tracking pixel
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Michael Arden Headshot

Michael Arden

Birth Place: Midland, TX, USA

read more news

Get Michael Arden Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

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
Tom Sawyer
Ensemble
Tom Sawyer
Ensemble

Productions

High Noon
 
[Broadway, 2030]
Director
The Lost Boys
 
[Broadway, 2026]
Director
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


MAYBE HAPPY ENDING and More Set For TDF's 14th Season of Autism Friendly Performances Photo
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING and More Set For TDF's 14th Season of Autism Friendly Performances
by Stephi Wild - Jul 9, 2025

TDF will launch its 14th season of Autism Friendly Performances (AFP) with the 2025 Tony-winning Best Musical Maybe Happy Ending next month. Learn more here!
What's Coming to Broadway in 2026: Upcoming Hits and Star Performances Photo
What's Coming to Broadway in 2026: Upcoming Hits and Star Performances
by Sidney Paterra - Jul 6, 2025

Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2026 including plays, musicals, revivals, new shows and of course - stars! Be sure to check back for updates. We have all of the details!
New Work by Robert Schenkkan and More Set for TheatreWorks' New Works Festival Photo
New Work by Robert Schenkkan and More Set for TheatreWorks' New Works Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 1, 2025

Hundreds of lovers of new theatre will gather this summer for an advance look at tomorrow’s hits at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s 22nd Annual New Works Festival. Learn more!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 27, 2025- BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK Lineup Revealed and Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 27, 2025- BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK Lineup Revealed and More
by - Jun 27, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 27, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Broadway Stars on What Pride Means to Them " Michael Arden, Nick Jonas & Mor Photo
Video: Broadway Stars on What Pride Means to Them " Michael Arden, Nick Jonas & More
by Joey Mervis - Jun 26, 2025

Happy Pride Month! Watch a video of Michael Arden, Nick Jonas, Ephraim Sykes, George C. Wolfe, and Francis Jue opening up and discussing what Pride means to them.
Review: PARADE at Ahmanson Theatre Photo
Review: PARADE at Ahmanson Theatre
by Harker Jones - Jun 24, 2025

When PARADE debuted on Broadway in December 1998 it won Tonys for Best Book and Best Original Score and six Drama Desk Awards. The 2023 revival was nominated for six Tony Awards itself, winning two. Now touring, the show, based on a true story, is in Los Angeles through July 12. And while it takes place 1913–1915, it is still just as relevant today as it was a century ago.
Photos: On the Red Carpet at the Jimmy Awards Photo
Photos: On the Red Carpet at the Jimmy Awards
by Jennifer Broski - Jun 24, 2025

The most talented teenagers from across the country took the stage at the Minskoff Theatre for the 16th Annual Jimmy Awards, hosted by Josh Groban.  BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the red carpet here!
Interview: Trevor James of PARADE at Ahmanson Theatre Photo
Interview: Trevor James of PARADE at Ahmanson Theatre
by Andrew Child - Jun 15, 2025

While still a high schooler living and finding his passion for theatre in Los Angeles, Trevor James had the opportunity to sing “The Old Red Hills of Home” from Parade for composer Jason Robert Brown.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Original Broadway Cast Recording Vinyl Available Now Photo
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Original Broadway Cast Recording Vinyl Available Now
by Stephi Wild - Jun 13, 2025

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Maybe Happy Ending is now available on vinyl. The album was released on CD and in streaming and digital formats earlier this season.
Video: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Shows Off Their New Tony Award Mid-Song Photo
Video: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Shows Off Their New Tony Award Mid-Song
by Michael Major - Jun 11, 2025

For once, Hwaboon was the second-most popular prop during last night's performance of Maybe Happy Ending! In a new video, star Dez Duron showcased the production's new Tony Award for Best Musical during one of his songs.
Tony Award-Winner MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Coming To BroadwaySF As Part Of 26/27 Season Photo
Tony Award-Winner MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Coming To BroadwaySF As Part Of 26/27 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 10, 2025

The six-time Tony Award–winning new romantic musical comedy, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, will come to San Francisco as part of BroadwaySF's 2026/27 season. MAYBE HAPPY ENDING joins the previously announced DEATH BECOMES HER and THE OUTSIDERS as part of the 2026/27 season.
Photos: Inside the 2025 Tony Awards Ceremony Photo
Photos: Inside the 2025 Tony Awards Ceremony
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 9, 2025

Last night saw the 78th Annual Tony Awards, celebrating the incredible theater work seen on Broadway this past year. Take a look inside the CBS and Pluto TV broadcasts below including photos from the cast of shows like Death Becomes Her, Floyd Collins, Gypsy, Maybe Happy Ending, Sunset Blvd. and more.
Photos: Backstage with the 2025 Tony Awards Winners Photo
Photos: Backstage with the 2025 Tony Awards Winners
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 9, 2025

Yesterday they were just nominees, but now... they're winners! BroadwayWorld was backstage at Radio City Music Hall for the 78th Annual Tony Awards and we've got photos of all the evening's winners.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Wins 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical Photo
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Wins 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical
by - Jun 9, 2025

Maybe Happy Ending has won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING's Darren Criss Wins 2025 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Ro Photo
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING's Darren Criss Wins 2025 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
by - Jun 9, 2025

Darren Criss has won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for MAYBE HAPPY ENDING.
Video: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Performs at the Tony Awards Photo
Video: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Performs at the Tony Awards
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 9, 2025

The cast of Maybe Happy Ending took the stage at Radio City Music Hall earlier tonight to perform at the 78th Annual Tony Awards. Watch the performance here!
Video: Dane Laffrey and George Reeve Celebrate Tony Win for Best Scenic Design of a M Photo
Video: Dane Laffrey and George Reeve Celebrate Tony Win for Best Scenic Design of a Musical
by Joey Mervis - Jun 9, 2025

Earlier tonight at the 78th Annual Tony Awards, Dane Laffrey and George Reeve took home a Tony Award for 'Best Scenic Design of a Musical' for their outstanding work on Maybe Happy Ending. After leaving the stage at Radio City Music Hall, they checked in with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge to share their initial reaction!
Live Blog: Backstage at the 2025 Tony Awards Photo
Live Blog: Backstage at the 2025 Tony Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 8, 2025

The 78th Annual Tony Awards are here at last! While we are glued to our TVs to find out what will happen next onstage, just as much is going on behind the curtain! All night long, A.A. Cristi will be sharing live updates from backstage at Radio City Music Hall.
Recap the 2025 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches Photo
Recap the 2025 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 8, 2025

The 78th Annual Tony Awards have arrived at last! As winners take the stage tonight, BroadwayWorld will be bringing you full text of all of the acceptance speeches. Read them in full here!
Photos: 2025 Tony Awards- Stars Walk the Red Carpet Photo
Photos: 2025 Tony Awards- Stars Walk the Red Carpet
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 8, 2025

Check out photos of all of the the red carpet looks at Radio City Music Hall for the 78th Annual Tony Awards and check back as we add more throughout the night.
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 won several prestigious awards for his direction. He received Outstanding Direction of a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for Maybe Happy Ending, as well as Outstanding Direction of a Musical from the Drama League Awards for the same production. Additionally, he earned Outstanding Direction of a Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Maybe Happy Ending. Arden also won Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Maybe Happy Ending. His work on Once on This Island earned him Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards. Furthermore, he was honored with Outstanding Director of a Musical by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Spring Awakening.

Get Michael Arden Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos