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Michael Greif

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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

Beautiful Little Fool
 
[West End, 2026]
Director
Hell's Kitchen
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
The Notebook
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
The NotebookThe Notebook
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Co-Director
Days of Wine and RosesDays of Wine and Roses
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
The NotebookThe Notebook
 
[Chicago, 2022]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
Next to NormalNext to Normal
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2020]
Director
Make BelieveMake Believe
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[Toronto, 2019]
Director
The Low RoadThe Low Road
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
A ParallelogramA Parallelogram
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
War PaintWar Paint
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
War PaintWar Paint
 
[Chicago, 2016]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
If/ThenIf/Then
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2015]
Director
The TempestThe Tempest
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
If/ThenIf/Then
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
Far From HeavenFar From Heaven
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
GiantGiant
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
RentRent
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
Next to NormalNext to Normal
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Director
Angels in America: Millennium ApproachesAngels in America: Millennium Approaches
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
Angels in America: PerestroikaAngels in America: Perestroika
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
The Winter's TaleThe Winter's Tale
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
Next to NormalNext to Normal
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
RentRent
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Director
Boys' Life
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
next to normal
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[West End, 2008]
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[US Tour, 2008]
Director
Romeo and Juliet
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
A Very Common Procedure
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
Grey GardensGrey Gardens
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Satellites
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Landscape of the Body
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
Beauty of the Father
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Mr. Marmalade
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
Spatter Pattern (Or, How I Got Away With It)
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
The Distance From Here
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Never Gonna DanceNever Gonna Dance
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
Cavedweller
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
F-ing A
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
Betty Rules
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Play Yourself
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Artistic Associate
A Few Stout Individuals
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Monster
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Everything That Rises Must Converge
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
First Love
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
Dogeaters
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
Bright Lights, Big City
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director/Choreographer
Director
Rent
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
RentRent
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Director
Rent
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
Director
Marisol
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
Spike Heels
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
Pericles
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
A Bright Room Called Day
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Machinal
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Sleight of Hand
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Assistant 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

More Videos

News


Listen: HELL'S KITCHEN Release Holiday Song 'Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Chri Photo
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!
Photos: On The Opening Night Red Carpet For TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YOR Photo
Photos: On The Opening Night Red Carpet For TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 21, 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!
Video: Yolanda Adams Says HELL'S KITCHEN Broadway Debut is a 'Bucket List' Moment Photo
Video: Yolanda Adams Says HELL'S KITCHEN Broadway Debut is a 'Bucket List' Moment
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - Nov 20, 2025

Grammy-winning gospel icon Yolanda Adams is heading to Broadway! The four-time Grammy Award winner will step into the role of Miss Liza Jane in Hell’s Kitchen. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge sat down with Yolanda to discuss her Broadway debut.
Listen: Durrell 'Tank' Babbs Shares New Single 'Control' Photo
Listen: Durrell 'Tank' Babbs Shares New Single 'Control'
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 19, 2025

R&B star Durrell “Tank” Babbs, back on Broadway for a limited run in Hell's Kitchen, has released his latest single, 'Control.' The track samples Janet Jackson’s hit “Control,” written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Check it out now.
HELL'S KITCHEN to Release Holiday Song 'Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas Photo
HELL'S KITCHEN to Release Holiday Song 'Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 19, 2025

Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen will release a new holiday song, “Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas,' featuring cast members Amanda Reid, Phillip Johnson Richardson and Jessica Vosk.
Ne-Yo Make Broadway Debut as 'Davis' in HELL’S KITCHEN Photo
Ne-Yo Make Broadway Debut as 'Davis' in HELL’S KITCHEN
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 17, 2025

Ne-Yo will make his Broadway debut in Hell's Kitchen. Nearly a decade after the recording artist won audiences over as The Tin Man in NBC’s “The Wiz Live!,” Ne-Yo steps onto the Broadway stage for the first time in the role of “Davis.”
Video: Durrell 'Tank' Babbs and Amanda Reid Perform 'If I Ain’t Got You' From HELL' Photo
Video: Durrell 'Tank' Babbs and Amanda Reid Perform 'If I Ain’t Got You' From HELL'S KITCHEN
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 17, 2025

As part of a new Broadway-themed episode of the Tamron Hall Show, Hell's Kitchen stars Tank and Amanda Reid took the stage to perform a reimagined version of “I Ain’t Got You” from the hit Broadway musical. Watch it now!
Review: HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour Presented by Broadway In Chicago Photo
Review: HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour Presented by Broadway In Chicago
by Rachel Weinberg - Nov 13, 2025

HELL’S KITCHEN, the Alicia Keys jukebox musical now making its Chicago premiere as part of the first national tour, has a messy storyline wrapped in slick packaging. While the show is loosely based on Keys’s childhood in Manhattan, the storytelling is generic, and the songs are often awkwardly incorporated into the book. Admittedly, Kristoffer Diaz’s book is weak. It’s a flimsy vehicle for Keys’s song catalog. Huge Alicia Keys fans might enjoy hearing her biggest hits performed by musical theater actors, but the plot around them doesn’t hang together.
Interview: Chloe Cheers of THE NOTEBOOK at Aronoff Center Photo
Interview: Chloe Cheers of THE NOTEBOOK at Aronoff Center
by Annabelle Dilts - Nov 12, 2025

Grab your tissues and your loved ones, because The Notebook is well into its first national tour. The three-time 2024 Tony Award nominee is making its way around the U.S., bringing a slice of sadness, joy, and everything in between to theater lovers everywhere.
HELL’S KITCHEN Opens At The James M. Nederlander Theatre For Three-Week Chicago Eng Photo
HELL’S KITCHEN Opens At The James M. Nederlander Theatre For Three-Week Chicago Engagement
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 12, 2025

HELL’S KITCHEN, the 13-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical featuring the songs of Alicia Keys, is now playing at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago through November 30, 2025.
David Hunter Will Lead World Premiere of BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL at Southwark Playhouse Photo
David Hunter Will Lead World Premiere of BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL at Southwark Playhouse Borough
by Stephi Wild - Nov 10, 2025

David Hunter - whose extensive musical theatre roles include Waitress, Once, Kinky Boots and The Time Traveller's Wife - will star as ‘F. Scott' in the world premiere production of Beautiful Little Fool.
Gospel Legend Yolanda Adams to Make Broadway Debut in HELL’S KITCHEN; Tony-Winner K Photo
Gospel Legend Yolanda Adams to Make Broadway Debut in HELL’S KITCHEN; Tony-Winner Kecia Lewis Departs In December
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 7, 2025

Four-time Grammy Award winner Yolanda Adams will make her Broadway debut in Alicia Keys’ hit musical Hell’s Kitchen, taking over the role of Miss Liza Jane from Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis beginning December 16, 2025 at the Shubert Theatre.
Photos: Colt Coeur Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Benefit Honoring Adrienne Campbel Photo
Photos: Colt Coeur Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Benefit Honoring Adrienne Campbell-Holt and Alison Overseth
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 5, 2025

Colt Coeur, the Brooklyn-based theatre company founded in 2010, celebrated its 15th Anniversary Benefit Bash at the Wythe Hotel on Sunday, October 26. Check out photos of the event.
Encore Sessions with Alicia Keys to Return to HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway Photo
Encore Sessions with Alicia Keys to Return to HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 31, 2025

Hell's Kitchen, the Grammy Award-winning musical featuring the music of 17-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, will present the return of Encore Sessions with Alicia Keys, a series of post-show performances.
Video: THE NOTEBOOK North American Tour First Look Photo
Video: THE NOTEBOOK North American Tour First Look
by Joshua Wright - Oct 28, 2025

Get a first look at the cast of The Notebook on Tour in action in this all-new video. The tour began performances in September in Cleveland and will visit 30+ cities in its first year, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.
Jessica Vosk & Phillip Johnson Richardson to Depart HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway Photo
Jessica Vosk & Phillip Johnson Richardson to Depart HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway
by Michael Major - Oct 28, 2025

Jessica Vosk has announced her final performance as 'Jersey' in Hell's Kitchen on Broadway. Vosk announced her last show through an Instagram video, giving her followers a backstage tour of the Broadway hit.
BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL Concept Album Released: Jessie Mueller, Ryan Vasquez, Hannah Co Photo
BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL Concept Album Released: Jessie Mueller, Ryan Vasquez, Hannah Corneau
by Gillian Blum - Oct 25, 2025

The concept album for BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL, featuring Jessie Mueller, Ryan Vasquez, and Hannah Corneau, released ahead of the show's world premiere in 2026.
Video: THE NOTEBOOK Tour's Alysha Deslorieux Sings 'My Days' Photo
Video: THE NOTEBOOK Tour's Alysha Deslorieux Sings 'My Days'
by Joshua Wright - Oct 24, 2025

Watch Alysha Deslorieux, who plays Allie in The Notebook on Tour sing 'My Days' by Ingrid Michaelson. The tour began performances in September in Cleveland and will visit 30+ cities in its first year, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.
HELL’S KITCHEN To Collaborate With 92Y for Broadway Spotlight Educational Program Photo
HELL’S KITCHEN To Collaborate With 92Y for Broadway Spotlight Educational Program
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025

The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY) will launch Broadway Spotlight, a ten-week arts residency for New York City public high school students, developed by 92NY’s School Engagement team in collaboration with the Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen.
HELL'S KITCHEN, THE NOTEBOOK And More On Sale This Week At Smith Center Photo
HELL'S KITCHEN, THE NOTEBOOK And More On Sale This Week At Smith Center
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025

The Smith Center will open ticket sales for the final four productions of its 2025–2026 Toyota Broadway Las Vegas Series on October 24 at 10 a.m. The lineup includes Spamalot, The Notebook, Shucked, and Hell’s Kitchen.
More News

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.

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