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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


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.
Paul Sparks to Replace Brendan Fraser in GRANGEVILLE at Signature Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025

Paul Sparks has joined Samuel D. Hunter’s Grangeville, a Signature-commissioned world premiere directed by Jack Serio. Sparks replaces Brendan Fraser. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
The Circuit Playhouse Presents the Regional Premiere of SKELETON CREW
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 2, 2025

Circuit Playhouse, will present Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau. Skeleton Crew runs January 31st through February 16th, 2025 at The Circuit Playhouse.
FRIGID New York Presents THE FIRE THIS TIME FESTIVAL
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2024

FRIGID New York will present the 16th season of the Obie Award-winning The Fire This Time Festival, a platform for playwrights of African and African-American descent to write and produce evocative material for diverse audiences, at wild project.
SUNSET BABY Announced At Face Off Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 19, 2024

Sunset Baby by Dominique Morisseau will be presented at Face Off Theatre Company, in partnership with Festival Playhouse at Kalamazoo College and the Black Arts & Cultural Center.
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!
Atlantic Theater Company Unveils 2024 Judith Champion Launch Commissioning Program Writers
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024

Atlantic Theater Company has unveiled its Judith Champion Launch Commissioning Program writers for 2024, Stephen Brown, Stefani Kuo, and Arun Welandawe-Prematilleke. Learn more about the writers and about the program!
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!
The National Theatre Conference To Honor Playwright Alex Lin With Stavis Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2024

Alex Lin will be honored with the National Theatre Conference's prestigious Barrie and Bernice Stavis Playwright Award, supported by Jean Bruce Scott and Julie Jensen, presented annually to recognize an outstanding emerging playwright. Learn more!
3RD ANNUAL BLACK MOTHERHOOD AND PARENTING NEW PLAY FESTIVAL Streams New Season
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 1, 2024

Blackboard Plays and the Parent Artist Advocacy League will partner to uplift the stories of Black families for the 3rd Annual Black Motherhood and Parenting New Play Festival.
Andrew Barth Feldman Joins Joanna Gleason in Joshua Harmon's WE HAD A WORLD
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2024

Manhattan Theatre Club has just announced additional casting for its 2025 Off-Broadway season, including Andrew Barth Feldman in the premiere of We Had a World. Check out who else has joined the upcoming season here.

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 the Playwrights’ Sidewalk Inductee honor from The Lortels and the Playwriting Award from the Obie Awards for her work on Pipeline.

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