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Franne Lee

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Franne Lee BIO

Frances Elaine Lee was a well-known award-winning production and costume designer for theatre, TV, and Film. In the past decade, she has also gained a reputation as an artist.

Franne Lee’s professional design career started in the theatre in New York, with Andre Gregory’s “Alice in Wonderland,” for which she received an Obie Award for costumes. Her many Broadway shows include Hal Prince’s productions of “Candide” (Tony Awards for Set and Costume Design) and “Sweeney Todd" (Tony Award for Costume Design).

Her movie credits include John Sayles’ “Baby, It’s You,” Paul Simon’s “One Trick Pony,” David Lynch’s “Industrial Symphony #1,”. “The Local Stigmatic” and “Chinese Coffee,” both produced, directed, and starring Al Pacino.

Franne’s many TV credits include the first five years of Saturday Night Live, for which she won an Emmy award for Production/Costume Design. She’s created the looks for many of the best-loved SNL characters, such as the Killer Bees, the Coneheads, the Blues Brothers, the Nerds, Emily Litella, and Roseanne Roseannadanna. She moved to LA in 1995, where she worked on “The Stephanie Miller Show” for Disney-Buena Vista, “Sherman Oaks” for Showtime, and Roseanne’s talk show for King World.

Franne Lee Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 1984]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1982]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 1982]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 1980]
Costume Designer
 
[West End, 1980]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Scenic Designer
Costume Designer
Settings/Costumes
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Production
Production Designer

Franne Lee Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Costume Design

Franne Lee, Sweeney Todd


winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Costume Design

Franne Lee, Sweeney Todd


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Costume Designer

Franne Lee, Candide


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Set Designer

Franne Lee, Candide


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1974 - Costume Design

Franne Lee, Candide


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1974 - Scenic Design

Franne Lee, Candide


winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Costume Design

Franne Lee, Candide

Franne Lee Videos

Franne Lee News


Franne Lee, Tony Award-Winning Costume and Set Designer, Has Passed Away


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Tony award-winning Broadway set and costume designer Franne Lee, best known for her work on Hal Prince's Sweeney Todd and Candide, has passed away. She was 81.

SWEENEY TODD, A History- Part 2: The Demon Barber Slashes His Way From Page To Stage And Beyond


Learn how Sondheim made Sweeney sing and how Mr. Todd made his mark on mass media in Part 2 of SWEENEY TODD, A History.

Photo Flash: First Look at SWEENEY TODD Starring Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan


In cooperation with Atlantis Twenty and ABS-CBN, Atlantis Theatrical presents Tony winner Lea Salonga (Mrs. Lovett) and Jett Pangan (Sweeney Todd) in Sweeney Todd.

VIDEO: Andrew Fernando, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante Talk SWEENEY TODD


After its premiere at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila, Philippines, Atlantis Theatrical's production of Sweeney Todd will move to The Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in November and December 2019.

VIDEO: The Cast of Atlantis Theatrical's SWEENEY TODD Meets the Press; Show Opens 11 Oct.


After its premiere at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila, Philippines, Atlantis Theatrical's production of Sweeney Todd will move to The Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in November and December 2019.

VIDEO: Lea Salonga Sings 'Not While I'm Around' From SWEENEY TODD


The touring production (Philippines, Singapore) of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan, will launch in Manila October 11th, 2019. In the video, check out Lea Salonga performing 'Not While I'm Around' at a press preview.

VIDEO: Gerald Santos Teases 'Johanna' from SWEENEY TODD


The touring production (Philippines, Singapore) of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan, featuring Gerald Santos, will launch in Manila, Philippines, 11-27 October 2019.

VIDEO: Lea Salonga, Jett Pangan Preview 'A Little Priest' from SWEENEY TODD


The touring production (Philippines, Singapore) of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan, will launch in Manila, Philippines, 11-27 October 2019.

Photo Flash: Palm Beach Dramaworks Presents EQUUS


Why did a teenage boy who literally worships horses commit the unspeakable act of blinding six of them? That is the mystery psychiatrist Martin Dysart must unravel in order to help his disturbed young patient in Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning Equus . The psychological thriller opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on May 18 and continues through June 3, with specially priced previews on May 16 and 17.

Palm Beach Dramaworks Presents EQUUS by Peter Shaffer


Why did a teenage boy who literally worships horses commit the unspeakable act of blinding six of them? That is the mystery psychiatrist Martin Dysart must unravel in order to help his disturbed young patient in Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning Equus. The psychological thriller opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on May 18 and continues through June 3, with specially priced previews on May 16 and 17.

BWW Review: Andrea Burns Led BORN YESTERDAY at Maltz Jupiter Theatre


The Maltz Jupiter Theatre kicks off their 2017/18 season with the Garson Kanin's screwball comedy Born Yesterday. The production stars Drama Desk Award winner Andr a Burns as ex-showgirl Billie Dawn, fresh off her recent Broadway performance as Gloria Fajardo in On Your Feet!, the musical based on the life and music of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.

VIDEO: Watch Highlights of Andrea Burns in BORN YESTERDAY in Florida


BroadwayWorld has a first look at the Andrea Burns led production of Born Yesterday, on stage October 29 November 12 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Florida.

Photo Flash: First Look at Andrea Burns in BORN YESTERDAY at Maltz Jupiter Theatre


What would you do if the gorgeous blonde you discovered ended up being a lot smarter than you gave her credit for? That's the hilarious question at hand in the brazen American screwball comedy Born Yesterday, onstage now through November 12 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast - featuring Andrea Burns - in action below!

Andrea Burns to Star in BORN YESTERDAY at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre


What would you do if the gorgeous blonde you discovered ended up being a lot smarter than you gave her credit for?

NY Public Library's Lewis and Dorothy Cullman Curator Doug Reside on the Tonys at Curtain Up


BroadwayWorld continues our exclusive content series, in collaboration with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, which delves into the library's unparalleled archives, and resources. Below, check out a piece by Doug Reside, Lewis and Dorothy Cullman Curator for the Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts on: Political Satires in The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts' Theatre on the Tonys at Curtain Up!

BWW Reviews: CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN an Irresistibly Sublime Black Comedy


The destitute society J. Barry Lewis delivers from his cloudy Inishmaan general store is sadistic comedy in highest form.

Palm Beach Dramaworks Presents THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN by Martin McDonagh


Dreams are in short supply on the desolate island of Inishmaan, particularly for the sensitive, physically challenged Billy Claven in Martin McDonagh's The Cripple of Inishmaan. So when word arrives that an American filmmaker is coming to the neighboring island of Inishmore to make a motion picture, Billy goes after a part in the movie, hoping for a trip to Hollywood and escape from the cruelty and bleakness that engulf him. McDonagh's darkly comic work opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on May19 and continues through June 4, with specially priced previews on May 17 and 18.  

Broadway's Leigh Ann Larkin to Lead VIOLET at Capital City Theatre


Capital City Theatre, Madison, Wisconsin's new regional theatre company, announced March 5 the full cast of their inaugural production of the award-winning musical Violet.

SONDHEIM WEEK: Sondheim Trivia


BroadwayWorld is proud to present a look at the extensive work of Stephen Sondheim on Broadway! Check out these Sondheim on Broadway facts!

SONDHEIM WEEK: 1956-1981


BroadwayWorld is proud to present a look at the extensive work of Stephen Sondheim on Broadway! Check out Sondheim's Broadway credits, 1956-1981!

Franne Lee FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Franne Lee been nominated for?

Franne Lee has been nominated for the following awards: - Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweeney Todd - Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Sweeney Todd - Outstanding Costume Designer (Drama Desk Awards) for Candide - Outstanding Set Designer (Drama Desk Awards) for Candide - Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for Candide - Scenic Design (The Hewes Awards) for Candide - Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Candide

What awards has Franne Lee won?

Franne Lee has won several awards for her work in costume and set design. These include Best Costume Design at the Tony Awards for "Sweeney Todd" and "Candide," Outstanding Costume Designer at the Drama Desk Awards for "Candide," Outstanding Set Designer at the Drama Desk Awards for "Candide," Costume Design at The Hewes Awards for "Candide," and Scenic Design at The Hewes Awards for "Candide."

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