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Michael Arden

Birth Place: Midland, TX, USA

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BIO

Michael Arden is a Tony-nominated director for his revival of Spring Awakening. The acclaimed production transferred from Deaf West Theater in Los Angeles to Broadway in fall 2015. He also won the Outer Critics Circle for Outstanding Director of a Musical and was nominated for a Drama Desk award for the production. Michael made his Broadway debut in Deaf West Theater and the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Big River. Other directing credits include My Fair Lady at Bay Street Theater; Merrily We Roll Along at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Los Angeles, where he is currently the Artist in Residence; LA Ronde for his company, the Forest of Arden; and For the Record: John Hughes in LA and NYC. His production of The Pride opened at the Wallis Annenberg Center in June 2017. Other theatre credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Times they are a Changin', Ragtime (Avery Fisher), It's Only Life, Swimming in the Shallows, Ace, Juno, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale, The Secret Garden, Pippin (Mark Taper Forum), and Aspects of Love at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. Michael's film work includes Source Code, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Bride Wars and So B It. He has also worked extensively in TV, most notably on FX and Fox's "Anger Management." Other TV credits include "GCB," "Nurse Jackie," "Royal Pains," "Unforgettable," "Off the Map," "Kings," "The Closer," "The Forgotten," "Bones," "The Return of Jezebel James," "Cashmere Mafia," "Grey's Anatomy," and "NUMB3RS." Concert work includes singing with Barbra Streisand, Chris Botti, and performances at 54 BELOW, Feinstein's at the Regency and Joe's Pub. Michael is an alum of The Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School.


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
U.S. Premiere La Jolla Playhouse Production, 2014
Quasimodo

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
Old Globe Production, 2007
John Robert

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Coyote

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2006
Coyote

[New York]
New York Concert, 2005
Dickon

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Nick

[Regional (US)]
Reprise! Concert, 2005
Pippin

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2004
Peter

Peter

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Ensemble

Tom Sawyer

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2030]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2025]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Director
 
[Los Angeles, 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Los Angeles, 2016]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Assistant Director

Movies

The Good Shepherd
[ 2006 ] Pinafore Actor
Bride Wars
[ 2009 ] Kevin
The Cave Movie
[ 2009 ] Sam
Source Code
[ 2011 ] Derek Frost
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
[ 2012 ] Doug Wert
So B. It
[ 2016 ] Elliot

TV Shows

Anger Management
Patrick

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Once on this Island

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening


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

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden, Spring Awakening

Videos

News


Broadway Buying Guide: September 3, 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, September 3, 2024.
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!
VIDEO: Final Curtain Call For Pre-Broadway QUEEN OF VERSAILLES

Watch the final curtain call for The Queen of Versailles at the Emerson Colonial Theatre. The production concluded its run on August 2th, 2024.
Heather Headley and Ben Platt Will Join Jason Robert Brown at Carnegie Hall

Tony and Grammy Award-winning artists Heather Headley and Ben Platt will join three-time Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown for his Carnegie Hall solo concert debut on October 25, 2024, at 8:00 PM.
Broadway Buying Guide: August 26, 2024- See Ariana Madix in CHICAGO

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, August 26, 2024.
Interview: A WICKED CONNECTION: Carol de Giere on Documenting the Legacy of Stephen Schwartz

BroadwayWorld’s Linda Hodges chats with Carol de Giere, the biographer who reveals the magic of Stephen Schwartz!
Darren Criss Says MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Will Be 'A Spectacle and A Half'

Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Darren Criss will return to the stage alongside Helen J Shen in the Broadway premiere of the new romantic musical comedy Maybe Happy Ending.  Recently, Darren stopped by Z100's Morning Zoo in support of the upcoming Elsie Fest, and took a minute to discuss his latest Broadway venture. Accordin
Up on the Marquee: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING

Maybe Happy Ending is on its way to Broadway! Previews will begin on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, with an opening night set for Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the Belasco Theatre. Check out photos of the new theatre marquee here.
QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Resumes Performances in Boston Following Cancellation Due To Battery Leak

The Queen of Versailles will resume performances at the Emerson Colonial Theatre today in time for the matinée after a performance cancellation due to a 'battery leak' on August 20th. Producer Bill Damaschke shared the news with the seated audience.
Prospect Musicals Will Honor Michael Arden, Baayork Lee, and Kendall Crolius at 25th Annual Gala

Prospect Musicals has announced their 25th Anniversary Gala, which will honor three members of the theatre community with the third annual Muse Awards. Learn more about the gala here!
Jefferson Mays' A CHRISTMAS CAROL to be Presented at The Old Globe

The Old Globe will present Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, Told by Jefferson Mays. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Rachel Zegler, Jordan Fisher, John Gallagher Jr. Will Join Darren Criss for Elsie Fest 2024

The full line-up has been announced for Elsie Fest 2024 and we have all of the details!
Photos: Kristin Chenoweth & More at THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Opening Night

See photos of Kristin Chenoweth, F. Murray Abraham and more at opening night of The Queen of Versailles in Boston. learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: Kristin Chenoweth Glitters in World Premiere of THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES at Emerson Colonial Theatre

Jackie Siegel first came to the public’s attention as the subject of Lauren Greenfeld’s 2012 documentary, “The Queen of Versailles,” a real-life look at the former Mrs. Florida who married a billionaire and then, inspired by trips not only to France but to Las Vegas, set about building with him their own Palace of Versailles in Orlando.
Review Roundup: Kristin Chenoweth Led THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES

The Queen of Versailles will take its Broadway bow during the 2025-26 season, following a the world premiere engagement at the Emerson Colonial Theatre that officially opened on August 1st, 2024. Read all the reviews!
Photos: First Look At Kristin Chenoweth & Company in QUEEN OF VERSAILLES; Announces Broadway Run

The Queen of Versailles will take its Broadway bow during the 2025-26 season, following a the world premiere engagement at the Emerson Colonial Theatre. Check out all-new photos of the cast in action!
Interview: For Playwright Lindsey Ferrentino, THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES is a Hometown Story

Playwright Lindsey Ferrentino not only wrote the book for “The Queen of Versailles,” she came up with the original idea for a musical about the billionaire Florida couple living their own version of the American Dream – building a gargantuan gilded palace – until the Great Recession of 2008 gets in the way.
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Celebrates Birthday On Stage at THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES

Watch as Kristin Chenoweth celebrates her birthday on stage at Boston's Emerson Colonial Theatre following a performance of The Queen of Versailles. The celebration happened after the performance on July 24th, 2024.
Boston Mayor Declares July 24, 2024 As 'Kristin Chenoweth Day'

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu officially proclaims July 24, 2024, as Kristin Chenoweth Day in the City of Boston, honoring the celebrated actress and singer.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Starring Darren Criss & Helen J Shen, Sets New Dates;

See the full cast of Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway starring Darren Criss and Helen J Shaw. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Michael Arden been in?

Michael Arden has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Michael Arden been in?

Michael Arden has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Michael Arden been nominated for?

Michael Arden has been nominated for the following awards: - Best Direction of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Once on this Island - Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Once on this Island - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Once on this Island - Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Spring Awakening - Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Spring Awakening - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Spring Awakening.

What awards has Michael Arden won?

Michael Arden has won the following awards: Best Direction of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Once on this Island and Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Spring Awakening.

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