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Michael Greif Headshot

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

 
[West End, 2026]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Co-Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
 
[Chicago, 2022]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2020]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
 
[Toronto, 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Chicago, 2016]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Director
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2015]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
Director
 
[West End, 2008]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2008]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Artistic Associate
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director/Choreographer
Director
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[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

News


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 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 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 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
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
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
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 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'
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
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
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.
Tickets to THE NOTEBOOK at Seattle's Paramount Theatre to go on Sale Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 21, 2025

THE NOTEBOOK, a new musical based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, will play Seattle’s Paramount Theatre in March. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
Review: HELL'S KITCHEN at Key Bank State/Playhouse Square/Cleveland
by Roy Berko - Oct 17, 2025

Normally, juke-box musicals, which are scripts created from pre-conceived music, have songs shoe-horned into what is generally an acceptable, but less-than well-written story (think MOULIN ROUGE! and MAMMA MIA!).
Photos: Kecia Lewis Unveils Sardi's Portarait
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 17, 2025

Tony winner Kecia Lewis has a lot to celebrate this year. Not only is she starring in Hell's Kitchen on Broadway, but she is celebrating 40 triumphant years as a dynamic storyteller on stage and screen. She just received a Sardi's portrait and you can see photos from the special day below!
HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour is Coming to the Fox Theatre This Winter
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 10, 2025

HELL'S KITCHEN – the hit Broadway musical from 17-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys – will play a limited one-week Atlanta engagement. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Christopher Jackson to Depart HELL'S KITCHEN; Durrell 'Tank' Babbs to Return
by Michael Major - Oct 2, 2025

Christopher Jackson departs HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway next month. His last performance as 'Davis' will be on November 9.
Broadway Streaming Guide: October 2025 - Where to Watch HAZBIN HOTEL Season Two & More
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 1, 2025

This October, stream Hazbin Hotel Season 2 and enjoy new movies and shows, including Elsbeth and The Woman in Cabin 10. Don't miss out!
THE NOTEBOOK and More Set for Broadway In Chicago 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 29, 2025

Broadway In Chicago has revealed the full season line up for the next Broadway In Chicago Subscription Series, featuring The Notebook and more. See the full lineup here!
THE NOTEBOOK Comes to The Fabulous Fox in November
by Stephi Wild - Sep 23, 2025

As part of the 2025-2026 Broadway Season, THE NOTEBOOK will play at The Fabulous Fox in November and audiences in St. Louis are about to fall in love all over again with this beloved story.
Photos: Inside ART's Opening Night with Goldie Hawn, Paul Rudd, Jodie Foster & More
by Bruce Glikas - Sep 17, 2025

Just last night, the first-ever Broadway revival of the Tony Award-winning ART, by Yamina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, opened on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals here.

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, including Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Dogeaters, Direction at the Obie Awards for Dogeaters, and Special Citations at the Obie Awards for Rent.

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Videos