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Michael Bennett Headshot

Michael Bennett

Birth Place: Buffalo, NY, USA

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BIO

Michael Bennett was a renowned American dancer, choreographer, and director, known for his innovative work in musical theater. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1943, Bennett began his career as a performer, dancing in the chorus of Broadway shows such as "Subways Are for Sleeping" and "Here's Love." However, it was his choreography that would make him a legend in the industry.



Bennett's breakthrough came in 1975 with the groundbreaking musical "A Chorus Line," which he conceived, directed, and choreographed. The show, which followed the lives of aspiring dancers auditioning for a Broadway show, was a critical and commercial success, winning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Choreography for Bennett.

"A Chorus Line" ran for a record-breaking 6,137 performances and became one of the most beloved and influential musicals of all time. Bennett's innovative choreography, which blended contemporary dance with traditional Broadway style, set a new standard for musical theater and inspired generations of choreographers to come.

Bennett continued to make his mark on Broadway with shows such as "Dreamgirls," "Ballroom," and "Nine," for which he won his second Tony Award for Best Direction. He also worked on the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line" and choreographed the iconic opening number of the 1983 Academy Awards.

In addition to his work in theater, Bennett also made a name for himself in television and film. He choreographed the dance sequences in the film "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and directed and choreographed the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line." He also directed and choreographed the television special "Baryshnikov on Broadway" and the HBO special "My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies."

Bennett's talent and influence were recognized throughout the industry, and he received numerous awards and honors for his work. In addition to his two Tony Awards, he received a Drama Desk Award, an Emmy Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. He was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1986.

Sadly, Bennett's life and career were cut short when he passed away from complications of AIDS in 1987 at the age of 44. However, his legacy lives on through the countless performers and choreographers he inspired and the groundbreaking work he created.

In 2018, a documentary about Bennett's life and career titled "Every Little Step" was released, chronicling the creation of the original production of "A Chorus Line" and its impact on the world of musical theater. The film serves as a testament to Bennett's enduring influence and his status as one of the greatest choreographers and directors in Broadway history.

In conclusion, Michael Bennett was a visionary artist whose innovative choreography and direction set the standard for musical theater. His groundbreaking work on "A Chorus Line" and other shows inspired generations of performers and choreographers and cemented his status as a legend in the industry. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on through the countless shows and performers he influenced and the enduring impact of his work.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Bajour
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Dancer
Here's Love
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1963
Clerk
Dancer
Clerk
Dancer
Subways Are for Sleeping
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1961
A Delivery Boy
Dancer
Teenager
A Delivery Boy
Dancer
Teenager

Productions

A Chorus LineA Chorus Line
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Choreographer
Director
A Chorus LineA Chorus Line
 
[US Tour, 2008]
Choreographer
Director
A Chorus LineA Chorus Line
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Choreographer
Director
Dreamgirls
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Choreographer
Director
Chess
 
[West End, 1986] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Dreamgirls
 
[US Tour, 1985]
Choreographer
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1983)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1983]
Director
Dreamgirls
 
[US Tour, 1983]
Choreographer
Director
Producer
Dreamgirls
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Director
Producer
Choreographer
Ballroom
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Director
Producer
Choreographer
A Chorus Line
 
[West End, 1976]
Choreographer
Director
A Chorus Line
 
[US Tour, 1976]
Director
Choreographer
A Chorus Line
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Director
Choreographer
A Chorus Line
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Director
Choreographer
God's Favorite
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
Bette Midler
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Choreographer
Seesaw
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
Choreographer
Follies
 
[US Tour, 1972]
Choreographer
Director
Company
 
[West End, 1972]
Choreographer
Company
 
[US Tour, 1971]
Choreographer
Follies
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Director
Choreographer
Company
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Choreographer
Coco
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Choreographer
Promises, Promises
 
[West End, 1969]
Choreographer
Promises, Promises
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Choreographer
Henry, Sweet Henry
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Choreographer
A Joyful Noise
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Choreographer
Nowhere to Go But Up
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Assistant to the Choreographer

Writing

A Chorus Line
Conceiver
Seesaw
Bookwriter

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Special Awards

Michael Bennett


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Special Awards

Michael Bennett

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Michael BennettThird Street

Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls


winner
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls

Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls

Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Musical

Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Choreography

Michael Bennett, Ballroom


winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, Ballroom

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Bennett, Ballroom

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Musical

Michael Bennett, Ballroom


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Choreography

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line


winner
Olivier Awards - 1976 - Musical of the Year

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1976 - Special Awards

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1976 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line


winner
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennet, A Chorus Line


winner
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Book of a Musical

Michael Bennett, Seesaw


winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett , Seesaw

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Bennett, Seesaw

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Michael Bennett, Seesaw


winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennet , Follies


winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Bennett , Follies


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Choreography

Michael Bennett, Follies


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Director

Michael Bennett, Follies

Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, Company

Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, Promises, Promises

Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, Henry, Sweet Henry

Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, A Joyful Noise

Videos

More Videos

News


Barrington Stage Company 2026 Season to Feature A CHORUS LINE 50th Anniversary Produc Photo
Barrington Stage Company 2026 Season to Feature A CHORUS LINE 50th Anniversary Production
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025

Barrington Stage Company's 2026 season will feature a 50th Anniversary production of A Chorus Line, the legendary Broadway musical that won nine 1976 Tony Awards and the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Where Are All Of the New Musicals This Season? Photo
Where Are All Of the New Musicals This Season?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 2, 2025

Only two new musicals are opening on Broadway in the first half of the 2025-2026 season: The Queen of Versailles and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). There has been much discourse on the topic of whether rising capitalization costs and the rareness of full recoupment is impacting the number of new musicals being produced on Broadway. 
Photos: First Rehearsal of The York Theatre's GOTTA DANCE With American Dance Machine Photo
Photos: First Rehearsal of The York Theatre's GOTTA DANCE With American Dance Machine
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 30, 2025

THE YORK THEATRE and AMERICAN DANCE MACHINE, in association with Riki Kane Larimer, present GOTTA DANCE, Co-Directed by Nikki Feirt Atkins (Producing Artistic Director of American Dance Machine for the 21st Century) and Randy Skinner (42nd Street, White Christmas, Dames at Sea). Check out photos from inside the show's first rehearsal.
Video: 'One' from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE Photo
Video: 'One' from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE
by Joshua Wright - Oct 27, 2025

Watch a clip of the finale from Goodspeed's A Chorus Line in this all-new video. Goodspeed's production of the beloved musical is now running through November 2.
LaChanze Steps Down as Producer of DREAMGIRLS on Broadway Photo
LaChanze Steps Down as Producer of DREAMGIRLS on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2025

LaChanze has stepped down as a producer of the Broadway revival of Dreamgirls. Learn more about the Broadway revival, and about LaChanze's decision to step away from the project here.
Jessica Lee Goldyn And More Announced In The York Theatre's GOTTA DANCE Photo
Jessica Lee Goldyn And More Announced In The York Theatre's GOTTA DANCE
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025

The York Theatre Company and American Dance Machine will present Gotta Dance, co-directed by Nikki Feirt Atkins and Randy Skinner. The production will run from November 25 through December 28, 2025.
Bartlett Sher to Receive 2026 SDC Foundation 'Mr. Abbott' Award Photo
Bartlett Sher to Receive 2026 SDC Foundation 'Mr. Abbott' Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2025

Bartlett Sher will be honored with Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award, given to a director or choreographer in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Broadway.
Video: Liesie Kelly Stuns With 'At The Ballet' from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE Photo
Video: Liesie Kelly Stuns With 'At The Ballet' from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE
by Joshua Wright - Oct 14, 2025

Watch Liesie Kelly, Scarlett Walker and Lisa Finegold perform At The Ballet from Goodspeed's A Chorus Line. Goodspeed's production of the beloved musical is now running through November 2.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 14, 2025- Broadway Musicians Vote to Authorize Str Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 14, 2025- Broadway Musicians Vote to Authorize Strike and More
by - Oct 14, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 14, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Highlights from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE Photo
Video: Highlights from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE
by Joshua Wright - Oct 13, 2025

Get a first look at highlights from Goodspeed's production of A CHORUS Line! Goodspeed's production of the beloved musical is now running through November 2. A Chorus Line is conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett.
A CHORUS LINE: Passion, Persistence and a Contemporary Take on a Classic Photo
A CHORUS LINE: Passion, Persistence and a Contemporary Take on a Classic
by Claudio Erlichman - Oct 9, 2025

At Teatro VillaLobos, the Broadway classic takes on a new life under the direction and choreography of Bárbara Guerra, who updates the visuals with large screens and real-time projections without losing the soul of the original, with a fine-tuned cast that delivers moving performances in numbers like 'At the Ballet' and 'What I Did for Love'. Metalinguistic and vibrant, the production celebrates the dreams, pain, and persistence of those who live to dance.
Video: Watch 'What I Did for Love' from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE Photo
Video: Watch 'What I Did for Love' from Goodspeed's A CHORUS LINE
by Michael Major - Sep 30, 2025

The cast of A Chorus Line, led by Mikaela Secada as Diana, sing of their love for dance in 'What I Did for Love.' Watch the new video of the beloved showtune now!
DREAMGIRLS Dazzles in São Paulo with Soul, Spectacle and Heart Photo
DREAMGIRLS Dazzles in São Paulo with Soul, Spectacle and Heart
by Claudio Erlichman - Sep 27, 2025

The Broadway classic Dreamgirls makes its Brazilian debut in a dazzling production. Directed by Gustavo Barchilon, the show captures the rise and struggles of a 1960s girl group inspired by Motown legends. Letícia Soares shines as Effie White, while Laura Castro (Deena) and Samantha Schmütz (Lorell) complete a dynamic trio. With striking sets, costumes, and a vibrant score, Dreamgirls is both a tribute to soul music’s golden era and a moving story of ambition, resilience, and identity and thrills with its energy, soul, and spectacle.
Video: Jennifer Holliday Reflects on DREAMGIRLS in JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW Interview Photo
Video: Jennifer Holliday Reflects on DREAMGIRLS in JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW Interview
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 24, 2025

Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday recently joined The Jennifer Hudson Show and took a look back at the original 1981 Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Check out her conversation with Hudson here.
Video: Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday Team Up for DREAMGIRLS Duet Photo
Video: Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday Team Up for DREAMGIRLS Duet
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 24, 2025

During a recent episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, Hudson paired up with Jennifer Holliday for a duet rendition of 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going.' Watch the special performance now!
Interview: Pelton, Brightbill, Walko, Marshall-Michelson of A CHORUS LINE at Dutch Ap Photo
Interview: Pelton, Brightbill, Walko, Marshall-Michelson of A CHORUS LINE at Dutch Apple
by Andrea Stephenson - Sep 24, 2025

A Chorus Line, featuring music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, first opened in 1975 under the direction of Michael Bennett with co-choreographer Bob Avian.
All the Off-Broadway Shows to See in Fall 2025 - A Complete Guide Photo
All the Off-Broadway Shows to See in Fall 2025 - A Complete Guide
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2025

BroadwayWorld is here with your fall 2025 guide to all the shows lighting up New York’s stages. From world premieres to long-awaited revivals, this season’s Off-Broadway lineup delivers something for every kind of theater fan!
Review: DREAMGIRLS at Shea's 710 Theatre Photo
Review: DREAMGIRLS at Shea's 710 Theatre
by Michael Rabice - Sep 15, 2025

A renaissance of Buffalo born theatre productions at the former Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo continues to burnish brightly. As I sat in the crowded, newly renovated Shea's 710 Theatre, thinking how the facility had been mothballed a decade ago, Buffalo's hometown pride burst through. On afternoon when the Buffalo Bills were playing, a mix of cultures gathered for a spectacular production of DREAMGIRLS. In a joint production between Shea's 710 and the newly formed AnsariSaxon Productions, the energy was palpable both on and off stage.
DREAMGIRLS Will Return to Broadway in 2026, Directed and Choreographed by Camille A. Photo
DREAMGIRLS Will Return to Broadway in 2026, Directed and Choreographed by Camille A. Brown
by Stephi Wild - Sep 15, 2025

The Tony Award-winning musical Dreamgirls will return to New York in the Fall of 2026 in its first-ever newly directed and choreographed Broadway revival, directed and choreographed by five-time Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown.
TO FEED THE ROSES Will Be Performed as Part of Theater For The New City's Dream Up Fe Photo
TO FEED THE ROSES Will Be Performed as Part of Theater For The New City's Dream Up Festival
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2025

TO FEED THE ROSES is about an older couple whose past secrets get in the way of their falling in love again. This romantic 'dramedy' is written by Amy Losi and directed by Laurie Rae Waugh.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Michael Bennett been in?

Michael Bennett has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Michael Bennett been in?

Michael Bennett has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Michael Bennett been nominated for?

Michael Bennett has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Special Awards at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Third Street," Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Ballroom," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "A Chorus Line," Special Awards at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Chorus Line," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "A Chorus Line," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "A Chorus Line," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "A Chorus Line," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Seesaw," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Follies," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Follies," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Follies," Outstanding Director at the Drama Desk Awards for "Follies," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Company," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Promises, Promises," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Henry, Sweet Henry," and Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "A Joyful Noise."

What awards has Michael Bennett won?

Michael Bennett has won several awards throughout his career. He has received Special Awards from the Drama Desk Awards. He won the Best Choreography Tony Award for Dreamgirls and Ballroom, and Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Awards for Ballroom and A Chorus Line. He also won the Outstanding Director - Musical Drama Desk Award for A Chorus Line and the Musical of the Year Olivier Award for A Chorus Line. Bennett received Special Awards from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Chorus Line and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for A Chorus Line. Additionally, he won the Best Direction of a Musical Tony Award for A Chorus Line and Follies, and the Best Choreography Tony Award for A Chorus Line, Seesaw, and Follies. He also received Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Awards for Follies, and Outstanding Director Drama Desk Awards for Follies.

How many shows has Michael Bennett written?

Michael Bennett has written 2 shows including Seesaw (Bookwriter), A Chorus Line (Conceiver).

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