Des McAnuff
Latest News on Des McAnuff:
Tickets to AIN'T TOO PROUD at Kravis Center to go on Sale This Week (Dec 16, 2024)
Tickets on Sale Today For AIN'T TOO PROUD in South Bend (Dec 13, 2024)
Patti Murin Takes Over Our Instagram For THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE (Nov 23, 2024)
Tickets to AIN'T TOO PROUD at Kravis Center to go on Sale This Week (Dec 16, 2024)
Tickets on Sale Today For AIN'T TOO PROUD in South Bend (Dec 13, 2024)
Patti Murin Takes Over Our Instagram For THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE (Nov 23, 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
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[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
Tickets to AIN'T TOO PROUD at Kravis Center to go on Sale This Week
Single tickets for the Broadway musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will go on sale this week. Learn more!
Single tickets for the Broadway musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will go on sale this week. Learn more!
Tickets on Sale Today For AIN'T TOO PROUD in South Bend
Single tickets for the smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in South Bend will go on sale to the public today. Learn more here!
Single tickets for the smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in South Bend will go on sale to the public today. Learn more here!
Patti Murin Takes Over Our Instagram For THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE
Patti Murin is taking over our Instagram today! The Broadway favorite will be taking our followers behind-the-scenes of The Ballad of Johnny and June, now playing at The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton. Follow along on our Instagram story!
Patti Murin is taking over our Instagram today! The Broadway favorite will be taking our followers behind-the-scenes of The Ballad of Johnny and June, now playing at The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton. Follow along on our Instagram story!
AIN'T TOO PROUD And More On Sale This Friday At Fox Performing Arts Center
Single tickets for three national touring Broadway shows at The Fox PAC will be available starting Friday, 11/22. Don't miss your chance to see these acclaimed productions live on stage.
Single tickets for three national touring Broadway shows at The Fox PAC will be available starting Friday, 11/22. Don't miss your chance to see these acclaimed productions live on stage.
AIN'T TOO PROUD And More On Sale Friday At Bank of America Performing Arts Center
The American Theatre Guild has announced that single tickets to AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, JUDY COLLINS and THE ADDAMS FAMILY will go on sale to the public on Friday, Nov. 22 at 10:00 a.m.Â
The American Theatre Guild has announced that single tickets to AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, JUDY COLLINS and THE ADDAMS FAMILY will go on sale to the public on Friday, Nov. 22 at 10:00 a.m.Â
Review: THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE Opens at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre
To their adoring fans, country music power couple Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash had nothing short of a fairytale romance. Their enduring love story and illustrious careers take centre stage in Des McAnuff’s riveting new musical, The Ballad of Johnny and June.Â
To their adoring fans, country music power couple Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash had nothing short of a fairytale romance. Their enduring love story and illustrious careers take centre stage in Des McAnuff’s riveting new musical, The Ballad of Johnny and June.Â
AIN'T TOO PROUD Tickets On Sale Now At Popejoy Hall
Tickets for AIN'T TOO PROUD at Popejoy Hall are now available. Discover the story of The Temptations through this acclaimed musical, featuring their iconic hits and dynamic performances.
Tickets for AIN'T TOO PROUD at Popejoy Hall are now available. Discover the story of The Temptations through this acclaimed musical, featuring their iconic hits and dynamic performances.
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!
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!
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.
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?
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for The Who’s Tommy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and times of the Temptations, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Jersey Boys, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jersey Boys, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jersey Boys, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Tommy , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Who's Tommy , Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Who's Tommy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Who's Tommy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Big River, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth and Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth.
What awards has Des McAnuff won?
Des McAnuff has won the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards, the Best Director award at the Olivier Awards for Tommy, 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, also for The Who's Tommy.
Videos