Michael Greif
Latest News on Michael Greif:
SPAMALOT, THE NOTEBOOK, And Bernadette Peters Lead The Smith Center’s January– April 2026 Lineup (Jan 6, 2026)
Photos: BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL in Rehearsal at Southwark Playhouse (Jan 6, 2026)
Interview: Rayna Hickman on THE NOTEBOOK, Homecoming, and Finding Musical Theater Later in Life (Jan 4, 2026)
SPAMALOT, THE NOTEBOOK, And Bernadette Peters Lead The Smith Center’s January– April 2026 Lineup (Jan 6, 2026)
Photos: BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL in Rehearsal at Southwark Playhouse (Jan 6, 2026)
Interview: Rayna Hickman on THE NOTEBOOK, Homecoming, and Finding Musical Theater Later in Life (Jan 4, 2026)
BIO
Greif attended Northwestern University and graduated from the University of California, San Diego graduate directing program. He was the Artistic Director of the La Jolla Playhouse, LaJolla, California from 1994 to 1999.
He was an Artistic Associate at the New York Theatre Workshop where he directed, among others, Bright Lights, Big City (1998–99) and the original production of Rent for which he received the Obie Award for direction of a musical and which he later directed on Broadway.
Greif has directed several original Broadway musicals and been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical four times. In addition to Rent, his Broadway credits include If/Then (also at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.), Next to Normal (also at Second Stage Theatre and Arena Stage), Grey Gardens (also at Playwrights Horizons), Dear Evan Hansen (also at Arena Stage and Second Stage), and War Paint (also at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago).
In August 2023, it was announced that his Chicago Shakespeare Theater production of The Notebook would transfer to Broadway in March 2024 and in September 2023, it was announced that he would transfer his Off-Broadway production of Days of Wine and Roses to Broadway in January 2024.
Among his many directing credits Off-Broadway are Alicia Keys' autobiographical musical Hell's Kitchen, Katori Hall's Our Lady of Kibeho, John Guare's Landscape of the Body and A Few Stout Individuals at Signature Theatre, Beauty of the Father for the Manhattan Theatre Club, the 2009 Playwrights Horizons production of Mrs. Sharp (with music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver and starring Jane Krakowski), and Romeo and Juliet, The Winter's Tale, and The Tempest at the New York Shakespeare Festival at the Delacorte Theater (2007, 2010, 2015).
Photos
Productions
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Michael Greif, Days of Wine and Roses
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Hell's Kitchen
The Lortels - 2018 - Outstanding Director
Michael Greif, The Low Road
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen
Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen
The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Director
Michael GreifOur Lady of Kibeho
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Next to Normal
Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Grey Gardens
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Michael Greif , Grey Gardens
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director - Play
Michael Greif, Dogeaters
winner
Obie Awards - 2001 - Direction
Michael Greif, Dogeaters
The Lortels - 2001 - Outstanding Director
Michael Greif, Dogeaters
winner
Obie Awards - 1996 - Special Citations
Michael Greif, Rent
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif , Rent
Videos
Video: Yolanda Adams Recalls First Meeting with HELL'S KITCHEN Creator Alicia Keys
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-12-23 11:21:22
Video: Ne-Yo Takes His First Bow in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway
by Michael Major - 2025-12-05 11:59:01
Video: Jessica Vosk Departs HELL'S KITCHEN With An Explosive 'Pawn It All'
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-12-01 21:34:50
Exclusive: Hannah Corneau Sings 'Built to Last' From 'Beautiful Little Fool' Concept Album
by Michael Major - 2025-11-28 10:00:40
Video: Yolanda Adams Says HELL'S KITCHEN Broadway Debut is a 'Bucket List' Moment
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2025-11-20 15:30:27
Video: Durrell 'Tank' Babbs and Amanda Reid Perform 'If I Ain’t Got You' From HELL'S KITCHEN
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-17 14:17:29
Video: THE NOTEBOOK Tour Cast Hears Orchestra For The First Time
by Joshua Wright - 2025-09-04 17:31:58
Video: Watch HELL'S KITCHEN Perform 'Girl on Fire' & 'No One' on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2025-06-13 14:09:08
Video: Tank and Amanda Reid Perform 'If I Ain't Got You' From HELL'S KITCHEN; Deluxe Album Out Next Week
by Stephi Wild - 2025-05-16 05:37:09
Video: Watch Jessica Vosk Sing 'Love Looks Better' From HELL'S KITCHEN
by Michael Major - 2025-05-14 12:23:44
Video: Tank Discusses Broadway Debut in HELL's KITCHEN with Sherri Shepherd
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-03-11 16:47:03
Video: Behind The Scenes of the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade with Broadway’s HELL’S KITCHEN
by Blair Ingenthron - 2025-01-05 15:38:00
Video: Neil Patrick Harris Stars In RENT at La Jolla Playhouse In 1997
by A.A. Cristi - 2024-12-30 17:56:00
Video: Alicia Keys Visits Former School, Reunites with Teacher Who Shaped Her Music
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-19 13:38:12
Video: Kecia Lewis Performs 'Perfect Way To Die' from HELL'S KITCHEN at The Root 100 Gala
by Stephi Wild - 2024-12-16 08:05:56
Video: Shoshana Bean and Jakeim Hart of HELL'S KITCHEN Cover ‘Lesson Learned’ by Alicia Keys
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-12-01 10:05:45
Video: & JULIET's Philippe Arroyo & Ben Jackson Walker Show Off Their Broadway Crib
by Joey Mervis - 2024-09-20 11:22:34
News
SPAMALOT, THE NOTEBOOK, And Bernadette Peters Lead The Smith Center’s January" April 2026 Lineup
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 6, 2026
The Smith Center has announced its early 2026 performance calendar, featuring Broadway tours, concerts, dance, and family programming across multiple venues.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 6, 2026
The Smith Center has announced its early 2026 performance calendar, featuring Broadway tours, concerts, dance, and family programming across multiple venues.
Photos: BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL in Rehearsal at Southwark Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2026
All new rehearsal photos have been released from the world premiere production of Beautiful Little Fool. The cast is led by Lauren Ward, Hannah Corneau, and David Hunter. Check out the photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2026
All new rehearsal photos have been released from the world premiere production of Beautiful Little Fool. The cast is led by Lauren Ward, Hannah Corneau, and David Hunter. Check out the photos here!
Interview: Rayna Hickman on THE NOTEBOOK, Homecoming, and Finding Musical Theater Later in Life
by Melissa Heckscher - Jan 4, 2026
BroadwayWorld talks with THE NOTEBOOK's Rayna Hickman to discuss her journey, the show’s emotional power, and what it means to return home with the show, playing at the Hollywood Pantages January 6–25 before heading to Segerstrom Center for the Arts Jan. 27–Feb. 8.
by Melissa Heckscher - Jan 4, 2026
BroadwayWorld talks with THE NOTEBOOK's Rayna Hickman to discuss her journey, the show’s emotional power, and what it means to return home with the show, playing at the Hollywood Pantages January 6–25 before heading to Segerstrom Center for the Arts Jan. 27–Feb. 8.
Video: Yolanda Adams and More in HELL'S KITCHEN'S A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 23, 2025
A new video of Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas” has now been released featuring newly added Hell's Kitchen cast member, Yolanda Adams and more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 23, 2025
A new video of Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas” has now been released featuring newly added Hell's Kitchen cast member, Yolanda Adams and more!
Photos: David Hunter, Lauren Ward and Hannah Corneau in BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL Artwork
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 22, 2025
You can now check out artwork for Beautiful Little Fool, featuring David Hunter, Lauren Ward, and Hannah Corneau, now playing in the UK at Southwark Playhouse.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 22, 2025
You can now check out artwork for Beautiful Little Fool, featuring David Hunter, Lauren Ward, and Hannah Corneau, now playing in the UK at Southwark Playhouse.
THE NOTEBOOK National Tour is Coming to BroadwaySF's Orpheum Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025
THE NOTEBOOK, a new musical based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, will play San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025
THE NOTEBOOK, a new musical based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, will play San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre.
HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025
Hell's Kitchen, the Broadway musical from 17-time Grammy Award winner, Alicia Keys, will bring its North American tour to The Fabulous Fox. Hell's Kitchen is directed by five-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025
Hell's Kitchen, the Broadway musical from 17-time Grammy Award winner, Alicia Keys, will bring its North American tour to The Fabulous Fox. Hell's Kitchen is directed by five-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.
Single Tickets For THE NOTEBOOK To Go On Sale At The Kravis Center
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 9, 2025
The Kravis Center will soon welcome the acclaimed musical adaptation of The Notebook, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 9, 2025
The Kravis Center will soon welcome the acclaimed musical adaptation of The Notebook, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter.
Review: THE NOTEBOOK at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - Dec 5, 2025
Stories can be one of the most powerful things in the world. We all have different reasons we share a story. Sometimes it's to pass down a lesson we have learned. Other times it's to remind us or someone we know about our story. 'The Notebook: The Musical,' which opened on Tuesday at Des Moines Performing Arts as part of the Willis Broadway Series, not only tells a beautiful story, but the way it is told is something I'm going to remember for a long time.
by DC Felton - Dec 5, 2025
Stories can be one of the most powerful things in the world. We all have different reasons we share a story. Sometimes it's to pass down a lesson we have learned. Other times it's to remind us or someone we know about our story. 'The Notebook: The Musical,' which opened on Tuesday at Des Moines Performing Arts as part of the Willis Broadway Series, not only tells a beautiful story, but the way it is told is something I'm going to remember for a long time.
Video: Ne-Yo Takes His First Bow in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway
by Michael Major - Dec 5, 2025
Ne-Yo officially made his Broadway debut last night in Hell's Kitchen on Broadway. Watch a video of him taking his first bow in the production now! The cast also includes Amanda Reid, Kecia Lewis, Yolanda Adams, and more.
by Michael Major - Dec 5, 2025
Ne-Yo officially made his Broadway debut last night in Hell's Kitchen on Broadway. Watch a video of him taking his first bow in the production now! The cast also includes Amanda Reid, Kecia Lewis, Yolanda Adams, and more.
Video: Jessica Vosk Departs HELL'S KITCHEN With An Explosive 'Pawn It All'
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 1, 2025
The terrific Jessica Vosk has completed her run in Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen on Broadway and the production has released footage from inside the Shubert Theatre as Vosk sings one last explosive performance of, 'Pawn It All'. Watch the video!
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 1, 2025
The terrific Jessica Vosk has completed her run in Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen on Broadway and the production has released footage from inside the Shubert Theatre as Vosk sings one last explosive performance of, 'Pawn It All'. Watch the video!
Listen: HELL'S KITCHEN Release Holiday Song 'Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas”
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 21, 2025
Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen has dropped a new holiday song, “Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas,' an original mash-up of the holiday classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and Alicia Keys’ “The Gospel.” Check it out now!
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 21, 2025
Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen has dropped a new holiday song, “Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas,' an original mash-up of the holiday classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and Alicia Keys’ “The Gospel.” Check it out now!
Photos: On The Opening Night Red Carpet For TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 20, 2025
The new musical Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) celebrated its opening night on Broadway with a red carpet full of family, fans, friends, and supporters. Visit the red carpet in new photos!
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 20, 2025
The new musical Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) celebrated its opening night on Broadway with a red carpet full of family, fans, friends, and supporters. Visit the red carpet in new photos!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Michael Greif been nominated for?
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hell's Kitchen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for The Low Road, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Our Lady of Kibeho, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Next to Normal, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Grey Gardens, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Grey Gardens , Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dogeaters, Direction (Obie Awards) for Dogeaters, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Dogeaters, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Rent and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rent.
What awards has Michael Greif won?
Michael Greif has won several prestigious awards for his work in theater. He received the Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Dear Evan Hansen. Additionally, he won Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Dogeaters. Greif also earned the Direction award at the Obie Awards for Dogeaters, along with Special Citations at the Obie Awards for Rent.
Videos