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Jerry Zaks

Birth Place: Stuttgart, GERMANY

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BIO

Jerry won four Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and an Obie Award. Mr. Zaks directed many Broadway shows including Sister Act, Guys and Dolls, Six Degrees of Separation, Lend Me a Tenor, House of Blue Leaves, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Anything Goes, La Cage aux Folles, Little Shop of Horrors and more. Mr. Zaks received SDC's Mr. Abbott Award for lifetime achievement and an honorary doctorate of fine arts from his alma mater, Dartmouth College. Mr. Zaks is a 2013 inductee to the Theater Hall of Fame.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1994
Fiorello LaGuardia

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1979
Performer

[Broadway]
1978
Weisskopf

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Al

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Harlequin

[Off-Broadway]
1975
Devoted Hack

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1972
Kenickie [Replacement]

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, unknown]
Production Supervisor
 
[US Tour, 2023] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Director
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2016]
Co-Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Creative Consultant
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Creative Consultant
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 2004]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2004]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Production Supervisor
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[New York, 1996]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[West End, 1989]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1988]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1983]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[Broadway, 0]
Director

Movies

Outrageous Fortune
[ 1987 ] Tobacco Clerk
Crimes and Misdemeanors
[ 1989 ] Man on Campus
Husbands and Wives
[ 1992 ] Dinner Party Guests

TV Shows

The Edge of Night
Louis Van Dine

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, The Music Man

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Mrs. Doubtfire

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Hello, Dolly!

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

Jerry Zaks, Hello, Dolly!

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Hello, Dolly!

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Sister Act

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Jerry Zaks , The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Jerry Zaks , The Civil War


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1996 - Best Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks , A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Smokey Joe's Cafe

Helen Hayes Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical

Jerry ZaksGuys and Dolls

Helen Hayes Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical

Jerry ZaksSix Degrees of Separation

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks, Guys and Dolls


winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Guys and Dolls

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Director

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation


winner
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation

Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation

Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks , Assassins

Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Director - Play

Jerry Zaks , Six Degrees of Separation


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Director - Play

Jerry Zaks, Lend Me a Tenor

Olivier Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Jerry ZaksWenceslas Square


winner
Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks, Lend Me a Tenor


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Director

Jerry Zaks, Wenceslas Square


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Director

Jerry Zaks, Anything Goes

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Direction of a Musical

Jerry Zaks , Anything Goes


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Jerry Zaks, Anything Goes


winner
Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Direction of a Play

Jerry Zaks , The House of Blue Leaves


winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Direction

Jerry Zaks, The Foreigner


winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Direction

Jerry Zaks, The Marriage of Bette and Boo

Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Jerry Zaks, Tintypes

Videos

News


Photos: Laura Benanti Honored At 2024 BROADWAY DREAMS Gala

Broadway Dreams hosted its annual gala this weekend at The Plaza New York (768 5th Avenue). Jerry Mitchell, Jerry Zaks, and more turned out for the big night! See photos from the event!
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL Comes to The Eisemann Center in 2025

The Eisemann Center will present TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man: The Musical will be presented in January 2025 in the Hill Performance Hall.
CAT KID COMIC CLUB: THE MUSICAL and EL OTRO OZ to Play Kirk Douglas Theatre

Center Theatre Group will present two TheaterWorksUSA's productions at the Kirk Douglas Theatre – Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical from November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025 and the return of El Otro Oz, a bilingual musical inspired by The Wizard of Oz from March 29 to April 13, 2025.
Show of the Week: Save Up to 40% on MRS. DOUBTFIRE at the Shaftesbury Theatre

Save up to 40% on Mrs. Doubtfire at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Tickets are available from £35.
Photos: Stars Arrive for OUR TOWN Opening Night on Broadway

Stars came out for the opening of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre. Check out photos of Nina Dobrev, Shaun White, Kaitlyn Dever, Michael Kors, Raul Esparza, Cynthia Nixon and more as they arrive on the red carpet here!
Review: MRS. DOUBTFIRE is Sure to Deliver the Laughs at Broadway Sacramento

I’ve just found the new definition of fun, and it’s Mrs. Doubtfire. Broadway Sacramento continues its season of excellence with director Jerry Zaks’s comedy based on the 1993 film that starred Robin Williams. It had a limited run on Broadway immediately before and following the pandemic, but enjoyed renewed success in London in 2023. Its score by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick (Something Rotten) was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award in 2022. This show is just what we didn’t know we needed – lighthearted hilarity with a touch of nostalgia and feeling. It’s a recipe even Mrs. Doubtfire can’t mess up.
Riverside Theatre to Present Ken Ludwig's THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY Beginning This Month

Riverside Theatre will begin its 52nd season with Ken Ludwig's uproarious comedy, The Fox on the Fairway. The Fox on the Fairway plays the Stark Stage at Riverside Theatre from October 22 – November 10, 2024. 
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet for Opening Night of YELLOW FACE

The stars aligned at the Todd Haimes Theatre to celebrate opening night of Roundabout Theatre Company's new production of Yellow Face by David Henry Hwang. BroadwayWorld was there to capture all of the stars and VIP guests.
Rob McClure Will Play Final Performance in MRS. DOUBTFIRE on Tour

Two-time Tony Award® nominee Rob McClure will say goodbye to the title role of Daniel Hillard/Euphegenia Doubtfire on October 13, 2024, after originating the role and earning a Tony nomination for his performance. He will have played over 400 performances with the show.   
Tony-Winner Christopher Ashley To Receive Prestigious 'Mr. Abbott' Award From Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation

Christopher Ashley was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Mr. Abbott Award by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the theater industry.
Interview: Catherine Brunell Talks About Joining Final Leg of MRS. DOUBTFIRE National Tour

BroadwayWorld talks to Broadway veteran Catherine Brunell on how joining the already-established cast & crew of Mrs. Doubtfire was like “crashing a family Christmas party,” and how performing in Mrs. Doubtfire brings her to tears every night. 
Review: Broadway Star of MRS. DOUBTFIRE Amazes and Amuses at the Eccles Theater

How often can you see the star of a Broadway musical perform their Tony-nominated role in Salt Lake City? You have the rare opportunity now as Rob McClure leads the national tour of MRS. DOUBTFIRE at the Eccles Theater, and its one you really shouldn’t miss.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Sets West End Closing Date, Hints at Future Productions

In a new special video, Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical has announced its London closing date. The musical will play its final performance on 26 April 2025 at The Shaftesbury Theatre.
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL Returns to BroadwaySF

BroadwaySF, an ATG Entertainment company,  will welcome the return of TheaterWorksUSA’s NY Times Critic’s Pick, Dog Man: The Musical based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man: The Musical will be presented January 4 & 5, 2025 at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre.
Catherine Brunell Joins MRS. DOUBTFIRE National Tour

MRS. DOUBTFIRE announced new casting for its North American tour, featuring a fresh lineup of actors set to bring the beloved characters to life on stage.
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL is Coming to Southern Theatre

CAPA will present THEATERWORKSUSA’S production of Dog Man: The Musical, based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Tickets on Sale Friday For MRS. DOUBTFIRE in Salt Lake City

Single tickets for the upcoming engagement of MRS. DOUBTFIRE in Salt Lake City will go on sale on Friday, August 9. 
Ensemble Studio Theatre Appoints New Board Members: Chau Haber and Jacqueline Strayer

Ensemble Studio Theatre has announced two new board members, Chau Haber and Jacqueline F. Strayer. Learn more about them here!
Video: Bette Midler Talks HELLO, DOLLY! Backstage Fun With Busy Philipps

Watch as Bette Midler talks Hello, Dolly! with Busy Philipps!
Review: MRS. DOUBTFIRE at Orpheum Theatre

What did our critic think of MRS. DOUBTFIRE at Orpheum Theatre?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jerry Zaks been in?

Jerry Zaks has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Jerry Zaks been in?

Jerry Zaks has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Jerry Zaks been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for The Music Man, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Mrs. Doubtfire, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sister Act, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Civil War, Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Smokey Joe's Cafe, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Play or Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation , Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Assassins, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor, Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Olivier Awards) for Wenceslas Square, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wenceslas Square, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anything Goes, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Anything Goes, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Anything Goes, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The House of Blue Leaves, Direction (Obie Awards) for The Foreigner, Direction (Obie Awards) for The Marriage of Bette and Boo and Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Tintypes.

What awards has Jerry Zaks won?

Jerry Zaks has received several awards throughout his career, including: - Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Guys and Dolls - Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation - Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor - Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor - Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anything Goes - Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wenceslas Square - Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Anything Goes - Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The House of Blue Leaves - Direction (Obie Awards) for The Foreigner - Direction (Obie Awards) for The Marriage of Bette and Boo

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