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Justin Townsend

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Justin Townsend BIO

Justin Townsend received a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award Honour for his work on Moulin Rouge! The Musical. His Broadway credits include Jagged Little Pill, Saint Joan, Present Laughter, The Little Foxes, The Humans (Tony nomination), American Psycho (Tony nomination), Fool for Love, Casa Valentina, A Night with Janis Joplin, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, The Other Place, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. He served as Creative Director for Drake’s “Boy Meets World” European Tour and OVO Fest 2017. He previously worked with Alex Timbers on Here Lies Love. He is an associate professor at Brooklyn College.

Justin Townsend Photos

Justin Townsend Productions

 
[Broadway, 2023]
Lighting Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Lighting Design
 
[West End, 2022]
Lighting Designer
 
[West End, 2021] [Replacement]
Lighting Designer[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Lighting Design
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Lighting Designer
 
[Boston, 2018]
Lighting Design
 
[Boston, 2018]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2018]
Lighting Designer
 
[US Tour, 2017]
Lighting Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Lighting Design
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Lighting Design
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Set and Lighting Design
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Lighting Design
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Lighting Designer
 
[West End, 2014]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 0]
Scenery and Lighting Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Scenic Designer
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
 
[West End, 2012]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Associate Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Assistant Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Assistant Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 0]
Scenic and Lighting Design

Justin Townsend Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical

Justin Townsend, Moulin Rouge!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, Moulin Rouge!


winner
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Justin Townsend, Jagged Little Pill

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Justin Townsend, Moulin Rouge!

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play

Justin Townsend, The Little Foxes


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical

Justin Townsend, American Psycho


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play

Justin Townsend, The Humans


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical)

Justin Townsend, American Psycho

The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, The Humans

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Justin Townsend, American Psycho

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Lighting Design of a Play

Justin Townsend, The Humans


winner
Obie Awards - 2014 - Performance- Sustained Excellence of Lighting Design

Justin Townsend


winner
The Hewes Awards - 2014 - Hewes Design Award

Justin Townsend, Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play


winner
The Lortels - 2014 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, Here Lies Love

Helen Hayes Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production

Justin TownsendOne Night with Janis Joplin

The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, Unnatural Acts

Helen Hayes Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production

Justin TownsendHamlet

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Justin Townsend, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Justin Townsend Videos

Justin Townsend News


Austin Durant Will Return to MOULIN ROUGE! With Hailee Kaleem Wright Joining the Cast


Moulin Rouge! The Musical will welcome Austin Durant as Harold Zidler beginning Tuesday, May 14 at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

JAGGED LITTLE PILL To Complete US Tour At Hanover Theater In April


Catch the acclaimed A.R.T. musical JAGGED LITTLE PILL before it wraps up its US tour, and learn how to get tickets while reading about the end of the touring production.

Andris Nelsons Returns to Conduct Final Five Programs of the BSO's 2023�"2024 Season


The final five programs of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s 2023–2024 season, led by BSO Music Director Andris Nelsons, celebrate the commissioning legacy of Serge Koussevitzky, highlight some of the greatest living composers of our time, and bring acclaimed soloists back to Symphony Hall, including Yuja Wang and Hilary Hahn.  

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is Coming to the Fabulous Fox Theatre in April


The first North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, will make its St. Louis debut at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Purchase tickets now!

Review Round-up: JAGGED LITTLE PILL, THE 39 STEPS, MRS. KRISHNAN'S PARTY and THE REVOLUTIONISTS


In the aftermath of experiencing the Nashville premiere of Jagged Little Pill — the musical inspired by and featuring music from Alanis Morissette’s 1995 album of the same name, other songs written by her and including two created expressly for the production, and featuring a compelling, biting and challenging book by Diablo Cody — one cannot help but lament the show’s abbreviated three-performance run at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall.

Ricky Rojas Will Return to MOULIN ROUGE!, Plus New Tickets Released


Original Broadway cast member Ricky Rojas will return to the role of Santiago in Moulin Rouge! The Musical beginning Tuesday, March 26 at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Plus a new block of tickets will be released.

MOULIN ROUGE! Comes to Madison in July


The first North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, will play in Madison at Overture Center. Performances begin Tuesday, July 9 and run through Sunday, July 21 in Overture Hall.

Review: MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL at Straz Center


Throughout the entire production, the energy remains electric, fueled by exceptional lead performers and a truly astonishing ensemble. The choreography, costumes, and sets weave together seamlessly, creating an irresistible tapestry of entertainment that demands the audience's undivided attention. If you're up for a sensory stunning time with powerhouse vocals, check out 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical.'

Video: MOULIN ROUGE Loads In At Regent Theatre Melbourne


Watch in an all-new video as the Regent Theatre in Melbourne is transformed into the incredible world of Moulin Rouge! The production is set to wrap up the current season in Melbourne on February 4th, 2024.

Interview: Robert Petkoff Talks MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL and More


When actor and singer Robert Petkoff was cast to play Harold Zidler in the North American tour of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” there was no question about his knowing the score.

Derek Klena Will Return to MOULIN ROUGE! in February


Derek Klena is returning to the Moulin Rouge! Klena will return in the role of “Christian” beginning Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre

MOULIN ROUGE! Pop-Up and Karaoke Event Opens in Times Square


A special Moulin Rouge!-themed pop-up has opened in Times Square! The event is now being hosted at Beast & Butterflies, the restaurant on the rooftop of the M Social Hotel. Find out more about the event and how to attend here!

Review: MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL Dazzles at PPAC


Moulin Rouge! The Musical, debuted in Boston in 2018, and seems like an incredibly logical adaptation of a wildly successful musical film.  The stage version, showing at PPAC through December 31, hews very closely to the film in terms of plot and the bigger musical numbers, but also adds some new songs and showcases some exceptional sets and lighting that really make this production feel new on the stage.  While jukebox musicals can feel tedious, this is a refreshing re-envisioning that sparkles with well-chosen songs and outstanding vocal performances.

Review: MOULIN ROUGE THE MUSICAL at The Hippodrome


I remember trying to watch Moulin Rouge when the movie came out in 2001 and only getting about halfway through it. I have to confess I found the story rather trite and entirely predictable, only elevated by the inclusion of lots of catchy pop songs. So I was delightfully surprised when I saw the current iteration of this piece as a Broadway musical. Here I was all set to cast my weary, cynical eye on one more story of the ‘ho with a deadly disease (they do seem to be disproportionately prone to tuberculosis), but I was thoroughly entertained by this dazzling, dizzying, diamond of a show.

Single Tickets for MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL At The Fabulous Fox Theatre, December 18


The Fabulous Fox Theatre has announced that the first North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, will go on sale Monday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. for 16 performances from April 30 – May 12, 2024.

JAGGED LITTLE PILL Comes to the Fabulous Fox in January


Performances of Jagged Little Pill at the Fabulous Fox run January 19-21. Show times are Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m., Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

Celebrate the Holiday Season at MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL With Prizes to Be Won & More


Celebrate the holiday season at Moulin Rouge! The Musical and have a chance to win exciting prizes by scratching off a ticket at performances from December 12-17. Don't miss the 'Bohemian Winter Rendezvous' event on December 7 for festive treats and caroling. Find out more details here!

Video: The Cast of HERE LIES LOVE Takes Final Broadway Bows


Here Lies Love played its final Broadway performance yesterday, November 26, 2023, after 33 previews and 149 regular performances at the Broadway Theatre. Check out video of the cast taking their final bows here!

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL Will Host Sing-Along Performances in 2024


Returning by popular demand, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Moulin Rouge! The Musical will have two very special Spectacular Sing-Along Performances next year on Wednesday, February 28 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, August 3rd at 2pm, at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre. 

HERE LIES LOVE Plays Final Broadway Performance


Here Lies Love will play its final Broadway performance November 26, 2023, after 33 previews and 149 regular performances at the Broadway Theatre.

Justin Townsend FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Justin Townsend been nominated for?

Justin Townsend has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Moulin Rouge!", Outstanding Lighting Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Moulin Rouge!", Best Lighting Design of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Jagged Little Pill" and "Moulin Rouge!", Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Little Foxes", "American Psycho", and "The Humans". He was also recognized with Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "American Psycho", Outstanding Lighting Design at The Lortels for "The Humans", and Best Lighting Design of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "American Psycho". Additionally, he won the Best Lighting Design of a Play Tony Award for "The Humans", the Performance-Sustained Excellence of Lighting Design Obie Award, the Hewes Design Award for "Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play", Outstanding Lighting Design at The Lortels for "Here Lies Love", and Outstanding Lighting Design at the Drama Desk Awards for "Here Lies Love". Townsend also received the Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production Helen Hayes Award for "One Night with Janis Joplin" and "Hamlet", as well as Outstanding Lighting Design at The Lortels for "Unnatural Acts" and Outstanding Lighting Design at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson".

What awards has Justin Townsend won?

Justin Townsend has won several awards for his outstanding lighting designs in various Broadway productions. Some of his notable wins include Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Moulin Rouge!" and "American Psycho," Best Lighting Design of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Jagged Little Pill," Outstanding Lighting Design for a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Humans," and Outstanding Lighting Design (Play or Musical) at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "American Psycho." He has also received the Performance- Sustained Excellence of Lighting Design at the Obie Awards, the Hewes Design Award at The Hewes Awards for "Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play," and Outstanding Lighting Design at The Lortels for "Here Lies Love."

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