Harold Prince Headshot

Harold Prince

Also Credited As: Harold S. Prince

Date of Death: July 31, 2019 (91)

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Harold Prince BIO

Harold S. Prince (b. New York City, NY, 30 January 1928), also known as “Hal” Prince, was a theater producer and director who made a significant contribution to Broadway musicals in America. In a career that spanned more than fifty years, Prince has received ten Drama Desk Awards as Outstanding Director and 21 Tony Awards® for Best Direction, Best Producer, Best Musical, and Lifetime Achievement. In addition, Prince was the Kennedy Center Honoree in 1994 and the recipient of the National Medal of Arts in 2000.

Prince received his education at University of Pennsylvania, where he enrolled in a liberal arts program and was actively involved in the student theater group, Penn Players. After graduating in 1948, he returned to New York and began working as an assistant stage manager to producer and director George Abbott. This experience led to co-production opportunities with Robert E. Griffith and Frederick Brisson, resulting in the first two musicals that won Tonys® for Prince – The Pajama Game (1954) and Damn Yankees (1955).

After several co-productions, including the classic West Side Story in 1957, Prince began to produce his own musicals. His Fiddler on the Roof (1964) enjoyed enormous success with a record-breaking run of over three thousand performances between 1964 and 1972. Meanwhile, Prince also took on the role of director. Many of the most popular musicals of the following decades were created under his direction, including Cabaret (1966), Sweeney Todd (1979), Evita (1979), and The Phantom of the Opera (1988).

Besides his achievements as a producer and director, Prince is also known for bringing innovation to the theatrical arts. In collaboration with Stephen Sondheim, he was a pioneer in the development of the “concept musical,” taking its departure from an idea or theme rather than from a traditional story. Their first project of this kind, Company (1970), was a solid success and paved the way for other innovative musicals.

Prince’s contribution to the arts extends beyond the musical theater: he has made a number of movie adaptations (Damn Yankees 1958, A Little Night Music 1977), and directed for television (Candide 1986). In addition, he has served as a trustee for the New York Public Library and on the National Council of the Arts of the National Education Association.

Harold Prince Photos

Harold Prince STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Special Guest

Harold Prince Productions

 
[Broadway, 2023]
Co-Conceived
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2010]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Las Vegas, 2006]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2004]
Production Supervisor
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2003]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
 
[Australia, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[West End, 1992]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1988]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1986]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Director
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1982]
Director
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1982]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1980]
Director
 
[West End, 1980]
Director
 
[West End, 1980]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1979]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[West End, 1978]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1978]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Director
 
[Chicago, 1977]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1976]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1975]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1974]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1972]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1972]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1971]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1968]
Producer
 
[West End, 1968]
Director
Producer
 
[West End, 1967]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1967]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[West End, 1964]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1963]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Assistant Stage Manager
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director

Writing

Source Material

Harold Prince Movies

[1958]Damn Yankees producer

[1971]Fiddler on the Roof producer

Harold Prince Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Director of a Musical

Harold Prince, Kiss Of The Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Director

Harold Prince - Grandchild of Kings

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince , The Phantom of the Opera

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, On the Twentieth Century

Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Side by Side by Sondheim

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Pacific Overtures

Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music

Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, The Great God Brown

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music

Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Company

Tony Awards - 1965 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, Fiddler on the Roof

Tony Awards - 1964 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, She Loves Me

Tony Awards - 1963 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Harold Prince Videos

Harold Prince News


MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG to Offer $39 Digital Lottery Tickets

A limited number of $39 tickets will be available for performances of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG via digital lottery. Learn how to purchase tickets!

The Prince Fellowship Reveals 2023 Fellows

The Prince Fellowship, in association with Columbia University School of the Arts, has revealed that Maxwell Beer has received The Prince Fellowship and Amy Marie Haven has received the Prince/TTLP Fellowship.

Jason Robert Brown, Georgia Stitt & Marcia Seligson to be Honored at the 2023 FNAM Benefit

The Foundation for New American Musicals will present the 2023 FNAM Benefit honoring Jason Robert Brown, Georgia Stitt & Marcia Seligson.

Tony Danza, Nikki M. James, and More Join Jamie deRoy & Friends at Birdland Next Month

Jamie deRoy brings her acclaimed Jamie deRoy & friends cabaret show back to New York’s famed Birdland Jazz Club, Monday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m.  Find out who the special guests are for the show, and get tickets here!

CANDIDE Comes to Skylight Music Theatre in October

Skylight Music Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the long-awaited production of Leonard Bernstein’s masterpiece, Candide. Learn more about the production, and who will star in it, here!

Photos: Inside Rehearsal For the Broadway Revival of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

All new rehearsal photos have been released for the upcoming Broadway revival of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, which begins performances at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre (141 West 44th Street) on Tuesday, September 19.

Tony Nominated Lyricist/Librettist Ellen Fitzhugh Passes Away

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of Emmy, Drama Desk, and Tony nominated lyricist and librettist, Ellen Fitzhugh.

SWEENEY TODD, A History- Part 2: The Demon Barber Slashes His Way From Page To Stage And Beyond

Learn how Sondheim made Sweeney sing and how Mr. Todd made his mark on mass media in Part 2 of SWEENEY TODD, A History.

SWEENEY TODD, A History- Part 1: Murder, Meat Pies, Men and Myths

Since 1979, Stephen Sondheim’s take on the Victorian myth about an exiled barber who pairs up with a cunning pie maker to seek revenge on the men who wronged him has delighted and enthralled audiences with its thrilling score, pitch black humor, and chaotic plot, but what is the real story behind this penny dreadful turned musical delight? Was there a real Sweeney Todd? Where did the story come from? And, most pressingly of all, what inspired Sondheim to spin this nauseating nightmare into gothic musical comedy gold? The answers just might surprise you as we delve into the history of Sweeney Todd.

Video: First Listen to 'Building Momentum' From HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO

We've got your first look and listen to the song 'Building Momentum' from the new musical How to Dance in Ohio, opening on Broadway this fall at the Belasco Theatre. Check out the video here!

Christine Ebersole, Norm Lewis, Andrew Rannells & More to Headline York Theatre Company Gala

Get all the details on the star-studded lineup for York Theatre Company's 31st Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, including Christine Ebersole, Norm Lewis, Andrew Rannells, and more. Find out when and where the event will take place.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL Comes to Palo Alto Players Next Month

Palo Alto Players opens its 93rd season with the hit Broadway musical MATILDA. Based on the book “Matilda” by Roald Dahl, the joyous girl power romp is packed with high-energy dance numbers and fresh, clever songs.

Video: Watch the Emotional Closing Night Speeches at PARADE

In this video, watch as Jason Robert Brown, Michael Arden, and Alfred Uhry give emotional closing night speeches following the final curtain call for Parade.

Kristen Blodgette Becomes Conductor of SWEENEY TODD

Kristen Blodgette has joined the Sweeney Todd company, serving as conductor beginning this past weekend.

New York City Opera to Present FROM VIENNA TO BROADWAY! at Bryant Park Picnic Performances

Join New York City Opera at Bryant Park Picnic Performances for a delightful musical journey from Vienna to Broadway. Experience a charming review of songs, duets, and ensembles from the 20th century, featuring works by Lehar, Herbert, Gershwin, and more. No tickets required, ample seating available. Livestream broadcasts available nationwide.

PARADE Plays Final Performance on Broadway

The two-time Tony-winning revival of Parade closes at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, following 21 previews and 166 regular performances.

Full Cast & Creative Team Unveiled for The Acting Company's World Premiere of Lisa Peterson's ODYSSEY 

The Acting Company has revealed the full cast and creative team for Lisa Peterson's world premiere of ODYSSEY. Get all the details and book your tickets now.

Tenor Alessandro Lora to Perform in Concert at Bryant Park Picnic Performances

Experience the enchanting vocals of tenor Alessandro Lora in concert at Bryant Park Picnic Performances. Join us on Saturday, August 19th at 7pm for an unforgettable evening of diverse Italian repertoire and operatic favorites. Don't miss this classic Italian romance and passion.

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts: Meet the Full Cast and Creative Team

Experience the magic of A Little Night Music at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Meet the full cast and creative team behind this enchanting production. Don't miss out on this unforgettable theatrical experience.

Harold Prince FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Harold Prince has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

Harold Prince has not appeared in the West End

The Harold Prince Award (Drama Desk Awards) for , Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for LoveMusik , Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards) for , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Parade , Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Showboat , Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Showboat , Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Show Boat , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Show Boat , Best Director of a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Kiss Of The Spider Woman , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman , Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Phantom of the Opera , Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Grandchild of Kings , Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Phantom of the Opera , Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Cabaret , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Phantom of the Opera , Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Cabaret , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Grind , Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Grind , Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Evita , Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Evita , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Evita , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweeney Todd , Director of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Evita , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for On the Twentieth Century , Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Side by Side by Sondheim , Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Pacific Overtures , Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Pacific Overtures , Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for The Visit , Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for Candide , Distinguished Direction (Obie Awards) for Candide , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Candide , Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for A Little Night Music , Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for The Great God Brown , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Little Night Music , Best Musical (Tony Awards) for A Little Night Music , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Follies , Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for Follies , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Company , Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Company , Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for Company , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Zorba , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Cabaret , Producer (Musical) (Tony Awards) for Fiddler on the Roof , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for She Loves Me Producer (Musical) (Tony Awards) for She Loves Me and Producer (Musical) (Tony Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum .

The Harold Prince Award (Drama Desk Awards) for , Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards) for , Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Showboat, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Showboat, Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Show Boat, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Show Boat, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Phantom of the Opera, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Evita, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Evita, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Evita, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for The Visit, Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for Candide, Distinguished Direction (Obie Awards) for Candide, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Candide, Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for A Little Night Music, Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for The Great God Brown, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Little Night Music, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for A Little Night Music, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Follies, Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for Follies, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Company, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Company, Outstanding Director (Drama Desk Awards) for Company, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Cabaret Producer (Musical) (Tony Awards) for Fiddler on the Roofand Producer (Musical) (Tony Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Harold Prince has written 1 shows including Parade (Source Material).

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