Michael Bennett
Date of Death: July 02, 1987 (44)
Birth Place: Buffalo, NY, USA
Latest News on Michael Bennett:
RAGTIME, Jerry Herman's MRS. SANTA CLAUS World Premiere & More Set For Goodspeed's 2025 Season (Oct 9, 2024)
New Musical ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT BEYOND to Open at The Hudson MainStage in November (Oct 5, 2024)
Betty Buckley, Bryan Batt, and More Set for CATS4KAMALA Online Event (Sep 28, 2024)
RAGTIME, Jerry Herman's MRS. SANTA CLAUS World Premiere & More Set For Goodspeed's 2025 Season (Oct 9, 2024)
New Musical ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT BEYOND to Open at The Hudson MainStage in November (Oct 5, 2024)
Betty Buckley, Bryan Batt, and More Set for CATS4KAMALA Online Event (Sep 28, 2024)
BIO
Michael Bennett was a renowned American dancer, choreographer, and director, known for his innovative work in musical theater. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1943, Bennett began his career as a performer, dancing in the chorus of Broadway shows such as "Subways Are for Sleeping" and "Here's Love." However, it was his choreography that would make him a legend in the industry.
Bennett's breakthrough came in 1975 with the groundbreaking musical "A Chorus Line," which he conceived, directed, and choreographed. The show, which followed the lives of aspiring dancers auditioning for a Broadway show, was a critical and commercial success, winning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Choreography for Bennett.
"A Chorus Line" ran for a record-breaking 6,137 performances and became one of the most beloved and influential musicals of all time. Bennett's innovative choreography, which blended contemporary dance with traditional Broadway style, set a new standard for musical theater and inspired generations of choreographers to come.
Bennett continued to make his mark on Broadway with shows such as "Dreamgirls," "Ballroom," and "Nine," for which he won his second Tony Award for Best Direction. He also worked on the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line" and choreographed the iconic opening number of the 1983 Academy Awards.
In addition to his work in theater, Bennett also made a name for himself in television and film. He choreographed the dance sequences in the film "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and directed and choreographed the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line." He also directed and choreographed the television special "Baryshnikov on Broadway" and the HBO special "My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies."
Bennett's talent and influence were recognized throughout the industry, and he received numerous awards and honors for his work. In addition to his two Tony Awards, he received a Drama Desk Award, an Emmy Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. He was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1986.
Sadly, Bennett's life and career were cut short when he passed away from complications of AIDS in 1987 at the age of 44. However, his legacy lives on through the countless performers and choreographers he inspired and the groundbreaking work he created.
In 2018, a documentary about Bennett's life and career titled "Every Little Step" was released, chronicling the creation of the original production of "A Chorus Line" and its impact on the world of musical theater. The film serves as a testament to Bennett's enduring influence and his status as one of the greatest choreographers and directors in Broadway history.
In conclusion, Michael Bennett was a visionary artist whose innovative choreography and direction set the standard for musical theater. His groundbreaking work on "A Chorus Line" and other shows inspired generations of performers and choreographers and cemented his status as a legend in the industry. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on through the countless shows and performers he influenced and the enduring impact of his work.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Special Awards
Michael Bennett
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Special Awards
Michael Bennett
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Michael BennettThird Street
Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls
winner
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Musical
Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Choreography
Michael Bennett, Ballroom
winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, Ballroom
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Bennett, Ballroom
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Musical
Michael Bennett, Ballroom
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Choreography
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
winner
Olivier Awards - 1976 - Musical of the Year
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1976 - Special Awards
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1976 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
winner
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennet, A Chorus Line
winner
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Book of a Musical
Michael Bennett, Seesaw
winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett , Seesaw
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Bennett, Seesaw
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Best Musical
Michael Bennett, Seesaw
winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennet , Follies
winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Bennett , Follies
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Choreography
Michael Bennett, Follies
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Director
Michael Bennett, Follies
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, Company
Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, Promises, Promises
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, Henry, Sweet Henry
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Choreography
Michael Bennett, A Joyful Noise
Videos
Video: Rewatch Phil Donahue's A CHORUS LINE Original Cast Reunion Special
by Michael Major - Aug 19, 2024
Video: Kecia Lewis Celebrates Tony Win for Best Featured Actress in a Musical
by Joey Mervis - Jun 16, 2024
Video: Baayork Lee Discusses Legendary Career on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 16, 2024
BWW Poll: Is 'Turkey Lurkey Time' A Thanksgiving Song or Christmas Song?
by Social Watch - Nov 23, 2022
Previews: FIRST LOOK: A CHORUS LINE at STAGES St. Louis In The Ross Family Theatre At The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center
by James Lindhorst - Sep 14, 2022
VIDEO: Stephen Sondheim Sings 'Move On' At Michael Bennett's Memorial
by Robert Diamond - Nov 27, 2021
Broadway Rewind: 'Turkey Lurkey Time'- Thanksgiving Song or Christmas Song?
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - Nov 26, 2020
VIDEO: Watch an All New Lyric Video For 'One' From A CHORUS LINE, in Honor of the Show's 45th Anniversary
by Stephi Wild - Jul 27, 2020
BWW Exclusive: 'Turkey Lurkey Time'- Thanksgiving Song or Christmas Song?
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 28, 2019
VIDEO: Get A First Look At 42ND STREET At The Ordway Center For The Performing Arts
by Alan Henry - Aug 1, 2019
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer THE SHOP, from HBO Sports and LeBron James' Uninterrupted
by Kaitlin Milligan - Aug 22, 2018
Video: A CHORUS LINE Is One Singular Sensation at The LEXington Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 3, 2018
VIDEO: Sarah Bowden, Eloise Kropp, Anne Horak & Denis Lambert in A CHORUS LINE at The LEXington Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 2, 2018
News
RAGTIME, Jerry Herman's MRS. SANTA CLAUS World Premiere & More Set For Goodspeed's 2025 Season
Two-time Tony Award-winning Goodspeed Musicals has announced its 2025 season at the Goodspeed Opera House. Learn more about the season lineup here including Ragtime, All Shook Up, A Chorus Line, Mrs. Santa Claus.
Two-time Tony Award-winning Goodspeed Musicals has announced its 2025 season at the Goodspeed Opera House. Learn more about the season lineup here including Ragtime, All Shook Up, A Chorus Line, Mrs. Santa Claus.
New Musical ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT BEYOND to Open at The Hudson MainStage in November
The Great Beyond Company & The Hudson Theatre has announced the new musical, Adventures In The Great Beyond, with previews beginning November 1, 2024.
The Great Beyond Company & The Hudson Theatre has announced the new musical, Adventures In The Great Beyond, with previews beginning November 1, 2024.
Betty Buckley, Bryan Batt, and More Set for CATS4KAMALA Online Event
On Wednesday, Oct 9th at 7 pm EST through Nov 1 members from the Broadway, Los Angeles, National, and International companies of Cats, the landmark Tony Award-winning musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, will present CATS4KAMALA, A New Day Has Begun! a fundraising event for the Harris/Walz campaign.
On Wednesday, Oct 9th at 7 pm EST through Nov 1 members from the Broadway, Los Angeles, National, and International companies of Cats, the landmark Tony Award-winning musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, will present CATS4KAMALA, A New Day Has Begun! a fundraising event for the Harris/Walz campaign.
79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony Set for June 2025
The 79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will take place on Monday evening, June 2, 2025 beginning at 7:00PM. The awards are the oldest awards given for Outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway Debut Performances.
The 79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will take place on Monday evening, June 2, 2025 beginning at 7:00PM. The awards are the oldest awards given for Outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway Debut Performances.
Tony-Winner Christopher Ashley To Receive Prestigious 'Mr. Abbott' Award From Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation
Christopher Ashley was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Mr. Abbott Award by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the theater industry.
Christopher Ashley was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Mr. Abbott Award by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the theater industry.
32 Theater Books for Your Fall 2024 Reading List
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 32 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2024 reading list.
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 32 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2024 reading list.
Kecia Lewis Joins CBS' THE NEIGHBORHOOD Spin-Off Series
Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis has joined the cast of Crutch, a new spin-off of CBS' The Neighborhood. The Hell's Kitchen star will play Antoinette, the sister-in-law of the title character played by Tracy Morgan.
Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis has joined the cast of Crutch, a new spin-off of CBS' The Neighborhood. The Hell's Kitchen star will play Antoinette, the sister-in-law of the title character played by Tracy Morgan.
Video: Rewatch Phil Donahue's A CHORUS LINE Original Cast Reunion Special
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that talk show host Phil Donahue has passed away at the age of 88. As his legacy as an iconic figure in the television landscape is commemorated, watch a video of The Phil Donahue Show's special A Chorus Line-themed episode, which reunited the original Broadway cast of the musical.
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that talk show host Phil Donahue has passed away at the age of 88. As his legacy as an iconic figure in the television landscape is commemorated, watch a video of The Phil Donahue Show's special A Chorus Line-themed episode, which reunited the original Broadway cast of the musical.
Prospect Musicals Will Honor Michael Arden, Baayork Lee, and Kendall Crolius at 25th Annual Gala
Prospect Musicals has announced their 25th Anniversary Gala, which will honor three members of the theatre community with the third annual Muse Awards. Learn more about the gala here!
Prospect Musicals has announced their 25th Anniversary Gala, which will honor three members of the theatre community with the third annual Muse Awards. Learn more about the gala here!
Review: A CHORUS LINE, Sadler's Wells
The show is in itself show-stopping. The cast of accomplished triple-threats swaps tense competition for a jubilant celebration of form. In a post-pandemic industry that’s suffered cuts to the arts across all areas, it’s disheartening to see an artist’s quality of life hasn’t exactly progressed much. But, gosh, they make it look so beautiful.
The show is in itself show-stopping. The cast of accomplished triple-threats swaps tense competition for a jubilant celebration of form. In a post-pandemic industry that’s suffered cuts to the arts across all areas, it’s disheartening to see an artist’s quality of life hasn’t exactly progressed much. But, gosh, they make it look so beautiful.
Full Casting Announced For A Chorus Line at Festival Theatre
Full cast announced for the UK tour of the Curve production of A Chorus Line.
Full cast announced for the UK tour of the Curve production of A Chorus Line.
Video: Kecia Lewis Accepts Tony Award For HELL'S KITCHEN
Tonight, Kecia Lewis won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for HELL'S KITCHEN. Watch her acceptance speech in the video here!
Tonight, Kecia Lewis won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for HELL'S KITCHEN. Watch her acceptance speech in the video here!
Video: Kecia Lewis Celebrates Tony Win for Best Featured Actress in a Musical
Earlier tonight at the 77th Annual Tony Awards, Kecia Lewis took home a Tony Award for 'Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role a Musical' for her outstanding work in Hell's Kitchen. Watch what happened afterwards in this video!
Earlier tonight at the 77th Annual Tony Awards, Kecia Lewis took home a Tony Award for 'Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role a Musical' for her outstanding work in Hell's Kitchen. Watch what happened afterwards in this video!
Video: Baayork Lee Discusses Legendary Career on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
Watch Baayork Lee discuss her legendary Broadway dance career with CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Mo Rocca in the video here!
Watch Baayork Lee discuss her legendary Broadway dance career with CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Mo Rocca in the video here!
Sam Hartley & David Grindrod to Lead Musical Theatre Intensive at Bridgetown Conservatory
Broadway actor Sam Hartley and choreographer David Grindrod will lead a five-day musical theatre intensive, 'A Taste of Broadway,' at Bridgetown Conservatory, focusing on triple-threat training for all ages.
Broadway actor Sam Hartley and choreographer David Grindrod will lead a five-day musical theatre intensive, 'A Taste of Broadway,' at Bridgetown Conservatory, focusing on triple-threat training for all ages.
Photos: Inside Rehearsal For the UK Tour of A CHORUS LINE at Curve
Rehearsal photos have been released for A CHORUS LINE opening at Curve from 28 June – 13 July, followed by a summer run at Sadler’s Wells and a UK Tour.
Rehearsal photos have been released for A CHORUS LINE opening at Curve from 28 June – 13 July, followed by a summer run at Sadler’s Wells and a UK Tour.
Review: A CHORUS LINE at Theater By The Sea
Theater By The Sea welcomes the summer and kicks off its 91st season with a dazzling, spirited production of the revered, legendary Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, ‘A Chorus Line.’
Theater By The Sea welcomes the summer and kicks off its 91st season with a dazzling, spirited production of the revered, legendary Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, ‘A Chorus Line.’
Lee Wilson's New Memoir I DANCED ON BROADWAY to be Released This Fall
Lee Wilson's memoir 'I Danced on Broadway' shares her experiences dancing in hits and flops, and stories about theatre legends. Learn how to purchase.
Lee Wilson's memoir 'I Danced on Broadway' shares her experiences dancing in hits and flops, and stories about theatre legends. Learn how to purchase.
Kecia Lewis Wins 2024 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Kecia Lewis has won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for HELL'S KITCHEN.
Kecia Lewis has won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for HELL'S KITCHEN.
Kate Baldwin, Beth Leavel, and More Join FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall
The complete cast has now been announced for Transport Group's concert production of Follies. The sold-out event will play one night only—Thursday, June 20, at 8:00 p.m. at Carnegie Hall.
The complete cast has now been announced for Transport Group's concert production of Follies. The sold-out event will play one night only—Thursday, June 20, at 8:00 p.m. at Carnegie Hall.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Michael Bennett been in?
Michael Bennett has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.
How many West End shows has Michael Bennett been in?
Michael Bennett has not appeared in the West End
What awards has Michael Bennett been nominated for?
Michael Bennett has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Special Awards at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Third Street," Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Ballroom," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "A Chorus Line," Special Awards at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Chorus Line," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "A Chorus Line," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "A Chorus Line," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "A Chorus Line," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Seesaw," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Follies," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Follies," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Follies," Outstanding Director at the Drama Desk Awards for "Follies," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Company," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Promises, Promises," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Henry, Sweet Henry," and Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "A Joyful Noise."
What awards has Michael Bennett won?
Michael Bennett has won several awards throughout his career. He has received Special Awards from the Drama Desk Awards. He won the Best Choreography Tony Award for Dreamgirls and Ballroom, and Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Awards for Ballroom and A Chorus Line. He also won the Outstanding Director - Musical Drama Desk Award for A Chorus Line and the Musical of the Year Olivier Award for A Chorus Line. Bennett received Special Awards from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Chorus Line and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for A Chorus Line. Additionally, he won the Best Direction of a Musical Tony Award for A Chorus Line and Follies, and the Best Choreography Tony Award for A Chorus Line, Seesaw, and Follies. He also received Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Awards for Follies, and Outstanding Director Drama Desk Awards for Follies.
How many shows has Michael Bennett written?
Michael Bennett has written 2 shows including Seesaw (Bookwriter), A Chorus Line (Conceiver).
Videos