Rent is one of those super rare musicals that permeated pop culture all over the world. The show was on Broadway from 1996 to 2008 and is still produced throughout the world today.
Michael Greif
Greif attended Northwestern University and graduated from the University of California, San Diego graduate directing program. He was the Artistic Director of the La Jolla Playhouse, LaJolla, California from 1994 to 1999.
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BIO
Greif attended Northwestern University and graduated from the University of California, San Diego graduate directing program. He was the Artistic Director of the La Jolla Playhouse, LaJolla, California from 1994 to 1999.
He was an Artistic Associate at the New York Theatre Workshop where he directed, among others, Bright Lights, Big City (1998–99) and the original production of Rent for which he received the Obie Award for direction of a musical and which he later directed on Broadway.
Greif has directed several original Broadway musicals and been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical four times. In addition to Rent, his Broadway credits include If/Then (also at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.), Next to Normal (also at Second Stage Theatre and Arena Stage), Grey Gardens (also at Playwrights Horizons), Dear Evan Hansen (also at Arena Stage and Second Stage), and War Paint (also at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago).
In August 2023, it was announced that his Chicago Shakespeare Theater production of The Notebook would transfer to Broadway in March 2024 and in September 2023, it was announced that he would transfer his Off-Broadway production of Days of Wine and Roses to Broadway in January 2024.
Among his many directing credits Off-Broadway are Alicia Keys' autobiographical musical Hell's Kitchen, Katori Hall's Our Lady of Kibeho, John Guare's Landscape of the Body and A Few Stout Individuals at Signature Theatre, Beauty of the Father for the Manhattan Theatre Club, the 2009 Playwrights Horizons production of Mrs. Sharp (with music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver and starring Jane Krakowski), and Romeo and Juliet, The Winter's Tale, and The Tempest at the New York Shakespeare Festival at the Delacorte Theater (2007, 2010, 2015).
Photos
RENT Family: Victoria Leacock, Lisa Zinni, Michael Greif, Martha Banta, Natalie Venetia Belcon, Marcus Paul James, Yassmin Alers, Fredi Walker-Browne, Schele Williams, Rodney Hicks, Maya Days, Tim Weil, Julie Larson, Destan Owens, Jeremy Kushnier, Karmine Alers and Michael McElroy
Date:
02/19/2026
From: Photos: Museum of Broadway Hosts Special RENT Event With Tim Weil
Productions
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
See how Michael Greif connects to other Broadway stars and creatives.
Six Degrees of Broadway Beta
See how many degrees separate Michael Greif from another Broadway star or creative.
Michael Greif
Connection
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Michael Greif, Days of Wine and Roses
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Hell's Kitchen
The Lortels - 2018 - Outstanding Director
Michael Greif, The Low Road
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen
Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen
The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Director
Michael Greif, Our Lady of Kibeho
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Next to Normal
Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Grey Gardens
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Michael Greif, Grey Gardens
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director - Play
Michael Greif, Dogeaters
winner
Obie Awards - 2001 - Direction
Michael Greif, Dogeaters
The Lortels - 2001 - Outstanding Director
Michael Greif, Dogeaters
winner
Obie Awards - 1996 - Special Citations
Michael Greif, Rent
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Greif, Rent
Videos
Video: Watch More Highlights From the RENT 30th Anniversary Concert
by Michael Major - 2026-11-03 13:41:44
Video: RENT Original Cast and More Stars Perform 'Seasons of Love' at 30th Anniversary Concert
by Stephi Wild - 2026-10-27 05:43:36
Video: Kennedy Caughell and Desmond Sean Ellington Talk HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-10-16 23:16:29
Video: Alicia Keys Surprises Audiences at HELL'S KITCHEN Opening in San Diego
by Stephi Wild - 2026-08-12 05:40:12
Video: 'I Can Hear the Stars' from BASURA at Alliance Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2026-05-28 16:39:59
Video: Alex Lacamoire and BASURA Pay Tribute To Michael Greif On RENT 30th Anniversary
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-04-29 23:30:20
Video: Go Inside the First Rehearsal For BASURA at Alliance Theatre
by Michael Major - 2026-04-24 15:58:42
Video: Alysha Deslorieux Sings 'My Days' from THE NOTEBOOK Tour
by Joshua Wright - 2026-02-18 12:37:27
Video: Yolanda Adams Recalls First Meeting with HELL'S KITCHEN Creator Alicia Keys
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-12-23 11:21:22
Video: Ne-Yo Takes His First Bow in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway
by Michael Major - 2025-12-05 11:59:01
Video: Jessica Vosk Departs HELL'S KITCHEN With An Explosive 'Pawn It All'
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-12-01 21:34:50
Exclusive: Hannah Corneau Sings 'Built to Last' From 'Beautiful Little Fool' Concept Album
by Michael Major - 2025-11-28 10:00:40
Video: Yolanda Adams Says HELL'S KITCHEN Broadway Debut is a 'Bucket List' Moment
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2025-11-20 15:30:27
Video: Durrell 'Tank' Babbs and Amanda Reid Perform 'If I Ain’t Got You' From HELL'S KITCHEN
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-17 14:17:29
Video: THE NOTEBOOK Tour Cast Hears Orchestra For The First Time
by Joshua Wright - 2025-09-04 17:31:58
Video: Watch HELL'S KITCHEN Perform 'Girl on Fire' & 'No One' on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2025-06-13 14:09:08
News
Video: Watch More Highlights From the RENT 30th Anniversary Concert
by Michael Major - Nov 3, 2026
Highlights from Rent, the 30th Anniversary Concert at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, which raised $4,571,464 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and featured original cast members alongside alumni. Watch the video now!
by Michael Major - Nov 3, 2026
Highlights from Rent, the 30th Anniversary Concert at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, which raised $4,571,464 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and featured original cast members alongside alumni. Watch the video now!
Tickets Now on Sale for HELL'S KITCHEN Boston Engagement at Citizens Opera House
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 2, 2026
Tickets are now on sale for Alicia Keys' Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical HELL'S KITCHEN, which will play the Citizens Opera House in Boston as part of the Broadway In Boston 2026-27 season.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 2, 2026
Tickets are now on sale for Alicia Keys' Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical HELL'S KITCHEN, which will play the Citizens Opera House in Boston as part of the Broadway In Boston 2026-27 season.
Review: HELL’S KITCHEN at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
by Michael Rabice - Oct 28, 2026
Another jukebox musical has hit the Broadway boards as the catalog of Alicia Keys music accompanies the musical HELL’S KITCHEN that opened at Shea’s Buffalo last night. The high tech National tour is a semi-autobiographical account of Keys’ own troubled teenage years and this slick production surely entertains but may not be groundbreaking theatre.
by Michael Rabice - Oct 28, 2026
Another jukebox musical has hit the Broadway boards as the catalog of Alicia Keys music accompanies the musical HELL’S KITCHEN that opened at Shea’s Buffalo last night. The high tech National tour is a semi-autobiographical account of Keys’ own troubled teenage years and this slick production surely entertains but may not be groundbreaking theatre.
Así se vivió el 30º aniversario de RENT en Broadway de la mano de Andy Señor Jr.
by Adela González Pérez - Oct 28, 2026
El actor y director nos coló en el backstage del concierto benéfico que reunió al reparto original y grandes estrellas en Nueva York
by Adela González Pérez - Oct 28, 2026
El actor y director nos coló en el backstage del concierto benéfico que reunió al reparto original y grandes estrellas en Nueva York
Photos: The Original Cast of RENT Reunites for 30th Anniversary- On the Red Carpet
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 27, 2026
There was no day but yesterday at the Richard Rodgers Theatre! The best of Broadway gathered on 46th Street last night for the highly anticipated 30th Anniversary Reunion of Rent. The celebration brought together members of Rent's original Broadway company with dozens of performers who have appeared in Jonathan Larson's musical over the past three decades. Check out photos from the star-studded red carpet here.
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 27, 2026
There was no day but yesterday at the Richard Rodgers Theatre! The best of Broadway gathered on 46th Street last night for the highly anticipated 30th Anniversary Reunion of Rent. The celebration brought together members of Rent's original Broadway company with dozens of performers who have appeared in Jonathan Larson's musical over the past three decades. Check out photos from the star-studded red carpet here.
Photos: On the Opening Night Red Carpet for THE IMAGINARY INVALID
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 27, 2026
The Imaginary Invalid, by Molière, translated by Doug Skinner, and adapted by Tony Award winner Bill Irwin, opened at the Todd Haimes Theatre. Check out photos from the star-studded red carpet, which included special guests Jesse Eisenberg, Bryan Cranston, Danny Burstein, Jessica Hecht, Douglas Hodge, Miriam Shor, and many more!
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 27, 2026
The Imaginary Invalid, by Molière, translated by Doug Skinner, and adapted by Tony Award winner Bill Irwin, opened at the Todd Haimes Theatre. Check out photos from the star-studded red carpet, which included special guests Jesse Eisenberg, Bryan Cranston, Danny Burstein, Jessica Hecht, Douglas Hodge, Miriam Shor, and many more!
Video: RENT Original Cast and More Stars Perform 'Seasons of Love' at 30th Anniversary Concert
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2026
Watch a clip of original RENT cast members and more stars performing 'Seasons of Love' at the RENT 30th anniversary concert. Learn more about the event and check out the video here.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2026
Watch a clip of original RENT cast members and more stars performing 'Seasons of Love' at the RENT 30th anniversary concert. Learn more about the event and check out the video here.
Video: Watch Highlights From RENT's 30th Anniversary Concert on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 26, 2026
Rent returned to Broadway tonight for a star-studded 30th anniversary concert at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Watch videos from the celebration featuring members of the musical's original company alongside performers from throughout its history.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 26, 2026
Rent returned to Broadway tonight for a star-studded 30th anniversary concert at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Watch videos from the celebration featuring members of the musical's original company alongside performers from throughout its history.
Video: Original RENT Stars Perform 'I'll Cover You' on the TODAY SHOW
by Michael Major - Oct 26, 2026
As Broadway prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Rent on Monday night, stars from the original run appeared on the TODAY Show to perform 'I'll Cover You.' Watch the video now!
by Michael Major - Oct 26, 2026
As Broadway prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Rent on Monday night, stars from the original run appeared on the TODAY Show to perform 'I'll Cover You.' Watch the video now!
Video: Aaron Tveit and Rachel Zegler Perform 'Without You' in Rehearsal For RENT 30th Anniversary Concert
by Stephi Wild - Oct 26, 2026
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has shared a video from rehearsal for the upcoming RENT 30th Anniversary Concert, featuring Aaron Tveit and Rachel Zegler performing 'Without You.' Watch the video here.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 26, 2026
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has shared a video from rehearsal for the upcoming RENT 30th Anniversary Concert, featuring Aaron Tveit and Rachel Zegler performing 'Without You.' Watch the video here.
Andy Señor Jr. hará un takeover en BroadwayWorld Spain por el 30º aniversario de RENT
by Adela González Pérez - Oct 23, 2026
El artista mostrará el backstage de la gala que reúne a Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Aaron Tveit y Rachel Zegler en Broadway
by Adela González Pérez - Oct 23, 2026
El artista mostrará el backstage de la gala que reúne a Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Aaron Tveit y Rachel Zegler en Broadway
RENT 30th Anniversary Concert Will Host a Behind-the-Scenes Pre-Show Livestream
by Stephi Wild - Oct 23, 2026
The 30th anniversary concert celebration of RENT will include an exclusive behind-the-scenes pre-show for livestream viewers, hosted by Troy Iwata and Jay Armstrong Johnson, with Ricki Lake as red carpet correspondent.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 23, 2026
The 30th anniversary concert celebration of RENT will include an exclusive behind-the-scenes pre-show for livestream viewers, hosted by Troy Iwata and Jay Armstrong Johnson, with Ricki Lake as red carpet correspondent.
THE NOTEBOOK Musical to Make West End Premiere at Newly Renamed Judi Dench Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 23, 2026
The musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel, with music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and book by Bekah Brunstetter, will receive its UK premiere in London's West End.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 23, 2026
The musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel, with music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and book by Bekah Brunstetter, will receive its UK premiere in London's West End.
HELL'S KITCHEN to Make Houston Premiere at the Hobby Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2026
Alicia Keys' Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical HELL'S KITCHEN will play a limited engagement at the Hobby Center in Houston as part of the 2026-2027 Broadway season.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2026
Alicia Keys' Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical HELL'S KITCHEN will play a limited engagement at the Hobby Center in Houston as part of the 2026-2027 Broadway season.
THE NOTEBOOK National Tour to Make Wharton Center Debut
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2026
The musical adaptation of the bestselling novel and iconic film arrives at Wharton Center's Cobb Great Hall, telling the story of Allie and Noah across a lifetime of love.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2026
The musical adaptation of the bestselling novel and iconic film arrives at Wharton Center's Cobb Great Hall, telling the story of Allie and Noah across a lifetime of love.
THE NOTEBOOK to Play Providence Performing Arts Center
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2026
THE NOTEBOOK, the Broadway musical based on the bestselling novel and iconic film, will perform at Providence Performing Arts Center as part of the 2026–27 Broadway Season. Tickets go on sale October 23.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2026
THE NOTEBOOK, the Broadway musical based on the bestselling novel and iconic film, will perform at Providence Performing Arts Center as part of the 2026–27 Broadway Season. Tickets go on sale October 23.
Taye Diggs, Neil Patrick Harris, Rachel Zegler and More Join RENT 30th Anniversary Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 19, 2026
Rachel Zegler, Neil Patrick Harris, Norbert Leo Butz and Taye Diggs will perform in the RENT 30th Anniversary Concert, with a live stream available for audiences to watch.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 19, 2026
Rachel Zegler, Neil Patrick Harris, Norbert Leo Butz and Taye Diggs will perform in the RENT 30th Anniversary Concert, with a live stream available for audiences to watch.
Video: Kennedy Caughell and Desmond Sean Ellington Talk HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2026
Watch Hell's Kitchen stars Kennedy Caughell and Desmond Sean Ellington discuss the music and story of Alicia Keys' Broadway musical, now playing its Canadian premiere in Toronto through October 25.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2026
Watch Hell's Kitchen stars Kennedy Caughell and Desmond Sean Ellington discuss the music and story of Alicia Keys' Broadway musical, now playing its Canadian premiere in Toronto through October 25.
RENT 30th Anniversary Concert to Offer Digital Ticket Lottery
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2026
Twenty-four in-person tickets to the sold-out Rent, the 30th Anniversary Concert will be available through a digital ticket lottery, giving fans a final chance to experience the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical live in concert.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2026
Twenty-four in-person tickets to the sold-out Rent, the 30th Anniversary Concert will be available through a digital ticket lottery, giving fans a final chance to experience the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical live in concert.
THE NOTEBOOK to Play North Charleston Performing Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 12, 2026
THE NOTEBOOK, the Broadway musical adaptation of the bestselling novel and iconic film, will perform at North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Tickets go on sale October 19.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 12, 2026
THE NOTEBOOK, the Broadway musical adaptation of the bestselling novel and iconic film, will perform at North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Tickets go on sale October 19.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Michael Greif been nominated for?
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hell's Kitchen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for The Low Road, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Our Lady of Kibeho, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Next to Normal, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Grey Gardens, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Grey Gardens , Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dogeaters, Direction (Obie Awards) for Dogeaters, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Dogeaters, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Rent and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rent.
What awards has Michael Greif won?
Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen; Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dogeaters; Direction (Obie Awards) for Dogeaters; and Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Rent.
Podcasts
Many warned that the musical Rent did not belong on Broadway! Nonetheless, the show blasted past those naysayers to become one of the biggest hits of all time.
Rent #3: New York Theatre Workshop
How did the groundbreaking rock opera Rent get its start? New York Theatre Workshop Artistic Director Jim Nicola, Director Michael Greif, and Producer Jeffrey Seller dive back in time to share what initially drew them to Jonathan Larson and to his revolutionary new musical Rent.
Rent #2: Creator Jonathan Larson, Boho Days to Rent
How did Rent get to Broadway? The trajectory is unexpected and spectacular. Producer Robyn Goodman, Artistic Director Jim Nicola, and Rent creator Jonathan Larson’s father and sister recount Rent’s trajectory from blank page to the show’s monumental New York Theatre Workshop production.
In this week's episode, Joel Crump is at the OPENING NIGHT of The Notebook! He shares Broadway buzz, Broadway history, and Box Office Beat!
Michael Greif is a American stage director. He has won three Obie Awards and received four Tony Award nominations, for Rent, Grey Gardens, Next to Normal, and Dear Evan Hansen.
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