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Joe Calarco Headshot

Joe Calarco

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BIO

Joe Calarco’s Off-Broadway credits include Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky at Playwrights Horizons; Boy and In Transit (Drama Desk Nomination) at Primary Stages; in the absence of spring (writer/director) at Second Stage; Sarah, Plain and Tall at The Lucille Lortel; The Audience (contributing book writer) and Bury the Dead at The Transport Group; Fugitive Songs (Drama Desk nomination) at Dreamlight Theatre Company and Shakespeare’s R&J (adaptor/director, Lucille Lortel Award). He directed the national tour of Ring of Fire, and regionally his credits include Lincolnesque (world premiere) and The Glass Menagerie at The Old Globe; Assassins (Helen Hayes Award), Urinetown (Helen Hayes Award), Side Show (Helen Hayes Award), Nijinsky’s Last Dance (Helen Hayes Award), Gypsy, God of Carnage, the world premieres of Nest and The Boy Detective Fails and his own plays In The Absence of Spring and Walter Cronkite is Dead at Signature Theatre; The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (book writer/director) and The Burnt Part Boys at Barrington Stage Company; The Last Five Years (Barrymore Award Best Musical), Elegies (Barrymore nomination), M. Butterfly and The Light in the Piazza (Barrymore Award) at Philadelphia Theatre Co.; Ordinary Days (Barrymore Award) at 11th Hour Theatre Company. As a writer his published works include Shakespeare’s R&J, In The Absence of Spring, and Walter Cronkite is Dead. He is a Drama League Directing Fellow and Co-Artistic Director of Breaking Bread Theatre.

Photos

Productions

 
[Regional (US), 2018]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
Choreographer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2004]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director

Writing

Adaptation

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Joe Calarco, A Christmas Carol

Helen Hayes Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Joe CalarcoGypsy


winner
The Barrymore Awards - 2012 - Outstanding direction of a musical

Joe CalarcoOrdinary Days

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Joe Calarco, In Transit


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Joe CalarcoAssassins


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Joe CalarcoUrinetown


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Joe CalarcoSide Show

Helen Hayes Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director, Resident Play

Joe CalarcoShakespeare's R & J


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director, Resident Play

Joe CalarcoNijinsky's Last Dance

Videos

News


Video: Watch 'Matchmaker' From FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Signature Theatre
by Michael Major - Dec 5, 2025

Watch the stars of Fiddler on the Roof at Signature Theatre perform 'Matchmaker' in new footage from the production! The video features Rosie Jo Neddy as Chava, Beatrice Owens as Tzeitel, and Lily Burka as Hodel.
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.
Review: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Signature Theatre
by David Friscic - Nov 14, 2025

Specific events in the intimate world of Anatevka, Russia are presented in a manner that propels universal understanding of the relevant themes of family, forgiveness, acceptance, and tolerance in the highly immersive and interactive staging of the renowned classic Fiddler on the Roof, now at the Signature Theatre. The engaging ensemble assembled here under the ingenious direction of Joe Calarco, shows why this landmark 1964 musical has spawned so many stage revivals through the decades as well as a magnificent 1971 film. (Based on the Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl).
Melissa Errico, SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED: THE FINAL SEASON and More Set for 54 Below Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 14, 2025

Next week, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Melissa Errico, Sondheim Unplugged: The Final Season and more. 
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 13, 2025- Tom Felton Joins HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD And More
by - Nov 13, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 13, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: Douglas Sills and More in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Signature Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 12, 2025

Fiddler on the Roof is now playing at Signature Theatre! Based on the stories by Sholem Aleichem, the production will be directed by Joe Calarco and stars Douglas Sills as Tevye. See photos!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 12, 2025- WORKING GIRL First Look and More
by - Nov 12, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 12, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Watch Douglas Sills & More in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Signature Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 11, 2025

Now running at Signature Theatre is Fiddler on the Roof! Based on the stories by Sholem Aleichem, the production will be directed by Joe Calarco and stars Douglas Sills (HBO’s The Gilded Age) as Tevye, with choreography by Sarah Parker and music direction by Jon Kalbfleisch. Check out highlights of the cast in action in this video.
See David Yazbek and More Perform at 54 Below Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2025

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including David Yazbek, Mary Porter, Maggie Solimine and more.
Video: Douglas Sills Sings 'Tradition' from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Oct 22, 2025

Watch as Douglas Sills and the company of Fiddler on the Roof sing 'Tradition' at Signature Theatre in Washington, DC. Fiddler on the Roof has a book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick.
Douglas Sills and More to Star in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Signature Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2025

Signature Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for the musical Fiddler on the Roof. See who is starring in the production, and learn how to purchase tickets here!
Video: Revised AMERICAN PSYCHO: THE MUSICAL Slashes Into The Hobby Center
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 13, 2025

Houston Broadway Theatre is presenting the Houston Premiere of American Psycho: The Musical from Tony Award-winner Duncan Sheik and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. See video of the production.
Photos: AMERICAN PSYCHO: THE MUSICAL at The Hobby Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 5, 2025

Houston Broadway Theatre is presenting the Houston Premiere of American Psycho: The Musical from Tony Award-winner Duncan Sheik and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Get a first look at photos here!
Interview: Iván Moreno of AMERICAN PSYCHO THE MUSICAL at Houston Broadway Theatre
by Brett Cullum - Sep 4, 2025

Playing this character has been so, so fun, mainly because we're sort of reinventing him, me and Joe Calarco, who's our incredible director.
Robert Lenzi, Tyce Green and More Set for Reworked AMERICAN PSYCHO: THE MUSICAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 7, 2025

Houston Broadway Theatre has revealed the cast and creatives for the Houston Premiere of American Psycho: The Musical. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Revised AMERICAN PSYCHO: THE MUSICAL to Have Regional Premiere at The Hobby Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 31, 2025

Houston Broadway Theatre will present the Houston Premiere of American Psycho: The Musical from Tony Award-winner Duncan Sheik and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Learn ore!
Previews: AMERICAN PSYCHO THE MUSICAL at Houston Broadway Theatre
by Brett Cullum - Jul 30, 2025

Strip away the horror and the Patrick Bateman of it all, and it's ultimately a story about identity. The whole show is really about the bastardization of the American dream. It's about glamour, money, who's got the best clothes, and who goes to the best restaurants.
NYC Concert Premiere of New Bill Finn Song Cycle is Coming to 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 1, 2025

54 BELOW will present the New York premiere of Once Every Hundred Years by two-time Tony Award winner William Finn. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, IN CLAY World Premiere & More Announced For Signature Theatre 2025/2026 Season
by Joshua Wright - May 6, 2025

Signature Theatre has announced its 2025–2026 season, featuring new productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Pippin, the world premiere of In Clay, and the DC premieres of Strategic Love Play and What Became of Us. Full season listings included.
The Theatre Lab School of The Dramatic Arts 14th Annual DRAMATHON to Take Place on April 28th
by Elliot Lanes - Apr 24, 2025

On April 28th at 7:30pm the best arts education institution in the DMV will host one of their signature events and trust me, it’s something you really don’t want to miss.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Joe Calarco written?

Joe Calarco has written 1 shows including R & J (Adaptation).

What awards has Joe Calarco been nominated for?

Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Christmas Carol, Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding direction of a musical (The Barrymore Awards) for Ordinary Days, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for In Transit, Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Assassins , Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Urinetown, Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Side Show, Outstanding Director, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Shakespeare's R & J and Outstanding Director, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Nijinsky's Last Dance.

What awards has Joe Calarco won?

Joe Calarco has won several prestigious awards for his directing work. He received the Outstanding Direction of a Musical award from The Barrymore Awards for Ordinary Days. Additionally, he has earned multiple Helen Hayes Awards, including Outstanding Director, Resident Musical for Assassins, Urinetown, and Side Show, as well as Outstanding Director, Resident Play for Nijinsky's Last Dance.

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Videos