Christopher Ashley
Latest News on Christopher Ashley:
Video: Inside 'The Song of the Brown Buffalo' In THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL (Jun 20, 2025)
Interview: Theatre Life with Joe Iconis And Charlie Rosen (Jun 18, 2025)
Video: Watch 'Kaboom' From THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL (Jun 17, 2025)
Video: Inside 'The Song of the Brown Buffalo' In THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL (Jun 20, 2025)
Interview: Theatre Life with Joe Iconis And Charlie Rosen (Jun 18, 2025)
Video: Watch 'Kaboom' From THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL (Jun 17, 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
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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
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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 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
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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: 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
Photos & Video: Get a First Look at COME FROM AWAY 2023-24 National Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-10-27 12:45:59
VIDEO: Watch a Chat with Ralph B. Peña, Director of SUMO at La Jolla Playhouse
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-22 13:42:54
VIDEO: Watch a Chat with James Yaegashi, Cultural/Martial Arts Consultant & Co-Fight Director of SUMO at La Jolla Playhouse
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-22 13:43:16
Video: Watch Clips from Joe Iconis's HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at La Jolla Playhouse
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-01 11:08:25
VIDEO: COME FROM AWAY Performs 'Welcome to the Rock' on the TODAY SHOW
by Michael Major - 2022-07-21 13:10:42
News
Video: Inside 'The Song of the Brown Buffalo' In THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 20, 2025
Signature Theatre’s world premiere production of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical is now igniting the stage in Arlington, Virginia. Go inside “The Song of the Brown Buffalo,” an anthem of identity, power, and defiance, in a new video highlighting George Salazar as Oscar Acosta.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 20, 2025
Signature Theatre’s world premiere production of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical is now igniting the stage in Arlington, Virginia. Go inside “The Song of the Brown Buffalo,” an anthem of identity, power, and defiance, in a new video highlighting George Salazar as Oscar Acosta.
Interview: Theatre Life with Joe Iconis And Charlie Rosen
by Elliot Lanes - Jun 18, 2025
The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical is a “gonzo” terrific new musical currently running at Signature Theatre through July 13th. Today’s subjects are two of the reasons the show is so successful.
by Elliot Lanes - Jun 18, 2025
The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical is a “gonzo” terrific new musical currently running at Signature Theatre through July 13th. Today’s subjects are two of the reasons the show is so successful.
Video: Watch 'Kaboom' From THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by Michael Major - Jun 17, 2025
Watch a video of 'Kaboom' from the Signature Theatre's DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss.
by Michael Major - Jun 17, 2025
Watch a video of 'Kaboom' from the Signature Theatre's DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss.
Review: THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at Signature Theatre
by David Friscic - Jun 16, 2025
What can one say about Hunter S. Thompson, the infamous “Gonzo” journalist who wrote about the Hell’s Angels, The Kentucky Derby, who wrote prolifically in Rolling Stone Magazine and who plunged into Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (with drug -fueled adrenalin) and who embraced political passions in Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail? It seems quite a hell of a lot ---especially if one witnesses the jam-packed minutiae and layers of Hunter J. Thompson’s musically embellished narrative, --where autobiography, history and psychological facets of consciousness collide and converge in the explosive Signature Theatre production of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical.
by David Friscic - Jun 16, 2025
What can one say about Hunter S. Thompson, the infamous “Gonzo” journalist who wrote about the Hell’s Angels, The Kentucky Derby, who wrote prolifically in Rolling Stone Magazine and who plunged into Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (with drug -fueled adrenalin) and who embraced political passions in Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail? It seems quite a hell of a lot ---especially if one witnesses the jam-packed minutiae and layers of Hunter J. Thompson’s musically embellished narrative, --where autobiography, history and psychological facets of consciousness collide and converge in the explosive Signature Theatre production of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical.
Video: 'Nixon's Big Number' from THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by Michael Major - Jun 14, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed a new look at the DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss (Indian Summer, Reunion). Check out brand new video of 'Nixon's Big Number' from the show.
by Michael Major - Jun 14, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed a new look at the DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss (Indian Summer, Reunion). Check out brand new video of 'Nixon's Big Number' from the show.
Photos: THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL At Signature Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed first look photos of the DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss (Indian Summer, Reunion).
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed first look photos of the DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis (Be More Chill, NBC’s Smash) and a book by Joe Iconis and Gregory S. Moss (Indian Summer, Reunion).
Video: First Look at THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at Signature Theatre
by Michael Major - Jun 10, 2025
Watch a preview of Joe Iconis' The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical at Signature Theatre! It stars Eric William Morris, George Abud, Darlesia Cearcy, George Salazar, and more.
by Michael Major - Jun 10, 2025
Watch a preview of Joe Iconis' The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical at Signature Theatre! It stars Eric William Morris, George Abud, Darlesia Cearcy, George Salazar, and more.
THE OUTSIDERS Releases New Block of Tickets Through April 5
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2025
The Outsiders has released of a new block of single tickets for performances through April 5, 2026 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Learn more about how to get tickets here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2025
The Outsiders has released of a new block of single tickets for performances through April 5, 2026 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Learn more about how to get tickets here!
Video: George Salazar Sings 'Brown Buffalo' From THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by Michael Major - May 29, 2025
As Joe Iconis' The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical prepares for its Washington DC premiere at Signature Theatre, watch an exclusive video of George Salazar performing 'Brown Buffalo.'
by Michael Major - May 29, 2025
As Joe Iconis' The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical prepares for its Washington DC premiere at Signature Theatre, watch an exclusive video of George Salazar performing 'Brown Buffalo.'
Interview: Carmen Cusack on WICKED, BRIGHT STAR, & BULL DURHAM
by Jeffrey Kare - May 6, 2025
Coming to Theatre Raleigh to perform in concert this Saturday night is Carmen Cusack. She returns returns to the area after starring as Annie in last season's Bull Durham: The Musical.
by Jeffrey Kare - May 6, 2025
Coming to Theatre Raleigh to perform in concert this Saturday night is Carmen Cusack. She returns returns to the area after starring as Annie in last season's Bull Durham: The Musical.
The Drama League Unveils 30 Recipients of Directors Project Fellowships
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 5, 2025
The Drama League has revealed the thirty exceptional stage directors receiving the 2025 fellowships, assistantships, residencies, and programs collectively known as The Directors Project. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 5, 2025
The Drama League has revealed the thirty exceptional stage directors receiving the 2025 fellowships, assistantships, residencies, and programs collectively known as The Directors Project. Learn more!
Cast and Creative Team Set for JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at La Jolla Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the cast and creative team for its production of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, by Jocelyn Bioh. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the cast and creative team for its production of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, by Jocelyn Bioh. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Eric William Morris and More to Star in THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for the DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for the DC premiere of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!
La Jolla Playhouse Names Jacole Kitchen as Recipient of 2025/26 Director Fellowship
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has named Jacole Kitchen as the recipient of its 2025/2026 Director Fellowship position. She begins her two-year appointment in April 2025. Learn more about Kitchen here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has named Jacole Kitchen as the recipient of its 2025/2026 Director Fellowship position. She begins her two-year appointment in April 2025. Learn more about Kitchen here!
MEAN GIRLS & More Lead Boston's April 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Mar 28, 2025
Boston is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2025 include Mean Girls on tour and more.
by Team BWW - Mar 28, 2025
Boston is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2025 include Mean Girls on tour and more.
James Monroe Iglehart to Host 'Mr. Abbott' Award Gala Honoring Christopher Ashley
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 27, 2025
James Monroe Iglehart will host Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award Gala honoring Christopher Ashley. Learn more about the event here.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 27, 2025
James Monroe Iglehart will host Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award Gala honoring Christopher Ashley. Learn more about the event here.
Video: Behind the Dance of 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - Mar 17, 2025
Go behind the choreography of 3 Summers of Lincoln at La Jolla Playhouse. Watch a video of co-lyricist and co-choreography Daniel J. Watts break down the dancing in the new musical, alongside his co-choreographer, Jon Rua!
by Michael Major - Mar 17, 2025
Go behind the choreography of 3 Summers of Lincoln at La Jolla Playhouse. Watch a video of co-lyricist and co-choreography Daniel J. Watts break down the dancing in the new musical, alongside his co-choreographer, Jon Rua!
Diversionary Theatre Announces 2025 Annual Gala: THE OUT LOUD BALL
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025
Diversionary Theatre has announced its 2025 Gala: The Out Loud Ball. This year's annual fundraising event will be emceed by Tony Award Nominee and Drama Desk Award winning musical theater star Jenn Colella (Come From Away, Suffs).
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025
Diversionary Theatre has announced its 2025 Gala: The Out Loud Ball. This year's annual fundraising event will be emceed by Tony Award Nominee and Drama Desk Award winning musical theater star Jenn Colella (Come From Away, Suffs).
Video: Behind the Music of 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - Mar 12, 2025
Watch a video of the creative team behind 3 Summer of Lincoln discuss the process behind adding music to Abraham Lincoln's story for the new musical, which has an original score of gospel, R&B, powerhouse anthems, and Broadway.
by Michael Major - Mar 12, 2025
Watch a video of the creative team behind 3 Summer of Lincoln discuss the process behind adding music to Abraham Lincoln's story for the new musical, which has an original score of gospel, R&B, powerhouse anthems, and Broadway.
Photos: Roundabout Honors Danny DeVito at 2025 Gala
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 11, 2025
Roundabout Theatre Company celebrated it 2025 Gala, honoring Danny DeVito. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night, which included a special performance from Josh Groban. Check out photos here!
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 11, 2025
Roundabout Theatre Company celebrated it 2025 Gala, honoring Danny DeVito. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night, which included a special performance from Josh Groban. Check out photos here!
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 direction. He received the Outstanding Director of a Musical award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Come From Away. He also won the Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for the same show. Additionally, he was honored with the Outstanding Director, Resident Musical award at the Helen Hayes Awards for Sweeney Todd. His direction of The Rocky Horror Show earned him the Outstanding Director - Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards. Ashley won the Direction award at the Obie Awards for Jeffrey. Furthermore, he received the Outstanding Director award from The Lortels for his work on both Fires in the Mirror and Jeffrey.
Videos