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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


Which Shows Have Been Revived the Most in the 21st Century? Photo
Which Shows Have Been Revived the Most in the 21st Century?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 11, 2025

Three of this season’s plays and two of this season’s musicals are already getting revived for the second or third time this century! Twenty-five years into the 21st century and Broadway has already seen multiple revivals of Glengarry Glen Ross, Our Town, Romeo and Juliet, Gypsy, and Sunset Boulevard. 
Atlanta Community Theatre Summer Preview Photo
Atlanta Community Theatre Summer Preview
by Joseph Harrison - May 9, 2025

What better way to cool off on a hot, Atlanta summer evening (or afternoon!) than taking in one of these exciting productions, coming to a community theatre near you! Check out all the amazing theatre that Metro Atlanta has to offer this summer!
Theater Latté Da Reveals Cast of Stephen Sondheim's PASSION Photo
Theater Latté Da Reveals Cast of Stephen Sondheim's PASSION
by A.A. Cristi - May 6, 2025

Casting is complete and rehearsals are now underway for Theater Latté Da's production of PASSION, the Tony Award-winning dark romance with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, based on the film Passione d'Amore directed by Ettore Scola.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN and More Set for Arden Theatre Company 2025-26 Season Photo
DEAR EVAN HANSEN and More Set for Arden Theatre Company 2025-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2025

Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company has unveiled its 2025-26 season, featuring a dynamic lineup of performances including Dear Evan Hansen and more!
Feature: Signature Theatre Honors Mandy Patinkin with The 2025 Sondheim Award at its Photo
Feature: Signature Theatre Honors Mandy Patinkin with The 2025 Sondheim Award at its Annual Gala
by David Friscic - Apr 29, 2025

My emotional and artistic journey with performer extraordinaire Mandy Patinkin was renewed as I watched the Signature Theatre’s Sondheim Award Gala celebrating Mandy Patinkin (at the Anthem on the Wharf on April 14, 2025).  Mr. Patinkin is a truly intersectional artist who has conquered the world of Broadway, concerts, albums, television, and film. Mr. Patinkin’s talent and skills cross-pollinate across all cultural touchstones.
FALSETTOS Comes to the Keegan Theatre Photo
FALSETTOS Comes to the Keegan Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025

The Keegan Theatre has announced the cast and team of the Tony Award-winning musical FALSETTOS, by the legendary duo William Finn and James Lapine. Learn more here!
Review: Fly North Theatrical's LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE at Greenfinch Theater and Dive Photo
Review: Fly North Theatrical's LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE at Greenfinch Theater and Dive
by James Lindhorst - Apr 26, 2025

Fly North Theatricals Little Miss Sunshine has a lot of laughs thanks to Healy’s creative direction and the breakout performances from young talented actors.
INTO THE WOODS And More Set for 2025 Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Long Island Season Photo
INTO THE WOODS And More Set for 2025 Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Long Island Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 25, 2025

Lighthouse Repertory Theatre has announced titles for its 2025 Long Island season. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS opened a season of productions at theatres across Long Island, dedicated to supporting a local charity.
INTO THE WOODS Begins At The Phoenix Theatre Company In May Photo
INTO THE WOODS Begins At The Phoenix Theatre Company In May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 23, 2025

The Phoenix Theatre Company will present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods, running May 21 through July 13, 2025.
Review: FALSETTOS at Dezart Performs Photo
Review: FALSETTOS at Dezart Performs
by Gilmore Rizzo - Apr 22, 2025

As the end of the theatre season approaches, the best theatres in the desert are finishing with its finest productions. One such case is the exceptional musical produced by Michael Shaw and Clark Dugger at Dezart Performs, as they present FALSETTOS, directed by Dennis Courtney.
INTO THE WOODS Cast Announced At Virginia Theatre Festival Photo
INTO THE WOODS Cast Announced At Virginia Theatre Festival
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2025

The Virginia Theatre Festival has announced the cast and creative team for its season-opening production of Into the Woods. Set to run June 27-July 6 in Culbreth Theatre at the University of Virginia.
Playlist: The Best of William Finn Photo
Playlist: The Best of William Finn
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 12, 2025

We are celebrating William Finn's life and works with a playlist of 40 of our favorite William Finn songs. Enjoy songs from musicals like: Falsettos, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, A New Brain, In Trousers, Elegies, and more. 
INTO THE WOODS Heads Into Its Final Weekend At Musical Theatre West Photo
INTO THE WOODS Heads Into Its Final Weekend At Musical Theatre West
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2025

The woods are closing in!  Musical Theatre West's (MTW) magical production of “Into the Woods” is nearing the end of its journey, with only a few performances left before the curtain falls on this fairytale adventure.
Theater Latte Da To Present Sondheim And Lapine's Tony Award-Winning PASSION Photo
Theater Latte Da To Present Sondheim And Lapine's Tony Award-Winning PASSION
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 10, 2025

Theater Latté Da has announced that single tickets are now on sale for PASSION, the rarely produced, Tony Award-winning Best Musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, based on the film Passione d'Amore directed by Ettore Scola.
Photos: First look at Dublin Coffman High School Drama Club’s INTO THE WOODS Photo
Photos: First look at Dublin Coffman High School Drama Club’s INTO THE WOODS
by Jerri Shafer - Apr 9, 2025

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
Tony-Winning Composer and Lyricist William Finn Dies at 73 Photo
Tony-Winning Composer and Lyricist William Finn Dies at 73
by Stephi Wild - Apr 8, 2025

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that composer and lyricist William Finn has died at age 73. Finn is best known for his Tony-winning work on the musical Falsettos, as well as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, A New Brain, and more.
Photos: Highlights of LYNNE CHARNAY's 100th Birthday Show at Don't Tell Mama Photo
Photos: Highlights of LYNNE CHARNAY's 100th Birthday Show at Don't Tell Mama
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 4, 2025

The acclaimed Broadway and cabaret singer - still going strong at 100 – celebrated her birthday with 4/1 and 4/2 shows at Don't Tell Mama featuring hits of the Great American Songbook, guest stars and plenty of fun.
Review: Musical Theatre West Ventures Back INTO THE WOODS in Long Beach Photo
Review: Musical Theatre West Ventures Back INTO THE WOODS in Long Beach
by Michael Quintos - Apr 3, 2025

For Musical Theatre West's new, winning large-scale production—now on stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach through April 13, 2025—director Kari Hayter and a company of terrific performers have revived the musical in an expected, true-to-the-classic staging, bursting with the color and aura of a storybook fairy tale come-to-life. While, sure, nothing necessarily new is presented in MTW's vibe, this lively, genuinely spirited presentation reminds old and new fans exactly why the show—for many theatergoers—continues to be a beloved show decades after it first conjured itself on stage.
Additional Performance Added For THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME in Concert Photo
Additional Performance Added For THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME in Concert
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025

An additional performance has been added for the professional premiere of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Prince Edward Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre. Learn more here!
Josh Lamon to Play Divine in DISHIN' WITH DIVINE Industry Readings Photo
Josh Lamon to Play Divine in DISHIN' WITH DIVINE Industry Readings
by Michael Major - Apr 1, 2025

Death Becomes Her star Joshn Lamon will lead a private, by-invitation only industry presentation of Dishin’ With Divine, a new play written and directed by Donnie (Make Me Gorgeous!). Lamon will step into the heels of the beloved drag artist.
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 accolades, including: - Best Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Act One - Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Amour - Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Dirty Blonde - Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Passion - Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Falsettos - Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Into the Woods - Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Into the Woods - Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Into the Woods - Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Sunday in the Park with George - Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Sunday in the Park with George - Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Sunday in the Park with George

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