Des McAnuff
Latest News on Des McAnuff:
Blake McIver Ewing, Marcia Mitzman Gaven & More to Lead THE BOY FROM OZ at OFC Creations Theatre Cente (Jul 10, 2024)
Chilina Kennedy to Step in as Myrtle in THE GREAT GATSBY This Summer (Jul 9, 2024)
JERSEY BOYS Concludes Las Vegas Residency (Jul 5, 2024)
Blake McIver Ewing, Marcia Mitzman Gaven & More to Lead THE BOY FROM OZ at OFC Creations Theatre Cente (Jul 10, 2024)
Chilina Kennedy to Step in as Myrtle in THE GREAT GATSBY This Summer (Jul 9, 2024)
JERSEY BOYS Concludes Las Vegas Residency (Jul 5, 2024)
Des McAnuff 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.
Des McAnuff Photos
Des McAnuff Productions
Writing
Adaptation
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Des McAnuff 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
Des McAnuff Videos
Video: Murin and Grant Perform 'Jackson' from THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at La Jolla
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 9, 2024
Video: What it's like playing Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash in The Ballad of Johnny and June
by Joshua Wright - May 29, 2024
Video: Go Inside Rehearsals for La Jolla Playhouse's THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE
by Joshua Wright - May 21, 2024
Video: Ali Louis Bourzgui Sings 'I'm Free' from THE WHO'S TOMMY in the Recording Studio
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 28, 2024
Video: Music Director & Conductor Alan Everman on La Mirada's JERSEY BOYS
by Joshua Wright - Apr 18, 2024
Video: Ali Louis Bourzgui Talks Making His Broadway Debut in THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 6, 2024
Video: Cast and Creative Team Talk THE WHO'S TOMMY on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 31, 2024
Video: Watch Ali Louis Bourzgui Record 'See Me, Feel Me' from THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 30, 2024
Video: Watch THE WHO'S TOMMY Perform 'Pinball Wizard,' 'See Me, Feel Me' & More
by Michael Major - Mar 27, 2024
Video: Des McAnuff Is Back for Seconds with THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - Mar 13, 2024
VIDEO: Watch 'Pinball Wizard' from THE WHO'S TOMMY at the Goodman Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 19, 2023
Video: Get a Sneak Peek of AIN'T TOO PROUD London Cast Singing 'My Girl'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2023
Josh Young and Emily Padgett Will Bring VALJEAN, COSETTE AND A STRING QUARTET to the Green Room 42
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 29, 2022
Des McAnuff News
Blake McIver Ewing, Marcia Mitzman Gaven & More to Lead THE BOY FROM OZ at OFC Creations Theatre Cente
Blake McIver Ewing and Tony Award Nominee Marcia Mitzman Gaven will headline THE BOY FROM OZ at OFC Creations Theatre Center in Rochester, NY. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Blake McIver Ewing and Tony Award Nominee Marcia Mitzman Gaven will headline THE BOY FROM OZ at OFC Creations Theatre Center in Rochester, NY. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Chilina Kennedy to Step in as Myrtle in THE GREAT GATSBY This Summer
Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful, Paradise Square) will play the role of Myrtle beginning July 15 in the Broadway musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s landmark novel The Great Gatsby. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful, Paradise Square) will play the role of Myrtle beginning July 15 in the Broadway musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s landmark novel The Great Gatsby. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
JERSEY BOYS Concludes Las Vegas Residency
Jersey Boys is closing up in Vegas. The new residency at The Orleans Hotel and Casino, which opened in January, will play its final performance on Sunday, July 7.
Jersey Boys is closing up in Vegas. The new residency at The Orleans Hotel and Casino, which opened in January, will play its final performance on Sunday, July 7.
Ruskin Group Theatre Presents THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE Opening July 12
Rob Morrow and Marcia Cross star in THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE at Ruskin Group Theatre, opening July 12. Written by Jon Robin Baitz, the play promises a compelling performance by the acclaimed actors.
Rob Morrow and Marcia Cross star in THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE at Ruskin Group Theatre, opening July 12. Written by Jon Robin Baitz, the play promises a compelling performance by the acclaimed actors.
Interview: Meet the 14 Broadway Debuts from THE WHO'S TOMMY
Read BroadwayWorld's July Debut of the Month, featuring 14 Broadway debuts in The Who's Tommy! Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets!
Read BroadwayWorld's July Debut of the Month, featuring 14 Broadway debuts in The Who's Tommy! Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets!
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET to be Presented at Bell Theater in Holmdel
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center will present the smash hit musical Million Dollar Quartet this summer. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center will present the smash hit musical Million Dollar Quartet this summer. Learn how to purchase tickets.
THE WHO'S TOMMY to Kick Off National Tour at PPAC in 2025
The Who's TOMMY to conclude its Broadway run and kick off a national tour in 2025 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Who's TOMMY to conclude its Broadway run and kick off a national tour in 2025 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Learn how to purchase tickets.
THE WHO'S TOMMY To End Broadway Run In July; National Tour To Launch in 2025
The critically acclaimed production of The Who’s TOMMY will play its final performance on Broadway July 21.
The critically acclaimed production of The Who’s TOMMY will play its final performance on Broadway July 21.
Tickets to AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in Chicago On Sale Tomorrow
Single tickets for the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, will go on sale tomorrow, June 21 at Broadway in Chicago.
Single tickets for the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, will go on sale tomorrow, June 21 at Broadway in Chicago.
THE CHER SHOW, CHICAGO, and More Set For Broadway in Binghamton 2024-25 Season
Broadway in Binghamton has announced the lineup for its 2024-25 season. The season will consist of four productions, including “Ain’t Too Proud”, “The Cher Show”, “The Addams Family”, and “Chicago”. Learn more about the lineup here!
Broadway in Binghamton has announced the lineup for its 2024-25 season. The season will consist of four productions, including “Ain’t Too Proud”, “The Cher Show”, “The Addams Family”, and “Chicago”. Learn more about the lineup here!
DEAR EVAN HANSEN And More Now On Sale for Celebrity Attractions' 2024-2025 Broadway Season
Celebrity Attractions has announced its 2024-2025 Broadway season featuring shows like HAMILTON, WICKED, and THE LION KING. Tickets are now available for an exciting lineup of performances.
Celebrity Attractions has announced its 2024-2025 Broadway season featuring shows like HAMILTON, WICKED, and THE LION KING. Tickets are now available for an exciting lineup of performances.
Photos: Billy Crystal Stops By THE WHO'S TOMMY
The rockin' new Broadway production of The Who's Tommy is lighting up Broadway this spring. Comedy icon Billy Crystal stopped by the show this week for a visit with the show's cast and the show's director, Des McAnuff! See photos from his visit!
The rockin' new Broadway production of The Who's Tommy is lighting up Broadway this spring. Comedy icon Billy Crystal stopped by the show this week for a visit with the show's cast and the show's director, Des McAnuff! See photos from his visit!
Pete Townshend to Perform With THE WHO'S TOMMY Cast at The Tony Awards
Pete Townsend will perform with the cast of The Who's Tommy at the Tony Awards!
Pete Townsend will perform with the cast of The Who's Tommy at the Tony Awards!
Photos: On the Red Carpet at the 2024 Tony Awards
We're taking you to the red carpet for a look at all of the stars (and what they're wearing)! Check back all night long for more photos!
We're taking you to the red carpet for a look at all of the stars (and what they're wearing)! Check back all night long for more photos!
Review Roundup: Critics Sound Off On THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at La Jolla Playhouse
La Jolla Playhouse world-premiere musical, The Ballad of Johnny and June is now on stage! The new musical has book by Robert Cary (SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical) and Playhouse Director Emeritus and two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys, The Who’s Tommy), music and lyrics by Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and others, directed by Des McAnuff.
La Jolla Playhouse world-premiere musical, The Ballad of Johnny and June is now on stage! The new musical has book by Robert Cary (SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical) and Playhouse Director Emeritus and two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys, The Who’s Tommy), music and lyrics by Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and others, directed by Des McAnuff.
Review: THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at La Jolla Playhouse
The best way to open this review on the world's premiere musical “The Ballad of Johnny and June” now playing at the La Jolla Playhouse through July 7th is the same way the show starts - with the fantastic music.
The best way to open this review on the world's premiere musical “The Ballad of Johnny and June” now playing at the La Jolla Playhouse through July 7th is the same way the show starts - with the fantastic music.
Pete Townshend to Introduce THE WHO'S TOMMY Performance on the 2024 Tony Awards
The cast of the Tony Award-nominated production of The Who’s TOMMY will perform on the 2024 Tony Awards broadcast. Introducing the number will be Tony and Grammy Award-winner and rock legend Pete Townshend of The Who. Learn how to watch the Tonys!
The cast of the Tony Award-nominated production of The Who’s TOMMY will perform on the 2024 Tony Awards broadcast. Introducing the number will be Tony and Grammy Award-winner and rock legend Pete Townshend of The Who. Learn how to watch the Tonys!
Video: Murin and Grant Perform 'Jackson' from THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at La Jolla
Watch Christopher Ryan Grant and Patti Murin as Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash perform 'Jackson' during previews for the world premiere musical The Ballad of Johnny and June at La Jolla Playhouse here!
Watch Christopher Ryan Grant and Patti Murin as Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash perform 'Jackson' during previews for the world premiere musical The Ballad of Johnny and June at La Jolla Playhouse here!
Best Of Broadway To Host 'Select Your Seat' Open House Party At The North Charleston PAC!
Join the Best of Broadway 'Select Your Seat' Open House Party on June 12 at the North Charleston PAC to preview the upcoming season, choose your seats, and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Join the Best of Broadway 'Select Your Seat' Open House Party on June 12 at the North Charleston PAC to preview the upcoming season, choose your seats, and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Spotlight: JOHNNY CASH AND JUNE CARTER CASH at La Jolla Playhouse
An iconic love story: Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
An iconic love story: Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
Des McAnuff 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?
Des McAnuff has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including Outstanding Direction of a Musical at the Drama League Awards for "The Who’s Tommy," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations," and Best Director at the Olivier Awards for "Jersey Boys." He has also received accolades such as the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Jersey Boys," and Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Jersey Boys." Additionally, McAnuff has been recognized with nominations for Best Director at the Olivier Awards for "Tommy," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and Best Director - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Who's Tommy." His achievements also include nominations for Best Book of a Musical and Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Who's Tommy," as well as a nomination for Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Big River." McAnuff has further received nominations for Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth."
What awards has Des McAnuff won?
Des McAnuff has won the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at 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.
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