Julie Taymor
Latest News on Julie Taymor:
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Releases 65 FOR THE 65TH in Honor of Union’s Anniversary (Jul 9, 2025)
Gavin Lee Will Join THE LION KING on Broadway as Scar (Jun 30, 2025)
THE LION KING Comes to Calgary in July (Jun 30, 2025)
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Releases 65 FOR THE 65TH in Honor of Union’s Anniversary (Jul 9, 2025)
Gavin Lee Will Join THE LION KING on Broadway as Scar (Jun 30, 2025)
THE LION KING Comes to Calgary in July (Jun 30, 2025)
BIO
Taymor is an American director and writer of theater, opera and film. Her stage adaptation of The Lion King debuted in 1997, and received eleven Tony Award nominations, with Taymor receiving Tony Awards for Best Director and Costume Designer. Her film Frida, about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, was nominated for five Academy Awards, including a Best Original Song nomination for Taymor's composition "Burn It Blue". She also directed the jukebox musical Across the Universe.
Photos
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Productions
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
Director
Director
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
Costume Designer
Writing
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream
winner
Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Costume Designer
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Director
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Puppet Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama League Awards - 1998 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre
Julie Taymor
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Director - Musical
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1998 - Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1998 - Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Direction of a Musical
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Costume Design
Julie TaymorJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Puppet Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Set Design - Musical
Julie TaymorJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Direction of a Musical
Julie Taymor, Juan Darien
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Scenic Design
Julie Taymor, Juan Darien
Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Tempest
Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Scott Wentworth, Welcome to the Club
winner
Obie Awards - 1988 - Direction
Julie TaymorJuan Darien
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1988 - Concept Pupperty and Masks
Julie Taymor, Juan Darien
winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Special Citations
Julie Taymor
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1980 - Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design
Julie Taymor, The Haggadah
Videos
Video: Disney on Broadway Medley at D23, Featuring ALADDIN, HERCULES, FROZEN, and More
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-08-10 16:55:59
Video: The Cast of THE LION KING in Brazil Performs 'Endless Night'
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-21 15:34:27
Video: Watch a Disney on Broadway Mashup on GMA With HERCULES, ALADDIN, FROZEN & More
by Michael Major - 2023-10-16 09:41:03
VIDEO: Watch THE LION KING's Broadway Makeup Team Transform Stephen Carlile into Scar
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-08 10:43:04
Video: The Cast of THE LION KING in Brazil Performs 'Circle of Life' and More
by Stephi Wild - 2023-07-19 08:41:05
Video: Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for NEW YORK, NEW YORK; Plus Watch a New Trailer!
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-02-01 12:00:20
VIDEO: THE LION KING Celebrates 21 Years in Hamburg With Special Performance of 'Endless Night'
by Alan Henry - 2023-01-17 11:53:17
VIDEO: THE LION KING Cast Performs Tiny Desk Concert For 25th Anniversary
by Michael Major - 2022-11-11 12:28:21
Watch: THE LION KING on Broadway Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Short Film Highlighting 'The Circle of Life'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-11-10 17:44:06
VIDEO: Elton John Sings 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' From THE LION KING on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2022-11-10 09:24:31
VIDEO: THE LION KING Performs 'The Circle of Life' on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2022-11-08 07:32:47
Video: Julie Taymor Talks THE LION KING 25th Anniversary and More!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2022-10-24 05:33:48
VIDEO: Kathryn Hunter Talks Playing The Witches in THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH
by Michael Major - 2022-01-14 16:14:52
VIDEO: Broadway in Detroit Performs From THE LION KING on America's Thanksgiving Parade
by Stephi Wild - 2021-11-26 07:21:31
VIDEO: West End THE LION KING Returns to Rehearsal With 'Circle of Life'
by Stephi Wild - 2021-07-24 09:09:01
VIDEO: Alicia Vikander Talks About Her Role in THE GLORIAS on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-09-25 09:32:10
News
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Releases 65 FOR THE 65TH in Honor of Union’s Anniversary
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 9, 2025
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) has announced the release of 65 for the 65th, a celebratory publication honoring 65 directors and choreographers whose work has transformed the American theatre.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 9, 2025
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) has announced the release of 65 for the 65th, a celebratory publication honoring 65 directors and choreographers whose work has transformed the American theatre.
Gavin Lee Will Join THE LION KING on Broadway as Scar
by Stephi Wild - Jun 30, 2025
The Lion King will welcome two-time Tony Award nominee Gavin Lee to the company as Scar beginning in July. Learn more about how to get tickets to the show here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 30, 2025
The Lion King will welcome two-time Tony Award nominee Gavin Lee to the company as Scar beginning in July. Learn more about how to get tickets to the show here!
THE LION KING Comes to Calgary in July
by Stephi Wild - Jun 30, 2025
More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING, and now you can, too, when Alberta’s best-loved musical returns to the Jubilee Auditoria.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 30, 2025
More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING, and now you can, too, when Alberta’s best-loved musical returns to the Jubilee Auditoria.
Review: Joyous, Funny, Tender, and Thought Provoking: TOOTSIE Takes the Stage at MSMT
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 27, 2025
Following on the heels of a nostalgically, romantic ANASTASIA, Maine State Music Theatre’s second main stage show this season, TOOTSIE, demonstrates the company’s ability to turn on a dime. The 2018 David Yazbek musical, based on the 1982 film starring Dustin Hoffman, is a big, boisterous Broadway show that is joyous, tender, and thought provoking all at once and provides the audience with an evening filled with exhilaration and elation.
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 27, 2025
Following on the heels of a nostalgically, romantic ANASTASIA, Maine State Music Theatre’s second main stage show this season, TOOTSIE, demonstrates the company’s ability to turn on a dime. The 2018 David Yazbek musical, based on the 1982 film starring Dustin Hoffman, is a big, boisterous Broadway show that is joyous, tender, and thought provoking all at once and provides the audience with an evening filled with exhilaration and elation.
Actor Terrence Clowe to Appear in New Lifetime Original Movie PRETTY HURTS
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 23, 2025
Stage and screen performer Terrence Clowe is transforming into pageant perfectionist alongside Haylie Duff in the upcoming Lifetime original movie, PRETTY HURTS, premiering on June 28th.
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 23, 2025
Stage and screen performer Terrence Clowe is transforming into pageant perfectionist alongside Haylie Duff in the upcoming Lifetime original movie, PRETTY HURTS, premiering on June 28th.
La MaMa Names EXPERIMENTS IN PLAYWRITING FELLOWSHIP After The Late Morgan Jenness
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 13, 2025
La MaMa ETC has announced it is renaming its Experiments in Playwriting Fellowship the MORGAN JENNESS EXPERIMENTS IN PLAYWRITING FELLOWSHIP after the late, revered dramaturg Morgan Jenness, who died last year following an illustrious career as a champion of young playwrights.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 13, 2025
La MaMa ETC has announced it is renaming its Experiments in Playwriting Fellowship the MORGAN JENNESS EXPERIMENTS IN PLAYWRITING FELLOWSHIP after the late, revered dramaturg Morgan Jenness, who died last year following an illustrious career as a champion of young playwrights.
Tickets For THE LION KING in Seattle Go on Sale Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2025
Disney Theatrical Group and Premera Blue Cross Broadway at The Paramount have announced that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King will go on sale to the public next week.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2025
Disney Theatrical Group and Premera Blue Cross Broadway at The Paramount have announced that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King will go on sale to the public next week.
Review: LIFE OF PI Comes to Vibrant Life at OC's Segerstrom Center
by Michael Quintos - Jun 6, 2025
There is definitely an easy-to-surmise draw behind the now-touring version of the Tony Award-winning play LIFE OF PI, now currently enchanting audiences at OC's Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa through June 15, 2025. Filled with innovative visual trickery and remarkable, human-powered puppetry, this impressive, great-looking drama—playwright Lolita Chakrabarti's admirable stage adaptation of Yann Martel's bestselling novel—wows with its non-stop eye-popping theatrics that combine technical cleverness with breathtaking human physicality. And though the play's central narrative conceit—teen boy gets stuck on a lifeboat with a tiger—is fairly simple, its dazzling execution is its primary, most valid reason to experience this play in person.
by Michael Quintos - Jun 6, 2025
There is definitely an easy-to-surmise draw behind the now-touring version of the Tony Award-winning play LIFE OF PI, now currently enchanting audiences at OC's Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa through June 15, 2025. Filled with innovative visual trickery and remarkable, human-powered puppetry, this impressive, great-looking drama—playwright Lolita Chakrabarti's admirable stage adaptation of Yann Martel's bestselling novel—wows with its non-stop eye-popping theatrics that combine technical cleverness with breathtaking human physicality. And though the play's central narrative conceit—teen boy gets stuck on a lifeboat with a tiger—is fairly simple, its dazzling execution is its primary, most valid reason to experience this play in person.
Tickets for First Five Broadway Shows On Sale at The Smith Center
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2025
Going on sale Friday, May 23 are the first five shows of The Smith Center’s latest Toyota Broadway Las Vegas Series. The new season features productions direct from Broadway that have collectively been showered with multiple Tony, Drama Desk, and more.
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2025
Going on sale Friday, May 23 are the first five shows of The Smith Center’s latest Toyota Broadway Las Vegas Series. The new season features productions direct from Broadway that have collectively been showered with multiple Tony, Drama Desk, and more.
THE LION KING Will Conclude Toronto Run in August
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2025
Toronto’s production of Disney’s The Lion King – now in its 29th week – will conclude its run on August 30 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2025
Toronto’s production of Disney’s The Lion King – now in its 29th week – will conclude its run on August 30 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Learn more here!
DISNEY'S THE LION KING To Conclude Toronto Run In August
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2025
Toronto's production of Disney's The Lion King – now in its 29th week – will conclude its run on August 30 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. By that date, the show will have played 345 performances to an audience of over 250,000.
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2025
Toronto's production of Disney's The Lion King – now in its 29th week – will conclude its run on August 30 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. By that date, the show will have played 345 performances to an audience of over 250,000.
Shaina Taub, Camille A. Brown & More Drop Out of Library of Congress Musical Theater Conference
by Joshua Wright - May 13, 2025
Broadway figures Shaina Taub, Jeanine Tesori, and Helen Park have withdrawn from the Library of Congress’s StageStruck! VI conference following recent political turmoil, forcing major programming changes.
by Joshua Wright - May 13, 2025
Broadway figures Shaina Taub, Jeanine Tesori, and Helen Park have withdrawn from the Library of Congress’s StageStruck! VI conference following recent political turmoil, forcing major programming changes.
THE LION KING Is Now On Sale At Cadillac Palace Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2025
Broadway In Chicago has announced that individual tickets for Disney's The Lion King, are now on sale to the public. The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 23 years, and during that time has welcomed over 24 million theatergoers, making it North America's longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour.
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2025
Broadway In Chicago has announced that individual tickets for Disney's The Lion King, are now on sale to the public. The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 23 years, and during that time has welcomed over 24 million theatergoers, making it North America's longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour.
Theatre Technical Director Steven Ehrenberg Passes Away at Age 69
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 6, 2025
Steven F. Ehrenberg, an admired veteran of the theatre industry who worked for decades in technical and production management, passed away at age 69 from a heart attack on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Brooklyn, NY.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 6, 2025
Steven F. Ehrenberg, an admired veteran of the theatre industry who worked for decades in technical and production management, passed away at age 69 from a heart attack on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Brooklyn, NY.
Library of Congress to Host Conference on Women in Musical Theater with Shaina Taub, Jeanine Tesori, & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025
The Library of Congress will host “StageStruck! VI: Women and the American Musical,” a free three-day conference May 14-16 featuring Jeanine Tesori, Shaina Taub, Helen Park, Julie Taymor, Camille A. Brown, and Marjuan Canady.
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025
The Library of Congress will host “StageStruck! VI: Women and the American Musical,” a free three-day conference May 14-16 featuring Jeanine Tesori, Shaina Taub, Helen Park, Julie Taymor, Camille A. Brown, and Marjuan Canady.
Disney's THE LION KING Comes To The Music Hall In May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2025
Disney's The Lion King will leap onto the Music Hall stage from Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, June 1. The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 22 years, and during that time has welcomed over 23 million theatergoers.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2025
Disney's The Lion King will leap onto the Music Hall stage from Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, June 1. The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 22 years, and during that time has welcomed over 23 million theatergoers.
John Douglas Thompson and More to be Honored at Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2025
John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement and more when Red Bull Theater presents the annual Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more and see how to attend.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2025
John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement and more when Red Bull Theater presents the annual Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more and see how to attend.
Review: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: THE NEXT GENERATION at The Phoenix Theatre Company
by Herbert Paine - Apr 27, 2025
FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: THE NEXT GENERATION isn’t just a parody—it’s a full-on roast of the Great White Way, served up hot and fast with a piano and four performers who can belt, mug, and mimic with razor precision.
by Herbert Paine - Apr 27, 2025
FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: THE NEXT GENERATION isn’t just a parody—it’s a full-on roast of the Great White Way, served up hot and fast with a piano and four performers who can belt, mug, and mimic with razor precision.
Review: THE LION KING Reigns Supreme at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts
by Albert Gutierrez - Apr 25, 2025
Life's greatest tragedy is the passage of time. It is a lesson we all must learn eventually. Within the proverbial circle of life, there is only a beginning and an end that occurs in the immediacy of our own lifetime. Yet, the cyclical nature of birth, death, and rebirth ensures that our spirit will carry on in legacy rather than in flesh. If we are loved, then we are remembered. And if we are remembered, then we live forever. Disney’s The Lion King transposes this message from screen to stage through an international collaboration of talent that supercedes the strength of the 1994 animated film from which it came.
by Albert Gutierrez - Apr 25, 2025
Life's greatest tragedy is the passage of time. It is a lesson we all must learn eventually. Within the proverbial circle of life, there is only a beginning and an end that occurs in the immediacy of our own lifetime. Yet, the cyclical nature of birth, death, and rebirth ensures that our spirit will carry on in legacy rather than in flesh. If we are loved, then we are remembered. And if we are remembered, then we live forever. Disney’s The Lion King transposes this message from screen to stage through an international collaboration of talent that supercedes the strength of the 1994 animated film from which it came.
THE LION KING North American Tour Will Celebrate 23rd Anniversary This Weekend
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2025
The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will celebrate its 23rd anniversary in Orlando, where the production begins a four-week return engagement tonight at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2025
The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will celebrate its 23rd anniversary in Orlando, where the production begins a four-week return engagement tonight at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Julie Taymor written?
Julie Taymor has written 6 shows including The Transposed Heads (Bookwriter), The Transposed Heads (Bookwriter), Juan Darien (Bookwriter), Juan Darién (Bookwriter), The Lion King (Composer), Spider-Man (Bookwriter).
What awards has Julie Taymor been nominated for?
Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Midsummer Night's Dream, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Midsummer Night's Dream, Best Costume Designer (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King , Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King , Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King , Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Set Design - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tempest, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Welcome to the Club, Direction (Obie Awards) for Juan Darien, Concept Pupperty and Masks (The Hewes Awards) for Juan Darien, Special Citations (Obie Awards) and Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Haggadah.
What awards has Julie Taymor won?
Julie Taymor has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. She won Best Costume Designer at the Olivier Awards for The Lion King and Outstanding Costume Design at the Drama Desk Awards, also for The Lion King. Her work on The Lion King earned her Outstanding Director - Musical and Outstanding Puppet Design at the Drama Desk Awards, along with Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards. Additionally, she received Best Costume Design and Best Director - Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as Costume Design and Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design from The Hewes Awards, all for The Lion King. At the Tony Awards, Julie Taymor was honored with Best Costume Design and Best Direction of a Musical for The Lion King. She also received multiple Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Costume Design, Outstanding Director - Musical, and Outstanding Puppet Design for the same production. For Juan Darien, she earned the Direction award from the Obie Awards and Concept Puppetry and Masks from The Hewes Awards. Furthermore, she received Special Citations from the Obie Awards and recognition for Scenic, Costume, and Puppet Design from The Hewes Awards for The Haggadah.
Videos