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Gene Frankel

Date of Death: April 20, 2005

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BIO

Gene Frankel was an American director, producer, and teacher, born on May 23, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York. He began his career as a stage actor in the 1940s before transitioning to directing in the 1950s. Frankel was known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to theater, often incorporating multimedia elements into his productions.

Frankel's Broadway credits include directing the original production of "The Young Abe Lincoln" in 1961, which starred Frank Langella in his Broadway debut. He also directed "The Chinese Prime Minister" in 1964, which starred Rex Harrison and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play.

In addition to his work on Broadway, Frankel was a prolific director Off-Broadway, where he was known for his collaborations with playwrights such as Sam Shepard, Lanford Wilson, and Murray Schisgal. He directed the original productions of Shepard's "Curse of the Starving Class" and "The Tooth of Crime," as well as Wilson's "The Rimers of Eldritch" and "Balm in Gilead."

Frankel was also a passionate teacher, founding the Gene Frankel Theatre and Workshop in 1949. The theater served as a space for Frankel to experiment with new techniques and approaches to theater, while also providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work. Over the years, Frankel taught and mentored countless actors and directors, including Bette Midler, Anne Bancroft, and Barbara Barrie.

In addition to his work in theater, Frankel also directed several films, including "The Stripper" (1963) and "A Walk with Love and Death" (1969), both of which starred Anjelica Huston.

Frankel continued to work in theater and film throughout his career, earning critical acclaim for his productions of "The Balcony" and "The Maids" in the 1980s. He also directed the 1985 film "The Naked Face," which starred Roger Moore and was based on the novel by Sidney Sheldon.

Gene Frankel passed away on April 20, 2005, at the age of 81. His legacy lives on through the countless artists he mentored and the groundbreaking productions he directed.

Productions

 
[Broadway, 1975]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1962]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1961]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1961]
Director

Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 1960 - Best Director

Gene FrankelMachinal


winner
Obie Awards - 1957 - Best Director

Gene Frankel, Volpone

News


LUCKY MAN â€" A WARRIOR’S JOURNEY Opens Tonight at Gene Frankel Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2025

This June, Emmy and Golden Globe winner John Goodman and Evan Azriliant, in association with Without A Net Productions, will present Lucky Man – A Warrior’s Journey, a rock & 'role' monologue written and performed by veteran actor and musician Thomas G. Waites, directed by Joe Danisi, with musical direction by Tony Daniels.
THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE To Play Off-Broadway At The Gene Frankel Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 3, 2025

Following a run in 2022, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance will return to The Gene Frankel Theatre for a limited Off- Broadway run. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Pan Asian Repertory Theatre To Present NuWorks 2025 in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 22, 2025

Pan Asian Repertory Theatre will present NuWorks 2025, the annual experimental series of self-created work from innovative and diverse artists exploring an eclectic range of genres and techniques using poetry, text, dance, and music.
Youlim Nam Directs Return Of JUST A YELLOW CAB IN NEW YORK CITY At NuWorks Festival 2025
by A.A. Cristi - May 16, 2025

After a sold-out run at the Chain Theatre Festival earlier this year, Just a Yellow Cab in New York City returns to the stage-this time under the direction of playwright and producer Youlim Nam-as part of Pan Asian Repertory Theatre's NuWorks Festival 2025.
TORITO And IF I CLEANED EVERYTHING Plan Transfer To The Gene Frankel Theatre 
by A.A. Cristi - May 8, 2025

Two new plays by two young playwrights. Off the heels of a production at the Actors Studio Drama School, a collective of recent MFA graduates: director, playwrights and actors alike are teaming up to transfer two new plays to the Gene Frankel Theatre in NoHo.
Photos: FAT CAT KILLERS Begins Previews Off-Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2025

Sparkplug Productions in association with Thin Duke Productions and The Gene Frankel Theater present the New York Premiere of FAT CAT KILLERS. Check out photos from the show.
Thomas G. Waites' LUCKY MAN â€" A WARRIOR’S JOURNEY to Run at the Gene Frankel Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 23, 2025

Veteran actor and musician Thomas G. Waites will step into the spotlight with Lucky Man – A Warrior’s Journey Off-Broadway. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: CRIMES OF THE HEART at Jersey City Theatre Center
by Emmy Rice - Mar 22, 2025

Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) will present Crimes of the Heart, a new production of Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Check here for the photos.
John Patterson's THE LAST SUPPER To Premiere at The Gene Frankel Theatre
by Emmy Rice - Mar 16, 2025

John Patterson's new play, The Last Supper, will premiere this April at the Gene Frankel Theatre. Performances will run April 17-20 at 24 Bond Street.
FAT CAT KILLERS Will Make New York Premiere in April
by Stephi Wild - Mar 14, 2025

Fat Cat Killers by Adam Szymkowicz will make its New York City debut beginning next month.​ Directed by Andrew Block, performances will begin in April. Learn more here!
THE CAPTIVE MOON: AND OTHER CELESTIAL STORIES Comes to Soft Brain Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2025

Soft Brain Theatre Company will present The Captive Moon (and Other Celestial Stories), an original devised play that seamlessly blends Commedia dell'Arte elements with a captivating score.
Jersey City Theater Center to Present CRIMES OF THE HEART
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 22, 2025

Jersey City Theater Center will present Crimes of the Heart, an electrifying new production of Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Running from March 21 through March 30.
Comic Rhonda Hansome Hosts LAUGHS LIKELY! at The Black Women in Comedy LaffFest
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2025

Actor / comedian Rhonda 'Passion' Hansome will again host the 'Laughs Likely!' live comedy showcase at The Grisly Pear Midtown as part of the Sixth Annual Black Women in Comedy LaffFest in New York City.
DOMINO EFFECT Will Premiere at A.R.T./New York Theaters
by Stephi Wild - Feb 11, 2025

This spring, People’s Theatre Project, LatinX Playwrights Circle, and Boundless Theatre Company will debut the world premiere of Domino Effect, a new play written by award-winning playwright Marco Antonio Rogriguez, and devised by immigrant artists.
William Cameron's TRUTH BE TOLD To Have NY Premiere At The Gene Frankel Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 8, 2025

THE GENE FRANKEL THEATRE and ARA THEATER have announced the NY Premiere of William Cameron’s TRUTH BE TOLD, directed by Kim T. Sharp ​(THE HUMMINGBIRDS by Garret Jon Groenveld at Chain Theatre) and starring Francesca Ravera and Michelle Park.
Winners Announced For The 2024 BroadwayWorld Central New York Awards
by BWW Awards - Jan 7, 2025

Winners have been announced for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Central New York Awards! The 2024 Regional Awards honor regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Central New York Awards; SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET at Blackfriars Theatre Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Central New York Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Central New York Awards; Blackfriars Theatre Leads Favorite Local Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Central New York Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Gene Frankel been nominated for?

Gene Frankel has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Best Director at the Obie Awards for his work on the plays "Machinal" and "Volpone". These nominations highlight his talent and recognition within the theater industry.

What awards has Gene Frankel won?

Gene Frankel has won the following awards: Best Director (Obie Awards) for Machinal and Best Director (Obie Awards) for Volpone.

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