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Kenny Leon

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BIO

Kenny Leon is a Tony Award-winning Broadway and television director. His Broadway credits include the Tupac musical Holler If You Hear Me, A Raisin in the Sun starring Denzel Washington (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Mountaintop starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett, Stick Fly, August Wilson’s Fences (which garnered ten Tony nominations and won three Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play), Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf. He also directed Smart People for Second Stage. Leon's recent television work includes "Hairspray Live!", and "The Wiz Live!" on NBC. He is the recipient of the 2016 Mr. Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing and the 2010 Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League. Mr. Leon serves on the board of New York's Public Theater and is Artistic Director of Atlanta's Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company.

Photos

Productions

OthelloOthello
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Director
Our TownOur Town
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
HomeHome
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
Purlie VictoriousPurlie Victorious
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Director
HamletHamlet
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
King JamesKing James
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
A Soldier's PlayA Soldier's Play
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Director
Ohio State MurdersOhio State Murders
 
[Broadway, 2022] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
Topdog/UnderdogTopdog/Underdog
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
A Soldier's PlayA Soldier's Play
 
[Broadway, 2020]
Director
The Underlying ChrisThe Underlying Chris
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
Much Ado About NothingMuch Ado About Nothing
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
American SonAmerican Son
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
Children of a Lesser GodChildren of a Lesser God
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
Our TownOur Town
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Director
Hairspray Live!Hairspray Live!
 
[Motion Picture, 2016]
Director
Smart PeopleSmart People
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Director
The Wiz Live!The Wiz Live!
 
[New York, 2015]
Director
Holler If Ya Hear MeHoller If Ya Hear Me
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
A Raisin in the SunA Raisin in the Sun
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
Stick FlyStick Fly
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
The MountaintopThe Mountaintop
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
FencesFences
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Director
Radio GolfRadio Golf
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Director
Emergence-SEE!
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2005]
Director
Gem of the OceanGem of the Ocean
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
A Raisin in the SunA Raisin in the Sun
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
Everybody's Ruby
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog


winner
Obie Awards - 2020 - Directing Award

Kenny Leon, Much Ado About Nothing


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play


winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Drama League Awards - 2010 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing

Kenny Leon

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Play

Kenny Leon, Fences

Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Kenny LeonTambourines to Glory


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director - Play

Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun

Helen Hayes Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Kenny LeonBlues in the Night

Videos

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News


Photos: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Receives Portrait at Sardi's Photo
Photos: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Receives Portrait at Sardi's
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 27, 2025

LaTanya Richardson Jackson, currently starring on Broadway in Purpose, was recently honored with her portrait at the iconic Sardi's. BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling and you can check out photos here!
Photos: OTHELLO on Broadway Welcomes Joe and Jill Biden for A Backstage Visit Photo
Photos: OTHELLO on Broadway Welcomes Joe and Jill Biden for A Backstage Visit
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 26, 2025

The stars came out to celebrate last night at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and the high profile guest list included President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden. Check out photos from their visit.
OTHELLO Launches Partnerships to Bring 2,000 Students to the Show Photo
OTHELLO Launches Partnerships to Bring 2,000 Students to the Show
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025

The new Broadway production of Othello starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal will bring 2,000 students from across New York and New Jersey to the show. Learn more!
Denzel Washington and Kenny Leon Are Discussing OTHELLO Film Adaptation Photo
Denzel Washington and Kenny Leon Are Discussing OTHELLO Film Adaptation
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 25, 2025

In a recent interview, Othello director Kenny Leon confirmed that there has 'absolutely' been conversations with the actor about a film version and is hopeful about Jake Gyllenhaal joining as well.
Video: Jake Gyllenhaal Opens Up About Portraying Iago Opposite Denzel Washington Photo
Video: Jake Gyllenhaal Opens Up About Portraying Iago Opposite Denzel Washington
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 25, 2025

Jake Gyllenhaal is officially back on Broadway as Iago, opposite Denzel Washington in the new production of Shakespeare's Othello. On a visit to The Late Show, Gyllenhaal discussed the character, sharing his intimidation to take on such an iconic role. Watch the interview!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 25, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 25, 2025
by - Mar 25, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 25, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: OTHELLO Brings Out Pres. Joe Biden, Jennifer Lopez and More on Opening Night! Photo
Photos: OTHELLO Brings Out Pres. Joe Biden, Jennifer Lopez and More on Opening Night!
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 24, 2025

The stars came out to celebrate last night at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where Shakespeare's Othello took its first official Broadway bow in the 21st century. Go inside opening night as President Joe Biden, Jennifer Lopez, Peter Dinklage, and more turned up on the red carpet!
OTHELLO Set to Offer $49 Tickets Through Student Rush Photo
OTHELLO Set to Offer $49 Tickets Through Student Rush
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025

The new Broadway production of William Shakespeare’s Othello starring Tony Award winner and two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal is offering student rush. Learn more!
Video: Inside OTHELLO's Opening Night with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Photo
Video: Inside OTHELLO's Opening Night with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal
by Joey Mervis - Mar 24, 2025

The stars came out to celebrate last night at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where Shakespeare's Othello took its first Broadway bow in the 21st century. The revival is helmed by Kenny Leon and features Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal as the iconic nemeses. Watch as we take you inside the big night with the cast and creative team in this video.
Photos: Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal at OTHELLO Opening Night Curtain Call Photo
Photos: Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal at OTHELLO Opening Night Curtain Call
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 24, 2025

Othello, starring Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal is now officially open at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. See photos of the opening night bows here!
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet on Opening Night of OPERATION MINCEMEAT Photo
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet on Opening Night of OPERATION MINCEMEAT
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 24, 2025

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical officially opened at the Golden Theatre last week. BroadwayWorld was there for the star-studded guest arrivals, which included Jesse Eisenberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Lorna Luft, Dylan Mulvaney and many more. Check out photos here!
Video: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at OTHELLO Opening Night Photo
Video: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at OTHELLO Opening Night
by Joey Mervis - Mar 24, 2025

Watch video highlights from the star-studded red carpet, which included special guests Jamie Lee Curtis, Danielle Brooks, Blair Underwood, Coleman Domingo, Al Roker, Liev Schreiber, Rosie Perez and many more!
Photos: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Photo
Photos: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 24, 2025

Check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals for Buena Vista Social Club, which included special guests Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, Ariana DeBose, Sara Bareilles, and more!
Review Roundup: OTHELLO, Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Photo
Review Roundup: OTHELLO, Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 24, 2025

Tony Award winner and two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal go toe-to-toe in Broadway's latest production of Othello, directed by Kenny Leon. The production just opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Check out what the critics are saying here...
Kenny Leon Wants Audiences to 'Recognize Truth' in His New OTHELLO Photo
Kenny Leon Wants Audiences to 'Recognize Truth' in His New OTHELLO
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 23, 2025

With Othello, Kenny Leon returns to the rehearsal room for the third time this season. He brought Samm-Art Williams' Home to Broadway last June and was the mastermind behind the recent revival of Our Town, which opened last fall. How did he land on Shakespeare for his next project?
Photos: OTHELLO On Broadway Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Photo
Photos: OTHELLO On Broadway Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 22, 2025

Tony Award winner and two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal go toe-to-toe in Broadway's latest production of Othello, directed by Kenny Leon. Check out brand-new production photos.
The Stage History of Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Photo
The Stage History of Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal
by Stephi Wild - Mar 22, 2025

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal are back on Broadway in the revival of Othello. As these two mega-stars make their Broadway returns, we're taking a walk down memory lane and reliving some of their stage highlights from their careers!
Meet the Cast of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2025

John Proctor is the Villain begins previews tonight at the Booth Theatre on Thursday, March 20, 2025 ahead of a Monday, April 14 opening night. Meet the cast of John Proctor is the Villain here!
MUSIC FROM BAYANO: An Afro-Panamanian Odyssey By Darrel Alejandro Holnes To Play Joe' Photo
MUSIC FROM BAYANO: An Afro-Panamanian Odyssey By Darrel Alejandro Holnes To Play Joe's Pub
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2025

True Colors in association with Miss Mason Productions will present Music from Bayano: An Afro-Panamanian Odyssey, an epic poem with music by Darrel Alejandro Holnes at Joe's Pub. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Steppenwolf Sets World Premiere and More for 50th Anniversary Season Photo
Steppenwolf Sets World Premiere and More for 50th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has revealed its its 50th Anniversary Season. Learn more about the 50th anniversary programming and see how to purchase tickets to upcoming productions!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Kenny Leon been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Purlie Victorious, Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama League Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Topdog/Underdog, Directing Award (Obie Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Soldier's Play, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Soldier's Play, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Fences, Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Tambourines to Glory, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun and Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Blues in the Night.

What awards has Kenny Leon won?

Kenny Leon has won several prestigious awards, including the Directing Award from the Obie Awards for Much Ado About Nothing. He received the Outstanding Director of a Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Soldier's Play. Additionally, he won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for A Raisin in the Sun. He was also honored with the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards and the Outstanding Director - Play award from the Drama Desk Awards, both for A Raisin in the Sun.

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