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Kenny Leon

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BIO

Kenny Leon is a Tony Award-winning Broadway and television director. His Broadway credits include the Tupac musical Holler If You Hear Me, A Raisin in the Sun starring Denzel Washington (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Mountaintop starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett, Stick Fly, August Wilson’s Fences (which garnered ten Tony nominations and won three Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play), Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf. He also directed Smart People for Second Stage. Leon's recent television work includes "Hairspray Live!", and "The Wiz Live!" on NBC. He is the recipient of the 2016 Mr. Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing and the 2010 Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League. Mr. Leon serves on the board of New York's Public Theater and is Artistic Director of Atlanta's Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company.

Photos

Productions

OthelloOthello
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Director
Our TownOur Town
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
HomeHome
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
Purlie VictoriousPurlie Victorious
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Director
HamletHamlet
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
King JamesKing James
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
A Soldier's PlayA Soldier's Play
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Director
Ohio State MurdersOhio State Murders
 
[Broadway, 2022] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Topdog/UnderdogTopdog/Underdog
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
A Soldier's PlayA Soldier's Play
 
[Broadway, 2020]
Director
The Underlying ChrisThe Underlying Chris
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
Much Ado About NothingMuch Ado About Nothing
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
American SonAmerican Son
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
Children of a Lesser GodChildren of a Lesser God
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
Our TownOur Town
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Director
Hairspray Live!Hairspray Live!
 
[Motion Picture, 2016]
Director
Smart PeopleSmart People
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Director
The Wiz Live!The Wiz Live!
 
[New York, 2015]
Director
Holler If Ya Hear MeHoller If Ya Hear Me
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
A Raisin in the SunA Raisin in the Sun
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
Stick FlyStick Fly
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
The MountaintopThe Mountaintop
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
FencesFences
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Director
Radio GolfRadio Golf
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
Emergence-SEE!
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2005]
Director
Gem of the OceanGem of the Ocean
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
A Raisin in the SunA Raisin in the Sun
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
Everybody's Ruby
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog


winner
Obie Awards - 2020 - Directing Award

Kenny Leon, Much Ado About Nothing


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play


winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Drama League Awards - 2010 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing

Kenny Leon

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, Fences

Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Kenny LeonTambourines to Glory


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director - Play

Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun

Helen Hayes Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Kenny LeonBlues in the Night

Videos

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News


Steppenwolf Sets World Premiere and More for 50th Anniversary Season Photo
Steppenwolf Sets World Premiere and More for 50th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has revealed its its 50th Anniversary Season. Learn more about the 50th anniversary programming and see how to purchase tickets to upcoming productions!
Kenny Leon Wants Audiences to 'Recognize Truth' in His New OTHELLO Photo
Kenny Leon Wants Audiences to 'Recognize Truth' in His New OTHELLO
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 11, 2025

With Othello, Kenny Leon returns to the rehearsal room for the third time this season. He brought Samm-Art Williams' Home to Broadway last June and was the mastermind behind the recent revival of Our Town, which opened last fall. How did he land on Shakespeare for his next project?
OUR TOWN Is Now Available to Watch at the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive Photo
OUR TOWN Is Now Available to Watch at the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 11, 2025

Kenny Leon's 2024 revival of Thornton Wilder's Our Town was filmed by the New York Public Library for the Perfor
Photos: Roundabout Honors Danny DeVito at 2025 Gala Photo
Photos: Roundabout Honors Danny DeVito at 2025 Gala
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 11, 2025

Roundabout Theatre Company celebrated it 2025 Gala, honoring Danny DeVito. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night, which included a special performance from Josh Groban. Check out photos here!
OTHELLO Breaks Record For Top-Grossing Play in Broadway History Photo
OTHELLO Breaks Record For Top-Grossing Play in Broadway History
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2025

Othello, now in previews at the Barrymore Theatre, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, has broken the record for top-grossing play in Broadway history with a gross of $2,818,297.00 for eight performances.
James Bundy to Step Down From Positions at David Geffen School of Drama and Yale Repe Photo
James Bundy to Step Down From Positions at David Geffen School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2025

James Bundy, who has served Yale since 2002 as the fifth Elizabeth Parker Ware Dean of David Geffen School of Drama and fourth Artistic Director of Yale Repertory Theatre, will step down from these positions on June 30, 2026.
Broadway's OTHELLO: Meet the All-Star Cast as Previews Begin at the Ethel Barrymore T Photo
Broadway's OTHELLO: Meet the All-Star Cast as Previews Begin at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2025

Discover the star-studded cast of Broadway's OTHELLO as previews launch tonight, February 24, 2025, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Premiere set for March 23.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 21, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 21, 2025
by - Feb 21, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 21, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
OTHELLO on Broadway to Offer $49 Tickets Through Digital Lottery Photo
OTHELLO on Broadway to Offer $49 Tickets Through Digital Lottery
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 20, 2025

Shakespeare’s Othello, directed by Kenny Leon and starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, is launching a digital lottery policy. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
KING JAMES is Coming to Syracuse Stage in February Photo
KING JAMES is Coming to Syracuse Stage in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 20, 2025

Syracuse Stage will continue its 2024/2025 season with Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Rajiv Joseph’s “King James,” a slam dunk celebration of basketball, friendship and fandom. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Videos You Missed This Week: DEAD OUTLAW, PURPOSE and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: DEAD OUTLAW, PURPOSE and More
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 14, 2025

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! 2025 has officially arrived and the second half of the 2024-25 Broadway season has officially begun. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending February 14, 2025 with videos from Dead Outlaw, Redwood, and more!
Up on the Marquee: OTHELLO Photo
Up on the Marquee: OTHELLO
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 12, 2025

Shakespeare's Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, is getting ready to return to Broadway. Previews will begin Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.Check out photos of the new marquee here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 12, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 12, 2025
by - Feb 12, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 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: In Rehearsals for OTHELLO with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Photo
Video: In Rehearsals for OTHELLO with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal
by Joey Mervis - Feb 11, 2025

Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, is now in rehearsals for its Broadway return. Watch in this video as the full company meets the press and chats about what audiences can expect.
Photos: Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, and the Cast of OTHELLO Meet the Press Photo
Photos: Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, and the Cast of OTHELLO Meet the Press
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 11, 2025

Shakespeare's Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, is now in rehearsals. Previews will begin Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
FUZZY, THE YOM KIPPUR PLAY & More Set for Barrington Stage Company 2025 Season Photo
FUZZY, THE YOM KIPPUR PLAY & More Set for Barrington Stage Company 2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025

Barrington Stage Company has revealed the theatre’s 2025 season which includes seven productions, including two regional premieres and two world premieres. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Meet the Cast of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN Starring Sadie Sink Photo
Photos: Meet the Cast of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN Starring Sadie Sink
by Stephi Wild - Feb 6, 2025

All new photos have been released of the cast of John Proctor is the Villain, a new play by Kimberly Belflower, with direction by Tony Award winner Danya Taymor, and starring Sadie Sink. Check out the photos here!
Lincoln Center Theater Names Nicole Kastrinos As Producer Photo
Lincoln Center Theater Names Nicole Kastrinos As Producer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2025

Nicole Kastrinos will join Lincoln Center Theater in the new role of Producer, beginning Monday, March 17, 2025. Learn more about Kastrinos and about the position.
Photos: In Rehearsals for OTHELLO, Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Photo
Photos: In Rehearsals for OTHELLO, Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 27, 2025

Get a first look at rehearsals for Shakespeare's Othello, starring Denzel Washington as Othello and Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. See the full star-studded cast, including Molly Osborne, Andrew Burnap, and more.
Photos: OUR TOWN's Jim Parsons Receives Sardi's Portrait Photo
Photos: OUR TOWN's Jim Parsons Receives Sardi's Portrait
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 8, 2025

Jim Parsons, who is currently starring on Broadway in Our Town and is most known for starring in the CBS hit The Big Bang Theory, recently received his portrait at Sardi's. BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling and you can check out photos here!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Kenny Leon been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama League Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, Directing Award (Obie Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Soldier's Play, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Soldier's Play, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Fences, Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Tambourines to Glory, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun and Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Blues in the Night.

What awards has Kenny Leon won?

Kenny Leon has won several prestigious awards, including the Directing Award from the Obie Awards for Much Ado About Nothing. He received the Outstanding Director of a Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Soldier's Play. Additionally, he won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for A Raisin in the Sun. He was also honored with the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards and the Outstanding Director - Play award from the Drama Desk Awards, both for A Raisin in the Sun.

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