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Des McAnuff

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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

The Who's TommyThe Who's Tommy
 
[US Tour, 2026]
Director
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[US Tour, 2024] Cancelled
Director
Ain't Too Proud (Non-Equity)Ain't Too Proud (Non-Equity)
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Director
Ain't Too ProudAin't Too Proud
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Director
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Director [Replacement]
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Non Eq)Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Non Eq)
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Original Direction
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[Off-Broadway, 2021]
Director
Ain't Too ProudAin't Too Proud
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Director
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[West End, 2021]
DIRECTOR
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[West End, 2021]
DIRECTOR
Summer: The Donna Summer MusicalSummer: The Donna Summer Musical
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Director
Author
Summer: The Donna Summer MusicalSummer: The Donna Summer Musical
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
Summer: The Donna Summer MusicalSummer: The Donna Summer Musical
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2017]
Director
Ain't Too ProudAin't Too Proud
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Director
Doctor ZhivagoDoctor Zhivago
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Director
700 Sundays700 Sundays
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Director
Fetch Clay, Make ManFetch Clay, Make Man
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
Jesus Christ SuperstarJesus Christ Superstar
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
Guys and DollsGuys and Dolls
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
Jersey Boys
 
[Toronto, 2008]
Director
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[Las Vegas, 2008]
Director
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[West End, 2008]
Director
The Farnsworth InventionThe Farnsworth Invention
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[Chicago, 2007]
Director
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[US Tour, 2006]
Director
The Wiz
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2006]
Director
Zhivago
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2006]
Director
Jersey BoysJersey Boys
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director
Zhivago
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2005]
Director
Palm Beach
 
[Regional (US), 2005]
Director
700 Sundays700 Sundays
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
Jersey Boys
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2004]
Director
DraculaDracula
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
Dracula
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
Dracula
 
[US Tour, 2003] Cancelled
Director
Dracula
 
[Broadway, 2002] Cancelled
Director
Dracula
 
[Regional (US), 2001]
Director
Tommy
 
[West End, 1996]
Director
The Who's Tommy
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Director
80 Days
 
[Regional (US), 1988]
Director
A Walk in the Woods
 
[Broadway, 1988]
Director
Chess
 
[West End, 1986]
Director
The Death of Von Richtofen as Witnessed From Earth
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Vocal Music Arranger
Director
Pump Boys and Dinettes
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Producer
Henry IV Part I
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
How It All Began
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
Mary Stuart
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Producer
Producer
Director
The Crazy Locomotive
 
[Off-Broadway, 1977]
Director
Jersey Boys
 
[Australia, 0]
Director

Writing

The Who's Tommy
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

More Videos

News


THE WHO'S TOMMY National Tour Will Now Launch Fall 2026 Photo
THE WHO'S TOMMY National Tour Will Now Launch Fall 2026
by Joshua Wright - Apr 10, 2025

The National Tour of The Who's TOMMY will now launch in Fall 2026. The touring production was previously set to launch in Fall 2025 at Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI. The Broadway revival played 21 previews and 132 regular performances at the Nederlander Theatre.
AIN'T TOO PROUD Rescheduled at Oxford Performing Arts Center Photo
AIN'T TOO PROUD Rescheduled at Oxford Performing Arts Center
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025

The Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC) has announced the rescheduled dates for the Tony Award-winning musical Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.
Exclusive: Inside THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY Opening Night Party Photo
Exclusive: Inside THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY Opening Night Party
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 31, 2025

The party raged all night long last week when The Sydney Theatre Company production of The Picture of Dorian Gray opened on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was in attendance at the opening night after party and we have exclusive photos of Sarah Snook and friends as they celebrated!
AIN’T TOO PROUD National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox Photo
AIN’T TOO PROUD National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025

AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS's Second National Tour is coming to St. Louis this spring. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
AIN'T TOO PROUD - The Life And Times Of The Temptations is Coming to Popejoy Hall Photo
AIN'T TOO PROUD - The Life And Times Of The Temptations is Coming to Popejoy Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 18, 2025

AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Second National Tour is coming to Popejoy Hall this spring. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Bryce Valle of AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Photo
Interview: Bryce Valle of AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Fred Kavil Theatre
by Jonas Schwartz-Owen - Mar 10, 2025

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations hit Broadway in 2019, earning 11 Tony nominations and one win for Sergio Trujillo’s choreography. Though it was cut short by COVID in March 2020, the show returned in May 2021 and ran until January 2022. It now lives on through its national tour, reaching 24 U.S. cities. The current tour is notable for being supervised by the original director, Des McAnuff, and Trujillo. I spoke with Bryce Valle, the tour's dance captain and the lead actor portraying Paul Williams of The Temptations.
Frank Hartenstein, Broadway Stage Manager, Passes Away at 85 Photo
Frank Hartenstein, Broadway Stage Manager, Passes Away at 85
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2025

Frank Hartenstein, a stage manager whose body of work included collaborating with some of Broadway's most celebrated luminaries over the last 50 years, died on Friday, February 21. Learn more about Hartenstein's life and career.
FAT HAM South Florida Premiere to be Presented at Island City Stage Photo
FAT HAM South Florida Premiere to be Presented at Island City Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025

Island City Stage will present their collaborative production of Fat Ham, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames, this spring. Learn more!
AIN'T TOO PROUD Will Take The Fox PAC Stage This Month Photo
AIN'T TOO PROUD Will Take The Fox PAC Stage This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 28, 2025

AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will be presented as part of the 24–25 BROADWAY AT THE FOX IN RIVERSIDE Series and will take the Fox Performing Arts Center stage March 4–5, 2025.
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Robinson Center Photo
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Robinson Center
by Theresa Bertram - Feb 7, 2025

As a GenXer, I was not around to experience MoTown’s heyday, so whenever there is a performance of any kind that celebrates that era, I am there! Luckily, Celebrity Attractions is in tune to the desires of my heart and brings shows like AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS to Robinson Center in Little Rock. From January 31-February 2, Central Arkansas was on Cloud Nine as we were whisked away to a world of soulful melodies, powerful harmonies, and captivating choreography. It was all that I ever dreamed it would be.  
Davis Gaines Brings LOVE IS IN THE AIR to the Green Room 42 Photo
Davis Gaines Brings LOVE IS IN THE AIR to the Green Room 42
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025

Davis Gaines in a rare New York appearance, will perform a special show for Valentine's Day, “Love is in the Air” a romantic evening of love songs! Learn more about the upcoming show here!
BWW Q&A: Lee Siegel on BRAMPTON CONCERT BAND & THE JAZZ MECHANICS at Brampton On Stag Photo
BWW Q&A: Lee Siegel on BRAMPTON CONCERT BAND & THE JAZZ MECHANICS at Brampton On Stage/The Rose
by Joshua Wright - Jan 30, 2025

Experience 'A Love Letter to New York' — a dazzling celebration of the Big Apple through music! Acclaimed Broadway star Lee Siegel joins forces with the Brampton Concert Band and The Jazz Mechanics for an afternoon of melodies and magic. Immerse yourself in the spirit of New York as the show takes you from jazz classics like Orange Colored Sky and In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning to Broadway hits from Les Misérables, West Side Story, Crazy for You, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. Don’t miss this unique collaboration — it’s like a trip to Broadway, right here in Brampton!
AIN'T TOO PROUD is Coming to Pikes Peak Center in Febuary Photo
AIN'T TOO PROUD is Coming to Pikes Peak Center in Febuary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025

The American Theatre Guild will present the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide Photo
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025

Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
Spotlight: AIN’T TOO PROUD at The Tobin Center Photo
Spotlight: AIN’T TOO PROUD at The Tobin Center
by BWW Special Offer - Jan 22, 2025

AIN’T TOO PROUD is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts, creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one.
Video: Keke Palmer is 'Hoping' to Come to Broadway in FETCH CLAY, MAKE MAN Photo
Video: Keke Palmer is 'Hoping' to Come to Broadway in FETCH CLAY, MAKE MAN
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2025

Keke Palmer revealed that she is 'hoping' to come to Broadway later this year in a production of Fetch Clay, Make Man. Learn more and watch the video clip here!
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit Photo
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced that John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit.
Spotlight: AIN’T TOO PROUD at The Tobin Center Photo
Spotlight: AIN’T TOO PROUD at The Tobin Center
by BWW Special Offer - Jan 10, 2025

AIN’T TOO PROUD is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts, creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one.
Tickets to AIN'T TOO PROUD at Kravis Center to go on Sale This Week Photo
Tickets to AIN'T TOO PROUD at Kravis Center to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024

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 Photo
Tickets on Sale Today For AIN'T TOO PROUD in South Bend
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2024

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!
More News

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 following awards: Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Tommy, Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Who's Tommy, and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Who's Tommy.

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