Julie Taymor
Latest News on Julie Taymor:
DEATH BECOMES HER, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, BOOP! and More Set for PNC Broadway in Louisville 2026-2027 Season (Feb 19, 2026)
THE LION KING Will Welcome Mduduzi Madela as Simba Beginning February 24 (Feb 13, 2026)
Jane Comfort and Company to Debut New Work at La MaMa in March 2026 (Feb 6, 2026)
DEATH BECOMES HER, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, BOOP! and More Set for PNC Broadway in Louisville 2026-2027 Season (Feb 19, 2026)
THE LION KING Will Welcome Mduduzi Madela as Simba Beginning February 24 (Feb 13, 2026)
Jane Comfort and Company to Debut New Work at La MaMa in March 2026 (Feb 6, 2026)
BIO
Taymor is an American director and writer of theater, opera and film. Her stage adaptation of The Lion King debuted in 1997, and received eleven Tony Award nominations, with Taymor receiving Tony Awards for Best Director and Costume Designer. Her film Frida, about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, was nominated for five Academy Awards, including a Best Original Song nomination for Taymor's composition "Burn It Blue". She also directed the jukebox musical Across the Universe.
Photos
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Productions
[US Tour, 2002]
Mask Co-Designer
Puppet Co-Designer
Lyricist (Additional Lyrics)
Costume Designer
Director
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
Director
Director
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
Costume Designer
Writing
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream
winner
Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Costume Designer
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Director
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Puppet Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama League Awards - 1998 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre
Julie Taymor
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Director - Musical
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1998 - Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1998 - Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Direction of a Musical
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Costume Design
Julie TaymorJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Puppet Design
Julie Taymor, The Lion King
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Set Design - Musical
Julie TaymorJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Direction of a Musical
Julie Taymor, Juan Darien
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Scenic Design
Julie Taymor, Juan Darien
Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Costume Design
Julie Taymor, The Tempest
Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Scott Wentworth, Welcome to the Club
winner
Obie Awards - 1988 - Direction
Julie TaymorJuan Darien
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1988 - Concept Pupperty and Masks
Julie Taymor, Juan Darien
winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Special Citations
Julie Taymor
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1980 - Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design
Julie Taymor, The Haggadah
Videos
Video: New Look At Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE At the Metropolitan Opera
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-12-12 22:51:12
Video: THE LION KING's Tshidi Manye Takes Her Historic Final Bow as 'Rafiki'
by Michael Major - 2025-09-03 13:17:12
Video: Watch Gavin Lee Join THE LION KING on Broadway as 'Scar'
by Michael Major - 2025-07-23 11:54:23
Video: Disney on Broadway Medley at D23, Featuring ALADDIN, HERCULES, FROZEN, and More
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-08-10 16:55:59
Video: The Cast of THE LION KING in Brazil Performs 'Endless Night'
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-21 15:34:27
Video: Watch a Disney on Broadway Mashup on GMA With HERCULES, ALADDIN, FROZEN & More
by Michael Major - 2023-10-16 09:41:03
VIDEO: Watch THE LION KING's Broadway Makeup Team Transform Stephen Carlile into Scar
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-08 10:43:04
Video: The Cast of THE LION KING in Brazil Performs 'Circle of Life' and More
by Stephi Wild - 2023-07-19 08:41:05
Video: Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for NEW YORK, NEW YORK; Plus Watch a New Trailer!
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-02-01 12:00:20
VIDEO: THE LION KING Celebrates 21 Years in Hamburg With Special Performance of 'Endless Night'
by Alan Henry - 2023-01-17 11:53:17
VIDEO: THE LION KING Cast Performs Tiny Desk Concert For 25th Anniversary
by Michael Major - 2022-11-11 12:28:21
Watch: THE LION KING on Broadway Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Short Film Highlighting 'The Circle of Life'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-11-10 17:44:06
VIDEO: Elton John Sings 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' From THE LION KING on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2022-11-10 09:24:31
VIDEO: THE LION KING Performs 'The Circle of Life' on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2022-11-08 07:32:47
Video: Julie Taymor Talks THE LION KING 25th Anniversary and More!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2022-10-24 05:33:48
News
DEATH BECOMES HER, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, BOOP! and More Set for PNC Broadway in Louisville 2026-2027 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2026
PNC Broadway in Louisville has announced its 2026-2027 Season which welcomes five Louisville premieres including the 2025 Tony Award-winning Best Musical MAYBE HAPPY ENDING.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2026
PNC Broadway in Louisville has announced its 2026-2027 Season which welcomes five Louisville premieres including the 2025 Tony Award-winning Best Musical MAYBE HAPPY ENDING.
THE LION KING Will Welcome Mduduzi Madela as Simba Beginning February 24
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2026
The Lion King has announced that longtime cast member Mduduzi Madela will assume the role of Simba beginning Tuesday, February 24. Learn more about him here!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2026
The Lion King has announced that longtime cast member Mduduzi Madela will assume the role of Simba beginning Tuesday, February 24. Learn more about him here!
Jane Comfort and Company to Debut New Work at La MaMa in March 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2026
La MaMa will present Jane Comfort and Company with a new world premiere and two landmark works, marking their first return in over eight years. The event, set for March 19-22, 2026, will feature a blend of dance and theater addressing America's cultural and political issues.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2026
La MaMa will present Jane Comfort and Company with a new world premiere and two landmark works, marking their first return in over eight years. The event, set for March 19-22, 2026, will feature a blend of dance and theater addressing America's cultural and political issues.
La MaMa to Debut Theodora Skipitares' FOOTNOTES with Music by Sxip Shirey
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026
La MaMa will present the world premiere of FOOTNOTES, a multi-media puppetry show exploring the profound aspects of walking, from February 27 to March 15, 2026.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026
La MaMa will present the world premiere of FOOTNOTES, a multi-media puppetry show exploring the profound aspects of walking, from February 27 to March 15, 2026.
The 1/52 Project Opens Applications For Fifth Year Of Designer Grant Program
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026
The 1/52 Project has opened applications for its 2026 grant cycle supporting early-career theatre designers from historically excluded groups. Founded by Beowulf Boritt, the OBIE Award-winning program provides financial grants of up to $17,500.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026
The 1/52 Project has opened applications for its 2026 grant cycle supporting early-career theatre designers from historically excluded groups. Founded by Beowulf Boritt, the OBIE Award-winning program provides financial grants of up to $17,500.
Drama Desk Awards Set 2026 Date
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2026
The date has been set for the 70th Drama Desk Awards! The 2026 Drama Desk Awards will be held at The Town Hall on May 17, 2026. Learn more about the event here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2026
The date has been set for the 70th Drama Desk Awards! The 2026 Drama Desk Awards will be held at The Town Hall on May 17, 2026. Learn more about the event here!
Review: THE LION KING is the Pride of Broadway Sacramento
by Courtney Symes - Jan 15, 2026
Broadway Sacramento is starting off the new year with a legend. The Lion King, winner of six Tony Awards, is back in town after seventeen years. The familiar score by Elton John and Tim Rice has been a favorite since the animated version debuted in 1994. Songs like “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” have helped to catapult The Lion King to the status of highest-grossing Broadway production of all time. This was my first time experiencing the magic, and you shouldn’t wait as many years as I have.
by Courtney Symes - Jan 15, 2026
Broadway Sacramento is starting off the new year with a legend. The Lion King, winner of six Tony Awards, is back in town after seventeen years. The familiar score by Elton John and Tim Rice has been a favorite since the animated version debuted in 1994. Songs like “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” have helped to catapult The Lion King to the status of highest-grossing Broadway production of all time. This was my first time experiencing the magic, and you shouldn’t wait as many years as I have.
THE LION KING Comes to the Morrison Center in February
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2026
Disney’s The Lion King will be presented as a live musical production in Boise at Morrison Center beginning Feb. 18, with performances continuing through early March.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2026
Disney’s The Lion King will be presented as a live musical production in Boise at Morrison Center beginning Feb. 18, with performances continuing through early March.
Zama Magudulela Will Join THE LION KING Tour as Rafiki
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2026
The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome Zama Magudulela as Rafiki. Magudulela will begin performances on Tuesday, January 13 in Sacramento at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2026
The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome Zama Magudulela as Rafiki. Magudulela will begin performances on Tuesday, January 13 in Sacramento at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center.
Al Hakawati Theatre Collective's ألف ليلة وليلة (THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS) Comes to La MaMa
by Stephi Wild - Dec 22, 2025
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of The Thousand and One Nights, a reimagining of the epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 22, 2025
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of The Thousand and One Nights, a reimagining of the epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
Video: Joshua Blue Sings from Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE At the Metropolitan Opera
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 18, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera has released a rehearsal video from its upcoming revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, offering an early look at Julie Taymor’s production ahead of the opera’s holiday performances.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 18, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera has released a rehearsal video from its upcoming revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, offering an early look at Julie Taymor’s production ahead of the opera’s holiday performances.
La MaMa To Present AL HAKAWATI THEATRE COLLECTIVE's ألف ليلة وليلة (THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS)
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2025
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of ألف ليلة وليلة (The Thousand and One Nights), a bold reimagining of the legendary epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2025
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of ألف ليلة وليلة (The Thousand and One Nights), a bold reimagining of the legendary epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
Video: New Trailer For Met Opera's THE MAGIC FLUTE
by Joshua Wright - Dec 16, 2025
Get a first look at The Metropolitan Opera's revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, with all new-clips of Julie Taymor’s production. The Met welcome soprano Rainelle Krause for her company debut as the Queen of the Night. Krause, who has earned international recognition for her interpretation of the role, will appear in six performances of the production during the run.
by Joshua Wright - Dec 16, 2025
Get a first look at The Metropolitan Opera's revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, with all new-clips of Julie Taymor’s production. The Met welcome soprano Rainelle Krause for her company debut as the Queen of the Night. Krause, who has earned international recognition for her interpretation of the role, will appear in six performances of the production during the run.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 15, 2025- OPERATION MINCEMEAT Extends For a Sixth Time and More
by - Dec 15, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 15, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by - Dec 15, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 15, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Video: New Look At Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE At the Metropolitan Opera
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 13, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera has released a rehearsal video from its upcoming revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, offering an early look at Julie Taymor’s production ahead of the opera’s holiday performances.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 13, 2025
The Metropolitan Opera has released a rehearsal video from its upcoming revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, offering an early look at Julie Taymor’s production ahead of the opera’s holiday performances.
Review: MOZART’S THE MAGIC FLUTE at The Metropolitan Opera
by Gabby Ziccarelli - Dec 12, 2025
As the houselights dim at the Metropolitan Opera, the Julie Taymor–directed The Magic Flute transports viewers into a buoyant and kaleidoscopic fairy-tale dreamworld. This abridged, English-language production is a visually sumptuous version of Mozart's singspiel bathed in bold primary colors, shaped by ingenious Masonic-inspired geometric staging, and animated by exquisite puppetry.
by Gabby Ziccarelli - Dec 12, 2025
As the houselights dim at the Metropolitan Opera, the Julie Taymor–directed The Magic Flute transports viewers into a buoyant and kaleidoscopic fairy-tale dreamworld. This abridged, English-language production is a visually sumptuous version of Mozart's singspiel bathed in bold primary colors, shaped by ingenious Masonic-inspired geometric staging, and animated by exquisite puppetry.
Review: THE LION KING at The Paramount Theatre
by Shelley Dean - Dec 11, 2025
Stage adaptations of movies are always tricky, but there’s a certain level of prestige that comes with adapting and pulling off one of the most loved and highly regarded movie adaptations of all time. The Lion King holds a deep residency in so many hearts, having loved the movie from a very early age, many people associate specific memories and people with the classic tale.
by Shelley Dean - Dec 11, 2025
Stage adaptations of movies are always tricky, but there’s a certain level of prestige that comes with adapting and pulling off one of the most loved and highly regarded movie adaptations of all time. The Lion King holds a deep residency in so many hearts, having loved the movie from a very early age, many people associate specific memories and people with the classic tale.
Broadway Star Meredith Patterson Shines In WINTER WONDERLAND
by Gillian Blum - Dec 8, 2025
Merie Productions will present Winter Wonderland, an elegant holiday concert starring Broadway's Meredith Patterson for one more night only on Friday, December 13 at 101 Central's Second Story in downtown Whitefish.
by Gillian Blum - Dec 8, 2025
Merie Productions will present Winter Wonderland, an elegant holiday concert starring Broadway's Meredith Patterson for one more night only on Friday, December 13 at 101 Central's Second Story in downtown Whitefish.
![SUZY EDDIE IZZARD TALKS SHAKESPEEARE N'STUFF [FORSOOTH] is Coming to Chicago Shakespe Photo](https://cloudimages.broadwayworld.com/columnpiccloud/200200-e18100e22459a5182a4513627caa075e.jpg)
SUZY EDDIE IZZARD TALKS SHAKESPEEARE N'STUFF [FORSOOTH] is Coming to Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025
Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present a one-night-only benefit event: Suzy Eddie Izzard Talks Shakespeare N’Stuff [Forsooth] in January in The Yard.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025
Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present a one-night-only benefit event: Suzy Eddie Izzard Talks Shakespeare N’Stuff [Forsooth] in January in The Yard.
Review: THE OUTSIDERS National Tour at Durham Performing Arts Center
by Jeffrey Kare - Dec 3, 2025
Based on S. E. Hinton’s 1967 novel of the same name as well as Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film adaptation. The Outsiders is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s. The story follows Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ as they battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. Together, the Greasers fight for survival and a quest for purpose in a world that doesn't accept them.
by Jeffrey Kare - Dec 3, 2025
Based on S. E. Hinton’s 1967 novel of the same name as well as Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film adaptation. The Outsiders is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s. The story follows Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ as they battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. Together, the Greasers fight for survival and a quest for purpose in a world that doesn't accept them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Julie Taymor written?
Julie Taymor has written 6 shows including The Transposed Heads (Bookwriter), The Transposed Heads (Bookwriter), Juan Darien (Bookwriter), Juan Darién (Bookwriter), The Lion King (Composer), Spider-Man (Bookwriter).
What awards has Julie Taymor been nominated for?
Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Midsummer Night's Dream, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Midsummer Night's Dream, Best Costume Designer (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King , Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King , Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King , Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Set Design - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tempest, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Welcome to the Club, Direction (Obie Awards) for Juan Darien, Concept Pupperty and Masks (The Hewes Awards) for Juan Darien, Special Citations (Obie Awards) and Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Haggadah.
What awards has Julie Taymor won?
Julie Taymor has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. She won Best Costume Designer at the Olivier Awards for The Lion King. For the same production, she earned Outstanding Costume Design, Outstanding Director - Musical, and Outstanding Puppet Design at the Drama Desk Awards. She was honored with Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre by the Drama League Awards. Julie also secured Best Costume Design and Best Director - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Lion King. Additionally, she received awards for Costume Design and Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design from The Hewes Awards for The Lion King. At the Tony Awards, she won Best Costume Design and Best Direction of a Musical for The Lion King. Her outstanding work on The Lion King was further recognized with multiple Drama Desk Awards in Costume Design, Direction, and Puppet Design categories. For Juan Darien, Taymor earned the Direction award at the Obie Awards, along with Concept Puppetry and Masks from The Hewes Awards. She also received Special Citations from the Obie Awards and was honored for Scenic, Costume, and Puppet Design by The Hewes Awards for The Haggadah.
Videos