Robin Wagner
Latest News on Robin Wagner:
Broadway Stars Speak Up on Social Media About Dimming Lights for the Late Hinton Battle; League Announces Plans to Come (Feb 22, 2024)
Ann Hould-Ward and Richard Hudson Receive TDF's Irene Sharaff Awards (Feb 15, 2024)
Broadway Theatres Will Dim Lights in Memory Of Robin Wagner on June 17 (Jun 9, 2023)
Broadway Stars Speak Up on Social Media About Dimming Lights for the Late Hinton Battle; League Announces Plans to Come (Feb 22, 2024)
Ann Hould-Ward and Richard Hudson Receive TDF's Irene Sharaff Awards (Feb 15, 2024)
Broadway Theatres Will Dim Lights in Memory Of Robin Wagner on June 17 (Jun 9, 2023)
BIO
Wagner was born in San Francisco, the son of Phyllis Edna Catherine (née Smith-Spurgeon) and Jens Otto Wagner. His mother was from New Zealand and his father was from Denmark. He attended art school and started his career in theatres in that city with designs for Don Pasquale, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Tea and Sympathy, and Waiting for Godot, among others. In 1958, he relocated to New York City, where he worked on numerous off-Broadway productions before making his Broadway debut as an assistant designer for the Hugh Wheeler play Big Fish, Little Fish in 1961. His first solo project was a short-lived 1966 production of The Condemned of Altona by Jean-Paul Sartre.
Wagner's many Broadway credits include Hair, The Great White Hope, Promises, Promises, Gantry, Jesus Christ Superstar, Seesaw, Mack & Mabel, A Chorus Line, Ballroom, On the Twentieth Century, 42nd Street, Dreamgirls, Song and Dance, City of Angels, Victor/Victoria, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Angels in America: Perestroika, The Producers, The Boy from Oz, and Young Frankenstein. His work in London's West End includes Crazy For You and Chess.
Wagner's other theatrical work ranges from off-Broadway and regional theatre productions to ballet and opera, including sets for the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera, the Hamburg State Opera, the Royal Swedish Opera, the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, and the New York City Ballet.
Wagner won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design six times out of eleven nominations and the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design three times out of ten nominations.
Wagner served on the Theatre Advisory Committee for the New York International Festival of the Arts, as a trustee of the New York Shakespeare Festival, and taught in the graduate theatre arts program at Columbia University. In 2001, Wagner was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.
Photos
Productions
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Set Design
Robin Wagner , Young Frankenstein
Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Robin Wagner, The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Set Design of a Musical
Robin Wagner, Young Frankenstein
Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Set Designer
Robin Wagner, Kiss Me, Kate
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Set Design of a Musical
Robin Wagner, The Producers
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Scenic Design
Robin Wagner, The Producers
winner
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Scenic Design
Robin Wagner, The Producers
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Set Design - Musical
Robin Wagner, Kiss Me, Kate
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Scenic Design
Robin Wagner, Kiss Me Kate
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Scenic Design
Robin Wagner, Kiss Me, Kate
Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Set Designer
Robin Wagner, Crazy For You
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Scenic Design
Robin Wagner, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Set Design
Robin Wagner, Crazy for You
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Set, Costume and Lighting Design
Robin Wagner (Set),, Crazy for You
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Revival
Robin Wagner, Jelly's Last Jam
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Set Design
Robin Wagner, City of Angels
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Set Design
Robin Wagner, City of Angels
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Projection Design
Robin Wagner, Merlin
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Set Design
Robin Wagner, Dreamgirls
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1982 - Lighting Design
Robin Wagner, Dreamgirls
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Scenic Design
Robin Wagner , Dreamgirls
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Set Design
Robin Wagner, On the 2th Century
winner
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Scenic Design
Robin Wagner, On the Twentieth Century
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1975 - Scenic Design
Robin Wagner, A Chorus Line
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1973 - Scenic Design
Robin Wagner, Seesaw
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Scenic Design
Robin Wagner, Jesus Christ Superstar
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Set Design
Robin Wagner, Lenny
Videos
STAGE TUBE: First Look at Lisa Brescia, George Dvorsky and More in Highlights of Ogunquit's VICTOR/VICTORIA
by Christina Mancuso - Jul 6, 2015
STAGE TUBE: John Bolton and More in Ogunquit's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
by Christina Mancuso - Jul 22, 2013
STAGE TUBE: First Look at John Bolton and More in Highlights of Ogunquit's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
by Christina Mancuso - Jul 14, 2013
STAGE TUBE: Artistic Director Tony Taccone Introduces FALLACI at Berkeley Rep
by Stage Tube - Jan 25, 2013
TV: Rise Up! Check Out Hot Video Highlights from LEAP OF FAITH on Broadway with Raul Esparza & More!
by Robert Diamond - Apr 23, 2012
News
Broadway Stars Speak Up on Social Media About Dimming Lights for the Late Hinton Battle; League Announces Plans to Come
Just over three weeks ago, on January 30, BroadwayWorld sadly reported the passing of three-time Tony Award winner Hinton Battle. Now, Broadway stars are speaking up on social media about the lack of announcement from the Broadway League about theatre lights dimming in his honor.
Just over three weeks ago, on January 30, BroadwayWorld sadly reported the passing of three-time Tony Award winner Hinton Battle. Now, Broadway stars are speaking up on social media about the lack of announcement from the Broadway League about theatre lights dimming in his honor.
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.
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.
Broadway Theatres Will Dim Lights in Memory Of Robin Wagner on June 17
The Broadway community honors the memory of Robin Wagner, the triple Tony Award-winning scenic designer who worked on more than 60 Broadway shows in a career that spanned over five decades.
The Broadway community honors the memory of Robin Wagner, the triple Tony Award-winning scenic designer who worked on more than 60 Broadway shows in a career that spanned over five decades.
Recap the 2023 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches
The 76th Annual Tony Awards have officially begun! As winners take the stage this evening, stay tuned to BroadwayWorld as we bring you full text of all of the acceptance speeches; from the emotional to the humorous, and everything in between.
The 76th Annual Tony Awards have officially begun! As winners take the stage this evening, stay tuned to BroadwayWorld as we bring you full text of all of the acceptance speeches; from the emotional to the humorous, and everything in between.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Unions Formed, Joined, and Agreements Reached - In Both Theatre and Hollywood
While the writers continue to strike, and the actors have until this evening to vote on a strike authorization, at least one of the major Hollywood unions appears poised to avoid a strike - the Directors Guild, who shared many of the same concerns as the WGA membership, have secured an agreement with the producers pending a vote of its membership.
While the writers continue to strike, and the actors have until this evening to vote on a strike authorization, at least one of the major Hollywood unions appears poised to avoid a strike - the Directors Guild, who shared many of the same concerns as the WGA membership, have secured an agreement with the producers pending a vote of its membership.
Wake Up With BWW 5/30: GREY HOUSE Opens, Drama League Awards Red Carpet, and More!
Top stories: Grey House opens tonight, go on the red carpet with the creatives at the 89th Annual Drama League Awards, and more!
Top stories: Grey House opens tonight, go on the red carpet with the creatives at the 89th Annual Drama League Awards, and more!
Three-Time Tony Award-Winning Designer Robin Wagner Dies at 89
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of Robin Wagner, who designed scenery for landmark, critically acclaimed Broadway shows for over 50 years.
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of Robin Wagner, who designed scenery for landmark, critically acclaimed Broadway shows for over 50 years.
Which Broadway Shows Have Received the Most Tony Nominations Ever?
While many stellar productions are poised to earn multiple nominations this season, it will take quite a few to stand up to the current record holders. Below, check out which Broadway shows hold the records for the most-Tony nominated productions of all time.
While many stellar productions are poised to earn multiple nominations this season, it will take quite a few to stand up to the current record holders. Below, check out which Broadway shows hold the records for the most-Tony nominated productions of all time.
Purchase College To Honor Technical Theatre Legend William M. Mensching On April 24
Purchase College, State University of New York’s Broadway Technical Theatre History Project, will present the Ninth Broadway technical “Backstage Legends and Masters Award” to theater legend, William M. (Bill) Mensching on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7 p.m. at The Performing Arts Center on campus, located at 735 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase, NY.
Purchase College, State University of New York’s Broadway Technical Theatre History Project, will present the Ninth Broadway technical “Backstage Legends and Masters Award” to theater legend, William M. (Bill) Mensching on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7 p.m. at The Performing Arts Center on campus, located at 735 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase, NY.
Derek McLane, Eila Mell & Moisés Kaufman to Discuss DESIGNING BROADWAY at Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble - Union Square announced a discussion and signing for Tony and Emmy Award-winning set designer Derek McLane and entertainment and fashion writer Eila Mell’s new book, Designing Broadway: How Derek McLane and Other Acclaimed Set Designers Create the Visual World of Theatre.
The Barnes & Noble - Union Square announced a discussion and signing for Tony and Emmy Award-winning set designer Derek McLane and entertainment and fashion writer Eila Mell’s new book, Designing Broadway: How Derek McLane and Other Acclaimed Set Designers Create the Visual World of Theatre.
Review: Sally Struthers and Company Revive Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN to Glorious Life in La Mirada
Overall--especially in this tighter, revised version lifted from London’s West End production that’s much zippier than the original--there is no denying that YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is a witty, super funny, and genuinely enjoyable musical comedy that earns plenty of laughs and smiles along the way.
Overall--especially in this tighter, revised version lifted from London’s West End production that’s much zippier than the original--there is no denying that YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is a witty, super funny, and genuinely enjoyable musical comedy that earns plenty of laughs and smiles along the way.
Photos: Exclusive Look at Sally Struthers, A.J. Holmes, and More in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at the La Mirada Theatre
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts & Mccoy Rigby Entertainment will present the first show of their 2022-2023 season, the Southern California premiere of the newly-revised, London version of Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. See photos from the production here!
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts & Mccoy Rigby Entertainment will present the first show of their 2022-2023 season, the Southern California premiere of the newly-revised, London version of Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. See photos from the production here!
Sally Struthers, A. J. Holmes & More Will Lead La Mirada's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts & Mccoy Rigby Entertainment just announced full casting for the monstrously hilarious first show of their 2022-2023 season, the Southern California premiere of the newly-revised, London version of Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts & Mccoy Rigby Entertainment just announced full casting for the monstrously hilarious first show of their 2022-2023 season, the Southern California premiere of the newly-revised, London version of Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.
Sally Struthers to Star in Newly-Revised, London Version of MEL BROOKS' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at La Mirada Theatre
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment will present Sally Struthers starring as “Frau Blücher” in the Southern California premiere of Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN will preview on Friday, September 16 at 8 pm & Saturday, September 17 at 2 pm (with a press opening on Saturday, September 17 at 8 pm.
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment will present Sally Struthers starring as “Frau Blücher” in the Southern California premiere of Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN will preview on Friday, September 16 at 8 pm & Saturday, September 17 at 2 pm (with a press opening on Saturday, September 17 at 8 pm.
Original Cast Member Baayork Lee to Direct A CHORUS LINE Tokyo Engagement
Following its successful 2018 Tokyo engagement, Big League Productions, Inc. will once again showcase its 'singular sensation' for Japanese audiences, this time at the prestigious Orchard Hall.
Following its successful 2018 Tokyo engagement, Big League Productions, Inc. will once again showcase its 'singular sensation' for Japanese audiences, this time at the prestigious Orchard Hall.
City Springs Theatre to Present A CHORUS LINE
City Springs Theatre Company will return in March with A Chorus Line as part of its 2021-22 PNC Bank Season. Directed and choreographed by original cast member and Tony Award recipient Baayork Lee, this sensational musical plays March 11 - 27, 2022 in the Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs).
City Springs Theatre Company will return in March with A Chorus Line as part of its 2021-22 PNC Bank Season. Directed and choreographed by original cast member and Tony Award recipient Baayork Lee, this sensational musical plays March 11 - 27, 2022 in the Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs).
BWW Review: THE PRODUCERS at Théâtre De Paris
The best French-language musical of the century so far.
The best French-language musical of the century so far.
VIDEO: First Look at YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Ogunquit Playhouse
Ogunquit Playhouse concludes its 2021 season with the perfect spooky October production: Young Frankenstein, starring John Bolton (Broadway's Anastasia) as the titular Frederick Frankenstein and featuring Ogunquit favorite Sally Struthers (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Frau Blücher.
Ogunquit Playhouse concludes its 2021 season with the perfect spooky October production: Young Frankenstein, starring John Bolton (Broadway's Anastasia) as the titular Frederick Frankenstein and featuring Ogunquit favorite Sally Struthers (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Frau Blücher.
Highlighting Iconic Set Designers from Broadway Past
Who are some of Broadway's greatest set designers? Which scenic designers have won the most Tony Awards? Read more about some of the greatest behind the scenes employees of Broadway and study up on ten iconic set designers from Broadway history.
Who are some of Broadway's greatest set designers? Which scenic designers have won the most Tony Awards? Read more about some of the greatest behind the scenes employees of Broadway and study up on ten iconic set designers from Broadway history.
John Bolton and Sally Struthers Will Lead Ogunquit Playhouse's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
Ogunquit Playhouse concludes its 2021 season with the perfect spooky October production: Young Frankenstein, starring John Bolton (Broadway's Anastasia) as the titular Frederick Frankenstein and featuring Ogunquit favorite Sally Struthers (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Frau Blücher.
Ogunquit Playhouse concludes its 2021 season with the perfect spooky October production: Young Frankenstein, starring John Bolton (Broadway's Anastasia) as the titular Frederick Frankenstein and featuring Ogunquit favorite Sally Struthers (Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Frau Blücher.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Robin Wagner been nominated for?
Outstanding Set Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Young Frankenstein, Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein, Outstanding Set Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Young Frankenstein, Best Set Designer (Olivier Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate, Outstanding Set Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Scenic Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Producers , Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Set Design - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate, Outstanding Scenic Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss Me Kate, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate, Best Set Designer (Olivier Awards) for Crazy For You, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Outstanding Set Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Crazy for You, Best Set, Costume and Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Crazy for You, Best Revival (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Best Set Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for City of Angels, Outstanding Set Design (Drama Desk Awards) for City of Angels, Outstanding Projection Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Merlin, Outstanding Set Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Dreamgirls, Lighting Design (The Hewes Awards) for Dreamgirls, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for Dreamgirls, Outstanding Set Design (Drama Desk Awards) for On the 20th Century, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for On the Twentieth Century, Scenic Design (The Hewes Awards) for A Chorus Line, Scenic Design (The Hewes Awards) for Seesaw, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for Jesus Christ Superstar and Outstanding Set Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Lenny.
What awards has Robin Wagner won?
Robin Wagner has won numerous awards for his work in set design. His accolades include Outstanding Set Design of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The Producers, as well as Outstanding Scenic Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Producers. He also won Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for The Producers. In addition, he received Outstanding Set Design - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Kiss Me, Kate and Outstanding Scenic Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Kiss Me, Kate. His work on Crazy for You earned him the Best Set, Costume and Lighting Design award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Wagner also won Best Set Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for City of Angels, as well as Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for City of Angels and Dreamgirls. He was awarded Lighting Design at The Hewes Awards for Dreamgirls, and he earned Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for On the 20th Century and Best Scenic Design at the Tony Awards for On the Twentieth Century. Additionally, he won Scenic Design at The Hewes Awards for A Chorus Line and Scenic Design at The Hewes Awards for Seesaw. Finally, he received Outstanding Set Design at the Drama Desk Awards for Lenny.
Videos