Michael Bennett
Birth Place: Buffalo, NY, USA
80th Annual Theatre World Awards Set For June (Apr 7, 2026)
Cabaret Roundup: April 6-12 – Karen Akers, Marilyn Maye & More (Apr 6, 2026)
Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Iconic Plays That Shaped American Theater (Apr 3, 2026)
BIO
Michael Bennett was a renowned American dancer, choreographer, and director, known for his innovative work in musical theater. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1943, Bennett began his career as a performer, dancing in the chorus of Broadway shows such as "Subways Are for Sleeping" and "Here's Love." However, it was his choreography that would make him a legend in the industry.
Bennett's breakthrough came in 1975 with the groundbreaking musical "A Chorus Line," which he conceived, directed, and choreographed. The show, which followed the lives of aspiring dancers auditioning for a Broadway show, was a critical and commercial success, winning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Choreography for Bennett.
"A Chorus Line" ran for a record-breaking 6,137 performances and became one of the most beloved and influential musicals of all time. Bennett's innovative choreography, which blended contemporary dance with traditional Broadway style, set a new standard for musical theater and inspired generations of choreographers to come.
Bennett continued to make his mark on Broadway with shows such as "Dreamgirls," "Ballroom," and "Nine," for which he won his second Tony Award for Best Direction. He also worked on the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line" and choreographed the iconic opening number of the 1983 Academy Awards.
In addition to his work in theater, Bennett also made a name for himself in television and film. He choreographed the dance sequences in the film "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and directed and choreographed the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line." He also directed and choreographed the television special "Baryshnikov on Broadway" and the HBO special "My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies."
Bennett's talent and influence were recognized throughout the industry, and he received numerous awards and honors for his work. In addition to his two Tony Awards, he received a Drama Desk Award, an Emmy Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. He was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1986.
Sadly, Bennett's life and career were cut short when he passed away from complications of AIDS in 1987 at the age of 44. However, his legacy lives on through the countless performers and choreographers he inspired and the groundbreaking work he created.
In 2018, a documentary about Bennett's life and career titled "Every Little Step" was released, chronicling the creation of the original production of "A Chorus Line" and its impact on the world of musical theater. The film serves as a testament to Bennett's enduring influence and his status as one of the greatest choreographers and directors in Broadway history.
In conclusion, Michael Bennett was a visionary artist whose innovative choreography and direction set the standard for musical theater. His groundbreaking work on "A Chorus Line" and other shows inspired generations of performers and choreographers and cemented his status as a legend in the industry. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on through the countless shows and performers he influenced and the enduring impact of his work.
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STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Awards and Nominations
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Michael Bennett, Promises, Promises
Michael Bennett, Henry, Sweet Henry
Michael Bennett, A Joyful Noise
Videos
Video: First Look At GOTTA DANCE With American Dance Machine At The York Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-12-16 23:04:25
Video: Liesie Kelly Stuns With 'At The Ballet' from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-14 16:35:44
Video: Watch 'What I Did for Love' from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE
by Michael Major - 2025-09-30 14:04:36
Video: Jennifer Holliday Reflects on DREAMGIRLS in JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW Interview
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-24 16:13:36
Video: Watch Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday Perform Special DREAMGIRLS Duet
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-24 13:54:03
Video: Inside the A CHORUS LINE 50 Concert With Donna McKechnie, Robyn Hurder & More
by Michael Major - 2025-07-28 09:55:46
Video: Baayork Lee & Donna McKechnie Are Carrying the A CHORUS LINE Torch 50 Years Later
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-16 15:42:50
Video: Kecia Lewis Performs 'Right Hand Man / One Last Time' From HAMILTON at MISCAST25
by Michael Major - 2025-06-13 09:37:32
Video: Watch Jessica Lee Goldyn Perform 'Music & the Mirror' The York Theatre 2025 Spring Gala
by Michael Major - 2025-03-25 11:43:58
Video: Rewatch Phil Donahue's A CHORUS LINE Original Cast Reunion Special
by Michael Major - 2024-08-19 15:17:14
Video: Kecia Lewis Celebrates Tony Win for Best Featured Actress in a Musical
by Joey Mervis - 2024-06-16 22:37:51
Video: Baayork Lee Discusses Legendary Career on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-06-16 13:03:44
BWW Poll: Is 'Turkey Lurkey Time' A Thanksgiving Song or Christmas Song?
by Social Watch - 2022-11-23 12:26:08
Previews: FIRST LOOK: A CHORUS LINE at STAGES St. Louis In The Ross Family Theatre At The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
by James Lindhorst - 2022-09-14 17:11:54
VIDEO: Stephen Sondheim Sings 'Move On' At Michael Bennett's Memorial
by Robert Diamond - 2021-11-27 17:06:34
VIDEO: The Late Bob Avian Talks 'Dancin' Man' in Final Interview
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-03-16 10:46:33
Broadway Rewind: 'Turkey Lurkey Time'- Thanksgiving Song or Christmas Song?
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - 2020-11-26 16:01:00
News
by Stephi Wild - Apr 7, 2026
The 80th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will take place on Tuesday afternoon, June 2, 2026 beginning at 2:00PM. Learn more about the upcoming awards ceremony here!
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 6, 2026
Here are a few top picks to consider in NYC this week including Broadway star Karen Akers, Marilyn May's annual birthday show, Outsiders star Brent Comer and more.
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 3, 2026
The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is one of the most prestigious honors in American theater, celebrating outstanding works that have made a significant impact on the stage. Here's a closer look at what the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is, how it works, and why it matters.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 1, 2026
We've put together a list of some of the biggest stars of the stage and screen and the biggest names in jazz, cabaret, comedy and Broadway with shows in NYC this month.
by Oliver Oliveros - Mar 26, 2026
What began as 40 hours of taped sessions with Broadway’s “gypsies” has evolved into a 50-year legacy that redefined the American musical.
by Stephen Sorokoff - Mar 25, 2026
Broadway royalty Donna McKechnie, who won fame for her Tony Award-winning role as “Cassie” in the original Broadway company of A CHORUS LINE, generously entertained a packed room, with help from Broadway historian Peter Filichia
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 24, 2026
Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY, led by Artistic Director Elizabeth Williamson, will present a dynamic 2026/27 season featuring musicals, dramas, and new works, starting with A CHORUS LINE in September.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2026
The 2026 Sydney Writers' Festival has announced its program , delivering 200+ events from 250+ authors to transform Sydney into a week-long celebration of storytelling, 17–24 May.
by Oliver Oliveros - Mar 8, 2026
Theatre Group Asia (TGA) is set to close its inaugural season with a landmark production of the Broadway classic 'A Chorus Line.'
by Stephen Mosher - Mar 6, 2026
A Musical Memoir might be the most entertaining show in cabaret right now, but since it is Donna McKechnie's memoir, it is definitely the most important.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2026
The 5th Avenue Theatre Company has revealed its 2026/27 season, featuring a collection of five shows, two self-produced, two national tours, and one still to be announced that will combine for a captivating year of theater.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 1, 2026
See some of the biggest names performing at cabaret venues this month - at a range of budget points. Tickets to these shows are limited and they are likely to sell out, so make sure to check this list when you plan out your month!
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 23, 2026
We have you covered with top picks this week for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few highlights to consider this week
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 22, 2026
See some of the biggest names performing at cabaret venues in NYC this spring, at a range of budget points, including Brian Stokes Mitchell, Melissa Manchester, and Harry Connick, Jr.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 11, 2026
Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson will join the producing team for the upcoming Broadway revival of the Tony Award-winning musical Dreamgirls.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 2, 2026
NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including Patti LuPone's revival concert Matters of the Heart, Isaac Mizrahi's annual Valentine's Day residency at the Carlyle Cafe, jazz and more.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 1, 2026
See some of the biggest names performing at cabaret venues this month, at a range of budget points including Dianna Agron, Jeff Harnar, Melissa Errico and more.
by Michael Major - Dec 23, 2025
A family is going viral on TikTok after their Christmas gathering turned into a Broadway-worthy lip sync performance of Dreamgirls. In a new video posted by Greg Wiley Jr., a family performed a perfect version of 'It's All Over.'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 22, 2025
As 2026 approaches, the Laurie Beechma Theare is launching the “Legends In Residency,” featuring monthly performances in the first half of the year from Broadway’s original Annie Andrea McArdle, Tony winner Lillias White and more.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 17, 2025
The York Theatre Company has released a first-look video of GOTTA DANCE with AMERICAN DANCE MACHINE, celebrating iconic musical theatre choreography. The production features reconstructed dance numbers from West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Singin’ in the Rain, and more. GOTTA DANCE is presented at the Theatre at St. Jean’s in New York City.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Michael Bennett has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.
Michael Bennett has not appeared in the West End
Michael Bennett has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Special Awards at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Third Street," Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Ballroom," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "A Chorus Line," Special Awards at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Chorus Line," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "A Chorus Line," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "A Chorus Line," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "A Chorus Line," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Seesaw," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Follies," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Follies," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Follies," Outstanding Director at the Drama Desk Awards for "Follies," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Company," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Promises, Promises," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Henry, Sweet Henry," and Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "A Joyful Noise."
Michael Bennett has won several awards throughout his career. He has received Special Awards from the Drama Desk Awards. He won the Best Choreography Tony Award for Dreamgirls and Ballroom, and Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Awards for Ballroom and A Chorus Line. He also won the Outstanding Director - Musical Drama Desk Award for A Chorus Line and the Musical of the Year Olivier Award for A Chorus Line. Bennett received Special Awards from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Chorus Line and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for A Chorus Line. Additionally, he won the Best Direction of a Musical Tony Award for A Chorus Line and Follies, and the Best Choreography Tony Award for A Chorus Line, Seesaw, and Follies. He also received Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Awards for Follies, and Outstanding Director Drama Desk Awards for Follies.
Michael Bennett has written 2 shows including Seesaw (Bookwriter), A Chorus Line (Conceiver).
Videos