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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


Video: Helen J. Shen Takes Final Bows in MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Photo
Video: Helen J. Shen Takes Final Bows in MAYBE HAPPY ENDING
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2026

Helen J Shen has officially departed Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway, playing her final performance as “Claire” on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Check out video of her final curtain call and touching speeches here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 12, 2026- THE LOST BOYS Debuts A New Song and Mor Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 12, 2026- THE LOST BOYS Debuts A New Song and More
by - Feb 12, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 12, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Michael Arden Will Direct Premiere of Sara Bareilles' THE INTERESTINGS Musical at Ber Photo
Michael Arden Will Direct Premiere of Sara Bareilles' THE INTERESTINGS Musical at Berkeley Rep
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 11, 2026

Berkeley Repertory Theatre (Artistic Director, Johanna Pfaelzer; Managing Director, Tom Parrish) and Matt Ross just announced today the world premiere of the new musical, The Interestings.
Video: Watch 'Lose Yourself/Have to Have You' From THE LOST BOYS Photo
Video: Watch 'Lose Yourself/Have to Have You' From THE LOST BOYS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 11, 2026

You can now get a sneak peek at the cast of Broadway's The Lost Boys performing two songs from the show: “If We Make It Through The Night” and “Lose Yourself/Have To Have You.”
Stage Direction: Unpacking the Many Works of Two-Time Tony Winner Michael Arden Photo
Stage Direction: Unpacking the Many Works of Two-Time Tony Winner Michael Arden
by Charles Kirsch - Feb 10, 2026

As the recipient of two Tony Awards for Best Director of a Musical in the past three years, there’s no question that Michael Arden is at the top of his game. Between thrilling and inventive revivals of Parade and Once On This Island, and exciting new work like Maybe Happy Ending and the upcoming The Lost Boys, Arden has shown a remarkable ability to create theatrical magic. 
THE OUTSIDERS, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, and More Set For the Smith Center's 2026-27 B Photo
THE OUTSIDERS, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, and More Set For the Smith Center's 2026-27 Broadway Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 10, 2026

Las Vegas' Heart of the Arts, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, has announced its latest lineup of Broadway productions – the 2026-2027 season of its popular and acclaimed Toyota Broadway Las Vegas Series.
Hot Tickets of the Week: THE OUTSIDERS, THE LOST BOYS & More Photo
Hot Tickets of the Week: THE OUTSIDERS, THE LOST BOYS & More
by Team BWW - Feb 9, 2026

Ready to see your next Broadway show? Of course you are! Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week. Check out the shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to this week, starting February 9, 2026.
Exclusive: Isaac Powell on THE MOMENT, Next Theater Project & More Photo
Exclusive: Isaac Powell on THE MOMENT, Next Theater Project & More
by Tyler Hinton - Feb 9, 2026

Isaac Powell, Broadway star of the recent revivals of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND and WEST SIDE STORY, plays a key role in the new Charli XCX film THE MOMENT, which recently premiered at Sundance and is now playing in movie theaters across the country. He sat down to talk with BroadwayWorld about the film, his career, and what’s next. 
Video: In Rehearsals with the Cast of THE LOST BOYS Photo
Video: In Rehearsals with the Cast of THE LOST BOYS
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 5, 2026

Just last week, the cast and creative team of Broadway’s THE LOST BOYS invited a few members of the press for a sneak peek presentation. Watch in this video as we take you inside rehearsals with the company and watch a sneak peek of 'If We Make It Through the Night.'
HAMILTON, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING and More Set for 2026-2027 Broadway on Hennepin Series Photo
HAMILTON, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING and More Set for 2026-2027 Broadway on Hennepin Series
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026

Hennepin Arts has announced the 2026-2027 Broadway on Hennepin series, bringing 12 Broadway shows to Minneapolis for 14 weeks including Tony Award Best Musical winners The Outsiders, Maybe Happy Ending and Hamilton
Video: THE LOST BOYS Cast Performs 'If We Make It Through The Night' Photo
Video: THE LOST BOYS Cast Performs 'If We Make It Through The Night'
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 2, 2026

The cast and creative team of Broadway’s THE LOST BOYS invited a few members of the press to watch a sneak peek preview presentation of two songs from the show, including “If We Make It Through The Night”. Watch the full performance here!
Video: Dez Duron Performs 'My Funny Valentine' When MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Stops the Show Photo
Video: Dez Duron Performs 'My Funny Valentine' When MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Stops the Show
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2026

The show must go on! During a recent performance of Maybe Happy Ending, the show experienced technical difficulties and Dez Duron, who plays crooner Gil Brentley, was on hand to entertain the audience. Check out the video here!
THE OUTSIDERS, THE GREAT GATSBY and More Set for Broadway in Cincinnati's 26/27 Seaso Photo
THE OUTSIDERS, THE GREAT GATSBY and More Set for Broadway in Cincinnati's 26/27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2026

Broadway in Cincinnati's 26/27 season lineup will feature The Great Gatsby, The Outsiders and more.
Up on the Marquee: THE LOST BOYS Photo
Up on the Marquee: THE LOST BOYS
by Jennifer Broski - Jan 23, 2026

The Lost Boys is coming to Broadway! The new musical begins preview performances Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Palace Theatre with an official opening on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The venue was previously home to Beetlejuice, which played its final performance on January 3, 2026. Check out photos of the new marque below!
WICKED, DEATH BECOMES HER and More Set for Broadway In Boston 26/27 Season Photo
WICKED, DEATH BECOMES HER and More Set for Broadway In Boston 26/27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2026

The 2026/2027 Broadway In Boston Season at the Citizens Opera House and the Emerson Colonial Theatre, an Ambassador Theatre Group venue has been revealed!  Included in the Eight Show Season Subscription are Wicked and more.
Ben Crawford and More Complete the Cast of THE LOST BOYS on Broadway Photo
Ben Crawford and More Complete the Cast of THE LOST BOYS on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2026

The full cast has been set for The Lost Boys, a new musical at The Palace Theatre. The production will star Shoshana Bean, Ali Louis Bourzgui, Paul Alexander Nolan and more.
Darren Criss and Helen J Shen to Play Final Performances in MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Photo
Darren Criss and Helen J Shen to Play Final Performances in MAYBE HAPPY ENDING
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026

Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway has revealed the final performances for the two original Broadway leads: Darren Criss and Helen J Shen. 
What's Coming to Broadway in 2026: Upcoming Hits and Star Performances Photo
What's Coming to Broadway in 2026: Upcoming Hits and Star Performances
by Sidney Paterra - Jan 4, 2026

Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2026 including plays, musicals, revivals, new shows and of course - stars! Be sure to check back for updates. We have all of the details!
Last Chance to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; THE JACK OF HEARTS CLUB Photo
Last Chance to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; THE JACK OF HEARTS CLUB Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 29, 2025

This is the last chance to vote 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!
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; Provincetown Theater Le Photo
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Boston Awards; Provincetown Theater Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 22, 2025

We're in the final weeks to vote 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!
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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 awards for outstanding direction in musical theatre. He won the Outstanding Direction of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Drama League Awards, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Maybe Happy Ending. Additionally, he won the Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Maybe Happy Ending. Arden was also honored with the Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Once on This Island and received the Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Spring Awakening.

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