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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

Galileo (Weiner/Sarnak)
 
[Broadway, 2026]
Director
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 (Original)
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


The Metropolitan Opera Reveals 2026"27 Season - LINCOLN IN THE BARDO, MACBETH and M Photo
The Metropolitan Opera Reveals 2026"27 Season - LINCOLN IN THE BARDO, MACBETH and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 19, 2026

The Metropolitan Opera has revealed its 2026–27 season, featuring five new and 12 repertory productions, a special 60th-anniversary gala, and performances of Mahler’s Eighth Symphony conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
West End FUNNY GIRL Starring Sheridan Smith Comes to Cinemas for 10th Anniversary Photo
West End FUNNY GIRL Starring Sheridan Smith Comes to Cinemas for 10th Anniversary
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2026

To mark the production's West End anniversary, Liberator Film is bringing the film of this award-winning production to cinemas across the UK and Ireland for a limited run starting on 30 April.  
Regine Sophia Shares Backstage Scoop From CHESS Photo
Regine Sophia Shares Backstage Scoop From CHESS
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2026

In this edition of Words From the Wings, we catch up with Regine Sophia who is in the Ensemble of Chess Broadway. She takes us backstage at the Imperial Theatre to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
Australian Cast Announced for A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL Photo
Australian Cast Announced for A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL
by Gillian Blum - Feb 16, 2026

Producers Paul Dainty and TEG Dainty, Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio announced the Australian cast of the smash-hit musical A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.
GALILEO Will Open on Broadway This Fall, Starring Raúl Esparza, Jeremy Kushnier and Photo
GALILEO Will Open on Broadway This Fall, Starring Raúl Esparza, Jeremy Kushnier and Joy Woods
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 10, 2026

Producers Amanda Lipitz, Henry Tisch and Jordan Roth announced today that Galileo, the new musical inspired by the life of Galileo Galilei, will begin preview performances on November 10 at the Shubert Theatre. Opening night is set for Sunday evening, December 6.  
Submissions Open for The Blank Theatre's 34th Young Playwrights Festival Photo
Submissions Open for The Blank Theatre's 34th Young Playwrights Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 4, 2026

The Blank Theatre is now seeking submissions from playwrights 19 years of age and younger for its 34th Annual Young Playwrights Festival. The festival is a nationwide competition that produces the work of 12 young writers each year.
Andrew Durand Reveals Final Performance in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Photo
Andrew Durand Reveals Final Performance in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Michael Major - Jan 29, 2026

Andrew Durand has revealed his final performance in Little Shop of Horrors. Following the announcement that he would be playing 'Brad' in the upcoming Rocky Horror Show revival, he will be playing his last show as Dr. Orin Scrivello D.D.S..
Review: REVIEW: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL at ASU Gammage Photo
Review: REVIEW: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL at ASU Gammage
by Herbert Paine - Jan 29, 2026

Titled after Neil Diamond’s 1976 album of the same name, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL aims for something more intimate and riskier than the average jukebox musical. Rather than simply charting a performer’s rise to fame, it presents a man in conversation with his past where he’s both haunted and sustained by the songs he wrote to survive it. The structure is unorthodox and quietly daring.
CHESS Is Getting a New Broadway Cast Recording Photo
CHESS Is Getting a New Broadway Cast Recording
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 22, 2026

xProducers Tom Hulce, Robert Ahrens and The Shubert Organization along with Creative Partners Productions have just announced that Chess will record a Broadway cast album on Monday, January 26, 2026. A release date will be announced shortly.
Review: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is Dually Rousing and Intimate at the Eccles Theater Photo
Review: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is Dually Rousing and Intimate at the Eccles Theater
by Tyler Hinton - Jan 22, 2026

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL, currently playing at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, is dually rousing and intimate.
CHESS on Broadway Releases New Block of Tickets Photo
CHESS on Broadway Releases New Block of Tickets
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026

A new block of tickets is now on sale for the first-ever Broadway revival CHESS for performances through Sunday, June 14, 2026. Learn more about the show and get tickets here!
Interview: Wendy Orshan & Jeffrey M. Wilson Unpack Their 30 Years of Broadway Shows Photo
Interview: Wendy Orshan & Jeffrey M. Wilson Unpack Their 30 Years of Broadway Shows
by Robert Diamond - Jan 17, 2026

In this second part of our in-depth conversation (read Part 1), Jeffrey and Wendy look back on their over three decade career on Broadway and shares stories about some of their favorite shows. 
Photos: New Look At Nick Fradiani and More In A BEAUTIFUL NOISE National Tour Photo
Photos: New Look At Nick Fradiani and More In A BEAUTIFUL NOISE National Tour
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2026

New production photos have been released for the national tour of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. The tour stars Nick Fradiani and is currently playing in Seattle, with additional cities scheduled nationwide.
What's Coming to Broadway in 2026: Upcoming Hits and Star Performances Photo
What's Coming to Broadway in 2026: Upcoming Hits and Star Performances
by Sidney Paterra - Jan 4, 2026

Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2026 including plays, musicals, revivals, new shows and of course - stars! Be sure to check back for updates. We have all of the details!
Video: Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele & Nicholas Christopher Perform From CHESS on TODAY Photo
Video: Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele & Nicholas Christopher Perform From CHESS on TODAY
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 15, 2025

Chess stars Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit, and Nicholas Christopher joined TODAY's Citi Concert Series, treating Studio 1A to several performances from the ongoing revival of the musical. Check them out now.
Interview: Theatre Life with Julie Benko Photo
Interview: Theatre Life with Julie Benko
by Elliot Lanes - Dec 11, 2025

Today’s subject Julie Benko is currently living her theatre life onstage at Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) playing the iconic musical theatre role of Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. The show runs through January 8th, but Ms. Benko will be departing the show on December 28th. Read on to see what her next project is.
Video: Aaron Tveit Shares Memorization Hack From Lea Michele Photo
Video: Aaron Tveit Shares Memorization Hack From Lea Michele
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 11, 2025

On Thursday, Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit, and Nicholas Christopher joined TODAY with Jenna & Friends to chat about the revival of Chess, now running Broadway's Imperial Theatre. Watch the full interview, where Tveit shared how Michele helped teach him a unique method for memorizing lines. 
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE Australian Premiere Extends; Tickets on Sale for General Public Dec Photo
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE Australian Premiere Extends; Tickets on Sale for General Public December 11
by Gillian Blum - Dec 8, 2025

Due to overwhelming demand, producers Paul Dainty and TEG Dainty, Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio are announced a new release of tickets for the smash-hit Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.
Video: How Danny Strong Made CHESS Work Photo
Video: How Danny Strong Made 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.
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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 received numerous awards for his directing work. He won the Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Little Shop of Horrors. He received the Best Direction of a Musical from BroadwayWorld Awards for both American Idiot and Spring Awakening. Mayer also earned the Outstanding Director of a Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for American Idiot. He was honored with 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 and the Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for the same production. Mayer's directing achievements in plays include Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Spring Awakening, Uncle Vanya, and A View from the Bridge. He also received Best Director - Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A View from the Bridge and Side Man.

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