Kenny Leon
Latest News on Kenny Leon:
Top Off-Broadway Shows for December 2025 (Dec 4, 2025)
Jasmine Amy Rogers to Headline 2026 Junior Theater Festival Concert (Dec 4, 2025)
A 2025 Guide To New York City’s Under-the-Radar Holiday Highlights (Dec 3, 2025)
Top Off-Broadway Shows for December 2025 (Dec 4, 2025)
Jasmine Amy Rogers to Headline 2026 Junior Theater Festival Concert (Dec 4, 2025)
A 2025 Guide To New York City’s Under-the-Radar Holiday Highlights (Dec 3, 2025)
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.
Photos
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Productions
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
Videos
Video: Tom Hanks Discusses the Joys of Performing Live in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-26 10:43:11
Video: Tom Hanks, Kelli O'Hara, & Kenny Leon Talk THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on CBS MORNINGS
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-18 12:39:49
Video: Renée Elise Goldsberry Talks Returning to Broadway in THE BALUSTERS
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-17 17:13:01
Video: Tom Hanks Previews New Play THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW at The Shed
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-06 11:38:37
Video: Kecia Lewis Performs 'Right Hand Man / One Last Time' From HAMILTON at MISCAST25
by Michael Major - 2025-06-13 09:37:32
Video: OTHELLO Star Denzel Washington Praises the Entertainment Community Fund
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-04-25 19:01:46
Video: Inside OTHELLO's Opening Night with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal
by Joey Mervis - 2025-03-24 15:31:54
Video: Katie Holmes Surprises Zoey Deutch on GMA with OUR TOWN Question
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-09 12:34:37
Video: How Beowulf Boritt Found Grover's Corners to Bring Back OUR TOWN
by Joey Mervis - 2024-10-01 11:24:53
Video: Kecia Lewis Celebrates Tony Win for Best Featured Actress in a Musical
by Joey Mervis - 2024-06-16 22:37:51
Video: Get a First Look at HOME on Broadway Directed By Kenny Leon
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-06-07 15:58:50
Photos & Video: PURLIE VICTORIOUS Concludes Broadway Run with Proclamations From Congress and the State of New York
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-02-06 15:53:12
Video: Watch an All New Montage of PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-12-28 14:04:02
News
Top Off-Broadway Shows for December 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 4, 2025
What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this month. Get into the holiday spirit with a popular adaptation of A Christmas Carol, plus more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 4, 2025
What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this month. Get into the holiday spirit with a popular adaptation of A Christmas Carol, plus more.
Jasmine Amy Rogers to Headline 2026 Junior Theater Festival Concert
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 4, 2025
Junior Theater Festival Productions has unveiled programming and the lineup of performers who will take part in the 2026 Junior Theater Festival Atlanta & 2026 Junior Theater Festival West.
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 4, 2025
Junior Theater Festival Productions has unveiled programming and the lineup of performers who will take part in the 2026 Junior Theater Festival Atlanta & 2026 Junior Theater Festival West.
A 2025 Guide To New York City’s Under-the-Radar Holiday Highlights
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 3, 2025
New York City is home to a wide range of holiday attractions beyond its most famous seasonal destinations. From specialty pop-ups and historic venues to neighborhood light displays and winter markets, these hidden gems offer distinct ways to experience the city during December. Learn more about NYC's lesser-known locations and events across the five boroughs.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 3, 2025
New York City is home to a wide range of holiday attractions beyond its most famous seasonal destinations. From specialty pop-ups and historic venues to neighborhood light displays and winter markets, these hidden gems offer distinct ways to experience the city during December. Learn more about NYC's lesser-known locations and events across the five boroughs.
Video: Tom Hanks Discusses the Joys of Performing Live in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 26, 2025
Oscar-winner Tom Hanks is in New York for the fall, starring in This World of Tomorrow at The Shed, a new play he co-wrote. During a recent visit to Late Night with Seth Meyers, the beloved actor spoke about the rewarding process of performing in live theater as an actor. Watch the interview now.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 26, 2025
Oscar-winner Tom Hanks is in New York for the fall, starring in This World of Tomorrow at The Shed, a new play he co-wrote. During a recent visit to Late Night with Seth Meyers, the beloved actor spoke about the rewarding process of performing in live theater as an actor. Watch the interview now.
Tom Hanks to Talk THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2025
Tom Hanks, currently starring in This World of Tomorrow at The Shed, will visit Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday to discuss the production. Tune in to NBC on Tuesday, November 25, at 12:35/11:35c to see Hanks' appearance.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2025
Tom Hanks, currently starring in This World of Tomorrow at The Shed, will visit Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday to discuss the production. Tune in to NBC on Tuesday, November 25, at 12:35/11:35c to see Hanks' appearance.
Full Cast and Creatives Set For AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS at Lincoln Center
by Stephi Wild - Nov 25, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater has announced the complete cast and creative team for the brand-new production of the beloved family opera Amahl and the Night Visitors, the first seasonal family offering in LCT history.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 25, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater has announced the complete cast and creative team for the brand-new production of the beloved family opera Amahl and the Night Visitors, the first seasonal family offering in LCT history.
Photos: Meryl Streep, Martin Short and More Visit THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 20, 2025
The world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara is now running Off-Broadway at The Shed at Hudson Yards. See photos of Meryl Streep, Martin Short, Steve Martin and more visiting backstage!
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 20, 2025
The world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara is now running Off-Broadway at The Shed at Hudson Yards. See photos of Meryl Streep, Martin Short, Steve Martin and more visiting backstage!
Photos: Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara Take Bows in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW at The Shed
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 20, 2025
The world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara is now running Off-Broadway at The Shed at Hudson Yards. See photos from their opening night bows!
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 20, 2025
The world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara is now running Off-Broadway at The Shed at Hudson Yards. See photos from their opening night bows!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 19, 2025- CURSED CHILD Grosses Get A Boost from Tom Felton and More
by - Nov 19, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 19, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Nov 19, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 19, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review Roundup: Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara Star in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW at The Shed
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 19, 2025
The world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara is now running Off-Broadway at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Read reviews for the production!
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 19, 2025
The world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara is now running Off-Broadway at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Read reviews for the production!
Video: Tom Hanks, Kelli O'Hara, & Kenny Leon Talk THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on CBS MORNINGS
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 18, 2025
Tom Hanks is back on stage in This World of Tomorrow, now running at The Shed. The Oscar-winner, along with co-star Kelli O'Hara and director Kenny Leon, spoke to CBS Mornings about the show, which he also co-wrote. Check out the interviews now.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 18, 2025
Tom Hanks is back on stage in This World of Tomorrow, now running at The Shed. The Oscar-winner, along with co-star Kelli O'Hara and director Kenny Leon, spoke to CBS Mornings about the show, which he also co-wrote. Check out the interviews now.
Video: Renée Elise Goldsberry Talks Returning to Broadway in THE BALUSTERS
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 17, 2025
On The Jennifer Hudson Show, Tony Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry shared her excitement for returning to Broadway in The Balusters next Spring. Check out the interview now.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 17, 2025
On The Jennifer Hudson Show, Tony Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry shared her excitement for returning to Broadway in The Balusters next Spring. Check out the interview now.
Back to Nubia: Stories from the Making of AIDA After 25 Years
by Caitlin Hornik - Nov 14, 2025
In honor of the Aida’s 25th anniversary, BroadwayWorld spoke to stars Heather Headley (Aida), Adam Pascal (Radames), Sherie Rene Scott (Amneris), Schele Williams (Nehebka), as Thomas Schumacher (original producer and Disney Theatrical Group chief for its first three decades), lyricist Tim Rice, and book writer David Henry Hwang to compile an oral history of the show’s early days, transition to Broadway, and legacy beyond the boards.
by Caitlin Hornik - Nov 14, 2025
In honor of the Aida’s 25th anniversary, BroadwayWorld spoke to stars Heather Headley (Aida), Adam Pascal (Radames), Sherie Rene Scott (Amneris), Schele Williams (Nehebka), as Thomas Schumacher (original producer and Disney Theatrical Group chief for its first three decades), lyricist Tim Rice, and book writer David Henry Hwang to compile an oral history of the show’s early days, transition to Broadway, and legacy beyond the boards.
Videos: Tom Hanks Performs a Jingle About Getting to The Shed for THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 4, 2025
During a visit to The Late Show, Tom Hanks shared a diddy to help audiences remember how to get to The Shed, where his new play, This World of Tomorrow, is in previews. Check out the interview now, where he also discusses the differences between stage and screen.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 4, 2025
During a visit to The Late Show, Tom Hanks shared a diddy to help audiences remember how to get to The Shed, where his new play, This World of Tomorrow, is in previews. Check out the interview now, where he also discusses the differences between stage and screen.
From Chicago to NYC: Steppenwolf’s Broadway Boom
by Stephi Wild - Nov 1, 2025
Many Steppenwolf productions have made the jump to Broadway, with three shows transferring in 2025 alone. Learn more about Purpose, Bug, The Minutes, and more!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 1, 2025
Many Steppenwolf productions have made the jump to Broadway, with three shows transferring in 2025 alone. Learn more about Purpose, Bug, The Minutes, and more!
Photos: Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW at The Shed
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 30, 2025
You can now get a first look at photos of the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 30, 2025
You can now get a first look at photos of the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara.
Interview: Kelli O'Hara Talks Boston Concert, Co-Starring with Tom Hanks in his New Play and More
by R. Scott Reedy - Oct 29, 2025
Kelli O’Hara will star alongside Academy Award winner Tom Hanks in the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow, a new play by Hanks and James Glossman based on Hanks’ short stories, about a lonely scientist from the future who travels through time in search of true love.
by R. Scott Reedy - Oct 29, 2025
Kelli O’Hara will star alongside Academy Award winner Tom Hanks in the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow, a new play by Hanks and James Glossman based on Hanks’ short stories, about a lonely scientist from the future who travels through time in search of true love.
BWW Q&A: Willow Becker Talks Richard Thomas in MARK TWAIN TONIGHT! at Covey Center for the Arts
by Joshua Wright - Oct 23, 2025
Mark Twain Tonight!, is a Tony Award-winning one-man show in which finds the noted author presenting a dramatic recitation of his various writings. Starring Richard Thomas, Broadway alumnus of Our Town and television star of The Waltons, brings this giant character to life in a stage experience full of laughs, introspection, and good old-fashioned fun.
by Joshua Wright - Oct 23, 2025
Mark Twain Tonight!, is a Tony Award-winning one-man show in which finds the noted author presenting a dramatic recitation of his various writings. Starring Richard Thomas, Broadway alumnus of Our Town and television star of The Waltons, brings this giant character to life in a stage experience full of laughs, introspection, and good old-fashioned fun.
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.
Photos: Kenny Leon, Lencia Kebede, & More Attend HEDDA Tastemaker Event
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2025
On Monday, October 20, director Kenny Leon hosted a special Broadway Tastemaker event celebrating Nia DaCosta's new film reimagining of Hedda Gabler, with several Broadway stars in attendance. Check out photos from the event here!
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2025
On Monday, October 20, director Kenny Leon hosted a special Broadway Tastemaker event celebrating Nia DaCosta's new film reimagining of Hedda Gabler, with several Broadway stars in attendance. Check out photos from the event here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Kenny Leon been nominated for?
Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama League Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, Directing Award (Obie Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Soldier's Play, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Soldier's Play, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Fences, Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Tambourines to Glory, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun and Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Blues in the Night.
What awards has Kenny Leon won?
Kenny Leon has won several prestigious awards, including the Obie Award for Directing for Much Ado About Nothing, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Director of a Play for A Soldier's Play, and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for A Raisin in the Sun. Additionally, he received the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director of a Play, also for A Raisin in the Sun.
Videos