James Lapine
Latest News on James Lapine:
Little Theatre Of Fall River To Present SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Jan 5, 2026)
Stephen Sondheim's Friends and Family Share Untold Stories in New Podcast (Jan 5, 2026)
Kokandy Productions Announces 2026 Season; HAIR, more (Dec 21, 2025)
Little Theatre Of Fall River To Present SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Jan 5, 2026)
Stephen Sondheim's Friends and Family Share Untold Stories in New Podcast (Jan 5, 2026)
Kokandy Productions Announces 2026 Season; HAIR, more (Dec 21, 2025)
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
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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
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: '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
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-13 12:03:14
Video: Vanessa Williams Releases Music Video for New Single 'Legs (Keep Dancing)'
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-28 14:14:07
Video: Phillips and Suskauer Sing 'Move On' from Axelrod's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-03-24 09:32:59
Video: Watch Graham Phillips & Talia Suskauer in Axelrod's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-03-13 09:38:34
Vanessa Williams Will Play Miranda Priestly in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Musical
by Stephi Wild - 2024-02-19 05:26:34
Video: Sara Bareilles Sings 'When You Wish Upon a Star' For Disney's 100th Anniversary
by Michael Major - 2023-05-18 10:12:22
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for INTO THE WOODS at Dallas Theater Center
by Alan Henry - 2023-03-14 17:06:39
Video: Watch 'Moments In The Woods' & 'It Takes Two' from INTO THE WOODS at Paramount Theatre
by Alan Henry - 2023-02-16 12:49:19
Exclusive: Graham Phillips & Krystina Alabado Sing 'Move On' in Rehearsal For Pasadena Playhouse's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
by Alan Henry - 2023-02-06 12:00:20
Video: Watch Joaquina Kalukango Perform 'Last Midnight' in INTO THE WOODS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-12-29 12:34:05
Video: Joaquina Kalukango Gets Ready to Step Into INTO THE WOODS
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-12-12 15:32:46
News
Little Theatre Of Fall River To Present SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 5, 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.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 5, 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.
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.
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.
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.
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Dec 16, 2025
La producción, dirigida por Marianne Elliott, tiene previsto presentarse en el Teatro Barbican de Londres en 2027.
Review Roundup: What Did The Critics Think of Jordan Fein's INTO THE WOODS?
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Dec 12, 2025
What happens after Happily Ever After, after all? In Sondheim and Lapine’s beloved musical retelling of the Grimm classics, a parade of familiar folktale figures find their way “Into the Woods” and try to get home before dark—under the guidance of Mark Lamos, who dazzled us with A Little Night Music in 2008. What did the critics think of Jordan Fein's revival?
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Dec 12, 2025
What happens after Happily Ever After, after all? In Sondheim and Lapine’s beloved musical retelling of the Grimm classics, a parade of familiar folktale figures find their way “Into the Woods” and try to get home before dark—under the guidance of Mark Lamos, who dazzled us with A Little Night Music in 2008. What did the critics think of Jordan Fein's revival?
Review: INTO THE WOODS, Bridge Theatre
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Dec 12, 2025
Having brought their extraordinary theatrical concepts to the all-conquering Fiddler on The Roof, director Jordan Fein and designer Tom Scutt reunite to bring lucky London audiences a gorgeously dark and heartfelt version of James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's Into The Woods.
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Dec 12, 2025
Having brought their extraordinary theatrical concepts to the all-conquering Fiddler on The Roof, director Jordan Fein and designer Tom Scutt reunite to bring lucky London audiences a gorgeously dark and heartfelt version of James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's Into The Woods.
Photos: Jo Foster, Katie Brayben and More in INTO THE WOODS at the Bridge Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 10, 2025
You can now get a first look at production photos of London Theatre Company's Into The Woods. The major new production is helmed by director Jordan Fein with set and costume design by Tom Scutt.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 10, 2025
You can now get a first look at production photos of London Theatre Company's Into The Woods. The major new production is helmed by director Jordan Fein with set and costume design by Tom Scutt.
Video: INTO THE WOODS At San Francisco Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 4, 2025
San Francisco Playhouse is presenting Into the Woods now through January 17, 2026, at 450 Post Street in San Francisco. Check out video highlights of the show.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 4, 2025
San Francisco Playhouse is presenting Into the Woods now through January 17, 2026, at 450 Post Street in San Francisco. Check out video highlights of the show.
Photos: INTO THE WOODS Sitzprobe at the Bridge Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Dec 4, 2025
London Theatre Company has released photos from the Sitzprobe of Into The Woods. The production, helmed by director Jordan Fein with set and costume design by Tom Scutt, is now in previews.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 4, 2025
London Theatre Company has released photos from the Sitzprobe of Into The Woods. The production, helmed by director Jordan Fein with set and costume design by Tom Scutt, is now in previews.
Review: INTO THE WOODS at SF Playhouse
by Steve Murray - Nov 28, 2025
Sondheim fans rejoice! We have not one, but two sensational productions to satisfy that itch for smart lyrics and equally solid books. Shotgun Players is running their fabulous Sunday in the Park with George, and now Director Susi Damilano and SF Playhouse have outdone themselves with a stunning Into the Woods. Every component of this production is a winner; casting, technical, and musical.
by Steve Murray - Nov 28, 2025
Sondheim fans rejoice! We have not one, but two sensational productions to satisfy that itch for smart lyrics and equally solid books. Shotgun Players is running their fabulous Sunday in the Park with George, and now Director Susi Damilano and SF Playhouse have outdone themselves with a stunning Into the Woods. Every component of this production is a winner; casting, technical, and musical.
Interview: Heather Orth of INTO THE WOODS at San Francisco Playhouse
by Jim Munson - Nov 25, 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.
by Jim Munson - Nov 25, 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Videos