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Christopher Ashley

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BIO

Christopher Ashley won the Tony Award for his direction of the stage production of Come From Away on Broadway, and serves as the Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, CA. Other film credits include Diana: The Musical on Netflix, the feature films Jeffrey and Lucky Stiff, and the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life for PBS. At La Jolla Playhouse, Mr. Ashley directed the world-premiere productions of Come From Away, Diana: The Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis, The Darrell Hammond Project, Hollywood and Chasing the Song. Other select Playhouse credits include Freaky Friday, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Glengarry Glen Ross. In addition to Come From Away, other Broadway credits include; Diana: The Musical; Escape to Margaritaville, Xanadu, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk Award nomination); Memphis (Tony, Outer Critics Circle nominations); All Shook Up, The Rocky Horror Show(Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations). Mr. Ashley directed productions of Come From Away in London, Toronto, Australia and on national tour. Other tours include Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis, Xanadu, All Shook Up and Seussical: The Musical. Additional New York stage credits: Blown Sideways Through Life, Jeffrey (Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards), The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla (Lucille Lortel nomination – Outstanding Direction), Regrets Only, Wonder of the World, Communicating Doors, Bunny Bunny, The Night Hank Williams Died, and Fires in the Mirror (Lucille Lortel Award), among others. Mr. Ashley is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Director Fellowship and an NEA/TCG Director Fellowship.



Photos

Productions

Come From Away (Non-Equity)Come From Away (Non-Equity)
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Director
DianaDiana
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Director
Escape to Margaritaville (Non Eq)Escape to Margaritaville (Non Eq)
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Original Broadway Director[Replacement]
Come From AwayCome From Away
 
[West End, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
DianaDiana
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2019]
Director
Come From AwayCome From Away
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
The SquirrelsThe Squirrels
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2018]
Director
Summer: The Donna Summer MusicalSummer: The Donna Summer Musical
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Producer
Escape to MargaritavilleEscape to Margaritaville
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Producer
Director
Come From AwayCome From Away
 
[Toronto, 2018]
Director
Escape to MargaritavilleEscape to Margaritaville
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Director
Escape to MargaritavilleEscape to Margaritaville
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Director
Come From AwayCome From Away
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
Much Ado About NothingMuch Ado About Nothing
 
[West End, 2016] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Freaky FridayFreaky Friday
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2016]
Director
Come From AwayCome From Away
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2016]
Director
Hollywood
 
[Regional (US), 2016]
Director
Side ShowSide Show
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Producer
MemphisMemphis
 
[West End, 2014]
Director
Leap of FaithLeap of Faith
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
Memphis: A New MusicalMemphis: A New Musical
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Director
Memphis: A New MusicalMemphis: A New Musical
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
XanaduXanadu
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
Regrets Only
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
All Shook Up
 
[US Tour, 2006]
Director
Xanadu
 
[New York, 2006]
Director
Director
Princesses
 
[New York, 2006]
Director
The 24 Hour Plays 2005
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director
All Shook UpAll Shook Up
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director
All Shook Up
 
[Regional (US), 2004]
Director
Between Us
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Valhalla
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Little Mary Sunshine
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
Mondo Drama
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
Director
Seussical
 
[US Tour, 2002]
Director
Merrily We Roll Along
 
[Regional (US), 2002]
Director
Sweeney Todd
 
[Regional (US), 2002]
Director
The Smell of the Kill
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
Wonder of the World
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
Rude Entertainment
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
Newyorkers
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
The Rocky Horror Show
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
What You Get and What You Expect
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Director
The Country Club
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director
Voices in the Dark
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
Communicating Doors
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
As Thousands Cheer
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
As Thousands Cheer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
Li'l Abner
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
Jackie
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Production Consultant
Lucky in the Rain
 
[Regional (US), 1997]
Director
Bunny Bunny
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
Wantabanaland
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
Das Barbecu
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
The Naked Truth
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
Blown Sideways Through Life
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
Blown Sideways Through Life
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
Jeffrey
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
Jeffrey
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
The White Rose
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
The Night Hank Williams Died
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Director

Writing

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Come From Away


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Come From Away


winner
Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Come From Away

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Leap of Faith

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Memphis

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Memphis

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, Xanadu

The Lortels - 2004 - Outstanding Director

Christopher Ashley, Valhalla


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Christopher AshleySweeney Todd

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, The Rocky Horror Show

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Direction of a Musical

Christopher Ashley, The Rocky Horror Show


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Christopher Ashley, The Rocky Horror Show

Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Christopher Ashley , Das Barbecu

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Christopher Ashley, Das Barbecii

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Director - Play

Christopher Ashley, Jeffrey


winner
Obie Awards - 1993 - Direction

Christopher Ashley, Jeffrey


winner
The Lortels - 1993 - Outstanding Director

Christopher AshleyFires in the Mirror and Jeffrey

Videos

More Videos

News


La Jolla Playhouse Names Jacole Kitchen as Recipient of 2025/26 Director Fellowship Photo
La Jolla Playhouse Names Jacole Kitchen as Recipient of 2025/26 Director Fellowship
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025

La Jolla Playhouse has named Jacole Kitchen as the recipient of its 2025/2026 Director Fellowship position. She begins her two-year appointment in April 2025. Learn more about Kitchen here!
MEAN GIRLS & More Lead Boston's April 2025 Top Theatre Shows Photo
MEAN GIRLS & More Lead Boston's April 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Mar 28, 2025

Boston is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2025 include Mean Girls on tour and more.
James Monroe Iglehart to Host 'Mr. Abbott' Award Gala Honoring Christopher Ashley Photo
James Monroe Iglehart to Host 'Mr. Abbott' Award Gala Honoring Christopher Ashley
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 27, 2025

James Monroe Iglehart will host Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award Gala honoring Christopher Ashley. Learn more about the event here.
Video: Behind the Dance of 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse Photo
Video: Behind the Dance of 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - Mar 17, 2025

Go behind the choreography of 3 Summers of Lincoln at La Jolla Playhouse. Watch a video of co-lyricist and co-choreography Daniel J. Watts break down the dancing in the new musical, alongside his co-choreographer, Jon Rua!
Diversionary Theatre Announces 2025 Annual Gala: THE OUT LOUD BALL Photo
Diversionary Theatre Announces 2025 Annual Gala: THE OUT LOUD BALL
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025

Diversionary Theatre has announced its 2025 Gala: The Out Loud Ball. This year's annual fundraising event will be emceed by Tony Award Nominee and Drama Desk Award winning musical theater star Jenn Colella (Come From Away, Suffs).
Video: Behind the Music of 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse Photo
Video: Behind the Music of 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - Mar 12, 2025

Watch a video of the creative team behind 3 Summer of Lincoln discuss the process behind adding music to Abraham Lincoln's story for the new musical, which has an original score of gospel, R&B, powerhouse anthems, and Broadway.
Photos: Roundabout Honors Danny DeVito at 2025 Gala Photo
Photos: Roundabout Honors Danny DeVito at 2025 Gala
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 11, 2025

Roundabout Theatre Company celebrated it 2025 Gala, honoring Danny DeVito. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night, which included a special performance from Josh Groban. Check out photos here!
Review: COME FROM AWAY at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts Photo
Review: COME FROM AWAY at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts
by Jared Fessler - Mar 6, 2025

What did our critic think of COME FROM AWAY at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts?
Review Roundup: Critics Sound Off On La Jolla's 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN Photo
Review Roundup: Critics Sound Off On La Jolla's 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN
by Joshua Wright - Mar 4, 2025

3 Summers of Lincoln, starring Ivan Hernandez, Quentin Earl Darrington, Carmen Cusack, John-Andrew Morrison, and more is now on stage at La Jolla Playhouse. The world premiere musical is now playing at La Jolla Playhouse through March 23, 2025.
Video: First Look at 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse Photo
Video: First Look at 3 SUMMERS OF LINCOLN at La Jolla Playhouse
by Michael Major - Mar 3, 2025

Watch a first look at 3 Summers of Lincoln, starring Ivan Hernandez, Quentin Earl Darrington, Carmen Cusack, John-Andrew Morrison, and more. See the video now!
Photos: HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Launches National Tour Photo
Photos: HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Launches National Tour
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2025

The national tour of Tectonic Theater Project’s Here There Are Blueberries launched last month at the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ. Check out all new photos here!
The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Awards Revealed; Full List! Photo
The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Awards Revealed; Full List!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 28, 2025

The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle has announced the winners for its 2024 Craig Noel Awards for Excellence in Theatre. Now in its 22nd year, the Craig Noel Awards honor the achievements at professional theaters in San Diego County. 
COME FROM AWAY Comes To The Palace Theater In April Photo
COME FROM AWAY Comes To The Palace Theater In April
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025

The Palace Theater has announced the national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, will make its Waterbury debut the Palace Theater for a limited engagement April 4-5, 2025.
COME FROM AWAY Soars To The Ordway Next Month Photo
COME FROM AWAY Soars To The Ordway Next Month
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 25, 2025

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts will present the critically acclaimed musical, Come From Away, from March 5-8, 2025. The production is returning to the Ordway after a highly successful run in June 2024.
COME FROM AWAY Will Close in Toronto in May Following Final Extension Photo
COME FROM AWAY Will Close in Toronto in May Following Final Extension
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2025

A final extension has been announced for the all-Canadian production of Come From Away. The production will add four more weeks of performances to its current run at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
Christopher Ashley to be Honored by SDC Foundation with 'Mr. Abbott Award' Photo
Christopher Ashley to be Honored by SDC Foundation with 'Mr. Abbott Award'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2025

The “Mr. Abbott” Award Gala will take place March 31, 2025, at City Winery in New York City, honoring Christopher Ashley. Learn more about the event and see how to attend.
Video: Idina Menzel Performs From REDWOOD Atop a Real Redwood Tree Photo
Video: Idina Menzel Performs From REDWOOD Atop a Real Redwood Tree
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2025

Idina Menzel is back on Broadway in Redwood, which officially opens tonight! To celebrate the big day, Idina took to Instagram to share a video of herself atop a real-life redwood tree, singing a song from the show.
The Naples Players Adds Phillip Fazio As Artistic Director Photo
The Naples Players Adds Phillip Fazio As Artistic Director
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 8, 2025

The Naples Players (TNP) is announcing that, after a competitive national search, Bryce Alexander - CEO & Executive Artistic Director - has selected Phillip Fazio to join him in leading the organization as TNP's new Artistic Director.
Photos: First Look at REDWOOD With Idina Menzel, De’Adre Aziza & More Photo
Photos: First Look at REDWOOD With Idina Menzel, De’Adre Aziza & More
by Michael Major - Feb 7, 2025

A first look at Idina Menzel in Redwood on Broadway has arrived. The new photos feature De’Adre Aziza, Michael Park, Zachary Noah Piser, and Khaila Wilcoxon in the new musical, now in previews at the Nederlander Theatre.
Broadway Hit COME FROM AWAY Plays The King Center In February Photo
Broadway Hit COME FROM AWAY Plays The King Center In February
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2025

The American Theatre Guild, with ASM Global and the King Center, will present the national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Christopher Ashley written?

Christopher Ashley has written 1 shows including Buzzsaw Berkeley (Conceiver).

What awards has Christopher Ashley been nominated for?

Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Come From Away, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Come From Away, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Leap of Faith , Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Memphis, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Memphis, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Xanadu, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Valhalla, Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Rocky Horror Show, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Rocky Horror Show, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Rocky Horror Show, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Das Barbecu, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Das Barbecii, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jeffrey, Direction (Obie Awards) for Jeffrey and Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Fires in the Mirror and Jeffrey.

What awards has Christopher Ashley won?

Christopher Ashley has won several prestigious awards, including: - Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Come From Away. - Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Come From Away. - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for Sweeney Todd. - Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The Rocky Horror Show. - Direction at the Obie Awards for Jeffrey. - Outstanding Director at The Lortels for Fires in the Mirror and Jeffrey.

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