Des McAnuff
Latest News on Des McAnuff:
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY & JUNE to Tour the UK and Ireland (Nov 7, 2025)
JERSEY BOYS Will Embark on 20th Anniversary Tour in the UK and Ireland in 2026 (Nov 7, 2025)
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at National Theatre (Jun 18, 2025)
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY & JUNE to Tour the UK and Ireland (Nov 7, 2025)
JERSEY BOYS Will Embark on 20th Anniversary Tour in the UK and Ireland in 2026 (Nov 7, 2025)
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at National Theatre (Jun 18, 2025)
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
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.
Frank Hartenstein, Broadway Stage Manager, Passes Away at 85
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2025
Frank Hartenstein, a stage manager whose body of work included collaborating with some of Broadway's most celebrated luminaries over the last 50 years, died on Friday, February 21. Learn more about Hartenstein's life and career.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2025
Frank Hartenstein, a stage manager whose body of work included collaborating with some of Broadway's most celebrated luminaries over the last 50 years, died on Friday, February 21. Learn more about Hartenstein's life and career.
FAT HAM South Florida Premiere to be Presented at Island City Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025
Island City Stage will present their collaborative production of Fat Ham, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames, this spring. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025
Island City Stage will present their collaborative production of Fat Ham, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames, this spring. Learn more!
AIN'T TOO PROUD Will Take The Fox PAC Stage This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025
AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will be presented as part of the 24–25 BROADWAY AT THE FOX IN RIVERSIDE Series and will take the Fox Performing Arts Center stage March 4–5, 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025
AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will be presented as part of the 24–25 BROADWAY AT THE FOX IN RIVERSIDE Series and will take the Fox Performing Arts Center stage March 4–5, 2025.
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Robinson Center
by Theresa Bertram - Feb 7, 2025
As a GenXer, I was not around to experience MoTown’s heyday, so whenever there is a performance of any kind that celebrates that era, I am there! Luckily, Celebrity Attractions is in tune to the desires of my heart and brings shows like AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS to Robinson Center in Little Rock. From January 31-February 2, Central Arkansas was on Cloud Nine as we were whisked away to a world of soulful melodies, powerful harmonies, and captivating choreography. It was all that I ever dreamed it would be.
by Theresa Bertram - Feb 7, 2025
As a GenXer, I was not around to experience MoTown’s heyday, so whenever there is a performance of any kind that celebrates that era, I am there! Luckily, Celebrity Attractions is in tune to the desires of my heart and brings shows like AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS to Robinson Center in Little Rock. From January 31-February 2, Central Arkansas was on Cloud Nine as we were whisked away to a world of soulful melodies, powerful harmonies, and captivating choreography. It was all that I ever dreamed it would be.
Davis Gaines Brings LOVE IS IN THE AIR to the Green Room 42
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025
Davis Gaines in a rare New York appearance, will perform a special show for Valentine's Day, “Love is in the Air” a romantic evening of love songs! Learn more about the upcoming show here!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025
Davis Gaines in a rare New York appearance, will perform a special show for Valentine's Day, “Love is in the Air” a romantic evening of love songs! Learn more about the upcoming show here!
BWW Q&A: Lee Siegel on BRAMPTON CONCERT BAND & THE JAZZ MECHANICS at Brampton On Stage/The Rose
by Joshua Wright - Jan 30, 2025
Experience 'A Love Letter to New York' — a dazzling celebration of the Big Apple through music! Acclaimed Broadway star Lee Siegel joins forces with the Brampton Concert Band and The Jazz Mechanics for an afternoon of melodies and magic. Immerse yourself in the spirit of New York as the show takes you from jazz classics like Orange Colored Sky and In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning to Broadway hits from Les Misérables, West Side Story, Crazy for You, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. Don’t miss this unique collaboration — it’s like a trip to Broadway, right here in Brampton!
by Joshua Wright - Jan 30, 2025
Experience 'A Love Letter to New York' — a dazzling celebration of the Big Apple through music! Acclaimed Broadway star Lee Siegel joins forces with the Brampton Concert Band and The Jazz Mechanics for an afternoon of melodies and magic. Immerse yourself in the spirit of New York as the show takes you from jazz classics like Orange Colored Sky and In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning to Broadway hits from Les Misérables, West Side Story, Crazy for You, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. Don’t miss this unique collaboration — it’s like a trip to Broadway, right here in Brampton!
AIN'T TOO PROUD is Coming to Pikes Peak Center in Febuary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025
The American Theatre Guild will present the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025
The American Theatre Guild will present the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025
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 as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025
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 as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
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. He received the Best Director award at the Olivier Awards for Tommy. Additionally, he won Best Director - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Who's Tommy. McAnuff also earned the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for The Who's Tommy.
Videos