Des McAnuff

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Des McAnuff BIO

McAnuff is a two-time Tony Award-winning director and former Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival. Broadway: Summer, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention, Jersey Boys (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event), Dracula, the Musical, How to Succeed..., The Who’s Tommy (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Director), A Walk in the Woods, Big River (Tony Awards for Best Director, Best Musical).
McAnuff is also Director Emeritus of La Jolla Playhouse, where during his tenure as Artistic Director, he staged more than 35 productions of classics, new plays, and musicals. Under his leadership, the Playhouse received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater.
Raised in Canada, he was a part of the Toronto alternative theatre scene in the 70s. While at Stratford, he directed multiple productions including A Word or Two, The Tempest, and Caesar and Cleopatra (all starring Christopher Plummer), Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Twelfth Night (starring Brian Dennehy), ...Forum, As You Like It, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.
In 2006, he received the prestigious Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing and in 2011, he was honoured with a doctorate from Ryerson University where he attended the Theatre School. In 2012, he was awarded Canada’s esteemed Governor General’s National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada.

Des McAnuff Photos

Des McAnuff Productions

 
[US Tour, 2024]
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[US Tour, 2021]
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[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
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[US Tour, 2021]
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[US Tour, 2019]
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[Broadway, 2018]
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[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2017]
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[Broadway, 2009]
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[Toronto, 2008]
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[Las Vegas, 2008]
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[West End, 2008]
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[Broadway, 2007]
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[Chicago, 2007]
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[US Tour, 2006]
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[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2006]
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[US Tour, 2003] Cancelled
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[Broadway, 2002] Cancelled
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[West End, 1996]
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[Broadway, 1993]
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[Regional (US), 1988]
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[West End, 1986]
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
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[Off-Broadway, 1977]
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[Australia, 0]
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Writing

Bookwriter

Des McAnuff Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Direction of a Musical

Des McAnuff, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and times of the Temptations

Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best Director

Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys

Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical

Des McAnuff, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Book of a Musical

Des McAnuff, The Who's Tommy

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Lyrics

Des McAnuff, Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Music

Des McAnuff, Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth

Des McAnuff Videos

Des McAnuff News


Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD at Providence Performing Arts Center

Providence Performing Arts Center celebrates the new year with the return of ‘Ain’t Too Proud,’ the stylish, spirited 2019 Tony-winning musical about the unparalleled career and personal trials and tribulations of one of the most successful soul acts in history, The Temptations.

What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America For The 2024/2025 Season? - A Complete Guide

Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production.

Chilina Kennedy, Matthew Mucha, And More to Join BETWEEN BROADWAY VARIETY HOUR

Join Chilina Kennedy, Matthew Mucha, and more in the hilarious and entertaining Between Broadway Variety Hour.

Photos: First look at Little Theatre Off Broadway's THE WHO'S TOMMY

The Who’s Tommy is a 5-time Tony Award-winning musical. This dazzling rock spectacular will exhilarate audiences with a story of hope, healing, and the human spirit. After witnessing the murder of his mother's lover by his father, Tommy is traumatized into a catatonic state. Young Tommy floats through life in post-World War II England suffering abuse from sadistic relatives and neighbors. Recommended for Children 13 and above due to language and content. Performances run January 12 - 28, 2024 at Little Theatre Off Broadway, 3981 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123. Order Reserved Seating Tickets at the link: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/75899

Alison Luff, Adam Jacobs, John Ambrosino, Bobby Conte, and Christina Sajous Join THE WHO'S TOMMY on Broadway

Reprising their roles from the Goodman Theatre in Chicago are Alison Luff as Mrs. Walker, Adam Jacobs as Captain Walker, John Ambrosino as Uncle Ernie, Bobby Conte as Cousin Kevin, and Christina Sajous as The Acid Queen. They join previously announced Ali Louis Bourzgui as Tommy Walker, also reprising his Jeff Award-winning role from the Goodman. 

Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, and More Receive 2023 Heartstrings Awards, Honoring Meaningful Chicago Theatre

The Heartstrings Awards serve to acknowledge the most meaningful performances and productions of the year in Chicago. They are bestowed by Life and Times, under the direction of chief theatre critic Rikki Lee Travolta. Learn more about this year's winners here!

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Chicago Awards; Voting Ends 12/31

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Chicago Awards; I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, DARYO'S ALL-AMERICAN DINER, Illinois Shakespeare Festival & More Lead!

There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Interview: Jalen Harris of AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Ottawa's National Arts Centre

Don't miss Jalen Harris as Eddie Kendricks in Broadway Across Canada's presentation of Ain't Too Proud from December 26th through December 31st.

BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards; I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, DARYO'S ALL-AMERICAN DINER, Circa Pintig & More Lead!

It's the final 3 weeks and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 11th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards December 5th Standings; I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Leads Best Musical!

It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Save up to 59% on Tickets for the Final Weeks of JERSEY BOYS

Save up to 59% on Jersey Boys-now in its final weeks

Ali Louis Bourzgui Will Lead The Who's TOMMY on Broadway

Ali Louis Bourzgui will play Tommy in the newly reimagined Broadway production of The Who’s TOMMY opening on March 28, 2024.

Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards; DARYO'S ALL-AMERICAN DINER Leads Best Play!

Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Exclusive: John Stamos Writes About Broadway Experiences In New Memoir; Read About His Time in HOW TO SUCCEED

Read an exclusive excerpt from John Stamos' memoir 'If You Would Have told Me'.

Exclusive: Get a First Listen to 'High' From WILD ABOUT YOU World Premiere Recording

Get an exclusive first listen to 'High' from the world premiere recording of Wild About You!

Listen: Joaquina Kalukango Sings 'What I'm Here to Find' From WILD ABOUT YOU World Premiere Recording

Listen to Joaquina Kalukango sing 'What I'm Here to Find' from the world premiere recording of Wild About You!

Photos: Inside TOAST TO BROADWAY, Honoring Adam Pascal and Chilina Kennedy

Art Lab hosted their first annual “Toast to Broadway' on Monday, November 6, 2023 at the historic Hudson Theatre's Ambassador Lounge. A festive kick-off to the Fall Season, the evening celebrated the Broadway industry with cocktails, performances, and the presentation of the inaugural Artiste D'Excellence Awards. Check out photos here!

Philly Premiere of AIN'T TOO PROUD �" THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Comes to Kimmel Cultural Campus

The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization will present the first national tour of Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations for the first time in Philadelphia. The Broadway smash hit musical will play at the Campus' Academy of Music January 3 - 21 as part of the 2023-24 Broadway series.

Best Broadway Shows in 2024; What's Coming!

Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2024 and be sure to check back as more engagements are added to the list!

Des McAnuff FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Des McAnuff has written 4 shows including Tommy (Bookwriter), How It All Began (Adaptation), The Death of Von Richtofen as Witnessed From Earth (Bookwriter), Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Bookwriter).

Des McAnuff has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations," Best Director at the Olivier Awards for "Jersey Boys" and "Tommy," and Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Jersey Boys" and "The Who's Tommy." He has also received nominations for Best Book of a Musical and Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Who's Tommy," as well as Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and "Big River." Additionally, McAnuff has been recognized for his work on "Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth" with nominations for Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards.

Des McAnuff has won several awards for his directing work. He received the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards. He also won the Best Director award at the Olivier Awards for his work on the musical "Tommy." Additionally, he won the Best Director - Musical award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Who's Tommy." McAnuff's achievements also include winning the Best Direction of a Musical award at the Tony Awards for his work on "The Who's Tommy."

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