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Paul Tazewell

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BIO

Having designed costumes for Broadway, regional theaters, film, and television for over three decades, PAUL TAZEWELL is one of the industry’s most revered designers. From his Academy Award®-nominated work in West Side Story to creating costumes for the Tony Award®-winning Broadway production of Hamilton, his creations have captivated audiences across the globe.



Paul recently received a Tony Award® nomination for Best Costume Design for a Musical for his work in the Broadway production of Suffs as well as a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical. He is also a 2024 NAACP Theatre Award nominee for Best Costume Design for Ain’t Too Proud.

In 2016, he received an Emmy Award for NBC’s The Wiz! Live. Other screen credits include Harriet (Focus Features), The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (HBO), and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (NBC). On Thanksgiving 2024, the highly anticipated Wicked film, featuring Paul's designs, will be released, showcasing the reimagined world created by Director John M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Other notable honors include two Lucille Lortel Awards, four Helen Hayes Awards, a CDGA Award, a Princess Grace Foundation Fellowship, and The Princess Grace Statue Award.

Additionally, Paul’s costume designs can be seen in the Broadway musical Suffs by Shaina Taub and Death Becomes Her by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, which opened in Chicago on April 30, 2024.

Paul has had the privilege to work with renowned companies such as The Metropolitan Opera, The Bolshoi Ballet, The English National Opera, Theatre du Chatelet, The Public Theater, The National Theater, The Kennedy Center, The Guthrie Theater, Arena Stage, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, and many more.

Paul began his Broadway career with the groundbreaking musical ‘Bring in Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk, directed by George C. Wolfe. Other Broadway credits include In the Heights; Ain’t Too Proud; The Color Purple; Dr Zhivago; Memphis; Caroline, or Change; Elaine Stritch at Liberty; Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam; Lombardi, and Magic/Bird. Revival work includes Side Show; A Streetcar Named Desire; Jesus Christ Superstar; Guys and Dolls; A Raisin in the Sun, and On the Town.

​In 2021, Paul designed Fire Shut Up In My Bones, The Met's first performance of an opera by a Black composer, Terence Blanchard, and his adaptation of Charles M. Blow’s moving memoir.

Paul holds an MFA from New York University and a BFA from North Carolina School of the Arts. He has been privileged to instruct students as a guest artist at both New York University and North Carolina School of the Arts. From 2003-2006, he held a faculty position at Carnegie Mellon University.

He currently resides in New York City.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2024]
Costume Design
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Original Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Costume Design
 
[West End, 2024]
Costume Design
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Costume Design
 
[West End, 2023]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2022] [Replacement]
Costume Designer[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Costume Design
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Costume Design
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Costume Design[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2021]
Costume Design
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2020]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Motion Picture, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Costume Design
 
[US Tour, 2018]
Costume Designer
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[St. Louis, MO (Regional), 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Toronto, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2016]
Costume Designer
 
[Chester, CT (Regional), 2016]
Costume Design
 
[Regional (US), 2015]
Original Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Costume Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Costume Designer
 
[West End, 2014]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2014]
Costume Design
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costumes Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2011]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Costume Designer
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2007]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Regional (US), 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2003]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Costume Designer
 
[US Tour, 1999]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Costume Designer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, Suffs

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, Suffs

Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, MJ The Musical

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations

Olivier Awards - 2018 - Best Costume Design

Paul Tazewell , Hamilton


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2016 - Best Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, Hamilton


winner
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, Hamilton

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, Hamilton


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Costume Design, HAYES Production

Paul TazewellSide Show

Olivier Awards - 2015 - Best Costume Design

Paul TazewellMemphis The Musical


winner
The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, Hamilton

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Costume Design of a Play

Paul Tazewell, A Streetcar Named Desire

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, Memphis

Helen Hayes Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellCarnival!

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, In The Heights

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Costume Design of a Musical

Paul Tazewell, The Color Purple


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellCamelot

The Lortels - 2004 - Outstanding Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, Caroline, or Change

The Lortels - 2003 - Outstanding Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, Boston Marriage

Helen Hayes Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Women


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellPeer Gynt


winner
The Lortels - 1998 - Outstanding Costume Design

Paul Tazewell, On the Town

Helen Hayes Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellBlithe Spirit

Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Matchmaker

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Costume Design

Paul Tazewell , Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk

Helen Hayes Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Revenger's Comedies

Helen Hayes Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Odyssey


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe African Company Presents "Richard III"

Helen Hayes Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Way of the World

Helen Hayes Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production

Paul TazewellThe Caucasian Chalk Circle

Videos

News


HAMILTON to Launch #HAM4HAM Lottery for The Hobby Center Engagement
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 21, 2025

A digital lottery will launch for HAMILTON tickets will begin in conjunction with the show's first performance in March. Learn how to purchase tickets.
TDF To Celebrate 50 Years of the Costume Collection At April Benefit
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025

TDF will celebrate 50 years of its exceptional Costume Collection with a glamorous party, Costumes & Cocktails, on Monday, April 7 at Tao Downtown (92 Ninth Avenue).
Photos: HAMILTON UK and Ireland Tour Welcomes New Cast
by Stephi Wild - Feb 21, 2025

All new photos have been released of the new cast of the UK and Ireland tour of HAMILTON. Check out the photos here and learn more about where to catch the tour!
Photos: WICKED's Paul Tazewell Celebrates Oscar Nomination at the Civilian Hotel
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 21, 2025

Last night, an event was held in celebration of Paul Tazewell's Oscar nomination for his costume design for the film adaptation of Wicked. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 19, 2025
by - Feb 19, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 19, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Videos: Paul Tazewell, Nathan Crowley, & Lee Sandales Accept BAFTAs for WICKED Movie
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 18, 2025

This past weekend, the Wicked movie won Best Costume Design and Production Design at the BAFTA Film Awards. During the ceremony, costume designer Paul Tazewell and production designers Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales took the stage to accept the awards. Watch their acceptance speeches here!
Video: Lin-Manuel Miranda Shares Only Public Performance of Cut HAMILTON Song
by Michael Major - Feb 18, 2025

Lin-Manuel Miranda has shared the video of the only public performance of a song cut from Hamilton. The post – which was shared for 'HamilTuesday' in honor of 10 years since the musical debuted – features 'Valley Forge' including Christopher Jackson.
Tickets For HAMILTON at the Wharton on Sale Now
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2025

Individual tickets for HAMILTON are on sale now at Wharton Center's Ticket Office, online, or by calling 517.432.2000 or 1.800.WHARTON. Learn more about the show here!
WICKED, EMILIA PEREZ, and More Win BAFTA Film Awards
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2025

The winners of the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards were announced this weekend in a ceremony hosted by David Tennant at The Royal Festival Hall in London. Check out the full list here!
Tickets For HAMILTON at the Wharton Center on Sale Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2025

Individual tickets for HAMILTON at the Wharton Center  will go on sale Monday, February 17, 2025, at Wharton Center's Ticket Office, online, or by calling 517.432.2000 or 1.800.WHARTON.
WICKED, EMILIA PEREZ, and More Take Home Critics Choice Awards; Full List!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 10, 2025

Wicked is among the big winners at this year's Critics' Choice Awards. The film took home three awards. Check out the full list of winners for the Critic's Choice Awards here!
Review: HAMILTON at Peace Center
by Elizabeth Cortes - Feb 8, 2025

What did our critic think of HAMILTON at Peace Center?
WICKED Movie, CONCLAVE & More Win Costume Designers Guild Awards- Full List of Winners
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2025

Winners have been announced for the 27th CDGA (Costume Designers Guild Awards), including Paul Tazewell for his costume work on the Wicked movie adaptation. Take a look at the full list of winners here!
Applications for 4th Year of 1/52 Project Now Open
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025

Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt, revealed applications for the fourth year of The 1/52 Project, the financial grant program for early career designers, founded by Boritt and a group of Broadway designers, are now open for the 2025 cycle.
HAMILTON to Launch Lottery for Memphis Engagement
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025

​The Orpheum Theatre Group will launch a digital lottery for HAMILTON tickets, which will begin in conjunction with the show's first performance in February. Learn more ad see how to purchase tickets.
MJ To Have East Lansing Premiere In February
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2025

MJ will make its East Lansing premiere at Wharton Center on Tuesday, February 11, through Sunday, February 16. Michael Jackson's unique and unparalleled artistry comes to East Lansing in MJ.
HAMILTON to Return to Portland at Keller Auditorium in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2025

HAMILTON is coming back to Portland’s Keller Auditorium. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, the hit musical is the winner of 11 Tony Awards. We have all of the details on the show's return here!
Jackie Tohn To Host the 27th Costume Designers Guild Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 31, 2025

The Costume Designers Guild has announced that actor and singer Jackie Tohn will host the 27th CDGA (Costume Designers Guild Awards). Colman Domingo, Kathryn Hahn, Mindy Kaling, and Paul Tazewell have also been confirmed as presenters.
AIN'T TOO PROUD is Coming to Pikes Peak Center in Febuary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025

The American Theatre Guild will present the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
HAMILTON Launches #HAM4HAM Lottery for Seattle Engagement
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2025

A digital lottery for HAMILTON tickets will begin in conjunction with the show’s first performance at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre.  A limited number of tickets will be available for every performance for $10 each. Learn how to enter.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Paul Tazewell been nominated for?

Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Suffs, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Suffs, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for MJ The Musical, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, Best Costume Design (Olivier Awards) for Hamilton, Best Costume Design (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Hamilton, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hamilton, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Hamilton, Outstanding Costume Design, HAYES Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Side Show, Best Costume Design (Olivier Awards) for Memphis The Musical, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Hamilton, Best Costume Design of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Streetcar Named Desire, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Memphis, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Carnival! , Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for In The Heights, Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Color Purple, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Camelot , Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Caroline, or Change, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Boston Marriage, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Women, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Peer Gynt, Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for On the Town, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Blithe Spirit , Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Matchmaker, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Revenger's Comedies, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Odyssey, Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The African Company Presents "Richard III", Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Way of the World and Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

What awards has Paul Tazewell won?

Paul Tazewell has received several prestigious awards for his work in costume design, including: - Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Suffs - Best Costume Design (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Hamilton - Best Costume Design of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hamilton - Outstanding Costume Design, HAYES Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Side Show - Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for Hamilton - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Camelot - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Peer Gynt - Outstanding Costume Design (The Lortels) for On the Town - Outstanding Costume Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The African Company Presents "Richard III"

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