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Julie Taymor

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BIO

Taymor is an American director and writer of theater, opera and film. Her stage adaptation of The Lion King debuted in 1997, and received eleven Tony Award nominations, with Taymor receiving Tony Awards for Best Director and Costume Designer. Her film Frida, about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, was nominated for five Academy Awards, including a Best Original Song nomination for Taymor's composition "Burn It Blue". She also directed the jukebox musical Across the Universe.

Photos

Productions

 
[West End, 2021]
Director
Costume Designer
Puppet Designer
Mask Designer
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
Mask Designer
 
[New York, 2007]
Director
Scenery/Costumes
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2002]
Mask Co-Designer
Puppet Co-Designer
Lyricist
Costume Designer
Director
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Puppets/Masks
Director
Puppet Designer
Mask Designer
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
Director
Mask Designer
Puppet Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Puppet Designer
Costume Designer
Mask Designer
Director
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Designer
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Choreographer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Puppet and Mask Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Puppets/Masks
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Choreographer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Scenic Designer
Puppet Designer
Mask Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Scenery/Costumes/Puppets/Masks

Writing

Bookwriter
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream


winner
Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Costume Designer

Julie Taymor, The Lion King

Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Director

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Puppet Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama League Awards - 1998 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Julie Taymor


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Director - Musical

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1998 - Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1998 - Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Direction of a Musical

Julie Taymor, The Lion King

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Costume Design

Julie TaymorJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Puppet Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Set Design - Musical

Julie TaymorJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Direction of a Musical

Julie Taymor, Juan Darien

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Scenic Design

Julie Taymor, Juan Darien

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Tempest

Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Scott Wentworth, Welcome to the Club


winner
Obie Awards - 1988 - Direction

Julie TaymorJuan Darien


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1988 - Concept Pupperty and Masks

Julie Taymor, Juan Darien


winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Special Citations

Julie Taymor


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1980 - Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design

Julie Taymor, The Haggadah

Videos

News


Yara Arts Group To Bring THE MAGIC OF LIGHT To La MaMa In March
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 15, 2025

From March 7 to 16, La MaMa and Yara Arts Group will present Yara's 'The Magic of Light,' an innovative theater piece that interweaves puppetry, languages, music and poetry to illustrate the cultural and spiritual awakening of an artist in the 1870s.
Interview: Heather Headley Looks Back on 30 Years of THE LION KING
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 12, 2025

BroadwayWorld sat down with Heather Headley to discuss the new Lion King concert on Disney+, the ongoing Broadway production, and the legacy of the franchise.
SUFFS, SHUCKED, HELL'S KITCHEN, and More Set For The Smith Center's 2025-2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2025

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts has announced its latest lineup of Broadway productions as part of the 2025-2026 season. The new season features nine stage productions direct from Broadway.
THE LION KING to Open in Sydney in 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025

Disney’s The Lion King will return to Australia, premiering in Sydney in April 2026. The Lion King has been seen by more than 120 million worldwide, cementing its status as one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Learn more.
 La MaMa Presents IN THROUGH THE DOORWAY OUT
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2025

IN THROUGH THE DOORWAY OUT will be presented at LaMaMa Experimental Theatre, Community Art Space. Running February 7, 8 and 9, 2025. IN THROUGH THE DOORWAY OUT is the second original production by the TUT (Teens Ukraine Theatre).
HELL'S KITCHEN, THE NOTEBOOK And More Announced For Broadway In Cincinnati's 2025/26 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 31, 2025

First Financial Bank Broadway in Cincinnati will present a highly-anticipated season lineup of shows starting with screen-to-stage success Back To The Future: The Musical, the revolutionary 2016 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical Hamilton, and more.
Review: LIFE OF PI Is Existentialist Magic at Benedum Center
by Greg Kerestan - Jan 30, 2025

In some ways, Lolita Chakrabarti's Life of Pi, adapted from the novel by Yann Martel and directed by Max Webster, can feel like a grown-up version of the puppet-heavy visual multimedia spectacles often seen in high-end children's theatre.
DISNEY'S THE LION KING Pop-Up Comes to Battersea Power Station
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

In celebration of two major milestones in the West End next month, Disney's THE LION KING has announced a free, pop-up exhibition at the iconic Battersea Power Station.
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025

Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
Broadway Across Canada Announces Ticket Info For Disney's THE LION KING In Calgary
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025

Disney Theatrical Group and Broadway Across Canada announced today that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney's The Lion King will go on sale to the public on February 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (MST).
Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney Will Perform Live in London at His Majesty's Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 24, 2025

Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney will be LIVE IN LONDON at His Majesty's Theatre for one show only. The pair are best known for originating the roles of Orpheus and Eurydice in Hadestown
Eddie Izzard to Bring Shakespeare's HAMLET to A.C.T.'s Strand Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 22, 2025

Following a New York run, a box office record-breaking two-week run at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and a six-week London run—Tony Award-nominated Eddie Izzard will bring her acclaimed solo performance of Hamlet to San Francisco! Learn more.
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced that John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit.
Review: THE LION KING at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
by Jarrod Michael - Jan 11, 2025

What did our critic think of THE LION KING at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center?
AMERICAN PUPPET THEATER TODAY: The Photography of Richard Termine is Coming to The Ballard Institute
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2025

The Jim Henson Foundation and the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut will present a new exhibition, American Puppet Theater Today: The Photography of Richard Termine. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Broadway Buying Guide: December 30, 2024- It's GYPSY's Turn on Top
by Team BWW - Dec 30, 2024

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 30, 2024.
Broadway Buying Guide: December 23, 2024- HAMILTON Is Back on Top
by Team BWW - Dec 23, 2024

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 23, 2024.
CENDRILLON [CINDERELLA] Announced At Steinmetz Hall
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2024

Fairy tales come to life as Cendrillon [Cinderella] takes the stage of Steinmetz Hall with Grammy award-winner Lindsay Ohse in the title role. Performances run February 7 and 9.
Broadway Buying Guide: December 16, 2024- WICKED and HAMILTON Are on Top
by Team BWW - Dec 16, 2024

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, December 16, 2024.
THE LION KING Will Return to Anchorage in 2025
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2024

Disney’s The Lion King will make its return to  Anchorage at the Atwood Concert Hall during the 25/26 season. Performance dates and times for the Fall 2025 engagement will be announced at a later time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Julie Taymor written?

Julie Taymor has written 6 shows including The Transposed Heads (Bookwriter), The Transposed Heads (Bookwriter), Juan Darien (Bookwriter), Juan Darién (Bookwriter), The Lion King (Composer), Spider-Man (Bookwriter).

What awards has Julie Taymor been nominated for?

Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Midsummer Night's Dream, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Midsummer Night's Dream, Best Costume Designer (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King , Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King , Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King , Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Set Design - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tempest, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Welcome to the Club, Direction (Obie Awards) for Juan Darien, Concept Pupperty and Masks (The Hewes Awards) for Juan Darien, Special Citations (Obie Awards) and Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Haggadah.

What awards has Julie Taymor won?

Julie Taymor has won several prestigious awards throughout her career, including: - Best Costume Designer (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King - Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King - Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King - Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - Best Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King - Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King - Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King - Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King - Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Lion King - Direction (Obie Awards) for Juan Darien - Concept Puppetry and Masks (The Hewes Awards) for Juan Darien - Special Citations (Obie Awards) - Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Haggadah.

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Videos