Des McAnuff

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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

 
[US Tour, 2024]
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[US Tour, 2021]
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[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Director [Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Original Direction
 
[Off-Broadway, 2021]
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[West End, 2021]
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[West End, 2021]
DIRECTOR
 
[West End, 2021]
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[US Tour, 2019]
Author
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[Broadway, 2018]
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[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2017]
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[Regional (US), 2017]
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[Broadway, 2015]
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[Broadway, 2013]
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[Off-Broadway, 2013]
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[Broadway, 2012]
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[Broadway, 2009]
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[Toronto, 2008]
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[Las Vegas, 2008]
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[West End, 2008]
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[Broadway, 2007]
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[Chicago, 2007]
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[US Tour, 2006]
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[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2006]
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[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2006]
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[Broadway, 2005]
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[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2005]
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[Regional (US), 2005]
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[Broadway, 2004]
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[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2004]
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[Broadway, 2004]
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[New York, 2003]
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[US Tour, 2003] Cancelled
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[Broadway, 2002] Cancelled
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[Regional (US), 2001]
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[West End, 1996]
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[Broadway, 1993]
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[Regional (US), 1988]
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[Broadway, 1988]
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[West End, 1986]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Vocal Music Arranger
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Australia, 0]
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Writing

Bookwriter

Des McAnuff Awards and Nominations

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

Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical

Des McAnuff, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Book of a Musical

Des McAnuff, The Who's Tommy

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

Des McAnuff News


Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 14, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 14, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Video: Des McAnuff Is Back for Seconds with THE WHO'S TOMMY

In this video, watch as director Des McAnuff chats about bringing The Who's Tommy back to Broadway.

Video: Find Out Who's Who in THE WHO'S TOMMY on Broadway

In this video, watch as the full cast and creative team of The Who's Tommy open up about what audiences can expect from the much-anticipated revival.

Video: Meet the Cast Members Making Their Broadway Debuts in THE WHO'S TOMMY

Before heading to the arcade to meet the 'pinball wizard,' get to know which cast members are making their Broadway debuts in The Who’s TOMMY, which starts previews tonight at the Nederlander Theatre.

THE WHO'S TOMMY to Offer $40 Tickets Through Digital Lottery

The Broadway production of The Who’s TOMMY is launching a digital lottery! Learn how to purchase tickets.

Video: See the Cast of THE WHO'S TOMMY in the Recording Studio

Check out footage of the cast of The Who's Tommy in the recording studio! Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Photos: The Cast of THE WHO'S TOMMY Meets the Press

A newly reimagined production of The Who’s TOMMY is headed to Broadway, beginning previews performances next week. The cast and creative team recently met the press and BroadwayWorld was there for the big day. Check out photos here!

Chilina Kennedy and Constantine Maroulis Will Lead Reading of ALL THE RAGE Musical

A one-night-only reading of the musical All The Rage will be held as part of Spark Theatre Festival this March. The reading will star Broadway's Chilina Kennedy and Constantine Maroulis.

Video: Ali Louis Bourzgui Sings 'Pinball Wizard' From THE WHO'S TOMMY

Watch Ali Louis Bourzgui sing 'Pinball Wizard' from The Who's TOMMY! Learn more about the show coming to Broadway.

Jersey Boys Returns to the Las Vegas Stage in New Residency

​​​​​​​The international hit musical and Tony Award-winning show Jersey Boys is back in Las Vegas. This new residency at The Orleans Hotel and Casino will feature the set, style, and sensations that have made Jersey Boys a global musical phenomenon. The show runs from Wednesday to Monday and promises a memorable experience.

Meet the Cast of THE WHO'S TOMMY, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!

The newly reimagined production of The Who’s TOMMY begins Broadway previews tonight, March 8, 2024 at the Nederlander Theatre, with opening night on March 28, 2024. Meet the cast of The Who's Tommy here!

Jamie Muscato to Join Eric McCormack, Rachel Tucker, and More In WILD ABOUT YOU Concert

Jamie Muscato will be joining Eric McCormack, Rachel Tucker, Oliver Tompsett, and Tori Allen-Martin in the new musical in concert Wild About You, which is making its World Premiere at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Bart Shatto Joins FINDING HELENA Industry Presentation

Broadway alum, Bart Shatto, has joined the company of FINDING HELENA for its New York debut. Learn more about the industry presentation.

Up on the Marquee: THE WHO'S TOMMY

Check out new photos of the Broadway marquee for The Who's Tommy at the Nederlander Theatre.

Listen: WHY I'LL NEVER MAKE IT Podcast Kicks Off Season 8 With Steve Cuden

The Broadway Podcast Network's award-winning podcast Why I’ll Never Make It is back for its highly anticipated Season 8, offering listeners an insider's look into the trials and triumphs of pursuing a career in the performing arts.

Full Cast Set For THE WHO'S TOMMY on Broadway

Complete casting has been announced for the newly reimagined Broadway production of The Who’s TOMMY.  Find out who is starring in the show here!

Box Office at the Nederlander Theatre is Now Open For The Who's TOMMY on Broadway

The Nederlander Theatre box office (208 West 41st Street) is now open for the newly reimagined Broadway production of The Who’s TOMMY, produced by Stephen Gabriel and Ira Pittelman.

Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD at Providence Performing Arts Center

Providence Performing Arts Center celebrates the new year with the return of ‘Ain’t Too Proud,’ the stylish, spirited 2019 Tony-winning musical about the unparalleled career and personal trials and tribulations of one of the most successful soul acts in history, The Temptations.

What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America For The 2024/2025 Season? - A Complete Guide

Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production.

Chilina Kennedy, Matthew Mucha, And More to Join BETWEEN BROADWAY VARIETY HOUR

Join Chilina Kennedy, Matthew Mucha, and more in the hilarious and entertaining Between Broadway Variety Hour.

Des McAnuff FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

Des McAnuff has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout his career, including Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations," "Jersey Boys," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and "The Who's Tommy." He was also nominated for Best Director at the Olivier Awards for "Jersey Boys" and "Tommy." Additionally, McAnuff received the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards. He won Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Jersey Boys" and "The Who's Tommy." McAnuff also won Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Who's Tommy" and was nominated for Best Direction of a Musical for "Big River." Furthermore, he won Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth."

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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