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Jerry Zaks

Birth Place: Stuttgart, GERMANY

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BIO

Jerry won four Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and an Obie Award. Mr. Zaks directed many Broadway shows including Sister Act, Guys and Dolls, Six Degrees of Separation, Lend Me a Tenor, House of Blue Leaves, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Anything Goes, La Cage aux Folles, Little Shop of Horrors and more. Mr. Zaks received SDC's Mr. Abbott Award for lifetime achievement and an honorary doctorate of fine arts from his alma mater, Dartmouth College. Mr. Zaks is a 2013 inductee to the Theater Hall of Fame.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Fiorello!
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1994
Fiorello LaGuardia
Tintypes
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1980
Performer
Tintypes
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1980
Performer
Tintypes
[Off-Broadway]
1979
Performer
Once in a Lifetime
[Broadway]
1978
Weisskopf
One Crack Out
[Off-Broadway]
1978
Al
Marco Polo
[Off-Broadway]
1976
Harlequin
Kid Champion
[Off-Broadway]
1975
Devoted Hack
Grease
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1972
Kenickie [Replacement]

Productions

The It Girl
 
[Off-Broadway, unknown]
Production Supervisor
Mrs. DoubtfireMrs. Doubtfire
 
[US Tour, 2023] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Mrs. DoubtfireMrs. Doubtfire
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
The Music ManThe Music Man
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
Mrs. DoubtfireMrs. Doubtfire
 
[Regional (US), 2019]
Director
Nantucket Sleigh RideNantucket Sleigh Ride
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
A Bronx TaleA Bronx Tale
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Hello, Dolly!Hello, Dolly!
 
[US Tour, 2018]
Director
Meteor ShowerMeteor Shower
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
Hello, Dolly!Hello, Dolly!
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
A Bronx Tale: The MusicalA Bronx Tale: The Musical
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
A Bronx TaleA Bronx Tale
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2016]
Co-Director
Shows For DaysShows For Days
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
Sister ActSister Act
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Director
The Addams FamilyThe Addams Family
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Creative Consultant
Sister ActSister Act
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
The Addams FamilyThe Addams Family
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Creative Consultant
A Bronx TaleA Bronx Tale
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
Stairway to Paradise
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
Losing LouieLosing Louie
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
The Caine Mutiny Court-MartialThe Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
La Cage aux FollesLa Cage aux Folles
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
Little Shop of Horrors
 
[Regional (US), 2004]
Director
Little Shop of Horrors
 
[US Tour, 2004]
Director
Bye Bye Birdie
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Little Shop of HorrorsLittle Shop of Horrors
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
A Bad Friend
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
45 Seconds From Broadway
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Director
The Man Who Came to Dinner
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
Swing!
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Production Supervisor
Epic Proportions
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
The Civil War
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
The Cripple of Inishmaan
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
Skin of Our Teeth
 
[New York, 1996]
Director
Smokey Joe's Cafe
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Director
Laughter on the 23rd Floor
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Director
Guys and Dolls
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Director
Assassins
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Six Degrees Of Separation
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Director
Six Degrees of Separation
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Square One
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Anything Goes
 
[West End, 1989]
Director
Lend Me a Tenor
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Director
Anything Goes
 
[US Tour, 1988]
Director
Wenceslas Square
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Director
Anything Goes
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
The Front Page
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Director
The House of Blue Leaves
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Director
The House of Blue Leaves
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Director
The Marriage of Bette and Boo
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Director
Crossing the Bar
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Director
The Foreigner
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1984)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
Baby with the Bathwater
 
[Off-Broadway, 1983]
Director
Beyond Therapy
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director
Face Value
 
[Broadway, 0]
Director

Movies

Outrageous Fortune
[ 1987 ] Tobacco Clerk
Crimes and Misdemeanors
[ 1989 ] Man on Campus
Husbands and Wives
[ 1992 ] Dinner Party Guests

TV Shows

The Edge of Night
Louis Van Dine

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, The Music Man

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Mrs. Doubtfire

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Hello, Dolly!

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Hello, Dolly!

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Hello, Dolly!

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Sister Act

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jerry Zaks , The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks , The Civil War


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1996 - Best Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks , A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Smokey Joe's Cafe

Helen Hayes Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical

Jerry ZaksGuys and Dolls

Helen Hayes Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical

Jerry ZaksSix Degrees of Separation

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks, Guys and Dolls


winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Guys and Dolls

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Director

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation


winner
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation

Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation

Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks , Assassins

Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Director - Play

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Director - Play

Jerry Zaks, Lend Me a Tenor

Olivier Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Jerry ZaksWenceslas Square


winner
Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks, Lend Me a Tenor


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Director

Jerry Zaks, Wenceslas Square


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Director

Jerry Zaks, Anything Goes

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks , Anything Goes


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks, Anything Goes


winner
Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks , The House of Blue Leaves


winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Direction

Jerry Zaks, The Foreigner


winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Direction

Jerry Zaks, The Marriage of Bette and Boo

Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Tintypes

Videos

More Videos

News


MRS. DOUBTFIRE Will Launch UK and Ireland Tour in 2026 Photo
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Will Launch UK and Ireland Tour in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Apr 28, 2025

Beloved Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire will be packing up her suitcase and hitting the road next year as her West End and Broadway musical Mrs. Doubtfire tours the UK and Ireland for the first time.
Patti Murin, Hannah Corneau, and More Will Lead FROZEN at The Muny Photo
Patti Murin, Hannah Corneau, and More Will Lead FROZEN at The Muny
by Stephi Wild - Apr 24, 2025

 Patti Murin, Hannah Corneau, Jelani Remy, Bobby Conte, Kennedy Kanagawa, Andrew A. Cano, Jared Gertner, Maliah Strawbridge and Isla Turner will star in the Muny premiere of Disney’s Frozen.
Joshua Bergasse and Matt Lenz Join THE MUSIC MAN Tour Creative Team Photo
Joshua Bergasse and Matt Lenz Join THE MUSIC MAN Tour Creative Team
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2025

The creative team has been revealed for the national tour of The Music Man. See who is involved in the production, and learn if the tour is coming to a city near you!
Fun and Delightful Musical UMA BABÁ QUASE PERFEITA (Mrs. Doubtfire) Opens in São Pa Photo
Fun and Delightful Musical UMA BABÁ QUASE PERFEITA (Mrs. Doubtfire) Opens in São Paulo
by Claudio Erlichman - Mar 24, 2025

Unemployed actor, Daniel Hillard, loses custody of his three children after a messy divorce from his wife, Miranda. Desperate to connect with his children, he creates the alter ego of Euphegenia Doubtfire, the picture-perfect Scottish nanny. Unaware of Mrs. Doubtfire’s true identity, Miranda hires Doutbfire to take care of the children. As his alter ego begins to take on a life of her own, Daniel learns more than he bargained for about fathering from Mrs. Doubtfire.
Jane Lynch, Sharon Lawrence, Gina Torres, John Ross Bowie And More Set For PARENTS IN Photo
Jane Lynch, Sharon Lawrence, Gina Torres, John Ross Bowie And More Set For PARENTS IN CHAINS World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025

Ensemble Theatre Company has announced additional casting for an add-on production to its season, the world premiere of a new comedy, PARENTS IN CHAINS, written by Emmy and Peabody award-winner Jay Martel and directed by Andy Fickman.
Patrick Wilson to Lead Industry Reading of Revised BIG FISH Photo
Patrick Wilson to Lead Industry Reading of Revised BIG FISH
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 4, 2025

A private industry reading will be presented a newly revised version of the musical Big Fish. The reading will star two-time Tony Award nominee Patrick Wilson in the lead role of Edward Bloom.
CONFESSIONS OF A RETIRED WITCH to Debut at The Studio at Mizner Park Photo
CONFESSIONS OF A RETIRED WITCH to Debut at The Studio at Mizner Park
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2025

D’Jamin Bartlett, the award-winning actress who made her Broadway debut singing “The Miller’s Son” in Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, will present Confessions of a Retired Witch at The Studio at Mizner Park. Learn how to attend.
Photos: Laura Benanti Honored At 2024 BROADWAY DREAMS Gala Photo
Photos: Laura Benanti Honored At 2024 BROADWAY DREAMS Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 10, 2024

Broadway Dreams hosted its annual gala this weekend at The Plaza New York (768 5th Avenue). Jerry Mitchell, Jerry Zaks, and more turned out for the big night! See photos from the event!
Photos: J. Harrison Ghee, Danny Burstein, And More Turn Out for The Al Hirschfeld Theatre 100th Anniversary
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 13, 2024

Last night, ATG Entertainment hosted an intimate ceremony at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, celebrating the theater’s 100th anniversary with a special piece commissioned from Broadway caricaturist Justin 'Squigs' Robertson. Check out photos from the event.
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL Comes to The Eisemann Center in 2025 Photo
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL Comes to The Eisemann Center in 2025
by Stephi Wild - Nov 4, 2024

The Eisemann Center will present TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man: The Musical will be presented in January 2025 in the Hill Performance Hall.
CAT KID COMIC CLUB: THE MUSICAL and EL OTRO OZ to Play Kirk Douglas Theatre Photo
CAT KID COMIC CLUB: THE MUSICAL and EL OTRO OZ to Play Kirk Douglas Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 2, 2024

Center Theatre Group will present two TheaterWorksUSA's productions at the Kirk Douglas Theatre – Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical from November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025 and the return of El Otro Oz, a bilingual musical inspired by The Wizard of Oz from March 29 to April 13, 2025.
Show of the Week: Save Up to 40% on MRS. DOUBTFIRE at the Shaftesbury Theatre Photo
Show of the Week: Save Up to 40% on MRS. DOUBTFIRE at the Shaftesbury Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 21, 2024

Save up to 40% on Mrs. Doubtfire at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Tickets are available from £35.
Photos: Stars Arrive for OUR TOWN Opening Night on Broadway Photo
Photos: Stars Arrive for OUR TOWN Opening Night on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 12, 2024

Stars came out for the opening of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre. Check out photos of Nina Dobrev, Shaun White, Kaitlyn Dever, Michael Kors, Raul Esparza, Cynthia Nixon and more as they arrive on the red carpet here!
Review: MRS. DOUBTFIRE is Sure to Deliver the Laughs at Broadway Sacramento Photo
Review: MRS. DOUBTFIRE is Sure to Deliver the Laughs at Broadway Sacramento
by Courtney Symes - Oct 11, 2024

I’ve just found the new definition of fun, and it’s Mrs. Doubtfire. Broadway Sacramento continues its season of excellence with director Jerry Zaks’s comedy based on the 1993 film that starred Robin Williams. It had a limited run on Broadway immediately before and following the pandemic, but enjoyed renewed success in London in 2023. Its score by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick (Something Rotten) was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award in 2022. This show is just what we didn’t know we needed – lighthearted hilarity with a touch of nostalgia and feeling. It’s a recipe even Mrs. Doubtfire can’t mess up.
Riverside Theatre to Present Ken Ludwig's THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY Beginning This Month Photo
Riverside Theatre to Present Ken Ludwig's THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY Beginning This Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 5, 2024

Riverside Theatre will begin its 52nd season with Ken Ludwig's uproarious comedy, The Fox on the Fairway. The Fox on the Fairway plays the Stark Stage at Riverside Theatre from October 22 – November 10, 2024. 
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of YELLOW FACE Photo
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of YELLOW FACE
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 3, 2024

The stars aligned at the Todd Haimes Theatre to celebrate opening night of Roundabout Theatre Company's new production of Yellow Face by David Henry Hwang. BroadwayWorld was there to capture all of the stars and VIP guests.
Tony-Winner Christopher Ashley To Receive Prestigious 'Mr. Abbott' Award From Stage D Photo
Tony-Winner Christopher Ashley To Receive Prestigious 'Mr. Abbott' Award From Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 18, 2024

Christopher Ashley was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Mr. Abbott Award by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the theater industry.
Rob McClure Will Play Final Performance in MRS. DOUBTFIRE on Tour Photo
Rob McClure Will Play Final Performance in MRS. DOUBTFIRE on Tour
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2024

Two-time Tony Award® nominee Rob McClure will say goodbye to the title role of Daniel Hillard/Euphegenia Doubtfire on October 13, 2024, after originating the role and earning a Tony nomination for his performance. He will have played over 400 performances with the show.   
Interview: Catherine Brunell Talks About Joining Final Leg of MRS. DOUBTFIRE National Photo
Interview: Catherine Brunell Talks About Joining Final Leg of MRS. DOUBTFIRE National Tour
by Melissa Heckscher - Sep 17, 2024

BroadwayWorld talks to Broadway veteran Catherine Brunell on how joining the already-established cast & crew of Mrs. Doubtfire was like “crashing a family Christmas party,” and how performing in Mrs. Doubtfire brings her to tears every night. 
Review: Broadway Star of MRS. DOUBTFIRE Amazes and Amuses at the Eccles Theater Photo
Review: Broadway Star of MRS. DOUBTFIRE Amazes and Amuses at the Eccles Theater
by Tyler Hinton - Sep 13, 2024

How often can you see the star of a Broadway musical perform their Tony-nominated role in Salt Lake City? You have the rare opportunity now as Rob McClure leads the national tour of MRS. DOUBTFIRE at the Eccles Theater, and its one you really shouldn’t miss.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jerry Zaks been in?

Jerry Zaks has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Jerry Zaks been in?

Jerry Zaks has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Jerry Zaks been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for The Music Man, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Mrs. Doubtfire, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sister Act, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Civil War, Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Smokey Joe's Cafe, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation , Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Assassins, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Olivier Awards) for Wenceslas Square, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wenceslas Square, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anything Goes, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Anything Goes, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Anything Goes, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The House of Blue Leaves, Direction (Obie Awards) for The Foreigner, Direction (Obie Awards) for The Marriage of Bette and Boo and Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Tintypes.

What awards has Jerry Zaks won?

Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Guys and Dolls; Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation; Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor; Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor; Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anything Goes; Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wenceslas Square; Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Anything Goes; Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The House of Blue Leaves; Direction (Obie Awards) for The Foreigner; and Direction (Obie Awards) for The Marriage of Bette and Boo.

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