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Jack O'Brien

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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).


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Fiddler on the Roof (Non-Equity) Fiddler on the Roof (Non-Equity)
[US Tour]
2019 Revival Tour, 2019
Fyedka
Miracle in the Mountains
[Broadway]
1947
Member of Elder Council

Productions

The Sound of Music
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
GhostsGhosts
 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Director
ShuckedShucked
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Director
ShuckedShucked
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Director
Hairspray (Non-Equity)Hairspray (Non-Equity)
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Director
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Non Eq)Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Non Eq)
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Original Direction[Replacement]
HairsprayHairspray
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
All My SonsAll My Sons
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Director
The Hard ProblemThe Hard Problem
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryCharlie and the Chocolate Factory
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
CarouselCarousel
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryCharlie and the Chocolate Factory
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
The Front PageThe Front Page
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
The Sound of MusicThe Sound of Music
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Director
It's Only a PlayIt's Only a Play
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
Much Ado About NothingMuch Ado About Nothing
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Director
MacbethMacbeth
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Director
The NanceThe Nance
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Director
Catch Me If You CanCatch Me If You Can
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Director
Dead AccountsDead Accounts
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
Catch Me If You CanCatch Me If You Can
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
When I Come to DieWhen I Come to Die
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Associate Director
Love Never DiesLove Never Dies
 
[West End, 2010]
Director
ImpressionismImpressionism
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director (Original)
HairsprayHairspray
 
[West End, 2007]
Director
Catch Me If You Can
 
[New York, 2007]
Director
The Coast of Utopia: Part 3 - SalvageThe Coast of Utopia: Part 3 - Salvage
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
Director
The Coast of Utopia: Part 2 - ShipwreckThe Coast of Utopia: Part 2 - Shipwreck
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
The Coast of Utopia: Part 1 - VoyageThe Coast of Utopia: Part 1 - Voyage
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Production Supervisor
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
 
[US Tour, 2006]
Director
Hairspray
 
[Las Vegas, 2006]
Director
Catch Me If You Can
 
[New York, 2006]
Director
Catch Me If You Can
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsDirty Rotten Scoundrels
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director
Director
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2004]
Director
Hairspray
 
[Toronto, 2004]
Director
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
 
[New York, 2004]
Director
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
Henry IVHenry IV
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2003]
Director
Hairspray
 
[US Tour, 2003]
Director
Imaginary Friends
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
HairsprayHairspray
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
The Full Monty
 
[West End, 2002]
Director
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2001]
Director
The Full Monty
 
[US Tour, 2001]
Director
The Invention Of Love
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Director
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2000]
Director
The Full Monty
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
The Full Monty
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2000]
Director
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 1999]
Director
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 1998]
Director
More to Love
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
Labor Day
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
St. Louis Woman
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Adaptation
Director
Pride's Crossing
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
Damn Yankees
 
[West End, 1997]
Book Revisions
Director
The Little Foxes
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Getting Away With Murder
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Director
Hapgood
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
Damn Yankees
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
Book Revisions
Director
Two Shakespearean Actors
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Director
The Cocktail Hour
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Director
Porgy and Bess
 
[Broadway, 1983]
Director
The Most Happy Fella
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
Director
Nefertiti
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Director
Porgy and Bess
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
The Time of Your Life
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Director
Hamlet
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Assistant Director
Cock-A-Doodle Dandy
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Director
The Cocktail Party
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Assistant Director
Pantagleize
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Assistant Director
The Cherry Orchard
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Assistant Director
Pantagleize
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Assistant Director
War and Peace
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Assistant Director
You Can't Take It With You
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Assistant Director
You Can't Take It With You
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Assistant to Mr. Rabb

Writing

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

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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?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for Shucked, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Shucked, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Shucked, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for All My Sons, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Carousel, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Front Page, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Nance, Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Henry IV, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Henry IV, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hairspray, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Henry IV (LCT), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hairspray , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hairspray, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Invention of Love, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Full Monty , Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Invention of Love, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Full Monty, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Invention of Love, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Two Shakespearean Actors, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Porgy and Bess and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Porgy and Bess.

What awards has Jack O'Brien won?

Jack O'Brien has won several prestigious awards throughout his career. He received the Best Direction of a Play from the BroadwayWorld Awards for The Coast of Utopia. He earned the Outstanding Director of a Play from the Drama Desk Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards, both for The Coast of Utopia. Additionally, he won the Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for The Coast of Utopia. For Henry IV, he was honored with the Outstanding Director of a Play by the Outer Critics Circle Awards and the Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards. His direction of Hairspray garnered him the Outstanding Director - Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards, the Outstanding Director of a Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards. O'Brien also won Outstanding Director - Play from the Drama Desk Awards for Henry IV at Lincoln Center Theater. Further, he received Outstanding Director - Play from the Drama Desk Awards and Outstanding Director of a Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Invention of Love. Lastly, he was awarded Outstanding Director - Musical by the Drama Desk Awards for 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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