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Gene Frankel

Date of Death: April 20, 2005

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Gene Frankel BIO

Gene Frankel was an American director, producer, and teacher, born on May 23, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York. He began his career as a stage actor in the 1940s before transitioning to directing in the 1950s. Frankel was known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to theater, often incorporating multimedia elements into his productions.

Frankel's Broadway credits include directing the original production of "The Young Abe Lincoln" in 1961, which starred Frank Langella in his Broadway debut. He also directed "The Chinese Prime Minister" in 1964, which starred Rex Harrison and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play.

In addition to his work on Broadway, Frankel was a prolific director Off-Broadway, where he was known for his collaborations with playwrights such as Sam Shepard, Lanford Wilson, and Murray Schisgal. He directed the original productions of Shepard's "Curse of the Starving Class" and "The Tooth of Crime," as well as Wilson's "The Rimers of Eldritch" and "Balm in Gilead."

Frankel was also a passionate teacher, founding the Gene Frankel Theatre and Workshop in 1949. The theater served as a space for Frankel to experiment with new techniques and approaches to theater, while also providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work. Over the years, Frankel taught and mentored countless actors and directors, including Bette Midler, Anne Bancroft, and Barbara Barrie.

In addition to his work in theater, Frankel also directed several films, including "The Stripper" (1963) and "A Walk with Love and Death" (1969), both of which starred Anjelica Huston.

Frankel continued to work in theater and film throughout his career, earning critical acclaim for his productions of "The Balcony" and "The Maids" in the 1980s. He also directed the 1985 film "The Naked Face," which starred Roger Moore and was based on the novel by Sidney Sheldon.

Gene Frankel passed away on April 20, 2005, at the age of 81. His legacy lives on through the countless artists he mentored and the groundbreaking productions he directed.

Gene Frankel Productions

 
[Broadway, 1975]
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[Broadway, 1972]
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[Broadway, 1972]
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[Broadway, 1970]
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[Broadway, 1969]
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[Broadway, 1968]
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[Off-Broadway, 1962]
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[Off-Broadway, 1961]
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[Broadway, 1961]
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Gene Frankel Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 1960 - Best Director

Gene FrankelMachinal


winner
Obie Awards - 1957 - Best Director

Gene Frankel, Volpone

Gene Frankel News


Photos: First Look At DALI'S DREAM At The Gene Franekel Theatre


Lisa Monde’s play Dali’s Dream is running through April 27 at The Gene Frankel Theatre in NoHo, in a production co-directed by Thomas R. Gordon and Lisa Monde. See photos from the production below.

A SHATTERING To Compete At The Beverly Hills Film Festival This May


Experience A SHATTERING, a short film by Jan Jalenak, at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. Fresh from New York's Queen's World Film Festival, this exploration of marriage and relationships is a must-see.

Theater for the New City Presents BRING THEM BACK A Meta Dark Comedy 


Catch the new comedy BRING THEM BACK at Theater for the New City, NYC from May 9-19.

BETTYE AND THE JOCKETTES SPINNING RECORDS AT THE HOLIDAY INN is Coming to the Gene Frankel Theatre


The world premiere of Christie Perfetti Williams' new play, BETTYE AND THE JOCKETTES SPINNING RECORDS AT THE HOLIDAY INN is coming to the Gene Frankel Theatre.

Photos: Get a First Look At MEDEA At Gene Frankel Theatre


Get a first look at photos of Medea at Gene Frankel Theatre! Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

DALI'S DREAM by Lisa Monde is Coming to The Gene Frankel Theatre In April


Dali's Dream by Lisa Monde will play The Gene Frankel Theatre in April. Learn more about the show.

The Cell Theatre Unveils 2024-2025 Season Featuring Over 20 Resident Artists


Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre has revealed its 2024-25 season featuring over 20 resident artists, as well as the official Off-Broadway premiere of Matthew LaBanca's Communion.

Fusion Theatre Stages MEDEA Next Month


Fusion Theatre presents MEDEA, an innovative infusion of Euripides’ Greek tragedy with excerpts from Luigi Cherubini’s eponymous opera, exemplifying the company’s signature blend of classic opera with classic plays. 

Erik Van Conover Will Star in Dakota Silvey's New Play, FLIGHT RISK


YouTuber Erik Van Conover will star in Dakota Silvey's new play FLIGHT RISK. This thrilling new play takes audiences to new heights above the vast Alaskan wilderness and quickly sends them spiraling with its dark humor and perilous tale of survival.

Hedgerow Theatre Announces Willy Rusell's SHIRLEY VALENTINE To Run With The New Electric Ballroom In February


Hedgerow Theatre presents Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine in repertory with Enda Walsh's The New Electric Ballroom, exploring life's potential. Don't miss this exciting production in February!

Winners Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards


Winners have been announced for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards!  See who was selected audience favorite in Off-Broadway! Winners include SoHo Playhouse, Emering Artists Theatre and more!

HIROSHI-ME-ME-ME by Natalie Menna to be Presented at Theater for the New City This Month


HIROSHI-ME-ME-ME, written by Natalie Menna, is coming to Theater for the New City this month. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Winners Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Central New York Awards


Winners have been announced for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Central New York Awards! See who was selected audience favorite in Central New York! Winners include The Company Theatre, Playhouse Stage Company and more.

THE VOICES IN YOUR HEAD, Site-Specific Play By Grier Mathiot And Billy McEntee, Adds Seats And A Performance


'The Voices in Your Head,' a site-specific dark comedy about a bizarre support group, adds seats and an extra performance at St. Lydia's in Brooklyn. Don't miss this intimate and unique theatrical experience.

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Off-Broadway Awards; Voting Ends 12/31


It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Central New York Awards; Voting Ends 12/31


It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Central New York Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Off-Broadway Awards!


There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Off-Broadway Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Central New York Awards; SOMETHING ROTTEN!, MISS BENNETT: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLY, & More Lead!


There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Central New York Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Photos: First Look at the World Premiere of SHADOWS at ART/NY


Anthony M. Laura's new play SHADOWS is currently playing through December 16 at ART/NY. The limited engagement features a all female cast. The production features original music written by Rose Hart, composed by Philip Lauto and is directed by Laura. Check out all new photos here!

THE VOICES IN YOUR HEAD Site-Specific Dark Comedy, to Premiere at St. Lydia's, a Progressive Brooklyn Church


'The Voices in Your Head' is an intimate and site-specific dark comedy premiering at St. Lydia's in Brooklyn. Featuring a talented cast, this play is a must-see for theater enthusiasts.

Gene Frankel FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Gene Frankel been nominated for?

Gene Frankel has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He was nominated for Best Director at the Obie Awards for his work on the plays "Machinal" and "Volpone". These nominations highlight his talent and recognition within the theater industry.

What awards has Gene Frankel won?

Gene Frankel has won the following awards: Best Director (Obie Awards) for Machinal and Best Director (Obie Awards) for Volpone.

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