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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

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News


American Stage to Showcase INTO THE WOODS at Outdoor Park Venue Photo
American Stage to Showcase INTO THE WOODS at Outdoor Park Venue
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 18, 2026

American Stage in the Park returns to Demens Landing Park on March 25 with Into the Woods, an outdoor production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's beloved musical based on Grimm's fairy tales.
Tickets on Sale for Arts Alive!’s Pre-Professional INTO THE WOODS Photo
Tickets on Sale for Arts Alive!’s Pre-Professional INTO THE WOODS
by Gillian Blum - Feb 6, 2026

Tickets are now on sale for Arts Alive!'s 2026 Pre-Professional production of Into the Woods, performing March 13-15 at the Barrington Middle School Auditorium.
Signature Theatre to Honor Vanessa Williams with 2026 Stephen Sondheim Award Photo
Signature Theatre to Honor Vanessa Williams with 2026 Stephen Sondheim Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 2, 2026

Signature Theatre will honor star of stage and screen Vanessa Williams with the company’s fifteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. The Stephen Sondheim Award will be presented at a black-tie Gala Benefit.
THE NOTEBOOK International Premiere & More Set For Theater Group Asia 2026/2027 Seaso Photo
THE NOTEBOOK International Premiere & More Set For Theater Group Asia 2026/2027 Season
by Joshua Wright - Jan 29, 2026

Theatre Group Asia has announced its 2026–2027 season, which will feature three international productions that have not previously been staged in the Philippines.
Mandy Patinkin Is 'Thrilled' for Jonathan Bailey for SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE R Photo
Mandy Patinkin Is 'Thrilled' for Jonathan Bailey for SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Role
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 22, 2026

Next year, Jonathan Bailey will pick up the paintbrush as he steps into the role of George Seurat in the highly anticipated West End production of Sunday in the Park with George. Mandy Patinkin, who originated the role on Broadway, recently shared his thoughts about the new production, even offering some advice to Bailey.
HAIRSPRAY, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE And More Set for Cape Playhouse Photo
HAIRSPRAY, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE And More Set for Cape Playhouse Ser for 2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2026

The Cape Playhouse will present its 2026 summer season from June 3 through September 19 at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, Massachusetts. The season, unveiled by Artistic Director Eric Rosen, will include five musical theater productions as the organization approaches its centennial in 2027.
Claybourne Elder-Directed SPELLING BEE and More Set For Cape Playhouse 2026 Season Photo
Claybourne Elder-Directed SPELLING BEE and More Set For Cape Playhouse 2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2026

The Cape Playhouse has announced its 2026 summer line-up, in advance of its centennial on July 4, 2027. The lineup will include a production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, directed by Claybourne Elder. Learn more about the full season!
Photos: SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Little Theatre Of Fall River Photo
Photos: SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Little Theatre Of Fall River
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2026

Sunday in the Park with George is opening on Thursday, January 22, at Little Theatre of Fall River, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, and Directed by Aaron Gendreau-Visco. Check out photos here!
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Opens at Little Theatre of Fall River Photo
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Opens at Little Theatre of Fall River
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026

The Little Theatre of Fall River will present SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, opening this Thursday. Directed by Aaron Gendreau-Visco, the production features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine.
Interview: Jarrett Winters Morley Brings THE HISTORY OF NATASHA, PIERRE... to 54 Belo Photo
Interview: Jarrett Winters Morley Brings THE HISTORY OF NATASHA, PIERRE... to 54 Below
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 16, 2026

Read a conversation with Morley about the 1/23 concert, which weaves history about NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 between songs from the show.
Legacy Co-Founder Hands Over Artistic Director Role to Broadway Veteran, Branford’s Photo
Legacy Co-Founder Hands Over Artistic Director Role to Broadway Veteran, Branford’s Eric Santagata
by Stephi Wild - Jan 15, 2026

The Legacy Theatre’s focus for 2026 is “there’s no place like home.' For Eric Santagata, those words have an incredibly special meaning as he prepares to succeed Legacy Co-Founder and Executive Artistic Director, Keely Baisden Knudsen
Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande Confirmed to Star in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Photo
Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande Confirmed to Star in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 14, 2026

Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande have been confirmed to star in a new stage production of Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical, Sunday in the Park with George.
Photo: Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey Tease SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Reunion Photo
Photo: Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey Tease SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Reunion
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2026

Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey have taken to Instagram to further tease the production of Sunday in the Park With George, in which they are rumored to star in London.
Little Theatre Of Fall River To Present SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Photo
Little Theatre Of Fall River To Present SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 6, 2026

Little Theatre of Fall River will present Sunday in the Park with George, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, from January 22 through February 1 in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Stephen Sondheim's Friends and Family Share Untold Stories in New Podcast Photo
Stephen Sondheim's Friends and Family Share Untold Stories in New Podcast
by Stephi Wild - Jan 5, 2026

In personal celebration of Stephen Sondheim, an all new tribute podcast will be released by Martin Milnes and Peter E. Jones, on all streaming platforms. Learn more here!
Kokandy Productions Announces 2026 Season; HAIR, more Photo
Kokandy Productions Announces 2026 Season; HAIR, more
by Gillian Blum - Dec 21, 2025

Hot off their record-breaking runs of Jekyll & Hyde and Amélie the Musical, Kokandy Productions is back in 2026 with three full productions, including their first play with music.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 17, 2025- HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Leads Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 17, 2025- HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Leads the Grosses and More
by - Dec 17, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 17, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Ariana Grande y Jonathan Bailey en conversaciones para SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Photo
Ariana Grande y Jonathan Bailey en conversaciones para SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE en Londres
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Dec 16, 2025

La producción, dirigida por Marianne Elliott, tiene previsto presentarse en el Teatro Barbican de Londres en 2027.
WICKED's Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey in Talks to Lead SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH G Photo
WICKED's Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey in Talks to Lead SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE in London
by Stephi Wild - Dec 16, 2025

Wicked's Glinda and Fiyero, Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey, are in talks to reunite on stage in a new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical Sunday in the Park With George, directed by Marianne Elliott, in London in 2027.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 15, 2025- OPERATION MINCEMEAT Extends For a Sixth Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 15, 2025- OPERATION MINCEMEAT Extends For a Sixth Time and More
by - Dec 15, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 15, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
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 prestigious 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 for Amour. Additionally, he received the Outstanding Director – Play award 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 also secured 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 earned Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. For Sunday in the Park with George, he was honored with 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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