Kenny Leon
Latest News on Kenny Leon:
Photos: Meet the 2024 Creative Tony Nominees (May 3, 2024)
Arena Stage Unveils New Sponsorship With 'Crown Castle' For Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fellowship (May 2, 2024)
Find Out Who's Receiving 2024 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre and Special Tony Awards (May 2, 2024)
Photos: Meet the 2024 Creative Tony Nominees (May 3, 2024)
Arena Stage Unveils New Sponsorship With 'Crown Castle' For Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fellowship (May 2, 2024)
Find Out Who's Receiving 2024 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre and Special Tony Awards (May 2, 2024)
Kenny Leon BIO
Kenny Leon is a Tony Award-winning Broadway and television director. His Broadway credits include the Tupac musical Holler If You Hear Me, A Raisin in the Sun starring Denzel Washington (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play and Best Revival of a Play), The Mountaintop starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett, Stick Fly, August Wilson’s Fences (which garnered ten Tony nominations and won three Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play), Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf. He also directed Smart People for Second Stage. Leon's recent television work includes "Hairspray Live!", and "The Wiz Live!" on NBC. He is the recipient of the 2016 Mr. Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in Directing and the 2010 Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League. Mr. Leon serves on the board of New York's Public Theater and is Artistic Director of Atlanta's Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company.
Kenny Leon Photos
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Douglas Turner Ward, Charles Fuller and David Alan Grier with Kenny Leon with the cast During the Broadway Opening Night Curtain Call Bows for The Roundabout Theatre Company's "A Soldier's Play" at the American Airlines Theatre on January 21, 2020 in New York City.
Date:
01/22/2020
From: Photo Coverage: The Cast of A SOLDIER'S PLAY Takes Their Opening Night Bows
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Kenny Leon, Lizbeth Mackay, Isabella Russo, Nicholas Hutchinson, Charles Turner, Denise Burse, Hannah Cabell, Lenne Klingaman, Nidra Sous La Terre, Luis Vega, Michael Countryman, Howard Overshown, Carole Rothman and Will Eno
Date:
11/21/2019
From: Photo Coverage: Second Stage Celebrates Opening Night of THE UNDERLYING CHRIS
Kenny Leon, Lizbeth Mackay, Isabella Russo, Nicholas Hutchinson, Charles Turner, Denise Burse, Hannah Cabell, Lenne Klingaman, Nidra Sous La Terre, Luis Vega, Michael Countryman, Howard Overshown and Will Eno
Date:
11/21/2019
From: Photo Coverage: Second Stage Celebrates Opening Night of THE UNDERLYING CHRIS
The American Son team: playwright Christopher Demos-Brown, cast members Steven Pasquale, Kerry Washington, Eugene Lee, Jeremy Jordan, and director Kenny Leon. attend the Cast photo call for the New Broadway Play "American Son" on September 14, 2018 at the
Date:
09/15/2018
From: Photo Coverage: The Cast of AMERICAN SON Meets the Press
NBCUNIVERSAL EVENTS -- NBCUniversal Summer Press Tour, August 2, 2016 -- NBC''s ''Hairspray Live!'' Panel -- Pictured: (l-r) Alex Rudzinski, Live Television Director; Neil Meron, Executive Producer; Craig Zadan, Executive Director; Kenny Leon, Director --
Date:
08/03/2016
From: Photo Flash: Kristin Chenoweth & Cast of NBC's HAIRSPRAY LIVE Appear at Summer Press Tour
NBCUNIVERSAL EVENTS -- NBCUniversal Summer Press Tour, August 2, 2016 -- NBC''s ''Hairspray Live!'' Panel -- Pictured: (l-r) Back Row: Neil Meron, Executive Producer; Craig Zadan, Executive Director; Kenny Leon, Director; Front Row: Harvey Fierstein, Jenn
Date:
08/03/2016
From: Photo Flash: Kristin Chenoweth & Cast of NBC's HAIRSPRAY LIVE Appear at Summer Press Tour
THE WIZ LIVE! -- Television Academy Event at The DGA, Los Angeles, June 1, 2016 -- Pictured: (l-r) Holly Robinson Peete, Moderator; Harvey Mason, Jr., Composer; Fatima Robinson, Choregorapher; Amber Riley, David Alan Grier, Kenny Leon, Director; Shanice W
Date:
06/02/2016
From: Photo Flash: Cast of THE WIZ LIVE Reunite for Panel Discussion & Live Musical Performances
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Kenny Leon and Hilda Wills presenting the 16 finalists-Alexander Albritton, Alexis Baldridge, Chantelle Charles, Tigona Davy, Jonah Gould, Atiauna Grant, Ashley Herbert, Trinidad Ramikissoon, Taylor Salter, Candace Spates, Lauren Steele, Mykeala Sterris,
Date:
05/06/2014
From: Photo Coverage: Kenny Leon & Denzel Washington Visit August Wilson Monologue Competition
Denzel Washington, Saul Williams Ben Thompson, Kenny Leon Hilda Wills, Patty Ornst the judges-Narda E. Alcorn, David Cromer, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Pauletta Washington and James A Williams with all the finalists and semi finalists Alexander Albritto
Date:
05/06/2014
From: Photo Coverage: Kenny Leon & Denzel Washington Visit August Wilson Monologue Competition
Guy Davis, David Gallo, Kenny Leon, Jasmine Guy, James A. Williams
L-R, bottom row: Lynn Nottage, third place finalist Tyler Edwards, second place finalist Christian Helem, Hilda Willis, first place finalist Saidah Wade, and Crystal Dickinson
Date:
05/09/2012
From: Photo Flash: Lynn Nottage, David Gallo et al. with August Wilson Monologue Competition Winners
Kenny Leon Productions
Kenny Leon Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious
Drama League Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Kenny Leon, Topdog/Underdog
winner
Obie Awards - 2020 - Directing Award
Kenny Leon, Much Ado About Nothing
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Soldier's Play
winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun
winner
Drama League Awards - 2010 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Kenny Leon
Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Fences
Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
Kenny LeonTambourines to Glory
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Director - Play
Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun
Helen Hayes Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical
Kenny LeonBlues in the Night
Kenny Leon Videos
Photos & Video: PURLIE VICTORIOUS Concludes Broadway Run with Proclamations From Congress and the State of New York
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2024
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares His Daughter's Reaction to PURLIE VICTORIOUS on FALLON
by Michael Major - Oct 13, 2023
Video: Leslie Odom, Jr. & Company Celebrate Opening Night of PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway
by Opening Night - Oct 2, 2023
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS Is a 'Very Rare Piece'
by Michael Major - Sep 27, 2023
Video: Watch Highlights from Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth in Times Square
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 19, 2023
Photos & Video: First Look at KING JAMES at Manhattan Theatre Club
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 21, 2023
VIDEO: Mariah Carey Surprises Audience at SOME LIKE IT HOT Curtain Call
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 11, 2023
VIDEO: Audra McDonald Talks OHIO STATE MURDERS & THE GILDED AGE on TODAY
by Michael Major - Jan 6, 2023
Video: First Look at Norm Lewis, Eugene Lee & More in A SOLDIER'S PLAY National Tour
by Show Highlights - Dec 16, 2022
VIDEO: Audra McDonald Reveals Why OHIO STATE MURDERS Is Her 'Hardest' Role on THE VIEW
by Michael Major - Dec 15, 2022
Photos/Video: First Look at Audra McDonald and More in OHIO STATE MURDERS, Opening Tonight!
by Show Highlights - Dec 8, 2022
Video: Audra McDonald and Kenny Leon Open Up About the Drama of OHIO STATE MURDERS
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - Nov 12, 2022
Video: Audra McDonald, Lizan Mitchell & More Discuss Bringing OHIO STATE MURDERS to Broadway
by Sneak Peek - Nov 6, 2022
Kenny Leon News
Photos: Meet the 2024 Creative Tony Nominees
The nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York yesterday to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there for the special day. Check out photos of the 2024 creative nominees here.
Arena Stage Unveils New Sponsorship With 'Crown Castle' For Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fellowship
Arena Stage will launch a new sponsorship with Crown Castle for the Allen Lee Hughes BIPOC Fellowship, furthering their commitment to diversity in the arts.
Find Out Who's Receiving 2024 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre and Special Tony Awards
The Tony Awards Administration Committee has announced that the honorees for the 2024 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre, as well as Special Tony Awards.
Photos: The Acting Company Hosts Gala Honoring Stephen McKinley Henderson
Last night, The Acting Company awarded Stephen McKinley Henderson the John Houseman Award Honor, and William H. Wright II the Joan M. Warburg Award Honor, as part of The Acting Company’s “Fantastic Journeys” Gala. See photos from the evening below!
Tickets For SOME LIKE IT HOT at Proctors Go on Sale This Week
Proctors announced that single tickets for the upcoming engagement of SOME LIKE IT HOT in Schenectady will go on sale 10 a.m. Thursday, May 2.
These Are the Most-Nominated Individuals of the 2024 Tony Awards
On Tuesday, April 30, the 2024 Tony Award Nominations were announced. The list includes a mix of shows and artists, some with only a single nomination. However, more than ten artists received multiple nominations, some for different shows that premiered this season. Don't believe us? Take a look at here!
Breaking Down the 2024 Tony Awards Nominations
Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from yesterday's big announcement.
2024 Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List!
Nominations for the 2024 Drama Desk Awards have just been announced by Kathleen Turner. Check out the full list of nominees here!
Photos: MOTHER PLAY Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway
Mother Play officially opened on Broadway on April 25 at the Hayes Theater. Check out photos of the cast and VIPs at the after party here!
2024 Tony Awards Nominations- Live Reactions
The nominations for the 77th Annual Tony Awards were announced this morning by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Renée Elise Goldsberry. Follow us throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions!
2024 Tony Awards Nominations - Show by Show
The nominations are in! Check out how each show fared individually in a full list of nominations by show.
2024 Tony Award Nominations- HELL'S KITCHEN and STEREOPHONIC Lead the Pack!
The 77th Annual Tony Awards nominations were announced this morning by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Renee Elise Goldsberry and here they are, celebrating the best of the 2023-24 theatre season. Check out the full list of nominees here!
Photos: The Company of HOME Meets the Press
See photos of the company of Home on Broadway featuring Kenny Leon and more meeting the press!
Photos: On the Red Carpet at Opening Night of MARY JANE
Mary Jane, led by Rachel McAdams, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog, officially opened on Broadway last night, April 23. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the opening night red carpet here!
DEAD OUTLAW, STEREOPHONIC & More Lead in Nominations for 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards
Read the full list of 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations! Leading the nominations are Stereophonic and Dead Outlaw.
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, CABARET & More Lead in Nominations for 2024 Drama League Awards
Read the full list of 2024 Drama League Nominations! Nominations include Cabaret, Merrily We Roll Along and more.
Keen Company to Present DIRECTORFEST in May At Theatre Row
Discover the talents of two emerging directors as Keen Company collaborates with The Drama League for DIRECTORFEST at Theatre Row. Learn more!
Photos: Go inside The Entertainment Community Fund's 2024 Gala
Last night at the Entertainment Community Fund, (formerly The Actors Fund) gala, they announced the $160 million ESSENTIAL Campaign: a bold and comprehensive effort that will combine all of the organization’s fundraising, allowing the Fund to serve more people in more places.
Entertainment Community Fund Launches $160 Million ESSENTIAL Campaign
Entertainment Community Fund is launching the $160 million ESSENTIAL Campaign, combining all of the organization’s fundraising, allowing the Fund to serve more people in more places. Learn more!
Broadway Buying Guide: April 8, 2024- HAMILTON Rises to the Top
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, April 8, 2024.
Kenny Leon FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Kenny Leon been nominated for?
Kenny Leon has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout his career. These nominations include Outstanding Direction of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Purlie Victorious," Outstanding Direction of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Purlie Victorious," Outstanding Direction of a Play at the Drama League Awards for "Topdog/Underdog," and Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for "A Soldier's Play," "A Raisin in the Sun," and "Fences." He also received the Directing Award at the Obie Awards for "Much Ado About Nothing," the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards, and Outstanding Director, Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Tambourines to Glory" and "Blues in the Night." Additionally, he was recognized with Outstanding Director of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Soldier's Play" and "A Raisin in the Sun."
What awards has Kenny Leon won?
Kenny Leon has won several awards for his directing work, including the Directing Award at the Obie Awards for "Much Ado About Nothing," Outstanding Director of a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Soldier's Play," Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun," the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing at the Drama League Awards, and Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Raisin in the Sun."
Videos
