Kenny Leon
Latest News on Kenny Leon:
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala (Dec 18, 2024)
Video: Katie Holmes Surprises Zoey Deutch on GMA with OUR TOWN Question (Dec 9, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: December 2, 2024- HELL'S KITCHEN, REDWOOD Get a Parade Boost (Dec 2, 2024)
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala (Dec 18, 2024)
Video: Katie Holmes Surprises Zoey Deutch on GMA with OUR TOWN Question (Dec 9, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: December 2, 2024- HELL'S KITCHEN, REDWOOD Get a Parade Boost (Dec 2, 2024)
BIO
Kenny Leon is a Tony Award-winning Broadway and television director. His Broadway credits include the Tupac musical Holler If You Hear Me, A Raisin in the Sun starring Denzel Washington (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Mountaintop starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett, Stick Fly, August Wilson’s Fences (which garnered ten Tony nominations and won three Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play), Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf. He also directed Smart People for Second Stage. Leon's recent television work includes "Hairspray Live!", and "The Wiz Live!" on NBC. He is the recipient of the 2016 Mr. Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing and the 2010 Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League. Mr. Leon serves on the board of New York's Public Theater and is Artistic Director of Atlanta's Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company.
Photos
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Productions
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Drama League Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog
winner
Obie Awards - 2020 - Directing Award
Kenny Leon, Much Ado About Nothing
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play
winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun
winner
Drama League Awards - 2010 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Kenny Leon
Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Fences
Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
Kenny LeonTambourines to Glory
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director - Play
Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun
Helen Hayes Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
Kenny LeonBlues in the Night
Videos
Video: Katie Holmes Surprises Zoey Deutch on GMA with OUR TOWN Question
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 9, 2024
Video: Katie Holmes, Jim Parsons & More OUR TOWN Cast Members on the Red Carpet
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 15, 2024
Video: How Beowulf Boritt Found Grover's Corners to Bring Back OUR TOWN
by Joey Mervis - Oct 1, 2024
Video: Kecia Lewis Celebrates Tony Win for Best Featured Actress in a Musical
by Joey Mervis - Jun 16, 2024
Video: Get a First Look at HOME on Broadway Directed By Kenny Leon
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 7, 2024
Photos & Video: PURLIE VICTORIOUS Concludes Broadway Run with Proclamations From Congress and the State of New York
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2024
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares His Daughter's Reaction to PURLIE VICTORIOUS on FALLON
by Michael Major - Oct 13, 2023
Video: Leslie Odom, Jr. & Company Celebrate Opening Night of PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway
by Opening Night - Oct 2, 2023
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS Is a 'Very Rare Piece'
by Michael Major - Sep 27, 2023
Video: Watch Highlights from Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth in Times Square
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 19, 2023
News
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala
New York Theatre Workshop's 2025 Gala will honor Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile. Learn more and see how to attend.
New York Theatre Workshop's 2025 Gala will honor Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile. Learn more and see how to attend.
Video: Katie Holmes Surprises Zoey Deutch on GMA with OUR TOWN Question
Zoey Deutch recently visited Good Morning America to discuss the new production of Our Town. On the show, her co-star Katie Holmes surprised her with a special video asking her about her experience with the play. Watch the interview now!
Zoey Deutch recently visited Good Morning America to discuss the new production of Our Town. On the show, her co-star Katie Holmes surprised her with a special video asking her about her experience with the play. Watch the interview now!
Broadway Buying Guide: December 2, 2024- HELL'S KITCHEN, REDWOOD Get a Parade Boost
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 2, 2024.
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 2, 2024.
Video: Katie Holmes Shares OUR TOWN Pre-Show Rituals
Katie Holmes visited The Tonight Show to discuss the new production of Our Town, which is currently running at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. On the show, she shared some of her pre-show rituals that help her get ready for a performance. Watch the interview now!
Katie Holmes visited The Tonight Show to discuss the new production of Our Town, which is currently running at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. On the show, she shared some of her pre-show rituals that help her get ready for a performance. Watch the interview now!
ROMEO + JULIET, OTHELLO, and More Selected For J.P. Morgan's 2025 NextList
J.P. Morgan has unveiled its NextList2025, spotlighting four Broadway productions that are set to open in the coming year. Find out what shows made this year's list here!
J.P. Morgan has unveiled its NextList2025, spotlighting four Broadway productions that are set to open in the coming year. Find out what shows made this year's list here!
Photos: Paul Giamatti, Holly Hunter & More Visit OUR TOWN on Broadway
On Saturday, November 16th, the cast of the Paramount+ upcoming series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” took in a performance of Our Town together at the Barrymore Theatre on Broadway. See photos!
On Saturday, November 16th, the cast of the Paramount+ upcoming series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” took in a performance of Our Town together at the Barrymore Theatre on Broadway. See photos!
Video: Zoey Deutch Shares What Draws Her to OUR TOWN
Zoey Deutch visited TODAY with Hoda and Jenna to discuss the new production of Thornton Wilder's Out Town, which is currently playing at the Barrymore Theatre. Watch the interview now!
Zoey Deutch visited TODAY with Hoda and Jenna to discuss the new production of Thornton Wilder's Out Town, which is currently playing at the Barrymore Theatre. Watch the interview now!
Denzel Washington & James L. Nederlander to be Honored at The Entertainment Community Fund Gala
The Entertainment Community Fund will host its Annual Gala, The evening will celebrate Tony Award winner and Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Theater Owner and Producer James L. Nederlander. Learn how to attend.
The Entertainment Community Fund will host its Annual Gala, The evening will celebrate Tony Award winner and Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Theater Owner and Producer James L. Nederlander. Learn how to attend.
Video: Jim Parsons Recalls First Time Reading OUR TOWN
In a new interview, Jim Parsons admitted that he hadn't seen or read Our Town before he became involved with the production which is currently playing at Barrymore Theatre. Watch Parsons discuss his experience with the play!
In a new interview, Jim Parsons admitted that he hadn't seen or read Our Town before he became involved with the production which is currently playing at Barrymore Theatre. Watch Parsons discuss his experience with the play!
Denzel Washington Plans to Star in OTHELLO Film Before Retirement
Denzel Washington is only a few movies away from retiring. On a recent visit to Australia's Today Show to promote Gladiator II, the acting legend shared some of his next films, which include at least one big-screen Shakespeare adaptation.
Denzel Washington is only a few movies away from retiring. On a recent visit to Australia's Today Show to promote Gladiator II, the acting legend shared some of his next films, which include at least one big-screen Shakespeare adaptation.
OTHELLO Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Finds Full Cast
The complete cast has been announced for Shakespeare's Othello, starring Tony Award winner and two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal.
The complete cast has been announced for Shakespeare's Othello, starring Tony Award winner and two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal.
Videos You Missed This Week: RAGTIME, WICKED, and More
It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! Fall 2024 is here at last, which means that a whole new bunch of Broadway and off-Broadway shows are opening soon. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending November 8, 2024 with videos from Ragtime, Wicked, Suffs, and more!
It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! Fall 2024 is here at last, which means that a whole new bunch of Broadway and off-Broadway shows are opening soon. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending November 8, 2024 with videos from Ragtime, Wicked, Suffs, and more!
Video: Kandi Burruss Shares Why She Joined OTHELLO as a Producer
Following producing duties in The Piano Lesson and The Wiz, multi-hyphenate Kandi Burruss is taking on Shakespeare. Along with her husband Todd Tucker, the performer is lending her producing skills to Broadway's upcoming revival of Othello starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Watch her discuss the project on Live with Kelly and Mark!
Following producing duties in The Piano Lesson and The Wiz, multi-hyphenate Kandi Burruss is taking on Shakespeare. Along with her husband Todd Tucker, the performer is lending her producing skills to Broadway's upcoming revival of Othello starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Watch her discuss the project on Live with Kelly and Mark!
Andrew Burnap, Anthony Michael Lopez, and More Join OTHELLO
The upcoming revival of Shakespeare's Othello has found its cast, joining previously announced Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Check out who will join the lineup here!
The upcoming revival of Shakespeare's Othello has found its cast, joining previously announced Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. Check out who will join the lineup here!
Video: Safiya Kaijya Harris Is Making NYC Her Town
In this video, we welcome Safiya Kaijya Harris, one of the stars of Our Town, now on Broadway. In the chat we talk about working with Kenny Leon, an ensemble as epic as this, and what it is like to tell a classic story in front of a Broadway audience eight shows a week. This is something that you must see!
In this video, we welcome Safiya Kaijya Harris, one of the stars of Our Town, now on Broadway. In the chat we talk about working with Kenny Leon, an ensemble as epic as this, and what it is like to tell a classic story in front of a Broadway audience eight shows a week. This is something that you must see!
OUR TOWN to Honor Veterans in November in Partnership with TDF
The current Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, is launching a partnership with TDF’s Veterans Theatregoing Program. Learn more!
The current Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, is launching a partnership with TDF’s Veterans Theatregoing Program. Learn more!
Broadway Stage and Screen- A Fall 2024 Watch Guide
A new Broadway season has arrived at last, full of exciting new shows and revivals of beloved classics. While many of them are original concepts or based on plays, 7 are already films that you can watch from home.
A new Broadway season has arrived at last, full of exciting new shows and revivals of beloved classics. While many of them are original concepts or based on plays, 7 are already films that you can watch from home.
Broadway Buying Guide: October 21, 2024- SUNSET BLVD Storms Back to Broadway
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, October 21, 2024.
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, October 21, 2024.
Photos: CAA's Joe Machota Receives Portrait at Sardi's
Head of CAA’s theater department Joe Machota recently received his portrait at Sardi's and BroadwayWorld was there to celebrate. Check out photos here!
Head of CAA’s theater department Joe Machota recently received his portrait at Sardi's and BroadwayWorld was there to celebrate. Check out photos here!
Dianne Dixon Joins American Premiere Of GOODBYE, DOCTOR
Dianne Dixon joins the American premiere of GOODBYE, DOCTOR, a psychological drama by Betty Milan, directed by Debora Baladini. The play runs at A.R.T./New York Theatres from October 24 to November 3.
Dianne Dixon joins the American premiere of GOODBYE, DOCTOR, a psychological drama by Betty Milan, directed by Debora Baladini. The play runs at A.R.T./New York Theatres from October 24 to November 3.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Kenny Leon been nominated for?
Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama League Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, Directing Award (Obie Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Soldier's Play, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Soldier's Play, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Fences, Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Tambourines to Glory, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun and Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Blues in the Night.
What awards has Kenny Leon won?
Kenny Leon has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including: the Directing Award from the Obie Awards for Much Ado About Nothing; Outstanding Director of a Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Soldier's Play; Best Direction of a Play from the Tony Awards for A Raisin in the Sun; the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards; and Outstanding Director - Play from the Drama Desk Awards, also for A Raisin in the Sun.
Videos