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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


John Cardoza and Jordan Tyson Will Play Final Performances in THE NOTEBOOK Next Month

Original Chicago and Broadway cast members John Cardoza and Jordan Tyson will play their final performances in The Notebook, the new musical based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the film of the same name.
Video: Behind-the-Scenes with HELL'S KITCHEN at the US Open

Go behind-the-scenes with the cast of Hell's Kitchen at the US Open in the video here!
THE NOTEBOOK Announces Closing Date

The Notebook will close on Broadway this December. According to an Instagram post, the final performance will take place on December 15.
Photo/Video: Michael Greif Makes a Surprise Appearance at the RENT Japan Tour 2024 Opening Night Curtain Call

Tony Award® nominated director Michael Greif graced the stage at the RENT Japan Tour 2024 opening night curtain call. The full cast and crew were joined in song to reprise Seasons of Love; sharing a message of international collaboration with the audience. This production is playing in Japan until September 15th, in English with Japanese subtitles.
Spotlight: DEAR EVAN HANSEN at The Tobin Center

Dear Evan Hansen National Tour at The Tobin Center
THE NOTEBOOK to Present Post-Show Performance by Ingrid Michaelson

Ingrid Michaelson will appear live on stage at the Schoenfeld Theatre for a performance following The Notebook. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Music of HELL'S KITCHEN Will Be Heard During the U.S. Open

The music of Alicia Keys’ Broadway Musical Hell’s Kitchen will be heard across channels and platforms during the three weeks of the US Open, thanks to a new partnership with the USTA and ESPN.
THE NOTEBOOK Will Launch a North American Tour in September 2025

The new Broadway musical The Notebook, based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the iconic film, will launch a North American Tour in fall 2025.  Performances will begin in September 2025 at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, OH. Learn more about the tour here!
UTA Names Patrick Herold And Rachel Viola Co-Heads Of Theatre

UTA has named Patrick Herold and Rachel Viola co-heads of the agency’s theatre practice. Read more.
Photos: Andrew Rannells Stops By THE NOTEBOOK

Tony-nominee Andrew Rannells stopped by Broadway's musical tearjerker, The Notebook. Andrew took a trip backstage for photos with the show's stars Ryan Vasquez, Joy Woods, John Cardoza, and more! See photos from his visit!
THE NOTEBOOK Cast Members Will Discuss the Show at Panel Event in Brooklyn

Cast memebrs from The Notebook: The Musical will take part in a panel in Brooklyn later this month to discuss the musical. The event will take place on August 18, 2024 at 10am at The Ripped Bodice, 218 5th Ave, in Brooklyn.
THE NOTEBOOK to Hold CD Signing Event at Barnes & Noble

In celebration of The Notebook (Original Broadway Cast Recording)'s recent physical CD release by Atlantic Records, Barnes & Noble will host an exclusive fan signing event. Learn how to attend.
Sandbox Percussion & Michael Torke Collaborate On New Album BLOOM

GRAMMY-nominated Sandbox Percussion and composer Michael Torke release their new album BLOOM on August 30 via Ecstatic Records. The album features interlocking rhythms and will be available on major streaming platforms.
THE NOTEBOOK Releases New Block of Tickets Through December

A new block of seats has just been released for The Notebook, the new Broadway musical based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the film of the same name. Learn how to get your tickets here!
THE NOTEBOOK's Original Broadway Cast Recording Now Available on CD

The Notebook (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is available now on CD and offered for purchase at the Schoenfeld Theatre.
Photos: HELL'S KITCHEN Celebrates 100 Performances on Broadway

Hell's Kitchen celebrated 100 performances on Broadway! See photos!
Words From the Wings: Nyseli Vega of HELL'S KITCHEN

As part of our Words From the Wings series, we're chatting with Nyseli Vega, who is currently appearing in Hell's Kitchen. Nyseli told us all about her backstage routines, must-haves, and more!
HELL'S KITCHEN and The New York Liberty Will Host a Block Party at Barclays Center

The new musical HELL’S KITCHEN will team up with the New York Liberty to host a free open-to-the-public Block Party for fans on Tuesday, July 16 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on the Ticketmaster Plaza at Barclays Center.
Watch: THE NOTEBOOK's Jordan Tyson Sings 'If This Is Love' in New Music Video

Watch Jordan Tyson sing 'If This Is Love' from The Notebook in a new musical!
BroadwayCon 2024 FIRST LOOK AND SHOWCASE To Include THE NOTEBOOK, A WONDERFUL WORLD, and More

BroadwayCon has revealed the lineup for its First Look and Showcase, treating attendees to performances from some of the newest and most talked-about shows on stage this year. BroadwayCon 2024 First Look and Showcase will take place Friday, July 21, 2023.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Michael Greif been nominated for?

Michael Greif has received numerous nominations for his outstanding work in theater. He was nominated for Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Days of Wine and Roses. He received a nomination for Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Hell's Kitchen. Greif was also nominated for Outstanding Director at The Lortels for The Low Road. He garnered multiple nominations for Dear Evan Hansen, including Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards, Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards. Additionally, he was nominated for Outstanding Director at The Lortels for Our Lady of Kibeho. His work on Next to Normal earned him a nomination for Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards, as did his direction of Grey Gardens, for which he received both Best Direction of a Musical and Outstanding Director of a Musical nominations at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Greif was nominated for Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards and received a Direction nomination at the Obie Awards for Dogeaters, along with an Outstanding Director nomination at The Lortels for the same production. He also received Special Citations at the Obie Awards for Rent and was nominated for Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Rent.

What awards has Michael Greif won?

Michael Greif has won several awards, including Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Dear Evan Hansen, Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Dogeaters, Direction at the Obie Awards for Dogeaters, and Special Citations at the Obie Awards for Rent.

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