Jack O'Brien Headshot

Jack O'Brien

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Jack O'Brien BIO

Broadway: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Front Page, It's Only a Play, Macbeth, The Nance, Dead Accounts, Catch Me If You Can, Impressionism, The Coast of Utopia (Tony Award), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nomination), Henry IV (Tony), Hairspray (Tony), Imaginary Friends, The Invention of Love (Tony nomination, Drama Desk Award), The Full Monty (Tony nomination), More to Love, Getting Away With Murder, Pride's Crossing, The Little Foxes, Damn Yankees, Two Shakespearean Actors (Tony nomination), Porgy and Bess (Tony nomination). Metropolitan Opera: Il Trittico. Carnegie Hall: Guys and Dolls. Central Park: Much Ado About Nothing. Off-Broadway: Hapgood (Lucille Lortel Award). London: Love Never Dies, Hairspray (Olivier Award nomination). National Theatre: His Girl Friday. He was the artistic director of The Old Globe Theatre from 1981-2007 and directed six movies for PBS's "American Playhouse." Book: Jack Be Nimble, published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. O’Brien directed the critically acclaimed national tour of The Sound of Music and the world premiere of the Jake Heggie/Terrence McNally opera Great Scott for The Dallas Opera. Mr. O'Brien was nominated for an Emmy Award for his documentary "Becoming Mike Nichols" (HBO).

Jack O'Brien Photos

Jack O'Brien STAGE CREDITS

[US Tour]
2019 Revival Tour, 2019
Fyedka

[Broadway]
1947
Member of Elder Council

Jack O'Brien Productions

 
[Broadway, 2023]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Original Direction[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Associate Director
 
[West End, 2010]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
 
[West End, 2007]
Director
 
[New York, 2007]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Production Supervisor
 
[US Tour, 2006]
Director
 
[Las Vegas, 2006]
Director
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director
Director
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2004]
Director
 
[Toronto, 2004]
Director
 
[New York, 2004]
Director
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2003]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2003]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[West End, 2002]
Director
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2001]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2001]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Director
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2000]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2000]
Director
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 1999]
Director
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Adaptation
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[West End, 1997]
Book Revisions
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Book Revisions
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1983]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Assistant Director
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Assistant Director
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Assistant Director
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Assistant Director
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Assistant Director
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Assistant Director
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Assistant Director
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Assistant to Mr. Rabb
 
[New York, 2006]
Director

Writing


Jack O'Brien Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Shucked

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Shucked

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Shucked

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, All My Sons

Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Carousel

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Front Page

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Nance


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Play

Jack O’Brien, The Coast of Utopia


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia


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

Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia


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

Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia


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

Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia


winner
Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jack O'Brien , Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, Henry IV


winner
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Direction of a Play

Jack O'Brien, Henry IV


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jack O'Brien, Hairspray


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director - Play

Jack O'Brien, Henry IV (LCT)


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Hairspray


winner
Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Hairspray


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director - Play

Jack O'Brien, The Invention of Love

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, The Full Monty


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Invention of Love

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, The Full Monty

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Direction of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Invention of Love


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jack O'Brien, The Full Monty

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Play

Jack O'Brien, Two Shakespearean Actors

Drama Desk Awards - 1977 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jack O'Brien, Porgy and Bess

Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Porgy and Bess

Jack O'Brien Videos

Jack O'Brien News


Tickets Go On Sale For HAIRSPRAY in Dallas This Week


The Dallas engagement of HAIRSPRAY  will go on sale Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play June 18-30 in Dallas at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Salt Lake City Awards; Voting Ends 12/31


It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Salt Lake City Awards; WEST SIDE STORY, PUFFS, West Valley Arts & More Lead!


There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

HAIRSPRAY Comes to the Palace Theater Next Month


HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon, helmed by original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play January 16-18 in Waterbury, CT at the Palace Theater.

BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards December 5th Standings; WEST SIDE STORY Leads Best Musical!


It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards; PUFFS Leads Best Play!


Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

I WROTE THAT! Author Talk Series Returns With Jack O'Brien, October 28


Join us for the 'I WROTE THAT!' Author Talk Series featuring Jack O'Brien, Tony Award-winning Director of Hairspray, Henry IV, and more. Tuesday, October 28, 2023, 1:00 PM at the Palace Theater.

Greg Kalafatas and Caroline Eiseman-Led HAIRSPRAY National Tour Reveals 2023-24 Casting and Full Route


HAIRSPRAY, Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, has announced casting and the touring schedule for the 2023-2024 season. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O'Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will visit 45 cities including premiere engagements in Calgary, AB; Charlotte, NC; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Edmonton, ALB; Houston, TX; Nashville, TN; Ottawa, ONT; Vancouver, BC; and many more.

Patrick Pacheco to Explore How SHUCKED Became a Hit on THEATER: ALL THE MOVING PARTS


In this new two-part episode of “THEATER: All the Moving Parts” host Patrick Pacheco looks at why “Shucked,” is poised to be the sleeper of the season. On the heels of its nine Tony nominations and one win (Alex Newell), Pacheco speaks with three of the nominees: writer Robert Horn, director Jack O’Brien, and actor Kevin Cahoon.

Video: Meet the 2023 Tony-Nominated Directors of a Musical


Best Direction of a Musical Tony nominees include: Michael Arden (Parade), Lear deBessonet (Into the Woods), Casey Nicholaw (Some Like It Hot), Jack O'Brien (Shucked), and Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo).

Video: Watch Brandy Clark Perform From New Album at SHUCKED Curtain Call


Watch Brandy Clark give a special performance in celebration of her new album at the Shucked curtain call on Friday, May 19th!

Interview: A Hair-Raising Addison Garner in HAIRSPRAY, Bootcamp & Little Happies


The new North American tour of Tony Award-winning Hairspray lands in Southern California, first at Segerstrom in Costa Mesa April 18th though April 30th, and then at the Dolby in Hollywood May 5th through May 21st. This cast, headed by Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West) as Edna Turnblad and Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad, is helmed by Hairspray’s original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Playing the Turnblads’ nemesis Velma Von Tussle is the delicious Addison Garner, whom I got a chance to pose some queries to.

Video: Andrew Durand Sings 'Somebody Will' From SHUCKED


An all new song called “Somebody Will' has been released as the second single from the forthcoming Shucked – Original Broadway Cast Recording. Featuring Andrew Durand, leading man, the song is penned by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. Check out the video here!

Tickets Are on Sale Today For the Wharton Center's 2023-24 Season


It’s one of the most anticipated times of the year at Wharton Center; the announcement of the new Broadway season. Tickets can be purchased as part of a subscription package starting Monday, April 10, at 10AM. 

Review Roundup: SHUCKED Opens On Broadway! The Critics Weigh In!


Shucked, currently in previews, officially opens tonight at the Nederlander Theatre! Read the reviews!

Review: This SOUND OF MUSIC Sings a Different Tune


It took eight years for three-time Tony awardee Jack O’Brien-directed 'The Sound of Music,' a warhorse title from the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s catalog, to reach the Philippines’ capital—a rare feat because most of the international productions visiting town are either from South Africa or the United Kingdom.

VIDEO: Lauren Kidwell Belts Out 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain'


Lauren Kidwell, who plays Mother Abbess in the US National Tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 'The Sound of Music,' reprises the same role in the Asian tour engagements of the beloved family musical, which plays the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre at Circuit Makati until March 26, 2023.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Tour to be Presented in Mumbai in May


The global tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, will be the first Broadway touring musical to perform in India at the brand new 2000 seat musical theatre venue, The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai.

HAIRSPRAY Comes to the Paramount Theatre in April


HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon returns to Seattle! This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play April 4 through 9 at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre.

VIDEO: Jack O'Brien-Directed THE SOUND OF MUSIC Opens in Manila


The North American touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 'The Sound of Music,' directed by Tony winner Jack O’Brien, has reached Manila and plays at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre at Ayala Malls’ Circuit Makati until March 26, 2023.

Jack O'Brien FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jack O'Brien been in?

Jack O'Brien has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Jack O'Brien been in?

Jack O'Brien has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Jack O'Brien been nominated for?

Jack O'Brien has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Outstanding Direction of a Musical for "Shucked" at the Drama League Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Direction of a Musical for "Shucked" at the Tony Awards, Outstanding Director of a Play for "All My Sons" at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Outstanding Director of a Musical for "Carousel" at the Drama Desk Awards, and many others. O'Brien has received nominations for a variety of productions, showcasing his talent across different genres and styles.

What awards has Jack O'Brien won?

Jack O'Brien has won numerous awards for his work in Broadway productions. These include Best Direction of a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "The Coast of Utopia," Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Coast of Utopia," and Outstanding Director of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for both "The Coast of Utopia" and "Henry IV." He also won Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for "The Coast of Utopia" and "Henry IV." Additionally, O'Brien received awards such as Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Hairspray" and Outstanding Director of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Invention of Love" and "The Full Monty."

How many shows has Jack O'Brien written?

Jack O'Brien has written 2 shows including The Selling of the President (Bookwriter), Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Conceiver).

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