Franne Lee
Latest News on Franne Lee:
EATING RAOUL: THE MUSICAL Original Cast Recording is Available After Being Out Of Print For More Than 20 Years (Apr 22, 2024)
Franne Lee, Tony Award-Winning Costume and Set Designer, Has Passed Away (Sep 2, 2023)
SWEENEY TODD, A History- Part 2: The Demon Barber Slashes His Way From Page To Stage And Beyond (Aug 26, 2023)
EATING RAOUL: THE MUSICAL Original Cast Recording is Available After Being Out Of Print For More Than 20 Years (Apr 22, 2024)
Franne Lee, Tony Award-Winning Costume and Set Designer, Has Passed Away (Sep 2, 2023)
SWEENEY TODD, A History- Part 2: The Demon Barber Slashes His Way From Page To Stage And Beyond (Aug 26, 2023)
BIO
Frances Elaine Lee was a well-known award-winning production and costume designer for theatre, TV, and Film. In the past decade, she has also gained a reputation as an artist.
Franne Lee’s professional design career started in the theatre in New York, with Andre Gregory’s “Alice in Wonderland,” for which she received an Obie Award for costumes. Her many Broadway shows include Hal Prince’s productions of “Candide” (Tony Awards for Set and Costume Design) and “Sweeney Todd" (Tony Award for Costume Design).
Her movie credits include John Sayles’ “Baby, It’s You,” Paul Simon’s “One Trick Pony,” David Lynch’s “Industrial Symphony #1,”. “The Local Stigmatic” and “Chinese Coffee,” both produced, directed, and starring Al Pacino.
Franne’s many TV credits include the first five years of Saturday Night Live, for which she won an Emmy award for Production/Costume Design. She’s created the looks for many of the best-loved SNL characters, such as the Killer Bees, the Coneheads, the Blues Brothers, the Nerds, Emily Litella, and Roseanne Roseannadanna. She moved to LA in 1995, where she worked on “The Stephanie Miller Show” for Disney-Buena Vista, “Sherman Oaks” for Showtime, and Roseanne’s talk show for King World.
Productions
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Costume Design
Franne Lee, Sweeney Todd
winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Costume Design
Franne Lee, Sweeney Todd
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Costume Designer
Franne Lee, Candide
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Set Designer
Franne Lee, Candide
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1974 - Costume Design
Franne Lee, Candide
winner
The Hewes Awards - 1974 - Scenic Design
Franne Lee, Candide
winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Costume Design
Franne Lee, Candide
Videos
VIDEO: Lea Salonga Sings 'Not While I'm Around' From SWEENEY TODD
by Alan Henry - 2019-10-02 14:54:10
VIDEO: Lea Salonga, Jett Pangan Preview 'A Little Priest' from SWEENEY TODD
by Oliver Oliveros - 2019-09-25 15:54:28
VIDEO: Watch Highlights of Andrea Burns in BORN YESTERDAY in Florida
by Alan Henry - 2017-11-02 13:08:35
News
EATING RAOUL: THE MUSICAL Original Cast Recording is Available After Being Out Of Print For More Than 20 Years
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2024
The original cast recording of the Off-Broadway show, 'Eating Raoul: The Musical,' is finally available on all major streaming platforms after more than two decades of being out of print.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2024
The original cast recording of the Off-Broadway show, 'Eating Raoul: The Musical,' is finally available on all major streaming platforms after more than two decades of being out of print.
Franne Lee, Tony Award-Winning Costume and Set Designer, Has Passed Away
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 2, 2023
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Tony award-winning Broadway set and costume designer Franne Lee, best known for her work on Hal Prince's Sweeney Todd and Candide, has passed away. She was 81.
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 2, 2023
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Tony award-winning Broadway set and costume designer Franne Lee, best known for her work on Hal Prince's Sweeney Todd and Candide, has passed away. She was 81.
SWEENEY TODD, A History- Part 2: The Demon Barber Slashes His Way From Page To Stage And Beyond
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 26, 2023
Learn how Sondheim made Sweeney sing and how Mr. Todd made his mark on mass media in Part 2 of SWEENEY TODD, A History.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 26, 2023
Learn how Sondheim made Sweeney sing and how Mr. Todd made his mark on mass media in Part 2 of SWEENEY TODD, A History.
Photo Flash: First Look at SWEENEY TODD Starring Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan
by Oliver Oliveros - Oct 13, 2019
In cooperation with Atlantis Twenty and ABS-CBN, Atlantis Theatrical presents Tony winner Lea Salonga (Mrs. Lovett) and Jett Pangan (Sweeney Todd) in Sweeney Todd.
by Oliver Oliveros - Oct 13, 2019
In cooperation with Atlantis Twenty and ABS-CBN, Atlantis Theatrical presents Tony winner Lea Salonga (Mrs. Lovett) and Jett Pangan (Sweeney Todd) in Sweeney Todd.
VIDEO: Andrew Fernando, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante Talk SWEENEY TODD
by Oliver Oliveros - Oct 9, 2019
After its premiere at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila, Philippines, Atlantis Theatrical's production of Sweeney Todd will move to The Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in November and December 2019.
by Oliver Oliveros - Oct 9, 2019
After its premiere at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila, Philippines, Atlantis Theatrical's production of Sweeney Todd will move to The Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in November and December 2019.
VIDEO: The Cast of Atlantis Theatrical's SWEENEY TODD Meets the Press; Show Opens 11 Oct.
by Oliver Oliveros - Oct 3, 2019
After its premiere at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila, Philippines, Atlantis Theatrical's production of Sweeney Todd will move to The Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in November and December 2019.
by Oliver Oliveros - Oct 3, 2019
After its premiere at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila, Philippines, Atlantis Theatrical's production of Sweeney Todd will move to The Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in November and December 2019.
VIDEO: Lea Salonga Sings 'Not While I'm Around' From SWEENEY TODD
by Alan Henry - Oct 2, 2019
The touring production (Philippines, Singapore) of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan, will launch in Manila October 11th, 2019. In the video, check out Lea Salonga performing 'Not While I'm Around' at a press preview.
by Alan Henry - Oct 2, 2019
The touring production (Philippines, Singapore) of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan, will launch in Manila October 11th, 2019. In the video, check out Lea Salonga performing 'Not While I'm Around' at a press preview.
VIDEO: Gerald Santos Teases 'Johanna' from SWEENEY TODD
by Oliver Oliveros - Sep 26, 2019
The touring production (Philippines, Singapore) of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan, featuring Gerald Santos, will launch in Manila, Philippines, 11-27 October 2019.
by Oliver Oliveros - Sep 26, 2019
The touring production (Philippines, Singapore) of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan, featuring Gerald Santos, will launch in Manila, Philippines, 11-27 October 2019.
VIDEO: Lea Salonga, Jett Pangan Preview 'A Little Priest' from SWEENEY TODD
by Oliver Oliveros - Sep 25, 2019
The touring production (Philippines, Singapore) of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan, will launch in Manila, Philippines, 11-27 October 2019.
by Oliver Oliveros - Sep 25, 2019
The touring production (Philippines, Singapore) of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, starring Tony winner Lea Salonga and Jett Pangan, will launch in Manila, Philippines, 11-27 October 2019.
Photo Flash: Palm Beach Dramaworks Presents EQUUS
by A.A. Cristi - May 14, 2018
Why did a teenage boy who literally worships horses commit the unspeakable act of blinding six of them? That is the mystery psychiatrist Martin Dysart must unravel in order to help his disturbed young patient in Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning Equus . The psychological thriller opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on May 18 and continues through June 3, with specially priced previews on May 16 and 17.
by A.A. Cristi - May 14, 2018
Why did a teenage boy who literally worships horses commit the unspeakable act of blinding six of them? That is the mystery psychiatrist Martin Dysart must unravel in order to help his disturbed young patient in Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning Equus . The psychological thriller opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on May 18 and continues through June 3, with specially priced previews on May 16 and 17.
Palm Beach Dramaworks Presents EQUUS by Peter Shaffer
by Julie Musbach - Apr 24, 2018
Why did a teenage boy who literally worships horses commit the unspeakable act of blinding six of them? That is the mystery psychiatrist Martin Dysart must unravel in order to help his disturbed young patient in Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning Equus. The psychological thriller opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on May 18 and continues through June 3, with specially priced previews on May 16 and 17.
by Julie Musbach - Apr 24, 2018
Why did a teenage boy who literally worships horses commit the unspeakable act of blinding six of them? That is the mystery psychiatrist Martin Dysart must unravel in order to help his disturbed young patient in Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning Equus. The psychological thriller opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on May 18 and continues through June 3, with specially priced previews on May 16 and 17.
BWW Review: Andrea Burns Led BORN YESTERDAY at Maltz Jupiter Theatre
by John Lariviere - Nov 9, 2017
The Maltz Jupiter Theatre kicks off their 2017/18 season with the Garson Kanin's screwball comedy Born Yesterday. The production stars Drama Desk Award winner Andr a Burns as ex-showgirl Billie Dawn, fresh off her recent Broadway performance as Gloria Fajardo in On Your Feet!, the musical based on the life and music of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
by John Lariviere - Nov 9, 2017
The Maltz Jupiter Theatre kicks off their 2017/18 season with the Garson Kanin's screwball comedy Born Yesterday. The production stars Drama Desk Award winner Andr a Burns as ex-showgirl Billie Dawn, fresh off her recent Broadway performance as Gloria Fajardo in On Your Feet!, the musical based on the life and music of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
VIDEO: Watch Highlights of Andrea Burns in BORN YESTERDAY in Florida
by Alan Henry - Nov 2, 2017
BroadwayWorld has a first look at the Andrea Burns led production of Born Yesterday, on stage October 29 November 12 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Florida.
by Alan Henry - Nov 2, 2017
BroadwayWorld has a first look at the Andrea Burns led production of Born Yesterday, on stage October 29 November 12 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Florida.
Photo Flash: First Look at Andrea Burns in BORN YESTERDAY at Maltz Jupiter Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Nov 2, 2017
What would you do if the gorgeous blonde you discovered ended up being a lot smarter than you gave her credit for? That's the hilarious question at hand in the brazen American screwball comedy Born Yesterday, onstage now through November 12 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast - featuring Andrea Burns - in action below!
by BWW News Desk - Nov 2, 2017
What would you do if the gorgeous blonde you discovered ended up being a lot smarter than you gave her credit for? That's the hilarious question at hand in the brazen American screwball comedy Born Yesterday, onstage now through November 12 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast - featuring Andrea Burns - in action below!
Andrea Burns to Star in BORN YESTERDAY at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
by Rebecca Russo - Oct 18, 2017
What would you do if the gorgeous blonde you discovered ended up being a lot smarter than you gave her credit for?
by Rebecca Russo - Oct 18, 2017
What would you do if the gorgeous blonde you discovered ended up being a lot smarter than you gave her credit for?
NY Public Library's Lewis and Dorothy Cullman Curator Doug Reside on the Tonys at Curtain Up
by NYPL for the Performing Arts - Jun 1, 2017
BroadwayWorld continues our exclusive content series, in collaboration with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, which delves into the library's unparalleled archives, and resources. Below, check out a piece by Doug Reside, Lewis and Dorothy Cullman Curator for the Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts on: Political Satires in The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts' Theatre on the Tonys at Curtain Up!
by NYPL for the Performing Arts - Jun 1, 2017
BroadwayWorld continues our exclusive content series, in collaboration with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, which delves into the library's unparalleled archives, and resources. Below, check out a piece by Doug Reside, Lewis and Dorothy Cullman Curator for the Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts on: Political Satires in The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts' Theatre on the Tonys at Curtain Up!
BWW Reviews: CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN an Irresistibly Sublime Black Comedy
by Trevor Durham - May 20, 2017
The destitute society J. Barry Lewis delivers from his cloudy Inishmaan general store is sadistic comedy in highest form.
by Trevor Durham - May 20, 2017
The destitute society J. Barry Lewis delivers from his cloudy Inishmaan general store is sadistic comedy in highest form.
Palm Beach Dramaworks Presents THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN by Martin McDonagh
by A.A. Cristi - May 1, 2017
Dreams are in short supply on the desolate island of Inishmaan, particularly for the sensitive, physically challenged Billy Claven in Martin McDonagh's The Cripple of Inishmaan. So when word arrives that an American filmmaker is coming to the neighboring island of Inishmore to make a motion picture, Billy goes after a part in the movie, hoping for a trip to Hollywood and escape from the cruelty and bleakness that engulf him. McDonagh's darkly comic work opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on May19 and continues through June 4, with specially priced previews on May 17 and 18.
by A.A. Cristi - May 1, 2017
Dreams are in short supply on the desolate island of Inishmaan, particularly for the sensitive, physically challenged Billy Claven in Martin McDonagh's The Cripple of Inishmaan. So when word arrives that an American filmmaker is coming to the neighboring island of Inishmore to make a motion picture, Billy goes after a part in the movie, hoping for a trip to Hollywood and escape from the cruelty and bleakness that engulf him. McDonagh's darkly comic work opens at Palm Beach Dramaworks on May19 and continues through June 4, with specially priced previews on May 17 and 18.
Broadway's Leigh Ann Larkin to Lead VIOLET at Capital City Theatre
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 5, 2015
Capital City Theatre, Madison, Wisconsin's new regional theatre company, announced March 5 the full cast of their inaugural production of the award-winning musical Violet.
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 5, 2015
Capital City Theatre, Madison, Wisconsin's new regional theatre company, announced March 5 the full cast of their inaugural production of the award-winning musical Violet.
SONDHEIM WEEK: Sondheim Trivia
by Charlie Piane - Apr 19, 2010
BroadwayWorld is proud to present a look at the extensive work of Stephen Sondheim on Broadway! Check out these Sondheim on Broadway facts!
by Charlie Piane - Apr 19, 2010
BroadwayWorld is proud to present a look at the extensive work of Stephen Sondheim on Broadway! Check out these Sondheim on Broadway facts!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Franne Lee been nominated for?
Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Outstanding Costume Designer (Drama Desk Awards) for Candide, Outstanding Set Designer (Drama Desk Awards) for Candide, Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for Candide, Scenic Design (The Hewes Awards) for Candide and Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Candide.
What awards has Franne Lee won?
Franne Lee has won several prestigious awards, including Best Costume Design at the Tony Awards for Sweeney Todd. She also received the Outstanding Costume Designer award from the Drama Desk Awards for Candide, along with the Outstanding Set Designer award from the same organization for Candide. Additionally, she won Costume Design at The Hewes Awards for Candide and Scenic Design at The Hewes Awards for Candide. Finally, she earned the Best Costume Design award at the Tony Awards for Candide.
Videos