Justin Townsend
Latest News on Justin Townsend:
Video: Sarah Hyland Recalls Mishap During First Performance of JUST IN TIME (Dec 3, 2025)
Sam Jay Begins Performances Tonight at LCT's THE COMEDY SERIES (Dec 3, 2025)
Gabriela Carrillo, Ryan Vasquez & Adéa Michelle Sessoms Join MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL North American Tour (Dec 3, 2025)
Video: Sarah Hyland Recalls Mishap During First Performance of JUST IN TIME (Dec 3, 2025)
Sam Jay Begins Performances Tonight at LCT's THE COMEDY SERIES (Dec 3, 2025)
Gabriela Carrillo, Ryan Vasquez & Adéa Michelle Sessoms Join MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL North American Tour (Dec 3, 2025)
BIO
Justin Townsend received a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award Honour for his work on Moulin Rouge! The Musical. His Broadway credits include Jagged Little Pill, Saint Joan, Present Laughter, The Little Foxes, The Humans (Tony nomination), American Psycho (Tony nomination), Fool for Love, Casa Valentina, A Night with Janis Joplin, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, The Other Place, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. He served as Creative Director for Drake’s “Boy Meets World” European Tour and OVO Fest 2017. He previously worked with Alex Timbers on Here Lies Love. He is an associate professor at Brooklyn College.
Photos
Productions
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Lighting Design
Justin Townsend, Death Becomes Her
Tony Awards - 2025 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Justin Townsend, Death Becomes Her
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Lighting Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical
Justin Townsend, Moulin Rouge!
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Lighting Design
Justin Townsend, Moulin Rouge!
winner
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Justin Townsend, Jagged Little Pill
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Justin Townsend, Moulin Rouge!
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play
Justin Townsend, The Little Foxes
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical
Justin Townsend, American Psycho
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play
Justin Townsend, The Humans
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical)
Justin Townsend, American Psycho
The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design
Justin Townsend, The Humans
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Justin Townsend, American Psycho
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Lighting Design of a Play
Justin Townsend, The Humans
winner
Obie Awards - 2014 - Performance- Sustained Excellence of Lighting Design
Justin Townsend
winner
The Hewes Awards - 2014 - Hewes Design Award
Justin Townsend, Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play
winner
The Lortels - 2014 - Outstanding Lighting Design
Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love
Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lighting Design
Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love
Helen Hayes Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production
Justin TownsendOne Night with Janis Joplin
The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Lighting Design
Justin Townsend, Unnatural Acts
Helen Hayes Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production
Justin TownsendHamlet
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Lighting Design
Justin Townsend, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Videos
Video: Sarah Hyland Recalls Mishap During First Performance of JUST IN TIME
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-12-03 15:10:55
Videos: Inside Rehearsals For BAT BOY at New York City Center
by Michael Major - 2025-10-21 12:00:05
Video: Taylor Trensch & Gabi Carrubba Sing 'Mine, All Mine' from BAT BOY
by Nicole Rosky - 2025-10-16 16:39:23
Video: Andrew Resnick Unpacks the Music of BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL
by Nicole Rosky - 2025-10-07 15:15:40
Video: Jonathan Groff Performs 'Mack The Knife' From JUST IN TIME on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2025-09-19 06:17:05
Video: Jonathan Groff Recalls Seven-Year Journey to JUST IN TIME on THE LATE SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-01 10:33:46
Video: Solea Pfeiffer Performs 'Firework' From MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-02-18 15:13:31
Video: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard & More in DEATH BECOMES HER
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-11-20 10:46:23
Video: MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL Celebrates 5 Years on Broadway
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-07-27 14:19:42
Video: MOULIN ROUGE! 5th Anniversary Performance Curtain Call Speech
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-07-26 06:42:58
Video/Photos: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Michelle Williams & More in DEATH BECOMES HER
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-18 23:39:44
VIDEO: Megan Hilty & Jennifer Simard Talk DEATH BECOMES HER on WGN9 Chicago
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-02 16:20:17
Video: David Byrne & More Talk HERE LIES LOVE's Immersive Sound Design
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-09-18 15:03:50
VIDEO: Watch Derek Klena Perform 'Finale (Come What May)' from MOULIN ROUGE
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-07-29 14:53:14
News
Video: Sarah Hyland Recalls Mishap During First Performance of JUST IN TIME
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 3, 2025
Following her run as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby earlier this year, Sarah Hyland is back treading the boards in Just in Time, taking on the role of the iconic Connie Francis.
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 3, 2025
Following her run as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby earlier this year, Sarah Hyland is back treading the boards in Just in Time, taking on the role of the iconic Connie Francis.
Sam Jay Begins Performances Tonight at LCT's THE COMEDY SERIES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025
Comedian and writer, Sam Jay, is set to perform at the Claire Tow Theater where she begins performances of Sam Jay: We The People tonight.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025
Comedian and writer, Sam Jay, is set to perform at the Claire Tow Theater where she begins performances of Sam Jay: We The People tonight.
Gabriela Carrillo, Ryan Vasquez & Adéa Michelle Sessoms Join MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL North American Tour
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 3, 2025
The North American tour of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL will welcome new principal cast members this December. Gabriela Carrillo, Ryan Vasquez, and Adéa Michelle Sessoms will join the company beginning December 23 in San Francisco.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 3, 2025
The North American tour of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL will welcome new principal cast members this December. Gabriela Carrillo, Ryan Vasquez, and Adéa Michelle Sessoms will join the company beginning December 23 in San Francisco.
JUST IN TIME Will Launch North American Tour in 2027
by Stephi Wild - Nov 25, 2025
Just In Time, the 2025 Tony and Grammy Award nominated new musical about the great American entertainer Bobby Darin, will launch a North American Tour in June 2027. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 25, 2025
Just In Time, the 2025 Tony and Grammy Award nominated new musical about the great American entertainer Bobby Darin, will launch a North American Tour in June 2027. Learn more here!
Jonathan Groff To Depart JUST IN TIME In March 2026; New Block of Tickets On Sale
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2025
Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff will play his final performance in Just in Time on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Circle in the Square Theatre. A new block of tickets is now available through March 29.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2025
Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff will play his final performance in Just in Time on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Circle in the Square Theatre. A new block of tickets is now available through March 29.
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL Comes to Jacksonville in March 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2025
The FSCJ Artist Series Broadway in Jacksonville will present Moulin Rouge! The Musical March 10–15, 2026 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2025
The FSCJ Artist Series Broadway in Jacksonville will present Moulin Rouge! The Musical March 10–15, 2026 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.
Review: MOULIN ROUGE! at Hollywood Pantages
by Amanda Callas - Nov 12, 2025
Moulin Rouge! is an immersive, kinetic wild ride, lavishly sexy, unabashedly romantic, and breathtaking to look at. There is a determined garishness, a gaudy and deliberate trashiness, an extravagance to Moulin Rogue! that feels triumphantly tasteless and rather wonderfully liberating.
by Amanda Callas - Nov 12, 2025
Moulin Rouge! is an immersive, kinetic wild ride, lavishly sexy, unabashedly romantic, and breathtaking to look at. There is a determined garishness, a gaudy and deliberate trashiness, an extravagance to Moulin Rogue! that feels triumphantly tasteless and rather wonderfully liberating.
Review: MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL Returns to OC’s Segerstrom Center
by Michael Quintos - Oct 30, 2025
After making a splash when it first visited the OC back in 2022, MOULIN ROUGE! - THE MUSICAL—the dazzling, Tony Award-winning 2019 Broadway stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's groundbreaking 2001 movie musical—is back full throttle at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa for a limited week-long engagement that continues through November 2, 2025 (the show then travels an hour north to Los Angeles' Hollywood Pantages Theatre for performances running November 4-16, 2025). More impressive than before, this vibrant, high-octane, gorgeous-looking musical extravaganza continues to be an overwhelming spectacle for the senses.
by Michael Quintos - Oct 30, 2025
After making a splash when it first visited the OC back in 2022, MOULIN ROUGE! - THE MUSICAL—the dazzling, Tony Award-winning 2019 Broadway stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's groundbreaking 2001 movie musical—is back full throttle at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa for a limited week-long engagement that continues through November 2, 2025 (the show then travels an hour north to Los Angeles' Hollywood Pantages Theatre for performances running November 4-16, 2025). More impressive than before, this vibrant, high-octane, gorgeous-looking musical extravaganza continues to be an overwhelming spectacle for the senses.
Photo: VIR DAS: HEY STRANGER at Lincoln Center Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 29, 2025
Emmy-winning comedian, actor, and one of the most global voices in stand-up comedy, Vir Das, will begin performances of Vir Das: Hey Stranger at the Claire Tow Theater. See a photo here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 29, 2025
Emmy-winning comedian, actor, and one of the most global voices in stand-up comedy, Vir Das, will begin performances of Vir Das: Hey Stranger at the Claire Tow Theater. See a photo here!
Tickets to MOULIN ROUGE! National Tour at Proctors on Sale Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
The first North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, will play in Schenectady at Proctors. Tickeets are on sale now!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
The first North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, will play in Schenectady at Proctors. Tickeets are on sale now!
THE COMEDY SERIES Digital Lottery And Rush Policies Announced At Lincoln Center Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 28, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater and Seaview have announced rush and lottery details for The Comedy Series, launching October 29 at the Claire Tow Theater. The lineup includes Vir Das, Jerrod Carmichael, Ego Nwodim, and Sam Jay, each performing limited engagements Off-Broadway.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 28, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater and Seaview have announced rush and lottery details for The Comedy Series, launching October 29 at the Claire Tow Theater. The lineup includes Vir Das, Jerrod Carmichael, Ego Nwodim, and Sam Jay, each performing limited engagements Off-Broadway.
Video: DEATH BECOMES HER Cast Performs ‘Don’t Say I Didn’t (Warn You)’ on TODAY
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 23, 2025
Michelle Williams and the cast of Broadway’s Death Becomes Her joined TODAY on Thursday to celebrate the first anniversary of the show and performed “Don’t Say I Didn’t (Warn You).' Check out the performance now.
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 23, 2025
Michelle Williams and the cast of Broadway’s Death Becomes Her joined TODAY on Thursday to celebrate the first anniversary of the show and performed “Don’t Say I Didn’t (Warn You).' Check out the performance now.
Video: Dee Roscioli Debuts as 'Helen Sharp' in DEATH BECOMES HER
by Michael Major - Oct 22, 2025
Watch a video of Dee Roscioli making her debut as 'Helen Sharp' in Death Becomes Her on Broadway on Tuesday night. She has been on for Megan Hilty in the past, but played Jennifer Simard's role for the first time.
by Michael Major - Oct 22, 2025
Watch a video of Dee Roscioli making her debut as 'Helen Sharp' in Death Becomes Her on Broadway on Tuesday night. She has been on for Megan Hilty in the past, but played Jennifer Simard's role for the first time.
Videos: Inside Rehearsals For BAT BOY at New York City Center
by Michael Major - Oct 21, 2025
Go inside rehearsals for New York City Center's upcoming production of Bat Boy! Watch videos of the cast rehearsing 'Hold Me, Bat Boy,' as well as Kerry Butler and Gabi Currubba singing 'Three Bedroom House.'
by Michael Major - Oct 21, 2025
Go inside rehearsals for New York City Center's upcoming production of Bat Boy! Watch videos of the cast rehearsing 'Hold Me, Bat Boy,' as well as Kerry Butler and Gabi Currubba singing 'Three Bedroom House.'
Betsy Wolfe Will Take Over as 'Madeline Ashton' in DEATH BECOMES HER
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 20, 2025
Betsy Wolfe will take over as ‘Madeline Ashton’ in DEATH BECOMES HER starting January 16, 2026, replacing Megan Hilty. Get the latest updates!
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 20, 2025
Betsy Wolfe will take over as ‘Madeline Ashton’ in DEATH BECOMES HER starting January 16, 2026, replacing Megan Hilty. Get the latest updates!
Video: Taylor Trensch & Gabi Carrubba Sing 'Mine, All Mine' from BAT BOY
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 16, 2025
Rehearsals have officially begin for teh New York City Center presentation of Bat Boy: The Muscial. Watch in this video as Taylor Trensch (Bat Boy) and Gabi Carrubba (Shelley Parker) perform 'Mine, All Mine', which has been added since the London production.
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 16, 2025
Rehearsals have officially begin for teh New York City Center presentation of Bat Boy: The Muscial. Watch in this video as Taylor Trensch (Bat Boy) and Gabi Carrubba (Shelley Parker) perform 'Mine, All Mine', which has been added since the London production.
Video: Laurence O'Keefe Unpacks BAT BOY's Updated Score
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 16, 2025
Tony-nominated composer Laurence O'Keefe (Heathers The Musical, Legally Blonde: The Musical) takes us into the cave with this inside look at the Bat Boy score. Hear about the songs you love, and discover brand new ones like 'Mine, All Mine', 'Deer In The Headlights,' and 'He Is Here.' Watch in this video!
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 16, 2025
Tony-nominated composer Laurence O'Keefe (Heathers The Musical, Legally Blonde: The Musical) takes us into the cave with this inside look at the Bat Boy score. Hear about the songs you love, and discover brand new ones like 'Mine, All Mine', 'Deer In The Headlights,' and 'He Is Here.' Watch in this video!
Ego Nwodim to Join THE COMEDY SERIES at Lincoln Center Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2025
Comedian and actress Ego Nwodim will join the lineup for The Comedy Series at LCT’s Claire Tow Theater this fall, completing the series of comedians. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2025
Comedian and actress Ego Nwodim will join the lineup for The Comedy Series at LCT’s Claire Tow Theater this fall, completing the series of comedians. Learn more!
Video: Andrew Resnick Unpacks the Music of BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 7, 2025
Get a first listen to the rocking, super-sonic score of Bat Boy: The Musical, with expanded orchestrations, and several brand-new songs from the Broadway great Laurence O’Keefe. Director Andrew Resnick adds, 'It's going to be Bat Boy, but a newer, better, more alive version of it.' Watch in this video!
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 7, 2025
Get a first listen to the rocking, super-sonic score of Bat Boy: The Musical, with expanded orchestrations, and several brand-new songs from the Broadway great Laurence O’Keefe. Director Andrew Resnick adds, 'It's going to be Bat Boy, but a newer, better, more alive version of it.' Watch in this video!
Video: Gracie Lawrence Takes Final Bow in JUST IN TIME
by Michael Major - Oct 6, 2025
Gracie Lawrence took her final bow in Just in Time on Broadway on Sunday, October 5. Watch a new video of Lawrence taking her final bow in the musical, alongside Tony-winner Jonathan Groff.
by Michael Major - Oct 6, 2025
Gracie Lawrence took her final bow in Just in Time on Broadway on Sunday, October 5. Watch a new video of Lawrence taking her final bow in the musical, alongside Tony-winner Jonathan Groff.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Justin Townsend been nominated for?
Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Death Becomes Her, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Death Becomes Her, Outstanding Lighting Design (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Here Lies Love, Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jagged Little Pill, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Little Foxes, Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for American Psycho, Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Humans, Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for American Psycho, Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for The Humans, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for American Psycho, Best Lighting Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Humans, Performance- Sustained Excellence of Lighting Design (Obie Awards), Hewes Design Award (The Hewes Awards) for Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play, Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Here Lies Love, Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Here Lies Love, Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for One Night with Janis Joplin, Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for Unnatural Acts, Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Hamlet and Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.
What awards has Justin Townsend won?
Justin Townsend has won several prestigious awards for his lighting design work. He received the Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Moulin Rouge! and was also honored with Outstanding Lighting Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Moulin Rouge!. He won the Tony Award for Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Jagged Little Pill. His accomplishments include Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for American Psycho and Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Humans. Additionally, he earned Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for American Psycho. Townsend was recognized for Performance - Sustained Excellence of Lighting Design with an Obie Award. He also received the Hewes Design Award at The Hewes Awards for Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play, as well as Outstanding Lighting Design at The Lortels for Here Lies Love.
Videos