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Margo Lion

Birth Place: Baltimore, MD, USA

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BIO

Lion is best known for her role in producing Hairspray.



Originally, Lion worked in politics, but after spending three years at the University of Iowa's Playwrights Workshop where her former husband, Ted Nemeth, was a graduate student, Lion's focus turned from education to her earlier interest in theater.

Lion's cousin, MacArthur Award recipient and director/choreographer Martha Clarke, introduced Lion to Lyn Austin from whom she learned the ropes with Austin's not-for-profit company, Music-Theater Group/Lenox Arts Center.

The first musical Lion produced on Broadway was Jelly's Last Jam, based on Jelly Roll Morton and the origins of jazz.

Other notable Broadway credits include Angels in America, On the Town, Elaine Stritch at Liberty, Caroline or Change, The Wedding Singer, Catch Me If You Can, and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, among others.

Lion was an adjunct professor and a member of the Dean's Council at the NYU Tisch School for the Arts. She served on the Board of Directors of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and on the advisory boards of the Baltimore Young Women's Leadership School, and The Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts, PUBLICOLOR.

In 2009 Margo Lion was selected by President Barack Obama to co-chair the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.


Lion's productions have garnered 20 Tony Awards, 4 Olivier Awards and 1 Pulitzer Prize. Following the opening of Hairspray, she was awarded the key to the city of Baltimore by then Mayor, Martin O'Malley.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2012]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Producer
 
[West End, 2007]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Producer
 
[New York, 2004]
Producer
 
[Toronto, 2004]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 2003]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1992]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Associate Producer
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Associate Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1987]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1987]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Producer

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Musical

Margo Lion, Catch Me If You Can

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Play

Margo Lion, Radio Golf

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Musical

Margo Lion, The Wedding Singer

Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Musical

Margo Lion, Caroline, or Change


winner
Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Musical

Margo Lion, Hairspray

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Revival of a Play

Margo Lion, The Crucible


winner
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Special Theatrical Event

Margo Lion, Elaine Stritch at Liberty


winner
The Lortels - 2001 - Unique Theatrical Experience

Margo Lion, Mnemonic

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Play

Margo Lion, Seven Guitars


winner
Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Play

Margo Lion, Angels in America: Perestroika


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Play

Margo Lion, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Musical

Margo Lion, Jelly's Last Jam

News


Review: HAIRSPRAY Revivals in São Paulo with a Beautiful Message of Acceptance

A girl achieves her dream of performing on a TV dance show in 1960s Baltimore — and works to integrate the show — in this musical version of the John Waters film. Outside of traditional beauty standards, she faces many prejudices, become an instant celebrity, and fight against racial segregation promoting inclusion of everyone in the city.
La Jolla Playhouse's Eric Keen-Louie Named Artistic Producing Director

La Jolla Playhouse has announced that Eric Keen-Louie, who joined the Playhouse in 2018, will take on the role of Artistic Producing Director. Learn more about Eric and his role here!
Special Exhibit SIX: THE ROYAL GALLERY to Open at The Museum of Broadway

The Museum of Broadway will present its newest special exhibit celebrating Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s Tony Award®-winning global smash hit Broadway musical, SIX.
Museum of Broadway Adds Costumes from Lea Michele & Ben Platt; New Exclusive Artifacts

Guests visiting the Museum of Broadway can view new artifacts including the “Don’t Rain On My Parade” costume worn by Lea Michele in Funny Girl and a suit worn by Ben Platt in the 2023 Tony Award-winning Best Revival of a Musical Parade.
The Museum of Broadway Extends Special Exhibit Celebrating CHICAGO

ALL THAT JAZZ: The Legacy of CHICAGO the Musical, has been extended through October 30 at Museum of Broadway. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Meow Meow to Bring Latest Cabaret Show to the Lincoln Theatre in November

Join Meow Meow for an unforgettable evening of cabaret entertainment at the Lincoln Theatre on November 8. Experience her latest show filled with mesmerizing performances and captivating music. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to witness Meow Meow's talent live on stage. Get your tickets now!
Museum of Broadway to Offer Educational Workshops and Resources for School Groups

The Museum of Broadway will begin offering onsite educational workshops and resources for school group visitors.
Museum Of Broadway to Present THE AMERICAN THEATRE AS SEEN BY AL HIRSCHFELD as First Special Exhibit

The Museum of Broadway has announced the first special exhibit that will be featured in the Museum, The American Theatre as seen by Hirschfeld, curated by David Leopold, Creative Director of The Al Hirschfeld Foundation.
People's Light Announces An Expansion of the Theatre's Artistic Team, Including Steve H. Broadnax III & More

Following their recent leadership transition in which Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman succeeded former Executive Artistic Director Abigail Adams, People’s Light has announce an exciting expansion of their artistic team with four new appointments. Broadway-favorite Steve H. Broadnax III (Thoughts of a Colored Man) transitions from Resident Director to People’s Light Associate Artistic Director.
Photos: Playhouse Square Honors Legendary Lyricist Sir Tim Rice

Playhouse Square Board of Trustees Chair Amy Brady honored noted lyricist Sir Tim Rice with the organization’s highest award, the Playhouse Square Star Award for Achievement in the Performing Arts, at its annual Chairman’s Dinner on May 4.
Work by David Rockwell, Bunny Christie & More to be Featured in The Museum of Broadway

Today, The Museum of Broadway announced a group of featured artists who have designed various rooms and exhibits within the Museum, as well as their team of expert curators. Tickets will go on sale on June 14th. 
2020 Tony Awards: Live Reactions from Inside the Winner's Circle!

The Tony Awards are back and BroadwayWorld is bringing you the insider scoop from the virtual Winner's Room! 
LISTEN: Jenny Steingart Talks FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME & More on THE THEATRE PODCAST WITH ALAN SEALES

Jenny Steingart is a powerhouse producer for theatre, film, and television. She has worked alongside some of the greatest names in the industry, including Tina Fey, Joel Grey, Sir Patrick Stewart, Josh Groban, and Lin Manuel Miranda
La Jolla Playhouse's Eric Keen-Louie Appointed to New Role of Executive Producer

La Jolla Playhouse has announced that Eric Keen-Louie, who joined the Playhouse in 2018 as Producing Director, will take on the new role of Executive Producer at the Theatre. As lead producer, Keen-Louie will collaborate with Playhouse staff to oversee assembling creative teams, casting, production budgets, and artistic development.  
Jennifer Ashley Tepper's THE UNTOLD STORIES OF BROADWAY, VOLUME 4 to be Released in March

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Glenn Close, Jennifer Hudson, Samuel L. Jackson and 70+ Stars Will Take Part in IN OUR AMERICA: A Concert for the Soul of the Nation

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VIDEO: Jai'Len Josey Sings 'Sign My Name' From THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES

The music video for 'Sign My Name' from The Secret Life of Bees has been released! The musical, which premiered at Atlantic Theater Company in 2019 with a book by Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage, music by Tony and Grammy Award winner Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Drama Desk winner Susan Birkenhead, is based on the best-selling novel of the same name.
Broadway Theatres to Dim Lights in Memory of Tony Award Winning Producer Margo Lion

The Broadway community mourns the loss of multiple Tony Award® winning producer Margo Lion, who died on January 24, 2020 at age 75. To commemorate her life and work, the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim the lights of the Jujamcyn Theatres (the Al Hirschfeld, August Wilson, Eugene O'Neill, St. James, and Walter Kerr Theatres) where Ms. Lion often collaborated and worked; as well as the American Airlines, Bernard Jacobs, Helen Hayes, Neil Simon, New Amsterdam, Lincoln Center, Lyric Theatre, and Samuel J. Friedmans; in New York for one minute on Saturday, February 29 at exactly 7:45pm.
Margo Lion, Tony Award-Winning Producer of HAIRSPRAY and More, Has Passed Away

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Margo Lion, Broadway and off-Broadway producer, has passed away. Lion is best known for her role in producing Hairspray.
T. Fellowship Announces New T. Fellow Ben Holtzman

T. Fellowship, in association with Columbia University School of the Arts, announces the next T. Fellow is Ben Holtzman, the eighth fellow in the one?year program designed to educate and empower new creative producers. The fellow will receive a stipend of $10,000 with a $20,000 budget for the development of a new theatrical production, and will have access to courses in Columbia's MFA Theatre Management & Producing Program.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Margo Lion been nominated for?

Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Catch Me If You Can, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Radio Golf, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for The Wedding Singer, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Caroline, or Change, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Hairspray, Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Crucible, Best Special Theatrical Event (Tony Awards) for Elaine Stritch at Liberty, Unique Theatrical Experience (The Lortels) for Mnemonic, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Seven Guitars, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Perestroika, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches and Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam.

What awards has Margo Lion won?

Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Hairspray, Best Special Theatrical Event (Tony Awards) for Elaine Stritch at Liberty, Unique Theatrical Experience (The Lortels) for Mnemonic, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Perestroika, and Best Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches.

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