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Jack O'Brien

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BIO

Broadway: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Front Page, It's Only a Play, Macbeth, The Nance, Dead Accounts, Catch Me If You Can, Impressionism, The Coast of Utopia (Tony Award), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nomination), Henry IV (Tony), Hairspray (Tony), Imaginary Friends, The Invention of Love (Tony nomination, Drama Desk Award), The Full Monty (Tony nomination), More to Love, Getting Away With Murder, Pride's Crossing, The Little Foxes, Damn Yankees, Two Shakespearean Actors (Tony nomination), Porgy and Bess (Tony nomination). Metropolitan Opera: Il Trittico. Carnegie Hall: Guys and Dolls. Central Park: Much Ado About Nothing. Off-Broadway: Hapgood (Lucille Lortel Award). London: Love Never Dies, Hairspray (Olivier Award nomination). National Theatre: His Girl Friday. He was the artistic director of The Old Globe Theatre from 1981-2007 and directed six movies for PBS's "American Playhouse." Book: Jack Be Nimble, published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux. O’Brien directed the critically acclaimed national tour of The Sound of Music and the world premiere of the Jake Heggie/Terrence McNally opera Great Scott for The Dallas Opera. Mr. O'Brien was nominated for an Emmy Award for his documentary "Becoming Mike Nichols" (HBO).


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Fiddler on the Roof (Non-Equity) Fiddler on the Roof (Non-Equity)
[US Tour]
2019 Revival Tour, 2019
Fyedka
Miracle in the Mountains
[Broadway]
1947
Member of Elder Council

Productions

ShuckedShucked
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Director
ShuckedShucked
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Director
Hairspray (Non-Equity)Hairspray (Non-Equity)
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Director
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Non Eq)Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Non Eq)
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Original Direction[Replacement]
HairsprayHairspray
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
All My SonsAll My Sons
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Director
The Hard ProblemThe Hard Problem
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryCharlie and the Chocolate Factory
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
CarouselCarousel
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryCharlie and the Chocolate Factory
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
The Front PageThe Front Page
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
The Sound of MusicThe Sound of Music
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Director
It's Only a PlayIt's Only a Play
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
Much Ado About NothingMuch Ado About Nothing
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Director
MacbethMacbeth
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Director
The NanceThe Nance
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Director
Catch Me If You CanCatch Me If You Can
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Director
Dead AccountsDead Accounts
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
Catch Me If You CanCatch Me If You Can
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
When I Come to DieWhen I Come to Die
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Associate Director
Love Never DiesLove Never Dies
 
[West End, 2010]
Director
ImpressionismImpressionism
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
HairsprayHairspray
 
[West End, 2007]
Director
Catch Me If You Can
 
[New York, 2007]
Director
The Coast of Utopia: Part 3 - SalvageThe Coast of Utopia: Part 3 - Salvage
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
Director
The Coast of Utopia: Part 2 - ShipwreckThe Coast of Utopia: Part 2 - Shipwreck
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
The Coast of Utopia: Part 1 - VoyageThe Coast of Utopia: Part 1 - Voyage
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Production Supervisor
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
 
[US Tour, 2006]
Director
Hairspray
 
[Las Vegas, 2006]
Director
Catch Me If You Can
 
[New York, 2006]
Director
Catch Me If You Can
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsDirty Rotten Scoundrels
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Director
Director
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2004]
Director
Hairspray
 
[Toronto, 2004]
Director
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
 
[New York, 2004]
Director
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
 
[New York, 2003]
Director
Henry IVHenry IV
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2003]
Director
Hairspray
 
[US Tour, 2003]
Director
Imaginary Friends
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
HairsprayHairspray
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
The Full Monty
 
[West End, 2002]
Director
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2001]
Director
The Full Monty
 
[US Tour, 2001]
Director
The Invention Of Love
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Director
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2000]
Director
The Full Monty
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
The Full Monty
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2000]
Director
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 1999]
Director
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 1998]
Director
More to Love
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
Labor Day
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
St. Louis Woman
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Adaptation
Director
Pride's Crossing
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
Damn Yankees
 
[West End, 1997]
Book Revisions
Director
The Little Foxes
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Getting Away With Murder
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Director
Hapgood
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
Damn Yankees
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
Book Revisions
Director
Two Shakespearean Actors
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Director
The Cocktail Hour
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Director
Porgy and Bess
 
[Broadway, 1983]
Director
The Most Happy Fella
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director
Director
Nefertiti
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Director
Porgy and Bess
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
The Time of Your Life
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Director
Hamlet
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Assistant Director
Cock-A-Doodle Dandy
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Director
The Cocktail Party
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Assistant Director
Pantagleize
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Assistant Director
The Cherry Orchard
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Assistant Director
Pantagleize
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Assistant Director
War and Peace
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Assistant Director
You Can't Take It With You
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Assistant Director
You Can't Take It With You
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Assistant to Mr. Rabb

Writing


Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Shucked

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Shucked

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Shucked

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, All My Sons

Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Carousel

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Front Page

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Nance


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Play

Jack O’Brien, The Coast of Utopia


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia


winner
Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jack O'Brien , Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, Henry IV


winner
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Direction of a Play

Jack O'Brien, Henry IV


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jack O'Brien, Hairspray


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director - Play

Jack O'Brien, Henry IV (LCT)


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Hairspray


winner
Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Hairspray


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director - Play

Jack O'Brien, The Invention of Love

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, The Full Monty


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Invention of Love

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, The Full Monty

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Direction of a Play

Jack O'Brien, The Invention of Love


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jack O'Brien, The Full Monty

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Play

Jack O'Brien, Two Shakespearean Actors

Drama Desk Awards - 1977 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jack O'Brien, Porgy and Bess

Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jack O'Brien, Porgy and Bess

Videos

More Video

News


Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Salt Lake City Awards; Voting Ends 12/31 Photo
Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Salt Lake City Awards; Voting Ends 12/31

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Salt Lake City Awards; WEST SIDE STORY, PUFFS, West Valle Photo
2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Salt Lake City Awards; WEST SIDE STORY, PUFFS, West Valley Arts & More Lead!

There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards December 5th Standings; WEST SIDE STORY Leads Bes Photo
BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards December 5th Standings; WEST SIDE STORY Leads Best Musical!

It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards; PUFFS Le Photo
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards; PUFFS Leads Best Play!

Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Salt Lake City Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Video: Watch Brandy Clark Perform From New Album at SHUCKED Curtain Call Photo
Video: Watch Brandy Clark Perform From New Album at SHUCKED Curtain Call

Watch Brandy Clark give a special performance in celebration of her new album at the Shucked curtain call on Friday, May 19th!
Video: Andrew Durand Sings 'Somebody Will' From SHUCKED Photo
Video: Andrew Durand Sings 'Somebody Will' From SHUCKED

An all new song called “Somebody Will' has been released as the second single from the forthcoming Shucked – Original Broadway Cast Recording. Featuring Andrew Durand, leading man, the song is penned by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. Check out the video here!
Tickets Are on Sale Today For the Wharton Center's 2023-24 Season Photo
Tickets Are on Sale Today For the Wharton Center's 2023-24 Season

It’s one of the most anticipated times of the year at Wharton Center; the announcement of the new Broadway season. Tickets can be purchased as part of a subscription package starting Monday, April 10, at 10AM. 
HAIRSPRAY Comes to the Paramount Theatre in April Photo
HAIRSPRAY Comes to the Paramount Theatre in April

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon returns to Seattle! This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play April 4 through 9 at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre.
Karylle Tatlonghari, Markki Stroem Join the International Cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC Photo
Karylle Tatlonghari, Markki Stroem Join the International Cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Overjoyed to fill in the roles of Baroness Elsa von Schraeder and Rolf, TV-theater actors Karylle Tatlonghari and Markki Stroem have been announced to join the latest international tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 'The Sound of Music,' produced by the Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia, and directed by three-time Tony awardee Jack O’Brien.
Manila-Bound, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Releases Tickets Photo
Manila-Bound, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Releases Tickets

Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia’s international touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved classic 'The Sound of Music' has released tickets for its March 2023 run at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre at Circuit Makati. These tickets are now available for purchase at TicketWorld.com.ph or TicketWorld outlets.
Arian Moayed, Okieriete Onaodowan, and More Join Jessica Chastain in A DOLL'S HOUSE; Photo
Arian Moayed, Okieriete Onaodowan, and More Join Jessica Chastain in A DOLL'S HOUSE; Complete Casting Announced!

Complete casting has been announced as rehearsals commence for Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain as ‘Nora Helmer’ in Lloyd’s radical new production of Henrik Ibsen’s landmark drama A Doll’s House in a new version by Amy Herzog.
Review: HAIRSPRAY at Adelaide Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre Photo
Review: HAIRSPRAY at Adelaide Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre

This is a highly entertaining evening of theatre
Andrew Polec Will Reprise Role in HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS at the Old Globe Photo
Andrew Polec Will Reprise Role in HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS at the Old Globe

The Old Globe has announced the full cast and creative team for its 25th annual production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Globe Resident Artist James Vásquez (Hair) directs San Diego’s yuletide favorite musical once again with Andrew Polec reprising his role as The Grinch.
Photos: See Mary Testa, Robert Cuccioli & More at Red Bull Theater Gala Honoring Andr Photo
Photos: See Mary Testa, Robert Cuccioli & More at Red Bull Theater Gala Honoring André De Shield

Red Bull Theater honored the illustrious ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at REVELRY, its benefit event held on Monday June 13th. Check out photos!
​​​​​​Berkshire Theatre Group Announces Casting For Late Summer 2022 Seas Photo
​​​​​​Berkshire Theatre Group Announces Casting For Late Summer 2022 Season

​​​​​​Berkshire Theatre Group has announced casting for shows in BTG’s Late Summer 2022 Season. The full season will feature B.R.O.K.E.N code B.I.R.D switching, a world premiere play and an award recipient of the GRANTS FOR ARTS PROJECTS from the National Endowment for the Arts; Once, a Tony Award-winning musical; Songs For a New World, the first musical by a Tony Award winner; Dracula, a classic gothic tale of horrors; and Edward Albee's Seascape, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play. 
André De Shields to Receive Matador Award for Achievement in Classical Theater at RE Photo
André De Shields to Receive Matador Award for Achievement in Classical Theater at REVELRY Benefit Gala

Red Bull Theater today announced that André De Shields will be honored with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at REVELRY, its benefit event on Monday June 13th at 6pm.
A VICIOUS CIRCLE Will Have an Industry Reading Next Week Photo
A VICIOUS CIRCLE Will Have an Industry Reading Next Week

A new play about the decades-long, tempestuous friendship between Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley will receive an industry reading on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF National Tour is Coming to The Playhouse on Rodney Square Photo
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF National Tour is Coming to The Playhouse on Rodney Square

 The Grand will present the Wilmington engagement of the Tony Award®-nominated Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof at The Playhouse on Rodney Square from June 9-June 12.  
ANASTASIA, THE BOOK OF MORMON & More Announced for The Grand's 2022-2023 Broadway in Photo
ANASTASIA, THE BOOK OF MORMON & More Announced for The Grand's 2022-2023 Broadway in Wilmington Season

The Grand Opera House has unveiled its highly anticipated 2022-2023 Broadway in Wilmington season at The Playhouse on Rodney Square. Three Broadway shows will make their Playhouse debut this season, along with the return of three favorites, plus a holiday spectacle for the entire family.
State Theatre New Jersey Presents Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY This Photo
State Theatre New Jersey Presents Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY This Month

The newly renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory for four performances on Friday, May 13, 2022, at 8pm; Saturday, May 14 at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday, May 15 at 2pm. Tickets range from $40-$98.  
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jack O'Brien been in?

Jack O'Brien has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Jack O'Brien been in?

Jack O'Brien has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Jack O'Brien been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for Shucked, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Shucked, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Shucked, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for All My Sons, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Carousel, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Front Page, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Nance, Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Coast of Utopia, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Henry IV, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Henry IV, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hairspray, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Henry IV (LCT), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hairspray , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hairspray, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Invention of Love, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Full Monty , Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Invention of Love, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Full Monty, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Invention of Love, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Two Shakespearean Actors, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Porgy and Bess and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Porgy and Bess.

What awards has Jack O'Brien won?

Jack O'Brien has received the following awards: - Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Coast of Utopia - Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Coast of Utopia - Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Coast of Utopia - Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Henry IV - Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Coast of Utopia - Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Henry IV - Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hairspray - Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Henry IV (LCT) - Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hairspray - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hairspray - Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Invention of Love - Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Invention of Love - Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty

How many shows has Jack O'Brien written?

Jack O'Brien has written 2 shows including The Selling of the President (Bookwriter), Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Conceiver).

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