Jana Robbins

Birth Place: United States

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Jana Robbins BIO

JANA ROBBINS is a producer, director, and actor.
She was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where she began dancing lessons at the early age of 4 at the Gene Kelly School of Dance, appearing in recitals and singing provocative solos like "Blues in the Night" by the age of 11. She attended Westmont Hilltop High School, where they luckily did a Broadway musical each Spring. Her junior year, she was cast as Nellie Forbush in SOUTH PACIFIC and played Eliza Doolittle her senior year in MY FAIR LADY, helping to further support and solidify her love of theater.
After graduating high school, Jana went to Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater, returning there several times in the late 80's to teach, and direct CRIMES OF THE HEART, in which she had appeared on Broadway. In 1985 Jana was invited to be the Commencement Speaker at Stephen's Graduation Ceremony when Jean Kirkpatrick, a member of President Ronald Reagan's cabinet, became unavailable. That same year, she wrote and performed her first one woman show, "Being Alive" a musical revue about discovering your purpose in life, and knowing your self worth as a woman.
Jana's first show on Broadway was GOOD NEWS starring John Payne and Alice Faye, where she played Patricia Bingham, the Sorority Queen. The Broadway shows that followed were I LOVE MY WIFE with Lenny Baker, James Naughton & Joanna Gleason; the Pulitzer Prize-winning CRIMES OF THE HEART, ROMANCE/ROMANCE with Scott Bakula; and her favorite musical of all, GYPSY, where she played Mazeppa - the bump it with a trumpet stripper - while standing by for Tyne Daly as Mama Rose, a role she played for 40 performances to critical acclaim. Jana also covered both Linda Lavin and Michele Lee in Charle's Bush's THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE, playing both roles many times.
Her memorable Off-Broadway appearances include Olivia in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM; Danny Goggin's JOHNNY MANHATTAN, TICKLES BY TUCKOLSKY with Helen Gallagher, THE ALL NIGHT STRUT, Colette in the York Theater's production of the Tom Jones/Harvey Schmidt musical COLETTE COLLAGE, and 17 characters (10 of whom were men) in the one-woman show CIRCUS GOTHIC.
Jana has also starred across the country in repertory and regional theaters, in a wide range of roles in both musicals and straight plays. She played Louise in GYPSYat the Papermill Playhouse with Dolores Gray as Mama Rose, for which she won the New Jersey Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM at Seattle Rep., Lady Sneerwell in SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL, Martirio in THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, as Sally Bowles in CABARET, Sylvia in TIP TOES at BAM, Ruth Van Horne in FOLLOW THRU at the Goodspeed Opera House, Rosalie in THE MOST HAPPY FELLA at the Kansas City Lyric Opera, Dr. Livingstone in AGNES OF GOD; Mona in DAMES AT SEA (the video tape is available for viewing at Lincoln Center), Maggie in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF at The Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, Jennie Malone in CHAPTER TWO and Annie Dankworth in THE HOUSEKEEPER, both at the Pennsylvania Stage Company, Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL, and Lady in ORPHEUS DECENDING opposite Jon Tenney for the NY Stage & Film Co. Jana played Bessie Berger with Robert Prosky in AWAKE AND SING at The Arena Stage, and garnered great reviews at The Actor's Theater of Louisville's Humana Festival for her performance as the Jewish mother in THE AS IF BODY LOOP, Aunt Pearl in The New York Fringe Festival's production of AND SOMEWHERE MEN ARE LAUGHING, and the title role of Maxine in the World Premier of MANAGING MAXINE at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta. She recently played the title role in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE for the Human Race Theater Company as part of the Victoria Theater's Broadway Series.
Summer stock and summer tours saw Jana in many roles, including Anita in WEST SIDE STORY opposite Barry Williams, Rosie in BYE BYE BIRDIE with Bobby Rydell, Rosalie in CARNIVAL with Robert Conrad;, The Leader in ZORBA on two separate tours with Georgio Tozzi and Theodore Bikel, and Barbara in RUN FOR YOUR WIFE opposite David McCallum, for which she won Florida's Carbonell Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Her National Tours include Aldonza in The First National Tour of MAN OF LA MANCHA opposite Jose Ferrer, Ethel McCormick in FOOTLOOSE with Matthew Morrison, and as Lee in THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE opposite Valerie Harper.
On television Jana guest-starred on an Emmy Award-winning episode of "Cheers", and filmed her first pilot for CBS that same year called "Ladies Man" opposite Twiggy. Other TV appearances include guest starring roles on "Bless This House," "The Home Court," "JAG," "Roseanne," a stint on "General Hospital" as Sheila Houston, and as Ambassador Tal on "Babylon 5", Jana's NY TV credits include two guest star appearances on "Law and Order: SVU", two appearances on "Criminal Intent" and an appearance on "Law and Order" opposite Sam Waterston as Assistant DA Jean Picone. ."
Her feature films include A PLACE FOR SARA, EAST END, HAUNTED HEART starring Olympia Dukakis; EXECUTIVE TARGET starring Michael Madsen and Roy Scheider; THE LAST DAYS OF FRANKIE THE FLY starring Dennis Hopper, Daryl Hannah and Kiefer Sutherland and the remake of THE WOMEN 2008, written and directed by Diane English, starring Meg Ryan, Annette Benning, Eva Mendez, and Candice Bergen.
Los Angeles theater-goers saw her in BANDIDOS at the Mark Taper Forum, as The Whore in HELLO AGAIN, POSSUMS, Dr. Brookner in THE NORMAL HEART, and 27 years after appearing as Aldonza with the National Company, she repeated the role at the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera opposite John McCook of "The Young and the Restless."
Jana has performed her acclaimed cabaret shows ONE HELL OF A RIDE! (The songs of Cy Coleman) and GYPSY IN MY SOUL in New York and through-out the country. Her CD, JANA ROBBINS - FACE TO FACE on Original Cast Records, is available on CDBaby.com and Amazon.
Jana is a recipient of the Jewish National Fund's prestigious "Tree Of Life Award."
She also teaches,speaks and directs at many Universities and Colleges. She has directed LITTLE WOMEN at several universities including her Alma Mater, CRIMES OF THE HEART, and recently made her commercial directing debut with the West Coast premier of CUPS, a play by Joni Sheram.
Jana actively appears in benefit performances to raise money for AIDS, a cause she deeply cares about, and has produced a number of benefits including the GYPSY Company's AIDS benefit starring Tyne Daly and Jule Styne. Her production company - BETTER WORLD PRODUCTIONS - is dedicated to making a difference in the quality of our lives by presenting plays and films that help us to create a Better World.
As producer Jana's Broadway and Off-Broadway producing credits include I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, LITTLE WOMEN, RAGTIME (7 Tony and 9 Drama Desk nominations) WHITE'S LIES and THROUGH THE NIGHT.

Jana Robbins Photos

Jana Robbins STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Original Production, 2017
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2000
Lee (Standby)

Marjorie (Standby)

[Off-Broadway]
1999
Miss Brenner (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
Musicals Tonight! Concert, 1999
Performer

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1998
Mazeppa

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1989
Mazeppa

Rose (Standby)

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1988
Barb (Standby)

Monica (Standby)

Her (Standby)

Josefine Weninger (Standby)

[Off-Off-Broadway]
York Theatre Company Production, 1983
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Lenny MaGrath [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1979
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1979
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1977
Monica [Replacement]

Cleo [Replacement]

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1976
Louise

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1976
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1974
Pat

Professor Kenyon

Jana Robbins Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Producer
 
[West End, 2018]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Co-Producer
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Producer
The Jazz Age [Off-Broadway, 2008]
Producer

The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit [London, 2018]
Producer

The Jazz Age [London, 2019]
Producer

Jana Robbins Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Revival of a Musical

Jana Robbins, Ragtime

Jana Robbins Videos

Jana Robbins News


Theater Resources Unlimited to Present ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES as Part of TRU Voices New Plays Reading Series

Theater Resources Unlimited is partnering with CreateTheater.com to present the fourth virtual edition of theTRU Voices New Plays Reading Series. Learn more about the play!

Photos: THE DORIS DEAR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Brings Holiday Magic To 2 Nights Of Sold Out Crowds!

The Doris Dear Christmas Special brings holiday magic to 2 nights of sold out crowds! See photos from the show!

THE DORIS DEAR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Partners with Alzheimer's Association 'THE LONGEST DAY' Initiative

The Doris Dear Christmas Special 'An Animated Christmas', scheduled for December 15th and 16th at 7 pm at The Triad Theater, has announced its partnership with the Alzheimer's Association and their 'The Longest Day' initiative.

Doris Dear Spreads Holiday Cheer With Exclusive Union Member Discount For THE DORIS DEAR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL at The Triad

'The Doris Dear Christmas Special' returns to The Triad Theater with an enchanting and award-winning holiday extravaganza. Don't miss this exclusive Union Member Discount!

Doris Dear's Annual Holiday Show Unveils All-Star Cast Featuring Broadway Stars And Rising Star Cooper daSilva

Join Doris Dear and a star-studded cast for an enchanting night of holiday cheer in 'An Animated Christmas.' Featuring Broadway icons, sensational girl group 'Those Girls,' and rising star Cooper DaSilva, this musical extravaganza is not to be missed.

Photos: Playwright Doug Devita Celebrates The Release of FABLE At The Drama Book Shop and Sardi's

The Drama Book Shop served as host for a special celebration of the publishing of Doug DeVita’s latest play, FABLE, concerning the backstory that went on during the creation of arguably one of the most celebrated musicals of the golden age, GYPSY.

Theater Resources Unlimited to Present Virtual Fundraiser TRUSPEAK... HEAR OUR VOICES!

Theater Resources Unlimited will present a virtual evening of awareness featuring five short new plays that speak to social issues that affect us all.

Chuck Cooper, Cady Huffman, and More to Appear at TRUSPEAK: HEAR OUR VOICES! Virtual Benefit Gala in June

Theatre Resources Unlimited (TRU) has announced the star-studded cast of  TRUSPEAK… HEAR OUR VOICES!, an evening to raise awareness of current social issues, as well as awareness of the work TRU has been doing for the theater community for over 30 years.

BATTLE ACTS Will Be A Border War This Month At Chelsea Music Hall

This month's Battle Acts is set to be an electrifying Border War as three actors from Canada go head-to-head with the US champs in a thrilling display of acting prowess. The event will take place at the prestigious Chelsea Music Hall in NYC on Monday, May 22, 2023. The evening kicks off with a networking party at 7 pm, followed by the show at 8 pm.

Theater Resources Unlimited to Present 'Women Producers Take The Stage (The Conversation Continues)'

Theater Resources Unlimited will present a TRU Town Hall: Women Producers Take the Stage (The Conversation Continues), on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in-person at Polaris North Theatre.

Theater Resources Unlimited to Host QUEEN OF SAD MISCHANCE Industry Talkback

Theater Resources Unlimited is partnering with Cate Cammarata of CreateTheater to present the 2023 TRU Voices New Plays Reading Series on Sundays, February 12 & 19, 2023 at 3pm.

THE DORIS DEAR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL to Stream on Broadway on Demand

Doris Dear s back teaming with BroadwayOnDemand to stream her annual holiday extravaganza, ‘The Doris Dear Christmas Special’ filmed LIVE at The Triad Theater in NYC! The streaming starts on December 23rd running until January 1st.

Eve Eaton to Join THE DORIS DEAR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL at The Triad Theater

 Eve Eaton, an award winning singer, will join Doris Dear and the all-star cast of “The Doris Dear Christmas Special” for the Friday night show playing at The Triad Theater in NYC  Dec 16th & 17th at 7pm.

Emily Kate Gentile Joins the Cast of THE DORIS DEAR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Soprano Emily Kate Gentile is joining the cast of the “Doris Dear Christmas Special” running this Friday and Saturday, the 16th and 17th of December, at the off Broadway Triad Theater in NYC. 

Photos: Mark William Returns to The Green Room 42 in TECHNICOLOR DREAMS

Mark William returned to The Green Room 42 on Saturday, December 10th at 7 pm with a new show titled TECHNICOLOR DREAMS. Check out our photos here!

The Doris Dear 2022 Christmas Special Joins Forces with The Alzheimer's Association

Celebrating her seventh year of holiday magic, award winning artist Doris Dear, “America's Perfect Housewife”, announces that the “Doris Dear 2022 Christmas Special, Christmas Through the Ages'”will be raising funds for The Alzheimer's Association.

Broadway's Crystal Kellogg Joins THE DORIS DEAR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL at The Triad

Crystal Kellogg, from Broadways “School of Rock” and “Finding Neverland”, joins Doris Dear and the all-star cast of “The Doris Dear Christmas Special” playing at The Triad Theater in NYC  Dec 16th & 17th at 7pm.

Casting Announced For THE DORIS DEAR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Doris Dear, Telly Award winner for her streaming series, 'Doris Dear's Gurl Talk', on BroadwayOnDemand, 3-time MAC Award winner and Broadway World award winner, is back with her annual Holiday extravaganza, 'The Doris Dear Christmas Special'!

Lisa Fishman & Michael Nigro Complete the Cast of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in Yiddish

National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene has announced final casting for their seven-week return engagement of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, the revelatory and award-winning production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals. 

Jana Robbins FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jana Robbins been in?

Jana Robbins has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

How many West End shows has Jana Robbins been in?

Jana Robbins has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Jana Robbins been nominated for?

Jana Robbins has been nominated for the Best Revival of a Musical award at the Tony Awards for "Ragtime."

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