Joan Diener
Joan Diener is an actor whose BroadwayWorld credits include Man of La Mancha, Home Sweet Homer, and Cry for Us All. Awards include Theatre World Awards for Kismet (1954).
Date of Birth: February 24, 1930
Date of Death: May 13, 2006 (76)
Birth Place: Columbus, OH, USA
Latest News on Joan Diener:
- Review: Aimee Doherty Hits Homer with PENELOPEFeb 24, 2026
- BWW Review: SIERRA BOGGESS Makes Joyful Music at 54 BelowSep 10, 2021
- BWW Review: MAN OF LA MANCHA at ChâteletJun 12, 2021
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Joan Diener
Connection
Awards and Nominations
winner
Theatre World Awards - 1954 - Performance
Joan Diener, Kismet
News
Review: Aimee Doherty Hits Homer with PENELOPE
by R. Scott Reedy - Feb 24, 2026
At this time last year, the American Repertory Theater was premiering a stirring new dramatic adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey” by actor and playwright Kate Hamill, which moved back and forth between King Odysseus and Queen Penelope during a three-hour production with two intermissions.
by R. Scott Reedy - Feb 24, 2026
At this time last year, the American Repertory Theater was premiering a stirring new dramatic adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey” by actor and playwright Kate Hamill, which moved back and forth between King Odysseus and Queen Penelope during a three-hour production with two intermissions.
BWW Review: SIERRA BOGGESS Makes Joyful Music at 54 Below
by Ricky Pope - Sep 10, 2021
The one constant in all Sierra Boggess' roles is a heavenly voice that sounds so effortless it hides the stunning technique that lies beneath. She has a lightness of tone that is completely conversational in every register and diction that is enviable. But beyond all these technical gifts, Boggess is masterful at living inside any given lyric without imposing anything on it. She just lets the words do the work. In that, she is a worthy successor to Barbara Cook.
by Ricky Pope - Sep 10, 2021
The one constant in all Sierra Boggess' roles is a heavenly voice that sounds so effortless it hides the stunning technique that lies beneath. She has a lightness of tone that is completely conversational in every register and diction that is enviable. But beyond all these technical gifts, Boggess is masterful at living inside any given lyric without imposing anything on it. She just lets the words do the work. In that, she is a worthy successor to Barbara Cook.
BWW Review: MAN OF LA MANCHA at Châtelet
by Patrick Honoré - Jun 12, 2021
For only four performances the past two weekends, the Châtelet in Paris was alive again with the sound of musicals we’ve been missing so much here. Boasting 2300 performances, and no less than four revivals on Broadway, Man of La Mancha ranks among the most performed musicals around the world. The book is by Dale Wasserman, based on his own teleplay on the fictional life of Don Quixote and that of his creator Cervantes, a very melodic score by Mitch Leigh, his first musical effort and his only big success, and lyrics by Joe Darion, which gave us at least two standards, the title song and “The Impossible Dream”, the latter recorded not only by Jacques Brel but by Johnny Halliday and Julien Clerc.
by Patrick Honoré - Jun 12, 2021
For only four performances the past two weekends, the Châtelet in Paris was alive again with the sound of musicals we’ve been missing so much here. Boasting 2300 performances, and no less than four revivals on Broadway, Man of La Mancha ranks among the most performed musicals around the world. The book is by Dale Wasserman, based on his own teleplay on the fictional life of Don Quixote and that of his creator Cervantes, a very melodic score by Mitch Leigh, his first musical effort and his only big success, and lyrics by Joe Darion, which gave us at least two standards, the title song and “The Impossible Dream”, the latter recorded not only by Jacques Brel but by Johnny Halliday and Julien Clerc.
Musical Theatre Guild Sets 2019-2020 Season - BARNUM, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU, and More!
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2019
Musical Theatre Guild, the winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Margaret Harford Award for sustained excellence in the theatre, has announced an exciting quartet of shows for their 24th season of Broadway in Concert musicals. The MTG 2019-2020 season includes: BARNUM, THE GOODBYE GIRL, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU and KISMET.
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2019
Musical Theatre Guild, the winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Margaret Harford Award for sustained excellence in the theatre, has announced an exciting quartet of shows for their 24th season of Broadway in Concert musicals. The MTG 2019-2020 season includes: BARNUM, THE GOODBYE GIRL, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU and KISMET.
BWW Review: In GRAND HOTEL, Berlin's Celebration of Decadent Luxury Fails To See The Horrors Ahead
by Michael Dale - Mar 25, 2018
Though the songwriting team of Robert Wright and George Forrest is best remembered by Broadway enthusiasts for adapting the music of Edvard Grieg into SONG OF NORWAY and similarly using the melodies of Alexander Borodin to create their score for KISMET, their greatest success came when director/choreographer Tommy Tune took interest in a musical of theirs that fizzled into obscurity on its way to Broadway, then known as AT THE GRAND.
by Michael Dale - Mar 25, 2018
Though the songwriting team of Robert Wright and George Forrest is best remembered by Broadway enthusiasts for adapting the music of Edvard Grieg into SONG OF NORWAY and similarly using the melodies of Alexander Borodin to create their score for KISMET, their greatest success came when director/choreographer Tommy Tune took interest in a musical of theirs that fizzled into obscurity on its way to Broadway, then known as AT THE GRAND.
Photo Flashback: A Fond Farewell to Those We Lost in 2015
by Walter McBride - Dec 31, 2015
Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2015.
by Walter McBride - Dec 31, 2015
Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2015.
Photo Coverage: MAN OF LA MANCHA Opens at Barrington Stage Company
by Stephen Sorokoff - Jun 15, 2015
Celebrating its 10th year in Downtown Pittsfiled, the award-winning Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Man of La Mancha from June 10 through July 11 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. The production opened last night, and BroadwayWorld was there to capture the opening!
by Stephen Sorokoff - Jun 15, 2015
Celebrating its 10th year in Downtown Pittsfiled, the award-winning Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Man of La Mancha from June 10 through July 11 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. The production opened last night, and BroadwayWorld was there to capture the opening!
Photo Flash: First Look at Jeff McCarthy, Felicia Boswell, Tom Alan Robbins in Barrington Stage's MAN OF LA MANCHA
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 11, 2015
Celebrating its 10th year in Downtown Pittsfiled, the award-winning Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Man of La Mancha from June 10 through July 11 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. The press opening is Sunday, June 14 at 5pm.
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 11, 2015
Celebrating its 10th year in Downtown Pittsfiled, the award-winning Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Man of La Mancha from June 10 through July 11 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. The press opening is Sunday, June 14 at 5pm.
Jeff McCarthy Stars in Barrington Stage's MAN OF LA MANCHA, Beginning Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jun 10, 2015
Celebrating its 10th year in Downtown Pittsfiled, the award-winning Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Man of La Mancha from tonight, June 10 through July 11 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. The press opening is Sunday, June 14 at 5pm.
by BWW News Desk - Jun 10, 2015
Celebrating its 10th year in Downtown Pittsfiled, the award-winning Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Man of La Mancha from tonight, June 10 through July 11 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. The press opening is Sunday, June 14 at 5pm.
Jeff McCarthy to Star in Barrington Stage's MAN OF LA MANCHA This Summer
by BWW News Desk - Jun 8, 2015
Celebrating its 10th year in Downtown Pittsfiled, the award-winning Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Man of La Mancha from June 10 through July 11 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. The press opening is Sunday, June 14 at 5pm.
by BWW News Desk - Jun 8, 2015
Celebrating its 10th year in Downtown Pittsfiled, the award-winning Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Man of La Mancha from June 10 through July 11 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage. The press opening is Sunday, June 14 at 5pm.
FLASH FRIDAY: MAN OF LA MANCHA Prepares To March Back To Broadway For Its 50th Birthday
by Pat Cerasaro - May 1, 2015
Today we are celebrating the breaking news that a classic musical is eying a Broadway return in honor of its 50th anniversary, MAN OF LA MANCHA.
by Pat Cerasaro - May 1, 2015
Today we are celebrating the breaking news that a classic musical is eying a Broadway return in honor of its 50th anniversary, MAN OF LA MANCHA.
Photo Coverage: Remembering Julie Wilson
by Walter McBride - Apr 6, 2015
Stage, screen, and cabaret star Julie Wilson passed away yesterday, April 5, from complications from two recent stokes. She was 90 years old. Below, BroadwayWorld takes you back through the last two decades of her versatile career.
by Walter McBride - Apr 6, 2015
Stage, screen, and cabaret star Julie Wilson passed away yesterday, April 5, from complications from two recent stokes. She was 90 years old. Below, BroadwayWorld takes you back through the last two decades of her versatile career.
Rick McKay Remembers Recently Departed Julie Wilson
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 6, 2015
As BroadwayWorld reported this morning, stage, screen, and cabaret star Julie Wilson passed away yesterday, April 5, from complications from two recent stokes. She was 90 years old. Rick McKay, the producer/director of Rick McKay's Broadway: The Golden Age Film Trilogy, recently took to Facebook to bid farewell to his friend:
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 6, 2015
As BroadwayWorld reported this morning, stage, screen, and cabaret star Julie Wilson passed away yesterday, April 5, from complications from two recent stokes. She was 90 years old. Rick McKay, the producer/director of Rick McKay's Broadway: The Golden Age Film Trilogy, recently took to Facebook to bid farewell to his friend:
Tony Nominee Julie Wilson Passes Away at 90
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 6, 2015
BroadwayWorld has just learned that stage, screen, and cabaret star Julie Wilson passed away yesterday, April 5, from complications from two recent stokes. She was 90 years old. Wilson's friend Ann Hampton Callaway writes on Facebook:
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 6, 2015
BroadwayWorld has just learned that stage, screen, and cabaret star Julie Wilson passed away yesterday, April 5, from complications from two recent stokes. She was 90 years old. Wilson's friend Ann Hampton Callaway writes on Facebook:
MAN OF LA MANCHA, VEILS, BUTLER and More Set for Barrington Stage's 2015 Season
by BWW News Desk - Jan 12, 2015
At a press conference held at Barrington Stage Company's Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, Artistic Director Julianne Boyd announced the theatre's 2015 season of musicals and plays that will take place in Downtown Pittsfield in the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, St. Germain Stage and Youth Theatre venues.
by BWW News Desk - Jan 12, 2015
At a press conference held at Barrington Stage Company's Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, Artistic Director Julianne Boyd announced the theatre's 2015 season of musicals and plays that will take place in Downtown Pittsfield in the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, St. Germain Stage and Youth Theatre venues.
MAN OF LA MANCHA National Tour Company Mourns Loss of Mitch Leigh
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 17, 2014
The company of the current Man Of La Mancha National Tour, which opens in Elmira NY tomorrow, Tuesday, March 18, mourns the loss of its beloved composer and spiritual leader, Mitch Leigh, who passed away over the weekend.
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 17, 2014
The company of the current Man Of La Mancha National Tour, which opens in Elmira NY tomorrow, Tuesday, March 18, mourns the loss of its beloved composer and spiritual leader, Mitch Leigh, who passed away over the weekend.
MAN OF LA MANCHA Tour Journeys to PPAC This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Feb 14, 2014
MAN OF LA MANCHA returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in an all-new production of the Tony Award winning musical that has inspired audiences since the very first notes of 'The Impossible Dream' were heard on opening night.
by BWW News Desk - Feb 14, 2014
MAN OF LA MANCHA returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in an all-new production of the Tony Award winning musical that has inspired audiences since the very first notes of 'The Impossible Dream' were heard on opening night.
Photo Flash: First Look at Jack E. Curenton, Jessica Norland & More in MAN OF LA MANCHA National Tour
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 8, 2014
Man Of La Mancha returns to the stage in an all-new production of the Tony Award winning musical that has inspired audiences since the very first notes of 'The Impossible Dream' were heard on opening night. Performances began January 4th in Idaho Falls; subsequent tour stops include Yakima, WA, Kennewick, WA, Cerritos, CA, Austin, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Alto, NM, Prescott, AZ, Palm Desert, CA, Avon, CO, Riverside, CA, Ft. Smith, AR, Cape Girardeau, MO, Topeka, KS, St. Louis, MO, Gainesville, FL, Providence, RI, Richmond, KY, Sarasota, FL, Ft. Pierce, FL, Macon, GA, Hamlet, NC, Newberry, SC, Worcester, MA, Morgantown, WV, Greenvale, NY, Schenectady, NY, West Point, NY, Coral Springs, FL, Baltimore, MD, Elmira, NY, Burlington, VT, Rutland, VT, Portland, ME, Springfield, MA, Wilmington, DE and Green Bay, WI, with more cities to be announced. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast in action below!
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 8, 2014
Man Of La Mancha returns to the stage in an all-new production of the Tony Award winning musical that has inspired audiences since the very first notes of 'The Impossible Dream' were heard on opening night. Performances began January 4th in Idaho Falls; subsequent tour stops include Yakima, WA, Kennewick, WA, Cerritos, CA, Austin, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Alto, NM, Prescott, AZ, Palm Desert, CA, Avon, CO, Riverside, CA, Ft. Smith, AR, Cape Girardeau, MO, Topeka, KS, St. Louis, MO, Gainesville, FL, Providence, RI, Richmond, KY, Sarasota, FL, Ft. Pierce, FL, Macon, GA, Hamlet, NC, Newberry, SC, Worcester, MA, Morgantown, WV, Greenvale, NY, Schenectady, NY, West Point, NY, Coral Springs, FL, Baltimore, MD, Elmira, NY, Burlington, VT, Rutland, VT, Portland, ME, Springfield, MA, Wilmington, DE and Green Bay, WI, with more cities to be announced. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast in action below!
MAN OF LA MANCHA Tour Journeys to PPAC, 2/14-16
by BWW News Desk - Jan 7, 2014
MAN OF LA MANCHA returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in an all-new production of the Tony Award winning musical that has inspired audiences since the very first notes of 'The Impossible Dream' were heard on opening night.
by BWW News Desk - Jan 7, 2014
MAN OF LA MANCHA returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in an all-new production of the Tony Award winning musical that has inspired audiences since the very first notes of 'The Impossible Dream' were heard on opening night.
Jack E. Curenton and Jessica Norland Lead MAN OF LA MANCHA National Tour; Kicks Off Tonight in Idaho Falls
by BWW News Desk - Jan 4, 2014
Man Of La Mancha returns to the stage in an all-new production of the Tony Award winning musical that has inspired audiences since the very first notes of 'The Impossible Dream' were heard on opening night. Performances begin tonight, January 4th in Idaho Falls; subsequent tour stops include Yakima, WA, Kennewick, WA, Cerritos, CA, Austin, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Alto, NM, Prescott, AZ, Palm Desert, CA, Avon, CO, Riverside, CA, Ft. Smith, AR, Cape Girardeau, MO, Topeka, KS, St. Louis, MO, Gainesville, FL, Providence, RI, Richmond, KY, Sarasota, FL, Ft. Pierce, FL, Macon, GA, Hamlet, NC, Newberry, SC, Worcester, MA, Morgantown, WV, Greenvale, NY, Schenectady, NY, West Point, NY, Coral Springs, FL, Baltimore, MD, Elmira, NY, Burlington, VT, Rutland, VT, Portland, ME, Springfield, MA, Wilmington, DE and Green Bay, WI.
by BWW News Desk - Jan 4, 2014
Man Of La Mancha returns to the stage in an all-new production of the Tony Award winning musical that has inspired audiences since the very first notes of 'The Impossible Dream' were heard on opening night. Performances begin tonight, January 4th in Idaho Falls; subsequent tour stops include Yakima, WA, Kennewick, WA, Cerritos, CA, Austin, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Alto, NM, Prescott, AZ, Palm Desert, CA, Avon, CO, Riverside, CA, Ft. Smith, AR, Cape Girardeau, MO, Topeka, KS, St. Louis, MO, Gainesville, FL, Providence, RI, Richmond, KY, Sarasota, FL, Ft. Pierce, FL, Macon, GA, Hamlet, NC, Newberry, SC, Worcester, MA, Morgantown, WV, Greenvale, NY, Schenectady, NY, West Point, NY, Coral Springs, FL, Baltimore, MD, Elmira, NY, Burlington, VT, Rutland, VT, Portland, ME, Springfield, MA, Wilmington, DE and Green Bay, WI.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Joan Diener been in?
Joan Diener has appeared on Broadway in 10 shows.
How many West End shows has Joan Diener been in?
Joan Diener has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.
What was Joan Diener's first West End show?
Joan Diener's first West End show was Kismet which opened in 1955
What awards has Joan Diener been nominated for?
Joan Diener has been nominated for the Performance category at the Theatre World Awards for her role in the Broadway show "Kismet".
What awards has Joan Diener won?
Joan Diener has won the Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for her role in the Broadway show Kismet.
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