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Susan Hilferty

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Susan Hilferty BIO

Susan Hilferty has designed set and costumes for over 400 productions across the globe. Recent designs include Parade (Broadway; Tony nomination), Funny Girl (Broadway), Swept Away (Berkeley Rep and Arena Stage), Hamlet (St. Anne’s Warehouse NY and Gate Theatre, Dublin), Waiting for Godot TFNA/NYC, Richard Nelson’s What Happened?: The Michaels Abroad (Loewe Theatre, NYC), and A Bright Room Called Day (Public Theatre). Her many Broadway designs include Wicked (Tony, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk awards and Olivier nomination), August Wilson’s Radio Golf. Present Laughter (Tony nomination), Hands on a Hardbody, Spring Awakening (Tony nomination), Lestat (Tony nomination), Annie (2013 Revival), Into the Woods (Tony and Drama Desk nominations; Hewes Award), and Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland. Her designs for opera include Rigoletto, La Traviata, and the upcoming Aida for the Metropolitan Opera and Manon at LA Opera and Berlin Staatsoper. Hilferty has designed over a hundred off-Broadway productions including Richard Nelson’s Apple Family Plays, August Wilson’s Jitney and Athol Fugard’s Boesman and Lena.

She works with such well-known directors as Athol Fugard (the South African writer with whom she works as set and costume designer and often as co-director on over 45 productions since 1980), Yaël Farber, JoAnne Akalaitis, Laurie Anderson, Arin Arbus, Christopher Ashley, Anne Bogart, Jonathan Butterell, Oskar Eustis, Robert Falls, Frank Galati, Garry Hynes, David Jones, Selina Cartmell, Moisés Kaufman, Tony Kushner, Mark Lamos, James Lapine, Michael Longhurst, Richard Nelson, Des McAnuff, Marion McClinton, James MacDonald, Emily Mann, Joe Mantello, Michael Mayer, Neil Pepe, Bartlett Sher, Rebecca Taichman, Robert Woodruff, Doug Wright, and the late Garland Wright.

Hilferty also designs for Film, Dance (Alvin Ailey), the Circus (Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey) and Concerts (Taylor Swift SPEAK NOW World Tour). Hilferty’s many awards include the USITT Lifetime Achievement Award, Irene Sharaff Award for Lifetime Achievement, Alley Theatre Award for Lifetime Achievement, an OBIE for Sustained Excellence in Design, the Lilly Award and the Ruth Morley Design Award from the League of Professional Theatre Women. Hilferty is also on faculty in the Department of Design for Stage and Film at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, having served as chair for 25 years. susanhilferty.com

Susan Hilferty Photos

Susan Hilferty Productions

 
[Broadway, 2023]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Costume Designer
 
[West End, 2021]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Set and Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Co-Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Scenic & Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Scenic & Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Scenic Design
Costume Design
 
[West End, 2017]
Designer
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2017] [Replacement]
Costume Designer[Replacement]
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Scenic Design
Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Visual Consultant
 
[West End, 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Scenic Design
Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Scenic & Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Costumes Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Costume Designer
 
[Los Angeles, 2007]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Chicago, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[West End, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[San Francisco (Regional), 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Los Angeles, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Chicago (Regional), 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
Director
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Assistant Director
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1980]
Costume Designer

Susan Hilferty Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Susan Hilferty, Parade

Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical

Susan Hilferty, Funny Girl

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Costume Design for a Play

Susan Hilferty, Present Laughter

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical)

Susan Hilferty, Present Laughter


winner
The Lortels - 2017 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Love, Love, Love

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Costume Design of a Play

Susan Hilferty, Present Laughter

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Best Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked

The Lortels - 2007 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Spring Awakening

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Susan Hilferty, Spring Awakening

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Susan Hilferty, Lestat


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2004 - Best Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked


winner
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Wicked

The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, My Life With Albertine


winner
The Hewes Awards - 2002 - Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Into The Woods

The Lortels - 2002 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan HilfertyFranny’s Way

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Into the Woods

The Lortels - 2001 - Outstanding Costume Design

Susan Hilferty, Jitney


winner
Obie Awards - 2000 - Sustained Excellence Costume Design

Susan Hilferty

Susan Hilferty Videos

Susan Hilferty News


FUNNY GIRL Comes to Dallas This Summer


 Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America (BAA) have announced that FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, is coming to Dallas’ Music Hall at Fair Park for a limited two-week engagement from August 6 to August 18.

Tickets to FUNNY GIRL at Atlanta's Fox Theatre to go on Sale in May


Purchase tickets in May for the national tour of Funny Girl at Atlanta's Fox Theatre.

Review: FUNNY GIRL at Ahmanson Theatre


FUNNY GIRL is a gold standard that has endured through the ages and the production that just hit downtown Los Angeles is a rollicking and heartfelt success.

Review: WICKED at Orpheum Theatre Memphis


I'll start my review by saying Wicked is my favorite musical of all time. I have seen it 10 times now, all in different cities, and each time left the theatre with tears in my eyes and my heart feeling a little lighter. This is the greatest example of how magical theatre can be, in my opinion. And my hopes for a beautiful production for my 10th viewing were not dashed in the slightest-- Olivia Valli and Celia Hottenstein bewitch the audience from their first moments on stage. 

Interview: FUNNY GIRL's Stephen Mark Lukas's the Go-To Nick Arnstein for Six Fanny Brices


The North American tour of Funny Girl lands in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson April 2, 2024, and later at Segerstrom May 28. 2024. Tony Award winner Michael Mayer directs the cast of Melissa Manchester, Katerina McCrimmon, Stephen Mark Lukas, Izaiah Montaque Harris, Walter Coppage. Leah Platt, Cindy Chang, Eileen T’Kaye, David Foley Jr., Vinny Andaloro, Lamont Brown, Kate E. Cook, Julia Grondin, Jackson Grove, Alex Hartman, Dot Kelly, Ryan Lambert, Kathy Liu, Meghan Manning, Bryan Charles Moore, Sami Murphy, Emily Anne Nester, Hannah Shankman, Jordon Taylor, Rodney Thompson, Sean Thompson and Annaliese Wilbur. I had the chance to chat with Stephen (Nick Arnstein to Katerina’s Fanny Brice) over the phone during his stint at the Connor Palace Playhouse Square in Cleveland.

FUNNY GIRL Comes to the Ahmanson Next Month


FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, is coming to the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles for a limited four-week engagement from Tuesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 28, 2024. The press opening is Wednesday, April 3. 

FUNNY GIRL is Coming to The Hobby Center in August


FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, is coming to Houston's Hobby Center for the Performing Arts for a limited one-week engagement. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: FUNNY GIRL at Des Moines Performing Arts


Hey Des Moines, here she is. A new production of 'Funny Girl' opened on Tuesday evening. When you think of the show 'Funny Girl,' one of the first things you probably think of is the person you saw bringing Fannie Brice to life on stage. For the show to work, you need someone who can deliver an iconic performance. That may be why it took nearly 60 years for the show to be revived on Broadway. Now, just short of 60 years, the revival's national tour is making a stop in Des Moines as part of the Willis Broadway Series. Judging from the audience response, there is a new iconic name that people will consider when thinking of 'Funny Girl.'

FUNNY GIRL is Coming to the Orpheum Theatre in April


The North American Tour of FUNNY GIRL is coming to BroadwaySF’s Orpheum Theatre for a limited four-week engagement this spring. See who is starring in the tour and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: WICKED at Regent Theatre


What did our critic think of WICKED at Regent Theatre?

FUNNY GIRL is Coming to the Ahmanson Theatre in April


FUNNY GIRL is coming to the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles for a limited four-week engagement this spring. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

GROUNDED by Jeanine Tesori to Open The Metropolitan Opera's 2024�"25 Season


The Metropolitan Opera has unveiled the 2024–25 season lineup. Learn about the operas being presented and see how to purchase tickets.

Ann Hould-Ward and Richard Hudson Receive TDF's Irene Sharaff Awards


TDF, the not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts, has just announced that celebrated costume designer ANN HOULD-WARD and legendary scenic designer RICHARD HUDSON are among the 2024 TDF/Irene Sharaff Award recipients.

Review: FUNNY GIRL at Shea's Buffalo Theatre


Funny. In 1964 a newcomer named Barbra Streisand was the third or fourth choice  to take on the role of Fanny Brice in the new Jule Styne musical FUNNY GIRL. The result catapulted a gawky Jewish girl from Brooklyn to superstar status. And the musical has never been revived again on Broadway.

SPAMALOT, SWEPT AWAY And More Nominated for 2024 Helen Hayes Awards


Tonight, at a celebration honoring outstanding theatre on stages across the Washington area, theatre artists, administrators, patrons, and special guests gathered at the ATLAS Performing Arts Center for Theatre Washington's announcement of nominees for the 40th Helen Hayes Awards.

WICKED Welcomes 12 Millionth Visitor to London's Apollo Victoria Theatre


'WICKED' celebrated its 12 millionth visitor at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre. Get all the details!

Broadway at TPAC Opens 2024 Live Theater in Nashville With 'Startling, Stunning, Sexy' FUNNY GIRL


What a way to open a brand-new year of live theater in Nashville: in Funny Girl, audiences may have found exactly what they were longing for as Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s touring presentation provides a portentous kick-off to 2024. In fact, we can’t recall a standing ovation more gratifyingly sincere and genuine in the 35+ years we’ve been reviewing shows at TPAC than the one with which the company was rewarded on opening night in Andrew Jackson Hall. It was appreciative and effusive – downright enthusiastic and straight from the heart – the thunderous and sustained reaction to two-and-a-half hours of gloriously exhilarating musical theatre straight out of the golden age.

Video: Get a First Look at The Avett Brothers' SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage


Get a first look at footage of The Avett Brothers' Swept Away at Arena Stage!

The North American Tour Of FUNNY GIRL Comes to St. Louis This January


The producers of FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, are delighted to announce full casting for the North American Tour coming to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis for a limited two-week engagement from January 23 to February 4.

Broadway Revival Production of PARADE Will Embark on Tour in 2025


The acclaimed Broadway revival of Parade is hitting the road in 2025! The musical will launch its tour in January 2025 at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, followed by its official tour premiere at Hennepin Theatre Trust’s historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.

Susan Hilferty FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Susan Hilferty been nominated for?

Susan Hilferty has been nominated for numerous awards throughout her career, including Best Costume Design of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Parade," Outstanding Costume Design for a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Funny Girl," and Outstanding Costume Design for a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Present Laughter." She has also received nominations for Outstanding Costume Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for various productions such as "Love, Love, Love," "Wicked," and "Spring Awakening." Hilferty's accolades include wins for Best Costume Design of a Play at the Tony Awards for "Present Laughter," Best Costume Design at the Olivier Awards for "Wicked," and Best Costume Design of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Spring Awakening" and "Lestat." Additionally, she has won awards like Outstanding Costume Design at the Drama Desk Awards and The Lortels for her work on productions like "Wicked," "My Life With Albertine," and "Franny’s Way." Hilferty's contributions to costume design have been recognized across various prestigious award platforms, showcasing her talent and creativity in the Broadway industry.

What awards has Susan Hilferty won?

Susan Hilferty has won the following awards for her costume design work: Outstanding Costume Design at The Lortels for Love, Love, Love, Best Costume Design at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Wicked, Outstanding Costume Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Wicked, Best Costume Design at the Tony Awards for Wicked, Outstanding Costume Design at the Drama Desk Awards for Wicked, Costume Design at The Hewes Awards for Into The Woods, and Sustained Excellence Costume Design at the Obie Awards.

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