Lear deBessonet
Latest News on Lear deBessonet:
First Standings Revealed for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards (May 22, 2026)
Photos: Inside the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards (May 22, 2026)
Photos: On the Red Carpet for Lincoln Center Theater's Gala Presentation of MAN OF LA MANCHA (May 19, 2026)
First Standings Revealed for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards (May 22, 2026)
Photos: Inside the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards (May 22, 2026)
Photos: On the Red Carpet for Lincoln Center Theater's Gala Presentation of MAN OF LA MANCHA (May 19, 2026)
BIO
Lear deBessonet is the Founder of Public Works and Resident Director at the Public Theater. For Public Works, she has directed pageant-style musical adaptations of The Tempest, The Winter's Tale, and The Odyssey at the Delacorte, each featuring two-hundred New Yorkers from all five boroughs.
Photos
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Productions
Writing
Conceiver
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Lear deBessonet, Ragtime
Drama League Awards - 2026 - OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Lear deBessonet, Ragtime
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Lear deBessonet, Ragtime
Tony Awards - 2026 - Best Direction of a Musical
Lear deBessonet, Ragtime
winner
Drama League Awards - 2023 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Lear deBessonet
winner
Drama League Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Lear DeBessonet, Into the Woods
Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Direction of a Musical
Lear deBessonet, Into the Woods
The Lortels - 2014 - Outstanding Director
Lear deBessonet, Good Person of Szechwan
Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Lear deBessonet, Good Person of Szechwan
winner
Obie Awards - 2013 - Direction
Lear deBessonet, The Good Person Of Szechuan
Videos
Video: Joshua Henry and RAGTIME Cast Celebrate 11 Tony Award Nominations With Surprise Stage Door Performance
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-05-06 18:31:45
Video: Watch Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, & More Perform From RAGTIME at WNYC Event
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-17 16:02:37
Video: Joshua Henry and RAGTIME Cast Perform 'Gettin' Ready Rag'
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-03 11:33:52
Video: Joshua Henry Performs 'Make Them Hear You' From RAGTIME on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-02-16 14:10:05
Video: Inside Opening Night of RAGTIME with Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz & More
by Joey Mervis - 2025-10-17 13:55:04
Video: Joshua Henry & RAGTIME Cast Rehearse 'Gettin’ Ready Rag'
by Michael Major - 2025-09-19 10:52:52
Video: Watch the RAGTIME Cast Perform the Title Song at Lincoln Center
by Michael Major - 2025-05-28 10:45:40
Video: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Stars J. Harrison Ghee, Cheyenne Jackson, and Nikki Renee Daniels Gear Up for City Center
by A.A. Cristi - 2024-01-17 18:52:38
VIDEO: Watch the First Day with The Encores! Orchestra for ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-12-23 14:01:59
Video: Cast of INTO THE WOODS Talks Opening Night in Los Angeles
by Alan Henry - 2023-07-03 11:01:07
Video: Go Inside Rehearsals for OLIVER! at New York City Center
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-05-02 16:00:19
Video: Denee Benton Gets Her Wish as INTO THE WOODS' New Cinderella
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-12-18 12:00:20
News
First Standings Revealed for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards
by Team BWW - May 22, 2026
The first standings have been revealed for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large.
by Team BWW - May 22, 2026
The first standings have been revealed for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards. The Theater Fans' Choice Awards honor and celebrate the best of New York Theater - as decided by the most important critics, the audience at large.
Photos: Inside the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards
by Bruce Glikas - May 22, 2026
The Outer Critics Circle announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards, and celebrated the winners of the 2025-2026 Broadway and Off-Broadway season at a ceremony. Check out photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - May 22, 2026
The Outer Critics Circle announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards, and celebrated the winners of the 2025-2026 Broadway and Off-Broadway season at a ceremony. Check out photos here!
Photos: On the Red Carpet for Lincoln Center Theater's Gala Presentation of MAN OF LA MANCHA
by Jennifer Broski - May 19, 2026
The best of Broadway was on 65th Street for Lincoln Center Theater's staged concert performance of Man of La Mancha. Check out photos from the red carpet here!
by Jennifer Broski - May 19, 2026
The best of Broadway was on 65th Street for Lincoln Center Theater's staged concert performance of Man of La Mancha. Check out photos from the red carpet here!
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 18, 2026
The best of the New York City theatre community gathered at Town Hall for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards. Stars in attendance included John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, Alex Brightman, Beth Leavel, Donna McKechnie, and more. Check out photos here!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 18, 2026
The best of the New York City theatre community gathered at Town Hall for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards. Stars in attendance included John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, Alex Brightman, Beth Leavel, Donna McKechnie, and more. Check out photos here!
70th Annual Drama Desk Awards Winners - The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - May 17, 2026
The best of the New York City theatre community was at Town Hall for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards, the theater award honoring excellence across all of New York City’s theatrical landscape. Check out a full list of winners here.
by Nicole Rosky - May 17, 2026
The best of the New York City theatre community was at Town Hall for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards, the theater award honoring excellence across all of New York City’s theatrical landscape. Check out a full list of winners here.
Photos: Behind the Scenes with the 2026 Tony Award Nominees for Plays
by Jennifer Broski - May 17, 2026
The Tony nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there to speak with all of them! Check out photos from behind the scenes with the nominees as they chatted with Richard Ridge and passed on our very own Tiny Tony.
by Jennifer Broski - May 17, 2026
The Tony nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there to speak with all of them! Check out photos from behind the scenes with the nominees as they chatted with Richard Ridge and passed on our very own Tiny Tony.
Photos: Behind the Scenes with the 2026 Tony Award Nominees for Musicals
by Jennifer Broski - May 16, 2026
Earlier this week, the Tony nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there to speak with all of them! Check out photos from behind the scenes with the nominees as they chatted with Richard Ridge and passed on our very own Tiny Tony.
by Jennifer Broski - May 16, 2026
Earlier this week, the Tony nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there to speak with all of them! Check out photos from behind the scenes with the nominees as they chatted with Richard Ridge and passed on our very own Tiny Tony.
2026 Drama League Awards Winners- Joshua Henry, MEXODUS, LIBERATION Win Big
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2026
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway were on hand at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to celebrate 92nd Annual Drama League Awards, hosted by Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. Check out a full list of winners here.
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2026
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway were on hand at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to celebrate 92nd Annual Drama League Awards, hosted by Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. Check out a full list of winners here.
Photos: Meet the 2026 Tony Award Nominees
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2026
Just yesterday, the 2026 Tony Award nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there for the special day. Check out photos of the 2026 nominees here!
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2026
Just yesterday, the 2026 Tony Award nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there for the special day. Check out photos of the 2026 nominees here!
Video: RAGTIME Stars Caissie Levy and Brandon Uranowitz Sing 'Our Children' in New Studio Clip
by A.A. Cristi - May 11, 2026
Head into the studio with Caissie Levy and Brandon Uranowitz, two of the Tony-nominated stars of Ragtime, as they record their rendition of, 'Our Children.' Check out newly released video of the pair in the recording studio.
by A.A. Cristi - May 11, 2026
Head into the studio with Caissie Levy and Brandon Uranowitz, two of the Tony-nominated stars of Ragtime, as they record their rendition of, 'Our Children.' Check out newly released video of the pair in the recording studio.
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Winners- RAGTIME and SCHMIGADOON! Lead the Pack
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2026
The Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town, national, and digital news publications, has just announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards. We have the full list.
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2026
The Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town, national, and digital news publications, has just announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards. We have the full list.
Interview: 'It's Been A Long Ride": Actor Bradley Gibson On Returning to HERCULES in London's West End
by Kat Mokrynski - May 19, 2026
Having originated the role of Hercules at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in 2023, Bradley Gibson is returning to Disney’s Hercules, this time in London's West End from 29 June! We recently had the chance to speak with Gibson about returning to the role, talking about what originally made him want to be a part of it, what it is like to come back to the role and his favourite songs from the show!
by Kat Mokrynski - May 19, 2026
Having originated the role of Hercules at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in 2023, Bradley Gibson is returning to Disney’s Hercules, this time in London's West End from 29 June! We recently had the chance to speak with Gibson about returning to the role, talking about what originally made him want to be a part of it, what it is like to come back to the role and his favourite songs from the show!
Exclusive: RAGTIME, CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL And More Honored At the New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards
by Bruce Glikas - May 8, 2026
The New York Drama Critics' Circle celebrated the 2025-2026 season with honors for Little Bear Ridge Road, Ragtime, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and more. BroadwayWorld was inside the event for an exclusive look at the evening’s honorees and attendees. Check out the photos!
by Bruce Glikas - May 8, 2026
The New York Drama Critics' Circle celebrated the 2025-2026 season with honors for Little Bear Ridge Road, Ragtime, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and more. BroadwayWorld was inside the event for an exclusive look at the evening’s honorees and attendees. Check out the photos!
Video: Joshua Henry and RAGTIME Cast Celebrate 11 Tony Award Nominations With Surprise Stage Door Performance
by A.A. Cristi - May 6, 2026
Broadway's revival of RAGTIME, directed by Lear deBessonet at Lincoln Center Theater, celebrated its 11 Tony Award nominations last night. The show's Tony Award-nominated leading man led his castmates and their fans in a rendition of 'Celebration' by Kool & the Gang. Watch the video!
by A.A. Cristi - May 6, 2026
Broadway's revival of RAGTIME, directed by Lear deBessonet at Lincoln Center Theater, celebrated its 11 Tony Award nominations last night. The show's Tony Award-nominated leading man led his castmates and their fans in a rendition of 'Celebration' by Kool & the Gang. Watch the video!
Tony Awards History: Which 2026 Revival Nominees Have Won Before?
by Sidney Paterra - May 9, 2026
The results of the 2026 Tony races are very much still up in the air, but many of this season's nominated revivals have been Tony-tested before. How did they fare? The past may not always be the best indicator of the future, but accolades of years past provide interesting insight nonetheless. Check out a complete list of who was nominated, in what categories, and most importantly... if they won!
by Sidney Paterra - May 9, 2026
The results of the 2026 Tony races are very much still up in the air, but many of this season's nominated revivals have been Tony-tested before. How did they fare? The past may not always be the best indicator of the future, but accolades of years past provide interesting insight nonetheless. Check out a complete list of who was nominated, in what categories, and most importantly... if they won!
Video: Watch the Cast of RAGTIME Perform NPR Tiny Desk Concert
by Josh Sharpe - May 6, 2026
Watch Ragtime cast members Joshua Henry, Brandon Uranowitz, Caissie Levy, Ben Levi Ross, Nichelle Lewis, and Colin Donnell perform a series of musical numbes for NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series.
by Josh Sharpe - May 6, 2026
Watch Ragtime cast members Joshua Henry, Brandon Uranowitz, Caissie Levy, Ben Levi Ross, Nichelle Lewis, and Colin Donnell perform a series of musical numbes for NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series.
Feature: Stages St. Louis Founder Jack Lane and Former Muny Associate Producer Mike Bosner Vie for the Musical Revival Tony Award
by James Lindhorst - May 5, 2026
St. Louis is at the center of one of the most hotly contested races at this year’s Tony Awards. The producing teams of Ragtime and CATS: The Jellicle Ball have ties to St. Louis, and both are nominated for Best Revival of a Musical. Stages St. Louis founder Jack Lane is a co-producer of Ragtime. Mike Bosner, a John Borroughs High School alum and former associate producer at The Muny is the lead producer on CATS: The Jellicle Ball.
by James Lindhorst - May 5, 2026
St. Louis is at the center of one of the most hotly contested races at this year’s Tony Awards. The producing teams of Ragtime and CATS: The Jellicle Ball have ties to St. Louis, and both are nominated for Best Revival of a Musical. Stages St. Louis founder Jack Lane is a co-producer of Ragtime. Mike Bosner, a John Borroughs High School alum and former associate producer at The Muny is the lead producer on CATS: The Jellicle Ball.
Raúl Esparza, Norbert Leo Butz, Beth Leavel and More to Present at 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 4, 2026
The 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards is set to be the largest gathering in the organization's seven-decade history — with the most Drama Desk winners and nominees, past and present, ever assembled for the ceremony.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 4, 2026
The 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards is set to be the largest gathering in the organization's seven-decade history — with the most Drama Desk winners and nominees, past and present, ever assembled for the ceremony.
The Drama League Reveals 2026 Directors Project Recipients
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 4, 2026
The Drama League has revealed the twenty-five stage directors receiving the 2026 fellowships, assistantships, residencies, and exchange opportunities collectively known as The Directors Project.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 4, 2026
The Drama League has revealed the twenty-five stage directors receiving the 2026 fellowships, assistantships, residencies, and exchange opportunities collectively known as The Directors Project.
2026 Tony Nominations - Show by Show
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026
The nominations are in! Below, check out how each show fared individually in a full list of nominations by show. Follow us on BroadwayWorld throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions, exclusive reports, surprises, behind the scenes coverage and oh, so much more!
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026
The nominations are in! Below, check out how each show fared individually in a full list of nominations by show. Follow us on BroadwayWorld throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions, exclusive reports, surprises, behind the scenes coverage and oh, so much more!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Lear deBessonet written?
Lear deBessonet has written 1 shows including transFigures (Conceiver).
What awards has Lear deBessonet been nominated for?
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Ragtime, OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL (Drama League Awards) for Ragtime, Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ragtime, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards) for , Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for Into the Woods, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Good Person of Szechwan, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Good Person of Szechwan and Direction (Obie Awards) for The Good Person Of Szechuan.
What awards has Lear deBessonet won?
Lear deBessonet has won the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards) and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for Into the Woods. Additionally, she received the Direction award (Obie Awards) for The Good Person of Szechuan.
Videos
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