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Joseph Papp Headshot

Joseph Papp

Date of Death: October 31, 1991 (70)

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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BIO

Joseph Papp was an American theatrical producer and director. He established The Public Theater in what had been the Astor Library Building in Lower Manhattan. There Papp created a year-round producing home to focus on new plays and musicals.

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
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[Off-Broadway, 1992]
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[Off-Broadway, 1992]
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[Off-Broadway, 1992]
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[Off-Broadway, 1992]
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[Off-Broadway, 1991]
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[Off-Broadway, 1991]
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[Off-Broadway, 1991]
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[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Founder
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Founder
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Artistic Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1990]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1989]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1988]
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[Broadway, 1988]
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[Off-Broadway, 1987]
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[Off-Broadway, 1987]
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[Off-Broadway, 1987]
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[Off-Broadway, 1987]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1987]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1987]
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[Off-Broadway, 1987]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1987]
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[Off-Broadway, 1987]
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[Off-Broadway, 1987]
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[Broadway, 1986]
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[Broadway, 1986]
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[Broadway, 1986]
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[Off-Broadway, 1986]
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[Off-Broadway, 1986]
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[Off-Broadway, 1986]
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[Off-Broadway, 1986]
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[Off-Broadway, 1986]
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[Off-Broadway, 1986]
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[Off-Broadway, 1986]
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[Off-Broadway, 1986]
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[Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1985]
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
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[Broadway, 1984]
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
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[Off-Broadway, 1984]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1983]
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[Broadway, 1983]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1981]
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[Broadway, 1981]
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[Off-Broadway, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1980]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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[Off-Broadway, 1978]
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[Off-Broadway, 1978]
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[Off-Broadway, 1978]
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[Off-Broadway, 1978]
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[Off-Broadway, 1978]
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[Off-Broadway, 1978]
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[Broadway, 1978]
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[Off-Broadway, 1978]
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[Off-Broadway, 1978]
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[Off-Broadway, 1978]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Off-Broadway, 1976]
Director
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[US Tour, 1976]
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[Off-Broadway, 1976]
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[Off-Broadway, 1976]
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[Broadway, 1976]
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[Broadway, 1976]
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[Off-Broadway, 1976]
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[Off-Broadway, 1976]
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[Off-Broadway, 1976]
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[Off-Broadway, 1976]
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[Off-Broadway, 1976]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1975]
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[Broadway, 1975]
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[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Broadway, 1974]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Off-Broadway, 1974]
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[Off-Broadway, 1973]
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[Off-Broadway, 1973]
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[Off-Broadway, 1973]
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[Broadway, 1973]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1973]
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[Off-Broadway, 1973]
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[Off-Broadway, 1973]
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[Off-Broadway, 1973]
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[Off-Broadway, 1972]
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[Off-Broadway, 1972]
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[Off-Broadway, 1972]
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[Off-Broadway, 1972]
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[Off-Broadway, 1972]
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[Off-Broadway, 1972]
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[Off-Broadway, 1972]
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[Off-Broadway, 1972]
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[Off-Broadway, 1972]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1971]
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[Off-Broadway, 1970]
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[Off-Broadway, 1970]
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[Off-Broadway, 1970]
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[Off-Broadway, 1970]
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[Off-Broadway, 1970]
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[Off-Broadway, 1970]
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[Off-Broadway, 1970]
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[Off-Broadway, 1970]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1969]
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[Off-Broadway, 1969]
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[Off-Broadway, 1969]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1969]
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[Off-Broadway, 1969]
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[Off-Broadway, 1969]
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[Off-Broadway, 1969]
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[Off-Broadway, 1968]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1968]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1968]
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[Off-Broadway, 1968]
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[Off-Broadway, 1968]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1968]
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[Off-Broadway, 1967]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1967]
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[Off-Broadway, 1965]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1965]
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[Off-Broadway, 1965]
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[Off-Broadway, 1964]
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[Off-Broadway, 1964]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1964]
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[Off-Broadway, 1964]
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[Off-Broadway, 1963]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1962]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1962]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1962]
Director
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[Off-Broadway, 1962]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1958]
Stage Manager
 
[Off-Broadway, 1958]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1957]
Producer

Movies

Such Good Friends
[ 1971 ] His Shakespeare Theatre
The Mind Snatchers
[ 1972 ] producer
The Pirates of Penzance
[ 1983 ] producer
Plenty
[ 1985 ] producer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 1990 - Special Citations for his courageous stand against censorship

Joseph Papp


winner
Drama League Awards - 1989 - Unique Contribution to the Theatre

Joseph Papp


winner
Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Musical

Joseph Papp, The Mystery of Edwin Drood


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Special Awards

Joseph Papp


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Special Awards

Joseph Papp

Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Play

Joseph Papp, Plenty


winner
Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Revival

Joseph Papp, The Pirates of Penzance


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1978 - Performance

Joseph PappSpecial Award

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Musical

Joseph Papp, Runaways

Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Play

Joseph Papp, for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf

Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Play

Joseph Papp, Streamers

Tony Awards - 1977 - Most Innovative Production of a Revival

Joseph Papp, Threepenny Opera


winner
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Musical

Joseph Papp, A Chorus Line


winner
Obie Awards - 1975 - Special 20--year Obies

Joseph Papp

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Play

Joseph Papp, The Au Pair Man

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Play

Joseph Papp, Boom Boom Room


winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Musical

Joseph Papp, Two Gentleman of Verona


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1958 - Special Citation

Joseph Papp

Videos

News


Cast Announced For Ma-Yi Theater Company's SUMO 相' At The Public Theater

Ma-Yi Theater Company and The Public Theater announced the cast for SUMO 相撲, featuring a diverse ensemble of performers. The production explores themes of tradition and identity through the lens of sumo wrestling.
Spotlight: MANDY PATINKIN at Keswick Theatre

Mandy Patinkin Live in Concert - March 7 in Glenside PA
ORSON'S SHADOW Comes to Theater For the New City

To share a hit show of its Spring season with the largest possible audience, Theater for the New City (TNC), Crystal Field, Executive Artistic Director, will remount its production of 'Orson's Shadow,' written by Austin Pendleton and directed by Mr. Pendleton and his longtime close friend and colleague David Schweizer.
Mandy Patinkin to Present BEING ALIVE at Wharton Center This Month

Mandy Patinkin will present a concert titled BEING ALIVE, featuring Adam Ben-David on piano at the Wharton Center. The performance promises an evening of music and storytelling, showcasing Patinkin's celebrated career. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Mandy Patinkin Will Perform at Miller Auditorium Next Year

Broadway’s master song man, Mandy Patinkin, accompanied by Adam Ben-David on piano, will bring his newest theatre concert Mandy Patinkin in Concert: BEING ALIVE, to Miller Auditorium for one performance only on Saturday, May 10, 2025. 
The Acting Company Announces Casting For SPELL #7

The Acting Company revealed the cast for SPELL #7, featuring a dynamic ensemble of actors. The production is set to bring Ntozake Shange's work to life, exploring themes of identity and culture.
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.
DEEP HISTORY Extended for Two Weeks at The Public Theater

The Public Theater will begin performances for the North American premiere of DEEP HISTORY, a solo show by Australian playwright and performer David Finnigan, with a Joseph Papp Free Performance in October. The production has been extended! Learn how to purchase tickets.
Joe's Pub at The Public Announces Sandra Bernhard's SHAPES & FORMS This December

Joe's Pub will welcome back Sandra Bernhard for Shapes & Forms, her new show running for 11 performances from December 26-31.
Tony and Emmy- Winner Mandy Patinkin Takes the Stage at Cobb Great Hall in October

Broadway's master songman, Mandy Patinkin, accompanied by Adam Ben-David on piano, will bring his newest theatre concert Mandy Patinkin in Concert: BEING ALIVE, to Wharton Center for one night only on Tuesday, October 22, at 7:30PM.
GOOD BONES by James Ijames Extends at The Public Through Late October

The Public Theater will begin performances for the New York premiere of GOOD BONES, written by Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames. The production has been extended. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Circle Theatre to Present THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY Next Month

Circle Theatre will present The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, by Obie Award-winning playwright Kristoffer Diaz from October 3 through 26th.
Top Off-Broadway Shows for September 2024

What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre in the month of September.
Westport Country Playhouse Script In Hand Playreading Of SATCHEL PAIGE AND THE KANSAS CITY SWING

Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand playreading of SATCHEL PAIGE AND THE KANSAS CITY SWING on September 9.
Peter Dinklage, Lupita Nyong'o, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sandra Oh To Lead TWELFTH NIGHT At Shakespeare in the Park

Peter Dinklage (Malvolio), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Andrew Aguecheek), Lupita Nyong’o (Viola), and Sandra Oh (Olivia) will lead Shakespeare in the Park's TWELFTH NIGHT, directed by The Public’s Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali, which will reopen the revitalized Delacorte Theater in August 2025.
Cast Announced For James Ijames' GOOD BONES At The Public Theater

The Public Theater has announced casting for the long-anticipated New York premiere of GOOD BONES written by Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames and directed by Public Theater Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali.
Full Casting Announced For A Chorus Line at Festival Theatre

Full cast announced for the UK tour of the Curve production of A Chorus Line.
West Boca Community Theatre To Celebrate The Legacy of Joe Papp This June

Join the West Boca Community Theater on June 22nd for a musical celebration honoring the legacy of Joe Papp, a pivotal figure in American theater.
Video: Betty Buckley Is Getting Ready to Return to Joe's Pub

In this video, watch as Betty Buckley chats more about what audiences can expect from the upcoming show at Joe's Pub, her recent appearance in the horror film Imaginary, her new animated short film The Mayfly, and so much more!
James Ijames' GOOD BONES, Delacorte Theater Reopening & More Set for The Public Theater 24-25 Season

The Public Theater has revealed the line-up for The Public’s 2024-25 Season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Joseph Papp been nominated for?

Joseph Papp has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. These include Special Citations for his courageous stand against censorship at the Obie Awards, Unique Contribution to the Theatre at the Drama League Awards, Best Musical for "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" at the Tony Awards, Special Awards at the Drama Desk Awards, Best Play for "Plenty" at the Tony Awards, Best Revival for "The Pirates of Penzance" at the Tony Awards, Performance at the Theatre World Awards for Special Award, Best Musical for "Runaways" at the Tony Awards, Best Play for "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf" at the Tony Awards, Best Play for "Streamers" at the Tony Awards, Most Innovative Production of a Revival for "Threepenny Opera" at the Tony Awards, Best Musical for "A Chorus Line" at the Tony Awards, Special 20-year Obies at the Obie Awards, Best Play for "The Au Pair Man" at the Tony Awards, Best Play for "Boom Boom Room" at the Tony Awards, Best Musical for "Two Gentleman of Verona" at the Tony Awards, and a Special Citation at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.

What awards has Joseph Papp won?

Joseph Papp has won several awards throughout his career. These include Special Citations for his courageous stand against censorship at the Obie Awards, Unique Contribution to the Theatre at the Drama League Awards, Best Musical at the Tony Awards for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Special Awards at the Drama Desk Awards, Best Revival at the Tony Awards for The Pirates of Penzance, Performance at the Theatre World Awards for Special Award, Best Musical at the Tony Awards for A Chorus Line, Special 20-year Obies at the Obie Awards, Best Musical at the Tony Awards for Two Gentleman of Verona, and a Special Citation at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.

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Videos