATED STAGES at the Library for the Performing Arts
by Joey Mervis - Nov 29, 2025
Now on display at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is an exhibition highlighting the history of Black musical theater- Syncopated Stages: Black Disruptions to the Great White Way. Watch in this video as Curatorial Advisory Michael McElroy gives us a tour and some insight into how the exhibition came to be!
by Joey Mervis - Nov 29, 2025
Now on display at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is an exhibition highlighting the history of Black musical theater- Syncopated Stages: Black Disruptions to the Great White Way. Watch in this video as Curatorial Advisory Michael McElroy gives us a tour and some insight into how the exhibition came to be!
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods and More to Perform at A NEW YORK EVENING CELEBRATING GYPSY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and Kevin Csolak will perform as part of the GRAMMY Museum's event “A New York Evening Celebrating Gypsy” at WNYC’s The Greene Space.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and Kevin Csolak will perform as part of the GRAMMY Museum's event “A New York Evening Celebrating Gypsy” at WNYC’s The Greene Space.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe To Present Brian L. Boyd In ENIGMA This December
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 18, 2025
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present Brian L. Boyd in ENIGMA, the first Independent Artist Program showcase of the season. The two-night event will feature an original theatrical work created in collaboration with M.A.D. Music Acting Dance Inc. and performed by a company of WBTT artists. Boyd, a longtime member of the troupe with extensive stage credits, will return to Sarasota for the premiere.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 18, 2025
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present Brian L. Boyd in ENIGMA, the first Independent Artist Program showcase of the season. The two-night event will feature an original theatrical work created in collaboration with M.A.D. Music Acting Dance Inc. and performed by a company of WBTT artists. Boyd, a longtime member of the troupe with extensive stage credits, will return to Sarasota for the premiere.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, GYPSY & More Nominated for Best Musical Theatre Album at 2026 GRAMMYS
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 7, 2025
The cast albums for Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, Gypsy, Just in Time, and Maybe Happy Ending have all been nominated for Best Musical Theatre Album at the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 7, 2025
The cast albums for Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, Gypsy, Just in Time, and Maybe Happy Ending have all been nominated for Best Musical Theatre Album at the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
BLACKBIRD to Play a Limited Off-Broadway Engagement at Theatre Row
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025
Diaspora House will present a limited engagement of Blackbird, David Harrower’s searing psychological drama, running for eight performances only at Theater Row.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025
Diaspora House will present a limited engagement of Blackbird, David Harrower’s searing psychological drama, running for eight performances only at Theater Row.
Bartlett Sher to Receive 2026 SDC Foundation 'Mr. Abbott' Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2025
Bartlett Sher will be honored with Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award, given to a director or choreographer in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Broadway.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2025
Bartlett Sher will be honored with Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award, given to a director or choreographer in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Broadway.
Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and More to Join City Center 2026 Encores! Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025
New York City Center has unveiled additional cast members for its Encores! series, including Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and more. Learn more about the productions and see how to purchase tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025
New York City Center has unveiled additional cast members for its Encores! series, including Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and more. Learn more about the productions and see how to purchase tickets here!
Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Joshua Boone Join JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025
Additional casting has been announced for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer”. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025
Additional casting has been announced for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer”. Learn more here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 1, 2025- RAGTIME Hits Late Night and More
by - Oct 1, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 1, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Oct 1, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 1, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has George C. Wolfe written?
George C. Wolfe has written 10 shows including Paradise! (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Paradise! (Bookwriter), Queenie Pie (Libretto), The Colored Museum (Playwright), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), Spunk:Three Tales by Zora Neale Hurston (Adaptation), Jelly's Last Jam (Bookwriter), Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk (Source Material), The Wild Party (Bookwriter), Shuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (Book Writer).
What awards has George C. Wolfe been nominated for?
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy, OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL (Drama League Awards) for Gypsy, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Iceman Cometh, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Lucky Guy, Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Normal Heart, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater (Obie Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Caroline, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Direction (Obie Awards) for Topdog / Underdog, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog / Underdog , Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Wild Party, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for The Wild Party, Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 , Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Angels in America, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Perestroika, Outstanding Director - Pla (Drama Desk Awards) for Angels in America, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam and Direction (Obie Awards) for Spunk.
What awards has George C. Wolfe won?
George C. Wolfe has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. He won Best Direction of a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for The Normal Heart and was recognized as Outstanding Director of a Play by the Drama Desk Awards for the same production. He also earned Outstanding Director - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for Caroline, or Change. Wolfe received the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards and Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater from the Obie Awards. Additionally, he won Direction at the Obie Awards for Topdog / Underdog. His accolades include Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards and Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk. He was honored as Best Director - Play by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for both Angels in America and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992. Wolfe also secured Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and Outstanding Book of a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for Jelly's Last Jam. Furthermore, he won Direction at the Obie Awards for Spunk.
Videos