George C. Wolfe
Birth Place: Frankfort, KY, USA
Latest News on George C. Wolfe:
Interview: Meet the General Managers That Keep Broadway Running, Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey M. Wilson (Jan 6, 2026)
Video: Watch Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, & GYPSY Stars Perform Grammy Museum Concert (Dec 11, 2025)
Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady and More Join 2026 Encores! Productions (Dec 9, 2025)
Interview: Meet the General Managers That Keep Broadway Running, Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey M. Wilson (Jan 6, 2026)
Video: Watch Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, & GYPSY Stars Perform Grammy Museum Concert (Dec 11, 2025)
Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady and More Join 2026 Encores! Productions (Dec 9, 2025)
BIO
Theatre directing credits include The Iceman Cometh, Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (NY Drama Critics' Circle Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Musical); Lucky Guy; The Normal Heart (Drama Desk); Jelly's Last Jam (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award); Angels in America: Millennium Approaches (Tony Award and Drama Desk) and Perestroika (Drama Desk); Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk (Tony and Drama League Award); Topdog/Underdog (Obie Award); Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Drama Desk); Elaine Stritch at Liberty (Tony for Special Theatrical Event); The Tempest; Caroline, or Change (Olivier Award Best Musical); and A Free Man of Color.
From 1993-2005 Wolfe was the Producer of The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival. He is the writer of the award-winning The Colored Museum, Shuffle Along..., he directed/adapted Spunk (Obie), and Harlem Song.
Wolfe directed and co-wrote the HBO film "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," as well as "Lackawanna Blues," for which he earned The Directors Guild Award and a National Board of Review Award.
He is the Chief Creative Officer of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and from 2009-2017 served on The President's Committee for the Arts and the Humanities.
Additional awards include the Actors' Equity Paul Robeson Award, Society of Directors and Choreographers' Mr. Abbott and Callaway Awards, The Dramatists Guild's Hull-Warriner Award, The NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, The Brendan Gill Prize, and The Monte Cristo Award.
Wolfe was named a Library Lion by the New York Public Library and a living landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
Photos
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Productions
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
Writing
Adaptation
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Playwright
Source Material
Lyricist
Conceiver
Lyricist
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Libretto
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Gypsy
Drama League Awards - 2025 - OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
George C. Wolfe, Gypsy
Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe, Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus
Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe, The Iceman Cometh
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Book of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Direction of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe, Lucky Guy
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Director of a Play
George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart
Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director - Musical
George C. Wolfe, Caroline, or Change
winner
Drama League Awards - 2004 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
George C. Wolfe
winner
Obie Awards - 2004 - Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater
George C. Wolfe
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Caroline
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Direction of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Caroline, or Change
winner
Obie Awards - 2002 - Direction
George C. Wolfe, Topdog / Underdog
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director of a Play
George C. Wolfe, Topdog / Underdog
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Book of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, The Wild Party
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Musical
George C. Wolfe, The Wild Party
winner
Drama League Awards - 1996 - Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre
George C. Wolfe
winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Musical
George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Director - Play
George C. Wolfe, Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Director - Play
George C. Wolfe, Angels in America
Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe , Angels in America: Perestroika
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Director - Pla
George C. Wolfe, Angels in America
winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Play
George C. Wolfe , Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Book of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Director - Musical
George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Book of a Musical
George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Musical
George C. Wolfe , Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Obie Awards - 1990 - Direction
George C. Wolfe, Spunk
Videos
Video: Broadway Stars on What Pride Means to Them " Michael Arden, Nick Jonas & More
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-26 12:28:36
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on ‘Legend’ Status and GYPSY Role in CBS Interview
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-03 10:59:39
Video: Audra McDonald and GYPSY Cast Perform 'Some People' on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2025-05-23 07:06:11
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on Kamala Harris' Visit to GYPSY on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-03 14:32:49
Video: Audra McDonald, Danny Burstein & Joy Woods Perform 'Together, Wherever We Go' From GYPSY
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-03-13 10:10:20
Video: Audra McDonald Talks the 'Tornado' of Mama Rose and How Gavin Creel Inspired Her to Play the Role
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-02-04 10:53:12
Video: Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, & More Talk GYPSY on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-12-15 11:36:50
Video: Joy Woods Talks GYPSY and Offers Advice for Young Performers on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-09 11:53:51
Video: Inside the Reveal of the Newly Restored Majestic Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-09-11 12:43:18
Photos/Video: First Look at Pasadena Playhouse's JELLY'S LAST JAM
by Joshua Wright - 2024-06-03 14:27:53
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-05-29 15:30:20
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-21 10:05:16
News
Interview: Meet the General Managers That Keep Broadway Running, Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey M. Wilson
by Robert Diamond - Jan 6, 2026
Every Broadway show needs general management and Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey M. Wilson are here to provide. The pair heads 101 Productions, Ltd.- a theatrical General Management firm formed in 1994.
by Robert Diamond - Jan 6, 2026
Every Broadway show needs general management and Wendy Orshan and Jeffrey M. Wilson are here to provide. The pair heads 101 Productions, Ltd.- a theatrical General Management firm formed in 1994.
Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady and More Join 2026 Encores! Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2025
New York City Center has revealed additional cast members for the 2026 Encores! series, including Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady, Claybourne Elder, and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2025
New York City Center has revealed additional cast members for the 2026 Encores! series, including Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady, Claybourne Elder, and more.
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods and More to Perform at A NEW YORK EVENING CELEBRATING GYPSY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and Kevin Csolak will perform as part of the GRAMMY Museum's event “A New York Evening Celebrating Gypsy” at WNYC’s The Greene Space.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025
Audra McDonald, Joy Woods, Jordan Tyson, and Kevin Csolak will perform as part of the GRAMMY Museum's event “A New York Evening Celebrating Gypsy” at WNYC’s The Greene Space.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe To Present Brian L. Boyd In ENIGMA This December
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 17, 2025
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present Brian L. Boyd in ENIGMA, the first Independent Artist Program showcase of the season. The two-night event will feature an original theatrical work created in collaboration with M.A.D. Music Acting Dance Inc. and performed by a company of WBTT artists. Boyd, a longtime member of the troupe with extensive stage credits, will return to Sarasota for the premiere.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 17, 2025
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present Brian L. Boyd in ENIGMA, the first Independent Artist Program showcase of the season. The two-night event will feature an original theatrical work created in collaboration with M.A.D. Music Acting Dance Inc. and performed by a company of WBTT artists. Boyd, a longtime member of the troupe with extensive stage credits, will return to Sarasota for the premiere.
BLACKBIRD to Play a Limited Off-Broadway Engagement at Theatre Row
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025
Diaspora House will present a limited engagement of Blackbird, David Harrower’s searing psychological drama, running for eight performances only at Theater Row.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025
Diaspora House will present a limited engagement of Blackbird, David Harrower’s searing psychological drama, running for eight performances only at Theater Row.
Bartlett Sher to Receive 2026 SDC Foundation 'Mr. Abbott' Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2025
Bartlett Sher will be honored with Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award, given to a director or choreographer in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Broadway.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2025
Bartlett Sher will be honored with Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award, given to a director or choreographer in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Broadway.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Joshua Boone Join JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025
Additional casting has been announced for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer”. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025
Additional casting has been announced for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway, starring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer”. Learn more here!
Jimmy Smits and Wande De Jesús to Star in ALL MY SONS at Berkeley Rep
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2025
Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winner Jimmy Smits and acclaimed actress — and real-life partner — Wanda De Jesús will re-unite onstage in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, a seminal work of American drama, performing at Berkeley Rep. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2025
Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winner Jimmy Smits and acclaimed actress — and real-life partner — Wanda De Jesús will re-unite onstage in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, a seminal work of American drama, performing at Berkeley Rep. Learn more!
Interview: Tre’Von Griffith, Creator of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at St Louis Shakespeare Festival
by James Lindhorst - Aug 29, 2025
Tre’Von Griffith’s fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is thrilling audiences all over St. Louis and the Bi-State Metropolitan Area. Read BroadwayWorld's interview with Tre'Von here!
by James Lindhorst - Aug 29, 2025
Tre’Von Griffith’s fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is thrilling audiences all over St. Louis and the Bi-State Metropolitan Area. Read BroadwayWorld's interview with Tre'Von here!
Ayo Edebiri And Don Cheadle Will Star In PROOF on Broadway, Directed by Thomas Kail
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 20, 2025
Broadway will welcome Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle in the first-ever New York revival of Proof, David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama. Directed by Thomas Kail (Hamilton), the production begins previews March 31, 2026, at a Shubert Theatre to be announced. This strictly limited engagement marks the Broadway debuts of both Edebiri and Cheadle.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 20, 2025
Broadway will welcome Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle in the first-ever New York revival of Proof, David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama. Directed by Thomas Kail (Hamilton), the production begins previews March 31, 2026, at a Shubert Theatre to be announced. This strictly limited engagement marks the Broadway debuts of both Edebiri and Cheadle.
Ben Vereen Will Direct Stephanie Pope at 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - Aug 18, 2025
54 Below and Tony Award-winning star, Ben Vereen, will present Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up! Pope returns, after her critically acclaimed 54 Below debut back in June with her show, Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up!
by Stephi Wild - Aug 18, 2025
54 Below and Tony Award-winning star, Ben Vereen, will present Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up! Pope returns, after her critically acclaimed 54 Below debut back in June with her show, Stephanie Pope: Livin’ It Up!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has George C. Wolfe written?
George C. Wolfe has written 10 shows including Paradise! (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Paradise! (Bookwriter), Queenie Pie (Libretto), The Colored Museum (Playwright), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), Spunk:Three Tales by Zora Neale Hurston (Adaptation), Jelly's Last Jam (Bookwriter), Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk (Source Material), The Wild Party (Bookwriter), Shuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (Book Writer).
What awards has George C. Wolfe been nominated for?
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy, OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL (Drama League Awards) for Gypsy, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Iceman Cometh, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Lucky Guy, Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Normal Heart, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater (Obie Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Caroline, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Direction (Obie Awards) for Topdog / Underdog, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog / Underdog , Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Wild Party, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for The Wild Party, Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 , Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Angels in America, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Perestroika, Outstanding Director - Pla (Drama Desk Awards) for Angels in America, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam and Direction (Obie Awards) for Spunk.
What awards has George C. Wolfe won?
George C. Wolfe has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. His accolades include Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Normal Heart and Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Normal Heart. He also won Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Caroline, or Change. Wolfe received the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards) and Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater (Obie Awards). His direction was honored with an Obie Award for Topdog / Underdog, and he earned Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards). Wolfe won Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk and Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for both Angels in America and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992. Additionally, he secured Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam. He also received an Obie Award for Direction for Spunk.
Videos