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Harold Prince Headshot

Harold Prince

Also Credited As: Harold S. Prince

Date of Death: July 31, 2019 (91)

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Harold S. Prince (b. New York City, NY, 30 January 1928), also known as “Hal” Prince, was a theater producer and director who made a significant contribution to Broadway musicals in America. In a career that spanned more than fifty years, Prince has received ten Drama Desk Awards as Outstanding Director and 21 Tony Awards® for Best Direction, Best Producer, Best Musical, and Lifetime Achievement. In addition, Prince was the Kennedy Center Honoree in 1994 and the recipient of the National Medal of Arts in 2000.



Prince received his education at University of Pennsylvania, where he enrolled in a liberal arts program and was actively involved in the student theater group, Penn Players. After graduating in 1948, he returned to New York and began working as an assistant stage manager to producer and director George Abbott. This experience led to co-production opportunities with Robert E. Griffith and Frederick Brisson, resulting in the first two musicals that won Tonys® for Prince – The Pajama Game (1954) and Damn Yankees (1955).

After several co-productions, including the classic West Side Story in 1957, Prince began to produce his own musicals. His Fiddler on the Roof (1964) enjoyed enormous success with a record-breaking run of over three thousand performances between 1964 and 1972. Meanwhile, Prince also took on the role of director. Many of the most popular musicals of the following decades were created under his direction, including Cabaret (1966), Sweeney Todd (1979), Evita (1979), and The Phantom of the Opera (1988).

Besides his achievements as a producer and director, Prince is also known for bringing innovation to the theatrical arts. In collaboration with Stephen Sondheim, he was a pioneer in the development of the “concept musical,” taking its departure from an idea or theme rather than from a traditional story. Their first project of this kind, Company (1970), was a solid success and paved the way for other innovative musicals.

Prince’s contribution to the arts extends beyond the musical theater: he has made a number of movie adaptations (Damn Yankees 1958, A Little Night Music 1977), and directed for television (Candide 1986). In addition, he has served as a trustee for the New York Public Library and on the National Council of the Arts of the National Education Association.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Special Guest

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2023]
Co-Conceived
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2010]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Las Vegas, 2006]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2004]
Production Supervisor
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2003]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
 
[Australia, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[West End, 1992]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1988]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1986]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Director
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1982]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1982]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Director
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1980]
Director
 
[West End, 1980]
Director
 
[West End, 1980]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1979]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[West End, 1978]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1978]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Director
 
[Chicago, 1977]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1976]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
Producer
 
[West End, 1975]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1974]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1972]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1972]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1972]
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1971]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Director
Producer
 
[West End, 1968]
Producer
 
[West End, 1968]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 1967]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1967]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[West End, 1964]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1963]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Assistant Stage Manager
 
[West End, ]
Original Director

Writing

Source Material

Movies

Damn Yankees
[ 1958 ] producer
Fiddler on the Roof
[ 1971 ] producer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - The Harold Prince Award

Hal Prince

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Harold Prince, LoveMusik


winner
Tony Awards - 2006 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Harold Prince

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Parade


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold PrinceShowboat


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold PrinceShowboat


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1995 - Best Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Show Boat


winner
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Show Boat

Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Director of a Musical

Harold Prince, Kiss Of The Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Helen Hayes Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Harold PrinceThe Phantom of the Opera

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Director

Harold Prince - Grandchild of Kings

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Phantom of the Opera

Helen Hayes Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Harold PrinceCabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince , The Phantom of the Opera

Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Cabaret

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince , Grind

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Grind


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Harold Prince, Evita


winner
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Costume Design

Harold Prince, Evita


winner
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Evita


winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Sweeney Todd

Olivier Awards - 1978 - Director of the Year

Harold Prince, Evita

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, On the Twentieth Century

Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Side by Side by Sondheim

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Harold Prince, Pacific Overtures

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Pacific Overtures


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, The Visit


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, Candide


winner
Obie Awards - 1974 - Distinguished Direction

Harold PrinceCandide


winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Candide


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, The Great God Brown

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music


winner
Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, A Little Night Music


winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince , Follies


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, Follies


winner
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Company


winner
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Musical

Harold Prince, Company


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Outstanding Director

Harold Prince, Company

Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Zorba


winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, Cabaret


winner
Tony Awards - 1965 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, Fiddler on the Roof

Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Direction of a Musical

Harold Prince, She Loves Me

Tony Awards - 1964 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, She Loves Me


winner
Tony Awards - 1963 - Producer (Musical)

Harold Prince, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Videos

News


PARADE Comes to Playhouse on the Square Next Month

Playhouse on the Square will present Parade next month. With a book by Alfred Uhry, and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, the show was co-conceived and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince.
FOLLIES Comes to Northern Ireland Opera in 2025

Northern Ireland Opera’s next major production at the Grand Opera House will be Follies, running next year. Performances will begin in September 2025. Learn more here!
Full Cast Set for PARADE National Tour Starring Max Chernin & Talia Suskauer

The full cast has been set for the National Tour of Parade. The tour will feature seven members of the Broadway revival company. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: The North American Tour of PARADE Comes to The 5th Avenue Theatre

The national tour of Parade, starring Max Chernin and Talia Suskauer, will play The 5th Avenue Theatre from April 16th through May 4, 2025. Watch a trailer for the tour in the video here!
Interview: Hugh Panaro’s Happy to Be A MAN WITHOUT A MASK

Broadway leading man Hugh Panaro celebrates the release of his new CD Man Without a Mask with a one-nighter December 5, 2024, at the Catalina Bar & Grill. Songs from the CD recorded over two nights at 54 Below will be featured amongst some other favorites of Hugh.
The Royal Conservatory Goes INTO THE WOODS This Holiday Season

The Royal Conservatory announced a holiday production of INTO THE WOODS, offering audiences a chance to experience the classic musical during the festive season.
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!
Review Roundup: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Starring Jason Alexander at La Mirada Theatre

See what the critics are saying about Fiddler on the Roof starring Jason Alexander at La Mirada Theatre. Learn more about the production and read the reviews!
Video: Watch Jason Alexander in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Preview

Watch a first look video of Jason Alexander in Fiddler on the Roof at La Mirada Theatre! Joining Jason Alexander as “Tevye,” the cast also features: Valerie Perri as “Golde,” Rachel Ravel as “Tzeitel,” Alanna J. Smith as “Hodel,” and more.
Cast Set For SHE LOVES ME at Long Wharf Theatre

Long Wharf Theatre nnounced the cast and creative team for its fall production of She Loves Me, written by Jerry Bock (music), Joe Masteroff (book), and Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), which will take place at The Lab at ConnCORP in Hamden.
Photos: Jason Alexander and More in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at La Mirada Theatre

La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment's production of Fiddler on the Roof starring Tony Award-winner Jason Alexander as “Tevye” is now in performances. Check out photos here!
Exclusive: Oh My Pod U Guys- Always Make The Positive Choice with Janine LaManna

In this episode, I am joined by a true Broadway legend, Janine LaManna! From standing by for Chita Rivera in Kiss of the Spider Woman, to originating the role of Gertrude McFuzz in Broadway's Seussical, Janine has truly done it all. She made her Broadway debut as Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime alongside the original company, and eventually went on to work with such legends as Anne Reinking and Harold Prince.
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon

The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
Lottery Announced For THE MERRILY CHAPTERS NYC Presentation

The Stage Door Foundation and Pam Pariseau have announced a special lottery for live studio audience tickets to a special industry presentation showing how Stephen Sondheim created MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG through the eyes of original Broadway cast member, David Loud.
PARADE to Replace ALI in the Next Broadway In Chicago Season

 Broadway In Chicago revealed that ALI, originally scheduled for next year, will be postponed until further notice. Parade will take its place. Learn how to purchase tickets.
New Production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Will Embark on North American Tour

Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, featuring Maria Björnson’s design, will launch a new multi-year North American tour in November 2025. Learn more about the tour here!
PARADE Comes to the Fisher Theater Next Year

Broadway In Detroit has announced that Parade, winner of the 2023 Tony Award® for Best Revival of a Musical, will make its Detroit premiere at the Fisher Theatre February 25 – March 9, 2025.
Video: Jason Alexander in Rehearsal for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Get a first look at Jason Alexander in rehearsal for Fiddler on the Roof at La Mirada Theatre in the video here!
Michael Urie to Host The York Theatre Company Gala; Andrew Rannells & More Join

The York Theatre Company has revealed the roster of performers for a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which will honor musical theater legend Bernadette Peters and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Cast and Creative Team Set for SHE LOVES ME at Long Wharf Theatre

Long Wharf Theatre revealed the cast and creative team for its winter production of SHE LOVES ME, featuring direction by Rebecca Martinez and performances by actors including John Smith and Jane Doe. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Harold Prince been in?

Harold Prince has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Harold Prince been in?

Harold Prince has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Harold Prince been nominated for?

Harold Prince has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include the Harold Prince Award for Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for LoveMusik, the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Parade, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director - Musical for Showboat, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Director - Musical for Show Boat, the Olivier Award for Best Director of a Musical for Kiss Of The Spider Woman, and the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for Kiss of the Spider Woman. He has also been nominated for the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production for The Phantom of the Opera and Cabaret, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Director for Grandchild of Kings, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director - Musical for Phantom of the Opera and Cabaret, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for The Phantom of the Opera, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Grind, and the Tony Award for Best Musical for Grind. Other nominations include the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director of a Musical for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Costume Design for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Sweeney Todd, the Olivier Award for Director of the Year for Evita, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for On the Twentieth Century, the Tony Award for Best Musical for Side by Side by Sondheim, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director - Musical for Pacific Overtures, and the Tony Award for Best Musical for Pacific Overtures. He has also been nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for The Visit and Candide, the Obie Award for Distinguished Direction for Candide, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Candide, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for A Little Night Music and The Great God Brown, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for A Little Night Music, the Tony Award for Best Musical for A Little Night Music, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Follies, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for Follies, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Company, the Tony Award for Best Musical for Company, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director for Company, the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Zorba and Cabaret, and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for She Loves Me. Additionally, he has received nominations for the Tony Award for Producer (Musical) for Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

What awards has Harold Prince won?

Harold Prince has won several awards throughout his career in the theater industry. Some of the notable awards he has received include the Harold Prince Award at the Drama Desk Awards, the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the Tony Awards, and the Outstanding Director - Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on Showboat. He has also won awards for his direction of other musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Sweeney Todd, and A Little Night Music. In addition, he has received recognition for his work as a producer on shows like Fiddler on the Roof and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Harold Prince's contributions to the theater industry have been widely celebrated and acknowledged through these awards and honors.

How many shows has Harold Prince written?

Harold Prince has written 1 shows including Parade (Source Material).

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Videos