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James Lapine lets us into the origins of Into the Woods, from his very first conversations with Sondheim to Patti LuPone's audition for Cinderella, and ultimately the Broadway triumph and why it was important for him to direct the broadcast cameras rather than delegating the filming of the show to the director of the Golden Girls, as had been done for Sunday in the Park with George.
James Lapine
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.
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Act One
Amour
Annie
Dirty Blonde
Falsettos
Falsettos
Flying Over Sunset
Golden Child
Into the Woods
Into the Woods
Into the Woods
Into the Woods
Passion
Passion
Passion
Sondheim on Sondheim
Sunday in the Park with George
Sunday in the Park with George
Sunday in the Park with George
Sunday in the Park with George
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
The Diary of Anne Frank
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.
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Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Conceived by
Adapter
Playwright
Conceiver
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
See how James Lapine connects to other Broadway stars and creatives.
Six Degrees of Broadway Beta
See how many degrees separate James Lapine from another Broadway star or creative.
James Lapine
Connection
Movies
Life with Mikey
[ 1993 ] director
[ 1993 ] director
Into the Woods
[ 2011 ] writer
[ 2011 ] writer
Custody
[ 2016 ] producer
[ 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
Video: INTO THE WOODS West End Cast Performs 'Children Will Listen'
by Stephi Wild - 2026-10-12 09:44:59
Video: INTO THE WOODS Marks 40th Anniversary at South Coast Repertory
by Rachel Stone - 2026-09-19 12:06:50
Video: INTO THE WOODS Director Peter Rothstein Talks 40th Anniversary at SCR
by Rachel Stone - 2026-09-12 07:23:07
Video: INTO THE WOODS Featured in South Coast Repertory's 'Here's the Story' Series
by Joshua Wright - 2026-08-14 14:45:20
Video: Behind the Scenes of MEGAN IN THE WINGS at Farmers Alley Theatre
by Robert Diamond - 2026-06-18 19:59:35
Video: Ariana DeBose Sings 'No One In Alone' From INTO THE WOODS to Honor Vanessa Williams
by Michael Major - 2026-03-25 12:23:41
Video: 'The I Love You Song' from THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Theatre Under The Stars
by Joshua Wright - 2025-10-31 16:36:44
Video: Watch 'I Speak Six Languages' from SPELLING BEE at Theatre Under The Stars
by Michael Major - 2025-10-29 14:07:20
Video: 'Magic Foot' from the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Theatre Under The Stars
by Allison Henry - 2025-10-22 13:04:27
Video: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Theatre Under the Stars
by Stephi Wild - 2025-10-21 11:30:20
Video: Lea Salonga & Arielle Jacobs Lead INTO THE WOODS in Manila
by Joshua Wright - 2025-08-11 09:37:29
News
Photos: FALSETTOS Cast Reunion at Carnegie Hall Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Tony-Nominated Broadway Revival
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 20, 2026
Stephanie J. Block, Christian Borle, Andrew Rannells, Tracie Thoms, Brandon Uranowitz and Betsy Wolfe reunited at Carnegie Hall on October 18 for a special 10th anniversary concert of Falsettos. Check out photos from the star-studded reunion!
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 20, 2026
Stephanie J. Block, Christian Borle, Andrew Rannells, Tracie Thoms, Brandon Uranowitz and Betsy Wolfe reunited at Carnegie Hall on October 18 for a special 10th anniversary concert of Falsettos. Check out photos from the star-studded reunion!
INTO THE WOODS to Open at UTA Theatre in October
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2026
The University of Texas at Arlington theatre department will present Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning musical, directed by Anne Healy, at the Mainstage Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2026
The University of Texas at Arlington theatre department will present Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning musical, directed by Anne Healy, at the Mainstage Theatre.
Into The Woods to Open at University of Texas Arlington
by Rachel Stone - Oct 19, 2026
University of Texas Arlington will present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical on the Mainstage Theatre. The production intertwines Brothers Grimm fairy tales and explores the consequences of characters' wishes.
by Rachel Stone - Oct 19, 2026
University of Texas Arlington will present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical on the Mainstage Theatre. The production intertwines Brothers Grimm fairy tales and explores the consequences of characters' wishes.
Review: FALSETTOS at Victory Theatre
by Edmund Whelan - Oct 18, 2026
Let’s face the music: William Finn’s Falsettos, written during the Reagan administration’s brutal fumbling of the AIDS epidemic and polarizing of the LGBTQ+ community, remains strikingly relevant to today.
by Edmund Whelan - Oct 18, 2026
Let’s face the music: William Finn’s Falsettos, written during the Reagan administration’s brutal fumbling of the AIDS epidemic and polarizing of the LGBTQ+ community, remains strikingly relevant to today.
FALSETTOS Reunion Concert Adds London Palladium Dates Following Record-Breaking Carnegie Hall Ticket Sales
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 15, 2026
Due to demand, the Falsettos 10th Anniversary Reunion Concert, featuring the original revival cast, will now play the London Palladium for four performances.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 15, 2026
Due to demand, the Falsettos 10th Anniversary Reunion Concert, featuring the original revival cast, will now play the London Palladium for four performances.
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and More Set for Hudson Valley Shakespeare 40th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2026
Hudson Valley Shakespeare will present four productions in its 40th season, including A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Cherry Tortured, Sunday in the Park with George, and Macbeth at its Garrison, NY theater.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2026
Hudson Valley Shakespeare will present four productions in its 40th season, including A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Cherry Tortured, Sunday in the Park with George, and Macbeth at its Garrison, NY theater.
Moisés Kaufman-Helmed SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE to Open at Barrington Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2026
Barrington Stage Company and Tectonic Theatre Project will present a major new co-production of the landmark Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Sunday in the Park with George. It will be staged during BSC's 2027 season.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2026
Barrington Stage Company and Tectonic Theatre Project will present a major new co-production of the landmark Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Sunday in the Park with George. It will be staged during BSC's 2027 season.
Review: Drayton Entertainment's INTO THE WOODS is Pure Magic
by Lauren Gienow - Oct 13, 2026
This month, tucked away in the heart of Waterloo’s St. Jacob’s Market District, is a bewitching theatrical experience that is bound to spring up in conversation as rapidly and dramatically as a magical beanstalk might spring up in a backyard. INTO THE WOODS is currently playing at Drayton Entertainment’s St. Jacob’s Country Playhouse in Waterloo. Boasting a cast of Canada’s top musical theatre talent, it is an embarrassment of riches that is not to be missed.
by Lauren Gienow - Oct 13, 2026
This month, tucked away in the heart of Waterloo’s St. Jacob’s Market District, is a bewitching theatrical experience that is bound to spring up in conversation as rapidly and dramatically as a magical beanstalk might spring up in a backyard. INTO THE WOODS is currently playing at Drayton Entertainment’s St. Jacob’s Country Playhouse in Waterloo. Boasting a cast of Canada’s top musical theatre talent, it is an embarrassment of riches that is not to be missed.
Video: INTO THE WOODS West End Cast Performs 'Children Will Listen'
by Stephi Wild - Oct 12, 2026
An all new video has been released of the cast of the West End production of Into The Woods performing 'Children Will Listen.' Learn more about the show and check out the video here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 12, 2026
An all new video has been released of the cast of the West End production of Into The Woods performing 'Children Will Listen.' Learn more about the show and check out the video here!
FALSETTOS Reunion Concert Adds Third New York Performance and London Dates
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2026
The sold-out 10th anniversary reunion concert of FALSETTOS will add a third New York performance at Carnegie Hall and travel to The London Palladium, featuring the original 2016 revival cast.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2026
The sold-out 10th anniversary reunion concert of FALSETTOS will add a third New York performance at Carnegie Hall and travel to The London Palladium, featuring the original 2016 revival cast.
Review: INTO THE WOODS, Noël Coward Theatre
by Cheryl Markosky - Oct 8, 2026
Awe-inspiring revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical Into the Woods running until 9 January, 2027.
by Cheryl Markosky - Oct 8, 2026
Awe-inspiring revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical Into the Woods running until 9 January, 2027.
INTO THE WOODS & More Set For Goodspeed Musicals 2027 Season
by Joshua Wright - Oct 7, 2026
Goodspeed Musicals announced its 2027 season featuring INTO THE WOODS, THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL, and RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S THE KING AND I at its East Haddam, Connecticut venue.
by Joshua Wright - Oct 7, 2026
Goodspeed Musicals announced its 2027 season featuring INTO THE WOODS, THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL, and RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S THE KING AND I at its East Haddam, Connecticut venue.
Photos: Simbi Akande, Laura Pitt-Pulford, and More in INTO THE WOODS
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2026
Ahead of its West End press night, all new production photos have been released from the multi-award-winning Into The Woods. Check out the photos here.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2026
Ahead of its West End press night, all new production photos have been released from the multi-award-winning Into The Woods. Check out the photos here.
Cast Set For LAMTA's INTO THE WOODS
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2026
LAMTA will present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS at Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay, featuring LAMTA students making their Sondheim debuts under the direction of Sylvaine Strike.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2026
LAMTA will present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS at Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay, featuring LAMTA students making their Sondheim debuts under the direction of Sylvaine Strike.
Review: South Coast Repertory Presents A Revamped INTO THE WOODS
by Michael Quintos - Oct 1, 2026
To celebrate the musical's 40th anniversary, South Coast Reportory recreates INTO THE WOODS with a decisively different approach, one that both entices and, at times, triggers an uneasy vibe (at first) that seems to have permeated out from the show's darker second half. Admittedly, something felt off while watching the show unfold in its new staging—which, in the end, proved to be the desired jolt it wanted from us all along. Selected as its first show for its new 2026-2027 season, this aesthetically-reinvisioned production continues extended performances through October 18, 2026.
by Michael Quintos - Oct 1, 2026
To celebrate the musical's 40th anniversary, South Coast Reportory recreates INTO THE WOODS with a decisively different approach, one that both entices and, at times, triggers an uneasy vibe (at first) that seems to have permeated out from the show's darker second half. Admittedly, something felt off while watching the show unfold in its new staging—which, in the end, proved to be the desired jolt it wanted from us all along. Selected as its first show for its new 2026-2027 season, this aesthetically-reinvisioned production continues extended performances through October 18, 2026.
A Director's Director: Broadway Stars Share Their Favorite James Lapine Stories
by Charles Kirsch - Sep 29, 2026
Not many people can claim to be a Tony-nominated theater director and a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, but James Lapine achieved both of those honors with his Broadway debut, Sunday in the Park With George (music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim). He went on to collaborate with Sondheim on Into the Woods and Passion, with William Finn on Falsettos and Spelling Bee, and to write plays and musicals including Act One, Amour, and Twelve Dreams.
by Charles Kirsch - Sep 29, 2026
Not many people can claim to be a Tony-nominated theater director and a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, but James Lapine achieved both of those honors with his Broadway debut, Sunday in the Park With George (music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim). He went on to collaborate with Sondheim on Into the Woods and Passion, with William Finn on Falsettos and Spelling Bee, and to write plays and musicals including Act One, Amour, and Twelve Dreams.
FALSETTOS to Open at Lake Worth Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 24, 2026
Lake Worth Playhouse will present the Tony Award-winning musical FALSETTOS, featuring a seven-person cast and live band. The production explores love, family, and belonging through an unconventional family during the AIDS crisis.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 24, 2026
Lake Worth Playhouse will present the Tony Award-winning musical FALSETTOS, featuring a seven-person cast and live band. The production explores love, family, and belonging through an unconventional family during the AIDS crisis.
INTO THE WOODS Will Open at Theatre on Bay in October
by Stephi Wild - Sep 24, 2026
LAMTA will present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS at Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay. The production features a creative team including Musical Director Amy Campbell and Choreographer Naoline Quinzin.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 24, 2026
LAMTA will present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS at Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay. The production features a creative team including Musical Director Amy Campbell and Choreographer Naoline Quinzin.
El musical SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE revela la compañía al completo para su estreno en España
by Adela González Pérez - Sep 23, 2026
La producción anuncia los nombres que se unirán a Laura Enrech e Iñigo Etayo para estrenar el clásico de Stephen Sondheim en los Luchana
by Adela González Pérez - Sep 23, 2026
La producción anuncia los nombres que se unirán a Laura Enrech e Iñigo Etayo para estrenar el clásico de Stephen Sondheim en los Luchana
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Extends at Kokandy Productions
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 22, 2026
Kokandy Productions' sold-out revival of Stephen Sondheim's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE will extend at Chicago's Chopin Downstairs Studio, adding four weeks of performances following strong ticket sales.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 22, 2026
Kokandy Productions' sold-out revival of Stephen Sondheim's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE will extend at Chicago's Chopin Downstairs Studio, adding four weeks of performances following strong ticket sales.
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 won several prestigious awards throughout his career. He received the Best Play award at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Act One. He was honored with Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and for Amour. Additionally, he won Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Dirty Blonde. Lapine has also won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical for Passion, Falsettos, and for Into the Woods. He was recognized with the Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for both Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George. Furthermore, he won the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for both Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George.
Podcasts
#1 - James Lapine & David West Read
Three-time Tony Award-winning book writer James Lapine sits down with & Juliet book writer David West Read (Schitt's Creek). They discuss beginning as outsiders in theater, wisdom from Sondheim, and creating the hit Broadway Musical, & Juliet.
Ep20 - James Lapine (Passion - 1994)
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim wrote three shows together - Sunday In The Park with George , Into The Woods and Passion. In this episode of And The Award Goes To, Lapine shared what made working with Sondheim so incredible.
01 The Making of "Sunday in the Park with George"
Stephen Sondheim, James Lapine and orchestrator Michael Starobin discuss the creation of their Pulitzer-prize winning musical. Hear Sondheim and Lapine talk about working with stars, Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters.
Center Theatre Group’s Producing Director Douglas C. Baker guest hosts this episode of “30 to Curtain,” a podcast featuring 30-minute interviews with some of the theatre artists creating work across the stages of the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles.
James 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.
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