Michael Arden
Birth Place: Midland, TX, USA
Photos: Zachary Noah Piser and Hannah Kevitt in MAYBE HAPPY ENDING (Jun 2, 2026)
Final Chance to Vote for the 2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards (Jun 2, 2026)
SCHMIGADOON!, THE BALUSTERS and GIANT Win Top Categories at 2026 Dorian Theater Awards (Jun 1, 2026)
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
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STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Movies
[ 2006 ] Pinafore Actor
[ 2009 ] Kevin
[ 2009 ] Sam
[ 2011 ] Derek Frost
[ 2012 ] Doug Wert
[ 2016 ] Elliot
TV Shows
Patrick
Awards and Nominations
Michael Arden, The Lost Boys
Michael Arden, The Lost Boys
winner
Michael Arden, The Lost Boys
Michael Arden, The Lost Boys
Michael Arden, The Lost Boys
winner
Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending
winner
Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending
winner
Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending
winner
Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending
winner
Michael Arden, Once on this Island
Michael Arden, Once on this Island
Michael Arden, Once on this Island
Michael Arden, Spring Awakening
winner
Michael Arden, Spring Awakening
Michael Arden, Spring Awakening
Videos
Video: Zachary Noah Piser and Hannah Kevitt Take First Bows in MAYBE HAPPY ENDING
by Stephi Wild - 2026-05-20 08:31:36
Video: THE LOST BOYS Cast Performs "My Heart With You" and "Belong to Someone"
by Stephi Wild - 2026-05-19 07:00:10
Video: Michael Arden Took Big Chances on THE LOST BOYS... And They Paid Off
by Luka Vonier - 2026-05-15 15:01:10
Video: THE LOST BOYS Takes Bite Out of Broadway on Opening Night
by Luka Vonier - 2026-04-30 09:47:33
Video: Shoshana Bean Reveals Why She Almost Turned Down THE LOST BOYS
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-29 14:23:56
Video: Watch 'Never Fly Away' From MAYBE HAPPY ENDING From Backstage
by Michael Major - 2026-04-21 15:23:03
Video: LJ Benet Is Finding Belonging on Broadway in THE LOST BOYS
by Luka Vonier - 2026-04-21 13:33:16
Video: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING's Hannah Kevitt 'Passes the Charger' to Claire Kwon
by Michael Major - 2026-04-03 10:24:40
Video: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Stars of Broadway & Korea Duet on 'The Way That It Has To Be'
by Michael Major - 2026-04-02 16:56:15
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Reflects on THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Early Closing: 'We Got So Close'
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-13 11:29:07
Video: THE LOST BOYS Cast Performs 'If We Make It Through The Night'
by Nicole Rosky - 2026-02-02 13:14:13
Video: Watch Kristin Chenoweth Perform 'This Is Not The Way' From THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES on THE LATE SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-12-02 10:05:15
Video: Darren Criss Teams Up with Third Reprise for 80s Pop Rock Cover of 'I'm Not That Girl' From WICKED
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-24 13:46:22
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Reflects on Playing Jackie Siegel in THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-20 11:00:39
News
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2026
You can now get a first look at Zachary Noah Piser as “Oliver” and Hannah Kevitt as “Claire” in Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway. Check out new photos of the stars on stage.
by Team BWW - Jun 2, 2026
This is the final chance to vote 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 - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 1, 2026
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics kicked off Pride Month by bestowing Prince Faggot and Ragtime top honors in the group’s fourth annual Dorian Theater Awards.
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 1, 2026
Shoshana Bean, who is nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in The Lost Boys, recently received her iconic portrait at Sardi's. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the unveiling here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2026
The 2026 Tony Award Nominees gathered at The Rainbow Room for the 2026 Nominees Luncheon to celebrate the Broadway season and share in the excitement of joining this year’s class of Tony Nominees. See photos!
by Team BWW - May 29, 2026
There's just four days left to vote 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 - allowing YOU to have your say during the most exciting time of the year for the theater community.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2026
The Lost Boys (Original Broadway Cast Recording) will be released. The official companion to the 12-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features music and lyrics by 2026 Tony Award nominees The Rescues.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 27, 2026
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody officially opened Off-Broadway at the 6th Floor Theater at The Culture Club (formerly The McKittrick Hotel). See photos from opening night here!
by A.A. Cristi - May 27, 2026
THE LOST BOYS, the 12-time Tony-nominated musical at The Palace Theatre, announced a new block of tickets on sale, extending the run through early 2027.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 26, 2026
Watch as Shoshana Bean and Paul Alexander Nolan perform 'Wild' in The Lost Boys on Broadway! Shoshana Bean is currently nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a featured role in a musical.
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 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 Stephi Wild - May 20, 2026
Zachary Noah Piser and Hannah Kevitt took their first bows in Maybe Happy Ending. The pair have taken on the roles of “Oliver” and “Claire”, respectively. Check out the video of their first bows here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2026
Zachary Noah Piser and Hannah Kevitt will play the roles of “Oliver” and “Claire” in Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway. They join the current original cast members Dez Duron and Marcus Choi.
by Stephi Wild - May 19, 2026
The cast of The Lost Boys recently took the stage at The Tonight Show for a special performance of 'My Heart With You' and 'Belong to Someone.' Check out the video here!
by Michael Major - May 18, 2026
Darren Criss played his final performance in Maybe Happy Ending on Sunday, May 17. The performance concluded with the production's 'passing of the charger,' before an emotional stage door visit from Criss. Watch the videos!
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 Marissa Faith Curley - May 16, 2026
Check out new video from the show as LJ Benet & Maria Wirries perform 'Now, Forever' from THE LOST BOYS. Perfect weather. Beautiful beaches. And a charming boardwalk…as long as you ignore all the “Missing” posters.
by Nicole Rosky - May 18, 2026
The Original Broadway Cast Recording of THE LOST BOYS will be available to pre-order Friday, May 29. More details on the album, including digital and physical release date, will be announced soon.
by Luka Vonier - May 15, 2026
Just last week, following his double 2026 Tony nominations, Michael Arden sat down with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge to discuss bringing The Lost Boys to the stage- a production that blends horror, heart, humor, and high-flying spectacle. Watch in this video!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Michael Arden has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.
Michael Arden has not appeared in the West End.
OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL (Drama League Awards) for The Lost Boys, Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lost Boys, Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lost Boys, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Lost Boys, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Lost Boys, Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL (Drama League Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, 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.
Michael Arden has won the following awards: - Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lost Boys. - Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending. - Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending. - Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending. - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending. - Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Once on This Island. - Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Spring Awakening.
Videos
