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 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

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Set Design

Robin Wagner , Young Frankenstein

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Scenic Design of a Musical

Robin Wagner, The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Set Design of a Musical

Robin Wagner, Young Frankenstein

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Set Designer

Robin Wagner, Kiss Me, Kate


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Set Design of a Musical

Robin Wagner, The Producers


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, The Producers


winner
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, The Producers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Set Design - Musical

Robin Wagner, Kiss Me, Kate


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, Kiss Me Kate

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

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Set Design

Robin Wagner, Crazy for You


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Set, Costume and Lighting Design

Robin Wagner (Set),, Crazy for You

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Revival

Robin Wagner, Jelly's Last Jam


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Set Design

Robin Wagner, City of Angels


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Set Design

Robin Wagner, City of Angels

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Projection Design

Robin Wagner, Merlin


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Set Design

Robin Wagner, Dreamgirls


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1982 - Lighting Design

Robin Wagner, Dreamgirls

Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Scenic Design

Robin Wagner , Dreamgirls


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Set Design

Robin Wagner, On the 2th Century


winner
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, On the Twentieth Century


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1975 - Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, A Chorus Line


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1973 - Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, Seesaw

Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Scenic Design

Robin Wagner, Jesus Christ Superstar


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Set Design

Robin Wagner, Lenny

Robin Wagner Videos

Robin Wagner News


Broadway Stars Speak Up on Social Media About Dimming Lights for the Late Hinton Battle; League Announces Plans to Come

Just over three weeks ago, on January 30, BroadwayWorld sadly reported the passing of three-time Tony Award winner Hinton Battle. Now, Broadway stars are speaking up on social media about the lack of announcement from the Broadway League about theatre lights dimming in his honor. 

Ann Hould-Ward and Richard Hudson Receive TDF's Irene Sharaff Awards

TDF, the not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts, has just announced that celebrated costume designer ANN HOULD-WARD and legendary scenic designer RICHARD HUDSON are among the 2024 TDF/Irene Sharaff Award recipients.

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.

Robin Wagner FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Robin Wagner been nominated for?

Robin Wagner has been nominated for various awards for his outstanding set designs in several Broadway productions. Some of his nominations include Outstanding Set Design by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Young Frankenstein," Best Scenic Design of a Musical by the Tony Awards for "The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein," and Outstanding Set Design of a Musical by the Drama Desk Awards for "The Producers." Additionally, Wagner received nominations for Best Set Designer at the Olivier Awards for "Kiss Me, Kate" and "Crazy For You," as well as for Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for productions like "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches" and "Dreamgirls." Other nominations include Best Revival at the Tony Awards for "Jelly's Last Jam" and Outstanding Projection Design by the Drama Desk Awards for "Merlin." Wagner's talent in set design has been recognized across a wide range of Broadway productions, showcasing his versatility and creativity in the theater industry.

What awards has Robin Wagner won?

Robin Wagner has won several awards for his outstanding set and scenic designs in various Broadway productions. Some of his notable wins include Outstanding Set Design of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Producers," Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for "The Producers," and Best Set, Costume, and Lighting Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Crazy for You." Wagner has also been recognized for his work on productions like "Kiss Me, Kate," "City of Angels," "Dreamgirls," "On the Twentieth Century," and "A Chorus Line," among others. His talent and creativity have earned him accolades such as Outstanding Scenic Design, Best Set Design, and Lighting Design awards from prestigious organizations within the Broadway community.

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