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James Lapine

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BIO

Lapine is an American stage director, playwright, screenwriter, and librettist. He has won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical three times, for Into the Woods, Falsettos, and Passion. He has frequently collaborated with Stephen Sondheim and William Finn.

Photos

Productions

Flying Over SunsetFlying Over Sunset
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Director
FalsettosFalsettos
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Director
Mrs. Miller Does Her ThingMrs. Miller Does Her Thing
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2017]
Director
Writer
FalsettosFalsettos
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
A New BrainA New Brain
 
[New York, 2015]
Co-Librettist, Director
Into the WoodsInto the Woods
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Book
Sunday in the Park with GeorgeSunday in the Park with George
 
[Arlington, VA (Regional), 2014]
Book
Act OneAct One
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
Little Miss SunshineLittle Miss Sunshine
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
AnnieAnnie
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
Merrily We Roll AlongMerrily We Roll Along
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
Sondheim on SondheimSondheim on Sondheim
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Director
King Lear
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
Fran's Bed
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
Director
Modern Orthodox
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Passion
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
Dirty Blonde
 
[West End, 2004]
Director
Amour
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[Los Angeles, 2002]
Director
Dirty Blonde
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
Dirty Blonde
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Director
Golden Child
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
The Diary of Anne Frank
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Golden Child
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
Twelve Dreams
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
Luck, Pluck, and Virtue
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
Sunday in the Park with George
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
Passion
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Director
Falsettos
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Director
Falsettoland
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
The Winter's Tale
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[US Tour, 1988]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
Into the Woods
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 1986]
Director
Merrily We Roll Along
 
[Regional (US), 1985]
Director
Sunday in the Park with George
 
[Broadway, 1984]
Director
Sunday in the Park with George
 
[Off-Broadway, 1983]
Director
Director
A Midsummer Night's Dream
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Director
Twelve Dreams
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
March of the Falsettos
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
March of the Falsettos
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
March of the Falsettos
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
Table Settings
 
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Director
Table Settings
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director

Writing

Table Settings
Playwright
Fran's Bed
Playwright
Table Settings
Playwright
The Moment When
Playwright
Twelve Dreams
Playwright
Playwright
Act One
Adapter
Dirty Blonde
Conceiver
Falsettoland
Bookwriter
Falsettos
Bookwriter
Into the Woods
Bookwriter
A New Brain
Bookwriter
Passion
Bookwriter

Movies

Life with Mikey
[ 1993 ] director
Into the Woods
[ 2011 ] writer
Custody
[ 2016 ] producer

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Play

James Lapine, Act One

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Play

James Lapine, Act One


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

James Lapine, The 25sup>th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee

The Lortels - 2005 - Outstanding Director

James Lapine, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director - Musical

James Lapine, Amour

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

James Lapine , Into the Woods

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director - Play

James Lapine, Dirty Blonde

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Direction of a Play

James Lapine, Dirty Blonde

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Passion

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director - Musical

James Lapine, Passion


winner
Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Passion

Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine , Passion


winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Falsettos

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine, Falsettos


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Director - Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods


winner
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine, Into the Woods


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1984 - Best Musical

James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Book of a Musical

James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Direction of a Musical

James Lapine , Sunday in the Park with George

Videos

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News


See Tony Yazbeck, Kerry Ellis & More Perform at 54 Below Next Week Photo
See Tony Yazbeck, Kerry Ellis & More Perform at 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Tony Yazbeck, Kerry Ellis and more. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Live-Capture Performance of THE MERRILY CHAPTERS to be Screened in February Photo
Live-Capture Performance of THE MERRILY CHAPTERS to be Screened in February

Open Jar Studios and Stage Door Foundation will present an exclusive opportunity to view the live-capture performance of THE MERRILY CHAPTERS the true story of how Stephen Sondheim created MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Learn more.
The Chromolume Theatre Reveals 2025 Season of Musicals Photo
The Chromolume Theatre Reveals 2025 Season of Musicals

The Chromolume Theatre at The Zephyr on Melrose in Los Angeles has announced a season of musicals for 2025, kicking off in February with the off-Broadway hit I Love You Because.
Theatre Group Asia Will Present INTO THE WOODS This Summer Photo
Theatre Group Asia Will Present INTO THE WOODS This Summer

Theatre Group Asia, the team behind the acclaimed Request sa Radyo, is bringing Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical Into the Woods to life this August 2025 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Known for blending iconic fairy tales with a modern, thought-provoking twist, Into the Woods promises an evening of enchantment, humor, and heart.
THE HISTORY OF INTO THE WOODS Comes to 54 Below Photo
THE HISTORY OF INTO THE WOODS Comes to 54 Below

The History of Into The Woods celebrates the Tony Award winning Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical while exploring the show's conception, process, and eventual production in an unprecedented history-filled concert.
Derek Klena, Kerry Ellis & More to Perform at 54 Below in January Photo
Derek Klena, Kerry Ellis & More to Perform at 54 Below in January

In January, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Derek Klena, Kerry Ellis, and many more! Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: FALSETTOS at Ground Floor Theatre Photo
Review: FALSETTOS at Ground Floor Theatre

GroundFloor’s production of Falsettos masterfully walks the fine line between comedy and tragedy, presenting William Finn and James Lapine’s poignant musical with a bold, albeit occasionally polarizing, emphasis on its absurd humor.
Review: Stephanie J. Block in Concert at Theatre Raleigh Photo
Review: Stephanie J. Block in Concert at Theatre Raleigh

We’ve come to the end of the second year of Theatre Raleigh’s concert series. Several prolific performers have graced their stages here in the Triangle area throughout 2024. From local talent to Broadway stars such as Telly Leung, Seth Rudetsky, and Julie Benko. As for their closing act this season, it’s none other than Tony Award-winning powerhouse Stephanie J. Block.
INTO THE WOODS Extended Through Early January At The Chopin Theatre Photo
INTO THE WOODS Extended Through Early January At The Chopin Theatre

Kokandy Productions will present two additional weeks of performances for its sell-out revival of Into The Woods. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
The Ma'ayanot H.S./Black Box Studios Drama Society Will Perform THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNA Photo
The Ma'ayanot H.S./Black Box Studios Drama Society Will Perform THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

 The Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School Drama Society, in ongoing partnership with Black Box Studios, will present THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE this December.
Video: Phillipa Soo Shares Lyric Mishap During HAMILTON Performance Photo
Video: Phillipa Soo Shares Lyric Mishap During HAMILTON Performance

On Monday, Phillipa Soo visited Jimmy Kimmel Live to discuss her role in the new ABC drama Doctor Odyssey. While on the show, the performer shared a mishap from her time in Broadway's Hamilton that happened several months into the run of the hit musical. Watch the video now!
SWEET CHARITY, PASSION, and More Announced for Blank Theatre Company 2025 Season Photo
SWEET CHARITY, PASSION, and More Announced for Blank Theatre Company 2025 Season

Blank Theatre Company announced its 2025 season with two full-length productions, a cabaret fundraiser, and new residency at The Greenhouse Theatre Center. The season includes SWEET CHARITY and more.
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE To Open Terrific New Theatre 2024/25 Mini-Season Photo
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE To Open Terrific New Theatre 2024/25 Mini-Season

Terrific New Theatre announced its 2024/25 mini-season will open with a Stephen Sondheim masterpiece, Sunday in the Park with George.
Photos: On the Red Carpet of York Theatre Company's 2024 Gala Photo
Photos: On the Red Carpet of York Theatre Company's 2024 Gala

The York Theatre Company presented a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which honored musical theater legend Bernadette Peters. See photos from the red carpet.
Photos: York Theatre Company Gala Honors Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon Photo
Photos: York Theatre Company Gala Honors Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon

 The York Theatre Company recently hosted its 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which honored Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon. Check out photos from the event here!
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadet Photo
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 Photo
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.
Review Roundup: Kokandy Productions' INTO THE WOODS Photo
Review Roundup: Kokandy Productions' INTO THE WOODS

Read the reviews for Kokandy Productions' immersive production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s classic Into The Woods, the first Chicago storefront production of the beloved musical in over a decade.
Photos: An Epic LES MIS 20 Years Later & Irvington Theater's Re-Opening Photo
Photos: An Epic LES MIS 20 Years Later & Irvington Theater's Re-Opening

Currently, BTC finds itself fully immersed in yet another exciting school year. The school just announced that they will kick off the 2024-2025 performance season with a Fall production of Les Misérables.
Interview: Derek Charles Livingston, The Newest Artistic Director At STAGES Houston Photo
Interview: Derek Charles Livingston, The Newest Artistic Director At STAGES Houston

Derek Charles Livingston has taken over this year as artistic director for STAGES HOUSTON. He was preceded by Kenn Mclaughlin, who stepped down after 25 seasons. Most recently, Derek was the director of new play development at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Derek also previously served as the managing artistic director of the Celebration Theatre!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has James Lapine written?

James Lapine has written 18 shows including Table Settings (Playwright), Sunday in the Park with George (Bookwriter), Into the Woods (Bookwriter), Falsettoland (Bookwriter), Falsettos (Bookwriter), Passion (Bookwriter), Luck, Pluck, and Virtue (Bookwriter), Twelve Dreams (Playwright), A New Brain (Bookwriter), The Moment When (Playwright), Dirty Blonde (Conceiver), Fran's Bed (Playwright), Sondheim on Sondheim (Conceiver), Act One (Adapter), Little Miss Sunshine (Playwright), Barbara Cook: Then and Now (Conceived by), Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing (Author), Flying Over Sunset (Book).

What awards has James Lapine been nominated for?

Best Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Act One, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Act One, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The 25sup>th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Amour, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Into the Woods , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dirty Blonde, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Dirty Blonde, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Passion, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Passion, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Passion, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Passion, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Falsettos, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Falsettos, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Into the Woods, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Into the Woods, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sunday in the Park with George.

What awards has James Lapine won?

James Lapine has received several prestigious awards, including Best Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Act One. He was honored with Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Amour, and Dirty Blonde. Lapine won the Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical for Passion, Falsettos, and Into the Woods. Additionally, he received Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George. His work on Into the Woods also earned him Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, as well as the same recognition for Sunday in the Park with George.

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