Christopher Ashley
Latest News on Christopher Ashley:
Video: Opening Night with the Cast of WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse (Nov 23, 2025)
Review: WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse (Nov 22, 2025)
Review: WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse (Nov 20, 2025)
Video: Opening Night with the Cast of WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse (Nov 23, 2025)
Review: WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse (Nov 22, 2025)
Review: WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse (Nov 20, 2025)
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
.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 30: Christopher Ashley poses at a Meet & Greet for the new cast and creative team of the new musical "Diana" on Broadway at The Lotte New York Palace on January 30, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas)
Date:
01/31/2020
From: Photo Flash: Jeanna de Waal, Roe Hartrampf and More at the DIANA Meet and Greet
.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 30: Christopher Ashley and Kelly Devine pose at a Meet & Greet for the new cast and creative team of the new musical "Diana" on Broadway at The Lotte New York Palace on January 30, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas)
Date:
01/31/2020
From: Photo Flash: Jeanna de Waal, Roe Hartrampf and More at the DIANA Meet and Greet
.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 30: Christopher Ashley poses at a Meet & Greet for the new cast and creative team of the new musical "Diana" on Broadway at The Lotte New York Palace on January 30, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas)
Date:
01/31/2020
From: Photo Flash: Jeanna de Waal, Roe Hartrampf and More at the DIANA Meet and Greet
Productions
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Original Broadway Director[Replacement]
Writing
Conceiver
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
Video: First Look at JoJo Levesque and More In WORKING GIRL World Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-11-10 19:57:19
Video: Watch 'Strike the Match' From THE HEART at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - 2025-08-27 16:48:50
Video: Heidi Blickenstaff Sings 'Keep Up' From La Jolla Playhouse's THE HEART
by Michael Major - 2025-08-12 16:47:17
Video: Christopher Ashley Talks Collaborating With Cyndi Lauper on WORKING GIRL Musical
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-07-21 22:57:22
Video: Inside 'The Song of the Brown Buffalo' In THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-06-20 19:37:48
Video: First Look at THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at Signature Theatre
by Michael Major - 2025-06-10 14:00:20
Video: George Salazar Sings 'Brown Buffalo' From THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by Michael Major - 2025-05-29 10:00:20
Video: Behind the Dance of 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - 2025-03-17 13:36:41
Video: Behind the Music of 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - 2025-03-12 10:17:22
Video: First Look at 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - 2025-03-03 10:12:05
Video: Inside Rehearsals for 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - 2025-01-29 16:55:04
Video: Joshua Boone Records 'Little Brother' from THE OUTSIDERS
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-07-14 15:18:24
Video: Christopher Ashley & Eric Keen-Louie On La Jolla Playhouse's DERECHO
by Joshua Wright - 2024-07-10 14:58:50
Exclusive: Watch the Opening Number from THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at Signature
by Joshua Wright - 2024-06-03 09:30:20
Video: What it's like playing Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash in The Ballad of Johnny and June
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-29 10:09:01
News
Video: Opening Night with the Cast of WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse
by Gillian Blum - Nov 23, 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.
by Gillian Blum - Nov 23, 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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Review Roundup: WORKING GIRL Premieres at La Jolla Playhouse
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 12, 2025
Now running at La Jolla Playhouse is the world premiere of Working Girl starring JoJo Levesque, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and more. The production is now on stage through November 30 at the Mandell Weiss Theatre.
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 12, 2025
Now running at La Jolla Playhouse is the world premiere of Working Girl starring JoJo Levesque, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and more. The production is now on stage through November 30 at the Mandell Weiss Theatre.
Photos: First Look at JoJo Levesque and More In WORKING GIRL World Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - Nov 11, 2025
Get a first look at La Jolla Playhouse's world premiere of Working Girl starring JoJo Levesque, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and more. The production is now on stage through November 30 at the Mandell Weiss Theatre.
by Joshua Wright - Nov 11, 2025
Get a first look at La Jolla Playhouse's world premiere of Working Girl starring JoJo Levesque, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and more. The production is now on stage through November 30 at the Mandell Weiss Theatre.
Video: First Look at JoJo Levesque and More In WORKING GIRL World Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 11, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has released a brand-new look at JoJo Levesque, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and more in the world-premiere musical Working Girl, running through November 30 at the Mandell Weiss Theatre. Watch the video!
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 11, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has released a brand-new look at JoJo Levesque, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and more in the world-premiere musical Working Girl, running through November 30 at the Mandell Weiss Theatre. Watch the video!
GRIM World Premiere and More Set for La Jolla Playhouse 2026/2027 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has announced its 2026/2027 season featuring three world-premiere musicals—The Family Album, GRIM, and Particle Fever—plus West Coast premieres of Purpose and The Monsters, and the world premiere of A Black-billed Cuckoo, ahead of the 2026 WOW Festival in partnership with UC San Diego.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has announced its 2026/2027 season featuring three world-premiere musicals—The Family Album, GRIM, and Particle Fever—plus West Coast premieres of Purpose and The Monsters, and the world premiere of A Black-billed Cuckoo, ahead of the 2026 WOW Festival in partnership with UC San Diego.
Contest: Enter to Win Tickets to WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - Oct 27, 2025
Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to world-premiere musical Working Girl! BroadwayWorld is giving away two tickets to see La Jolla Playhouse's world premiere of the new musical, featuring an original score by Cyndi Lauper.
by Michael Major - Oct 27, 2025
Enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to world-premiere musical Working Girl! BroadwayWorld is giving away two tickets to see La Jolla Playhouse's world premiere of the new musical, featuring an original score by Cyndi Lauper.
La Jolla Playhouse Unveils Projects for 2025 DNA New Work Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the dates and projects for its 2025 DNA New Work Series, running in the Playhouse’s Rao and Padma Makineni Play Development Center. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the dates and projects for its 2025 DNA New Work Series, running in the Playhouse’s Rao and Padma Makineni Play Development Center. Learn more!
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.
Cyndi Lauper to Play Las Vegas Residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 6, 2025
Tony Award-winner Cyndi Lauper has announced her first-ever Las Vegas residency. Cyndi Lauper: Live In Las Vegas will take place at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from April 24 through May 2, 2026.
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 6, 2025
Tony Award-winner Cyndi Lauper has announced her first-ever Las Vegas residency. Cyndi Lauper: Live In Las Vegas will take place at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from April 24 through May 2, 2026.
La Jolla Playhouse to Present 2025 Latinx New Play Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse will present the eighth Latinx New Play Festival, co-produced with TuYo Theatre and curated by TuYo Co-Artistic Director Dr. Maria Patrice Amon.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse will present the eighth Latinx New Play Festival, co-produced with TuYo Theatre and curated by TuYo Co-Artistic Director Dr. Maria Patrice Amon.
Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and More Join WORKING GIRL at La Jolla Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the cast and creative team for its world-premiere musical Working Girl, music and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Cyndi Lauper. Learn more here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the cast and creative team for its world-premiere musical Working Girl, music and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Cyndi Lauper. Learn more here!
Photos: New 42 Studios Celebrates 25th Birthday
by Jennifer Broski - Sep 8, 2025
Earlier today, New 42 Studios hosted a luncheon to celebrate 25 years of making Broadway. BroadwayWorld was there for the special day and you can check out photos from the red carpet here.
by Jennifer Broski - Sep 8, 2025
Earlier today, New 42 Studios hosted a luncheon to celebrate 25 years of making Broadway. BroadwayWorld was there for the special day and you can check out photos from the red carpet here.
Review: THE HEART at La Jolla Playhouse
by ErinMarie Reiter - Sep 3, 2025
At La Jolla Playhouse through September 28, “The Heart” rides its wave with courage, empathy, and a beat that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
by ErinMarie Reiter - Sep 3, 2025
At La Jolla Playhouse through September 28, “The Heart” rides its wave with courage, empathy, and a beat that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
Video: First Look at THE HEART at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - Sep 2, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has released a new video from The Heart. Now in performances, the production also features Heidi Blickenstaff, Lincoln Clauss, Bre Jackson, Max McKenna, Kenita Miller, Paul Alexander Nolan, Zachary Noah Piser, and Jason Tam.
by Michael Major - Sep 2, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has released a new video from The Heart. Now in performances, the production also features Heidi Blickenstaff, Lincoln Clauss, Bre Jackson, Max McKenna, Kenita Miller, Paul Alexander Nolan, Zachary Noah Piser, and Jason Tam.
Video: Watch 'Strike the Match' From THE HEART at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - Aug 27, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has released a video of Wren Rivera performing 'Strike the Match' in their new production of The Heart. he production also features Heidi Blickenstaff, Kenita Miller, Paul Alexander Nolan, Zachary Noah Piser, Jason Tam, and more.
by Michael Major - Aug 27, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has released a video of Wren Rivera performing 'Strike the Match' in their new production of The Heart. he production also features Heidi Blickenstaff, Kenita Miller, Paul Alexander Nolan, Zachary Noah Piser, Jason Tam, and more.
Video: Heidi Blickenstaff Sings 'Keep Up' From La Jolla Playhouse's THE HEART
by Michael Major - Aug 12, 2025
Watch a video of Heidi Blickenstaff singing 'Keep Up' from The Heart, a new musical coming soon to La Jolla Playhouse! The musical also stars Kenita Miller, Paul Alexander Nolan, Zachary Noah Piser, and more.
by Michael Major - Aug 12, 2025
Watch a video of Heidi Blickenstaff singing 'Keep Up' from The Heart, a new musical coming soon to La Jolla Playhouse! The musical also stars Kenita Miller, Paul Alexander Nolan, Zachary Noah Piser, and more.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 5, 2025
by - Aug 5, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 5, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Aug 5, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 5, 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 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.
Videos