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Dominique Morisseau

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BIO

Morisseau began her performance career as a live poetry speaker, primarily in her hometown community of Harmonie Park in Detroit. After graduating from college, she continued acting and worked with several organizations. At the Lark Play Development Center, she worked as an actor in a workshop production of The Mountaintop by Katori Hall, developing the role of Camae. In 2013, in a production at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, she reprised the role of Camae. She continues acting but has said that she would not act in any of her plays' premieres.



Morisseau began writing plays in college. She has said that the lack of suitable roles at the University of Michigan drove her to write plays and create the roles she wanted to perform. She wrote The Blackness Blues: Time to Change the Tune, A Sister's Story at this time.

After college, in 2012 and 2013, she received a Playwrights of New York (PoNY) fellowship at the Lark Play Development Center. She has also worked as a Teaching Artist with City University of New York's Creative Arts Team.

Morisseau has said that music plays a huge part in her work and often informs the work that she is writing. "It's a resource and clue to my work, and music plays a unifier among cultural barriers."

Morisseau was on the list of Top 20 Most Produced Playwrights in America in 2015–16, with 10 productions of her plays nationwide.

Morisseau is a story editor for the television series Shameless on Showtime and is also credited as a co-producer.

She wrote the book for the jukebox musical Ain't Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations, which is directed by Des McAnuff. The musical opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre in March 2019. It played pre-Broadway engagements at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre (2017), the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles (August to September 2018), and the Kennedy Center (July 2018).

This play marked Morisseau's Broadway debut. She received a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, the third Black woman to do so.

Photos

Productions

 
[US Tour, 2024]
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[West End, 2023]
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[Broadway, 2022] [Replacement]
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[US Tour, 2021]
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[West End, ] [Replacement]
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Writing

Playwright
Author
Bookwriter
Playwright
Playwright
Writer

Awards and Nominations


winner
The Lortels - 2024 - Playwrights’ Sidewalk Inductee

Dominique Morisseau

Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Dominique Morisseau, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Book of a Musical

Dominique Morisseau, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations


winner
Obie Awards - 2018 - Playwriting Award

Dominique Morisseau, Pipeline

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - John Gassner Award

Dominique Morisseau, Pipeline

The Lortels - 2018 - Outstanding Play

Dominique Morisseau, Pipeline

Drama League Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play

Dominique MorisseauSkeleton Crew

Videos

News


World Premiere of Julie Benko's DOWN THE LINE Will Receive Private Industry Presentations
by Stephi Wild - Mar 19, 2025

Down the Line, the new play with music written by Julie Benko and directed by Brandon J. Dirden, will receive two private industry presentations this month. Learn more here!
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.
The BLK Virginia Theatre Alliance Will Perform SUNSET BABY
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2025

The BLK Virginia Theatre Alliance will present Dominique Morisseau's gripping and emotionally charged drama Sunset Baby, beginning next month. Learn more here!
PIPELINE to be Presented at Vagabond Players in April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2025

Vagabond Players will continue its 109th season with PIPELINE, Dominique Morisseau's explosive drama depicting how a mother's hopes for her teenage son clash with an educational system rigged against him. Learn more!
BLOOD AT THE ROOT to be Presented at Fells Point Corner Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 11, 2025

Fells Point Corner Theatre will present Blood at the Root, an urgent and thought-provoking drama by Dominique Morisseau,
Minor Bird Receives 2025 Charles M. Getchell New Play Award from Southeastern Theatre Conference 
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2025

The Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) has awarded the 2025 Charles M. Getchell New  Play Award to Douglas Chang for his play Minor Bird. The Award will be presented at SETC's 76th Annual Convention in Baltimore, March 19-22. 
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.
Playing on Air Reveals New Leadership
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2025

The Playing on Air Board of Directors has announced Joshua Kahan Brody as Artistic Director and Garlia Cornelia Jones as Associate Artistic Director & Creative Producer. 
Artists Announced 6th Annual 48HOURS IN…EL BRONX
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025

Kicking off 2025, Harlem9, partners with Pregones/PRTT for the 6th time to celebrate Bronx Healing through the poetry of NuYorican Poet’s Café Executive Director, Caridad De la Luz a.k.a. “La Bruja” on Sunday, February 23, at 6pm and 8:30pm.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Reveals 2025-2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2025

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 26th season will be a celebration of the “Soul Of A People.” In its 2025-2026 theatre season, WBTT will offer fan favorites, a drama by playwright/actress Dominique Morisseau, and a brand-new world premiere show. 
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre Appoints Steve H. Broadnax III as New Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre has named Steve H. Broadnax III as its new Artistic Director. Learn more about Broadnax III and about The Arkansas Repertory Theatre.
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.  
BLOOD AT THE ROOT Dates and Director Changed at Fells Point Corner Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025

Fells Point Corner Theatre has announced a schedule change and new director for its upcoming production of Blood at the Root by Dominique Morisseau.
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
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
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.
Firehouse Theatre Presents DETROIT '67
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025

The Firehouse Theatre will present the Richmond Premiere of Detroit ‘67. The winner of the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History, this play by Dominique Morisseau opens on Friday, March 12th, 2025, on the Carol Piersol Stage at the Firehouse Theatre, 1609 West Broad Street.
Bronx Poet Caridad De La Luz To Be Honored At 6th Annual 48HOURS IN…EL BRONX
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 11, 2025

Kicking off 2025, Harlem9 partners with Pregones/PRTT for the 6th time to celebrate Bronx Healing through the poetry of NuYorican Poet’s Café Executive Director, Caridad De la Luz a.k.a. “La Bruja” on Sunday, February 9, at 6PM and 8:30PM. 
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.
Detroit Public Theatre Announces Cast For CONFEDERATES By Dominique Morisseau
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 10, 2025

Detroit Public Theatre has announced the cast for CONFEDERATES, by DPT Executive Artistic Producer, MacArthur Genius award-winning, Tony nominated, Daughter of Detroit, Dominique Morisseau.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Dominique Morisseau written?

Dominique Morisseau has written 6 shows including Pipeline (Author), Ain't Too Proud (Bookwriter), Paradise Blue (Playwright), Confederates (Playwright), Bad Kreyol (Playwright), Soul Train (Writer).

What awards has Dominique Morisseau been nominated for?

Playwrights’ Sidewalk Inductee (The Lortels) for , Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, Playwriting Award (Obie Awards) for Pipeline, John Gassner Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Pipeline, Outstanding Play (The Lortels) for Pipeline and Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards) for Skeleton Crew.

What awards has Dominique Morisseau won?

Dominique Morisseau has received several prestigious awards, including the Playwrights’ Sidewalk Inductee from The Lortels and the Playwriting Award from the Obie Awards for her work on Pipeline.

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