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Robin Wagner

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Robin Wagner BIO

Wagner was born in San Francisco, the son of Phyllis Edna Catherine (née Smith-Spurgeon) and Jens Otto Wagner. His mother was from New Zealand and his father was from Denmark. He attended art school and started his career in theatres in that city with designs for Don Pasquale, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Tea and Sympathy, and Waiting for Godot, among others. In 1958, he relocated to New York City, where he worked on numerous off-Broadway productions before making his Broadway debut as an assistant designer for the Hugh Wheeler play Big Fish, Little Fish in 1961. His first solo project was a short-lived 1966 production of The Condemned of Altona by Jean-Paul Sartre.

Wagner's many Broadway credits include Hair, The Great White Hope, Promises, Promises, Gantry, Jesus Christ Superstar, Seesaw, Mack & Mabel, A Chorus Line, Ballroom, On the Twentieth Century, 42nd Street, Dreamgirls, Song and Dance, City of Angels, Victor/Victoria, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Angels in America: Perestroika, The Producers, The Boy from Oz, and Young Frankenstein. His work in London's West End includes Crazy For You and Chess.

Wagner's other theatrical work ranges from off-Broadway and regional theatre productions to ballet and opera, including sets for the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Hamburg State Opera, the Royal Swedish Opera, the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, and the New York City Ballet.

Wagner won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design six times out of eleven nominations and the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design three times out of ten nominations.

Wagner served on the Theatre Advisory Committee for the New York International Festival of the Arts, as a trustee of the New York Shakespeare Festival, and taught in the graduate theatre arts program at Columbia University. In 2001, Wagner was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

Robin Wagner STAGE CREDITS

Robin Wagner Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Scenic Design Consultant
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Scenic Designer
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Scenic Designer
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Set Designer
 
[US Tour, 2008]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Scenic Designer
 
[West End, 2004]
Scenic Designer
 
[Canada, 2003]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Scenic Designer
 
[US Tour, 2003]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Scenic Designer
 
[US Tour, 2002]
Scenic Designer
 
[West End, 2001]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Scenic Designer
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2000]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Scenic Designer
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 1999]
Scenic Designer
 
[West End, 1998]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Scenic Designer
 
[West End, 1993]
Scenic Designer
 
[West End, 1993]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1988]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Scenic Designer
 
[US Tour, 1985]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Scenic Designer
 
[West End, 1984]
Scenic Designer
 
[US Tour, 1984]
Scenic Designer
 
[US Tour, 1983]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1983]
Scenic Designer
 
[US Tour, 1983]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1980]
Scenic Designer
 
[West End, 1980]
Settings/Sound
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Scenic Designer
 
[US Tour, 1979]
Settings/Sound
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Settings/Sound
Scenic Designer
Sound Designer
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Scenic Designer
 
[West End, 1976]
Scenic Designer
 
[US Tour, 1976]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1970]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Scenic Designer
 
[West End, 1969]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Scenic Designer
 
[West End, 1968]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1967]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1965]
Designer
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Assistant to Oliver Smith
 
[Off-Broadway, 1965]
Designer
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Assistant to Oliver Smith
 
[Off-Broadway, 1964]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Assistant to Mr. Smith
 
[Off-Broadway, 1963]
Designer
 
[Broadway, 1963]
Assistant to Mr. Smith
 
[Off-Broadway, 1963]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Assistant to Mr. Edwards
 
[Off-Broadway, 1962]
Lighting Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1962]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Assistant to Mr. Edwards
 
[Broadway, 1961]
Assistant to Mr. Edwards
 
[Off-Broadway, 1960]
Lighting Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 0]
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1980]
Scenic Designer

Robin Wagner Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Scenic Design of a Musical

Robin Wagner, The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Set Designer

Robin Wagner, Kiss Me, Kate

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, The Producers

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, Kiss Me, Kate

Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Set Designer

Robin Wagner, Crazy For You

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Revival

Robin Wagner, Jelly's Last Jam

Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Scenic Design

Robin Wagner , Dreamgirls

Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Set Design

Robin Wagner, On the 2th Century

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, On the Twentieth Century

The Hewes Awards - 1975 - Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, A Chorus Line

Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, Jesus Christ Superstar

Robin Wagner Videos

Robin Wagner News


Broadway Theatres Will Dim Lights in Memory Of Robin Wagner on June 17

The Broadway community honors the memory of Robin Wagner, the triple Tony Award-winning scenic designer who worked on more than 60 Broadway shows in a career that spanned over five decades.

Recap the 2023 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches

The 76th Annual Tony Awards have officially begun! As winners take the stage this evening, stay tuned to BroadwayWorld as we bring you full text of all of the acceptance speeches; from the emotional to the humorous, and everything in between.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Unions Formed, Joined, and Agreements Reached - In Both Theatre and Hollywood

While the writers continue to strike, and the actors have until this evening to vote on a strike authorization, at least one of the major Hollywood unions appears poised to avoid a strike - the Directors Guild, who shared many of the same concerns as the WGA membership, have secured an agreement with the producers pending a vote of its membership.

Wake Up With BWW 5/30: GREY HOUSE Opens, Drama League Awards Red Carpet, and More!

Top stories: Grey House opens tonight, go on the red carpet with the creatives at the 89th Annual Drama League Awards, and more!

Three-Time Tony Award-Winning Designer Robin Wagner Dies at 89

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of Robin Wagner, who designed scenery for landmark, critically acclaimed Broadway shows for over 50 years.

Which Broadway Shows Have Received the Most Tony Nominations Ever?

While many stellar productions are poised to earn multiple nominations this season, it will take quite a few to stand up to the current record holders. Below, check out which Broadway shows hold the records for the most-Tony nominated productions of all time.

Purchase College To Honor Technical Theatre Legend William M. Mensching On April 24

Purchase College, State University of New York’s Broadway Technical Theatre History Project, will present the Ninth Broadway technical “Backstage Legends and Masters Award” to theater legend, William M. (Bill) Mensching on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7 p.m. at The Performing Arts Center on campus, located at 735 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase, NY.

Derek McLane, Eila Mell & Moisés Kaufman to Discuss DESIGNING BROADWAY at Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble - Union Square announced a discussion and signing for Tony and Emmy Award-winning set designer Derek McLane and entertainment and fashion writer Eila Mell’s new book, Designing Broadway: How Derek McLane and Other Acclaimed Set Designers Create the Visual World of Theatre.

Review: Sally Struthers and Company Revive Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN to Glorious Life in La Mirada

Overall--especially in this tighter, revised version lifted from London’s West End production that’s much zippier than the original--there is no denying that YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is a witty, super funny, and genuinely enjoyable musical comedy that earns plenty of laughs and smiles along the way.

Photos: Exclusive Look at Sally Struthers, A.J. Holmes, and More in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at the La Mirada Theatre

La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts & Mccoy Rigby Entertainment will present the first show of their 2022-2023 season, the Southern California premiere of the newly-revised, London version of Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. See photos from the production here!

Sally Struthers, A. J. Holmes & More Will Lead La Mirada's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts & Mccoy Rigby Entertainment just announced full casting for the monstrously hilarious first show of their 2022-2023 season, the Southern California premiere of the newly-revised, London version of Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.

Sally Struthers to Star in Newly-Revised, London Version of MEL BROOKS' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at La Mirada Theatre

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment will present Sally Struthers starring as “Frau Blücher” in the Southern California premiere of Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN will preview on Friday, September 16 at 8 pm & Saturday, September 17 at 2 pm (with a press opening on Saturday, September 17 at 8 pm.

Original Cast Member Baayork Lee to Direct A CHORUS LINE Tokyo Engagement

Following its successful 2018 Tokyo engagement, Big League Productions, Inc. will once again showcase its 'singular sensation' for Japanese audiences, this time at the prestigious Orchard Hall. 

City Springs Theatre to Present A CHORUS LINE

City Springs Theatre Company will return in March with A Chorus Line as part of its 2021-22 PNC Bank Season. Directed and choreographed by original cast member and Tony Award recipient Baayork Lee, this sensational musical plays March 11 - 27, 2022 in the Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs).

BWW Review: THE PRODUCERS at Théâtre De Paris

The best French-language musical of the century so far.

VIDEO: First Look at YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Ogunquit Playhouse

Ogunquit Playhouse concludes its 2021 season with the perfect spooky October production: Young Frankenstein, starring John Bolton (Broadway's Anastasia) as the titular Frederick Frankenstein and featuring Ogunquit favorite Sally Struthers (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Frau Blücher.

Highlighting Iconic Set Designers from Broadway Past

Who are some of Broadway's greatest set designers? Which scenic designers have won the most Tony Awards? Read more about some of the greatest behind the scenes employees of Broadway and study up on ten iconic set designers from Broadway history.

John Bolton and Sally Struthers Will Lead Ogunquit Playhouse's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

Ogunquit Playhouse concludes its 2021 season with the perfect spooky October production: Young Frankenstein, starring John Bolton (Broadway's Anastasia) as the titular Frederick Frankenstein and featuring Ogunquit favorite Sally Struthers (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Frau Blücher.

VIDEO: THE PRODUCERS Celebrates 20 Years of Scams, Songs, and Showgirls

Today we're celebrating the 20th anniversary of Mel Brooks' The Producers, which opened to rave reviews at the St. James Theatre on this day in 2001. 

BWW Review: A Beloved New York Stage Actor Recalls Six Decades of Theatre in JOHN CULLUM: AN ACCIDENTAL STAR

The first time I saw John Cullum live on stage his fingers were clutched to a window frame of designer Robin Wagner's art deco luxury liner, playing the maniacally flamboyant theatre producer Oscar Jaffe attempting to board a moving train in his Tony-winning turn in ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.

Robin Wagner FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Robin Wagner has been nominated for several awards throughout their career. They were nominated for Outstanding Set Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Young Frankenstein," Best Scenic Design of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein," and Outstanding Set Design of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Young Frankenstein." They were also nominated for Best Set Designer at the Olivier Awards for "Kiss Me, Kate," Outstanding Scenic Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Producers," and Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for "The Producers." Other nominations include Outstanding Set Design - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Kiss Me, Kate," Outstanding Scenic Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Kiss Me, Kate," Best Set Designer at the Olivier Awards for "Crazy For You," Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches," Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for "Crazy for You," and Best Set, Costume, and Lighting Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Crazy for You." They were also nominated for Best Revival at the Tony Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam," Best Set Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "City of Angels," Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for "City of Angels," Outstanding Projection Design at the Drama Desk Awards for "Merlin," Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for "Dreamgirls," Lighting Design at The Hewes Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for "On the 20th Century," and Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for "On the Twentieth Century." Additionally, they received the Scenic Design award at The Hewes Awards for "A Chorus Line" and "Seesaw," Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for "Jesus Christ Superstar," and Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for "Lenny."

Robin Wagner, the renowned set designer, has received numerous accolades throughout their career. Some of the notable awards they have won include Outstanding Set Design of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Producers," Outstanding Scenic Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Producers," and Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for "The Producers." They have also been honored with Outstanding Set Design - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Kiss Me, Kate" and Outstanding Scenic Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same show. Wagner's exceptional work on "Crazy for You" earned them the Best Set, Costume, and Lighting Design award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. They also won the Best Set Design award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "City of Angels" and received Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for the same production. Their contributions to "Dreamgirls" were recognized with the Outstanding Set Design award at the Drama Desk Awards and the Lighting Design award at The Hewes Awards. Wagner's talent extended to "On the 20th Century," for which they won Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards and Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards. They were also honored with the Scenic Design award at The Hewes Awards for "A Chorus Line" and "Seesaw." Lastly, Wagner's exceptional set design for "Lenny" earned them the Outstanding Set Design award at the Drama Desk Awards.

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