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Michael Greif

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BIO

Greif attended Northwestern University and graduated from the University of California, San Diego graduate directing program. He was the Artistic Director of the La Jolla Playhouse, LaJolla, California from 1994 to 1999.



He was an Artistic Associate at the New York Theatre Workshop where he directed, among others, Bright Lights, Big City (1998–99) and the original production of Rent for which he received the Obie Award for direction of a musical and which he later directed on Broadway.

Greif has directed several original Broadway musicals and been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical four times. In addition to Rent, his Broadway credits include If/Then (also at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.), Next to Normal (also at Second Stage Theatre and Arena Stage), Grey Gardens (also at Playwrights Horizons), Dear Evan Hansen (also at Arena Stage and Second Stage), and War Paint (also at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago).

In August 2023, it was announced that his Chicago Shakespeare Theater production of The Notebook would transfer to Broadway in March 2024 and in September 2023, it was announced that he would transfer his Off-Broadway production of Days of Wine and Roses to Broadway in January 2024.

Among his many directing credits Off-Broadway are Alicia Keys' autobiographical musical Hell's Kitchen, Katori Hall's Our Lady of Kibeho, John Guare's Landscape of the Body and A Few Stout Individuals at Signature Theatre, Beauty of the Father for the Manhattan Theatre Club, the 2009 Playwrights Horizons production of Mrs. Sharp (with music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver and starring Jane Krakowski), and Romeo and Juliet, The Winter's Tale, and The Tempest at the New York Shakespeare Festival at the Delacorte Theater (2007, 2010, 2015).

Photos

Productions

Basura
 
[Broadway, 2026]
Director
Beautiful Little Fool
 
[West End, 2026]
Director
Hell's Kitchen
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
The Notebook
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
The NotebookThe Notebook
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Co-Director
Days of Wine and RosesDays of Wine and Roses
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
The NotebookThe Notebook
 
[Chicago, 2022]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
Next to NormalNext to Normal
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2020]
Director
Make BelieveMake Believe
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[Toronto, 2019]
Director
The Low RoadThe Low Road
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
A ParallelogramA Parallelogram
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
War PaintWar Paint
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
War PaintWar Paint
 
[Chicago, 2016]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
If/ThenIf/Then
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Director
Dear Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2015]
Director
The TempestThe Tempest
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
If/ThenIf/Then
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
Far From HeavenFar From Heaven
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
GiantGiant
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
RentRent
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
Next to NormalNext to Normal
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Director
Angels in America: Millennium ApproachesAngels in America: Millennium Approaches
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
Angels in America: PerestroikaAngels in America: Perestroika
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
The Winter's TaleThe Winter's Tale
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
Next to NormalNext to Normal
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
RentRent
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Director
Boys' Life
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
next to normal
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[US Tour, 2008]
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[West End, 2008]
Director
Romeo and Juliet
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
A Very Common Procedure
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
Grey GardensGrey Gardens
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Satellites
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Landscape of the Body
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
Beauty of the Father
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Mr. Marmalade
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
Grey Gardens
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
Spatter Pattern (Or, How I Got Away With It)
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
The Distance From Here
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Never Gonna DanceNever Gonna Dance
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
Cavedweller
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
F-ing A
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
Betty Rules
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Play Yourself
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Artistic Associate
A Few Stout Individuals
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Monster
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Everything That Rises Must Converge
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
First Love
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
Dogeaters
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
Bright Lights, Big City
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director/Choreographer
Director
Rent
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
RentRent
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Director
Rent
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
Director
Marisol
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
Spike Heels
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
Pericles
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
A Bright Room Called Day
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Machinal
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Sleight of Hand
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Assistant Director

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Michael Greif, Days of Wine and Roses

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Hell's Kitchen

The Lortels - 2018 - Outstanding Director

Michael Greif, The Low Road


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

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

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Director

Michael GreifOur Lady of Kibeho

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Next to Normal

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Grey Gardens

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Greif , Grey Gardens


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director - Play

Michael Greif, Dogeaters


winner
Obie Awards - 2001 - Direction

Michael Greif, Dogeaters

The Lortels - 2001 - Outstanding Director

Michael Greif, Dogeaters


winner
Obie Awards - 1996 - Special Citations

Michael Greif, Rent

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif , Rent

Videos

More Videos

News


Video: Yolanda Adams and More in HELL'S KITCHEN'S A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS Photo
Video: Yolanda Adams and More in HELL'S KITCHEN'S A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 23, 2025

A new video of Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas” has now been released featuring newly added Hell's Kitchen cast member, Yolanda Adams and more!
Video: Yolanda Adams Recalls First Meeting with HELL'S KITCHEN Creator Alicia Keys Photo
Video: Yolanda Adams Recalls First Meeting with HELL'S KITCHEN Creator Alicia Keys
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 23, 2025

Grammy winner Yolanda Adams recently made her Broadway debut in Hell's Kitchen. On a visit to TODAY with Jenna & Friends, she shared how starring in the show is a return to her theatrical roots and recalled her first meeting with creator Alicia Keys. Watch the interview now.
Photos: David Hunter, Lauren Ward and Hannah Corneau in BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL Artwork Photo
Photos: David Hunter, Lauren Ward and Hannah Corneau in BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL Artwork
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 22, 2025

You can now check out artwork for Beautiful Little Fool, featuring David Hunter, Lauren Ward, and Hannah Corneau, now playing in the UK at Southwark Playhouse.
Photos: Yolanda Adams as 'Miss Liza Jane' in HELL’S KITCHEN Photo
Photos: Yolanda Adams as 'Miss Liza Jane' in HELL’S KITCHEN
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 19, 2025

You can now get a first look at four-time Grammy Award winner Yolanda Adams' Broadway debut in the role of Miss Liza Jane in the Grammy Award-winning hit musical Hell's Kitchen, featuring the music of 17-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys.
THE NOTEBOOK National Tour is Coming to BroadwaySF's Orpheum Theatre Photo
THE NOTEBOOK National Tour is Coming to BroadwaySF's Orpheum Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025

THE NOTEBOOK, a new musical based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, will play San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre.
HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox Photo
HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2025

Hell's Kitchen, the Broadway musical from 17-time Grammy Award winner, Alicia Keys, will bring its North American tour to The Fabulous Fox. Hell's Kitchen is directed by five-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.
Video: Kecia Lewis Takes Final Bow in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway Photo
Video: Kecia Lewis Takes Final Bow in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway
by Michael Major - Dec 15, 2025

Kecia Lewis played her final performance in Hell's Kitchen on Broadway, celebrating the end of her Tony-winning run. Watch the video of Lewis, who won a Tony, Grammy, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards the role of 'Miss Liza Jane'
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 12, 2025- OH, MARY! To Welcome John Cameron Mitch Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 12, 2025- OH, MARY! To Welcome John Cameron Mitchell and More
by - Dec 12, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 12, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Michael Greif Picks the Shows That Shaped Him Photo
Video: Michael Greif Picks the Shows That Shaped Him
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 11, 2025

In this video, watch as director Michael Greif walks us through the aisles of the Drama Book Shop to tell us all about the plays and musicals that made him the artist he is today. Can you guess which classics he most adores?
Single Tickets For THE NOTEBOOK To Go On Sale At The Kravis Center Photo
Single Tickets For THE NOTEBOOK To Go On Sale At The Kravis Center
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 9, 2025

The Kravis Center will soon welcome the acclaimed musical adaptation of The Notebook, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter.
Creative Team Set For the World Premiere of Gloria Estefan and Emily Estefan's BASURA Photo
Creative Team Set For the World Premiere of Gloria Estefan and Emily Estefan's BASURA
by Stephi Wild - Dec 9, 2025

The creative team has been announced for the world premiere production of BASURA, a new musical with music and lyrics by Gloria Estefan and Emily Estefan, premiering at the Alliance Theatre.
Review: THE NOTEBOOK at Des Moines Performing Arts Photo
Review: THE NOTEBOOK at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - Dec 5, 2025

Stories can be one of the most powerful things in the world. We all have different reasons we share a story.  Sometimes it's to pass down a lesson we have learned.  Other times it's to remind us or someone we know about our story. 'The Notebook: The Musical,' which opened on Tuesday at Des Moines Performing Arts as part of the Willis Broadway Series, not only tells a beautiful story, but the way it is told is something I'm going to remember for a long time.
Video: Ne-Yo Takes His First Bow in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway Photo
Video: Ne-Yo Takes His First Bow in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway
by Michael Major - Dec 5, 2025

Ne-Yo officially made his Broadway debut last night in Hell's Kitchen on Broadway. Watch a video of him taking his first bow in the production now! The cast also includes Amanda Reid, Kecia Lewis, Yolanda Adams, and more.
Video: Jessica Vosk Departs HELL'S KITCHEN With An Explosive 'Pawn It All' Photo
Video: Jessica Vosk Departs HELL'S KITCHEN With An Explosive 'Pawn It All'
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 1, 2025

The terrific Jessica Vosk has completed her run in Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen on Broadway and the production has released footage from inside the Shubert Theatre as Vosk sings one last explosive performance of, 'Pawn It All'. Watch the video!
Exclusive: Hannah Corneau Sings 'Built to Last' From 'Beautiful Little Fool' Concept Photo
Exclusive: Hannah Corneau Sings 'Built to Last' From 'Beautiful Little Fool' Concept Album
by Michael Major - Nov 28, 2025

Here’s your first look at Hannah Corneau recording 'Built to Last' from the Beautiful Little Fool concept album featuring Jessie Mueller, Ryan Vasquez, and Hannah Corneau - streaming now on all platforms.
Listen: HELL'S KITCHEN Release Holiday Song 'Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Chri Photo
Listen: HELL'S KITCHEN Release Holiday Song 'Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas”
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 21, 2025

Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen has dropped a new holiday song, “Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas,' an original mash-up of the holiday classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and Alicia Keys’ “The Gospel.” Check it out now!
Photos: On The Opening Night Red Carpet For TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YOR Photo
Photos: On The Opening Night Red Carpet For TWO STRANGERS CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 20, 2025

The new musical Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York) celebrated its opening night on Broadway with a red carpet full of family, fans, friends, and supporters. Visit the red carpet in new photos!
Video: Yolanda Adams Says HELL'S KITCHEN Broadway Debut is a 'Bucket List' Moment Photo
Video: Yolanda Adams Says HELL'S KITCHEN Broadway Debut is a 'Bucket List' Moment
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - Nov 20, 2025

Grammy-winning gospel icon Yolanda Adams is heading to Broadway! The four-time Grammy Award winner will step into the role of Miss Liza Jane in Hell’s Kitchen. BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge sat down with Yolanda to discuss her Broadway debut.
Listen: Durrell 'Tank' Babbs Shares New Single 'Control' Photo
Listen: Durrell 'Tank' Babbs Shares New Single 'Control'
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 19, 2025

R&B star Durrell “Tank” Babbs, back on Broadway for a limited run in Hell's Kitchen, has released his latest single, 'Control.' The track samples Janet Jackson’s hit “Control,” written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Check it out now.
HELL'S KITCHEN to Release Holiday Song 'Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas Photo
HELL'S KITCHEN to Release Holiday Song 'Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 19, 2025

Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen will release a new holiday song, “Hell’s Kitchen’s A Merry Little Christmas,' featuring cast members Amanda Reid, Phillip Johnson Richardson and Jessica Vosk.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Michael Greif been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hell's Kitchen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for The Low Road, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Our Lady of Kibeho, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Next to Normal, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Grey Gardens, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Grey Gardens , Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dogeaters, Direction (Obie Awards) for Dogeaters, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Dogeaters, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Rent and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rent.

What awards has Michael Greif won?

Michael Greif has won several prestigious awards for his work in theater. He received the Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Dear Evan Hansen. Additionally, he won Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Dogeaters. Greif also earned the Direction award at the Obie Awards for Dogeaters, along with Special Citations at the Obie Awards for Rent.

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