Des McAnuff
Latest News on Des McAnuff:
Andrew Lippa To Offer Master Class Through Theatre Now (Feb 17, 2026)
THE WHO’S TOMMY Will Launch North American Tour in Cleveland This October (Feb 12, 2026)
OH, MARY!, KINKY BOOTS and More Set For Theatre Under The Stars 2026/27 Season (Feb 11, 2026)
Andrew Lippa To Offer Master Class Through Theatre Now (Feb 17, 2026)
THE WHO’S TOMMY Will Launch North American Tour in Cleveland This October (Feb 12, 2026)
OH, MARY!, KINKY BOOTS and More Set For Theatre Under The Stars 2026/27 Season (Feb 11, 2026)
BIO
McAnuff is a two-time Tony Award-winning director and former Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival. Broadway: Summer, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention, Jersey Boys (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event), Dracula, the Musical, How to Succeed..., The Who’s Tommy (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Director), A Walk in the Woods, Big River (Tony Awards for Best Director, Best Musical).
McAnuff is also Director Emeritus of La Jolla Playhouse, where during his tenure as Artistic Director, he staged more than 35 productions of classics, new plays, and musicals. Under his leadership, the Playhouse received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater.
Raised in Canada, he was a part of the Toronto alternative theatre scene in the 70s. While at Stratford, he directed multiple productions including A Word or Two, The Tempest, and Caesar and Cleopatra (all starring Christopher Plummer), Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Twelfth Night (starring Brian Dennehy), ...Forum, As You Like It, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.
In 2006, he received the prestigious Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing and in 2011, he was honoured with a doctorate from Ryerson University where he attended the Theatre School. In 2012, he was awarded Canada’s esteemed Governor General’s National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada.
Photos
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Productions
Writing
Adaptation
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Drama League Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, The Who’s Tommy
Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and times of the Temptations
Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best Director
Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys
winner
Drama League Awards - 2006 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Des McAnuff
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys
Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys
winner
Olivier Awards - 1997 - Best Director
Des McAnuff, Tommy
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Director - Musical
Des McAnuff -, The Who's Tommy
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Book of a Musical
Des McAnuff, The Who's Tommy
winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, The Who's Tommy
Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Big River
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Lyrics
Des McAnuff, Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Music
Des McAnuff, Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth
Videos
Video: Murin and Grant Perform 'Jackson' from THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at La Jolla
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-06-09 14:43:00
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
Video: Go Inside Rehearsals for La Jolla Playhouse's THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-21 13:51:00
Video: Ali Louis Bourzgui Sings 'I'm Free' from THE WHO'S TOMMY in the Recording Studio
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-28 13:47:04
Video: Music Director & Conductor Alan Everman on La Mirada's JERSEY BOYS
by Joshua Wright - 2024-04-18 10:36:52
Video: Go Inside Rehearsals of JERSEY BOYS at La Mirada Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2024-04-11 15:45:10
Video: Ali Louis Bourzgui Talks Making His Broadway Debut in THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-06 14:54:23
Video: Cast and Creative Team Talk THE WHO'S TOMMY on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-03-31 12:49:08
Video: Watch Ali Louis Bourzgui Record 'See Me, Feel Me' from THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-03-30 12:21:34
Video: The Company of THE WHO'S TOMMY Celebrates Opening Night
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-03-29 14:13:21
Video: Watch THE WHO'S TOMMY Perform 'Pinball Wizard,' 'See Me, Feel Me' & More
by Michael Major - 2024-03-27 09:21:57
Video: Des McAnuff Is Back for Seconds with THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2024-03-13 15:22:52
VIDEO: Watch 'Pinball Wizard' from THE WHO'S TOMMY at the Goodman Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-07-19 11:28:21
Video: Watch a New Clip from THE WHO'S TOMMY at The Goodman
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-07-13 18:51:13
Video: Get a Sneak Peek of AIN'T TOO PROUD London Cast Singing 'My Girl'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-03-14 14:06:44
Josh Young and Emily Padgett Will Bring VALJEAN, COSETTE AND A STRING QUARTET to the Green Room 42
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-03-29 17:43:28
News
Andrew Lippa To Offer Master Class Through Theatre Now
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2026
Award-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, Big Fish, The Wild Party) will offer a Master Class on Monday, February 23rd at 6:30pm as part of Theatre Now New York's Industry Nights.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2026
Award-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, Big Fish, The Wild Party) will offer a Master Class on Monday, February 23rd at 6:30pm as part of Theatre Now New York's Industry Nights.
THE WHO’S TOMMY Will Launch North American Tour in Cleveland This October
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2026
The rock opera sensation The Who’s TOMMY will launch its North American tour in Cleveland, OH at Playhouse Square in the fall of 2026 in an all-new production.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2026
The rock opera sensation The Who’s TOMMY will launch its North American tour in Cleveland, OH at Playhouse Square in the fall of 2026 in an all-new production.
OH, MARY!, KINKY BOOTS and More Set For Theatre Under The Stars 2026/27 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2026
Theatre Under The Stars has unveiled a lineup of Broadway hits for its 2026/27 season. The upcoming season features everything from beloved classics to the acclaimed comedy, Oh, Mary!
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2026
Theatre Under The Stars has unveiled a lineup of Broadway hits for its 2026/27 season. The upcoming season features everything from beloved classics to the acclaimed comedy, Oh, Mary!
HAMILTON, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING and More Set for 2026-2027 Broadway on Hennepin Series
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026
Hennepin Arts has announced the 2026-2027 Broadway on Hennepin series, bringing 12 Broadway shows to Minneapolis for 14 weeks including Tony Award Best Musical winners The Outsiders, Maybe Happy Ending and Hamilton
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026
Hennepin Arts has announced the 2026-2027 Broadway on Hennepin series, bringing 12 Broadway shows to Minneapolis for 14 weeks including Tony Award Best Musical winners The Outsiders, Maybe Happy Ending and Hamilton
JERSEY BOYS to Launch North American Tour in September 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2026
Jersey Boys will launch a multi-city North American Tour beginning September 2026 in celebration of its 20th Anniversary year. Jersey Boys is the behind-the-music true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2026
Jersey Boys will launch a multi-city North American Tour beginning September 2026 in celebration of its 20th Anniversary year. Jersey Boys is the behind-the-music true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
WICKED, DEATH BECOMES HER and More Set for Broadway In Boston 26/27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2026
The 2026/2027 Broadway In Boston Season at the Citizens Opera House and the Emerson Colonial Theatre, an Ambassador Theatre Group venue has been revealed! Included in the Eight Show Season Subscription are Wicked and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2026
The 2026/2027 Broadway In Boston Season at the Citizens Opera House and the Emerson Colonial Theatre, an Ambassador Theatre Group venue has been revealed! Included in the Eight Show Season Subscription are Wicked and more.
Full Cast Set For UK Tour of THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY & JUNE
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2026
The full cast has been announced for the major new musical of The Ballad of Johnny & June. Learn more about the upcoming touring production and the cast here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2026
The full cast has been announced for the major new musical of The Ballad of Johnny & June. Learn more about the upcoming touring production and the cast here!
Christopher Ryan Grant and Christina Bianco Will Lead THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE UK Tour
by Stephi Wild - Dec 2, 2025
Casting has been announced for the major new musical of The Ballad of Johnny & June, led by Christopher Ryan Grant and Christina Bianco. Learn more about the tour here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 2, 2025
Casting has been announced for the major new musical of The Ballad of Johnny & June, led by Christopher Ryan Grant and Christina Bianco. Learn more about the tour here!
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY & JUNE to Tour the UK and Ireland
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2025
Hot on the heels of runs at New York’s La Jolla Playhouse and Canada’s Citadel Theatre, new musical The Ballad of Johnny & June will make its debut this side of the Atlantic in 2026 with a major tour of the UK and Ireland.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2025
Hot on the heels of runs at New York’s La Jolla Playhouse and Canada’s Citadel Theatre, new musical The Ballad of Johnny & June will make its debut this side of the Atlantic in 2026 with a major tour of the UK and Ireland.
JERSEY BOYS Will Embark on 20th Anniversary Tour in the UK and Ireland in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Nov 7, 2025
The original Tony-winning musical sensation JERSEY BOYS returns for its celebratory 20th Anniversary tour across the UK and Ireland, opening at New Wimbledon Theatre in June.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 7, 2025
The original Tony-winning musical sensation JERSEY BOYS returns for its celebratory 20th Anniversary tour across the UK and Ireland, opening at New Wimbledon Theatre in June.
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at National Theatre
by Alexander C. Kafka - Jun 18, 2025
The tale sometimes tilts toward melodrama but is deeply moving all the same. The brisk, shimmering touring production honors its iconic and abundant Motown source material.
by Alexander C. Kafka - Jun 18, 2025
The tale sometimes tilts toward melodrama but is deeply moving all the same. The brisk, shimmering touring production honors its iconic and abundant Motown source material.
AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Returns To Shea's Buffalo Theatre This Month
by A.A. Cristi - May 22, 2025
The Broadway smash hit musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS returns to Shea's Buffalo Theatre. Back by popular demand, AIN'T TOO PROUD, part of the Gallagher Encore Series, will be in Buffalo, New York for four performances from May 30 through June 1, 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - May 22, 2025
The Broadway smash hit musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS returns to Shea's Buffalo Theatre. Back by popular demand, AIN'T TOO PROUD, part of the Gallagher Encore Series, will be in Buffalo, New York for four performances from May 30 through June 1, 2025.
A Recent History of Biographical Jukebox Musicals on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - May 3, 2025
Bobby Darin's story is hitting Broadway with the new musical Just In Time, starring Jonathan Groff. We're taking a look back on some of the recent jukebox musicals that told the story of iconic solo artists.
by Stephi Wild - May 3, 2025
Bobby Darin's story is hitting Broadway with the new musical Just In Time, starring Jonathan Groff. We're taking a look back on some of the recent jukebox musicals that told the story of iconic solo artists.
Photos: Sara Bareilles, Lin-Manuel Miranda and More on the REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Red Carpet
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 29, 2025
Real Women Have Curves just opened on Broadway! Check out photos of stars on the red carpet, including Sara Bareilles, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 29, 2025
Real Women Have Curves just opened on Broadway! Check out photos of stars on the red carpet, including Sara Bareilles, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more!
THE WHO'S TOMMY National Tour Will Now Launch Fall 2026
by Joshua Wright - Apr 10, 2025
The National Tour of The Who's TOMMY will now launch in Fall 2026. The touring production was previously set to launch in Fall 2025 at Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI. The Broadway revival played 21 previews and 132 regular performances at the Nederlander Theatre.
by Joshua Wright - Apr 10, 2025
The National Tour of The Who's TOMMY will now launch in Fall 2026. The touring production was previously set to launch in Fall 2025 at Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI. The Broadway revival played 21 previews and 132 regular performances at the Nederlander Theatre.
AIN'T TOO PROUD Rescheduled at Oxford Performing Arts Center
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025
The Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC) has announced the rescheduled dates for the Tony Award-winning musical Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025
The Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC) has announced the rescheduled dates for the Tony Award-winning musical Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.
Exclusive: Inside THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY Opening Night Party
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 31, 2025
The party raged all night long last week when The Sydney Theatre Company production of The Picture of Dorian Gray opened on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was in attendance at the opening night after party and we have exclusive photos of Sarah Snook and friends as they celebrated!
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 31, 2025
The party raged all night long last week when The Sydney Theatre Company production of The Picture of Dorian Gray opened on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was in attendance at the opening night after party and we have exclusive photos of Sarah Snook and friends as they celebrated!
AIN’T TOO PROUD National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025
AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS's Second National Tour is coming to St. Louis this spring. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025
AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS's Second National Tour is coming to St. Louis this spring. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
AIN'T TOO PROUD - The Life And Times Of The Temptations is Coming to Popejoy Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 18, 2025
AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Second National Tour is coming to Popejoy Hall this spring. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 18, 2025
AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Second National Tour is coming to Popejoy Hall this spring. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Bryce Valle of AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Fred Kavil Theatre
by Jonas Schwartz-Owen - Mar 10, 2025
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations hit Broadway in 2019, earning 11 Tony nominations and one win for Sergio Trujillo’s choreography. Though it was cut short by COVID in March 2020, the show returned in May 2021 and ran until January 2022. It now lives on through its national tour, reaching 24 U.S. cities. The current tour is notable for being supervised by the original director, Des McAnuff, and Trujillo. I spoke with Bryce Valle, the tour's dance captain and the lead actor portraying Paul Williams of The Temptations.
by Jonas Schwartz-Owen - Mar 10, 2025
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations hit Broadway in 2019, earning 11 Tony nominations and one win for Sergio Trujillo’s choreography. Though it was cut short by COVID in March 2020, the show returned in May 2021 and ran until January 2022. It now lives on through its national tour, reaching 24 U.S. cities. The current tour is notable for being supervised by the original director, Des McAnuff, and Trujillo. I spoke with Bryce Valle, the tour's dance captain and the lead actor portraying Paul Williams of The Temptations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Des McAnuff written?
Des McAnuff has written 4 shows including Tommy (Bookwriter), How It All Began (Adaptation), The Death of Von Richtofen as Witnessed From Earth (Bookwriter), Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Bookwriter).
What awards has Des McAnuff been nominated for?
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for The Who’s Tommy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and times of the Temptations, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Jersey Boys, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jersey Boys, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jersey Boys, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Tommy , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Who's Tommy , Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Who's Tommy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Who's Tommy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Big River, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth and Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth.
What awards has Des McAnuff won?
Des McAnuff has won several prestigious awards, including the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards, Best Director at the Olivier Awards for Tommy, Best Director - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Who's Tommy, and Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for The Who's Tommy.
Videos