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Michael Mayer

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BIO

Recent work includes: Chess (Kennedy Center), WarholCapote (ART), Michael Moore's The Terms of My Surrender (Belasco), and the world premiere of Nico Muhly's opera Marnie at London's ENO. Broadway Credits include: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Tony Award, best musical revival, also National Tour), Spring Awakening (Tony Award/Best Musical and Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Director; also London, National Tour, Vienna, Tokyo, and Seoul productions); American Idiot (also co-author, Drama Desk Award for Best Director; also US, UK and Asia tours); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony Award/Best Musical also London and National Tour), Side Man (Tony Award/Best Play also London and Kennedy Center Productions), A View from the Bridge (Tony Award/Best Revival), Everyday Rapture, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Triumph of Love. Off-Broadway credits include: Love, Love, Love (Roundabout), Brooklynite (Also co-author, Vineyard), Whorl Inside A Loop (with Dick Scanlan, Second Stage), 10 Million Miles (Atlantic). National Tour: Angels in America. London: a record-breaking West End run of Funny Girl and UK tour. Tokyo: As You Like It (Toho Theatre). Film: The Seagull, A Home at the End of the World, and Flicka. Television: Smash (Director/Producer, Season One) and two seasons of Alpha House for Amazon. Opera: a celebrated production of Rigoletto (Met). He serves on the Board of New York Stage and Film. @MichaelMayerDIR. This one is for Beatrice Terry.

Photos

Productions

Chess
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Director
Swept AwaySwept Away
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
A Beautiful NoiseA Beautiful Noise
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Director
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Director
A Beautiful NoiseA Beautiful Noise
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
Little Shop of HorrorsLittle Shop of Horrors
 
[Off-Broadway, 2021]
Director
Swept AwaySwept Away
 
[Regional (US), 2020]
Director
Burn ThisBurn This
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Director
Head Over HeelsHead Over Heels
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
Head Over HeelsHead Over Heels
 
[San Francisco (Regional), 2018]
Director
ChessChess
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2018]
Director
WarholCapoteWarholCapote
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Director
The Terms of My SurrenderThe Terms of My Surrender
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
Love, Love, LoveLove, Love, Love
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Director
Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. RosewaterKurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Director
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[West End, 2016]
Director
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[West End, 2015]
Director
Whorl Inside a LoopWhorl Inside a Loop
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Co-Director
BrooklyniteBrooklynite
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director, Book
Hedwig and the Angry InchHedwig and the Angry Inch
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
American IdiotAmerican Idiot
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Director
American IdiotAmerican Idiot
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Director
On A Clear Day You Can See ForeverOn A Clear Day You Can See Forever
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
The IllusionThe Illusion
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
Spring AwakeningSpring Awakening
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Director
Everyday RaptureEveryday Rapture
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Director
American IdiotAmerican Idiot
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Director
Our House
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Director
Everyday Rapture
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Director
You May Now Worship Me
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Director
10 Million Miles
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
Spring AwakeningSpring Awakening
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Spring Awakening
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
The Flamingo Kid
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
'night, Mother'night, Mother
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
After The FallAfter The Fall
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
Thoroughly Modern Millie
 
[West End, 2003]
Director
Thoroughly Modern Millie
 
[US Tour, 2003]
Director
Thoroughly Modern MillieThoroughly Modern Millie
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
An Almost Holy Picture
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
The Credeaux Canvas
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
Spring Awakening
 
[New York, 2001]
Director
Thoroughly Modern Millie
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2000]
Director
Uncle Vanya
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
True History and Real Adventures
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director
Thoroughly Modern Millie
 
[New York, 1999]
Director
The Lion in Winter
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
Stupid Kids
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
Side Man
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
Side Man
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
A View From the Bridge
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Triumph of Love
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Baby Anger
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
View of the Dome
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
Hundreds of Hats
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
Missing Persons
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
America Dreaming
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
The Triumph of Love
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1993)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1992)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1991)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1990)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Hedwig and the Angry InchHedwig and the Angry Inch
 
[US Tour, 0]
Director

Writing

American Idiot
Bookwriter

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Funny Girl


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Little Shop of Horrors

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Hedwig and the Angry Inch


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, American Idiot


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, American Idiot


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening


winner
Drama League Awards - 2007 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing

Michael Mayer


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening

The Lortels - 2007 - Outstanding Director

Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening


winner
Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Thoroughly Modern Millie

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Thoroughly Modern Millie


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director - Play

Michael Mayer, Uncle Vanya


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director - Play

Michael Mayer, A View from the Bridge

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, You're a Good Man

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Director - Play

Michael Mayer, A View from the Bridge / Side Man

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Direction of a Play

Michael Mayer, A View From the Bridge


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Director - Play

Michael Mayer, A View from the Bridge

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Michael Mayer, America Dreaming

Videos

More Videos

News


Notes on a Script: Danny Strong on Making the Book to CHESS Work Photo
Notes on a Script: Danny Strong on Making the Book to CHESS Work
by Joey Mervis - Nov 20, 2025

What went in to making the book to Chess 'work'? The Chess revival's book writer Danny Strong shared his process into rewriting the book to the musical, now playing on Broadway.
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL Runs At Cadillac Palace Theatre Through Photo
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL Runs At Cadillac Palace Theatre Through November 30
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2025

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL has returned to Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre for a limited engagement through November 30.
Michael John Garcés Named Executive Board President Stage Directors and Choreographe Photo
Michael John Garcés Named Executive Board President Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 19, 2025

Stage Directors and Choreographers Society has elected Michael John Garcés as Executive Board President at its Annual Membership Meeting.
Photos: Cast of CHESS Cast Takes Opening Night Curtain Call Photo
Photos: Cast of CHESS Cast Takes Opening Night Curtain Call
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 17, 2025

The first-ever Broadway revival of Chess officially opened at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre last night, Sunday, November 16. Check out photos of the cast, featuring Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher, taking their first bows here! 
Video: CHESS Cast Takes Opening Night Bows Photo
Video: CHESS Cast Takes Opening Night Bows
by Stephi Wild - Nov 17, 2025

The first-ever Broadway revival of CHESS officially opened at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre last night, Sunday, November 16. Check out a video from curtain call, featuring Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher, here! 
Review Roundup: CHESS Revival Officially Opens on Broadway Photo
Review Roundup: CHESS Revival Officially Opens on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Nov 17, 2025

The Broadway revival of Chess, starring Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher, is now officially open at the Imperial Theatre. Find out what the critics had to say about the show here!
Video: Aaron Tveit & CHESS Cast Launch the 'One Night In Bangkok Challenge' Photo
Video: Aaron Tveit & CHESS Cast Launch the 'One Night In Bangkok Challenge'
by Michael Major - Nov 14, 2025

Aaron Tveit has launched the 'One Night in Bangkok Challenge' with the cast of Chess. Set to the iconic song from the musical, the social media dance video features special choreography that audiences are encouraged to do on TikTok and Instagram.
Interview: Hannah Cruz Says CHESS Is 'Like We’re Creating a New Musical' Photo
Interview: Hannah Cruz Says CHESS Is 'Like We’re Creating a New Musical'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 13, 2025

BroadwayWorld interviews Hannah Cruz about her role as Svetlana in the Broadway revival of CHESS. Discover how this new production brings fresh perspectives, and what audiences can expect from the cast including Lea Michele.
Video: Lea Michele Reveals Jonathan Groff’s Role in Aaron Tveit Joining CHESS Photo
Video: Lea Michele Reveals Jonathan Groff’s Role in Aaron Tveit Joining CHESS
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 11, 2025

On Monday, November 10, Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher visited The Tonight Show for an interview and performance tied to the new Broadway revival of Chess. Check out their conversation about the show now.
Video: Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher Perform CHESS Medley on THE Photo
Video: Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher Perform CHESS Medley on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Stephi Wild - Nov 11, 2025

Chess stars Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicolas Christopher appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform a special medley from the show. Check out the video here!
PBS Unveils 2025 Veterans Day Programming Lineup Including AMERICAN HEART Musical Tri Photo
PBS Unveils 2025 Veterans Day Programming Lineup Including AMERICAN HEART Musical Tribute
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 7, 2025

Beginning Monday, November 10, PBS will air a special lineup of programs to commemorate Veterans Day with historical explorations, musical tributes, and the annual Veterans Day special.
CHESS Cast to Perform on The TONIGHT SHOW Next Week Photo
CHESS Cast to Perform on The TONIGHT SHOW Next Week
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 7, 2025

Tune in to The Tonight Show next week for a special performance from Broadway's Chess! On Monday, November 10, stars Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicolas Christopher will chat with host Jimmy Fallon before taking the stage to perform from the new revival.
Review: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE presented by Broadway at The Hobby Center Photo
Review: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE presented by Broadway at The Hobby Center
by Brett Cullum - Nov 5, 2025

This really isn’t about revelation; it is truly solely for celebration. If you’re a fan, you’ll love A BEAUTIFUL NOISE. If you are not, you may wonder why everyone is here.
​​​​​​​Single Tickets On Sale For A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND M Photo
​​​​​​​Single Tickets On Sale For A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL and More at The Kravis Center​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 5, 2025

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has announced that single tickets will go on sale Friday, November 7, 2025, for three major upcoming events: the national Broadway tour of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical (April 7–12, 2026), the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra with violinist Simone Porter (March 23, 2026), and comedian Matteo Lane’s We Gotta Catch Up! tour (March 28, 2026).
RIDE THE CYCLONE & More Lead Dallas's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows Photo
RIDE THE CYCLONE & More Lead Dallas's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Oct 31, 2025

Dallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for November 2025 include Ride The Cyclone & more.
AMADEUS & More Lead Chicago's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows Photo
AMADEUS & More Lead Chicago's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Oct 30, 2025

Chicago is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for November 2025 include Amadeus and more.
Andrew Durand and Christian McQueen to Join LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Photo
Andrew Durand and Christian McQueen to Join LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 30, 2025

Andrew Durand will star as Dr. Orin Scrivello D.D.S. and Christian McQueen will star as The Voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway.
Tickets to A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL at Popejoy Hall to go on Sale Photo
Tickets to A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL at Popejoy Hall to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 29, 2025

Individual tickets for the national tour of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical will go on sale Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10 AM. The musical will make its Albuquerque premiere at Popejoy Hall and we've got details on how to purchase.
COME FROM AWAY, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN And More Set for Capitol Theatre 202 Photo
COME FROM AWAY, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN And More Set for Capitol Theatre 2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 29, 2025

Artistic Director Rob Kempson has announced the Capitol Theatre’s 2026 season, Where Our Stories Begin, featuring ten Canadian productions, five world premieres, and three musicals across its Mainstage, Second Stage, and Music Lovers’ Series.
Video: Watch Madeline Brewer & Major Attaway Sing 'Sominex' in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Photo
Video: Watch Madeline Brewer & Major Attaway Sing 'Sominex' in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Michael Major - Oct 27, 2025

Little Shop of Horrors has released new footage of Madeline Brewer and Major Attaway performing 'Sominex' in the hit Off-Broadway production. Watch the new video now!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Michael Mayer written?

Michael Mayer has written 2 shows including The Flamingo Kid (Bookwriter), American Idiot (Bookwriter).

What awards has Michael Mayer been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for Funny Girl, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Little Shop of Horrors, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for American Idiot, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for American Idiot, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Spring Awakening, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Spring Awakening, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Spring Awakening, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Spring Awakening, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Spring Awakening, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A View from the Bridge, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for You're a Good Man, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A View from the Bridge / Side Man, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for A View From the Bridge, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A View from the Bridge and Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for America Dreaming.

What awards has Michael Mayer won?

Michael Mayer has won numerous prestigious awards, including Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Little Shop of Horrors. He received Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for American Idiot and was also honored with Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for the same show. Mayer won Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Spring Awakening and earned the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards. Additionally, he won Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Spring Awakening, as well as Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for the production. His accolades also include Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Spring Awakening, Uncle Vanya, and A View from the Bridge. Furthermore, he won Best Director – Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A View from the Bridge and Side Man, along with Outstanding Director – Play at the Drama Desk Awards for A View from the Bridge.

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