George Abbott
Date of Death: January 31, 1995 (107)
Birth Place: Forestville, NY, USA
Latest News on George Abbott:
Susan Stroman Announced As The New President Of Guild Hall Academy Of The Arts (Dec 18, 2024)
ELF JR to be Presented at Greasepaint Theatre This Holiday Season (Nov 26, 2024)
Slow Burn Theatre Company and More Take Home Carbonell Awards; Full List! (Nov 14, 2024)
Susan Stroman Announced As The New President Of Guild Hall Academy Of The Arts (Dec 18, 2024)
ELF JR to be Presented at Greasepaint Theatre This Holiday Season (Nov 26, 2024)
Slow Burn Theatre Company and More Take Home Carbonell Awards; Full List! (Nov 14, 2024)
BIO
George Abbott was a renowned American theater director, producer, playwright, and actor who is known for his significant contributions to the American theater. Born on June 25, 1887, in Forestville, New York, Abbott began his career in the theater as an actor, but eventually became a successful producer and director.
Abbott's Broadway career spanned over seven decades, during which he produced and directed more than 100 Broadway productions, wrote over 30 plays and musicals, and acted in several productions. He made his Broadway debut as an actor in 1913 in The Misleading Lady and later went on to produce and direct several successful productions.
Some of Abbott's most notable productions include The Boys from Syracuse, Damn Yankees, and Pal Joey, all of which he co-wrote with Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. He also directed the original productions of On Your Toes, The Pajama Game, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, among others.
Abbott's contribution to the American theater was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater in 1982. He was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1972.
In addition to his work in the theater, Abbott also worked in film and television. He directed several films, including The Impatient Years and Alligator Named Daisy, and also worked as a writer and producer for television.
Abbott passed away on January 31, 1995, at the age of 107. His legacy in the American theater continues to live on through his numerous productions and the many artists he influenced throughout his long and illustrious career.
Overall, George Abbott was a legendary figure in the American theater, whose contributions to the industry will never be forgotten. His ability to write, produce, and direct successful productions, as well as his talent as an actor, set him apart as a true master of his craft. His influence on the American theater will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
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Bookwriter
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Source Material
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
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Bookwriter
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Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Movies
Love 'Em and Leave 'Em
[ 1926 ] writer
[ 1926 ] writer
Hills of Peril
[ 1927 ] writer
[ 1927 ] writer
Four Walls
[ 1928 ] writer
[ 1928 ] writer
The Saturday Night Kid
[ 1929 ] writer
[ 1929 ] writer
Night Parade
[ 1929 ] writer
[ 1929 ] writer
Broadway
[ 1929 ] writer
[ 1929 ] writer
All Quiet on the Western Front
[ 1930 ] writer
[ 1930 ] writer
The Sea God
[ 1930 ] writer
[ 1930 ] writer
Manslaughter
[ 1930 ] writer
[ 1930 ] writer
Those We Love
[ 1932 ] writer
[ 1932 ] writer
Lilly Turner
[ 1933 ] writer
[ 1933 ] writer
Twentieth Century
[ 1934 ] producer
[ 1934 ] producer
Room Service
[ 1938 ] producer
[ 1938 ] producer
Boy Meets Girl
[ 1938 ] producer
[ 1938 ] producer
Brother Rat
[ 1938 ] producer
[ 1938 ] producer
Too Many Girls
[ 1940 ] producer
[ 1940 ] producer
The Boys from Syracuse
[ 1940 ] writer
[ 1940 ] writer
Highway West
[ 1941 ] writer
[ 1941 ] writer
Best Foot Forward
[ 1943 ] producer
[ 1943 ] producer
See My Lawyer
[ 1945 ] producer
[ 1945 ] producer
Where's Charley?
[ 1952 ] writer
[ 1952 ] writer
The Pajama Game
[ 1957 ] producer
[ 1957 ] producer
Drei Mann auf einem Pferd
[ 1957 ] writer
[ 1957 ] writer
Never Too Late
[ 1965 ] director
[ 1965 ] director
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama League Awards - 1994 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre
George Abbott
winner
Olivier Awards - 1987 - Comedy of the Year
George AbbottThree Men On A Horse
winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Special Tony Award
George Abbott
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
George Abbott, On Your Toes
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Direction of a Musical
George Abbott, How Now, Dow Jones
winner
Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Direction of a Musical
George Abbott , A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Direction of a Play
George Abbott, Never Too Late
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1962 - Creative Contribution of the Season
George Abbott, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1960 - Best Musical
George Abbott, Fiorello!
winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1960 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
George Abbott, Fiorello!
winner
Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Direction of a Musical
George Abbott, Fiorello!
winner
Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Musical
George Abbott, Damn Yankees
winner
Tony Awards - 1955 - Best Musical
George Abbott, The Pajama Game
Videos
Video: CABARET at the Kit Kat Club Celebrates John Kander and Joel Grey's Lifetime Achievement Tony Awards
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2023
VIDEO: Stanley Donen Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1998 Oscars
by Stephi Wild - Feb 23, 2019
VIDEO: See Michelle Williams and Sam Rockwell in the First FOSSE/VERDON Teaser
by Kaitlin Milligan - Jan 6, 2019
VIDEO: Tim Rogan, Britney Coleman, Donna McKechnie and More in New Trailer for THE PAJAMA GAME at Arena Stage
by BWW News Desk - Nov 15, 2017
VIDEO: ON THE TOWN Cast Members Sing ABC's 'World News Now' in the Style of a Polka
by Sally Henry Fuller - Jul 26, 2015
News
Susan Stroman Announced As The New President Of Guild Hall Academy Of The Arts
Guild Hall has announced that award-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman will assume the role of President of the Guild Hall Academy of the Arts, with standing president, artist Eric Fischl, stepping down after a long and impactful tenure.
Guild Hall has announced that award-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman will assume the role of President of the Guild Hall Academy of the Arts, with standing president, artist Eric Fischl, stepping down after a long and impactful tenure.
ELF JR to be Presented at Greasepaint Theatre This Holiday Season
Greasepaint Theatre will present the family favorite, ELF JR in December. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole.
Greasepaint Theatre will present the family favorite, ELF JR in December. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole.
Slow Burn Theatre Company and More Take Home Carbonell Awards; Full List!
The Carbonell Awards have announced the winners in 20 competitive categories for the 2023-2024 theater season. Check out the full list of winners here!
The Carbonell Awards have announced the winners in 20 competitive categories for the 2023-2024 theater season. Check out the full list of winners here!
Ann Talman Stars In ELIZABETH TAYLOR AND THE SHADOW OF HER SMILE BC/EFA Benefit
Ann Talman will present a benefit performance at Don't Tell Mama on December 1, featuring stories and songs inspired by Elizabeth Taylor, supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Ann Talman will present a benefit performance at Don't Tell Mama on December 1, featuring stories and songs inspired by Elizabeth Taylor, supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Photos: Kerry Butler, L Morgan Lee & More in FIORELLO! at Classic Stage
Classic Stage Company presented a one-night-only benefit performance of Fiorello!, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical with a book by six-time Tony Award winner George Abbott and Jerome Weidman. See photos here!
Classic Stage Company presented a one-night-only benefit performance of Fiorello!, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical with a book by six-time Tony Award winner George Abbott and Jerome Weidman. See photos here!
Kerry Butler, L Morgan Lee, and Krysta Rodriguez Join FIORELLO! at Classic Stage Company
Classic Stage Company has revealed the full cast for the one-night-only benefit performance of Fiorello!, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical with a book by six-time Tony Award winner George Abbott
Classic Stage Company has revealed the full cast for the one-night-only benefit performance of Fiorello!, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical with a book by six-time Tony Award winner George Abbott
Tony-Winner Christopher Ashley To Receive Prestigious 'Mr. Abbott' Award From Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation
Christopher Ashley was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Mr. Abbott Award by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the theater industry.
Christopher Ashley was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Mr. Abbott Award by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the theater industry.
Carbonell Awards Announce 120 Finalists for 2023-2024 Theater Season
Gary Schweikhart, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida's Theater & Arts Honors, has announced the top six finalists in 20 competitive categories for the 2023-2024 theater season. A total of 89 professional productions at 29 theatres were evaluated by a diverse group of more than 40 judges representing all three participating counties (Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach).
Gary Schweikhart, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida's Theater & Arts Honors, has announced the top six finalists in 20 competitive categories for the 2023-2024 theater season. A total of 89 professional productions at 29 theatres were evaluated by a diverse group of more than 40 judges representing all three participating counties (Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach).
Christopher Fitzgerald to Lead the Cast of FIORELLO! Benefit Performance at CSC
Classic Stage Company will present a one-night-only benefit performance of Fiorello! Learn how to purchase tickets.
Classic Stage Company will present a one-night-only benefit performance of Fiorello! Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: DAMN YANKEES at Reboot Theatre Company
Dear Readers, if you’ve seen a show from Reboot Theatre Company, you know they like to tackle old gems and turn them on their heads with non-traditional casting and perspectives. And just like when companies attempt to transplant Shakespeare or other works into different locales or time periods, sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. The major test on whether it works, for me at least, is “does the change lend itself to a new an interesting perspective of the piece?” Fortunately, Reboot’s current production of “Damn Yankees” does give us a new and interesting perspective. Unfortunately, the execution of that perspective needs some work.
Dear Readers, if you’ve seen a show from Reboot Theatre Company, you know they like to tackle old gems and turn them on their heads with non-traditional casting and perspectives. And just like when companies attempt to transplant Shakespeare or other works into different locales or time periods, sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. The major test on whether it works, for me at least, is “does the change lend itself to a new an interesting perspective of the piece?” Fortunately, Reboot’s current production of “Damn Yankees” does give us a new and interesting perspective. Unfortunately, the execution of that perspective needs some work.
Carbonell Awards Reveal Four New Judges For 2024-2025 Theatre Season
The Carbonell Awards have announced four new judges. They will bring the total number of Carbonell judges to 46, including 18 in Broward County, 11 in Miami-Dade, and 17 in Palm Beach County.
The Carbonell Awards have announced four new judges. They will bring the total number of Carbonell judges to 46, including 18 in Broward County, 11 in Miami-Dade, and 17 in Palm Beach County.
Carbonell Awards Reveals Recipients of Five Special Awards in 2024
Gary Schweikhart, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, has announced the recipients of five prestigious Special Awards that will be presented at the Carbonell Awards Ceremony on Monday, November 11, at 7:30 pm.
Gary Schweikhart, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, has announced the recipients of five prestigious Special Awards that will be presented at the Carbonell Awards Ceremony on Monday, November 11, at 7:30 pm.
Cast Set For THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE at Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Rodgers and Hart’s classic 1938 musical comedy adaptation of The Comedy of Errors will return to the London stage for the first time in over ten years in a madcap tale of mistaken identity, danger and romance in ancient Greece!
Rodgers and Hart’s classic 1938 musical comedy adaptation of The Comedy of Errors will return to the London stage for the first time in over ten years in a madcap tale of mistaken identity, danger and romance in ancient Greece!
The Carbonell Awards is Seeking Nominations for 2024 Special Awards
The Carbonell Awards is seeking nominations for up to six Special Awards that will be presented at the 47th annual awards ceremony. Learn how to apply.
The Carbonell Awards is seeking nominations for up to six Special Awards that will be presented at the 47th annual awards ceremony. Learn how to apply.
Kathleen Marshall Will Direct The World Premiere Of MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING At Ogunquit Playhouse
Ogunquit Playhouse, in association with Crossroads Live, announced today that three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall will direct the World Premiere of the new musical, My Best Friend's Wedding, with a book by Ron Bass and Jonathan Harvey, based on the hit TriStar Pictures' film with a screenplay by Ron Bass and featuring the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
Ogunquit Playhouse, in association with Crossroads Live, announced today that three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall will direct the World Premiere of the new musical, My Best Friend's Wedding, with a book by Ron Bass and Jonathan Harvey, based on the hit TriStar Pictures' film with a screenplay by Ron Bass and featuring the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
The Carbonell Awards is Seeking Nominations for Six Special Awards
The Carbonell Awards is seeking nominations for up to six Special Awards that will be presented at the Carbonell Awards Ceremony.
The Carbonell Awards is seeking nominations for up to six Special Awards that will be presented at the Carbonell Awards Ceremony.
The Carbonell Awards Names Playwright Nilo Cruz as Recipient of the 2024 George Abbott Award
Playwright Nilo Cruz has been honored with the 2024 George Abbott Award by the Carbonell Awards, recognizing his significant contributions to theater.
Playwright Nilo Cruz has been honored with the 2024 George Abbott Award by the Carbonell Awards, recognizing his significant contributions to theater.
The Carbonell Awards to Host 47th Annual Ceremony in November
The 47th annual awards ceremony will be held in November 2024. Learn more about the awards ceremony and see how to attend!
The 47th annual awards ceremony will be held in November 2024. Learn more about the awards ceremony and see how to attend!
How Often are People Tony-Nominated for Different Shows in the Same Season?
This time, the reader question was: How often are people Tony Award-nominated for different shows in the same season?
This time, the reader question was: How often are people Tony Award-nominated for different shows in the same season?
Review: DAMN YANKEES at Desert Theatricals
What did our critic think of DAMN YANKEES at Desert Theatricals?
What did our critic think of DAMN YANKEES at Desert Theatricals?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has George Abbott been in?
George Abbott has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.
How many West End shows has George Abbott been in?
George Abbott has not appeared in the West End
What awards has George Abbott been nominated for?
George Abbott has been nominated for several awards throughout his career in Broadway. These include the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Comedy of the Year from the Olivier Awards for the show "Three Men On A Horse," a Special Tony Award, Outstanding Director of a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "On Your Toes," Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for "How Now, Dow Jones" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," Best Direction of a Play from the Tony Awards for "Never Too Late," Creative Contribution of the Season from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Fiorello!," and Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for "Fiorello!," "Damn Yankees," and "The Pajama Game."
What awards has George Abbott won?
George Abbott has won several awards throughout his career in the Broadway industry. These include the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Comedy of the Year from the Olivier Awards for his work on Three Men On A Horse, a Special Tony Award, the Outstanding Director of a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for On Your Toes, the Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the Creative Contribution of the Season from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the Best Musical from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Fiorello!, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Fiorello!, the Best Direction of a Musical from the Tony Awards for Fiorello!, the Best Musical from the Tony Awards for Damn Yankees, and the Best Musical from the Tony Awards for The Pajama Game.
How many shows has George Abbott written?
George Abbott has written 30 shows including The Fall Guy (Playwright), A Holy Terror (Playwright), Love 'em and Leave 'em (Playwright), Four Walls (Playwright), Coquette (Playwright), Ringside (Playwright), Those We Love (Playwright), Lilly Turner (Playwright), Heat Lightning (Playwright), Ladies' Money (Playwright), On Your Toes (Bookwriter), Sweet River (Playwright), The Boys from Syracuse (Bookwriter), Three Men on a Horse (Playwright), Beat the Band (Bookwriter), Where's Charley? (Bookwriter), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Bookwriter), Damn Yankees (Bookwriter), New Girl in Town (Bookwriter), The Pajama Game (Bookwriter), Joy Ride (Bookwriter), Fiorello! (Bookwriter), Tenderloin (Bookwriter), Let it Ride (Source Material), Flora, the Red Menace (Bookwriter), Anya (Bookwriter), Music Is (Bookwriter), Broadway (Bookwriter), Tropicana (Bookwriter), Crooked Broadway (Bookwriter).
Videos