George C. Wolfe Headshot

George C. Wolfe

Birth Place: Frankfort, KY, USA

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George C. Wolfe BIO

Theatre directing credits include The Iceman Cometh, Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (NY Drama Critics' Circle Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Musical); Lucky Guy; The Normal Heart (Drama Desk); Jelly's Last Jam (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award); Angels in America: Millennium Approaches (Tony Award and Drama Desk) and Perestroika (Drama Desk); Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk (Tony and Drama League Award); Topdog/Underdog (Obie Award); Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Drama Desk); Elaine Stritch at Liberty (Tony for Special Theatrical Event); The Tempest; Caroline, or Change (Olivier Award Best Musical); and A Free Man of Color.
From 1993-2005 Wolfe was the Producer of The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival. He is the writer of the award-winning The Colored Museum, Shuffle Along..., he directed/adapted Spunk (Obie), and Harlem Song.
Wolfe directed and co-wrote the HBO film "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," as well as "Lackawanna Blues," for which he earned The Directors Guild Award and a National Board of Review Award.
He is the Chief Creative Officer of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and from 2009-2017 served on The President's Committee for the Arts and the Humanities.
Additional awards include the Actors' Equity Paul Robeson Award, Society of Directors and Choreographers' Mr. Abbott and Callaway Awards, The Dramatists Guild's Hull-Warriner Award, The NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, The Brendan Gill Prize, and The Monte Cristo Award.
Wolfe was named a Library Lion by the New York Public Library and a living landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.

George C. Wolfe Photos

George C. Wolfe Productions

 
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George C. Wolfe Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe, Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus

Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe, The Iceman Cometh

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Book of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Direction of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed

Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe, Lucky Guy


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Director of a Play

George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe, The Normal Heart


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director - Musical

George C. Wolfe, Caroline, or Change


winner
Drama League Awards - 2004 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing

George C. Wolfe


winner
Obie Awards - 2004 - Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater

George C. Wolfe

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Caroline

Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Direction of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Caroline, or Change


winner
Obie Awards - 2002 - Direction

George C. Wolfe, Topdog / Underdog

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director of a Play

George C. Wolfe, Topdog / Underdog

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Book of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, The Wild Party

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Musical

George C. Wolfe, The Wild Party


winner
Drama League Awards - 1996 - Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre

George C. Wolfe


winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Direction of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Musical

George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

George C. Wolfe, Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Director - Play

George C. Wolfe, Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Director - Play

George C. Wolfe, Angels in America

Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe , Angels in America: Perestroika

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Director - Pla

George C. Wolfe, Angels in America


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Play

George C. Wolfe , Angels in America: Millennium Approaches


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Director - Musical

George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Book of a Musical

George C. Wolfe, Jelly's Last Jam

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Direction of a Musical

George C. Wolfe , Jelly's Last Jam


winner
Obie Awards - 1990 - Direction

George C. Wolfe, Spunk

George C. Wolfe Videos

George C. Wolfe News


Adam Guettel, Austin Pendleton and More Will Be Honored with Dramatists Guild Awards


The Dramatists Guild previously announced that playwright Christopher Durang will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s ceremony. He will be joined by two additional recipients, George C. Wolfe and Emily Mann.

The Museum of Broadway Will Host Reunions For the Casts of THE WHO'S TOMMY and JELLY'S LAST JAM


The Museum of Broadway will host two upcoming events reunited the original Broadway casts of The Who's Tommy and Jelly's Last Jam next week. Learn more about both events here!

Full Lineup Revealed For BAM's 2024 Benefit


An all-female and trans lineup will perform on May 1 as BAM honors two iconic trailblazers; the multi-hyphenate artist, Solange Knowles, and legendary arts producer and advocate, Mikki Shepard, for their indelible influence, inspiration, and contributions to the performing arts. 

Are There Many Musicals About the Same Subject?


This time, the reader question was: With The Great Gatsby musicals happening now, are there other examples of musicals about the same subject?

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 11, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 11, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

UK Premiere Of Family Drama THE BOOK OF GRACE Begins At Arcola Theatre This May


Experience the UK premiere of the intense family drama THE BOOK OF GRACE at Arcola Theatre. This riveting play explores complex family dynamics and promises to leave audiences captivated.

Jack Viertel's New Novel BROADWAY MELODY Is Now on Sale


Broadway Melody, the sweeping novel of love, ambition and defeat by veteran Broadway professional Jack Viertel is now available for purchase. Learn more about the book!

John Clarence Stewart, Jasmine Amy Rogers & Cress Williams to Lead JELLY'S LAST JAM in Pasadena


Pasadena Playhouse has revealed the cast for its new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Meet the Cast of LEMPICKA, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


Performances begin tonight, March 19, at the Longacre Theatre for Lempicka, the new musical celebrating the true story of renowned artist Tamara de Lempicka.  Meet the cast of Lempicka here!

Video: Watch Amber Iman Sing 'Stay' from LEMPICKA


Lempicka, the new musical celebrating the true story of renowned artist Tamara de Lempicka, is getting ready to begin performances on Broadway this spring at the Longacre Theatre on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Watch as cast member Amber Iman, who plays 'Rafaela', performs 'Perfection' in the video below.

Work by Rachel Bloom, Sara Porkalob & More Set for 2024 Williamstown Theatre Festival Summer Season


The 2024 Williamstown Theatre Festival summer season has revealed its lineup. See the shows being presented and learn how to purchase tickets.

Ang Lee, Corey Stoll and Madison Love to be Honored at NYU Tisch School of the Arts' 2024 Gala


New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts will honor world-renowned film director Ang Lee, critically acclaimed film, television and Broadway actor Corey Stoll, and multi-platinum singer and songwriter Madison Love. Learn more about the honorees and about the gala!

Broadway Buying Guide: February 26, 2024- See the New SWEENEY TODD Cast and More


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, February 26, 2024.

Review Roundup: JELLY'S LAST JAM Opens at New York City Center


Read the reviews for Jelly's Last Jam at New York City Center, starring Billy Porter and more.

Photos: The Cast of JELLY'S LAST JAM at City Center Encores! Meets the Press


Jelly’s Last Jam runs February 21 through March 3 at New York City Center. The company recently met the press and BroadwayWorld was on hand to chat with them about the upcoming show. Check out photos from the press event here!

2024 Mike Ockrent Fellowship Recipient To Serve As Fellow On SUFFS On Broadway


The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) announces the recipient of the 2024 Mike Ockrent Fellowship.

Photos: Encores! JELLY'S LAST JAM Cast Poses for Portrait


Rehearsals are now underway for Encores! next show- Jelly’s Last Jam, led by director Robert O’Hara. Check out a new photo as the cast paused from rehearsals here!

Broadway Buying Guide: February 12, 2024- Get Tickets to MOULIN ROUGE!, SWEENEY TODD, and More


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, February 12, 2024.

Williamstown Theatre Festival Announces New Members To Leadership Team & New Artistic Leadership Model


WILLIAMSTOWN THEATRE FESTIVAL announces new members to leadership team and new artistic leadership model. Get the latest news on the changes happening at the festival.

PUBLIC OBSCENITIES Extends for One Week at Theatre For A New Audience


Theatre for a New Audience is extending the run of Shayok Misha Chowdhury's 'Public Obscenities' at Polonsky Shakespeare Center

George C. Wolfe FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has George C. Wolfe written?

George C. Wolfe has written 10 shows including Paradise! (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Paradise! (Bookwriter), Queenie Pie (Libretto), The Colored Museum (Playwright), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), Spunk:Three Tales by Zora Neale Hurston (Adaptation), Jelly's Last Jam (Bookwriter), Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk (Source Material), The Wild Party (Bookwriter), Shuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (Book Writer).

What awards has George C. Wolfe been nominated for?

George C. Wolfe has been nominated for various awards throughout his career. These include nominations for Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for productions such as "Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus," "The Iceman Cometh," and "Lucky Guy." He has also received nominations for Best Book of a Musical and Best Direction of a Musical for "Shuffle Along, Or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed." Additionally, Wolfe has been recognized with nominations for Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for works like "The Normal Heart" and "Topdog / Underdog." His nominations also extend to accolades like Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Outstanding Book of a Musical for productions such as "Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk," "The Wild Party," and "Jelly's Last Jam." Wolfe's contributions have earned him accolades like the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards and Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater at the Obie Awards.

What awards has George C. Wolfe won?

George C. Wolfe has won several awards, including Best Direction of a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Caroline, or Change, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards, Special Citations for his stewardship of the Public Theater at the Obie Awards, Direction at the Obie Awards for Topdog / Underdog, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre at the Drama League Awards, Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Bring in 'da Noise/Bring in 'da Funk, Best Director - Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Angels in America, Best Director - Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Jelly's Last Jam, and Direction at the Obie Awards for Spunk.

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