Wikipedia

Thomas Kail

Thomas Kail(born January 20, 1977)[1]is an American theatre and television director, known for directing theOff-BroadwayandBroadwayproductions ofLin-Manuel Miranda's musicalsIn the Heights[2]andHamilton,garnering the 2016Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musicalfor the latter. Kail was awarded theKennedy Center Honorin 2018. He has also directed the television seriesFosse/Verdon(2019), for which he was nominated for twoPrimetime Emmy Awards.

Thomas Kail
Born(1977-01-20)January 20, 1977(age 48)
Alexandria, Virginia,U.S.
Occupation(s)Theatre and television director
Spouse
​
(m.2020)​
Children2

Personal life

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Kail grew up inAlexandria, Virginia[3]and graduated fromSidwell Friends Schoolin 1995 and subsequently fromWesleyan Universityin 1999.[4][5]He remains good friends withLin-Manuel Miranda,with whom he co-created, along with Anthony Veneziale, thefreestylehip-hopgroupFreestyle Love Supreme.[6][7]Kail is Jewish.[8]

Kail began a relationship withtheatre actressAngela Christianin 2006; they divorced in 2019.[9][10][11]In December 2019, it was announced that he was engaged toFosse/VerdonactressMichelle Williams,who was expecting their first child together;[12]they married in March 2020.[13]Their son, Hart, was born by June that year.[13]In May 2022, Williams revealed she is pregnant with their second child together, who was born later in 2022.[14]

Kail and Williams are raising their two young children with Judaism, and Williams (who is not Jewish) is studying the religion herself.[15]Williams also has a daughter from a previous relationship with Heath Ledger.[16]

Career

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After graduating from Wesleyan University, Kail became assistant stage manager at New Jersey's American Stage Company.[17]

Kail directed the24 Hour Playsbenefit performances in 2007 and 2008, where "6 short plays are written, rehearsed, directed, and performed in 24 hours."[18]In 2007, he directed Julia Jordan'sA Bus Stop Play,andBeau Willimon'sZusammenbruchin 2008. Both shows played at theAmerican Airlines TheatreonBroadway.[19]

Kail directed the hitBroadway musicalIn the Heights,which garnered him aTony Awardnomination forBest Direction of a Musical.[20]The musical premiered on Broadway, starting inpreviewson February 14, 2008, with an official opening on March 9, 2008, at theRichard Rodgers Theatre.[21]

Kail directedBroke-ology,which played from October 5, 2009, to November 22, 2009, at theLincoln Center TheaterOff-Broadway. This play garnered Kail anAUDELCOAward nomination for Best Director of a Dramatic Production.[22]Kail also staged the world premiere at theWilliamstown Theatre Festival.[23]In 2009, Kail also directed theNew York City Center'sEncores!production of the musicalThe Wiz.[24][25][26]

Kail directedEric Simonson's playLombardi,based onGreen Bay PackerscoachVince Lombardithrough a week in the 1965 season, as he attempts to lead his team to the championship.[27][28][29]Lombardiofficially premiered onBroadwayat theCircle in the Square Theatreon October 21, 2010.[30]

He then directed the Off-Broadway run of Nathan Louis Jackson'sWhen I Come to Die,which ran in January and February 2011.[23][31]

Kail reunited withLombardiplaywright Eric Simonson onMagic/Bird,a new play chronicling the intertwined life stories of basketball Hall of FamersLarry BirdandEarvin "Magic" Johnson.The play premiered on Broadway at theLongacre Theatreon March 21, 2012, in previews, officially on April 11, 2012, and closed on May 12, 2012. Kail directed, with the cast that featured Kevin Daniels as "Magic" Johnson and Tug Coker as Larry Bird.[32]

Kail continued his collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda, directing the musicalHamiltonin 2015, both Off-Broadway and on Broadway, for which he won aTony Award.[33]

Kail directedGrease: LiveforParamount Television,screened live onFoxon January 31, 2016;[34]the world premiere ofDry PowderwithHank Azaria,Claire Danes,John KrasinskiandSanjit De Silvawhich ran from March to May 2016 atThe Public Theaterin New York City;[35]andTiny Beautiful Things,also atThe Public,from November to December 2016.

On July 5, 2018, FX announced an eight-episode order for a limited-series entitledFosse/Verdon,with Sam Rockwell playing the role of Bob Fosse and Michelle Williams playing the role of Gwen Verdon. On October 25, 2018, it was reported that Thomas Kail would direct at least four of the series' eight episodes and he would go on to direct a total of five episodes. Kail was nominated for Outstanding Directing – Movies for Television and Limited Series by the Directors Guild of America for the episode "Nowadays."

In May 2023, it was announced that Kail would direct alive action adaptationof the Disney animated filmMoana,making his narrative feature directorial debut.[36]He is also attached to direct and co-produce the remake ofFiddler on the RoofforAmazon MGM Studios.[37]

Filmography

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Film

Television

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Year Title Director Executive
Producer 		Writer Notes
2006 Critical Hours Yes Yes Yes TV pilot
2009 Storymakers Yes No No
The Electric Company Yes No No Musical director
2010 The Oprah Winfrey Oscar Special Yes No No
2012 2 Broke Girls Yes No No 3 episodes
2015 The Jack and Triumph Show Yes No No 2 episodes
2016 Grease: Live Yes Co-executive No TV special
2019 Fosse/Verdon Yes Yes No 5 episodes
2023 Up Here Yes No No 2 episodes
2024 We Were the Lucky Ones Yes No No 2 episodes

As himself

Year Title Notes
2008 Roadtrip Nation TV episode
2009 In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams Episode ofPBS'Great Performances

Theater

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Director

Year Title Venue Notes
2005 In the Heights Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Regional
2007 37 Arts Theater Off-Broadway
The 24 Hour Plays American Airlines Theatre Broadway
2008 In the Heights Richard Rodgers Theatre
2009 Broke-ology Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre Off-Broadway
In the Heights Various US Tour
2010 Lombardi Circle in the Square Broadway
2011 When I Come to Die Duke on 42nd Street Off-Broadway
In the Heights Various US Tour
2012 Magic/Bird Longacre Theatre Broadway
2015 Hamilton The Public Theater Off-Broadway
2016 Dry Powder
Daphne's Dive Signature Center
2016–present Hamilton Richard Rodgers Theatre Broadway
Various US Tour
2016 Tiny Beautiful Things The Public Theater Off-Broadway
2017–present Hamilton Victoria Palace Theatre West End
2018 Kings The Public Theater Off-Broadway
2019–2020 Freestyle Love Supreme(Also producer) Greenwich House Theatre
2019 Derren Brown: Secret Cort Theatre Broadway
Freestyle Love Supreme Booth Theatre
The Wrong Man Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space Off-Broadway
2023 Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Lunt-Fontanne Theatre Broadway

Performer

Year Title Venue
2014 Faust: The Concert City Center

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2007 Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Director of a Musical In the Heights Nominated [38]
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Director of a Musical Nominated
SDC Joseph A. Callaway Award Best Director Won [39]
2008 Tony Award Best Director of a Musical Nominated [40]
2010 AUDELCO Award Best Director of a Dramatic Production Broke-ology Nominated
2011 NAACP Award Best Director of a Musical In the Heights Won
AUDELCO Award Best Director of a Dramatic Production When I Come To Die Nominated [41]
2014 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Director of a Play Family Furniture Nominated [38]
2015 Lucille Lortel Award Outstanding Director Hamilton Won [42]
Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Director of a Musical Nominated [38]
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Director of a Musical Won
2016 Tony Award Best Direction of a Musical Won [43]
Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Special Class Program Grease: Live Won [44]
Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special Won
2018 Laurence Olivier Award Best Director Hamilton Nominated [45]
Kennedy Center Honors(shared withAndy Blankenbuehler,Alex LacamoireandLin-Manuel Miranda) Honoree [46]
2019 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Limited Series Fosse/Verdon Nominated [44]
Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special Fosse/Verdon
(Episode: "Who's Got the Pain?" ) 		Nominated
2020 Grammy Awards Best Music Film We Are Freestyle Love Supreme Nominated [47]
Directors Guild of America Award Outstanding Directing – Miniseries or TV Film Fosse/Verdon
(Episode: "Nowadays" ) 		Nominated [48]
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Director of a Musical The Wrong Man Nominated
2021 Directors Guild of America Award Outstanding Directing – Miniseries or TV Film Hamilton Nominated [49]
Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) Won [44]
Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Nominated
2023 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Director of a Musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Won

References

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  1. ^“Thomas Kail”,Internet Broadway Database.
  2. ^Bacalzo, Daniel."In the HeightsDirector Thomas Kail Receives Martin E. Segal Award ".Theatre Mania.May 10, 2010.
  3. ^"Thomas Kail"ArchivedJuly 17, 2011, at theWayback Machine.Lincoln Center Theater. July 31, 2009.
  4. ^American Theatre Wing."Biographies – Thomas Kail, Director"ArchivedMay 21, 2011, at theWayback Machine,June 2009.
  5. ^"Video: Thomas Kail '99 on directing Lombardi: A New American Play - Voices of Wesleyan - Wesleyan University".Archived fromthe originalon May 21, 2011.RetrievedMay 7,2011.
  6. ^"Playbill's Who's Who Biographies"ArchivedDecember 6, 2010, at theWayback Machine
  7. ^Hetrick, Adam."In the HeightsLin-Manuel Miranda Sets Freestyle Love Supreme Date at Irving Plaza "ArchivedJanuary 8, 2011, at theWayback Machine.Playbill.January 5, 2011.
  8. ^"Hamilton Highlights Jewish Talent — Detroit Jewish News".February 27, 2019.
  9. ^"A Grand Opening for the Roundabout's Heartbreak House".Broadway.October 11, 2006.RetrievedJuly 1,2020.
  10. ^"2016 Tony Awards - He/She Said What?! Relive the Acceptance Speeches: Updating LIVE!".BroadwayWorld.June 12, 2016.RetrievedJuly 1,2020.
  11. ^"Hamilton director Thomas Kail arrives for Kennedy Center Honors Gala in Washington DC".UPI.December 8, 2018.RetrievedJuly 1,2020.
  12. ^Fernandez, Alexia (December 30, 2019)."Michelle Williams Is Pregnant and Engaged to Hamilton Director Thomas Kail".People Magazine.RetrievedDecember 30,2019.
  13. ^abWaterhouse, Jonah (June 18, 2020)."Michelle Williams Gives Birth to Her Second Child in Lockdown".Harper's Bazaar.RetrievedJune 19,2020.
  14. ^"Michelle Williams Gives Birth to Baby No. 3".Entertainment Tonight.RetrievedNovember 11,2023.
  15. ^"Michelle Williams, who plays Steven Spielberg's mother in 'The Fabelmans,' says she plans to raise her children Jewish".November 25, 2022.
  16. ^Lang, Brent (May 10, 2022)."Michelle Williams Pregnant With Third Child: 'It's Totally Joyous'".Variety.Penske Media Corporation.RetrievedMay 10,2022.
  17. ^"Thomas Kail"broadway
  18. ^The Broadway League.24 Hour Plays (2007) | IBDB: The Official Source for Broadway Information.Internet Broadway Database
  19. ^The Broadway League.24 Hour Plays (2008) | IBDB: The Official Source for Broadway Information.Internet Broadway Database
  20. ^Kennedy, Mark."Thomas Kail Enjoying His 'Year of Transition'".ABC News.December 10, 2010.
  21. ^Kenneth Jones."In the HeightsWill Play Broadway's Richard Rodgers Starting February 2008 "ArchivedSeptember 30, 2007, at theWayback Machine.Playbill.
  22. ^Brokeology.Lortel Archives/Internet Off-Broadway Database.
  23. ^abHetrick, Adam.Tony Nominee Kail and Jackson Will Collaborate for Upcoming LCT3 SeasonArchivedJune 16, 2010, at theWayback Machine.Playbill.
  24. ^"Thomas Kail to DirectThe Wizfor New York City Center "TheaterMania.February 24, 2009.
  25. ^NY City Center'sThe Wizlisting
  26. ^Gans, Andrew."The WizEnds Limited City Center Engagement July 5 ",playbill, July 5, 2009.
  27. ^"N.F.L. Gets BehindLombardi".nytimes.August 20, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon August 24, 2010.RetrievedSeptember 16,2010.
  28. ^Gans, Andrew and Jones, Kenneth."HeightsDirector Kail to Direct Football-ThemedLombardiat Broadway's Circle in the Square "ArchivedJune 19, 2010, at theWayback Machine,playbill, April 14, 2010.
  29. ^Murray, Larry (May 18, 2010)."Lombardi".Berkshire On Stage.RetrievedDecember 11,2010.
  30. ^"Lombardi,IBDB: The Official Source for Broadway Information ".The Broadway League.RetrievedDecember 11,2010.
  31. ^When I Come To Die.Lortel Archives/Internet Off-Broadway Database.
  32. ^"Magic/BirdBroadway "playbillvault, accessed September 26, 2015.
  33. ^"Thomas Kail Broadway"playbillvault, accessed September 25, 2015.
  34. ^"Grease:Live, About the Show"fox.Accessed February 2, 2016.
  35. ^"The Verdict: What Do Critics Think ofDry Powder?"by Olivia Clement,Playbill,March 23, 2016.
  36. ^Kit, Borys (May 31, 2023)."Disney's Live-Action 'Moana' Taps 'Hamilton' Helmer Thomas Kail as Director".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedMay 31,2023.
  37. ^Fleming, Mike Jr. (May 28, 2020)."MGM Taps 'Hamilton' Director Thomas Kail for Movie Adaptation of Iconic 'Fiddler on the Roof'".Deadline.Archivedfrom the original on May 28, 2020.RetrievedMay 28,2020.
  38. ^abc"Thomas Kail".Playbill.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  39. ^"The Joe A. Callaway Award | Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation".RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  40. ^"2008 Tony Award Winners".The New York Times.June 15, 2008.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  41. ^"AUDELCO nominations are out!".amsterdamnews.November 2, 2011.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  42. ^Cox, Gordon (May 11, 2015)."'Hamilton' Dominates the 2015 Lucille Lortel Awards (FULL LIST) ".Variety.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  43. ^"Tony awards 2016 - complete list of winners".the Guardian.June 12, 2016.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  44. ^abc"Thomas Kail".Television Academy.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  45. ^"'Hamilton' Finds Success In The West End With Seven Laurence Olivier Awards ".Contactmusic.April 9, 2018.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  46. ^Gans, Andrew (July 25, 2018)."Hamilton Creators Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler, Alex Lacamoire Will Receive Special Kennedy Center Honors".Playbill.RetrievedJuly 26,2018.
  47. ^Willman, Chris (November 24, 2020)."Grammy Awards Nominations 2021: The Complete List".Variety.RetrievedNovember 24,2020.
  48. ^Lattanzio, Ryan (January 26, 2020)."Sam Mendes Wins DGA Award for '1917': Full Winners List".IndieWire.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
  49. ^Dixon, Marcus James (April 10, 2021)."2021 DGA Awards: Full winners list in 3 film and 8 TV categories".GoldDerby.RetrievedSeptember 9,2021.
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