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Michael Arden

Birth Place: Midland, TX, USA

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BIO

Michael Arden is a Tony-nominated director for his revival of Spring Awakening. The acclaimed production transferred from Deaf West Theater in Los Angeles to Broadway in fall 2015. He also won the Outer Critics Circle for Outstanding Director of a Musical and was nominated for a Drama Desk award for the production. Michael made his Broadway debut in Deaf West Theater and the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Big River. Other directing credits include My Fair Lady at Bay Street Theater; Merrily We Roll Along at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Los Angeles, where he is currently the Artist in Residence; LA Ronde for his company, the Forest of Arden; and For the Record: John Hughes in LA and NYC. His production of The Pride opened at the Wallis Annenberg Center in June 2017. Other theatre credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Times they are a Changin', Ragtime (Avery Fisher), It's Only Life, Swimming in the Shallows, Ace, Juno, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale, The Secret Garden, Pippin (Mark Taper Forum), and Aspects of Love at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. Michael's film work includes Source Code, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Bride Wars and So B It. He has also worked extensively in TV, most notably on FX and Fox's "Anger Management." Other TV credits include "GCB," "Nurse Jackie," "Royal Pains," "Unforgettable," "Off the Map," "Kings," "The Closer," "The Forgotten," "Bones," "The Return of Jezebel James," "Cashmere Mafia," "Grey's Anatomy," and "NUMB3RS." Concert work includes singing with Barbra Streisand, Chris Botti, and performances at 54 BELOW, Feinstein's at the Regency and Joe's Pub. Michael is an alum of The Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School.


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
U.S. Premiere La Jolla Playhouse Production, 2014
Quasimodo
Ace
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
Old Globe Production, 2007
John Robert
The Times They are A-Changin' The Times They are A-Changin'
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Coyote
The Times They are A-Changin'
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2006
The Secret Garden
[New York]
New York Concert, 2005
Dickon
Swimming in the Shallows
[Off-Broadway]
2005
Nick
Pippin
[Regional (US)]
Reprise! Concert, 2005
Pippin
Bare
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2004
Peter
Big River Big River
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Ensemble
Tom Sawyer

Productions

High Noon
 
[Broadway, 2030]
Director
The Lost Boys
 
[Broadway, 2026]
Director
Lighting Designer
The Queen of VersaillesThe Queen of Versailles
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Director
ParadeParade
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
Maybe Happy EndingMaybe Happy Ending
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
Ben Platt Live at the PalaceBen Platt Live at the Palace
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
ParadeParade
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Director
A Christmas CarolA Christmas Carol
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Director
Once On This IslandOnce On This Island
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Director
AnnieAnnie
 
[Los Angeles, 2018]
Director
Once On This IslandOnce On This Island
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
Merrily We Roll AlongMerrily We Roll Along
 
[Los Angeles, 2016]
Director
Spring AwakeningSpring Awakening
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Director
A Tale of Two CitiesA Tale of Two Cities
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Assistant Director

Movies

The Good Shepherd
[ 2006 ] Pinafore Actor
Bride Wars
[ 2009 ] Kevin
The Cave Movie
[ 2009 ] Sam
Source Code
[ 2011 ] Derek Frost
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
[ 2012 ] Doug Wert
So B. It
[ 2016 ] Elliot

TV Shows

Anger Management
Patrick

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending


winner
Drama League Awards - 2025 - OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL

Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending


winner
Tony Awards - 2025 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening

Videos

More Videos

News


Photo: First Look at Sherie Rene Scott in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Photo
Photo: First Look at Sherie Rene Scott in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Michael Major - Nov 25, 2025

Sherie Rene Scott takes over in The Queen of Versailles tonight! The Broadway icon and standby for 'Jackie Siegel' performs her first show as 'Jackie Siegel,' see new photo of her during the show's final scene for the song 'This Time Next Year.'
Photos: Andy Cohen, Dylan Mulvaney, and Lukas Gage Visit THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Photo
Photos: Andy Cohen, Dylan Mulvaney, and Lukas Gage Visit THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 25, 2025

The Queen of Versailles has been visited by several celebrities since it hit the Broadway stage. Most recently, Andy Cohen, Dylan Mulvaney, and Lukas Gage attended the show. Check out photos here!
THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Sets Broadway Closing Photo
THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Sets Broadway Closing
by Team BWW - Nov 24, 2025

It was announced today that The Queen of Versailles will play its final performance on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on January 4, 2026.
Video: Darren Criss Teams Up with Third Reprise for 80s Pop Rock Cover of 'I'm Not Th Photo
Video: Darren Criss Teams Up with Third Reprise for 80s Pop Rock Cover of 'I'm Not That Girl' From WICKED
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 24, 2025

Just in time for the theatrical release of Wicked: For Good, Tony winner Darren Criss partnered with Third Reprise for an 80s-style pop-rock cover of 'I'm Not That Girl,' originally sung by Elphaba in Wicked. Check it out now.
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Reflects on Playing Jackie Siegel in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Photo
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Reflects on Playing Jackie Siegel in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 20, 2025

Tony Award-winner Kristin Chenoweth is back on Broadway in the new musical The Queen of Versailles. She stars as real-life socialite Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel in the show, and recently stopped by CBS Mornings to talk all about it. Watch the interview now.
Photos: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and More at WICKED: FOR GOOD New York Premiere Photo
Photos: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and More at WICKED: FOR GOOD New York Premiere
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 19, 2025

You can now check out photos from the red carpet of the Wicked: For Good New York City premiere, which streamed live, and marked the final stop of the press tour for the film.
Photos: NBC's STUMBLE Cast and Creatives Visit Kristin Chenoweth at THE QUEEN OF VERS Photo
Photos: NBC's STUMBLE Cast and Creatives Visit Kristin Chenoweth at THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 19, 2025

On Sunday, November 16, the cast and creators of NBC’s Stumble visited New York City’s St. James Theater to celebrate Kristin Chenoweth’s turn as Jackie Siegel in The Queen of Versailles on Broadway. Check out photos from the Stumble reunion here!
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Sings 'This Time Next Year' in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Photo
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Sings 'This Time Next Year' in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Michael Major - Nov 17, 2025

Watch a video of Kristin Chenoweth singing 'This Time Next Year' in The Queen of Versailles on Broadway. The video starts with a monologue to her social media followers, before Chenoweth begins to sing the Stephen Schwartz-written song.
Casts of MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, THE OUTSIDERS, and MAMMA MIA! Will Perform at Broadway U Photo
Casts of MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, THE OUTSIDERS, and MAMMA MIA! Will Perform at Broadway Under the Stars
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 14, 2025

Broadway’s magic returns to The Shops at Columbus Circle with the beloved Broadway Under the Stars series. Enjoy captivating performances from today’s top shows and intimate conversations with the stars, moderated by Broadway alum, George Psomas.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Will Launch 'Club 2064' Digital Lottery Photo
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Will Launch 'Club 2064' Digital Lottery
by Stephi Wild - Nov 11, 2025

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING has launched a special digital lottery ticket initiative titled “Club 2064,” (named after the year the show takes place) available for performances starting tomorrow in honor of the production’s one-year anniversary on Broadway.
Photos: Kristin Chenoweth and THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Opening Night Curtain Call Photo
Photos: Kristin Chenoweth and THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Opening Night Curtain Call
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 10, 2025

The Queen of Versailles, starring Kristin Chenoweth, is officially open at Broadway's St. James Theatre. See photos of Chenoweth and more at the opening night curtain call!
Video: THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Celebrates Opening Night Photo
Video: THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Celebrates Opening Night
by Joey Mervis - Nov 10, 2025

New Yorkers needn't travel all the way to France to get a taste of Versailles this Broadway season. That's because The Queen of Versailles, has made its royal entrance at the St. James Theatre, led by Broadway superstar Kristin Chenoweth. Watch in this video as we go inside opening night with the whole company.
Hot Tickets of the Week: LIBERATION, THE LOST BOYS, and More Photo
Hot Tickets of the Week: LIBERATION, THE LOST BOYS, and More
by Team BWW - Nov 10, 2025

Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week, starting November 10, 2025. Check out five Broadway shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to right now!
Video: Watch Highlights From THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES With Kristin Chenoweth Photo
Video: Watch Highlights From THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES With Kristin Chenoweth
by Michael Major - Nov 10, 2025

Watch new video footage of The Queen of Versailles on Broadway, starring Tony and Emmy Winner Kristin Chenoweth and Academy Award winner F. Murray Abraham. The new footage shows the cast in action, with Chenoweth performing 'This Is Not the Way.'
Review Roundup: THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Opens on Broadway Photo
Review Roundup: THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Opens on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 10, 2025

The queen's reign has begun! Tony and Emmy Award Winner Kristin Chenoweth has officially returned to Broadway in The Queen of Versailles, which is now open at the St. James Theatre. Let's see what the New York theatre critics are saying about the new musical...
Photos: ROB LAKE MAGIC Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway Photo
Photos: ROB LAKE MAGIC Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 8, 2025

Rob Lake MAGIC with Special Guests The Muppets celebrated its Gala performance at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City. The 12-week limited holiday engagement will run through Sunday, January 18, 2026. Check out photos from inside the big night here.
Photos: Kristin Chenoweth in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES on Broadway Photo
Photos: Kristin Chenoweth in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2025

You can now get a first look at photos of The Queen of Versailles on Broadway starring Tony and Emmy Award Winner Kristin Chenoweth.
Caissie Levy Departs THE LOST BOYS Musical Broadway Premiere Photo
Caissie Levy Departs THE LOST BOYS Musical Broadway Premiere
by Michael Major - Nov 6, 2025

Caissie Levy has announced that she will no longer be starring in the Broadway premiere of The Lost Boys. Watch the video she posted to her Instagram announcing her departure.
The Music Center To Host Festive Holiday Programming Across Downtown Los Angeles Photo
The Music Center To Host Festive Holiday Programming Across Downtown Los Angeles
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 4, 2025

The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles will present a full slate of holiday programming through December 2025, featuring performances and events from TMC Arts, LA Phil, LA Opera, Center Theatre Group, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Kristin Chenoweth Clarifies Idina Menzel Feud Rumors Photo
Kristin Chenoweth Clarifies Idina Menzel Feud Rumors
by Michael Major - Nov 3, 2025

Kristin Chenoweth is addressing rumors that she and Idina Menzel 'did not get along' during Wicked. She also reveals why she chose to star in The Queen of Versailles over Death Becomes Her.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Michael Arden been in?

Michael Arden has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Michael Arden been in?

Michael Arden has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Michael Arden been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL (Drama League Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Once on this Island, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Once on this Island, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Once on this Island, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Spring Awakening, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Spring Awakening and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Spring Awakening.

What awards has Michael Arden won?

Michael Arden has received several prestigious awards for his directing work. He won Outstanding Direction of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Drama League Awards, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Maybe Happy Ending. Additionally, he earned Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Maybe Happy Ending. He also received Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Once on This Island and Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Spring Awakening.

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