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Paul Tazewell

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BIO

Having designed costumes for Broadway, regional theaters, film, and television for over three decades, PAUL TAZEWELL is one of the industry’s most revered designers. From his Academy Award®-nominated work in West Side Story to creating costumes for the Tony Award®-winning Broadway production of Hamilton, his creations have captivated audiences across the globe.



Paul recently received a Tony Award® nomination for Best Costume Design for a Musical for his work in the Broadway production of Suffs as well as a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical. He is also a 2024 NAACP Theatre Award nominee for Best Costume Design for Ain’t Too Proud.

In 2016, he received an Emmy Award for NBC’s The Wiz! Live. Other screen credits include Harriet (Focus Features), The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (HBO), and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (NBC). On Thanksgiving 2024, the highly anticipated Wicked film, featuring Paul's designs, will be released, showcasing the reimagined world created by Director John M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Other notable honors include two Lucille Lortel Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, a CDGA Award, a Princess Grace Foundation Fellowship, and The Princess Grace Statue Award.

Additionally, Paul’s costume designs can be seen in the Broadway musical Suffs by Shaina Taub and Death Becomes Her by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, which opened in Chicago on April 30, 2024.

Paul has had the privilege to work with renowned companies such as The Metropolitan Opera, The Bolshoi Ballet, The English National Opera, Theatre du Chatelet, The Public Theater, The National Theater, The Kennedy Center, The Guthrie Theater, Arena Stage, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, and many more.

Paul began his Broadway career with the groundbreaking musical ‘Bring in Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk, directed by George C. Wolfe. Other Broadway credits include In the Heights; Ain’t Too Proud; The Color Purple; Dr Zhivago; Memphis; Caroline, or Change; Elaine Stritch at Liberty; Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam; Lombardi, and Magic/Bird. Revival work includes Side Show; A Streetcar Named Desire; Jesus Christ Superstar; Guys and Dolls; A Raisin in the Sun, and On the Town.

​In 2021, Paul designed Fire Shut Up In My Bones, The Met's first performance of an opera by a Black composer, Terence Blanchard, and his adaptation of Charles M. Blow’s moving memoir.

Paul holds an MFA from New York University and a BFA from North Carolina School of the Arts. He has been privileged to instruct students as a guest artist at both New York University and North Carolina School of the Arts. From 2003-2006, he held a faculty position at Carnegie Mellon University.

He currently resides in New York City.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2024]
Costume Design
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Original Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Costume Design
 
[West End, 2024]
Costume Design
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Costume Design
 
[West End, 2023]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2022] [Replacement]
Costume Designer[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Costume Design
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Costume Design
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Costume Design[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2021]
Costume Design
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2020]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Motion Picture, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Costume Design
 
[US Tour, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[St. Louis, MO (Regional), 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Toronto, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Chester, CT (Regional), 2016]
Costume Design
 
[Regional (US), 2015]
Original Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Costume Designer
 
[West End, 2014]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2014]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costumes Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2007]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 1999]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Costume Designer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, Suffs

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, Suffs

Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, MJ The Musical

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations

Olivier Awards - 2018 - Best Costume Design

Paul Tazewell , Hamilton


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2016 - Best Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, Hamilton


winner
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, Hamilton

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, Hamilton


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Costume Design, HAYES Production

Paul TazewellSide Show

Olivier Awards - 2015 - Best Costume Design

Paul TazewellMemphis The Musical


winner
The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, Hamilton

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Costume Design of a Play

Paul Tazewell, A Streetcar Named Desire

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, Memphis

Helen Hayes Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellCarnival!

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, In The Heights

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, The Color Purple


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellCamelot

The Lortels - 2004 - Outstanding Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, Caroline, or Change

The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, Boston Marriage

Helen Hayes Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Women


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellPeer Gynt


winner
The Lortels - 1998 - Outstanding Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, On the Town

Helen Hayes Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellBlithe Spirit

Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Matchmaker

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Costume Design

Paul Tazewell , Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk

Helen Hayes Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Revenger's Comedies

Helen Hayes Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Odyssey


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe African Company Presents "Richard III"

Helen Hayes Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Way of the World

Helen Hayes Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Caucasian Chalk Circle

Videos

News


Review Roundup: DEATH BECOMES HER Opens On Broadway Starring Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard

DEATH BECOMES HER comes to life on Broadway tonight as it celebrates its opening at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in a production starring Tony Award nominees Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams. Did the critics fall under the spell of Broadway's most glamourous new musical? Find out below!
DEATH BECOMES HER Extends Run Ahead of Tonight's Opening Night

Ahead of tonight's opening night for Death Becomes Her at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, the production has announced a new block of tickets on sale. Learn more about how to get tickets here!
MJ THE MUSICAL Premiere Hartford Engagement Begins At The Bushnell In December

Jamaal Fields-Green, a University of Hartford alum, will star in the title role of MJ THE MUSICAL at The Bushnell in Hartford, with performances starting December 10. Tickets are now available.
Video: How WICKED Movie Prioritized Sustainability and 'Green' Practices

Elphaba isn't the only thing that is green in the new Wicked movie. While in production of the film, Director Jon M. Chu made it a priority to 'go green' on set, creating a sustainable and clean working environment whenever possible. Watch a new video to learn more!
Video: WICKED Cast Shares Behind-the-Scenes Stories in TODAY Interviews

Last week, TODAY hosted 'Wicked Week,' a celebration of the new film which finally hits theaters this Friday. TODAY has now compiled all of the interviews into a single video, which spans an hour in length, which you can watch here.
Video: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard & More in DEATH BECOMES HER

Get a first look at footage of Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard and more in Death Becomes Her on Broadway. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: Like Elphie, WICKED Film is Confident in Its Skin

NO ONE MOURNS THE WICKED. While Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 'Evita' begins with Argentinians mourning the death of their beloved Eva Peron, the Ozians of the fictional Land of Oz in Stephen Schwartz’s 'Wicked' rejoice for the supposed death of their perceived nemesis, The Wicked Witch of the West,” in Broadway’s hit musical, now a monumental motion picture, helmed by Jon M. Chu.
Tickets to HAMILTON at the Hobby Center to go On Sale This Week

Single tickets for HAMILTON at the Hobby Center will go on sale to the public this week. There will be a lottery for 40 $10 seats for all performances. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard & More in DEATH BECOMES HER

Get a first look at Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard and more in Death Becomes Her on Broadway. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Cast Revealed for Australian Production of MJ THE MUSICAL

Australian producer Michael Cassel, alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, have announced the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical MJ, set to make its Australian debut at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in 2025.
AIN'T TOO PROUD Tickets On Sale Now At Popejoy Hall

Tickets for AIN'T TOO PROUD at Popejoy Hall are now available. Discover the story of The Temptations through this acclaimed musical, featuring their iconic hits and dynamic performances.
Photos: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and More at the WICKED NYC Premiere

Wicked hits movie theatres in less than one week! The cast and creative team of the highly anticipated Wicked film has had much to rejoycify over lately. Following premiere celebrations in Los Angeles and Mexico City, the party continued last night in New York City. Check out photos from inside the big event!
HAMILTON to Launch #Ham4Ham Lottery in San Francisco

A digital lottery for HAMILTON tickets will begin in conjunction with the show’s first performance on Wednesday, November 27 in San Francisco at BroadwaySF’s Orpheum Theatre.
HAMILTON Tickets on Sale Next Week For Portland Run

Producer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway in Portland announced that single tickets for HAMILTON will go on sale to the public next week. Find out how to get tickets here!
Video: Paul Tazewell Showcases WICKED Movie Costumes on THE TODAY SHOW

Wicked movie costume designer Paul Tazewell visited The Today Show on Wednesday and, with him, brought along some of the actual costumes seen in the film. Take a closer look at the iconic costumes now!
Tickets to HAMILTON at Bass Hall to go on Sale This Week

Tickets for HAMILTON at Bass Concert Hall will go on sale this week. HAMILTON follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Learn how to purchase tickets.
AIN'T TOO PROUD Panel Discussion On Fashion & Beauty Announced At Hanover Theatre

The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts' Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee will present the Ain't Too Proud Panel Discussion, conversations about beauty and fashion.
Photos: First Look at the New Cast of HAMILTON in London

All new production photos have been released for HAMILTON at the Victoria Palace Theatre, where its currently booking until 27 September 2025. Check out the photos here!
Video: Shaina Taub Talks SUFFS and Shares Why RAGTIME is Her Favorite Musical

Shaina Taub, who was recently honored by Time Magazine as part of their 2024 Time100 Next List, recently visited CBS Mornings to discuss her musical Suffs. During the interview, she also shared why Ragtime is her favorite show and how it serves as an inspiration for Suffs. Watch the segment now!
HAMILTON to Return to San Francisco in November

HAMILTON is coming back to SanFrancisco! The hit show will play BroadwaySF’s Orpheum Theatre for a limited six-week engagement beginning in November. Check out details on how to get tickets and more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Paul Tazewell been nominated for?

Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Suffs, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Suffs, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for MJ The Musical, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, Best Costume Design (Olivier Awards) for Hamilton, Best Costume Design (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Hamilton, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hamilton, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Hamilton, Outstanding Costume Design, HAYES Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Side Show, Best Costume Design (Olivier Awards) for Memphis The Musical, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Hamilton, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Streetcar Named Desire, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Memphis, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Carnival! , Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for In The Heights, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Color Purple, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Camelot , Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Caroline, or Change, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Boston Marriage, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Women, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Peer Gynt, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for On the Town, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Blithe Spirit , Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Matchmaker, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Revenger's Comedies, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Odyssey, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The African Company Presents "Richard III", Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Way of the World and Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

What awards has Paul Tazewell won?

Paul Tazewell has received numerous awards for his work in costume design, including: - Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Suffs - Best Costume Design at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Hamilton - Best Costume Design of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Hamilton - Outstanding Costume Design, HAYES Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Side Show - Outstanding Costume Design at The Lortels for Hamilton - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Camelot - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Peer Gynt - Outstanding Costume Design at The Lortels for On the Town - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for The African Company Presents "Richard III"

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