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Arthur Laurents

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Arthur Laurents was a renowned American playwright, screenwriter, and director who was born on July 14, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. He was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over six decades and was widely regarded as one of the most influential playwrights of his generation.



Laurents began his career in the theater as an assistant to playwrights such as Robert E. Sherwood and Moss Hart. He made his Broadway debut as a playwright in 1945 with the play "Home of the Brave," which dealt with anti-Semitism in the military. The play was a critical and commercial success and established Laurents as a major talent in the theater world.

In 1957, Laurents wrote the book for the musical "West Side Story," which was a collaboration with composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. The show was a modern retelling of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" set in the streets of New York City. It was a groundbreaking work that tackled issues of race, immigration, and gang violence. The show was a critical and commercial success and won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Laurents continued to work in the theater throughout the 1960s and 1970s, writing and directing several successful plays and musicals. In 1968, he wrote the book for the musical "Hallelujah, Baby!," which was a collaboration with composer Jule Styne and lyricist Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The show was a satirical look at the civil rights movement and won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Laurents continued to work in the theater as a director, directing several successful revivals of classic musicals. In 1983, he directed a revival of "La Cage aux Folles," which was a collaboration with composer Jerry Herman and lyricist Harvey Fierstein. The show was a critical and commercial success and won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival.

Laurents also worked extensively in film and television throughout his career. He wrote the screenplays for several successful films, including "The Way We Were" (1973), which starred Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, and "The Turning Point" (1977), which starred Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft. He also directed several films, including "The Way We Were" and "The Turning Point."

In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Laurents was also a political activist who was involved in several social and political causes. He was a vocal supporter of gay rights and was an active member of the Democratic Party.

Laurents continued to work in the theater until his death on May 5, 2011, at the age of 93. His most recent work was a revival of his play "West Side Story," which opened on Broadway in 2009. The production was directed by Laurents himself and was a critical and commercial success.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2024]
Book
 
[Regional (US), 2018]
Book
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[New York, 2004]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Creative Consultant
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1987]
Director
Director
 
[West End, 1986]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1983]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1973]
Director
 
[West End, 1973]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1960]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Source Material
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter

Movies

Rope
[ 1948 ] writer
Home of the Brave
[ 1949 ] writer
Caught
[ 1949 ] writer
Anna Lucasta
[ 1949 ] writer
Anastasia
[ 1956 ] writer
Bonjour Tristesse
[ 1958 ] writer
West Side Story
[ 1961 ] writer
The Way We Were
[ 1973 ] writer
The Turning Point
[ 1977 ] producer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama League Awards - 2009 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing

Arthur Laurents

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Arthur Laurents, West Side Story

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Arthur Laurents, Gypsy

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Direction of a Musical

Arthur Laurents, Gypsy

Helen Hayes Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Arthur LaurentsGypsy


winner
Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Direction of a Musical

Arthur Laurents, La Cage aux Folles


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Arthur Laurents, Gypsy

Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Direction of a Musical

Arthur Laurents, Gypsy

Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Musical

Arthur Laurents, Gypsy

Videos

News


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Feature: WEST SIDE STORY al Teatro Sistina

E' stata davvero straordinaria l'accoglienza che pubblico e critica hanno riservato a 'West Side Story', l'ultimo gioiello firmato da Massimo Romeo Piparo che proprio ieri ha terminato la sua programmazione al Teatro Sistina: il Musical-Kolossal che ha accompagnato gli spettatori nelle festività natalizie ha venduto 26mila biglietti in appena quattro settimane di repliche.
Video: Joy Woods Discusses Playing Louise in Broadway's GYPSY

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BWW TV: Saludos finales de GYPSY en Málaga

El pasado domingo 12 de enero la cuarta producción dirigida por Antonio Banderas para el Teatro del Soho Caixabank, GYPSY, acabó funciones en Málaga antes de su próximo estreno en el Teatro Apolo de Madrid el 7 de febrero, y el director tuvo unas emotivas palabras de agradecimiento para la compañía tras los saludos finales.
PHOTO: Richard Gere visita GYPSY en el Teatro del Soho CaixaBank de Málaga

El Teatro del Soho CaixaBank recibió ayer la visita del actor internacional Richard Gere, quien viajó hasta Málaga para disfrutar del musical GYPSY, dirigido por Antonio Banderas.
Agotadas todas las entradas para la última semana de GYPSY en Málaga

El próximo domingo 12 de enero la cuarta producción de Antonio Banderas para el Teatro del Soho Caixabank, GYPSY, termina su temporada en Málaga antes de su llegada a Madrid en febrero y, para esta última semana de funciones en la ciudad andaluza, todas las entradas están agotadas para todas las funciones.
El documental GYPSY EN EL SOHO. El Sueño de Antonio Banderas se estrena esta noche en Canal Sur

Tal como ha anunciado su director en su cuenta de Instagram, esta noche a las 22.45h la televisión autonómica andaluza Canal Sur estrena el documental GYPSY EN EL SOHO. El Sueño de Antonio Banderas, un documental dirigido por Enrique García Atralla que pone en inmágenes las impresiones del director Antonio Banderas con motivo del estreno de GYPSY en el Teatro del Soho Caixabank en Málaga.
Broadway Buying Guide: December 30, 2024- It's GYPSY's Turn on Top

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 30, 2024.
GYPSY Cancels Tonight's Performance Due to Illness in the Company

Tonight's performance of Gypsy on Broadway starring Audra McDonald and more has been cancelled. Learn more about upcoming performances and see how to purchase tickets.
Audra McDonald Calls For Grace From Audiences Amid Sickness 'Racing Through Broadway'

Audra McDonald – who recently received rave reviews for her powerhouse performance in Gypsy – took to Instagram to reveal that she has caught the cold that has been 'racing through the Broadway community.'
Broadway Buying Guide: December 23, 2024- HAMILTON Is Back on Top

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 23, 2024.
Photos: Inside GYPSY on Broadway's Opening Night Afterparty

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Photos: Inside GYPSY's Opening Night Curtain Call on Broadway

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Review Roundup: GYPSY On Broadway Starring Audra McDonald

Curtain up! Light the lights! Six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald takes on the role of a lifetime, playing 'Mama' Rose Hovick in the classic musical, Gypsy, is now running on Broadway at the newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Read the reviews!
Video: First Look at Audra McDonald in GYPSY

The new Broadway revival of GYPSY, starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald as Rose, opens tonight at the Majestic Theatre. Check out all new video footage from the production here! 
All Roads Theatre Company To Present ONE FOR MY BABY World Premiere And More At El Portal Theatre

All Roads Theatre Company has announced its inaugural season at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, beginning with the World Premiere Musical ONE FOR MY BABY, with a score by the incomparable Harold Arlen and headlined by Broadway stars LANA GORDON and LUBA MASON.
Photos: Audra McDonald, Joy Woods & More in GYPSY on Broadway

Additional photos have been released of the Broadway revival of GYPSY starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald. See photos of the production and learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, & More Talk GYPSY on CBS Sunday Morning

CBS Sunday Morning spoke with Audra McDonald and director George C. Wolfe about their production of Gypsy, currently running on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre, and the task of taking on a character like Mama Rose. Watch the video here!
Audra McDonald Says She Discussed Starring in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and GYPSY with Sondheim

While discussing how Gypsy came about with The New Yorker, Audra McDonald revealed that another iconic Sondheim role might be on the horizon in the future.
WEST SIDE STORY To Be Presented By Houston Grand Opera to In January

On January 31, 2025, Houston Grand Opera (HGO) will open blockbuster musical West Side Story, created by composer Leonard Bernstein, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, choreographer Jerome Robbins, and playwright Arthur Laurents.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Arthur Laurents written?

Arthur Laurents has written 18 shows including Home of the Brave (Playwright), The Bird Cage (Playwright), The Time of the Cuckoo (Playwright), A Clearing in the Woods (Playwright), West Side Story (Bookwriter), Gypsy (Bookwriter), Invitation to a March (Playwright), Anyone Can Whistle (Bookwriter), Do I Hear a Waltz? (Source Material), Hallelujah, Baby! (Bookwriter), The Enclave (Playwright), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Bookwriter), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Bookwriter), Nick & Nora (Bookwriter), The Radical Mystique (Playwright), Angela Lansbury - A Celebration (Playwright), The Time of the Cuckoo (Playwright), The Light in the Piazza (Bookwriter).

What awards has Arthur Laurents been nominated for?

Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for West Side Story, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gypsy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Gypsy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for La Cage aux Folles, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Gypsy and Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Gypsy.

What awards has Arthur Laurents won?

Arthur Laurents has received several prestigious awards, including the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards, Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for La Cage aux Folles, and Outstanding Director - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for Gypsy.

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