George C. Wolfe
Birth Place: Frankfort, KY, USA
Interview: Claybourne Elder Celebrates IF THE STARS WERE MINE Album Debut at 54 Below (Apr 2, 2026)
Photos: Stanley Martin, Forrest McClendon and More in JELLY'S LAST JAM At Bristol Riverside Theatre (Apr 1, 2026)
Meet the Cast of PROOF, Now Playing on Broadway (Mar 31, 2026)
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
Writing
Lyricist
Lyricist
Conceiver
Awards and Nominations
George C. Wolfe, Gypsy
George C. Wolfe, Gypsy
George C. Wolfe, Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus
George C. Wolfe, The Iceman Cometh
George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
George C. Wolfe, Lucky Guy
winner
George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart
winner
George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart
George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart
winner
George C. Wolfe, Caroline, or Change
winner
George C. Wolfe
winner
George C. Wolfe
George C. Wolfe, Caroline
George C. Wolfe, Caroline, or Change
winner
George C. Wolfe, Topdog / Underdog
George C. Wolfe, Topdog / Underdog
George C. Wolfe, The Wild Party
George C. Wolfe, The Wild Party
winner
George C. Wolfe
winner
George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk
George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk
George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk
winner
George C. Wolfe, Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992
winner
George C. Wolfe, Angels in America
George C. Wolfe , Angels in America: Perestroika
George C. Wolfe, Angels in America
winner
George C. Wolfe , Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
winner
George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam
George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam
George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam
George C. Wolfe , Jelly's Last Jam
winner
George C. Wolfe, Spunk
Videos
Video: Why THE WILD PARTY is an 'Unusual' Production for Encores!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2026-03-11 13:51:24
Video: Inside Rehearsal For THE WILD PARTY at New York City Center
by Michael Major - 2026-03-10 12:06:15
Video: First Look At Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jelani Alladin And Jordan Donica In THE WILD PARTY
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-02-18 22:28:42
Video: Broadway Stars on What Pride Means to Them â€" 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
News
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 2, 2026
The GILDED AGE star will appear at 54 Below on 4/3, 4/4, and 4/15. His new album is available for pre-order now. Read a conversation about the show and album.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2026
You can now get a first look at production photos of Jelly’s Last Jam at Bristol Riverside Theatre, starring Stanley Martin as Jelly Roll Morton, and Tony Award nominee Forrest McClendon as the mysterious Chimney Man.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2026
Performances are underway for Proof, ahead of a Thursday, April 16 opening night at the Booth Theatre. Learn more about the show and meet the cast of Proof here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 30, 2026
Performances are now underway for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway! The show recently extended, and will now play through Sunday, July 19. Meet the cast here!
by Gillian Blum - Mar 28, 2026
Watch Tonya Pinkins sing 'When It Ends' from The Wild Party at New York City Center Encores! in this video from the production, which runs until March 29.
by Team BWW - Mar 27, 2026
What’s happening Off-Broadway this spring? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this season. Spring 2026 is packed with exciting revivals, new works, and star-powered productions.
by Michael Major - Mar 27, 2026
Watch a new video of Tony Nominee Jordan Donica performing 'Wouldn't It Be Nice?'in The Wild Party. The acclaimed production of Michael John LaChiusa's musical must close at New York City Center on March 29.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2026
The Public Theater will present a one-night-only reading of Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart in honor of the groundbreaking play’s 40th anniversary. Tony Kushner will direct the benefit reading.
by Michael Major - Mar 24, 2026
Watch Tony nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers and Jelani Alladin sing 'People Like Us' in newly-released footage from The Wild Party. Check out the new video now!
by Michael Major - Mar 23, 2026
New York City Center Encores! has released new video footage of Tony nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers and Tony winner Adrienne Warren performing 'Best Friend' from The Wild Party. Watch the video!
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 19, 2026
The Wild Party is in full swing and is currently in performances at New York City Center Encores! Go inside opening night of the starry new production in new photos from the curtain call and after party!
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 19, 2026
Reviews are in for The Wild Party, currently in performances at New York City Center Encores! See what the critics had to say about the starry new production led by BOOP! star Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jelani Alladin, Jordan Donica, Adrienne Warren and more!
by Michael Major - Mar 19, 2026
Watch new video footage from The Wild Party at New York City Center Encores!, featuring Jasmine Amy Rogers, Adrienne Warren, Tonya Pinkins, Jelani Alladin, Wesley J. Barnes, Jordan Donica, and more.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 18, 2026
Check out newly released photos of The Wild Party, currently in performances at New York City Center Encores! The production features Jasmine Amy Rogers (Queenie), Adrienne Warren (Kate), Tonya Pinkins (Dolores Montoya), Jelani Alladin (Black), and more!
by Luka Vonier - Mar 11, 2026
The Wild Party is being presented at New York City Center Encores! The production features Jasmine Amy Rogers, Adrienne Warren and more. Hear from Tonya Pinkins, director Lili-Anne Brown and others from the company.
by Michael Major - Mar 10, 2026
Go inside rehearsal for The Wild Party at New York City Center Encores! The videos feature Jasmine Amy Rogers and Adrienne Warren as Queenie and Kate, alongside original Broadway cast member Tonya Pinkins returning to the show as Dolores Montoya.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2026
Bristol Riverside Theatre will present Jelly's Last Jam, directed by Tyrone L. Robinson with musical direction by Victoria Theodore, choreography by yaTande Whitney V. Hunter and tap choreography by Dewitt Fleming.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
The Wild Party will be presented at New York City Center Encores! this spring. You can now get a look inside the first day with the Encores! orchestra for the production in a new video.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 23, 2026
New York Theatre Workshop's 2026 Gala will honor Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, Tony Award-winning producer Mara Isaacs, and NAACP Image Award nominee Nicole Ari Parker.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2026
Go behind the scenes of ENCORES! THE WILD PARTY, starring Jasmine Amy Rogers (BOOP!), Jelani Alladin (Frozen), and Jordan Donica (Camelot) as City Center releases a new look at the stars during their first cast photo shoot. Watch the video!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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).
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.
George C. Wolfe has won several prestigious awards throughout his career. These include: - Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Normal Heart - Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk 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) - Direction (Obie Awards) for Topdog/Underdog - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk - Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Angels in America - Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 - 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 - Direction (Obie Awards) for Spunk
Videos