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Christopher Ashley

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BIO

Christopher Ashley won the Tony Award for his direction of the stage production of Come From Away on Broadway, and serves as the Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, CA. Other film credits include Diana: The Musical on Netflix, the feature films Jeffrey and Lucky Stiff, and the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life for PBS. At La Jolla Playhouse, Mr. Ashley directed the world-premiere productions of Come From Away, Diana: The Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis, The Darrell Hammond Project, Hollywood and Chasing the Song. Other select Playhouse credits include Freaky Friday, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Glengarry Glen Ross. In addition to Come From Away, other Broadway credits include; Diana: The Musical; Escape to Margaritaville, Xanadu, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk Award nomination); Memphis (Tony, Outer Critics Circle nominations); All Shook Up, The Rocky Horror Show(Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations). Mr. Ashley directed productions of Come From Away in London, Toronto, Australia and on national tour. Other tours include Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis, Xanadu, All Shook Up and Seussical: The Musical. Additional New York stage credits: Blown Sideways Through Life, Jeffrey (Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards), The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla (Lucille Lortel nomination – Outstanding Direction), Regrets Only, Wonder of the World, Communicating Doors, Bunny Bunny, The Night Hank Williams Died, and Fires in the Mirror (Lucille Lortel Award), among others. Mr. Ashley is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Director Fellowship and an NEA/TCG Director Fellowship.



Photos

Productions

Come From Away (Non-Equity)Come From Away (Non-Equity)
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Director
DianaDiana
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Director
Escape to Margaritaville (Non Eq)Escape to Margaritaville (Non Eq)
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Original Broadway Director[Replacement]
Come From AwayCome From Away
 
[West End, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
DianaDiana
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2019]
Director
Come From AwayCome From Away
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
The SquirrelsThe Squirrels
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2018]
Director
Summer: The Donna Summer MusicalSummer: The Donna Summer Musical
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Producer (Artistic Director, La Jolla Playhouse)
Escape to MargaritavilleEscape to Margaritaville
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
Producer (Artistic Director, La Jolla Playhouse)
Come From AwayCome From Away
 
[Toronto, 2018]
Director
Escape to MargaritavilleEscape to Margaritaville
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Director
Escape to MargaritavilleEscape to Margaritaville
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Director
Come From AwayCome From Away
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
Much Ado About NothingMuch Ado About Nothing
 
[West End, 2016] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Freaky FridayFreaky Friday
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2016]
Director
Come From AwayCome From Away
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2016]
Director
Hollywood
 
[Regional (US), 2016]
Director
Side ShowSide Show
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Producer (Artistic Director, La Jolla Playhouse)
MemphisMemphis
 
[West End, 2014]
Director
Leap of FaithLeap of Faith
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
Memphis: A New MusicalMemphis: A New Musical
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Director
Memphis: A New MusicalMemphis: A New Musical
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
XanaduXanadu
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
Regrets Only
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
All Shook Up
 
[US Tour, 2006]
Director
Xanadu
 
[New York, 2006]
Director
Director
Princesses
 
[New York, 2006]
Director
The 24 Hour Plays 2005
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director ("That Other Person")
All Shook UpAll Shook Up
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director
All Shook Up
 
[Regional (US), 2004]
Director
Between Us
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Valhalla
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Little Mary Sunshine
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
Mondo Drama
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
Director
Seussical
 
[US Tour, 2002]
Director
Merrily We Roll Along
 
[Regional (US), 2002]
Director
Sweeney Todd
 
[Regional (US), 2002]
Director
The Smell of the Kill
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
Wonder of the World
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
Rude Entertainment
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
Newyorkers
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
The Rocky Horror Show
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
What You Get and What You Expect
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Director
The Country Club
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director
Voices in the Dark
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
Working
 
[, 1998]
Director
The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
Communicating Doors
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
As Thousands Cheer
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
As Thousands Cheer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
Li'l Abner
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
Jackie
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Production Consultant
Lucky in the Rain
 
[Regional (US), 1997]
Director
Bunny Bunny
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
Wantabanaland
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
Das Barbecu
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
The Naked Truth
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
Blown Sideways Through Life
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
Blown Sideways Through Life
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
Jeffrey
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
Jeffrey
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
The White Rose
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
The Night Hank Williams Died
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Director
Working Girl
 
[, 0]
Director

Writing

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Come From Away


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Come From Away


winner
Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Come From Away

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Leap of Faith

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Memphis

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Memphis

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Xanadu

The Lortels - 2004 - Outstanding Director

Christopher Ashley, Valhalla


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Christopher AshleySweeney Todd

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, The Rocky Horror Show

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Direction of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, The Rocky Horror Show


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Christopher Ashley, The Rocky Horror Show

Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Christopher Ashley , Das Barbecu

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Christopher Ashley, Das Barbecii

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Director - Play

Christopher Ashley, Jeffrey


winner
Obie Awards - 1993 - Direction

Christopher Ashley, Jeffrey


winner
The Lortels - 1993 - Outstanding Director

Christopher AshleyFires in the Mirror and Jeffrey

Videos

More Videos

News


Norbert Leo Butz and More to Star in THE RECIPE at La Jolla Playhouse Photo
Norbert Leo Butz and More to Star in THE RECIPE at La Jolla Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2026

La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the cast and creative team for its world-premiere production of The Recipe, by Tony Award nominee Claudia Shear. The production will star Norbert Leo Butz and more.
Last Chance to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards; THE LION KING Leads Be Photo
Last Chance to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards; THE LION KING Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 29, 2025

This is the last chance to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Last Chance to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards; THE WULFEATER Leads Photo
Last Chance to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards; THE WULFEATER Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 29, 2025

This is the last chance to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards; Diversionary Theatre Photo
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards; Diversionary Theatre Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 22, 2025

We're in the final weeks to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards; Stratford Festival Lea Photo
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards; Stratford Festival Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 22, 2025

We're in the final weeks to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards; THE LION KING L Photo
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards; THE LION KING Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards; THE WULFEATER Photo
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards; THE WULFEATER Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards; Leads Favorite Photo
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards; Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards; Diversionary Photo
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards; Diversionary Theatre Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
First Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards; 13 THE MUSICAL Photo
First Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards; 13 THE MUSICAL Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 1, 2025

The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Diego Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
First Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards; SOMETHING ROTTEN Photo
First Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards; SOMETHING ROTTEN! Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 1, 2025

The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Toronto Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Video: Opening Night with the Cast of WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse Photo
Video: Opening Night with the Cast of WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse
by Gillian Blum - Nov 22, 2025

The cast of the new show WORKING GIRL, based on the 1988 movie, talks about the world premiere musical at La Jolla Playhouse on its opening night in a new video.
Review: WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse Photo
Review: WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse
by Evan Henerson - Nov 22, 2025

WORKING GIRL ultimately soars and plummets based on the root-ability quotient of its title character. Singer and author Joanna “JoJo” Levesque can’t really be classified as a discovery. She’s as good as her material, which is solid, tuneful and plenty enjoyable.
Review: WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse Photo
Review: WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse
by ErinMarie Reiter - Nov 20, 2025

Based on the beloved 1988 film but modernized around the edges, “Working Girl” at the La Jolla Playhouse has big expectations and even bigger hair, but never quite hits the mark.
La Jolla Playhouse Namees Jessica Stone as New Artistic Director Photo
La Jolla Playhouse Namees Jessica Stone as New Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 18, 2025

La Jolla Playhouse has appointed two-time Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Water for Elephants) as the Playhouse’s new Artistic Director.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Christopher Ashley written?

Christopher Ashley has written 1 shows including Buzzsaw Berkeley (Conceiver).

What awards has Christopher Ashley been nominated for?

Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Come From Away, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Leap of Faith , Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Memphis, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Memphis, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Xanadu, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Valhalla, Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Rocky Horror Show, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Rocky Horror Show, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Rocky Horror Show, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Das Barbecu, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Das Barbecii, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jeffrey, Direction (Obie Awards) for Jeffrey and Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Fires in the Mirror and Jeffrey.

What awards has Christopher Ashley won?

Christopher Ashley has won several prestigious awards for his directing. He received the Outstanding Director of a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Come From Away. He also won Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Come From Away. Additionally, he earned the Outstanding Director, Resident Musical award from the Helen Hayes Awards for Sweeney Todd. His work on The Rocky Horror Show garnered the Outstanding Director - Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards. Ashley received the Direction award from the Obie Awards for Jeffrey. He was also honored with the Outstanding Director award from The Lortels for Fires in the Mirror and Jeffrey.

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