Michael Bennett Headshot

Michael Bennett

Date of Death: July 02, 1987 (44)

Birth Place: Buffalo, NY, USA

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Michael Bennett BIO

Michael Bennett was a renowned American dancer, choreographer, and director, known for his innovative work in musical theater. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1943, Bennett began his career as a performer, dancing in the chorus of Broadway shows such as "Subways Are for Sleeping" and "Here's Love." However, it was his choreography that would make him a legend in the industry.

Bennett's breakthrough came in 1975 with the groundbreaking musical "A Chorus Line," which he conceived, directed, and choreographed. The show, which followed the lives of aspiring dancers auditioning for a Broadway show, was a critical and commercial success, winning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Choreography for Bennett.

"A Chorus Line" ran for a record-breaking 6,137 performances and became one of the most beloved and influential musicals of all time. Bennett's innovative choreography, which blended contemporary dance with traditional Broadway style, set a new standard for musical theater and inspired generations of choreographers to come.

Bennett continued to make his mark on Broadway with shows such as "Dreamgirls," "Ballroom," and "Nine," for which he won his second Tony Award for Best Direction. He also worked on the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line" and choreographed the iconic opening number of the 1983 Academy Awards.

In addition to his work in theater, Bennett also made a name for himself in television and film. He choreographed the dance sequences in the film "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and directed and choreographed the film adaptation of "A Chorus Line." He also directed and choreographed the television special "Baryshnikov on Broadway" and the HBO special "My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies."

Bennett's talent and influence were recognized throughout the industry, and he received numerous awards and honors for his work. In addition to his two Tony Awards, he received a Drama Desk Award, an Emmy Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor. He was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1986.

Sadly, Bennett's life and career were cut short when he passed away from complications of AIDS in 1987 at the age of 44. However, his legacy lives on through the countless performers and choreographers he inspired and the groundbreaking work he created.

In 2018, a documentary about Bennett's life and career titled "Every Little Step" was released, chronicling the creation of the original production of "A Chorus Line" and its impact on the world of musical theater. The film serves as a testament to Bennett's enduring influence and his status as one of the greatest choreographers and directors in Broadway history.

In conclusion, Michael Bennett was a visionary artist whose innovative choreography and direction set the standard for musical theater. His groundbreaking work on "A Chorus Line" and other shows inspired generations of performers and choreographers and cemented his status as a legend in the industry. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on through the countless shows and performers he influenced and the enduring impact of his work.

Michael Bennett STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Dancer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1963
Clerk

Dancer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1961
A Delivery Boy

Dancer

Teenager

Michael Bennett Productions

 
[US Tour, 2010]
Choreographer
Director
 
[US Tour, 2008]
Choreographer
Director
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Choreographer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Choreographer
Director
 
[West End, 1986] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 1985]
Choreographer
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1983]
Director
 
[US Tour, 1983]
Choreographer
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Director
Producer
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Director
Producer
Choreographer
 
[West End, 1976]
Choreographer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1976]
Director
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Director
Choreographer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Director
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1974]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Director
Choreographer
 
[US Tour, 1972]
Choreographer
Director
 
[West End, 1972]
Choreographer
 
[US Tour, 1971]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1971]
Director
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1970]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1969]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 1969]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1966]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1962]
Assistant to the Choreographer

Writing

Conceiver
Bookwriter

Michael Bennett Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Special Awards

Michael Bennett


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Special Awards

Michael Bennett

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Michael BennettThird Street

Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls


winner
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls

Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls

Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Musical

Michael Bennett, Dreamgirls


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Choreography

Michael Bennett, Ballroom


winner
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, Ballroom

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Bennett, Ballroom

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Musical

Michael Bennett, Ballroom


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Choreography

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line


winner
Olivier Awards - 1976 - Musical of the Year

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1976 - Special Awards

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1976 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line


winner
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennet, A Chorus Line


winner
Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Book of a Musical

Michael Bennett, Seesaw


winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett , Seesaw

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Bennett, Seesaw

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Michael Bennett, Seesaw


winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennet , Follies


winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Bennett , Follies


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Choreography

Michael Bennett, Follies


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Outstanding Director

Michael Bennett, Follies

Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, Company

Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, Promises, Promises

Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, Henry, Sweet Henry

Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Choreography

Michael Bennett, A Joyful Noise

Michael Bennett Videos

Michael Bennett News


Concord Theatricals Awards A CHORUS LINE Licensing Package To Ten Schools In Under-Resourced Communities


Concord Theatricals is granting ten under-resourced schools the licensing package for A CHORUS LINE. Learn more about the package and the winners!

Meet the Cast of HELL'S KITCHEN, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!


Hell's Kitchen, the new musical conceived by Alicia Keys, begins previews tonight, March 28, with an opening night set for Saturday, April 20 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. Meet the cast of Hell's Kitchen here!

How Often Are Musicals Revived with Their Original Director?


This time, the reader question was: How often is a musical revived on Broadway directed by its original director?

John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Jared Grimes & More Join The Muny's 106th Season


The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!

DREAMGIRLS Starts Performances at McCarter This Week - Full Cast Announced!


McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the revival of the Tony and Grammy award-winning DREAMGIRLS. Learn more here!

Len Cariou & Peter Filichia To Be Honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards


The Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has announced two of the individuals to be honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards to be held on Monday evening, June 10, 2024 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Complete Cast Set For HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway


The complete cast has been revealed for the Broadway premiere of the new musical HELL’S KITCHEN, set to begin performances next month! Learn more about who is joining the company here!

London Theatre Week - See over 50 Award-Winning Musicals and Plays with Tickets from £15, £25 or £35


London Theatre Week is the West End’s biggest promotion, giving you the chance to see over 50 amazing award-winning musicals and stunning plays with tickets from £15, £25 or £35

Review: 'Every Little Step' Is Perfection In The Argyle Theatre's A CHORUS LINE


What did our critic think of A CHORUS LINE at The Argyle Theatre?

Date Set for The 78th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony


The 78th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will take place on Monday evening, June 10, 2024 beginning at 7:00PM. Hosted annually by well-known theater journalist, Peter Filichia, the historic 78th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will be produced by Theatre World Awards, Inc. Board of Directors / Dale Badway.

Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon & More Will Reprise Roles in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway


AKW Productions has just announced the Broadway premiere of the new musical HELL’S KITCHEN and we have the full list of stars and newcomers!

Review: A CHORUS LINE at Toby's Sings And Dances Its Way Into Your Heart


A CHORUS LINE at Toby’s in Columbia through March 10th, 2024- Staff are warm and helpful, the atmosphere is welcoming and the production is wonderful. If you’re a fan of musical theater, A CHORUS LINE will resonate. It’s a visual and auditory delight, with complex dance numbers and Marvin Hamlisch’s memorable melodies.

Concord Theatricals Launches A CHORUS LINE Licensing Competition For Schools In Under-Resourced Communities


Concord Theatricals is launching A CHORUS LINE Licensing Competition for schools in under-resourced communities nationwide.

OUR BORN-THIS-MONTH FEATURE FOR JANUARY SALUTES... GUESS WHO!


Every month, we take a moment to honor someone among those having a birthday that month who has made a real mark in the entertainment world .  January's birthday salute goes to a sensation on the stages of theatres and cabaret. With a click, you can see who it is and then see how much you know about their by taking our multiple-choice quiz.

Tony-Winning DREAMGIRLS Star Jennifer Holliday To Perform With Denver Gay Men's Chorus In March 2024


Experience the incredible talent of Tony-winning actress Jennifer Holliday as she joins the Denver Gay Men's Chorus for a special performance of 'Neon Lights.' This tribute to Broadway is set to take place in March 2024 and promises to be a showstopper that resonates with audiences for generations.

Exclusive: Oh My Pod U Guys- Jay Armstrong Johnson Is The Prom King


I am joined by Broadway star, Jay Armstrong Johnson, to talk all things Bway! Jay is a true triple threat, from singing incredible scores like Phantom, to dancing Michael Bennett's original choreography in A Chorus Line, to acting the role of Will Olsen on ABC's Quantico. A Texas native, Jay shares his experience as a young artist in the South, and his journey to New York City and working consistently on Broadway.

Broadway Veteran Baayork Lee To Direct WEST SIDE STORY At Starlight In 2024


Starlight is pleased to announce that renowned director, choreographer, and Tony Award recipient Baayork Lee will return to Kansas City's historic stage to direct the classic Broadway musical West Side Story, playing August 20-25, 2024.

FOLLIES To Have Las Vegas Premiere In Spring 2024


Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's FOLLIES will get its Las Vegas premiere in a new production from Metropolis Theatricals in April 2024 at Alliante+Hotel+Spa.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 5th, 2023


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 5, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Video: Baayork Lee Talks A CHORUS LINE & More With Harvey Brownstone


Baayork Lee: Legendary Broadway Star, Choreographer & Director | Harvey Brownstone Interviews. Baayork Lee's illustrious career in theater, from Broadway performances to directing and choreography, is discussed in this interview with Harvey Brownstone.

Michael Bennett FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Michael Bennett been in?

Michael Bennett has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Michael Bennett been in?

Michael Bennett has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Michael Bennett been nominated for?

Michael Bennett has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Special Awards at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Third Street," Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Ballroom," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Ballroom," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Chorus Line," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "A Chorus Line," Special Awards at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Chorus Line," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "A Chorus Line," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "A Chorus Line," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "A Chorus Line," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Seesaw," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Seesaw," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Follies," Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Follies," Outstanding Choreography at the Drama Desk Awards for "Follies," Outstanding Director at the Drama Desk Awards for "Follies," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Company," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Promises, Promises," Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Henry, Sweet Henry," and Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "A Joyful Noise."

What awards has Michael Bennett won?

Michael Bennett has won several awards throughout his career. He has received Special Awards from the Drama Desk Awards. He won the Best Choreography Tony Award for Dreamgirls and Ballroom, and Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Awards for Ballroom and A Chorus Line. He also won the Outstanding Director - Musical Drama Desk Award for A Chorus Line and the Musical of the Year Olivier Award for A Chorus Line. Bennett received Special Awards from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Chorus Line and The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for A Chorus Line. Additionally, he won the Best Direction of a Musical Tony Award for A Chorus Line and Follies, and the Best Choreography Tony Award for A Chorus Line, Seesaw, and Follies. He also received Outstanding Choreography Drama Desk Awards for Follies, and Outstanding Director Drama Desk Awards for Follies.

How many shows has Michael Bennett written?

Michael Bennett has written 2 shows including Seesaw (Bookwriter), A Chorus Line (Conceiver).

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