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Christopher Ashley

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BIO

Christopher Ashley won the Tony Award for his direction of the stage production of Come From Away on Broadway, and serves as the Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, CA. Other film credits include Diana: The Musical on Netflix, the feature films Jeffrey and Lucky Stiff, and the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life for PBS. At La Jolla Playhouse, Mr. Ashley directed the world-premiere productions of Come From Away, Diana: The Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis, The Darrell Hammond Project, Hollywood and Chasing the Song. Other select Playhouse credits include Freaky Friday, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Glengarry Glen Ross. In addition to Come From Away, other Broadway credits include; Diana: The Musical; Escape to Margaritaville, Xanadu, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk Award nomination); Memphis (Tony, Outer Critics Circle nominations); All Shook Up, The Rocky Horror Show(Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations). Mr. Ashley directed productions of Come From Away in London, Toronto, Australia and on national tour. Other tours include Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis, Xanadu, All Shook Up and Seussical: The Musical. Additional New York stage credits: Blown Sideways Through Life, Jeffrey (Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards), The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla (Lucille Lortel nomination – Outstanding Direction), Regrets Only, Wonder of the World, Communicating Doors, Bunny Bunny, The Night Hank Williams Died, and Fires in the Mirror (Lucille Lortel Award), among others. Mr. Ashley is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Director Fellowship and an NEA/TCG Director Fellowship.



Photos

Productions

 
[US Tour, 2023]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Original Broadway Director[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2019]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Producer
Director
 
[Toronto, 2018]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2016] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2016]
Director
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2016]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2016]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Producer
 
[West End, 2014]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2006]
Director
 
[New York, 2006]
Director
Director
 
[New York, 2006]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2004]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
Director
 
[US Tour, 2002]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2002]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2002]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Production Consultant
 
[Regional (US), 1997]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
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[Off-Broadway, 1993]
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[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Director

Writing


Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Come From Away


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Come From Away


winner
Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Come From Away

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Leap of Faith

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Memphis

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Memphis

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Xanadu

The Lortels - 2004 - Outstanding Director

Christopher Ashley, Valhalla


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Christopher AshleySweeney Todd

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, The Rocky Horror Show

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Direction of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, The Rocky Horror Show


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Christopher Ashley, The Rocky Horror Show

Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Christopher Ashley , Das Barbecu

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Christopher Ashley, Das Barbecii

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Director - Play

Christopher Ashley, Jeffrey


winner
Obie Awards - 1993 - Direction

Christopher Ashley, Jeffrey


winner
The Lortels - 1993 - Outstanding Director

Christopher AshleyFires in the Mirror and Jeffrey

Videos

News


Interview: Theatre Life with Rachel Simone Webb

Today’s subject Rachel Simone Webb is currently living her theatre life onstage at the Kennedy Center in the North American Tour of & Juliet playing the role of Juliet. The show runs through January 5th in the Opera House.
Cast Set For National Tour of HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES

The cast has been announced for the national tour of Tectonic Theater Project’s new play, Here There Are Blueberries. Learn more about the cast and find out where to catch the show here!
COME FROM AWAY Returns To The Washington Pavilion In January

The Washington Pavilion will welcome the popular musical production of COME FROM AWAY back to its stage for a limited time engagement on January 7–9, 2025.
La Jolla Playhouse Latinx New Play Festival Sets 2025 Date

La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the dates for the 2025 Latinx New Play Festival, co-produced with TuYo Theatre. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Hear 'Kaboom' from THE UNTITLED UNAUTHORIZED HUNTER S. THOMPSON MUSICAL at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre in Washington DC will present the second production of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical by Joe Iconis as part of their 2024/2025 season. Watch the cast perform the number, 'Kaboom' in a new video!
Tickets to COME FROM AWAY in Chicago to Go On Sale Tomorrow

The national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, will return to Chicago this winter. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
De’Adre Aziza, Michael Park, Zachary Noah Piser, and Khaila Wilcoxon Join Idina Menzel-Led REDWOOD

The full company has been announced for the new musical Redwood, coming to Broadway in 2025, led by Idina Menzel. Learn more about the cast and the production here!
Stage Directors And Choreographers Society Announces Executive Board Election Results And President's Award

SDC announced the results of its 2024 Executive Board election, highlighting new leadership roles and the organization's future direction. Discover the elected members and their upcoming initiatives.
Tickets on Sale For HADESTOWN and COME FROM AWAY in Cleveland

Playhouse Square announced that tickets to the touring Broadway productions of HADESTOWN and COME FROM AWAY are available for purchase now. Learn more here!
Video: Mr. Joe Iconis Is Riding the Wave of 'Wavesong'

In this video, we welcome welcome Broadway composer, singer, writer- He Does It All- Mr. Joe Iconis! This is his first time swinging by the Roundtable, and we had a lot to talk about, including his new single, 'Wavesong'.
La Jolla Playhouse Reveals Projects for 2024 DNA New Work Series

La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the dates and projects for its 2024 DNA New Work Series, running in the Playhouse’s Rao and Padma Makineni Play Development Center. See full programming and see how to purchase tickets.
COME FROM AWAY to Return to The Fisher Theater in February

COME FROM AWAY will return to the Fisher Theatre in Detroit. Experience the musical that tells the story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town that welcomed them. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Cyndi Lauper & Theresa Rebeck's WORKING GIRL, Julia Child Play & More Set For La Jolla Playhouse 2025/26 Season

La Jolla Playhouse has announced their 2025/2026 season featuring new works from Cyndi Lauper & Theresa, a new play about Julia Child and more.
Tickets to COME FROM AWAY at the Aronoff Center on Sale Tomorrow

Single tickets for the national tour of COME FROM AWAY at the Aranoff Center will go on sale Friday, October 25 at 10:00 AM. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Industry Pro Newsletter: NEA Report Reveals State Arts Trends, Toronto Plans Major Investments

From Toronto’s ambitious 10-year investment plan to the Garden Theatre’s abrupt closure in Florida, communities are focusing on accessibility and resilience. The NEA’s latest report sheds light on U.S. arts participation trends, while major honors like the National Medal of Arts celebrate individual contributions.
Tickets On Sale For COME FROM AWAY Return Engagement At The Hippodrome

The national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, returns to the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home of Baltimore's historic Hippodrome Theatre, for a limited engagement April 18-19, 2025.
COME FROM AWAY Tickets On Sale Now At Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

COME FROM AWAY, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical, will be performed at BBMann from February 25 to March 2, 2025.
COME FROM AWAY in Toronto to Offer New Friday Matinees Beginning in January

The multi-award-winning global sensation Come From Away has returned home to the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre. Beginning January 10, 2025 – weekends will start on Friday afternoons! Learn more about the new matinees and see how to purchase tickets.
Cast Set for YOUR LOCAL THEATER PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, BY CHARLES DICKENS, AGAIN at La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla Playhouse revealed the cast and creative team for YOUR LOCAL THEATER PRESENTS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, BY CHARLES DICKENS, AGAIN, featuring a fresh take on the classic holiday tale. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
COME FROM AWAY Comes To Alberta Bair Theater Next Month

COME FROM AWAY will open the 2024-2025 Broadway Series at Alberta Bair Theater in three weeks, offering audiences a chance to experience this acclaimed production.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Christopher Ashley written?

Christopher Ashley has written 1 shows including Buzzsaw Berkeley (Conceiver).

What awards has Christopher Ashley been nominated for?

Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Come From Away, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Leap of Faith , Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Memphis, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Memphis, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Xanadu, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Valhalla, Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Rocky Horror Show, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Rocky Horror Show, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Rocky Horror Show, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Das Barbecu, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Das Barbecii, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jeffrey, Direction (Obie Awards) for Jeffrey and Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Fires in the Mirror and Jeffrey.

What awards has Christopher Ashley won?

Christopher Ashley has received several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Come From Away. He won Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for the same show. He was also recognized with Outstanding Director, Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for Sweeney Todd. At the Drama Desk Awards, he received Outstanding Director - Musical for The Rocky Horror Show. Additionally, he was awarded Direction at the Obie Awards for Jeffrey, and he earned Outstanding Director at The Lortels for both Fires in the Mirror and Jeffrey.

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Videos