Julie Taymor
Latest News on Julie Taymor:
Drama Desk Awards Set 2026 Date (Jan 28, 2026)
Review: THE LION KING is the Pride of Broadway Sacramento (Jan 15, 2026)
THE LION KING Comes to the Morrison Center in February (Jan 14, 2026)
Drama Desk Awards Set 2026 Date (Jan 28, 2026)
Review: THE LION KING is the Pride of Broadway Sacramento (Jan 15, 2026)
THE LION KING Comes to the Morrison Center in February (Jan 14, 2026)
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
davebennett(3).jpg?format=auto&width=600)
davebennett(2).jpg?format=auto&width=600)
davebennett.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
davebennett.jpg.jpg?format=auto&width=600)
Productions
[US Tour, 2002]
Mask Co-Designer
Puppet Co-Designer
Lyricist (Additional Lyrics)
Costume Designer
Director
[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: New Look At Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE At the Metropolitan Opera
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-12-12 22:51:12
Video: THE LION KING's Tshidi Manye Takes Her Historic Final Bow as 'Rafiki'
by Michael Major - 2025-09-03 13:17:12
Video: Watch Gavin Lee Join THE LION KING on Broadway as 'Scar'
by Michael Major - 2025-07-23 11:54:23
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
News
Review: THE LION KING is the Pride of Broadway Sacramento
by Courtney Symes - Jan 15, 2026
Broadway Sacramento is starting off the new year with a legend. The Lion King, winner of six Tony Awards, is back in town after seventeen years. The familiar score by Elton John and Tim Rice has been a favorite since the animated version debuted in 1994. Songs like “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” have helped to catapult The Lion King to the status of highest-grossing Broadway production of all time. This was my first time experiencing the magic, and you shouldn’t wait as many years as I have.
by Courtney Symes - Jan 15, 2026
Broadway Sacramento is starting off the new year with a legend. The Lion King, winner of six Tony Awards, is back in town after seventeen years. The familiar score by Elton John and Tim Rice has been a favorite since the animated version debuted in 1994. Songs like “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” have helped to catapult The Lion King to the status of highest-grossing Broadway production of all time. This was my first time experiencing the magic, and you shouldn’t wait as many years as I have.
THE LION KING Comes to the Morrison Center in February
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2026
Disney’s The Lion King will be presented as a live musical production in Boise at Morrison Center beginning Feb. 18, with performances continuing through early March.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2026
Disney’s The Lion King will be presented as a live musical production in Boise at Morrison Center beginning Feb. 18, with performances continuing through early March.
Al Hakawati Theatre Collective's ألف ليلة وليلة (THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS) Comes to La MaMa
by Stephi Wild - Dec 22, 2025
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of The Thousand and One Nights, a reimagining of the epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 22, 2025
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of The Thousand and One Nights, a reimagining of the epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
Video: Joshua Blue Sings from Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE At the Metropolitan Opera
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 18, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera has released a rehearsal video from its upcoming revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, offering an early look at Julie Taymor’s production ahead of the opera’s holiday performances.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 18, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera has released a rehearsal video from its upcoming revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, offering an early look at Julie Taymor’s production ahead of the opera’s holiday performances.
La MaMa To Present AL HAKAWATI THEATRE COLLECTIVE's ألف ليلة وليلة (THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS)
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2025
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of ألف ليلة وليلة (The Thousand and One Nights), a bold reimagining of the legendary epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2025
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of ألف ليلة وليلة (The Thousand and One Nights), a bold reimagining of the legendary epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
Video: New Trailer For Met Opera's THE MAGIC FLUTE
by Joshua Wright - Dec 16, 2025
Get a first look at The Metropolitan Opera's revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, with all new-clips of Julie Taymor’s production. The Met welcome soprano Rainelle Krause for her company debut as the Queen of the Night. Krause, who has earned international recognition for her interpretation of the role, will appear in six performances of the production during the run.
by Joshua Wright - Dec 16, 2025
Get a first look at The Metropolitan Opera's revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, with all new-clips of Julie Taymor’s production. The Met welcome soprano Rainelle Krause for her company debut as the Queen of the Night. Krause, who has earned international recognition for her interpretation of the role, will appear in six performances of the production during the run.
Video: New Look At Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE At the Metropolitan Opera
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 13, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera has released a rehearsal video from its upcoming revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, offering an early look at Julie Taymor’s production ahead of the opera’s holiday performances.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 13, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera has released a rehearsal video from its upcoming revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, offering an early look at Julie Taymor’s production ahead of the opera’s holiday performances.
Review: MOZART’S THE MAGIC FLUTE at The Metropolitan Opera
by Gabby Ziccarelli - Dec 12, 2025
As the houselights dim at the Metropolitan Opera, the Julie Taymor–directed The Magic Flute transports viewers into a buoyant and kaleidoscopic fairy-tale dreamworld. This abridged, English-language production is a visually sumptuous version of Mozart's singspiel bathed in bold primary colors, shaped by ingenious Masonic-inspired geometric staging, and animated by exquisite puppetry.
by Gabby Ziccarelli - Dec 12, 2025
As the houselights dim at the Metropolitan Opera, the Julie Taymor–directed The Magic Flute transports viewers into a buoyant and kaleidoscopic fairy-tale dreamworld. This abridged, English-language production is a visually sumptuous version of Mozart's singspiel bathed in bold primary colors, shaped by ingenious Masonic-inspired geometric staging, and animated by exquisite puppetry.
Review: THE LION KING at The Paramount Theatre
by Shelley Dean - Dec 11, 2025
Stage adaptations of movies are always tricky, but there’s a certain level of prestige that comes with adapting and pulling off one of the most loved and highly regarded movie adaptations of all time. The Lion King holds a deep residency in so many hearts, having loved the movie from a very early age, many people associate specific memories and people with the classic tale.
by Shelley Dean - Dec 11, 2025
Stage adaptations of movies are always tricky, but there’s a certain level of prestige that comes with adapting and pulling off one of the most loved and highly regarded movie adaptations of all time. The Lion King holds a deep residency in so many hearts, having loved the movie from a very early age, many people associate specific memories and people with the classic tale.
Broadway Star Meredith Patterson Shines In WINTER WONDERLAND
by Gillian Blum - Dec 8, 2025
Merie Productions will present Winter Wonderland, an elegant holiday concert starring Broadway's Meredith Patterson for one more night only on Friday, December 13 at 101 Central's Second Story in downtown Whitefish.
by Gillian Blum - Dec 8, 2025
Merie Productions will present Winter Wonderland, an elegant holiday concert starring Broadway's Meredith Patterson for one more night only on Friday, December 13 at 101 Central's Second Story in downtown Whitefish.
![SUZY EDDIE IZZARD TALKS SHAKESPEEARE N'STUFF [FORSOOTH] is Coming to Chicago Shakespe Photo](https://cloudimages.broadwayworld.com/columnpiccloud/200200-e18100e22459a5182a4513627caa075e.jpg)
SUZY EDDIE IZZARD TALKS SHAKESPEEARE N'STUFF [FORSOOTH] is Coming to Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025
Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present a one-night-only benefit event: Suzy Eddie Izzard Talks Shakespeare N’Stuff [Forsooth] in January in The Yard.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025
Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present a one-night-only benefit event: Suzy Eddie Izzard Talks Shakespeare N’Stuff [Forsooth] in January in The Yard.
Review: THE OUTSIDERS National Tour at Durham Performing Arts Center
by Jeffrey Kare - Dec 3, 2025
Based on S. E. Hinton’s 1967 novel of the same name as well as Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film adaptation. The Outsiders is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s. The story follows Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ as they battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. Together, the Greasers fight for survival and a quest for purpose in a world that doesn't accept them.
by Jeffrey Kare - Dec 3, 2025
Based on S. E. Hinton’s 1967 novel of the same name as well as Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film adaptation. The Outsiders is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s. The story follows Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ as they battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. Together, the Greasers fight for survival and a quest for purpose in a world that doesn't accept them.
FROM THE OTHER SIDE Begins At La MaMa In December
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2025
From December 3-14, 2025, FROM THE OTHER SIDE transforms La MaMa into a home for an incredible group of Balkan artists, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 1PM.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2025
From December 3-14, 2025, FROM THE OTHER SIDE transforms La MaMa into a home for an incredible group of Balkan artists, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 1PM.
Tickets For Disney’s THE LION KING Go On Sale In Grand Rapids On November 24
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 25, 2025
Broadway Grand Rapids and Disney Theatrical Group will place tickets on sale for THE LION KING’s return to DeVos Performance Hall beginning November 24 at noon.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 25, 2025
Broadway Grand Rapids and Disney Theatrical Group will place tickets on sale for THE LION KING’s return to DeVos Performance Hall beginning November 24 at noon.
Eddie Izzard to Bring SHAKESPEARE'S HAMLET To Los Angeles
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 14, 2025
Tony Award-nominated Eddie Izzard will bring Shakespeare's Hamlet to life in a dynamic new staging of the iconic play, adapted by Mark Izzard and directed by Selina Cadell, in Los Angeles.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 14, 2025
Tony Award-nominated Eddie Izzard will bring Shakespeare's Hamlet to life in a dynamic new staging of the iconic play, adapted by Mark Izzard and directed by Selina Cadell, in Los Angeles.
THE LION KING to Return to Seattle at The Paramount Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025
Disney’s The Lion King is coming to The Paramount Theatre stage.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025
Disney’s The Lion King is coming to The Paramount Theatre stage.
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 awards for her work, especially for The Lion King. Her accolades include Best Costume Designer at the Olivier Awards and Outstanding Costume Design at the Drama Desk Awards for The Lion King. She also won Outstanding Director - Musical and Outstanding Puppet Design at the Drama Desk Awards for the same show. Additionally, Taymor earned Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards. Her costume and directing work on The Lion King were further recognized with Best Costume Design and Best Director - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as Costume Design and Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design at The Hewes Awards. She received Tony Awards for Best Costume Design and Best Direction of a Musical for The Lion King. Taymor's work on Juan Darien earned her Direction at the Obie Awards and Concept Puppetry and Masks at The Hewes Awards. She was also honored with Special Citations from the Obie Awards and Scenic, Costume, and Puppet Design awards from The Hewes Awards for The Haggadah.
Videos