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Michael Greif

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BIO

Greif attended Northwestern University and graduated from the University of California, San Diego graduate directing program. He was the Artistic Director of the La Jolla Playhouse, LaJolla, California from 1994 to 1999.



He was an Artistic Associate at the New York Theatre Workshop where he directed, among others, Bright Lights, Big City (1998–99) and the original production of Rent for which he received the Obie Award for direction of a musical and which he later directed on Broadway.

Greif has directed several original Broadway musicals and been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical four times. In addition to Rent, his Broadway credits include If/Then (also at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.), Next to Normal (also at Second Stage Theatre and Arena Stage), Grey Gardens (also at Playwrights Horizons), Dear Evan Hansen (also at Arena Stage and Second Stage), and War Paint (also at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago).

In August 2023, it was announced that his Chicago Shakespeare Theater production of The Notebook would transfer to Broadway in March 2024 and in September 2023, it was announced that he would transfer his Off-Broadway production of Days of Wine and Roses to Broadway in January 2024.

Among his many directing credits Off-Broadway are Alicia Keys' autobiographical musical Hell's Kitchen, Katori Hall's Our Lady of Kibeho, John Guare's Landscape of the Body and A Few Stout Individuals at Signature Theatre, Beauty of the Father for the Manhattan Theatre Club, the 2009 Playwrights Horizons production of Mrs. Sharp (with music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver and starring Jane Krakowski), and Romeo and Juliet, The Winter's Tale, and The Tempest at the New York Shakespeare Festival at the Delacorte Theater (2007, 2010, 2015).

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Co-Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
 
[Chicago, 2022]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2021]
Director
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2020]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
 
[Toronto, 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Chicago, 2016]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Director
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2015]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
Director
 
[US Tour, 2008]
Director
 
[West End, 2008]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Artistic Associate
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director/Choreographer
Director
 
[West End, 1998]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Assistant Director

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

Michael Greif, Days of Wine and Roses

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Hell's Kitchen

The Lortels - 2018 - Outstanding Director

Michael Greif, The Low Road


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

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

Michael Greif, Dear Evan Hansen

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Director

Michael GreifOur Lady of Kibeho

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Next to Normal

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif, Grey Gardens

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Greif , Grey Gardens


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Director - Play

Michael Greif, Dogeaters


winner
Obie Awards - 2001 - Direction

Michael Greif, Dogeaters

The Lortels - 2001 - Outstanding Director

Michael Greif, Dogeaters


winner
Obie Awards - 1996 - Special Citations

Michael Greif, Rent

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Greif , Rent

Videos

News


Video: Alicia Keys Visits Former School, Reunites with Teacher Who Shaped Her Music

Alicia Keys is looking back at the education and educators that have led to her massive success. The Hell's Kitchen writer recently visited her old performing arts school, also reuniting with a former teacher who has been integral to her journey. Watch the video now!
Photos: On the Red Carpet at EUREKA DAY Opening Night

Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector, directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, is now officially open on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was there at opening night and you can check out photos from the red carpet here!
Broadway Buying Guide: December 16, 2024- WICKED and HAMILTON Are on Top

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, December 16, 2024.
Video: Kecia Lewis Performs 'Perfect Way To Die' from HELL'S KITCHEN at The Root 100 Gala

Kecia Lewis was recognized as one of The Root's most influential Black Americans. She performed 'Perfect Way To Die' from Hell's Kitchen. Check out the video here!
David Foster Developing Musical Based on Amy Bloom's LUCKY US

David Foster has revealed that he is working on a stage musical with AnnMarie Milazzo based on Amy Bloom's novel Lucky Us. Learn more about the upcoming new work!
2 Broadway Shows Close Today

 Broadway says goodbye to two productions. The Notebook takes its final bow at the Schoenfeld Theatre following 35 previews and 317 regular performances; and The Roommate will conclude its limited run at the Booth Theatre following 14 previews and 101 regular performances.
THE NOTEBOOK Enters Final Week of Performances on Broadway

The Notebook, the beloved new musical based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the iconic film, is now in its final week of performances on Broadway at the Schoenfeld Theatre. Purchase tickets now!
Broadway Buying Guide: December 9, 2024- Give the Gift of Broadway This Holiday Season

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, December 9, 2024.
Broadway Buying Guide: December 2, 2024- HELL'S KITCHEN, REDWOOD Get a Parade Boost

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, December 2, 2024.
Video: Shoshana Bean and Jakeim Hart of HELL'S KITCHEN Cover ‘Lesson Learned’ by Alicia Keys

Watch Shoshana Bean, who plays her final performance in Hell's Kitchen on Sunday, December 1, and castmate Jakeim Hart cover Alicia Keys' 'Lesson Learned' in the video here!
HELL'S KITCHEN to Launch Multi-Year North American Tour in Fall 2025

HELL’S KITCHEN will launch a second company in North America with a multi-year tour in 2025. Learn more about the tour route and see how to purchase tickets!
Kelsee Kimmel to Join Broadway's HELL'S KITCHEN as Standby for 'Jersey'

Kelsee Kimmel (SIX) will make her return to Broadway as the Standby for the role of “Jersey” in Hell's Kitchen on Broadway. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
BETTY Will Take Part in Talkback and Performance at BABE at The Pershing Square Signature Center

The New Group production Babe will welcome the band BETTY for a special post-show talkback and LIVE MUSIC concert following the 7:00PM performance on Tuesday, December 3.
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.
THE NOTEBOOK Original Broadway Cast Recording is Now Available on Vinyl

The Notebook (Original Broadway Cast Recording) on special edition blue vinyl is now available for purchase. Find out where you can purchase the vinyl album here!
Isabella Esler, Jake Epstein, Chilina Kennedy & More Will Star in LIFE AFTER in Toronto

The full cast and creative team for the new musical LIFE AFTER at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre has just been announced. The new musical will play a limited engagement from Wednesday, April 16 – Sunday, May 4, 2025 as part of the 2024/25 Off-Mirvish Season. Check out who is joining the cast here!
Photos: THE NOTEBOOK'S New Stars- Aisha Jackson, Anna Zavelson & Benji Santiago

Check out brand new images of the new cast of The Notebook on Broadway, including Aisha Jackson, Anna Zavelson, and Benji Santiago. Joy Woods, John Cardoza, and Jordan Tyson played their final performances earlier this month.
Reba McEntire Visits THE NOTEBOOK on Broadway

Country superstar Reba McEntire recently visited The Notebook on Broadway! The official Instagram page shared a photo of McEntire with the cast and a caption that read: 'Thank you so much for sharing your love and light with us today.' Take a look at the post here!
THE NOTEBOOK to Join National Alzheimer's Awareness Month Initiative

This Friday, November 1, The Notebook The Musical will join more than 1,300 sites around the world to “Light the World in Teal,” bringing awareness to Alzheimer's disease as National Alzheimer's Awareness Month continues throughout November. Learn more about the initiative.
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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Michael Greif been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hell's Kitchen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for The Low Road, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Our Lady of Kibeho, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Next to Normal, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Grey Gardens, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Grey Gardens , Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dogeaters, Direction (Obie Awards) for Dogeaters, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Dogeaters, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Rent and Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rent.

What awards has Michael Greif won?

Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Dogeaters, Direction (Obie Awards) for Dogeaters, and Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Rent.

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