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George C. Wolfe Headshot

George C. Wolfe

Birth Place: Frankfort, KY, USA

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BIO

Theatre directing credits include The Iceman Cometh, Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (NY Drama Critics' Circle Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Musical); Lucky Guy; The Normal Heart (Drama Desk); Jelly's Last Jam (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award); Angels in America: Millennium Approaches (Tony Award and Drama Desk) and Perestroika (Drama Desk); Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk (Tony and Drama League Award); Topdog/Underdog (Obie Award); Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Drama Desk); Elaine Stritch at Liberty (Tony for Special Theatrical Event); The Tempest; Caroline, or Change (Olivier Award Best Musical); and A Free Man of Color.


From 1993-2005 Wolfe was the Producer of The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival. He is the writer of the award-winning The Colored Museum, Shuffle Along..., he directed/adapted Spunk (Obie), and Harlem Song.
Wolfe directed and co-wrote the HBO film "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," as well as "Lackawanna Blues," for which he earned The Directors Guild Award and a National Board of Review Award.
He is the Chief Creative Officer of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and from 2009-2017 served on The President's Committee for the Arts and the Humanities.
Additional awards include the Actors' Equity Paul Robeson Award, Society of Directors and Choreographers' Mr. Abbott and Callaway Awards, The Dramatists Guild's Hull-Warriner Award, The NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, The Brendan Gill Prize, and The Monte Cristo Award.
Wolfe was named a Library Lion by the New York Public Library and a living landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.

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Productions

 
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Writing

Bookwriter
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Lyricist
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Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe, Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus

Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe, The Iceman Cometh

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Book of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Direction of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed

Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe, Lucky Guy


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart


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Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Director of a Play

George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart


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Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director - Musical

George C. Wolfe, Caroline, or Change


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Drama League Awards - 2004 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing

George C. Wolfe


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Obie Awards - 2004 - Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater

George C. Wolfe

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Caroline

Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Direction of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Caroline, or Change


winner
Obie Awards - 2002 - Direction

George C. Wolfe, Topdog / Underdog

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director of a Play

George C. Wolfe, Topdog / Underdog

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Book of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, The Wild Party

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Musical

George C. Wolfe, The Wild Party


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Drama League Awards - 1996 - Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre

George C. Wolfe


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Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Musical

George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk


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Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Director - Play

George C. Wolfe, Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992


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Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Director - Play

George C. Wolfe, Angels in America

Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe , Angels in America: Perestroika

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Director - Pla

George C. Wolfe, Angels in America


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Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe , Angels in America: Millennium Approaches


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Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Director - Musical

George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Book of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Musical

George C. Wolfe , Jelly's Last Jam


winner
Obie Awards - 1990 - Direction

George C. Wolfe, Spunk

Videos

News


Video: Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, & More Talk GYPSY on CBS Sunday Morning

CBS Sunday Morning spoke with Audra McDonald and director George C. Wolfe about their production of Gypsy, currently running on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre, and the task of taking on a character like Mama Rose. Watch the video here!
Audra McDonald Says She Discussed Starring in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and GYPSY with Sondheim

While discussing how Gypsy came about with The New Yorker, Audra McDonald revealed that another iconic Sondheim role might be on the horizon in the future.
Video: Joy Woods Talks GYPSY and Offers Advice for Young Performers on GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Gypsy star Joy Woods visited Good Morning America to discuss her role in the new production of the acclaimed musical. During the interview, she talked about the revival, working with her co-stars, and offered advice for young performers. Watch it now!
Broadway Buying Guide: December 2, 2024- HELL'S KITCHEN, REDWOOD Get a Parade Boost

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 2, 2024.
Photos: First Look At Audra McDonald In GYPSY On Broadway

The revival of GYPSY beginning previews on Broadway tonight,  Thursday, November 21 at the newly renovated Majestic Theatre.  The production has released its official first look at Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald as 'Mama' Rose Hovick and Joy Woods in the title role. See the photos!
Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Honors Tom Viertel at 23rd Monte Cristo Award Gala

The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center presented the 23rd Monte Cristo Award to Chair Emeritus Tom Viertel, last night at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. Check out photos here!
Tryphena Wade To Stand by for Audra McDonald In GYPSY

The revival of GYPSY beginning previews on Broadway this week, has finalized its casting.
GYPSY to Offer $49 and $39 Tickets Through Rush & Standing Room Policies

The revival of GYPSY, directed by six-time Tony Award-winning Director George C. Wolfe and starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, has announced it rush and standing room ticket policies. Learn how to purchase discounted tickets.
Broadway Buying Guide: November 18, 2024- MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Arrives on Broadway

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, November 18, 2024.
Meet the Cast of GYPSY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

GYPSY is coming back to Broadway, starring Audra McDonald! The production begins previews at Broadway’s newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Meet the cast of GYPSY here!
Review: THE SECOND CITY: DANCE LIKE THERE'S BLACK PEOPLE WATCHING at Woolly Mammoth

The latest Second City production at Woolly Mammoth aims to bring “Black joy” in the tradition of its past successes there, such as 2016’s “Black Side of the Moon.” That show came to D.C. on the teeth of a dispiriting election, as does the new one, “Dance Like There’s Black People Watching.”
Broadway Buying Guide: November 11, 2024- Audra McDonald returns in GYPSY

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, November 11, 2024.
Videos You Missed This Week: RAGTIME, WICKED, and More

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! Fall 2024 is here at last, which means that a whole new bunch of Broadway and off-Broadway shows are opening soon. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending November 8, 2024 with videos from Ragtime, Wicked, Suffs, and more!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 7, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 7, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Audra McDonald Sings in New GYPSY Promo

Directed by six-time Tony Award-winning Director George C. Wolfe, GYPSY is coming back to Broadway later this month. Watch all four stars and listen to a small clip from 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' in this brand new promo video.  
Broadway Buying Guide: November 4, 2024- SWEPT AWAY Arrives on Broadway

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, November 4, 2024.
Video: Audra McDonald & Company Are Getting Ready for GYPSY

Audra McDonald is about to take on one mother of a role. Next month at the Majestic Theater, she will lead the much-anticipated revival of Gypsy as Mama Rose. Watch in this video as the cast chats more about what audiences can expect. 
Photos: Audra McDonald and the Cast of GYPSY Meet the Press

On Monday, October 28th, the cast and creative team of GYPSY participated in press interviews at New 42 Studios where the upcoming revival is in its fourth week of rehearsals. See photos of the company here!
Video: Audra McDonald Shares Her Take on Mama Rose in GYPSY

Audra McDonald is sharing some insights into how she thinks of the character of Mama Rose. The Tony-winning performer will be taking on the iconic role in Gypsy beginning in November and McDonald visited Good Morning America to talk about the show and give audiences an idea of what they can expect.
Broadway Stage and Screen- A Fall 2024 Watch Guide

A new Broadway season has arrived at last, full of exciting new shows and revivals of beloved classics. While many of them are original concepts or based on plays, 7 are already films that you can watch from home.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has George C. Wolfe written?

George C. Wolfe has written 10 shows including Paradise! (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Paradise! (Bookwriter), Queenie Pie (Libretto), The Colored Museum (Playwright), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), Spunk:Three Tales by Zora Neale Hurston (Adaptation), Jelly's Last Jam (Bookwriter), Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk (Source Material), The Wild Party (Bookwriter), Shuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (Book Writer).

What awards has George C. Wolfe been nominated for?

Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Iceman Cometh, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Lucky Guy, Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Normal Heart, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater (Obie Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Caroline, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Direction (Obie Awards) for Topdog / Underdog, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog / Underdog , Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Wild Party, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for The Wild Party, Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 , Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Angels in America, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Perestroika, Outstanding Director - Pla (Drama Desk Awards) for Angels in America, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam and Direction (Obie Awards) for Spunk.

What awards has George C. Wolfe won?

Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Normal Heart; Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Normal Heart; Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Caroline, or Change; Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards); Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater (Obie Awards); Direction (Obie Awards) for Topdog/Underdog; Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards); Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk; Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Angels in America; Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992; Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches; Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam; and Direction (Obie Awards) for Spunk.

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