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Michael Arden

Birth Place: Midland, TX, USA

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BIO

Michael Arden is a Tony-nominated director for his revival of Spring Awakening. The acclaimed production transferred from Deaf West Theater in Los Angeles to Broadway in fall 2015. He also won the Outer Critics Circle for Outstanding Director of a Musical and was nominated for a Drama Desk award for the production. Michael made his Broadway debut in Deaf West Theater and the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Big River. Other directing credits include My Fair Lady at Bay Street Theater; Merrily We Roll Along at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Los Angeles, where he is currently the Artist in Residence; LA Ronde for his company, the Forest of Arden; and For the Record: John Hughes in LA and NYC. His production of The Pride opened at the Wallis Annenberg Center in June 2017. Other theatre credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Times they are a Changin', Ragtime (Avery Fisher), It's Only Life, Swimming in the Shallows, Ace, Juno, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale, The Secret Garden, Pippin (Mark Taper Forum), and Aspects of Love at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. Michael's film work includes Source Code, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Bride Wars and So B It. He has also worked extensively in TV, most notably on FX and Fox's "Anger Management." Other TV credits include "GCB," "Nurse Jackie," "Royal Pains," "Unforgettable," "Off the Map," "Kings," "The Closer," "The Forgotten," "Bones," "The Return of Jezebel James," "Cashmere Mafia," "Grey's Anatomy," and "NUMB3RS." Concert work includes singing with Barbra Streisand, Chris Botti, and performances at 54 BELOW, Feinstein's at the Regency and Joe's Pub. Michael is an alum of The Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School.


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
U.S. Premiere La Jolla Playhouse Production, 2014
Quasimodo
Ace
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
Old Globe Production, 2007
John Robert
The Times They are A-Changin' The Times They are A-Changin'
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Coyote
The Times They are A-Changin'
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2006
The Secret Garden
[New York]
New York Concert, 2005
Dickon
Swimming in the Shallows
[Off-Broadway]
2005
Nick
Pippin
[Regional (US)]
Reprise! Concert, 2005
Pippin
Bare
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2004
Peter
Big River Big River
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Tom Sawyer
Ensemble
Tom Sawyer
Ensemble

Productions

High Noon
 
[Broadway, 2030]
Director
The Lost Boys
 
[Broadway, 2026]
Director
Lighting Designer
The Queen of VersaillesThe Queen of Versailles
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Director
ParadeParade
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
Maybe Happy EndingMaybe Happy Ending
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
Ben Platt Live at the PalaceBen Platt Live at the Palace
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
ParadeParade
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Director
A Christmas CarolA Christmas Carol
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Director
Once On This IslandOnce On This Island
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Director
AnnieAnnie
 
[Los Angeles, 2018]
Director
Once On This IslandOnce On This Island
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
Merrily We Roll AlongMerrily We Roll Along
 
[Los Angeles, 2016]
Director
Spring AwakeningSpring Awakening
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Director
A Tale of Two CitiesA Tale of Two Cities
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Assistant Director

Movies

The Good Shepherd
[ 2006 ] Pinafore Actor
Bride Wars
[ 2009 ] Kevin
The Cave Movie
[ 2009 ] Sam
Source Code
[ 2011 ] Derek Frost
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
[ 2012 ] Doug Wert
So B. It
[ 2016 ] Elliot

TV Shows

Anger Management
Patrick

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending


winner
Drama League Awards - 2025 - OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL

Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending


winner
Tony Awards - 2025 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening

Videos

More Videos

News


THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES to Close on Broadway Earlier Than Expected Photo
THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES to Close on Broadway Earlier Than Expected
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2025

The Queen of Versailles on Broadway, starring Kristin Chenoweth, will close at Broadway's St. James Theatre weeks earlier than expected.
Center Theatre Group Creates New Works Development Pipeline Photo
Center Theatre Group Creates New Works Development Pipeline
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 8, 2025

Center Theatre Group has in place a new developmental pipeline for plays and musicals, created by Snehal Desai, CTG’s Brindell & Milton Gottlieb Artistic Director.
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; Leads Favorite Photo
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Shoshana Bean to Star in THE LOST BOYS, A NEW MUSICAL on Broadway Photo
Shoshana Bean to Star in THE LOST BOYS, A NEW MUSICAL on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 8, 2025

Grammy Award winner and Two-time Tony Award nominee Shoshana Bean (Hell’s Kitchen, Wicked, Mr. Saturday Night, Waitress), will star as ‘Lucy Emerson’ in the world premiere of The Lost Boys, A New Musical.
Kristin Chenoweth Returns to QUEEN OF VERSAILLES After Knee & Neck Injury Photo
Kristin Chenoweth Returns to QUEEN OF VERSAILLES After Knee & Neck Injury
by Michael Major - Dec 8, 2025

Kristin Chenoweth returned to the Queen of Versailles on Sunday after injuring her knees and neck after a performance last week. She took to Instagram to share that she was returning to the show after Sherie Rene Scott had stepped in for her.
Sherie Rene Scott to Star as 'Jackie' Tonight in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Photo
Sherie Rene Scott to Star as 'Jackie' Tonight in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2025

Sherie Rene Scott will go on instead of Kristin Chenoweth tonight as Jackie in The Queen of Versailles on Broadway. 
Video: Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen Perform From MAYBE HAPPY ENDING at 92NY Photo
Video: Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen Perform From MAYBE HAPPY ENDING at 92NY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 4, 2025

92NY recently presented A New York Evening with MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, featuring a discussion with the show's team, and performances from stars Darren and Helen J Shen.
Photos: Reba McEntire Visits THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Photo
Photos: Reba McEntire Visits THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Bruce Glikas - Dec 4, 2025

See photos of Reba McEntire visiting The Queen of Versailles on Broadway, starring Kristin Chenoweth, F. Murray Abraham and more.
Video: Watch Kristin Chenoweth Perform 'This Is Not The Way' From THE QUEEN OF VERSAI Photo
Video: Watch Kristin Chenoweth Perform 'This Is Not The Way' From THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES on THE LATE SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 2, 2025

Kristin Chenoweth, accompanied by songwriter Stephen Schwartz on piano, took the stage on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday for a performance of 'This Is Not The Way,' from The Queen of Versailles, currently running at the St. James Theatre. Check out the full performance here.
First Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; EVIL DEAD: THE MU Photo
First Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL HD Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 1, 2025

The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Kristin Chenoweth to Perform THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES on THE LATE SHOW Photo
Kristin Chenoweth to Perform THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES on THE LATE SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 28, 2025

Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth, alongside composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, will visit The Late Show with Stephen Colbert next week for a performance from The Queen of Versailles, which is currently running at the St. James Theatre.
Photo: First Look at Sherie Rene Scott in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Photo
Photo: First Look at Sherie Rene Scott in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Michael Major - Nov 25, 2025

Sherie Rene Scott takes over in The Queen of Versailles tonight! The Broadway icon and standby for 'Jackie Siegel' performs her first show as 'Jackie Siegel,' see new photo of her during the show's final scene for the song 'This Time Next Year.'
Photos: Andy Cohen, Dylan Mulvaney, and Lukas Gage Visit THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Photo
Photos: Andy Cohen, Dylan Mulvaney, and Lukas Gage Visit THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 25, 2025

The Queen of Versailles has been visited by several celebrities since it hit the Broadway stage. Most recently, Andy Cohen, Dylan Mulvaney, and Lukas Gage attended the show. Check out photos here!
THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Sets Broadway Closing Photo
THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Sets Broadway Closing
by Team BWW - Nov 24, 2025

It was announced today that The Queen of Versailles will play its final performance on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on January 4, 2026.
Video: Darren Criss Teams Up with Third Reprise for 80s Pop Rock Cover of 'I'm Not Th Photo
Video: Darren Criss Teams Up with Third Reprise for 80s Pop Rock Cover of 'I'm Not That Girl' From WICKED
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 24, 2025

Just in time for the theatrical release of Wicked: For Good, Tony winner Darren Criss partnered with Third Reprise for an 80s-style pop-rock cover of 'I'm Not That Girl,' originally sung by Elphaba in Wicked. Check it out now.
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Reflects on Playing Jackie Siegel in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Photo
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Reflects on Playing Jackie Siegel in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 20, 2025

Tony Award-winner Kristin Chenoweth is back on Broadway in the new musical The Queen of Versailles. She stars as real-life socialite Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel in the show, and recently stopped by CBS Mornings to talk all about it. Watch the interview now.
Photos: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and More at WICKED: FOR GOOD New York Premiere Photo
Photos: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and More at WICKED: FOR GOOD New York Premiere
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 19, 2025

You can now check out photos from the red carpet of the Wicked: For Good New York City premiere, which streamed live, and marked the final stop of the press tour for the film.
Photos: NBC's STUMBLE Cast and Creatives Visit Kristin Chenoweth at THE QUEEN OF VERS Photo
Photos: NBC's STUMBLE Cast and Creatives Visit Kristin Chenoweth at THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 19, 2025

On Sunday, November 16, the cast and creators of NBC’s Stumble visited New York City’s St. James Theater to celebrate Kristin Chenoweth’s turn as Jackie Siegel in The Queen of Versailles on Broadway. Check out photos from the Stumble reunion here!
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Sings 'This Time Next Year' in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Photo
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Sings 'This Time Next Year' in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Michael Major - Nov 17, 2025

Watch a video of Kristin Chenoweth singing 'This Time Next Year' in The Queen of Versailles on Broadway. The video starts with a monologue to her social media followers, before Chenoweth begins to sing the Stephen Schwartz-written song.
Casts of MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, THE OUTSIDERS, and MAMMA MIA! Will Perform at Broadway U Photo
Casts of MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, THE OUTSIDERS, and MAMMA MIA! Will Perform at Broadway Under the Stars
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 14, 2025

Broadway’s magic returns to The Shops at Columbus Circle with the beloved Broadway Under the Stars series. Enjoy captivating performances from today’s top shows and intimate conversations with the stars, moderated by Broadway alum, George Psomas.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Michael Arden been in?

Michael Arden has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Michael Arden been in?

Michael Arden has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Michael Arden been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL (Drama League Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Once on this Island, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Once on this Island, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Once on this Island, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Spring Awakening, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Spring Awakening and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Spring Awakening.

What awards has Michael Arden won?

Michael Arden has received several prestigious awards for his directing work. He won Outstanding Direction of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Drama League Awards, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Maybe Happy Ending. Additionally, he earned Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Maybe Happy Ending. He also received Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Once on This Island and Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Spring Awakening.

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