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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


Review: AMERICAN IDIOT at Wilbury Theatre Group Photo
Review: AMERICAN IDIOT at Wilbury Theatre Group
by Christopher Verleger - Jun 4, 2025

Wilbury Theatre Group concludes its season with a powerful, spirited, heart-stopping production of “American Idiot,” a musical based on rock band Green Day’s concept album of the same name.
Tickets to A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL at Chrysler Hall on Sale This Photo
Tickets to A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL at Chrysler Hall on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2025

Individual tickets for A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL, will go on sale starting at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6. Learn more about the production here!
DEATH BECOMES HER vs. MINCEMEAT Battle For Best Ensemble In The BWW Awards; Last Chan Photo
DEATH BECOMES HER vs. MINCEMEAT Battle For Best Ensemble In The BWW Awards; Last Chance To Vote!
by BWW Awards - Jun 2, 2025

This is the final chance to vote for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater. There's just one week left to vote!
Photos: AMERICAN IDIOT At Wilbury Theatre Group First Look Photo
Photos: AMERICAN IDIOT At Wilbury Theatre Group First Look
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 28, 2025

Get a first look at Wilbury Theatre Group's AMERICAN IDIOT with photos by Erin X. Smithers. AMERICAN IDIOT features music by Green Day, lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong, book by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer.
Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele und Nicholas Christopher werden CHESS am Broadway anführen Photo
Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele und Nicholas Christopher werden CHESS am Broadway anführen " Promo-Video ansehen
by Joshua Wright - May 28, 2025

Tony-Award-Gewinner Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge), Emmy-Award-Nominierte Lea Michele (Funny Girl) und Nicholas Christopher (Sweeney Todd) werden die allererste Broadway-Wiederaufnahme von CHESS anführen. Hier findest du alle Details zur Produktion.
아론 í"이í, 레아 미셸 & 니콜라스 í리스íí가 브로"웨이 Photo
아론 í"이í, 레아 미셸 & 니콜라스 í리스íí가 브로"웨이 ®지컬 CHESS를 이끕니다 " í보 영상 보기
by Joshua Wright - May 28, 2025

토니상 수상자 아론 트바이트(Moulin Rouge), 에미상 후보 레아 미셸(Funny Girl) 그리고 니콜라스 크리스토퍼(Sweeney Todd)가 최초의 브로드웨이 리바이벌 CHESS를 이끕니다. 여기에서 제작에 관한 모든 세부 정보를 확인하세요!
Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele y Nicholas Christopher protagonizarán CHESS en Broadway: mi Photo
Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele y Nicholas Christopher protagonizarán CHESS en Broadway: mira el video promocional
by Joshua Wright - May 28, 2025

El ganador del Tony Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge), la nominada al Emmy Lea Michele (Funny Girl) y Nicholas Christopher (Sweeney Todd) encabezarán el primer revival de Broadway de CHESS. Aquí encontrarás todos los detalles de la producción.
Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele & Nicholas Christopher Will Lead CHESS on Broadway- Watch Pr Photo
Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele & Nicholas Christopher Will Lead CHESS on Broadway- Watch Promo Video
by Nicole Rosky - May 28, 2025

Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge), Emmy Award nominee Lea Michele (Funny Girl) and Nicholas Christopher (Sweeney Todd) will lead the first-ever Broadway revival of CHESS. We have all of the details on the production here, plus watch a promo video!
Graham Phillips to Reunite with Elizabeth Gillies in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Photo
Graham Phillips to Reunite with Elizabeth Gillies in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 27, 2025

Filmmaker and star of stage and screen Graham Phillips will join the cast of Little Shop of Horrors as Seymour. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
1 Week Left for the BWW Awards; MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Leading Over MINCEMEAT & DEATH BEC Photo
1 Week Left for the BWW Awards; MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Leading Over MINCEMEAT & DEATH BECOMES HER
by BWW Awards - May 27, 2025

The latest standings have been released for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater. There's just one week left to vote!
Will Michael Mayer-Directed CHESS Open On Broadway In Fall 2025? Photo
Will Michael Mayer-Directed CHESS Open On Broadway In Fall 2025?
by A.A. Cristi - May 23, 2025

The long-rumored Broadway revival of Chess is officially moving forward. A series of newly released Equity casting notices confirm that the cult-favorite musical will return to Broadway in Fall 2025 in a production directed by Tony Award-winner, Michael Mayer (Funny Girl, Spring Awakening).
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN Begins At The MAC's Eastbound Theatre Photo
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN Begins At The MAC's Eastbound Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2025

Eastbound Theatre will present “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” a musical based on the beloved Charles M. Schulz comic strip “Peanuts” and written by Clark Gesner, Michael Mayer and Andrew Lippa.
Two Weeks Left To Vote for the 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards Photo
Two Weeks Left To Vote for the 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards
by BWW Awards - May 19, 2025

Show your support for shows like Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat, Death Becomes Her, BOOP! The Musical and more.
Photos: In Rehearsal For AMERICAN IDIOT At Wilbury Theatre Group Photo
Photos: In Rehearsal For AMERICAN IDIOT At Wilbury Theatre Group
by A.A. Cristi - May 12, 2025

Check out rehearsal photos of the cast, crew, and creative team of American Idiot at Wilbury Theatre Group, featuring music by Green Day, lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong, book by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer.
First Standings Announced for the 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards Photo
First Standings Announced for the 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards
by BWW Awards - May 12, 2025

The first standings have been released for BroadwayWorld's 22nd Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
The Drama League Unveils 30 Recipients of Directors Project Fellowships Photo
The Drama League Unveils 30 Recipients of Directors Project Fellowships
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 5, 2025

The Drama League has revealed the thirty exceptional stage directors receiving the 2025 fellowships, assistantships, residencies, and programs collectively known as The Directors Project. Learn more!
Review: YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at The Musical Box Photo
Review: YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at The Musical Box
by Sandra Harberger - May 3, 2025

It’s such a joy to see familiar Peanuts characters some to life. Charlie Brown (Caleb Stiffler) is lovable as always. Linus (Ally Ferrer) has his important security blanket at all times. Lucy (Kristen Demers) is loud and opinionated. Sally Brown (Ruby Maghoney) is the opposite of her brother in every way. Snoopy (Skye Williams) is imaginative and loved by all. Schroeder (Mariah Banke) plays the piano and loves Beethoven. Marcie and Woodstock (Mirada Snyder) round out the list of characters.
A Recent History of Biographical Jukebox Musicals on Broadway Photo
A Recent History of Biographical Jukebox Musicals on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - May 3, 2025

Bobby Darin's story is hitting Broadway with the new musical Just In Time, starring Jonathan Groff. We're taking a look back on some of the recent jukebox musicals that told the story of iconic solo artists.
Billie Joe Armstrong Remains Optimistic About AMERICAN IDIOT Movie Photo
Billie Joe Armstrong Remains Optimistic About AMERICAN IDIOT Movie
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025

Fans of Green Day's American Idiot may still want to hold out hope for the oft-delayed film adaptation, according to Billie Joe Armstrong himself. In a new interview, the Green Day frontman noted that he thinks 'eventually it’s going to happen.'
Theatrical Rights Worldwide Acquires The Avett Brothers’ SWEPT AWAY Photo
Theatrical Rights Worldwide Acquires The Avett Brothers’ SWEPT AWAY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 24, 2025

Theatrical Rights Worldwide has acquired Swept Away, written by John Logan with music from folk-rock group The Avett Brothers’ catalogue. Learn more about the show here!
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 several prestigious awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Director of a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Little Shop of Horrors. He won Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for American Idiot, along with the Outstanding Director of a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for the same production. Mayer also earned Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Spring Awakening. He was honored with the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing by the Drama League Awards. His work on Spring Awakening also garnered him the Outstanding Director of a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards, and Outstanding Director of a Play from the Drama Desk Awards. Additionally, Mayer won the Outstanding Director - Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for Uncle Vanya and for A View from the Bridge. He received Best Director - Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A View from the Bridge and Side Man, as well as Outstanding Director - Play from the Drama Desk Awards for A View from the Bridge.

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