Up and Coming Broadway Directors?

[BillyB]

Posted: 9/26/04 at 6:36pm

Who would you say are the top 5 up and coming Broadway Directors?

[SandyWay]

Posted: 9/26/04 at 7:11pm

No clue but would love to know.

[SandyWay]

Posted: 9/26/04 at 7:34pm

No one has any thoughts?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 9/26/04 at 8:02pm

Well, it's your phrasing. Once someone has directed a Broadway show, I'm not sure I would call them "up-and-coming" directors anymore -- they've sort of officially arrived. Up-and coming directors currently working off-Broadway and regionally would be a more interesting list.

Mantello is still up-and-coming to me because I don't think he really a great director yet, but then he already has two Tonys and has directed ten Broadway shows (with more to come) so he's hardly a novice. I suppose Jeff Calhoun (Big River, Brooklyn) should be on the list. Jerry Mitchell is probably the most promising and really somebody to watch. John Rando, too (thanks to Urinetown not Dance of the Vampires). Kathleen Marshall made her directing debut with Wonderful Town after having been a choreographer for years, so look out for her. John Carrafa, as well (though I'm not looking forward to Good Vibrations, he's been an excellent choreographer for a few years). I'm curious to see what Jason Moore does after Avenue Q (I believe he's signed to do the "Steel Magnolias" revival if that ever comes off).

On the non-musical side, Mark Brokaw (my personal favorite; not really up-and coming since he has helmed some of the finest off-Broadway productions of the last decade; is making his Broadway directing debut with Reckless), Kenny Leon (Raisin in the Sun, Gem of the Ocean), Garry Hynes (Beauty Queen of Leenane), and Edward Hall (son of Sir Peter, not a Broadway director yet, but his "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at BAM earlier this year was brilliant and his "Rose Rage" just opened to mostly strong notices at the The Duke).

Updated On: 9/26/04 at 08:02 PM

[sweetiedarlinmia]

Posted: 9/26/04 at 8:07pm

I am so glad that you said Kenny Leon, Margo. He popped in my mind but I figured I better not judge (rather post) on the one production of his I've seen (Raisin).

[Plum]

Posted: 9/26/04 at 8:19pm

Isn't that the definition of an up-and comer? Someone who's showing promise?

Anyway, I'm very inclined towards Joe Mantello after seeing the way he massaged a troublesome concept and a score I didn't exactly love into a really sensational production. Updated On: 9/26/04 at 08:19 PM

[NYSinger1]

Posted: 9/26/04 at 8:24pm

Jeff Calhoun, as a director. Even though he has choreographed a lot, I think he's a great director. (Big River last season, and now Brooklyn)

[lc1965]

Posted: 9/26/04 at 10:12pm

I don't know what's on his plate, but Brad Rouse is looking promising. He is currently working on his own projects and assists Hal Prince on his work. Talented in his own right & a darned nice guy.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 9/26/04 at 10:13pm

I want to be it! i really want to direct.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 9/26/04 at 10:14pm

I REALLY want to see Jason Moore's next production!