Julie Taymor
MIGRATION DIARY: NEW YORK CITY EDITION to Make World Premiere at La MaMa (Jun 4, 2026)
CUL-DE-SAC and HOUSE GYALZ to Receive Staged Readings at La MaMa (May 28, 2026)
Schele Williams, Jesca Prudencio, Billie Aken-Tyers To Direct NEW NEXT NOW Development Series (May 26, 2026)
BIO
Taymor is an American director and writer of theater, opera and film. Her stage adaptation of The Lion King debuted in 1997, and received eleven Tony Award nominations, with Taymor receiving Tony Awards for Best Director and Costume Designer. Her film Frida, about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, was nominated for five Academy Awards, including a Best Original Song nomination for Taymor's composition "Burn It Blue". She also directed the jukebox musical Across the Universe.
Photos
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Productions
Writing
Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Julie TaymorJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Julie TaymorJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass
Julie Taymor, Juan Darien
Julie Taymor, Juan Darien
Julie Taymor, The Tempest
Scott Wentworth, Welcome to the Club
winner
Julie TaymorJuan Darien
winner
Julie Taymor, Juan Darien
winner
Julie Taymor
winner
Julie Taymor, The Haggadah
Videos
Video: New Look At Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE At the Metropolitan Opera
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-12-12 22:51:12
Video: THE LION KING's Tshidi Manye Takes Her Historic Final Bow as 'Rafiki'
by Michael Major - 2025-09-03 13:17:12
Video: Watch Gavin Lee Join THE LION KING on Broadway as 'Scar'
by Michael Major - 2025-07-23 11:54:23
Video: Disney on Broadway Medley at D23, Featuring ALADDIN, HERCULES, FROZEN, and More
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-08-10 16:55:59
Video: The Cast of THE LION KING in Brazil Performs 'Endless Night'
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-21 15:34:27
Video: Watch a Disney on Broadway Mashup on GMA With HERCULES, ALADDIN, FROZEN & More
by Michael Major - 2023-10-16 09:41:03
VIDEO: Watch THE LION KING's Broadway Makeup Team Transform Stephen Carlile into Scar
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-08 10:43:04
Video: The Cast of THE LION KING in Brazil Performs 'Circle of Life' and More
by Stephi Wild - 2023-07-19 08:41:05
Video: Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for NEW YORK, NEW YORK; Plus Watch a New Trailer!
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-02-01 12:00:20
VIDEO: THE LION KING Celebrates 21 Years in Hamburg With Special Performance of 'Endless Night'
by Alan Henry - 2023-01-17 11:53:17
VIDEO: THE LION KING Cast Performs Tiny Desk Concert For 25th Anniversary
by Michael Major - 2022-11-11 12:28:21
Watch: THE LION KING on Broadway Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Short Film Highlighting 'The Circle of Life'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-11-10 17:44:06
VIDEO: Elton John Sings 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' From THE LION KING on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2022-11-10 09:24:31
VIDEO: THE LION KING Performs 'The Circle of Life' on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2022-11-08 07:32:47
Video: Julie Taymor Talks THE LION KING 25th Anniversary and More!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2022-10-24 05:33:48
News
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 4, 2026
Romanian director Carmen Lidia Vidu's documentary theater work MIGRATION DIARY: NEW YORK CITY EDITION will have its world premiere at La MaMa, presented in collaboration with the Romanian Cultural Institute and the National Theatre of Bucharest.
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2026
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club has announced staged readings of CUL-DE-SAC by Leslie Gauthier and HOUSE GYALZ by Abigail C. Onwunali, this year's Morgan Jenness Experiments in Playwriting Fellows.
by Stephi Wild - May 26, 2026
The Stage Door Foundation's NEW NEXT NOW series announced directors for three industry readings of original musicals, with Schele Williams, Billie Aken-Tyers, and Jesca Prudencio each helming a new work.
by A.A. Cristi - May 22, 2026
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present COFFEEHOUSE CHRONICLES #183 — AN AFTERNOON WITH AGOSTO MACHADO on Saturday, May 30 at 3 p.m. at the Ellen Stewart Theatre.
by Andria Tieman - May 22, 2026
The Lion King swept the Tony awards when it was on Broadway, and even for this semi-skeptical theatre reviewer, it’s easy to see why. It seems impossible to translate a cartoon about the lives of animals into a stage production performed by people, or at least, it seems like it will be corny. This production, however, is completely unlike any other theatrical experience. It hews faithfully enough to the story to satisfy the super fans, but adds so many new elements that it’s astonishing and delightful to watch.
by Adela González Pérez - May 21, 2026
Las grandes producciones, regresos históricos y experiencias inmersivas que definen la cartelera estival en las tres capitales del teatro musical.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2026
Red Bull Theater will honor John Lithgow, Tony Award nominee for this season’s Giant, with the Matador Award for Achievement in Classical Theater, and Joanna Cole, will receive the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater.
by A.A. Cristi - May 11, 2026
Casting has been announced for Cleveland's limited return engagement of DISNEY'S THE LION KING at Playhouse Square, featuring Cleveland native Robb Sapp, who has played Ed in the Broadway production since 2021.
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026
Disney’s The Lion King has announced that Robb Sapp and Sam Linda, who play the role of Ed on Broadway and tour, respectively, will switch productions. Learn more here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 27, 2026
The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King is celebrating its 24th anniversary. Since launching in April 2002, The Lion King North American tour has welcomed over 28 million theatergoers.
by Jade Kops - Apr 25, 2026
Almost 30 years since it’s Broadway premier in 1997, THE LION KING still brings gasps of awe as Julie Taymor’s musical theatre adaptation of Walt Disney Animation’s 1994 film returns to the Sydney stage.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2026
Raúl Esparza and Helen J Shen will announce the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards nominations next week. Learn more about the upcoming event and the awards ceremony here!
by Brian Hilbrand - Apr 21, 2026
The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 23 years, and during that time has welcomed over 25 million theatergoers, making it North America’s longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour. Having already played more than 10,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to the DeVos Performance Hall. Michigan talent takes center stage with Disney’s The Lion King, as several accomplished musicians bring their artistry to the acclaimed production. Music Director Karl Shymanovtiz, born in Southfield and raised in Warren, uses his Michigan upbringing to lead the orchestra. Guitarist Robert Tye, born and raised in Detroit and now a resident of Birmingham, adds dynamic rhythm and texture to the show’s powerful score. Flutist Darlene Drew (Interview), born in Detroit and raised in Dearborn Heights, and a Comstock Park resident, brings elegance to the woodwind section. Keyboardist Eric Banitt, from Marquette, contributes depth and energy to the production’s vibrant musical landscape.
by Debbie Hall - Apr 20, 2026
Every night on the Vegas Strip, Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas transforms the world. This show doesn’t just perform on stage—it pulls in the audience. The visuals are wild, the imagination explodes, and the stage magic comes to life with award-winning puppet master Michael Curry.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 16, 2026
Disney's THE LION KING will partner with London Zoo for a second year, presenting a free exhibition featuring costumes, masks, and puppets from the West End production, alongside new expert-led talks on African wildlife.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2026
A seven-show 2026-2027 M&T Bank Broadway Season will take place in Rochester, including four local premieres including Boop! The Musical, Hell's Kitchen, and more.
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 11, 2026
Two decades after Spring Awakening first premiered on Broadway, BroadwayWorld is taking a look back at what the cast of this era-defining musical, including Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff, and more has been up to.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 25, 2026
Broadway in Indianapolis has announced its 2026/2027 season, featuring a lineup of acclaimed shows set to captivate audiences in Indianapolis. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2026
Posi Morakinyo and Asha Parker-Wallace will star as Simba and Nala in the West End production of THE LION KING, announced for March 2026. Learn more about the new cast members here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2026
Broadway San Diego has announced its 49th Season, bringing Broadway's current productions direct from New York City to San Diego. Learn more about the lineup here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Julie Taymor has written 6 shows including The Transposed Heads (Bookwriter), The Transposed Heads (Bookwriter), Juan Darien (Bookwriter), Juan Darién (Bookwriter), The Lion King (Composer), Spider-Man (Bookwriter).
Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Midsummer Night's Dream, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Midsummer Night's Dream, Best Costume Designer (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King , Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King , Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King , Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Set Design - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tempest, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Welcome to the Club, Direction (Obie Awards) for Juan Darien, Concept Pupperty and Masks (The Hewes Awards) for Juan Darien, Special Citations (Obie Awards) and Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Haggadah.
Julie Taymor has received numerous awards for her work, including: - Best Costume Designer (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King - Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King - Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King - Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - Best Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King - Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King - Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King - Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King - Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Lion King - Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King (repeated win) - Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King (repeated win) - Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King (repeated win) - Direction (Obie Awards) for Juan Darien - Concept Puppetry and Masks (The Hewes Awards) for Juan Darien - Special Citations (Obie Awards) - Scenic, Costume, and Puppet Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Haggadah
Videos
