Des McAnuff
Latest News on Des McAnuff:
AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Comes to San Francisco in February (Oct 29, 2024)
Interview: Ray Fisher in MACBETH at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ (Oct 27, 2024)
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE Announced at The Citadel Theatre (Oct 16, 2024)
AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Comes to San Francisco in February (Oct 29, 2024)
Interview: Ray Fisher in MACBETH at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ (Oct 27, 2024)
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE Announced at The Citadel Theatre (Oct 16, 2024)
BIO
McAnuff is a two-time Tony Award-winning director and former Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival. Broadway: Summer, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention, Jersey Boys (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event), Dracula, the Musical, How to Succeed..., The Who’s Tommy (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Director), A Walk in the Woods, Big River (Tony Awards for Best Director, Best Musical).
McAnuff is also Director Emeritus of La Jolla Playhouse, where during his tenure as Artistic Director, he staged more than 35 productions of classics, new plays, and musicals. Under his leadership, the Playhouse received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater.
Raised in Canada, he was a part of the Toronto alternative theatre scene in the 70s. While at Stratford, he directed multiple productions including A Word or Two, The Tempest, and Caesar and Cleopatra (all starring Christopher Plummer), Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Twelfth Night (starring Brian Dennehy), ...Forum, As You Like It, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.
In 2006, he received the prestigious Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing and in 2011, he was honoured with a doctorate from Ryerson University where he attended the Theatre School. In 2012, he was awarded Canada’s esteemed Governor General’s National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada.
Photos
Productions
Â
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Vocal Music Arranger
Director
Writing
Adaptation
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Drama League Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, The Who’s Tommy
Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and times of the Temptations
Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best Director
Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys
winner
Drama League Awards - 2006 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Des McAnuff
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys
Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys
winner
Olivier Awards - 1997 - Best Director
Des McAnuff, Tommy
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Director - Musical
Des McAnuff -, The Who's Tommy
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Book of a Musical
Des McAnuff, The Who's Tommy
winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, The Who's Tommy
Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Big River
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Lyrics
Des McAnuff, Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Music
Des McAnuff, Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth
Videos
Video: Murin and Grant Perform 'Jackson' from THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at La Jolla
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 9, 2024
Video: What it's like playing Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash in The Ballad of Johnny and June
by Joshua Wright - May 29, 2024
Video: Go Inside Rehearsals for La Jolla Playhouse's THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE
by Joshua Wright - May 21, 2024
Video: Ali Louis Bourzgui Sings 'I'm Free' from THE WHO'S TOMMY in the Recording Studio
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 28, 2024
Video: Music Director & Conductor Alan Everman on La Mirada's JERSEY BOYS
by Joshua Wright - Apr 18, 2024
Video: Ali Louis Bourzgui Talks Making His Broadway Debut in THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 6, 2024
Video: Cast and Creative Team Talk THE WHO'S TOMMY on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 31, 2024
Video: Watch Ali Louis Bourzgui Record 'See Me, Feel Me' from THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 30, 2024
Video: Watch THE WHO'S TOMMY Perform 'Pinball Wizard,' 'See Me, Feel Me' & More
by Michael Major - Mar 27, 2024
Video: Des McAnuff Is Back for Seconds with THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - Mar 13, 2024
VIDEO: Watch 'Pinball Wizard' from THE WHO'S TOMMY at the Goodman Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 19, 2023
Video: Get a Sneak Peek of AIN'T TOO PROUD London Cast Singing 'My Girl'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2023
Josh Young and Emily Padgett Will Bring VALJEAN, COSETTE AND A STRING QUARTET to the Green Room 42
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 29, 2022
News
AIN’T TOO PROUD â€" THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Comes to San Francisco in February
BroadwaySF has announced that AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will perform a limited engagement at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre from Tuesday, February 25 through Sunday, March 2, 2025.
BroadwaySF has announced that AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will perform a limited engagement at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre from Tuesday, February 25 through Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Interview: Ray Fisher in MACBETH at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ
Broadwayworld recently had the outstanding opportunity to see 'Macbeth' at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey with Ray Fisher in the lead role as Macbeth.  We interviewed him to gain some insights about his career and the show.
Broadwayworld recently had the outstanding opportunity to see 'Macbeth' at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey with Ray Fisher in the lead role as Macbeth.  We interviewed him to gain some insights about his career and the show.
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE Announced at The Citadel Theatre
Discover the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter in THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at The Citadel Theatre.
Discover the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter in THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at The Citadel Theatre.
AIN'T TOO PROUD To Make Bass Hall Debut In February
AIN'T TOO PROUD, the Broadway musical about The Temptations, is set to debut at Bass Hall from February 11-16, 2025.
AIN'T TOO PROUD, the Broadway musical about The Temptations, is set to debut at Bass Hall from February 11-16, 2025.
AIN'T TOO PROUD Comes to State Theatre New Jersey
State Theatre New Jersey will present the Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations for five performances on Friday, October 25 at 8pm; Saturday; October 26 at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2pm. Tickets range from $40-$105.
State Theatre New Jersey will present the Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations for five performances on Friday, October 25 at 8pm; Saturday; October 26 at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2pm. Tickets range from $40-$105.
Spotlight: AIN'T TOO PROUD at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Get Ready for Ain't Too Proud at the Ordway!
Get Ready for Ain't Too Proud at the Ordway!
Review: THE WHO'S TOMMY at The Forum Theatre
The Forum Theatre opened their 2024-2025 Season with a bang last week with the groundbreaking Rock Opera, The Who’s Tommy, based on the 1969 rock opera Tommy by The Who. If you have never seen this high-energy musical before, I highly recommend you see it before it closes. It is a unique piece of theatre that is not to be missed.
The Forum Theatre opened their 2024-2025 Season with a bang last week with the groundbreaking Rock Opera, The Who’s Tommy, based on the 1969 rock opera Tommy by The Who. If you have never seen this high-energy musical before, I highly recommend you see it before it closes. It is a unique piece of theatre that is not to be missed.
Drama Book Shop to Present A Discussion With Jacqueline Goldfinger And Adam Szymkowicz
Join Jacqueline Goldfinger and Adam Szymkowicz at Drama Book Shop for a discussion on playwriting, featuring a talkback, book signing, and live podcast recording. Celebrate three books on playwriting.
Join Jacqueline Goldfinger and Adam Szymkowicz at Drama Book Shop for a discussion on playwriting, featuring a talkback, book signing, and live podcast recording. Celebrate three books on playwriting.
AIN'T TOO PROUD is Now Playing at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago
Broadway In Chicago is presenting the return of the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, currently playing a one week engagement. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Broadway In Chicago is presenting the return of the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, currently playing a one week engagement. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Cast Set for MACBETH at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey revealed the cast for their upcoming production of MACBETH, featuring a mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces. The production appears this fall on the Main Stage of the acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey for the first time in two decades. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey revealed the cast for their upcoming production of MACBETH, featuring a mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces. The production appears this fall on the Main Stage of the acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey for the first time in two decades. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The FSCJ Artist Series To Present AIN'T TOO PROUD; Tickets On Sale This Week
Single tickets for the Broadway smash hit musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, will go on sale Friday, September 6.
Single tickets for the Broadway smash hit musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, will go on sale Friday, September 6.
Tickets to AIN'T TOO PROUD at The North Charleston PAC to go on Sale This Week
AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will be at the North Charleston PAC in December. Learn how to purchase tickets.
AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will be at the North Charleston PAC in December. Learn how to purchase tickets.
AIN'T TOO PROUD Tickets On Sale Now at Proctors
Single tickets for AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, are on sale now for two performances at Proctors. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Single tickets for AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, are on sale now for two performances at Proctors. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Theatre Life with Danny Troob
Today’s subject, Danny Troob, has been living his theatre life for over 50 years as an accomplished orchestrator and dance music composer. You can currently hear his orchestral brilliance in Signature Theatre’s production of Soft Power. The show runs through September 15th in The MAX.
Today’s subject, Danny Troob, has been living his theatre life for over 50 years as an accomplished orchestrator and dance music composer. You can currently hear his orchestral brilliance in Signature Theatre’s production of Soft Power. The show runs through September 15th in The MAX.
AIN'T TOO PROUD to Return to Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in December
AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS returns to Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in December. Learn how to purchase tickets.
AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS returns to Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in December. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Full Cast Set For AIN'T TOO PROUD Second National Tour
The complete cast has been announced for the Second National Tour of AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS. Learn more about the cast here!
The complete cast has been announced for the Second National Tour of AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS. Learn more about the cast here!
DEAR EVAN HANSEN, MEAN GIRLS, and More Set For Broadway in Scranton 2024-25 Season
Broadway in Scranton has announced its upcoming 2024-25 season, featuring four shows. The season kicks off in November with Ain't Too Proud, and continues with The Addams Family, Dear Evan Hansen, and Mean Girls. Learn more about the season lineup here!
Broadway in Scranton has announced its upcoming 2024-25 season, featuring four shows. The season kicks off in November with Ain't Too Proud, and continues with The Addams Family, Dear Evan Hansen, and Mean Girls. Learn more about the season lineup here!
BWW Q&A: Marcia Mitzman Gaven on THE BOY FROM OZ at OFC Creations Theatre Center
OFC Creations Theatre Center will present McIver Ewing, well known for playing Waldo in THE LITTLE RASCALS and as Derek in FULL HOUSE as Peter Allen in OFC’s 2024-2025 season opener, The Boy From Oz.
OFC Creations Theatre Center will present McIver Ewing, well known for playing Waldo in THE LITTLE RASCALS and as Derek in FULL HOUSE as Peter Allen in OFC’s 2024-2025 season opener, The Boy From Oz.
Sandbox Percussion & Michael Torke Collaborate On New Album BLOOM
GRAMMY-nominated Sandbox Percussion and composer Michael Torke release their new album BLOOM on August 30 via Ecstatic Records. The album features interlocking rhythms and will be available on major streaming platforms.
GRAMMY-nominated Sandbox Percussion and composer Michael Torke release their new album BLOOM on August 30 via Ecstatic Records. The album features interlocking rhythms and will be available on major streaming platforms.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 23, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 23, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 23, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Des McAnuff written?
Des McAnuff has written 4 shows including Tommy (Bookwriter), How It All Began (Adaptation), The Death of Von Richtofen as Witnessed From Earth (Bookwriter), Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Bookwriter).
What awards has Des McAnuff been nominated for?
Des McAnuff has received numerous nominations for his work in theater. He was nominated for Outstanding Direction of a Musical at the Drama League Awards for The Who’s Tommy. He also received a nomination for Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. Additionally, he was nominated for Best Director at the Olivier Awards for Jersey Boys. He earned the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards, and was nominated for Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Jersey Boys. McAnuff received multiple nominations for Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Jersey Boys, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and The Who's Tommy. He was also nominated for Best Director at the Olivier Awards for Tommy. Furthermore, he received nominations for Best Director - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Who's Tommy, and for Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for The Who's Tommy. His work on The Who's Tommy also earned him a nomination for Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth, as well as Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for the same production.
What awards has Des McAnuff won?
Des McAnuff has won several prestigious awards, including the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards. He received the Best Director award at the Olivier Awards for Tommy. Additionally, he won the Best Director - Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Who's Tommy and the Best Direction of a Musical award at the Tony Awards for The Who's Tommy.
Videos