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John Rubinstein

Birth Place: Los Angeles, CA, USA

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BIO

He made his Broadway acting debut in 1972 and received a Theatre World Award for creating the title role in the musical Pippin, directed by Bob Fosse. In 1980 he won the Tony, Drama Desk, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, and Drama-Logue Awards for his portrayal of James Leeds in Mark Medoff's Children of a Lesser God, directed by Gordon Davidson.



Other Broadway appearances were in Neil Simon's Fools, directed by Mike Nichols, and Herman Wouk's The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, which earned him a Drama Desk nomination; he replaced William Hurt as Eddie in David Rabe's Hurlyburly, replaced David Dukes in David Henry Hwang's M. Butterfly, and starred in Getting Away with Murder, by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, directed by Jack O'Brien, and Ragtime, by Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens. In 2014, he joined the Broadway cast of the hit revival of Pippin, directed by Diane Paulus, this time playing Pippin's father, Charlemagne; and subsequently repeated that role on the national tour throughout the United States and Japan in 2014–15.

In 2016, it was announced that he would join fellow Tony-winner Christian Borle in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as Grandpa Joe, directed by Jack O'Brien.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
2021
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2017
Grandpa Joe

[US Tour]
US National Tour, 2014
Charles

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2013
Charles [Replacement]

[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Production, 2007
The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Tateh [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1996
Martin Chisholm

[Broadway]
1989
Andrew Makepiece Ladd III [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1988
Rene Gallimard [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Guildenstern

[Broadway]
1984
Eddie [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1983
Lt. Barney Greenwald

[Broadway]
1981
Leon Tolchinsky

[Broadway]
1980
James Leeds

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1972
Pippin

Productions

 
[Broadway, 1981]
Composer

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Rubinstein, Counsellor-at-Law

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Rubinstein, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Rubinstein, Children of a Lesser God


winner
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

John Rubinstein, Children of a Lesser God


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1973 - Performance

John Rubinstein, Pippin

Videos

News


World Premiere of HERE COMES THE NIGHT to Open at Moving Arts Theatre

Moving Arts will present the World Premiere of here comes the night by Lisa Kenner Grissom, directed by Hailey McAfee beginning in January in Los Angeles.
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts Reveals 2024/2025 Lineup of Concerts and Special Events

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts has announced another selection of iconic shows and curated special events during its 2024/2025 season!  From Broadway legends BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL and DAVIS GAINES, to country superstars PAM TILLIS & LORRIE MORGAN, this is going to be a Fall, Winter, and Spring to remember!  
Review: EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND at Olney Theatre Center

Solo theatrical pieces are probably among the hardest sells to an audience because there is only one performer keeping you interested in the subject. These theatrical offerings require a delicate balance between educating and entertaining audiences. Olney Theatre Center’s current attraction, Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, unequivocally accomplishes this through with Tony Award winner John Rubinstein’s outstanding portrayal of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Hellesen’s well written and engaging script.
New Musical ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT BEYOND to Open at The Hudson MainStage in November

The Great Beyond Company & The Hudson Theatre has announced the new musical, Adventures In The Great Beyond, with previews beginning November 1, 2024.
World Premiere of DIVA The Play Opens in November at Zephyr Theatre

United Stages, a unique platform to share international works on a global scale, is proud to present the World Premiere of DIVA The Play, written and performed by Vivienne Powell.  Leah Patterson, an award-winning director will be at the helm.
EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND Extended at Olney Theatre Center

Tony Award-winner John Rubinstein will play an additional week of performances at Olney Theatre Center as President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, a new American play by Richard Hellesen and directed by Peter Ellenstein. Learn about performance dates and see how to purchase tickets.
EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND to be Presented at Olney Theatre Center

This election season, Tony Award-winner John Rubinstein (Pippin, Children of a Lesser God) will play a four-week special engagement at Olney Theatre Center as President Dwight D. Eisenhower in Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Mirvish Productions to Dim Marquee Lights to Honour Donald Sutherland

To honour Donald Sutherland, the marquee lights of the Royal Alexandra Theatre will be dimmed. Learn more about Sutherland's career.
SheLA Arts to Present HERE COMES THE NIGHT Next Month

SheLA Arts is set to present here comes the night, by Lisa Kenner Grissom, directed by Hailey McAfee.
Joel Grey, Lesli Margherita, And More Join A George M. Cohan Celebration at La Mirada Theatre

Join JOEL GREY, DAVIS GAINES, LESLI MARGHERITA, and JOHN RUBINSTEIN for a GEORGE M. COHAN WEEKEND CELEBRATION at LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS on June 29 and 30.
EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND and WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME Comes to The Ensemble Theatre Company

The Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) of Santa Barbara announced the addition of two special event presentations: Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground by Richard Hellesen, directed by Peter Ellenstein and What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck and directed by Matt Hawkins. 
OH, MARY!, DEAD OUTLAW & More Win 2024 Off Broadway Alliance Awards

The Off Broadway Alliance has revealed the winners of the 13th Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards. See the full list!
Patrick Page, OH, MARY!, and More Nominated For Off Broadway Alliance Awards

The Off Broadway Alliance has announced the nominees for the 13th Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards, honoring commercial and not-for-profit productions that opened Off Broadway during the 2023-2024 season. Check out the full list of nominees here!
FOXY LADIES LOVE BOOGIE 70'S EXPLOSION! to Play Three Clubs Stage in June

This is a rock musical revue with a wild non-stop party, celebrating strong, invincible women while reliving the 1970's Greatest Hits.  “FOXY LADIES LOVE BOOGIE 70'S EXPLOSION!”
LITTLE MISS PERFECT World Premiere & More Set for Olney Theatre 2024-25 Season

Olney Theatre has revealed its 2024-25 season featuring the world premiere of Little Miss Perfect and more. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Erika Henningsen To Teach “A Song Is A Scene” Class At Los Angeles Musical Theatre Studio

Join Broadway actress Erika Henningsen's new class, A SONG IS A SCENE, at the Los Angeles Musical Theatre Studio. Learn to transform your approach to musical numbers, focusing on narrative depth and emotional authenticity. Suitable for both aspiring and seasoned performers.
Bob Barth's One Night Stand to Feature EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND & FATHERLAND

Join Bob Barth's One Night Stand for a night of riveting political theatre, featuring the one-man show EISENHOWER: This Piece Of Ground and the gripping production FATHERLAND.
Review: EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND at Rubicon Theatre

Watching Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground, I literally forgot I was watching a one person show.  Tony award winning, Broadway and Hollywood star John Rubinstein is a fascinating and charismatic actor, with uncannily perfect comedic timing.  Compelling, thought-provoking, moving, and surprisingly funny, you do not want to miss this one.
Photos: First Look at John Rubinstein in EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND at Rubicon Theatre

EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND, a one-person play starring Tony Award-winner John Rubinstein, is now playing at Rubicon Theatre. The production will run through March 10, 2024, at The Karyn Jackson Theatre in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District. Check out all new photos here!
John Rubinstein Brings EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND to the Rubicon Theatre in February

As part of the company’s 25th Anniversary Season, RUBICON THEATRE has announced its production of EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND, a riveting one-person play starring Tony Award-winner JOHN RUBINSTEIN.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has John Rubinstein been in?

John Rubinstein has appeared on Broadway in 11 shows.

How many West End shows has John Rubinstein been in?

John Rubinstein has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has John Rubinstein been nominated for?

Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Counsellor-at-Law , Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Children of a Lesser God, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Children of a Lesser God and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Pippin.

What awards has John Rubinstein won?

Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Children of a Lesser God; Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Children of a Lesser God; Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Pippin.

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