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Michael Mayer

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BIO

Recent work includes: Chess (Kennedy Center), WarholCapote (ART), Michael Moore's The Terms of My Surrender (Belasco), and the world premiere of Nico Muhly's opera Marnie at London's ENO. Broadway Credits include: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Tony Award, best musical revival, also National Tour), Spring Awakening (Tony Award/Best Musical and Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Director; also London, National Tour, Vienna, Tokyo, and Seoul productions); American Idiot (also co-author, Drama Desk Award for Best Director; also US, UK and Asia tours); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony Award/Best Musical also London and National Tour), Side Man (Tony Award/Best Play also London and Kennedy Center Productions), A View from the Bridge (Tony Award/Best Revival), Everyday Rapture, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Triumph of Love. Off-Broadway credits include: Love, Love, Love (Roundabout), Brooklynite (Also co-author, Vineyard), Whorl Inside A Loop (with Dick Scanlan, Second Stage), 10 Million Miles (Atlantic). National Tour: Angels in America. London: a record-breaking West End run of Funny Girl and UK tour. Tokyo: As You Like It (Toho Theatre). Film: The Seagull, A Home at the End of the World, and Flicka. Television: Smash (Director/Producer, Season One) and two seasons of Alpha House for Amazon. Opera: a celebrated production of Rigoletto (Met). He serves on the Board of New York Stage and Film. @MichaelMayerDIR. This one is for Beatrice Terry.

Photos

Productions

Swept AwaySwept Away
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
A Beautiful NoiseA Beautiful Noise
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Director
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Director
A Beautiful NoiseA Beautiful Noise
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
Little Shop of HorrorsLittle Shop of Horrors
 
[Off-Broadway, 2021]
Director
Swept AwaySwept Away
 
[Regional (US), 2020]
Director
Burn ThisBurn This
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Director
Head Over HeelsHead Over Heels
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Director
Head Over HeelsHead Over Heels
 
[San Francisco (Regional), 2018]
Director
ChessChess
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2018]
Director
WarholCapoteWarholCapote
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Director
The Terms of My SurrenderThe Terms of My Surrender
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
Love, Love, LoveLove, Love, Love
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Director
Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. RosewaterKurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Director
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[West End, 2016]
Director
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[West End, 2015]
Director
Whorl Inside a LoopWhorl Inside a Loop
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Co-Director
BrooklyniteBrooklynite
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director, Book
Hedwig and the Angry InchHedwig and the Angry Inch
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Director
American IdiotAmerican Idiot
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Director
American IdiotAmerican Idiot
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Director
On A Clear Day You Can See ForeverOn A Clear Day You Can See Forever
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director
The IllusionThe Illusion
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
Spring AwakeningSpring Awakening
 
[US Tour, 2010]
Director
Everyday RaptureEveryday Rapture
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Director
American IdiotAmerican Idiot
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Director
Our House
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Director
Everyday Rapture
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Director
You May Now Worship Me
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Director
10 Million Miles
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Director
Spring AwakeningSpring Awakening
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Spring Awakening
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
The Flamingo Kid
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
'night, Mother'night, Mother
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
After The FallAfter The Fall
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Director
Thoroughly Modern Millie
 
[West End, 2003]
Director
Thoroughly Modern Millie
 
[US Tour, 2003]
Director
Thoroughly Modern MillieThoroughly Modern Millie
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
An Almost Holy Picture
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Director
The Credeaux Canvas
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director
Spring Awakening
 
[New York, 2001]
Director
Thoroughly Modern Millie
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2000]
Director
Uncle Vanya
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
True History and Real Adventures
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Director
Thoroughly Modern Millie
 
[New York, 1999]
Director
The Lion in Winter
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Director
Stupid Kids
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
Side Man
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Director
Side Man
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
A View From the Bridge
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Triumph of Love
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Director
Baby Anger
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
View of the Dome
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Director
Hundreds of Hats
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
Missing Persons
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
America Dreaming
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
The Triumph of Love
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1993)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1992)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1991)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Director
Young Playwrights Festival (1990)
 
[Off-Broadway, 1990]
Director
Hedwig and the Angry InchHedwig and the Angry Inch
 
[US Tour, 0]
Director

Writing

American Idiot
Bookwriter

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Funny Girl


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Little Shop of Horrors

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Hedwig and the Angry Inch


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, American Idiot


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, American Idiot


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening


winner
Drama League Awards - 2007 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing

Michael Mayer


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening

The Lortels - 2007 - Outstanding Director

Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening


winner
Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Michael Mayer, Spring Awakening

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Thoroughly Modern Millie

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, Thoroughly Modern Millie


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director - Play

Michael Mayer, Uncle Vanya


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director - Play

Michael Mayer, A View from the Bridge

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Mayer, You're a Good Man

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Mayer, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Director - Play

Michael Mayer, A View from the Bridge / Side Man

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Direction of a Play

Michael Mayer, A View From the Bridge


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Director - Play

Michael Mayer, A View from the Bridge

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Michael Mayer, America Dreaming

Videos

More Videos

News


Video: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Cast Performs Musical Medley on TODAY Photo
Video: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Cast Performs Musical Medley on TODAY
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 11, 2025

Milo Manheim, Elizabeth Gilles, and the cast of off-Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors took the TODAY stage on Friday morning to perform a medley of songs from the hit musical. Watch the performance now!
Elizabeth Gillies and Milo Manheim Extend Runs in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Photo
Elizabeth Gillies and Milo Manheim Extend Runs in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2025

Elizabeth Gillies and Milo Manheim will extend their runs as Audrey and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors through Sunday, June 1, 2025, due to popular demand.
Micaela Diamond, Nicholas Christopher and More to Lead THE GREAT WAR & THE GREAT GATS Photo
Micaela Diamond, Nicholas Christopher and More to Lead THE GREAT WAR & THE GREAT GATSBY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025

Following his sold-out 2023 performance of The Great War & The Great Gatsby, historian and narrator John Monsky returns to Carnegie Hall this spring with a bold re-envisioning of his production. Learn more!
Review: NEIL DIAMOND: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE at Shea's Buffalo Theatre Photo
Review: NEIL DIAMOND: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE at Shea's Buffalo Theatre
by Michael Rabice - Apr 9, 2025

The trend continues of bringing a musical superstar's life to the Broadway stage in a jukebox bio-musical style. We've had Cher, Tina Turner, Gloria Estefan, Michael Jackson, and now Neil Diamond in THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE. The flashy and often heartfelt Broadway tour settled onto the stage of Shea's Buffalo Theatre last night to an enthusiastic ovation.
NYU Tisch School of the Arts 2025 Gala Honors Winnie Holzman and Daniel Dae Kim Photo
NYU Tisch School of the Arts 2025 Gala Honors Winnie Holzman and Daniel Dae Kim
by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2025

Over 500 alumni, donors and supporters gathered at Cipriani South Street on Monday night for the NYU Tisch School of the Arts 2025 Gala, raising over $1.7 million to support the critical needs of talented Tisch students.
Exclusive: Inside THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY Opening Night Party Photo
Exclusive: Inside THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY Opening Night Party
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 31, 2025

The party raged all night long last week when The Sydney Theatre Company production of The Picture of Dorian Gray opened on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was in attendance at the opening night after party and we have exclusive photos of Sarah Snook and friends as they celebrated!
BWW Review: FUNNY GIRL - The Greatest Star Comes to the Ohio Theatre Photo
BWW Review: FUNNY GIRL - The Greatest Star Comes to the Ohio Theatre
by Christina Mancuso - Mar 26, 2025

It seems an impossible feat to follow in the shadow of the legendary Barbara Streisand who originated the iconic role of Fanny Brice in the 1964 Broadway production of FUNNY GIRL, which received eight Tony Award nominations.  But Hannah Shankman marched herself onto the stage at the Ohio Theatre and commanded every beat of the drum.  She’s quirky, clever, adorable, ambitious, lovable, and has impeccable comedic timing – but her show stopping voice is what sets her apart and generates thunderous, mouth-dropping applause.  And she does it with such natural ease.
Video: Milo Manheim and Liz Gillies Talk LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Favorite Musicals, & Photo
Video: Milo Manheim and Liz Gillies Talk LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Favorite Musicals, & More in Puppy Interview
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 24, 2025

Milo Manheim and Liz Gillies are currently starring in off-Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors and, to commemorate the occasion, they joined BuzzFeed Celeb to talk about their experience in the production while playing with adorable puppies. Watch the interview!
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Walton Arts Center Photo
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Walton Arts Center
by Theresa Bertram - Mar 23, 2025

What did our critic think of FUNNY GIRL at Walton Arts Center? The power that came from the vocals of the cast of FUNNY GIRL at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, which is running through Sunday, March 23, will blow you away!
Video: Watch Christina Nilsson Sing 'O patria mia' From Michael Mayer's AIDA Photo
Video: Watch Christina Nilsson Sing 'O patria mia' From Michael Mayer's AIDA
by Michael Major - Mar 20, 2025

Christina Nilsson sings an excerpt from the title character’s Act III aria in a recent performance of Michael Mayer's production of AIDA. The orchestra is conducted by Alexander Soddy.
Review: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL A BEAUTIFUL NOISE at The Overture Center Photo
Review: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL A BEAUTIFUL NOISE at The Overture Center
by Scott Rawson - Mar 20, 2025

What did our critic think of THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL A BEAUTIFUL NOISE at The Overture Center?
Photos: Opening Night for Liz Gillies, Milo Manheim and Jeremy Kushnier in LITTLE SHO Photo
Photos: Opening Night for Liz Gillies, Milo Manheim and Jeremy Kushnier in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 7, 2025

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Elizabeth Gillies, Milo Manheim and Jeremy Kushnier celebrated their opening night performance as Audrey, Seymour, and Dr. Orin Scrivello DDS in Little Shop of Horrors. See photos from the opening event here! 
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Texas Performing Arts Center Photo
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Texas Performing Arts Center
by Sabrina Wallace - Mar 6, 2025

Funny Girl dazzles! A powerhouse lead, a lush score & a showstopping number in 'Don't Rain on My Parade' make this production a must-see. A story of love, loss & resilience that is still relevant #FunnyGirlTour #BWW
Exclusive Photos: Elizabeth Gillies & Milo Manheim Shine in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Of Photo
Exclusive Photos: Elizabeth Gillies & Milo Manheim Shine in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2025

All new photos have been released of Elizabeth Gillies and Milo Manheim in Little Shop of Horrors, which is now in its sixth year at the Westside Theatre. Check out the photos here!
Video: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL Celebrates One Millionth Audience Photo
Video: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL Celebrates One Millionth Audience Member
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2025

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical welcomed its one millionth audience member spanning the show’s 2022 world premiere in Boston, the Broadway run which played 692 performances, and the North American Tour.
SWEPT AWAY Reunion Concert Adds Second Show in April Photo
SWEPT AWAY Reunion Concert Adds Second Show in April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2025

Don't miss the second late-night SWEPT AWAY reunion concert at Bowery Ballroom on April 28. Featuring original Broadway cast and music by The Avett Brothers. Secure your tickets now!
Interview: Hannah Shankman of FUNNY GIRL at Ohio Theatre Photo
Interview: Hannah Shankman of FUNNY GIRL at Ohio Theatre
by Paul Batterson - Mar 3, 2025

The road to success for Hannah Shankman has had plenty of roundabouts. Many a time she thought she was headed one way, and then she seemed to be veering in another, only to return to her original path.
SWEPT AWAY Original Cast Will Reunite For One-Night-Only Concert Photo
SWEPT AWAY Original Cast Will Reunite For One-Night-Only Concert
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2025

The original Broadway cast of Swept Away will perform a reunion concert next month! The one-night-only performance will feature the cast performing songs from the production.
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE Comes to the Overture Center This Month Photo
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE Comes to the Overture Center This Month
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2025

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical will make its Madison, Wis., premiere at Overture Center. A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became an American rock icon.
Exclusive Backstage Photos: Elizabeth Gillies & Milo Manheim Shine in LITTLE SHOP OF Photo
Exclusive Backstage Photos: Elizabeth Gillies & Milo Manheim Shine in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Michael Major - Feb 26, 2025

Discover exclusive backstage moments with Elizabeth Gillies & Milo Manheim as they debut in Little Shop of Horrors at NYC’s Westside Theatre. View the revealing photos and costumes
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Michael Mayer written?

Michael Mayer has written 2 shows including The Flamingo Kid (Bookwriter), American Idiot (Bookwriter).

What awards has Michael Mayer been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for Funny Girl, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Little Shop of Horrors, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for American Idiot, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for American Idiot, Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Spring Awakening, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Spring Awakening, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Spring Awakening, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Spring Awakening, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Spring Awakening, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A View from the Bridge, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for You're a Good Man, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Best Director - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A View from the Bridge / Side Man, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for A View From the Bridge, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A View from the Bridge and Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for America Dreaming.

What awards has Michael Mayer won?

Michael Mayer has won several prestigious awards throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Little Shop of Horrors. He won Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards and Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for American Idiot. Mayer was also honored with Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards and Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Spring Awakening. Additionally, he received the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards. Mayer earned the Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Spring Awakening, as well as for Uncle Vanya and A View from the Bridge. He also won Best Director - Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A View from the Bridge and Side Man. Furthermore, he was recognized again with Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for A View from the Bridge.

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