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Kenny Leon Headshot

Kenny Leon

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.

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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.

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Productions

This World of Tomorrow
 
[Broadway, 2027]
Director
The Conversation
 
[Off-Broadway, 2026]
Director
The Balusters
 
[Broadway, 2026]
Director
Amal and the Night Visitors
 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Director
This World of Tomorrow
 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Director
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

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Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, The Balusters

Tony Awards - 2026 - Best Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, The Balusters

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 Leon, Tambourines 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 Leon, Blues in the Night

Videos

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News

Interview: Namir Smallwood On Facing Off With Glenn Davis in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Stepp Photo
Interview: Namir Smallwood On Facing Off With Glenn Davis in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf
by Joshua Wright - Oct 22, 2026

Steppenwolf ensemble member Namir Smallwood discusses playing Booth opposite Glenn Davis in Kenny Leon’s production of Suzan-Lori Parks’ TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, opening Steppenwolf’s 51st Season and playing through November 1, 2026.
Tom Hanks & Kelli O'Hara To Star In THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on Broadway Photo
Tom Hanks & Kelli O'Hara To Star In THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2026

Tom Hanks and Kelli O'Hara will reprise their roles in This World of Tomorrow on Broadway in fall 2027. Kenny Leon will direct the new play by Hanks and James Glossman following its 2025 run at The Shed.
Amber Gray, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and More Will Lead Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davi Photo
Amber Gray, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and More Will Lead Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis' WARRIORS
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2026

Initial casting has been announced for Warriors, the new musical with book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, coming to Broadway next year! Find out who is starring in the show here.
Photos: Inside Black Theatre United's 4th Annual Gala Photo
Photos: Inside Black Theatre United's 4th Annual Gala
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 14, 2026

On Monday, October 5, 2026 Black Theatre United (BTU) hosted its fourth annual Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. This year’s theme was “Work to Do.” The evening honored Paramount Chair of TV Media George Cheeks with the Accountability Award, Academy Award-nominated actor Delroy Lindo with the Advocacy Award and Tony and Academy Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
André De Shields, Brandon J. Dirden, Jasmine Cephas Jones Honored at AAFCA Luncheon Photo
André De Shields, Brandon J. Dirden, Jasmine Cephas Jones Honored at AAFCA Luncheon
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 13, 2026

The African American Film Critics Association honored Broadway and theater leaders at its 5th annual luncheon, recognizing actors and a broadcast veteran for their contributions to the arts.
Christine Ebersole and More to Celebrate GREY GARDENS 20th Anniversary at Symphony Sp Photo
Christine Ebersole and More to Celebrate GREY GARDENS 20th Anniversary at Symphony Space
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2026

Symphony Space will present a special evening celebrating the 20th anniversary of Grey Gardens. Christine Ebersole will revisit her Tony Award-winning performance, alongside the show's composer, Scott Frankel.
André De Shields, Jasmine Cephas Jones and More to be Honored by AAFCA Photo
André De Shields, Jasmine Cephas Jones and More to be Honored by AAFCA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 6, 2026

The African American Film Critics Association will present its fifth annual AAFCA Goes to Broadway Luncheon, recognizing Broadway artists and cultural leaders including André De Shields, Jasmine Cephas Jones and more.
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG & More Lead Chicago's October 2026 Top Theatre Shows Photo
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG & More Lead Chicago's October 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Oct 1, 2026

Chicago is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for October 2026 include TOPDOG/UNDERDOG and more.
Video: Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf Photo
Video: Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2026

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has launched its 51st Season with Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog, helmed by Kenny Leon. Check out an all new video clip from the show here!
Ato Blankson-Wood to Replace Wayne Brady in MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT Photo
Ato Blankson-Wood to Replace Wayne Brady in MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 29, 2026

Tony Award nominee Ato Blankson-Wood is set to join the production in the role of Terence Alan Smith/Joan Jett Blakk in MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT, replacing Wayne Brady.
Review: TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf Theatre Company Photo
Review: TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Rachel Weinberg - Sep 28, 2026

Steppenwolf opens its 51st season with a blistering and captivating production of Suzan Lori-Parks’s Topdog/Underdog. This play has long been on my theater bucket list, and it’s absolutely what I think of when I think of a “Steppenwolf play”: A gritty family drama about brothers undergoing hard times, grappling with racial injustice and the fallacy of the American Dream.  With direction by Kenny Leon, Steppenwolf Co-Artistic Director Glen Davis and Ensemble Member Namir Smallwood are dazzlingly suited to take on the roles of Lincoln and Booth. While they tell us their names are a joke by their parents, it’s also revealing of their sibling dynamic and their fates. Though American society at large may view them as insignificant and non-contributors to capitalism, Lincoln and Booth nonetheless feel pressured to constantly one up each other — though they may have few means to do so. 
Video: Watch Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf Theatr Photo
Video: Watch Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 25, 2026

Steppenwolf Theatre Company shared a new video promoting its current production of Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, running in Chicago through November 1.
Westport Country Playhouse Opens Registration For Playhouse Playmakers Fall Program Photo
Westport Country Playhouse Opens Registration For Playhouse Playmakers Fall Program
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 24, 2026

Westport Country Playhouse opened registration for Playhouse Playmakers, a seven-week education program for middle school students to create and stage an original play with professional actors.
Photos: Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf Theatre Photo
Photos: Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2026

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has launched its 51st Season with Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Topdog/Underdog, helmed by Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon. See photos!
ALMOST, MAINE to be Presented at OSO Arts Centre In South London Photo
ALMOST, MAINE to be Presented at OSO Arts Centre In South London
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2026

John Cariani's Almost, Maine will be presented at OSO, a professional Fringe theatre located in the heart of Barnes village in South-West London, for a two-week run.
Meet the Cast of THE IMAGINARY INVALID, Now Playing on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of THE IMAGINARY INVALID, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2026

Roundabout Theatre Company's production of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière, translated by Doug Skinner, adapted by Tony Award winner Bill Irwin, with direction by Tony Award nominee Brandon J. Dirden is now on Broadway! Meet the cast here.
Kenny Leon to Release New Book DIRECTION, Featuring Foreword By Tom Hanks Photo
Kenny Leon to Release New Book DIRECTION, Featuring Foreword By Tom Hanks
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2026

Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon will release his new book Direction. The memoir features a foreword by Tom Hanks and recounts his creative partnerships with artists including Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.
Photos: Go Inside the 2026 American Theatre Wing Gala Photo
Photos: Go Inside the 2026 American Theatre Wing Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2026

The American Theatre Wing held its annual fall gala at The Ziegfeld Ballroom, celebrating backstage and ensemble members whose contributions are vital to theatre productions. See photos!
Video: Watch the Trailer for THE CONVERSATION Starring Joshua Henry and Julia Harrima Photo
Video: Watch the Trailer for THE CONVERSATION Starring Joshua Henry and Julia Harriman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2026

You can now get a first look at a new trailer for The Conversation, a new original musical conceived, co-written and starring Tony Award winner Joshua Henry and Julia Harriman
All the Off-Broadway Shows to See in Fall 2026 - A Complete Guide Photo
All the Off-Broadway Shows to See in Fall 2026 - A Complete Guide
by Sidney Paterra - Sep 16, 2026

BroadwayWorld has your official fall 2026 Off-Broadway preview, a complete guide to everything opening Off-Broadway! See West End transfers, stars in play revivals, multiple world premieres and more.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Kenny Leon been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Balusters, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Balusters, 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 received several prestigious awards, including the Directing Award from the Obie Awards for Much Ado About Nothing. He won the Outstanding Director of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Soldier's Play and the Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for A Raisin in the Sun. Additionally, he received 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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