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James Lapine

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BIO

Lapine is an American stage director, playwright, screenwriter, and librettist. He has won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical three times, for Into the Woods, Falsettos, and Passion. He has frequently collaborated with Stephen Sondheim and William Finn.

Photos

Productions

Flying Over SunsetFlying Over Sunset
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Director
FalsettosFalsettos
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Director
Mrs. Miller Does Her ThingMrs. Miller Does Her Thing
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2017]
Director
Writer
FalsettosFalsettos
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
A New BrainA New Brain
 
[New York, 2015]
Co-Librettist, Director
Into the WoodsInto the Woods
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Book
Sunday in the Park with GeorgeSunday in the Park with George
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2014]
Book
Act OneAct One
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
Little Miss SunshineLittle Miss Sunshine
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
AnnieAnnie
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
Merrily We Roll AlongMerrily We Roll Along
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
Sondheim on SondheimSondheim on Sondheim
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Director
King Lear
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
Fran's Bed
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
Director
Modern Orthodox
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Passion
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
Dirty Blonde
 
[West End, 2004]
Director
Amour
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[Los Angeles, 2002]
Director
Dirty Blonde
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
Dirty Blonde
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Director
Golden Child
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
The Diary of Anne Frank
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Golden Child
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
Twelve Dreams
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
Luck, Pluck, and Virtue
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
Sunday in the Park with George
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
Passion
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
Falsettos
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Director
Falsettoland
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
The Winter's Tale
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[US Tour, 1988]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 1986]
Director
Merrily We Roll Along
 
[Regional (US), 1985]
Director
Sunday in the Park with George
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
Sunday in the Park with George
 
[Off-Broadway, 1983]
Director
Director
A Midsummer Night's Dream
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Director
Twelve Dreams
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
March of the Falsettos
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
March of the Falsettos
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
March of the Falsettos
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
Table Settings
 
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Director
Table Settings
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director

Writing

Table Settings
Playwright
Fran's Bed
Playwright
Table Settings
Playwright
The Moment When
Playwright
Twelve Dreams
Playwright
Playwright
Act One
Adapter
Dirty Blonde
Conceiver
Falsettoland
Bookwriter
Falsettos
Bookwriter
Into the Woods
Bookwriter
A New Brain
Bookwriter
Passion
Bookwriter

Movies

Life with Mikey
[ 1993 ] director
Into the Woods
[ 2011 ] writer
Custody
[ 2016 ] producer

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Play

James Lapine, Act One

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Play

James Lapine, Act One


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

James Lapine, The 25sup>th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee

The Lortels - 2005 - Outstanding Director

James Lapine, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director - Musical

James Lapine, Amour

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

James Lapine , Into the Woods

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director - Play

James Lapine, Dirty Blonde

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Direction of a Play

James Lapine, Dirty Blonde

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Passion

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director - Musical

James Lapine, Passion


winner
Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Passion

Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine , Passion


winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Falsettos

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine, Falsettos


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Director - Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods


winner
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1984 - Best Musical

James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine , Sunday in the Park with George

Videos

More Videos

News


Interview: Heather Orth of INTO THE WOODS at San Francisco Playhouse Photo
Interview: Heather Orth of INTO THE WOODS at San Francisco Playhouse
by Jim Munson - Nov 26, 2025

BroadwayWorld chats with Bay Area favorite Heather Orth who is appearing as Cinderella's Stepmother in Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine's 'Into the Woods' at San Francisco Playhouse through January 17th.
Photos: The Final Work of William Finn Performed at 54 Below Last Night Photo
Photos: The Final Work of William Finn Performed at 54 Below Last Night
by Stephen Sorokoff - Nov 17, 2025

William Finn seemed to be talking directly to the overflowing audience in 54 Below with his poignant, mischievous and truthful words in a concert performance of his final work. It has one final performance on 11/17. See photos from 11/16.
Friends and Collaborators of Stephen Sondheim Who Appear in His Collection at The Lib Photo
Friends and Collaborators of Stephen Sondheim Who Appear in His Collection at The Library of Congress
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 16, 2025

During his prolific and storied career, Sondheim collaborated with many other artists, from book writers to directors, from actors to musicians. Seeing Sondheim’s regular collaborators, close friends, one-time associates, mentors, and rare connections make appearances in his collection was both moving and illuminating.
INTO THE WOODS Comes to Trustus Theatre Photo
INTO THE WOODS Comes to Trustus Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Nov 13, 2025

Trustus Theatre presents Into the Woods this holiday season with Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical that intertwines the tales of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and more.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 12, 2025- WORKING GIRL First Look and More Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 12, 2025- WORKING GIRL First Look and More
by - Nov 12, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 12, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: Inside Second Stage's Gala, Honoring Melissa & Gregory Fleming and James Lap Photo
Photos: Inside Second Stage's Gala, Honoring Melissa & Gregory Fleming and James Lapine
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 11, 2025

Second Stage Theater celebrated its Fall Gala, honoring lifelong supporters of the arts, Melissa and Gregory Fleming, and director and playwright James Lapine. The gala featured a one-night-only evening of entertainment directed by Susan Stroman, with music direction by Andrew Resnick, and hosted by Andrew Rannells. Check out photos here!
A CHRISTMAS CAROL to be Presented At VA Rep This Holiday Season Photo
A CHRISTMAS CAROL to be Presented At VA Rep This Holiday Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2025

Virginia Repertory Theatre will present their holiday production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol - adapted and directed by Rick Hammerly. A beloved classic - this heartwarming story of second chances comes to Richmond this holiday season.
Elizabeth Stanley to Perform at The Laurie Beechman Theatre Photo
Elizabeth Stanley to Perform at The Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2025

Tony Award nominee and Grammy Award winner Elizabeth Stanley (Jagged Little Pill, Company) will kick off the holiday season in style with “Let Your Heart Be Light” — a one-night-only concert at the intimate Laurie Beechman Theater.
Video: 'The I Love You Song' from THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Theat Photo
Video: 'The I Love You Song' from THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Theatre Under The Stars
by Joshua Wright - Oct 31, 2025

Get a first look at 'The I Love You Song' from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Theatre Under The Stars. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced musical comedy following six quirky kids as they compete for glory in a cutthroat spelling showdown.
INTO THE WOODS & More Lead San Francisco / Bay Area's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows Photo
INTO THE WOODS & More Lead San Francisco / Bay Area's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Oct 31, 2025

San Francisco / Bay Area is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for November 2025 include Into the Woods and more.
Video: Watch 'I Speak Six Languages' from SPELLING BEE at Theatre Under The Stars Photo
Video: Watch 'I Speak Six Languages' from SPELLING BEE at Theatre Under The Stars
by Michael Major - Oct 29, 2025

Watch a video of I Speak Six Languages from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Theatre Under The Stars Perfection takes practice — and Marcy Park (Gemini Quintos) makes it look easy.
Video: 'Magic Foot' from the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Theatre Under Photo
Video: 'Magic Foot' from the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Theatre Under The Stars
by Allison Henry - Oct 22, 2025

Watch the cast perform 'My Magic Froot' from Theatre Under The Stars' all-new production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The production will run October 21 – November 2.
Bartlett Sher to Receive 2026 SDC Foundation 'Mr. Abbott' Award Photo
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.
Video: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Theatre Under the Stars Photo
Video: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Theatre Under the Stars
by Stephi Wild - Oct 21, 2025

A new video has been released, featuring clips from Theatre Under The Stars' all-new production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Check out the video here!
Photos: Immersive INTO THE WOODS at Camp Pouch Photo
Photos: Immersive INTO THE WOODS at Camp Pouch
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 17, 2025

Sternfeld Studio’s immersive production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods has added two additional performances on October 20 and 22 at Camp Pouch on Staten Island. Check out photos of the production.
Review: SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at GreAT LAKES THEATER Photo
Review: SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at GreAT LAKES THEATER
by Roy Berko - Oct 7, 2025

George Pierre Seurat was a French post-Impressionist artist best known for devising a painting technique entitled Pointillism, “a series of paint or crayon dots of multi-colored paint which allows the viewer's eye to blend colors optically, rather than having the colors physically blended on the canvas.”
Photos: Arden Theatre Company Launches 2025/26 Season With FALSETTOS Photo
Photos: Arden Theatre Company Launches 2025/26 Season With FALSETTOS
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 3, 2025

Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company will open its 2025/26 season with the Tony Award-winning musical Falsettos, directed by Kevin Glaccum. The production will run at the F. Otto Haas Stage from September 25 through October 26, with opening night on October 4. Check out photos of the production.
INTO THE WOODS to be Presented at San Francisco Playhouse Photo
INTO THE WOODS to be Presented at San Francisco Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 2, 2025

San Francisco Playhouse will journey Into the Woods this holiday season. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s enchanting musical interweaves fairytale favorites in an exploration of what happens after “happily ever after.”
PASSION Coming to Chromolume Theatre in West Hollywood in November Photo
PASSION Coming to Chromolume Theatre in West Hollywood in November
by Michael Major - Oct 2, 2025

Chromolume Theatre has announced the final production of its 2025 Season of Musicals — the Broadway musical Passion. Music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim, book is by James Lapine, and directed by James Esposito.
Stephanie J. Block, Christian Borle and More to Perform at Second Stage Theater's Fal Photo
Stephanie J. Block, Christian Borle and More to Perform at Second Stage Theater's Fall Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2025

Second Stage Theater’s Fall Gala will honor lifelong supporters of the arts, Melissa and Gregory Fleming, and director and playwright James Lapine. Learn more about the gala here!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has James Lapine written?

James Lapine has written 18 shows including Table Settings (Playwright), Sunday in the Park with George (Bookwriter), Into the Woods (Bookwriter), Falsettoland (Bookwriter), Falsettos (Bookwriter), Passion (Bookwriter), Luck, Pluck, and Virtue (Bookwriter), Twelve Dreams (Playwright), A New Brain (Bookwriter), The Moment When (Playwright), Dirty Blonde (Conceiver), Fran's Bed (Playwright), Sondheim on Sondheim (Conceiver), Act One (Adapter), Little Miss Sunshine (Playwright), Barbara Cook: Then and Now (Conceived by), Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing (Author), Flying Over Sunset (Book).

What awards has James Lapine been nominated for?

Best Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Act One, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Act One, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The 25sup>th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Amour, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Into the Woods , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dirty Blonde, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Dirty Blonde, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Passion, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Passion, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Passion, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Passion, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Falsettos, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Falsettos, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Into the Woods, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Into the Woods, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George.

What awards has James Lapine won?

James Lapine has received numerous awards throughout his career. He won Best Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Act One. He earned Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and also won Outstanding Director - Musical for Amour. Additionally, he received Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Dirty Blonde. Lapine won Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Passion, Falsettos, and Into the Woods. He was honored with Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George. His work on Into the Woods also earned Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. For Sunday in the Park with George, Lapine received Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards as well as Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards.

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