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Harold Prince

Also Credited As: Harold S. Prince

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Harold S. Prince (b. New York City, NY, 30 January 1928), also known as “Hal” Prince, was a theater producer and director who made a significant contribution to Broadway musicals in America. In a career that spanned more than fifty years, Prince has received ten Drama Desk Awards as Outstanding Director and 21 Tony Awards® for Best Direction, Best Producer, Best Musical, and Lifetime Achievement. In addition, Prince was the Kennedy Center Honoree in 1994 and the recipient of the National Medal of Arts in 2000.



Prince received his education at University of Pennsylvania, where he enrolled in a liberal arts program and was actively involved in the student theater group, Penn Players. After graduating in 1948, he returned to New York and began working as an assistant stage manager to producer and director George Abbott. This experience led to co-production opportunities with Robert E. Griffith and Frederick Brisson, resulting in the first two musicals that won Tonys® for Prince – The Pajama Game (1954) and Damn Yankees (1955).

After several co-productions, including the classic West Side Story in 1957, Prince began to produce his own musicals. His Fiddler on the Roof (1964) enjoyed enormous success with a record-breaking run of over three thousand performances between 1964 and 1972. Meanwhile, Prince also took on the role of director. Many of the most popular musicals of the following decades were created under his direction, including Cabaret (1966), Sweeney Todd (1979), Evita (1979), and The Phantom of the Opera (1988).

Besides his achievements as a producer and director, Prince is also known for bringing innovation to the theatrical arts. In collaboration with Stephen Sondheim, he was a pioneer in the development of the “concept musical,” taking its departure from an idea or theme rather than from a traditional story. Their first project of this kind, Company (1970), was a solid success and paved the way for other innovative musicals.

Prince’s contribution to the arts extends beyond the musical theater: he has made a number of movie adaptations (Damn Yankees 1958, A Little Night Music 1977), and directed for television (Candide 1986). In addition, he has served as a trustee for the New York Public Library and on the National Council of the Arts of the National Education Association.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer


[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Special Guest


Productions

 
[US Tour, 2025]
Original Director
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Co-Creator
 
[West End, 2024]
Original Director
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Co-Conceived
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2010]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Producer (Original)
Director (Original)
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Las Vegas, 2006]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2004]
Production Supervisor
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2003]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
 
[Australia, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[West End, 1992]
Director
 
[, 1990]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1988]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1986]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Director
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1982]
Producer (In Association With)
Director
 
[US Tour, 1982]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Director
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1980]
Director
 
[West End, 1980]
Director
 
[West End, 1980]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1979]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[West End, 1978]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1978]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Director
 
[Chicago, 1977]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1976]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
Producer
 
[West End, 1975]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Producer (in conjunction with)
Director
 
[US Tour, 1974]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1972]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1972]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1971]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Director
Producer
 
[West End, 1968]
Producer
 
[West End, 1968]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1967]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1967]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[West End, 1964]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1963]
Producer (by arrangement with)
 
[Broadway, 1963]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Assistant Stage Manager

Writing

Source Material

Movies

Damn Yankees
[ 1958 ] producer
Fiddler on the Roof
[ 1971 ] producer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - The Harold Prince Award

Hal Prince

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Harold Prince, LoveMusik


winner
Tony Awards - 2006 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Harold Prince

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Parade


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold PrinceShowboat


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold PrinceShowboat


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1995 - Best Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Show Boat


winner
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Show Boat

Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Director of a Musical

Harold Prince, Kiss Of The Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Helen Hayes Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Harold PrinceThe Phantom of the Opera

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Director

Harold Prince - Grandchild of Kings

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Phantom of the Opera

Helen Hayes Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Harold PrinceCabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince , The Phantom of the Opera

Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Cabaret

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince , Grind

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Grind


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Harold Prince, Evita


winner
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Costume Design

Harold Prince, Evita


winner
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Evita


winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Sweeney Todd

Olivier Awards - 1978 - Director of the Year

Harold Prince, Evita

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, On the Twentieth Century

Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Side by Side by Sondheim

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Pacific Overtures

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Pacific Overtures


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, The Visit


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, Candide


winner
Obie Awards - 1974 - Distinguished Direction

Harold PrinceCandide


winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Candide


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, The Great God Brown

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music


winner
Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music


winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince , Follies


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, Follies


winner
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Company


winner
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Company


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, Company

Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Zorba


winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Cabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1965 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, Fiddler on the Roof

Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, She Loves Me

Tony Awards - 1964 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, She Loves Me


winner
Tony Awards - 1963 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Videos

News


Review: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at the Eccles Theater is Refreshed with Reverence
by Tyler Hinton - Apr 11, 2026

The national tour of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, currently playing at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, brings back the old favorite with refreshed reverence. The dark beauty of the original production remains intact while freshly burnished in this iteration, which features a new heartstopping chandelier drop that you’ll want to see for yourself. 
BOOP! THE MUSICAL, OH, MARY! and More Set for The Smith Center's 2026-2027 Broadway Las Vegas Series
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 10, 2026

The Smith Center announced its 2026-2027 Toyota Broadway Las Vegas Series, featuring seven productions including BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and MAYBE HAPPY ENDING. Subscriptions go on sale April 13.
Center Theatre Group Reveals 2026/27 Season - THE TURNING WORLD Premiere and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 30, 2026

Center Theatre Group has revealed twelve productions for the 2026/27 Season. The eight-show One CTG subscription package includes plays and musicals at the Mark Taper Forum and Ahmanson Theatre, including The Turning world premiere and more.
What Broadway Leaders Don't Say - But I Learned As A Fellow
by Cynthia L. Dorsey - Mar 27, 2026

Many fellowship programs help emerging leaders learn the craft and business of theater, in both nonprofit and commercial spaces. For this article, I spoke with several fellows about five things Broadway leaders don’t often say but that we learned as fellows.
FOLLIES, Brian Cox in THE SCORE, and More Set For Shakespeare Theatre Company's 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2026

Shakespeare Theatre Company has announced its upcoming 2026-27 season lineup, which will include Brian Cox in The Score, a major production of Follies, and more.
DEATH BECOMES HER, MAMMA MIA!, And More Set for Playhouse Square 2026"2027 Broadway Series
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2026

Playhouse Square has announced its 2026–2027 Broadway season featuring Death Becomes Her, Mamma Mia!, and more. The lineup includes seven productions in Cleveland. Season tickets are on sale now.
Des Moines Performing Arts Reveals 26-27 Broadway Series - HELL'S KITCHEN, JUST IN TIME and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2026

Des Moines Performing Arts has revealed its 2026-27 Willis Broadway Series, bringing a lineup of Broadway’s biggest hits and new productions to the Des Moines Civic Center, including Hell's Kitchen, Just in Time and more.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, SPAMALOT, and More Set For Tulsa's 26/27 Broadway Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 25, 2026

The upcoming 2026-27 Tulsa Broadway season has been announced, which includes six shows ranging from hilarious musical comedies to breathtaking epics extending beyond the stage.
Asolo Rep Sets Cast And Creative Team of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2026

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, set to open in March 2026. The renowned theatre, known for its high-caliber productions, will bring this classic musical to life under the direction of a celebrated creative team. The show promises to offer a fresh interpretation of the beloved story, exploring themes of tradition and change.
Photos: Beatrice Penny-Touré, Dean Chisnall, and More in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2026

New production photos have been released for Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at His Majesty’s Theatre. Check out the photos here!
OH, MARY!, THE OUTSIDERS, and More Set For Broadway San Diego 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2026

Broadway San Diego has announced its 49th Season, bringing Broadway's current productions direct from New York City to San Diego. Learn more about the lineup here!
HELL'S KITCHEN, DEATH BECOMES HER, and More Set For 2026-2027 Broadway in Austin Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2026

Texas Performing Arts’ 2026-2027 Broadway in Austin Season will include 11 Broadway shows headed to Bass Concert Hall, including seven Austin premieres and the returns of unforgettable fan favorites.
THE NOTEBOOK, BOOP! THE MUSICAL, and More Set For Proctors 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2026

Proctors Collaborative revealed its 2026-27 season during the festive annual Season Announcement Bash, launching a landmark year as the organization celebrates the 100th anniversary season of Proctors.
TimeLine Theatre Company Unveils Inaugural Season at New Uptown Home
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2026

TimeLine Theatre Company has revealed its 2026–27 Inaugural Season in the company’s first permanent home at 5035 N. Broadway in Uptown. This long‑awaited milestone launches a new era for TimeLine.
DEATH BECOMES HER, THE OUTSIDERS, and More Set For ASU Gammage 2026-2027 Broadway Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2026

ASU Gammage has announced its 2026–2027 Desert Financial Broadway Across America-Arizona Broadway season with a dynamic blend of Tempe premieres, beloved classics, and acclaimed new hits.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE NOTEBOOK, and More Set For Broadway San Jose 2026/27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2026

Broadway San Jose has announced its 2026/27 season, showcasing a lineup of acclaimed musicals, including Hamilton, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Learn more here!
Milton Theatre to Hold Auditions for SWEENEY TODD Mainstage Production
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 2, 2026

Milton Theatre is seeking non-equity actors for its upcoming production of Sweeney Todd, with auditions open until March 16, 2026. Roles require strong singing and acting skills.
Broadway at DPAC Announces 2026-2027 Show Season
by Gillian Blum - Mar 1, 2026

Direct from New York City, Nederlander presents Broadway at DPAC’s 2026 / 2027 Season, with eight shows performing at the Durham Performing Arts Center.
Linda Eder, Kate Baldwin, Jenn Colella and More to Perform at 54 Below for Women's History Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026

Next month, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond for Women's History Month, including Linda Eder, Kate Baldwin, Jenn Colella and more. 
SWEENEY TODD Comes to Four County Players In March
by Stephi Wild - Feb 25, 2026

As the next production of their 53rd Season in Barboursville, Four County Players will present SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, A Musical Thriller, opening March 6 on the Mainstage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Harold Prince been in?

Harold Prince has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Harold Prince been in?

Harold Prince has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Harold Prince been nominated for?

Harold Prince has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include the Harold Prince Award for Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for LoveMusik, the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Parade, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director - Musical for Showboat, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Director - Musical for Show Boat, the Olivier Award for Best Director of a Musical for Kiss Of The Spider Woman, and the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for Kiss of the Spider Woman. He has also been nominated for the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production for The Phantom of the Opera and Cabaret, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Director for Grandchild of Kings, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director - Musical for Phantom of the Opera and Cabaret, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for The Phantom of the Opera, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Grind, and the Tony Award for Best Musical for Grind. Other nominations include the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director of a Musical for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Costume Design for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Sweeney Todd, the Olivier Award for Director of the Year for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for On the Twentieth Century, the Tony Award for Best Musical for Side by Side by Sondheim, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director - Musical for Pacific Overtures, and the Tony Award for Best Musical for Pacific Overtures. He has also been nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for The Visit and Candide, the Obie Award for Distinguished Direction for Candide, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Candide, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for A Little Night Music and The Great God Brown, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for A Little Night Music, the Tony Award for Best Musical for A Little Night Music, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Follies, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for Follies, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Company, the Tony Award for Best Musical for Company, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for Company, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Zorba and Cabaret, and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for She Loves Me. Additionally, he has received nominations for the Tony Award for Producer (Musical) for Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

What awards has Harold Prince won?

Harold Prince has won several awards throughout his career in the theater industry. Some of the notable awards he has received include the Harold Prince Award at the Drama Desk Awards, the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the Tony Awards, and the Outstanding Director - Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on Showboat. He has also won awards for his direction of other musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Sweeney Todd, and A Little Night Music. In addition, he has received recognition for his work as a producer on shows like Fiddler on the Roof and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Harold Prince's contributions to the theater industry have been widely celebrated and acknowledged through these awards and honors.

How many shows has Harold Prince written?

Harold Prince has written 1 shows including Parade (Source Material).

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