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James Lapine

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James Lapine 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.

James Lapine Photos

James Lapine STAGE CREDITS

James Lapine Productions

 
[Broadway, 2021]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Director
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2017]
Director
Writer
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
 
[New York, 2015]
Co-Librettist, Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Book
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2014]
Book
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[West End, 2004]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Los Angeles, 2002]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1988]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 1986]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1985]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1983]
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Adapter
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter

James Lapine Movies

[1993]Life with Mikey director

[2011]Into the Woods writer

[2016]Custody producer

James Lapine Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Play

James Lapine, Act One

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

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods

Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George

Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George

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

James Lapine Videos

James Lapine News


André Bishop Will Step Down as Artistic Director of Lincoln Center Theater

Bishop has served as Producing Artistic Director of Lincoln Center Theater since July 2013, and first joined the organization as Artistic Director in January 1992.  His departure in June 2025 will coincide with the close of Lincoln Center Theater’s 40th anniversary season.

Jerry Mitchell, JoAnn M. Hunter, James Lapine & More to Join TRY IT LIKE THIS Fundraiser for SDCF

Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation has revealed the initial slate of directors and choreographers for Try It Like This: Directors and Choreographers Take the Stage. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets!

BWW Q&A: Alyse Arpino & Patrick Campbell of INTO THE WOODS at CM Performing Arts Center

The CM Performing Arts Center's Main Stage production of INTO THE WOODS is sure to enchant its audiences from September 16-30. Inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, INTO THE WOODS is an enchanting, brilliant musical that ventures beyond “happily ever after!” What begins as a lively fantasy ends in lessons of responsibility, consequences for our actions, and what we teach our children.

Meet the Cast of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Beginning Previews Tonight!

Merrily We Roll Along begins previews at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre tonight, Tuesday, September 19 and officially opens on Tuesday, October 10. Meet the cast of Merrily We Roll Along here!

ANYTHING GOES, The Cole Porter Festival & More Set for Porchlight Music Theatre 29th Season

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre has unveiled its 29th season. The new season launches with The Cole Porter Festival - A Celebration of the Man and his Music. Learn more details about the season!

Cast Set For ANNE FRANK, A MUSICAL Off-Broadway

After a sold out debut in 2019 (at the Center for Jewish History), Anne Frank, a Musical, returns Off-Broadway at the Actors Temple Theatre. Learn more about the cast, and how to get tickets here!

Ali Stroker, Elizabeth Stanley & More to Join Arts Education Benefit Honoring Raúl Esparza

Broadway performers and award-winning artists under the direction of acclaimed conductor, music director, orchestrator, composer, arranger, and Arts Ignite Founder, Mary-Mitchell Campbell will gather for an arts education benefit GLOW! Celebrating our Arts Education Champions.

Graham Phillips and Talia Suskauer Will Lead SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Axelrod PAC

Axelrod PAC will open its new season with Sunday in the Park with George in March 2024. The cast will be led by Graham Phillips and Talia Suskauer. Learn more about the show and how to purchase tickets here!

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.

Review Roundup: A NEW BRAIN at Barrington Stage Company

What did critics think of Barrington Stage Company's production of William Finn’s 1998 musical A New Brain which is now playing through September 10, 2023 on BSC’s Boyd-Quinson Stage?

Phillipa Soo To Teach Fall Master Class For Discovering Broadway

Learn from Broadway star Phillipa Soo in an exclusive in-person master class at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in Central Indiana. Discovering Broadway Inc. presents this opportunity to study with the Tony and Emmy-nominated actress, known for originating the role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton in HAMILTON.

Justin Lucero Named Artistic Director Of Theater Latte Da

Theater Latté Da (TLD) announced today that it has chosen Justin Lucero as its next Artistic Director. Lucero will join TLD in mid-October, co-leading the organization with Managing Director Elisa Spencer-Kaplan.

Fort Salem Theater Unveils Spectacular 2024 Season Lineup: A Theatrical Extravaganza Awaits!

Fort Salem Theater has announced its highly anticipated 2024 season, offering an exceptional array of performances that promise to captivate audiences and bring unforgettable theatrical experiences to the community.

Photos: Inside Opening Night of Barrington Stage Company & Williamstown Theatre Festival's NEW BRAIN

Barrington Stage Company (BSC) in association with Williamstown Theatre Festival (WTF) presented William Finn’s 1998 musical A NEW BRAIN on Barrington’s Boyd-Quinson mainstage. Check out the opening night photos and after party below.

Photos: See Adam Chanler-Berat, Mary Testa & More in A NEW BRAIN at Barrington Stage Company

Check out these stunning photos from A NEW BRAIN at Barrington Stage Company featuring Adam Chanler-Berat, Mary Testa, and more. Don't miss this incredible production running at Barrington Stage Company.

Patina Miller to Perform at Café Carlyle in October

Catch the Talented Patina Miller for a Limited Time at Café Carlyle. Get ready for an unforgettable performance filled with her incredible talent and show-stopping vocals.

MAME, FALSETTOS & More Set for 42 Street Moon 2023-24 Season

Explore the upcoming 2023-24 season at 42nd Street Moon! Get all the details about the highly anticipated lineup, including beloved classics like MAME and FALSETTOS, and more. Don't miss out on this exciting season of theater magic!

A NEW BRAIN Comes to The Star Theatre One

David Gauci and his Davine Productions music theatre company is celebrating 10 years with another highly anticipated South Australian debut show. 

Video: Watch 'Stay With Me' From INTO THE WOODS at the Guthrie Theater

Watch a clip of 'Stay With Me' from Into the Woods at Guthrie Theater!

Feature: INTO THE WOODS at Mezzo Theatrical Productions

Mezzo Theatrical Productions, founded by Long Island based visionary John Mezzo, opens its doors this year as Nassau County’s newest troupe for high quality, high class entertainment. This summer, they are presenting the classic musical INTO THE WOODS, written by James Lapine and the late Stephen Sondheim. This production is directed by the incredible John Mezzo, and music directed by the spectacular Rich Giordano. The show stars a melting-pot of Long Island and other New York talent, Julie Stewart (the Witch), Hannah Pipa (the Baker’s Wife), Sean Ryan (the Baker), Bridget Cunningham (Cinderella), Jason Steven Kopp (Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince), Kevin Kirley (Jack), Mairead Camas (Little Red Ridinghood), John Mezzo (Narrator/Mysterious Man), Matt Ranagan (Rapunzel’s Prince), Jennifer Gillen-Goldstein (Jack’s Mother/Cinderella’s Mother), Randi Kopp (Evil Stepmother/Granny/Giant’s Voice), Elizabeth Anglim (Florinda), KG Foley (Lucinda), Bella Carrano (Rapunzel), and Andrew J. Koehler (Steward/Cinderella’s Father). The production is being presented from August 4-12 at the Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City. 

James Lapine FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

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 .

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

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