Basil Twist
Basil Twist is an actor, author whose BroadwayWorld credits include Arias with a Twist, Symphonie Fantastique, and Peter and Wendy. Awards include Drama Desk Awards for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2017).
Latest News on Basil Twist:
Photos
Peter Criswell, Lia Chang, Richard W. Prouse, Chasity Moore, John Concado, Emily Johnson, Drew Wutke, André De Shields, Lori Tan Chinn, Jonathan Burke, Basil Twist, Kenneth Ard, Jeanne Fleming
Artistic/Producing Director
New York's Village Halloween Parade. Photo by Brielle Polizzano
Date:
11/01/2024
From: Exclusive: André De Shields Grand Marshals the NYC Village Halloween Parade
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Puppet and illusion designer [Replacement]
Writing
Author
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Puppet Design
Basil Twist, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Set Design
Basil Twist, The Addams Family
Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Set Design of a Musical
Basil Twist, Arias With a Twist
winner
The Hewes Awards - 2005 - Notable Effects - Production Design
Basil Twist, Symphonie Fantastique
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Puppet Design
Basil Twist, Tell Tale
winner
Obie Awards - 1999 - Special Citations
Basil Twist, Symphonie Fantastique
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Puppet Design
Basil Twist, Tell Tale
Videos
Video: First Look at SHIKI Theatre Company's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in Japan
by Joshua Wright - 2025-07-10 12:24:01
Cast Set For MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO Returning to the Barbican; Plus Watch a Rehearsal Video!
by Stephi Wild - 2023-09-29 06:11:26
VIDEO: Watch an All New Concept Trailer For MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO at RSC
by Stephi Wild - 2022-06-15 06:50:37
News
Feature: MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO: Studio Ghibli’s Beloved Forest Spirit Comes To Life
by Christiana Rose - Oct 12, 2026
Studio Ghibli’s beloved animated classic My Neighbour Totoro has reached its final three months in London’s West End, where the Royal Shakespeare Company’s award winning stage adaptation continues to celebrate the wonder of childhood, the strength of family and the extraordinary possibilities of theatrical imagination.
by Christiana Rose - Oct 12, 2026
Studio Ghibli’s beloved animated classic My Neighbour Totoro has reached its final three months in London’s West End, where the Royal Shakespeare Company’s award winning stage adaptation continues to celebrate the wonder of childhood, the strength of family and the extraordinary possibilities of theatrical imagination.
Photos: Behind the Scenes of MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2026
The Royal Shakespeare Company has released all new behind the scenes photos from My Neighbour Totoro, to mark the production entering the final twelve weeks of its run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Check out the photos here.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2026
The Royal Shakespeare Company has released all new behind the scenes photos from My Neighbour Totoro, to mark the production entering the final twelve weeks of its run at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Check out the photos here.
VILLAGE HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL to Celebrate 50th Year at Theater for the New City
by Rachel Stone - Oct 5, 2026
Theater for the New City marks five decades of its East Village Halloween tradition with performances, aerial dance, live music, cabaret, and a costume contest.
by Rachel Stone - Oct 5, 2026
Theater for the New City marks five decades of its East Village Halloween tradition with performances, aerial dance, live music, cabaret, and a costume contest.
ARIAS WITH A TWIST to Extend Run at HERE Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 5, 2026
Arias with a Twist, created by NYC icon and chanteuse Joey Arias and renowned puppeteer Basil Twist, presented at the Dorothy B Williams Theatre at HERE Arts Center, has now been extended.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 5, 2026
Arias with a Twist, created by NYC icon and chanteuse Joey Arias and renowned puppeteer Basil Twist, presented at the Dorothy B Williams Theatre at HERE Arts Center, has now been extended.
Review Roundup: ARIAS WITH A TWIST at Here Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 5, 2026
Tandem Otter Productions is presenting the return of Arias with a Twist, created and performed by NYC icon, chanteuse, and performance artist Joey Arias. Read the reviews in BroadwayWorld's Review Roundup.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 5, 2026
Tandem Otter Productions is presenting the return of Arias with a Twist, created and performed by NYC icon, chanteuse, and performance artist Joey Arias. Read the reviews in BroadwayWorld's Review Roundup.
Previews: ARIAS WITH A TWIST at Here Arts Center
by Peter Danish - Sep 18, 2026
There are shows you see once, treasure, and file away as an artifact of a particular downtown moment that could never happen again. And then, every couple of decades, one of them proves you wrong. Arias with a Twist, back at HERE Arts Center in the very theater where it detonated in 2008, is not a nostalgia trip. It is a resurrection, and it is glorious.
by Peter Danish - Sep 18, 2026
There are shows you see once, treasure, and file away as an artifact of a particular downtown moment that could never happen again. And then, every couple of decades, one of them proves you wrong. Arias with a Twist, back at HERE Arts Center in the very theater where it detonated in 2008, is not a nostalgia trip. It is a resurrection, and it is glorious.
All the Off-Broadway Shows to See in Fall 2026 - A Complete Guide
by Sidney Paterra - Sep 16, 2026
BroadwayWorld has your official fall 2026 Off-Broadway preview, a complete guide to everything opening Off-Broadway! See West End transfers, stars in play revivals, multiple world premieres and more.
by Sidney Paterra - Sep 16, 2026
BroadwayWorld has your official fall 2026 Off-Broadway preview, a complete guide to everything opening Off-Broadway! See West End transfers, stars in play revivals, multiple world premieres and more.
MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO Sets New Closing Date
by Stephi Wild - Sep 14, 2026
The stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli's animated film, directed by Phelim McDermott and adapted by Tom Morton-Smith, will conclude its run. The production features a cast including Victoria Chen and Helen Chong.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 14, 2026
The stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli's animated film, directed by Phelim McDermott and adapted by Tom Morton-Smith, will conclude its run. The production features a cast including Victoria Chen and Helen Chong.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM at Shakespeare Theatre Company to Feature Puppets by Jim Henson's Creature Shop
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
Shakespeare Theatre Company partners with Jim Henson's Creature Shop to create featured puppets for its production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, directed by Simon Godwin with puppetry design by Basil Twist.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2026
Shakespeare Theatre Company partners with Jim Henson's Creature Shop to create featured puppets for its production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, directed by Simon Godwin with puppetry design by Basil Twist.
Interview: Joey Arias Brings ARIAS WITH A TWIST Home
by David Clarke - Sep 1, 2026
Joey Arias talks bringing ARIAS WITH A TWIST back to HERE Arts Center nearly 20 years later, reuniting with Basil Twist, inspiring a new generation, and creating a handmade love letter to New York City.
by David Clarke - Sep 1, 2026
Joey Arias talks bringing ARIAS WITH A TWIST back to HERE Arts Center nearly 20 years later, reuniting with Basil Twist, inspiring a new generation, and creating a handmade love letter to New York City.
ARIAS WITH A TWIST to Return to HERE Arts Center for Limited Run
by Rachel Stone - Aug 18, 2026
Joey Arias and Basil Twist's ARIAS WITH A TWIST will return to HERE Arts Center in New York for a strictly limited engagement, blending cabaret, puppetry and visual spectacle in an 80-minute performance.
by Rachel Stone - Aug 18, 2026
Joey Arias and Basil Twist's ARIAS WITH A TWIST will return to HERE Arts Center in New York for a strictly limited engagement, blending cabaret, puppetry and visual spectacle in an 80-minute performance.
Photos: Original Broadway 'Rum Tum Tugger' Terrence Mann visits CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL
by Bruce Glikas - Jul 31, 2026
The original Broadway 'Rum Tum Tugger' Terrence Mann recently paid a visit to Cats: The Jellicle ball on Broadway. Backstage, he posed with Sydney James Harcourt, who plays Rum Tum Tugger in this production. Check out photos here.
by Bruce Glikas - Jul 31, 2026
The original Broadway 'Rum Tum Tugger' Terrence Mann recently paid a visit to Cats: The Jellicle ball on Broadway. Backstage, he posed with Sydney James Harcourt, who plays Rum Tum Tugger in this production. Check out photos here.
The Museum of Broadway Extends CRAFT OF BROADWAY PUPPETRY Exhibit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2026
The Museum of Broadway will extend the special exhibit Craft of Broadway Puppetry. The exhibit explores the making of beloved puppets such as the animals from Life of Pi, Pudgy from Boop! The Musical, and Olaf from Disney’s Frozen.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2026
The Museum of Broadway will extend the special exhibit Craft of Broadway Puppetry. The exhibit explores the making of beloved puppets such as the animals from Life of Pi, Pudgy from Boop! The Musical, and Olaf from Disney’s Frozen.
REVIEW: A Visual Display of Magic and Music Shines in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
by Gilbert Kim Sancha - Jul 15, 2026
A special kind of magic fills The Theatre at Solaire as a major international tour arrives. Beyond the resort’s radiant lights, the lobby buzzes in eager anticipation, drawing together theater purists, chic weekenders, and families teeming with excitement.
by Gilbert Kim Sancha - Jul 15, 2026
A special kind of magic fills The Theatre at Solaire as a major international tour arrives. Beyond the resort’s radiant lights, the lobby buzzes in eager anticipation, drawing together theater purists, chic weekenders, and families teeming with excitement.
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS to Return to Battery Park From Stairwell Theater
by Stephi Wild - Jul 13, 2026
Stairwell Theater announced it will stage a free production of THE COMEDY OF ERRORS at the ShowBox Stage in Battery Park, supported by an LMCC Manhattan Arts Grant, featuring 16 performers and a live jazz band.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 13, 2026
Stairwell Theater announced it will stage a free production of THE COMEDY OF ERRORS at the ShowBox Stage in Battery Park, supported by an LMCC Manhattan Arts Grant, featuring 16 performers and a live jazz band.
ARIAS WITH A TWIST to Return to HERE Arts Center for Limited Engagement
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 15, 2026
Joey Arias and Basil Twist's Drama Desk-nominated production ARIAS WITH A TWIST returns to HERE Arts Center for a limited run, nearly two decades after its world premiere at the downtown NYC venue.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 15, 2026
Joey Arias and Basil Twist's Drama Desk-nominated production ARIAS WITH A TWIST returns to HERE Arts Center for a limited run, nearly two decades after its world premiere at the downtown NYC venue.
THE KICK INSIDE, SEE/UNSEE and More Set for HERE Arts Center 2026-27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 15, 2026
HERE Arts Center has unveiled its 2026-27 season, featuring the world premieres of The Kick Inside, See/Unsee and Water Walker, plus new works developed through its artist residency program.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 15, 2026
HERE Arts Center has unveiled its 2026-27 season, featuring the world premieres of The Kick Inside, See/Unsee and Water Walker, plus new works developed through its artist residency program.
REVIEW: “Odd is a Gift from God” in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
by Caryl Kristine Guillermo - May 25, 2026
The musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that has just landed at the Sands Theatre leans into celebrating a world of vivid invention. It keeps the heart of the beloved material and commits even further into its absurdity. It guarantees a night at the theatre that will leave you going “what…was…that.' A night you won't soon forget.
by Caryl Kristine Guillermo - May 25, 2026
The musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that has just landed at the Sands Theatre leans into celebrating a world of vivid invention. It keeps the heart of the beloved material and commits even further into its absurdity. It guarantees a night at the theatre that will leave you going “what…was…that.' A night you won't soon forget.
MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO Extends For Final Time in London
by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2026
The multi-award winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro will extend in the West End for the final time. Learn more about the show here!
by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2026
The multi-award winning stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro will extend in the West End for the final time. Learn more about the show here!
THE CRAFT OF BROADWAY PUPPETRY Exhibit to Open at Museum of Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 7, 2026
The Museum of Broadway has revealed its next special exhibit will celebrate the Craft of Broadway Puppetry. The exhibit, produced with the American Theater for Puppetry Arts and the Broadway Legacy Foundation, will open to the public in May.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 7, 2026
The Museum of Broadway has revealed its next special exhibit will celebrate the Craft of Broadway Puppetry. The exhibit, produced with the American Theater for Puppetry Arts and the Broadway Legacy Foundation, will open to the public in May.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Basil Twist written?
Basil Twist has written 1 shows including Symphonie Fantastique (Author).
What awards has Basil Twist been nominated for?
Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Outstanding Set Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Addams Family, Outstanding Set Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Arias With a Twist, Notable Effects - Production Design (The Hewes Awards) for Symphonie Fantastique, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Tell Tale, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Symphonie Fantastique and Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Tell Tale.
What awards has Basil Twist won?
Basil Twist has won several awards, including: Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; Outstanding Set Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Addams Family; Notable Effects - Production Design (The Hewes Awards) for Symphonie Fantastique; Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Tell Tale; and Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Symphonie Fantastique.
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