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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


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!
Photos: Inside the Dramatists Guild Foundation's 2024 Gala Photo
Photos: Inside the Dramatists Guild Foundation's 2024 Gala

Dramatists Guild Foundation just celebrated its 2024 Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, honoring Tom Kitt and Mindy Rich. Check out photos from inside the big night here!
Cast Set for FALSETTOS at Ground Floor Theatre Photo
Cast Set for FALSETTOS at Ground Floor Theatre

Ground Floor Theatre has revealed the cast for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Falsettos directed by Trace Turner with musical direction by Trey Shonkwiler and choreography by Richard Cerato. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
David Rasche and Mare Winningham Complete the Cast of CULT OF LOVE at Second Stage Photo
David Rasche and Mare Winningham Complete the Cast of CULT OF LOVE at Second Stage

David Rasche and Emmy Award winner, Academy Award and Tony Award nominee Mare Winningham will star in Leslye Headland’s CULT OF LOVE at Second Stage Theater. See who else is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Kokandy Productions Presents INTO THE WOODS Photo
Photos: Kokandy Productions Presents INTO THE WOODS

Kokandy Productions will conclude its 2024 season with an 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. See photos from the production.
Daniel Dae Kim, Nikki Renée Daniels & More to Join Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala Photo
Daniel Dae Kim, Nikki Renée Daniels & More to Join Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala

Dramatists Guild Foundation has revealed the star-studded line-up for the organization's 2024 Gala on October 24, 2024, at Ziegfeld Ballroom. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: INTO THE WOODS at MAC Players Photo
Photos: INTO THE WOODS at MAC Players

The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center is presenting INTO THE WOODS over two weekends. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece… and a rare modern classic. Check out photos!
Cast Set For FALSETTOS at Court Theatre Photo
Cast Set For FALSETTOS at Court Theatre

Court Theatre and TimeLine Theatre Company will present William Finn and James Lapine’s Falsettos, a tribute to family and its many forms; a playful interrogation of faith and identity; and a celebration of the beauty, complexity, and necessity of love.
Kelli O'Hara and Raúl Esparza Will Join Jason Robert Brown at Carnegie Hall Photo
Kelli O'Hara and Raúl Esparza Will Join Jason Robert Brown at Carnegie Hall

Tony Award Winner and Emmy and Grammy Nominee Kelli O'Hara and Tony Nominee Raúl Esparza will join three-time Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown for his Carnegie Hall solo concert debut on October 25, 2024, at 8:00 PM. Learn more about the guests and how to get tickets.
Student Blog: Swinging in Undergrad Photo
Student Blog: Swinging in Undergrad

In the fall of my sophomore year, I was cast as a swing in JMU STAD's production of 'Sunday in the Park with George'. While covering three tracks sounds daunting, here's how Megan's experience went. Spoiler alert, it was phenomenal!
Review: INTO THE WOODS at Great Lakes Theater Photo
Review: INTO THE WOODS at Great Lakes Theater

What did our critic think of INTO THE WOODS at Great Lakes Theater?
DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS & More Lead Dallas' Fall 2024 Top Theatre Shows Photo
DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS & More Lead Dallas' Fall 2024 Top Theatre Shows

Dallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Check out our top picks for fall 2024!
Max Chernin & Talia Suskauer Will Lead PARADE On Tour Photo
Max Chernin & Talia Suskauer Will Lead PARADE On Tour

BroadwayWorld has learned that Max Chernin and Talia Suskauer will lead the tour of Broadway revival of Parade as Leo and Lucille Frank, which will tour in 2025.
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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 won the following awards: - Best Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Act One - Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Amour - Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dirty Blonde - Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Passion - Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Falsettos - Outstanding Book of a 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 - 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

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