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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.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Special Guest

Productions

 
[US Tour, 2025]
Original Director
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Co-Creator
 
[West End, 2024]
Original Director
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Co-Conceived
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2010]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Producer (Original)
Director (Original)
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Las Vegas, 2006]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2004]
Production Supervisor
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2003]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
 
[Australia, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[West End, 1992]
Director
 
[, 1990]
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]
Producer (In Association With)
Director
 
[US Tour, 1982]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Director
Producer
 
[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]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
Producer
 
[West End, 1975]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Producer (in conjunction with)
Director
 
[US Tour, 1974]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1972]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1972]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1971]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Director
Producer
 
[West End, 1968]
Producer
 
[West End, 1968]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1967]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1967]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[West End, 1964]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1963]
Producer (by arrangement with)
 
[Broadway, 1963]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Assistant Stage Manager

Writing

Source Material

Six Degrees of Broadway Beta

See how many degrees separate Harold Prince from another Broadway star or creative.

Harold Prince

Harold Prince

Movies

Damn Yankees
[ 1958 ] producer
Fiddler on the Roof
[ 1971 ] producer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - The Harold Prince Award

Hal Prince

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Harold Prince, LoveMusik


winner
Tony Awards - 2006 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Harold Prince

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Parade


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Showboat


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Showboat


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1995 - Best Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Show Boat


winner
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Show Boat

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

Helen Hayes Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Harold Prince, The Phantom of the Opera

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Director

Harold Prince -, Grandchild of Kings

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Phantom of the Opera

Helen Hayes Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Harold Prince, Cabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, The Phantom of the Opera

Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Cabaret

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Grind

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Grind


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Harold Prince, Evita


winner
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Costume Design

Harold Prince, Evita


winner
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Evita


winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Sweeney Todd

Olivier Awards - 1978 - Director of the Year

Harold Prince, Evita

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

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Pacific Overtures

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Pacific Overtures


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, The Visit


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, Candide


winner
Obie Awards - 1974 - Distinguished Direction

Harold Prince, Candide


winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Candide


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music


winner
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


winner
Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music


winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Follies


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, Follies


winner
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Company


winner
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Company


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, Company

Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Zorba


winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Cabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1965 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, Fiddler on the Roof

Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, She Loves Me

Tony Awards - 1964 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, She Loves Me


winner
Tony Awards - 1963 - Producer (Musical)

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

News

Video: Ramin Karimloo & Andrew Lloyd Webber Open THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA's 40th Anniversary Shanghai Season
by Joshua Wright - Sep 29, 2026

Ramin Karimloo helped launch The Phantom of the Opera's 40th Anniversary Shanghai Farewell Season with a heartfelt curtain speech, celebrating both the veterans and the newcomers who make up the production's company.
Director Richard Linklater Shares 20-Year MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Film Will Resume Filming 'In a Few Months'
by Stephi Wild - Sep 29, 2026

Director Richard Linklater has provided an update on the film adaptation of Merrily We Roll Along, which will be filmed over 20 years, sharing that the fourth section, out of nine total, will begin filming soon. Learn more here!
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Adds Performance at Diamond Head Theatre
by Rachel Stone - Sep 28, 2026

Diamond Head Theatre will present an additional performance of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, the nine-time Tony Award-winning musical about a poor milkman and his daughters navigating love, faith, and tradition.
SWEENEY TODD to Open at Big Noise Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 28, 2026

Big Noise Theatre will open its 2026-2027 season with Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, featuring a full 24-piece orchestra and original orchestrations near Chicago.
The Smith Center to Present PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, ELF THE MUSICAL Fall 2026
by Rachel Stone - Sep 26, 2026

The Smith Center will present major Broadway productions including PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (October 21–November 1), ELF THE MUSICAL (November 24–29), and OH, MARY! (October 6–11), with tickets on sale now.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY Comes to Palo Alto Players
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 25, 2026

Palo Alto Players continues its 96th season with THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Based on the beloved characters created by Charles Addams, THE ADDAMS FAMILY is filled with eccentric characters, catchy music, and plenty of laughs. When Wednesday Addams falls in love with a “normal” young man, she must introduce her boyfriend and his family to the delightfully kooky Addams clan—with hilariously unexpected results.
UNRAVELLED by Jake Broder To Perform in NYC and Philadelphia
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2026

Jake Broder's UNRAVELLED will make its East Coast premiere at Penn Live Arts, followed by performances at The Miller Theatre. The production focuses on creativity and hope rather than typical dementia narratives.
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, and More Set For Actor's Express Season 39
by Stephi Wild - Sep 23, 2026

Actor's Express announced its 39th season lineup featuring a world premiere, a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, and an additional show to be revealed later.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to Open at Omaha's Orpheum Theater In February
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 22, 2026

Tickets are now on sale for Cameron Mackintosh's new production of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha, running Feb. 17-28, 2027. The tour features Isaiah Bailey as the Phantom and marks the musical's return to North America.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF to Open at Fairfield Center Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2026

Community theater group Fairfield Center Stage will present the Tony-winning musical with a cast of 40 local performers and a live orchestra at City Wide Church in Bridgeport.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Tickets on Sale for Des Moines Engagement
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 18, 2026

Tickets for Cameron Mackintosh's revitalized production of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA go on sale for a Des Moines Performing Arts engagement at the Civic Center March 3-14, 2027. The new North American tour features the acclaimed London production direction by Seth Sklar-Heyn.
EVITA Original Broadway Cast: Where Are They Now?
by Michael Gioia - Sep 19, 2026

'Evita' is making its way back to Broadway, but it’s been more than four decades since Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Tony Award-winning musical first arrived in New York City. BroadwayWorld looks back at the original cast.
The Phantom of the Opera Sets 40th Anniversary Gala Show
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2026

The Phantom of the Opera celebrates 40 years in the West End with an October 2026 gala at His Majesty's Theatre, reuniting alumni artists with the current cast.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to Open at TPAC in February
by Stephi Wild - Sep 17, 2026

Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will play Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville from February 3-14. Tickets go on sale September 18.
COMPANY Will Come to Grand Théâtre de Genève in October
by Stephi Wild - Sep 11, 2026

The Grand Théâtre de Genève will present Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical “Company” in October at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva, Switzerland.
Broadway Shows with Foreign Origins: A Deep Dive Into International Productions
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Sep 13, 2026

Theatre has long history of cultural exchange between the cities of New York and London. Every season, new productions make it to Broadway and off-Broadway after starting in the West End and vice versa. But what of all of the Broadway shows that have originated in countries beyond England? Productions originating in other foreign countries happen far less frequently but have resulted in some fascinating moments of history on Broadway.
Tickets to THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Bass Concert Hall on Sale in September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2026

Tickets for Cameron Mackintosh's national tour of The Phantom of the Opera will go on sale in September ahead of performances at Bass Concert Hall in Austin.
Fiddler On The Roof to Open at WCPAC via Franklin Light Opera
by Rachel Stone - Sep 7, 2026

Franklin Light Opera will stage FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center, with Joe Leavitt starring as Tevye under the direction of John Schultz.
Review: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Keeps Enchanting with Revitalized North American Tour
by Lucía Serrano - Sep 8, 2026

There is a reason The Phantom of the Opera became the longest-running show in Broadway history. And now, San Diegans have a chance to see why.
Timothy Bloom and Chase Parker Named 2026 Prince Fellowship Recipients
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 25, 2026

Timothy Bloom will receive The Prince Fellowship and Chase Parker will receive The Prince/TTLP Fellowship, programs supporting early-career producers in association with Columbia University School of the Arts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Harold Prince been in?

Harold Prince has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Harold Prince been in?

Harold Prince has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Harold Prince been nominated for?

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

What awards has Harold Prince won?

Harold Prince has won several awards throughout his career in the theater industry. Some of the notable awards he has received include the Harold Prince Award at the Drama Desk Awards, the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the Tony Awards, and the Outstanding Director - Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on Showboat. He has also won awards for his direction of other musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Sweeney Todd, and A Little Night Music. In addition, he has received recognition for his work as a producer on shows like Fiddler on the Roof and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Harold Prince's contributions to the theater industry have been widely celebrated and acknowledged through these awards and honors.

How many shows has Harold Prince written?

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

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