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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


Videos You Missed This Week: DEAD OUTLAW, PURPOSE and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: DEAD OUTLAW, PURPOSE and More
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 14, 2025

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! 2025 has officially arrived and the second half of the 2024-25 Broadway season has officially begun. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending February 14, 2025 with videos from Dead Outlaw, Redwood, and more!
Up on the Marquee: OTHELLO Photo
Up on the Marquee: OTHELLO
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 12, 2025

Shakespeare's Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, is getting ready to return to Broadway. Previews will begin Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.Check out photos of the new marquee here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 12, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 12, 2025
by - Feb 12, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 12, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: In Rehearsals for OTHELLO with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Photo
Video: In Rehearsals for OTHELLO with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal
by Joey Mervis - Feb 11, 2025

Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, is now in rehearsals for its Broadway return. Watch in this video as the full company meets the press and chats about what audiences can expect.
Photos: Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, and the Cast of OTHELLO Meet the Press Photo
Photos: Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, and the Cast of OTHELLO Meet the Press
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 11, 2025

Shakespeare's Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, is now in rehearsals. Previews will begin Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
FUZZY, THE YOM KIPPUR PLAY & More Set for Barrington Stage Company 2025 Season Photo
FUZZY, THE YOM KIPPUR PLAY & More Set for Barrington Stage Company 2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025

Barrington Stage Company has revealed the theatre’s 2025 season which includes seven productions, including two regional premieres and two world premieres. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Meet the Cast of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN Starring Sadie Sink Photo
Photos: Meet the Cast of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN Starring Sadie Sink
by Stephi Wild - Feb 6, 2025

All new photos have been released of the cast of John Proctor is the Villain, a new play by Kimberly Belflower, with direction by Tony Award winner Danya Taymor, and starring Sadie Sink. Check out the photos here!
Lincoln Center Theater Names Nicole Kastrinos As Producer Photo
Lincoln Center Theater Names Nicole Kastrinos As Producer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2025

Nicole Kastrinos will join Lincoln Center Theater in the new role of Producer, beginning Monday, March 17, 2025. Learn more about Kastrinos and about the position.
Photos: In Rehearsals for OTHELLO, Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Photo
Photos: In Rehearsals for OTHELLO, Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 27, 2025

Get a first look at rehearsals for Shakespeare's Othello, starring Denzel Washington as Othello and Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. See the full star-studded cast, including Molly Osborne, Andrew Burnap, and more.
Photos: OUR TOWN's Jim Parsons Receives Sardi's Portrait Photo
Photos: OUR TOWN's Jim Parsons Receives Sardi's Portrait
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 8, 2025

Jim Parsons, who is currently starring on Broadway in Our Town and is most known for starring in the CBS hit The Big Bang Theory, recently received his portrait at Sardi's. BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling and you can check out photos here!
RED BULL THEATER's SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 2025 Submissions Now Open Photo
RED BULL THEATER's SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 2025 Submissions Now Open
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 7, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced that submissions are now open for Red Bull's ANNUAL SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL. Featuring six brand new 10-minute plays of heightened language and classic themes inspired by this year's theme, “Defiance,”
The Best Reviewed Broadway Shows of 2024 Photo
The Best Reviewed Broadway Shows of 2024
by Sidney Paterra - Jan 4, 2025

44 Broadway shows opened in 2024, and while not all of them were loved by the critics, there were plenty of standouts all year long. We're breaking down the best Broadway shows of 2024 by month.
What's Closing Soon on Broadway & Off Broadway- January 2025 Photo
What's Closing Soon on Broadway & Off Broadway- January 2025
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 31, 2024

Last call to catch some of your favorite stars in action on and off Broadway, including a holiday favorite, a Tony-winning Best Play, and more. Get your tickets to these shows now before they are gone for good.  
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala Photo
Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango & Greg Nobile to be Honored at NYTW's 2025 Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2024

New York Theatre Workshop's 2025 Gala will honor Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile. Learn more and see how to attend.
Best Broadway Shows in 2025- What's Coming! Photo
Best Broadway Shows in 2025- What's Coming!
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 13, 2024

Looking for what the best shows to see in 2025 on Broadway will be? Our editors have rounded up info on all of the Broadway productions which have revealed full details of their upcoming engagements. Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2025 including plays, musicals, revivals, new shows and of course - stars!
Video: Katie Holmes Surprises Zoey Deutch on GMA with OUR TOWN Question Photo
Video: Katie Holmes Surprises Zoey Deutch on GMA with OUR TOWN Question
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 9, 2024

Zoey Deutch recently visited Good Morning America to discuss the new production of Our Town. On the show, her co-star Katie Holmes surprised her with a special video asking her about her experience with the play. Watch the interview now!
Broadway Buying Guide: December 2, 2024- HELL'S KITCHEN, REDWOOD Get a Parade Boost Photo
Broadway Buying Guide: December 2, 2024- HELL'S KITCHEN, REDWOOD Get a Parade Boost
by Team BWW - Dec 2, 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 2, 2024.
Video: Katie Holmes Shares OUR TOWN Pre-Show Rituals Photo
Video: Katie Holmes Shares OUR TOWN Pre-Show Rituals
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 29, 2024

Katie Holmes visited The Tonight Show to discuss the new production of Our Town, which is currently running at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. On the show, she shared some of her pre-show rituals that help her get ready for a performance. Watch the interview now!
ROMEO + JULIET, OTHELLO, and More Selected For J.P. Morgan's 2025 NextList Photo
ROMEO + JULIET, OTHELLO, and More Selected For J.P. Morgan's 2025 NextList
by Stephi Wild - Nov 26, 2024

 J.P. Morgan has unveiled its NextList2025, spotlighting four Broadway productions that are set to open in the coming year. Find out what shows made this year's list here!
Photos: Paul Giamatti, Holly Hunter & More Visit OUR TOWN on Broadway Photo
Photos: Paul Giamatti, Holly Hunter & More Visit OUR TOWN on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2024

On Saturday, November 16th, the cast of the Paramount+ upcoming series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” took in a performance of Our Town together at the Barrymore Theatre on Broadway. See photos!
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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 for his directing work. He received the Directing Award from the Obie Awards for Much Ado About Nothing. He was also honored with the Outstanding Director of a Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Soldier's Play. Additionally, he won the Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for A Raisin in the Sun. Leon received the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards and was recognized as the Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards, again for A Raisin in the Sun.

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