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Michael Greif

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BIO

Greif attended Northwestern University and graduated from the University of California, San Diego graduate directing program. He was the Artistic Director of the La Jolla Playhouse, LaJolla, California from 1994 to 1999.



He was an Artistic Associate at the New York Theatre Workshop where he directed, among others, Bright Lights, Big City (1998–99) and the original production of Rent for which he received the Obie Award for direction of a musical and which he later directed on Broadway.

Greif has directed several original Broadway musicals and been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical four times. In addition to Rent, his Broadway credits include If/Then (also at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.), Next to Normal (also at Second Stage Theatre and Arena Stage), Grey Gardens (also at Playwrights Horizons), Dear Evan Hansen (also at Arena Stage and Second Stage), and War Paint (also at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago).

In August 2023, it was announced that his Chicago Shakespeare Theater production of The Notebook would transfer to Broadway in March 2024 and in September 2023, it was announced that he would transfer his Off-Broadway production of Days of Wine and Roses to Broadway in January 2024.

Among his many directing credits Off-Broadway are Alicia Keys' autobiographical musical Hell's Kitchen, Katori Hall's Our Lady of Kibeho, John Guare's Landscape of the Body and A Few Stout Individuals at Signature Theatre, Beauty of the Father for the Manhattan Theatre Club, the 2009 Playwrights Horizons production of Mrs. Sharp (with music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver and starring Jane Krakowski), and Romeo and Juliet, The Winter's Tale, and The Tempest at the New York Shakespeare Festival at the Delacorte Theater (2007, 2010, 2015).

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Co-Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
 
[Chicago, 2022]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2020]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
 
[Toronto, 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Chicago, 2016]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Director
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2015]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
Director
 
[US Tour, 2008]
Director
 
[West End, 2008]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Artistic Associate
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director/Choreographer
Director
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Assistant Director

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Michael Greif, Days of Wine and Roses

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Hell's Kitchen

The Lortels - 2018 - Outstanding Director

Michael Greif, The Low Road


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Director

Michael GreifOur Lady of Kibeho

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Next to Normal

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Grey Gardens

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Greif , Grey Gardens


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director - Play

Michael Greif, Dogeaters


winner
Obie Awards - 2001 - Direction

Michael Greif, Dogeaters

The Lortels - 2001 - Outstanding Director

Michael Greif, Dogeaters


winner
Obie Awards - 1996 - Special Citations

Michael Greif, Rent

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif , Rent

Videos

News


BETTY Will Take Part in Talkback and Performance at BABE at The Pershing Square Signature Center

The New Group production Babe will welcome the band BETTY for a special post-show talkback and LIVE MUSIC concert following the 7:00PM performance on Tuesday, December 3.
Photos: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Red Carpet Arrivals

The best of Broadway came out to celebrate at the Belasco Theatre yesterday, where Maybe Happy Ending held its special gala performance. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night and you can check out photos from the starry guest arrivals below.
THE NOTEBOOK Original Broadway Cast Recording is Now Available on Vinyl

The Notebook (Original Broadway Cast Recording) on special edition blue vinyl is now available for purchase. Find out where you can purchase the vinyl album here!
Isabella Esler, Jake Epstein, Chilina Kennedy & More Will Star in LIFE AFTER in Toronto

The full cast and creative team for the new musical LIFE AFTER at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre has just been announced. The new musical will play a limited engagement from Wednesday, April 16 – Sunday, May 4, 2025 as part of the 2024/25 Off-Mirvish Season. Check out who is joining the cast here!
Photos: THE NOTEBOOK'S New Stars- Aisha Jackson, Anna Zavelson & Benji Santiago

Check out brand new images of the new cast of The Notebook on Broadway, including Aisha Jackson, Anna Zavelson, and Benji Santiago. Joy Woods, John Cardoza, and Jordan Tyson played their final performances earlier this month.
Reba McEntire Visits THE NOTEBOOK on Broadway

Country superstar Reba McEntire recently visited The Notebook on Broadway! The official Instagram page shared a photo of McEntire with the cast and a caption that read: 'Thank you so much for sharing your love and light with us today.' Take a look at the post here!
THE NOTEBOOK to Join National Alzheimer's Awareness Month Initiative

This Friday, November 1, The Notebook The Musical will join more than 1,300 sites around the world to “Light the World in Teal,” bringing awareness to Alzheimer's disease as National Alzheimer's Awareness Month continues throughout November. Learn more about the initiative.
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.
Video: HELL'S KITCHEN Stars Maleah Joi Moon and Chris Lee Perform 'Unthinkable (I'm Ready)'

As lead cast member Chris Lee prepares to exit the show, Broadway's Hell's Kitchen has released a new look at the show. Check out the video below as Lee and star Maleah Joi Moon perform the love ballad, 'Unthinkable'.
THE NOTEBOOK to Celebrate 250 Broadway Performances This Weekend

The Notebook, the new Broadway musical based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the iconic film, will celebrate 250 performances on Broadway. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets to the show!
Jessica Vosk Will Join HELL'S KITCHEN in December

Jessica Vosk will star as Jersey in the hit musical Hell's Kitchen on Broadway. As previously announced Shoshana Bean, who originated and received a Tony Nomination for her role, will play her final performance on Sunday, December 1.
Donna Vivino to Star as 'Jersey' in HELL'S KITCHEN in December

Hell's Kitchen's current standby for 'Jersey', Broadway Veteran, Donna Vivino, will star as 'Jersey' for select dates in December. Learn more about the production featuring music by Alicia Keys, and see how to purchase tickets.
Broadway Buying Guide: October 14, 2024- OUR TOWN, GYPSY, and More

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 14, 2024.
Phillip Johnson Richardson Joins HELL'S KITCHEN as 'Knuck' This Month

Broadway’s HELL’S KITCHEN will welcome Phillip Johnson Richardson (The Wiz) as “Knuck”, starting on Tuesday, October 22. Chris Lee, who originated the role, will play his final performance on Sunday, October 20.
Shoshana Bean Sets Departure Date From HELL'S KITCHEN

Shoshana Bean will depart Hell's Kitchen on Broadway on December 1. Bean made the announcement herself on Instagram, in a photo with the caption, 'Mama’s hanging up her apron….Last day in the kitchen is December 1st!'
THE NOTEBOOK Will Be Filmed Tonight for Lincoln Center Theatre on Film and Tape Archives

The Notebook The Musical will be filmed for the Lincoln Center Theatre on Film and Tape Archives during the performance this evening, October 3.
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of YELLOW FACE

The stars aligned at the Todd Haimes Theatre to celebrate opening night of Roundabout Theatre Company's new production of Yellow Face by David Henry Hwang. BroadwayWorld was there to capture all of the stars and VIP guests.
Photos: A Fantastic Night For Black Theatre United at Ziegfeld Ballroom

There are galas and there are galas and, then, there was what Black Theatre United pulled off last night, September 30th, celebrating GENERATIONS OF EXCELLENCE at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. From the moment you walked in to the moment you left, the love, respect, admiration and warmth throughout the evening was palpable.
HELL'S KITCHEN's Original Broadway Cast Album Hits #1 on the Billboard Cast Albums Chart

The HELL’S KITCHEN’s Original Broadway Cast Album has hit #1 on the Billboard Cast Albums chart. HELL’S KITCHEN is a new musical from 16-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, whose songs and experiences growing up in NY inspire a story made for Broadway. Learn more about the show and the album.
Aisha Jackson Will Join THE NOTEBOOK as Middle Allie

The Notebook on Broadway will welcome Aisha Jackson to the Broadway company in the role of “Middle Allie” beginning Tuesday, October 22, at the Schoenfeld Theatre. Original Chicago and Broadway cast member Joy Woods will play her final performance on Sunday, October 20.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Michael Greif been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hell's Kitchen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for The Low Road, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Our Lady of Kibeho, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Next to Normal, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Grey Gardens, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Grey Gardens , Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dogeaters, Direction (Obie Awards) for Dogeaters, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Dogeaters, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Rent and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rent.

What awards has Michael Greif won?

Michael Greif has received several awards, including Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Dogeaters, Direction at the Obie Awards for Dogeaters, and Special Citations at the Obie Awards for Rent.

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Videos