Kenny Leon
Latest News on Kenny Leon:
Photos: The Cast of OUR TOWN Meets the Press (Sep 7, 2024)
Westport Country Playhouse Announces New Education Program For Middle Schoolers, Starting In October (Sep 6, 2024)
Photos: Jim Parsons and the Cast of OUR TOWN in Rehearsal (Sep 6, 2024)
Photos: The Cast of OUR TOWN Meets the Press (Sep 7, 2024)
Westport Country Playhouse Announces New Education Program For Middle Schoolers, Starting In October (Sep 6, 2024)
Photos: Jim Parsons and the Cast of OUR TOWN in Rehearsal (Sep 6, 2024)
BIO
Kenny Leon is a Tony Award-winning Broadway and television director. His Broadway credits include the Tupac musical Holler If You Hear Me, A Raisin in the Sun starring Denzel Washington (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Mountaintop starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett, Stick Fly, August Wilson’s Fences (which garnered ten Tony nominations and won three Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play), Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf. He also directed Smart People for Second Stage. Leon's recent television work includes "Hairspray Live!", and "The Wiz Live!" on NBC. He is the recipient of the 2016 Mr. Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing and the 2010 Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League. Mr. Leon serves on the board of New York's Public Theater and is Artistic Director of Atlanta's Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company.
Photos
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Productions
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Drama League Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog
winner
Obie Awards - 2020 - Directing Award
Kenny Leon, Much Ado About Nothing
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play
winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun
winner
Drama League Awards - 2010 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Kenny Leon
Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Fences
Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
Kenny LeonTambourines to Glory
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director - Play
Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun
Helen Hayes Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
Kenny LeonBlues in the Night
Videos
Video: Kecia Lewis Celebrates Tony Win for Best Featured Actress in a Musical
by Joey Mervis - Jun 16, 2024
Video: Get a First Look at HOME on Broadway Directed By Kenny Leon
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 7, 2024
Photos & Video: PURLIE VICTORIOUS Concludes Broadway Run with Proclamations From Congress and the State of New York
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2024
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares His Daughter's Reaction to PURLIE VICTORIOUS on FALLON
by Michael Major - Oct 13, 2023
Video: Leslie Odom, Jr. & Company Celebrate Opening Night of PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway
by Opening Night - Oct 2, 2023
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS Is a 'Very Rare Piece'
by Michael Major - Sep 27, 2023
Video: Watch Highlights from Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth in Times Square
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 19, 2023
Photos & Video: First Look at KING JAMES at Manhattan Theatre Club
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 21, 2023
VIDEO: Mariah Carey Surprises Audience at SOME LIKE IT HOT Curtain Call
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 11, 2023
VIDEO: Audra McDonald Talks OHIO STATE MURDERS & THE GILDED AGE on TODAY
by Michael Major - Jan 6, 2023
Video: First Look at Norm Lewis, Eugene Lee & More in A SOLDIER'S PLAY National Tour
by Show Highlights - Dec 16, 2022
VIDEO: Audra McDonald Reveals Why OHIO STATE MURDERS Is Her 'Hardest' Role on THE VIEW
by Michael Major - Dec 15, 2022
News
Photos: The Cast of OUR TOWN Meets the Press
Our Town will begin previews on Tuesday, September 17 ahead of an opening on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. The show's cast and team recently met the press and BroadwayWorld was on hand at the event. Check out photos below!
Our Town will begin previews on Tuesday, September 17 ahead of an opening on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. The show's cast and team recently met the press and BroadwayWorld was on hand at the event. Check out photos below!
Westport Country Playhouse Announces New Education Program For Middle Schoolers, Starting In October
Westport Country Playhouse has announced a new education program for middle schoolers starting in October, focusing on theater arts and creative expression.
Westport Country Playhouse has announced a new education program for middle schoolers starting in October, focusing on theater arts and creative expression.
Photos: Jim Parsons and the Cast of OUR TOWN in Rehearsal
Take a look inside the rehearsal room for the upcoming Broadway production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town! Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Take a look inside the rehearsal room for the upcoming Broadway production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town! Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: A WONDERFUL WORLD Cast Parades to Studio 54
A special event was held yesterday, September 5, to celebrate the box office opening for A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. Check out photos here!
A special event was held yesterday, September 5, to celebrate the box office opening for A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. Check out photos here!
OTHELLO Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal Sets Broadway Dates and Theatre
Tony Award® winner and two-time Academy Award® winner Denzel Washington’s and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal’s return to Broadway in William Shakespeare’s Othello has found its Broadway home and set dates!
Tony Award® winner and two-time Academy Award® winner Denzel Washington’s and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal’s return to Broadway in William Shakespeare’s Othello has found its Broadway home and set dates!
Which Celebs Are Coming to Broadway in Fall 2024
Do you know which Hollywoods stars will perform on Broadway this season? Check outa. full list of household names the will arrive for the Fall/Winter 2024 season here!
Do you know which Hollywoods stars will perform on Broadway this season? Check outa. full list of household names the will arrive for the Fall/Winter 2024 season here!
Photos: Katie Holmes, Jim Parsons & the Cast of OUR TOWN Take Rehearsal Field Trip
See photos of the cast of Our Town in rehearsals! Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
See photos of the cast of Our Town in rehearsals! Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker Join Producing Team of OTHELLO on Broadway
The co-producing team has been revealed for Othello on Broadway. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The co-producing team has been revealed for Othello on Broadway. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: OUR TOWN Cast Explores the Town That Inspired Thornton Wilder's Iconic Play
The cast of Our Town recently embarked on a memorable journey to Peterborough, New Hampshire, the town that inspired Thornton Wilder’s timeless play. Check out photos and video here!
The cast of Our Town recently embarked on a memorable journey to Peterborough, New Hampshire, the town that inspired Thornton Wilder’s timeless play. Check out photos and video here!
GROW A SHOW Musical Theatre Workshop Returns To The Lied Center!
The Grow a Show Musical Theatre Workshop returns to the Lied Center, offering emerging artists a platform to develop and showcase new works.
The Grow a Show Musical Theatre Workshop returns to the Lied Center, offering emerging artists a platform to develop and showcase new works.
Derek McLane, Dede Ayite, Natasha Katz, and More Join OTHELLO Creative Team
Additional members of the creative team have been announced for Tony Award winning director Kenny Leon’s new production of William Shakespeare’s Othello.
Additional members of the creative team have been announced for Tony Award winning director Kenny Leon’s new production of William Shakespeare’s Othello.
OUR TOWN Opens Box Office With an Exclusive Giveaway
The new Broadway production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will open its box office at The Barrymore Theatre beginning on Tuesday, August 6 at 10 am! To mark the occasion, the production will be giving out a special exclusive gift to the first 100 people in line on Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7.
The new Broadway production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will open its box office at The Barrymore Theatre beginning on Tuesday, August 6 at 10 am! To mark the occasion, the production will be giving out a special exclusive gift to the first 100 people in line on Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7.
Molly Osborne to Make Her Broadway Debut as 'Desdemona' in OTHELLO
Molly Osborne will make her Broadway debut next spring as ‘Desdemona’ in William Shakespeare’s Othello. See who else is starring in the Broadway production and learn how to purchase tickets.
Molly Osborne will make her Broadway debut next spring as ‘Desdemona’ in William Shakespeare’s Othello. See who else is starring in the Broadway production and learn how to purchase tickets.
2 Broadway Shows Close Today
On July 21, 2024, Broadway says goodbye to two productions. Home takes its final bow at the Todd Haimes Theatre following 19 previews and 48 regular performances; and The Who's Tommy will conclude its run at the Nederlander Theatre following 20 previews and 132 regular performances.
On July 21, 2024, Broadway says goodbye to two productions. Home takes its final bow at the Todd Haimes Theatre following 19 previews and 48 regular performances; and The Who's Tommy will conclude its run at the Nederlander Theatre following 20 previews and 132 regular performances.
Roundabout's HOME Enters Final Three Weeks of Performances on Broadway
Roundabout Theatre Company is presenting the new production of Home by Samm-Art Williams. See the show in its final three weeks on Broadway! Learn how to purchase tickets.
Roundabout Theatre Company is presenting the new production of Home by Samm-Art Williams. See the show in its final three weeks on Broadway! Learn how to purchase tickets.
What's Coming to Broadway in 2025
Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2025 and be sure to check back for updates.
Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2025 and be sure to check back for updates.
Up on the Marquee: OUR TOWN
Check out photos of the new Broadway marquee for Our Town at the Barrymore Theatre!
Check out photos of the new Broadway marquee for Our Town at the Barrymore Theatre!
Broadway Buying Guide: July 1, 2024- Long-Running Hits Top the Week
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, July 1, 2024.
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, July 1, 2024.
Public Works Presents LET'S HEAR IT FOR NEW YORK! An Unforgettable Dance Experience
Public Works will present LET'S HEAR IT FOR NEW YORK!, a dynamic dance experience celebrating the spirit and diversity of New York City.
Public Works will present LET'S HEAR IT FOR NEW YORK!, a dynamic dance experience celebrating the spirit and diversity of New York City.
Video: Highlights from the 2024 Jimmy Awards
The most talented teenagers from across the country took the stage at the Minskoff Theatre for the 15th Annual Jimmy Awards, hosted by Josh Groban. As BroadwayWorld reported, Damson Chola Jr. (Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards) and Gretchen Shope (Sutton Foster Awards) won Best Performance by an Actor and Best Performance by an Actress. Check out video highlights from the big night here.
The most talented teenagers from across the country took the stage at the Minskoff Theatre for the 15th Annual Jimmy Awards, hosted by Josh Groban. As BroadwayWorld reported, Damson Chola Jr. (Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards) and Gretchen Shope (Sutton Foster Awards) won Best Performance by an Actor and Best Performance by an Actress. Check out video highlights from the big night here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Kenny Leon been nominated for?
Kenny Leon has received numerous nominations for his outstanding work in theater. He was nominated for Outstanding Direction of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Purlie Victorious and also received a nomination for Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Additionally, he was nominated for Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for Purlie Victorious. Leon earned nominations for Outstanding Direction of a Play at the Drama League Awards and Outstanding Director of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Topdog/Underdog. He received the Directing Award at the Obie Awards for Much Ado About Nothing and was nominated for Outstanding Director of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Soldier's Play, where he also received a nomination for Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards. His work on A Raisin in the Sun garnered him nominations for Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards and Outstanding Director, Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards. He was also recognized with the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards and received a nomination for Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for Fences. Furthermore, he was nominated for Outstanding Director, Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for Tambourines to Glory and for Blues in the Night.
What awards has Kenny Leon won?
Kenny Leon has won several prestigious awards, including the Directing Award at the Obie Awards for Much Ado About Nothing. He received the Outstanding Director of a Play award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Soldier's Play. Additionally, he won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for A Raisin in the Sun. Leon was also honored with the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards and the Outstanding Director - Play award at the Drama Desk Awards, both for A Raisin in the Sun.
Videos