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Michael Arden

Birth Place: Midland, TX, USA

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BIO

Michael Arden is a Tony-nominated director for his revival of Spring Awakening. The acclaimed production transferred from Deaf West Theater in Los Angeles to Broadway in fall 2015. He also won the Outer Critics Circle for Outstanding Director of a Musical and was nominated for a Drama Desk award for the production. Michael made his Broadway debut in Deaf West Theater and the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Big River. Other directing credits include My Fair Lady at Bay Street Theater; Merrily We Roll Along at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Los Angeles, where he is currently the Artist in Residence; LA Ronde for his company, the Forest of Arden; and For the Record: John Hughes in LA and NYC. His production of The Pride opened at the Wallis Annenberg Center in June 2017. Other theatre credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Times they are a Changin', Ragtime (Avery Fisher), It's Only Life, Swimming in the Shallows, Ace, Juno, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale, The Secret Garden, Pippin (Mark Taper Forum), and Aspects of Love at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. Michael's film work includes Source Code, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Bride Wars and So B It. He has also worked extensively in TV, most notably on FX and Fox's "Anger Management." Other TV credits include "GCB," "Nurse Jackie," "Royal Pains," "Unforgettable," "Off the Map," "Kings," "The Closer," "The Forgotten," "Bones," "The Return of Jezebel James," "Cashmere Mafia," "Grey's Anatomy," and "NUMB3RS." Concert work includes singing with Barbra Streisand, Chris Botti, and performances at 54 BELOW, Feinstein's at the Regency and Joe's Pub. Michael is an alum of The Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School.


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
U.S. Premiere La Jolla Playhouse Production, 2014
Quasimodo

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
Old Globe Production, 2007
John Robert

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Coyote

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2006
Coyote

[New York]
New York Concert, 2005
Dickon

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Nick

[Regional (US)]
Reprise! Concert, 2005
Pippin

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2004
Peter

Peter

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Ensemble

Tom Sawyer

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2030]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Director
 
[Los Angeles, 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Los Angeles, 2016]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Assistant Director

Movies

The Good Shepherd
[ 2006 ] Pinafore Actor
Bride Wars
[ 2009 ] Kevin
The Cave Movie
[ 2009 ] Sam
Source Code
[ 2011 ] Derek Frost
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
[ 2012 ] Doug Wert
So B. It
[ 2016 ] Elliot

TV Shows

Anger Management
Patrick

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening

Videos

News


Video: Darren Criss and Helen J Shen in MAYBE HAPPY ENDING on Broadway

Maybe Happy Ending, the new romantic musical comedy starring Darren Criss and Helen J Shen officially opened on Broadway on November 12 at the Belasco Theatre. Get a first look at footage here! 
Jefferson Mays' One-Man A CHRISTMAS CAROL is Now Available to Stream Online

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, featuring Jefferson Mays playing over 50 roles, is now available to stream online. Learn more about where you can watch this production here!
Broadway Buying Guide: November 18, 2024- MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Arrives on Broadway

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, November 18, 2024.
Video: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Celebrates Opening Night

Maybe Happy Ending officially opened to critical acclaim. Watch in this video as Darren Criss, Helen J Shen, and the rest of the company check in on opening night!
Review Roundup: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, Starring Darren Criss and Helen J Shen.

Though the company celebrated last night, Maybe Happy Ending officially opens on Broadway today, November 12. Check out what the critics are saying about the new musical here.
OTHELLO Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Finds Full Cast

The complete cast has been announced for 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.
Photos: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Red Carpet Arrivals

The best of Broadway came out to celebrate at the Belasco Theatre yesterday, where Maybe Happy Ending held its special gala performance. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night and you can check out photos from the starry guest arrivals below.
Photos: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Cast Celebrates Gala Performance

What happens when two, retired HelperBots fall in love? Broadway is about to find out with Maybe Happy Ending. Check out photos from inside the gala celebration here.
Photos: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Cast Takes Bows at Gala Celebration

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING held its gala celebration last night, November 11, at the Belasco Theatre, ahead of tonight's official opening. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos of the cast taking their bows here!
Photos: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Starring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen

Performances are now underway for MAYBE HAPPY ENDING at the Belasco Theatre. The production stars Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Darren Criss, Helen J Shen and more. Check out all new photos here!
Photos: Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham Visit MAYBE HAPPY ENDING on Broadway

Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham recently attended MAYBE HAPPY ENDING on Broadway and met the cast following the performance. Check out photos from backstage here!
PARADE to Replace ALI in the Next Broadway In Chicago Season

 Broadway In Chicago revealed that ALI, originally scheduled for next year, will be postponed until further notice. Parade will take its place. Learn how to purchase tickets.
PARADE Comes to the Fisher Theater Next Year

Broadway In Detroit has announced that Parade, winner of the 2023 Tony Award® for Best Revival of a Musical, will make its Detroit premiere at the Fisher Theatre February 25 – March 9, 2025.
Video: Darren Criss Explains Why MAYBE HAPPY ENDING is a Rare Musical

Darren Criss, currently starring in Maybe Happy Ending, visited The Today Show to discuss the show and why he is excited to star in the original musical.
Photos: SUNSET BLVD Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway

Jamie Lloyd’s new Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd, starring Nicole Scherzinger as ‘Norma Desmond' officially opened on Sunday, October 20 at the St. James Theatre on Broadway. Check out photos of all of the stars arriving at opening night here!
Broadway Buying Guide: October 21, 2024- SUNSET BLVD Storms Back to Broadway

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, October 21, 2024.
Photos: CAA's Joe Machota Receives Portrait at Sardi's

Head of CAA’s theater department Joe Machota recently received his portrait at Sardi's and BroadwayWorld was there to celebrate. Check out photos here!
Photos: Darren Criss & Helen J Shen in MAYBE HAPPY ENDING

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING is now in performances at the Belasco Theatre. The production stars Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Darren Criss, Helen J Shen and more. Get a first look at production photos here! 
Review: AMERICAN IDIOT at Mark Taper Forum

With a packed Taper house, a stage full of hot young singer/dancers performing, signing and middle fingering their hopes and disillusionments into an iconic rock score; yeah life doesn’t suck too much. Neither does this production, although ironically, here’s wishing that that the experience could have been even more roof-raising,
Video: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING on Broadway With Darren Criss, Helen J Shen & More

Maybe Happy Ending starts previews on Broadway and we've got a first look video at Darren Criss, Helen J Shen, and more in the production! The new Broadway musical is playing at the Belasco Theatre, and also stars Dez Duron and Marcus Choi.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Michael Arden been in?

Michael Arden has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Michael Arden been in?

Michael Arden has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Michael Arden been nominated for?

Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Once on this Island, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Once on this Island, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Once on this Island, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Spring Awakening, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Spring Awakening and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Spring Awakening.

What awards has Michael Arden won?

Michael Arden has won the Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Once on this Island and the Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Spring Awakening.

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Videos