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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
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Director
 
[US Tour, 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


First Listen: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Stars Darren Criss and Helen J Shen Are 'Hitting the Road'
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 13, 2025

Broadway's newest love story, Maybe Happy Ending, will release its original Broadway cast recording this spring. The show dropped a first listen on social media today, featuring stars Darren Criss and Helen J Shen. Hear, 'Fireflies' now!
Photos: NYTW's 2025 Gala Honors Rachel Brosnahan, Joaquina Kalukango, and Greg Nobile
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 11, 2025

New York Theatre Workshop just celebrated its NYTW 2025 Gala, honoring Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile. Check out photos from inside the big day.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 11, 2025
by - Feb 11, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 11, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: First Look At PARADE National Tour Starring Max Chernin, Talia Suskauer and More
by Joshua Wright - Feb 11, 2025

Check out first look video of the new touring production of Michael Arden's Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Parade, now on tour across the United States. The production is led by Max Chernin (Parade on Broadway) and Talia Suskauer as Leo and Lucille Frank.
Review: PARADE at Connor Palace/Key Bank Series
by Roy Berko - Feb 7, 2025

PARADE, which is now on stage at the Palace Theatre as part of the Key Bank Broadway series, is a musical with a book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown.
New York Theatre Workshop Announces Additional Performers And Presenters For Their 2025 Annual Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2025

New York Theatre Workshop has announced additional performers and presenters for the NYTW 2025 Gala, honoring Emmy Award winner Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango, and Tony Award-winning theater and film producer Greg Nobile.
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025

Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
THE LOST BOYS Musical Will Arrive on Broadway in Spring 2026
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 27, 2025

BroadwayWorld has just learned that THE LOST BOYS, A NEW MUSICAL will arrive on Broadway Spring 2026, with direction by Tony Award winner Michael Arden. We have all of the details here!
Videos: Darren Criss Talks MAYBE HAPPY ENDING and GLEE Success on LIVE WITH KELLY AND MARK
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 23, 2025

Darren Criss recently visited Live with Kelly and Mark to discuss his new Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending. On the show, the Glee star shared his affinity for new and original material and stressed the importance of telling new stories like Maybe Happy Ending. Watch the interview!
Review: PARADE at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis
by Jared Fessler - Jan 23, 2025

The National Tour of Parade, currently gracing the stage of the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, is a poignant and breathtakingly raw production that resonates deeply with audiences. Directed with precision by Michael Arden, this revival of the Tony Award-winning musical by Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown is both timely and timeless, delivering an emotionally charged portrayal of love, justice, and societal prejudice.
Exclusive: First Look at PARADE National Tour
by Joshua Wright - Jan 22, 2025

BroadwayWorld has an exclusive first look at photos from the touring production of the recent Broadway revival of Parade is now on tour across the United States. The production is on stage through January 26th, 2025 at Hennepin Arts in Minneapolis.
Review Roundup: PARADE National Tour Starring Max Chernin & Talia Suskauer
by Joshua Wright - Jan 16, 2025

The touring production of the recent Broadway revival of Parade is now on tour across the United States. What did the critics think? Read all the reviews. The company is led by Max Chernin (Broadway Revival of Parade) and Talia Suskauer  who will play Leo and Lucille Frank.
Listen: Hear Music From THE LOST BOYS Stage Adaptation
by Michael Major - Jan 15, 2025

Get a first listen to music from the stage adaptation of The Lost Boys. The new musical will be directed by Michael Arden, featuring music by The Rescues. Watch a video of them performing 'Belong To Someone' for the first time!
Sonia Friedman Joins Producing Team of Kristin Chenoweth-Led THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Stephi Wild - Jan 15, 2025

Sonia Friedman has joined the team as producer and general partner for the upcoming musical The Queen of Versailles. Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!
PARADE Comes to the Kauffman Center This Month
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2025

PARADE, winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, will be part of the 24–25 PNC Broadway in Kansas City season and will make its Kansas City premiere at Kauffman Center this month.
25 Broadway People to Watch in 2025
by Sidney Paterra - Jan 5, 2025

Who should you keep your eye on as the spring season begins and awards season approaches? Check out our list of just 25 performers and creatives to watch out for in the new year! ​ ​
Megan Hilty & Kristin Chenoweth Want the 'Real Housewives of Broadway'
by Michael Major - Jan 3, 2025

While appearing on a recent episode of Bravo's Watch What Happens Live, Death Becomes Her star Megan Hilty pitched the Real Housewives of Broadway to host and Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen. Watch the clip and read more here.
Interview: Talia Suskauer on PARADE at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis
by Jared Fessler - Jan 2, 2025

The first national tour of Parade will be making a stop at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis from January 21 to 26, 2025. We had the opportunity to chat with Talia Suskauer, who plays Lucille Frank, about this production and his excitement about coming to Minnesota.
Video: Max Chernin & Talia Suskauer Are Getting Ready to Hit the Road in PARADE
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 1, 2025

Meet the Franks! Max Chernin and Talia Suskauer are getting ready to hit the road in the national tour of Parade. Watch in this video as the pair chats more about how they manifested sharing the stage together, how they are getting ready to tour the country, and so much more.
Best Broadway Shows in January 2025
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 31, 2024

What's the best show on Broadway? Check out ten Broadway shows to see in January 2025 that have earned critical acclaim, gained audience praise, and earned Tony Awards.

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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