Joe Mantello
Joe Mantello
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
---------------------------------
Joseph Michael Mantello is an American director, choreographer, and actor, often credited as Joe Mantello.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born on December 14, 1965 (living)
Nationality and Profession(s)
-------------------------------
American, Director, Choreographer, Actor
Early Life and Background
-----------------------------
Joe Mantello grew up in a theatrical family in New York City. His mother was an actress, and his father was a publicist for Broadway shows. This early exposure to the performing arts led him to pursue a career on stage.
Mantello studied at Fordham University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama. After college, he moved to Los Angeles to work as an actor, appearing in television shows and films throughout the 1990s.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Mantello's breakthrough came with his direction and choreography of the Broadway musical _Take Me Out_ (2003), which earned him a Tony Award for Best Director. He has since directed numerous productions on Broadway, including _Wicked_, _9 to 5: The Musical_, and _The Band's Visit_, winning multiple Tony Awards throughout his career.
Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
Directed the film adaptation of _8_ (2012), a play about the Proposition 8 trial
Chaired the Tony Award committee for several years, overseeing the nominations process and helping to shape the future of Broadway
* Has worked extensively with composer Cyndi Lauper on several projects, including _Kinky Boots_, which he directed in London's West End
Impact and Legacy
-----------------------
Mantello has made a lasting impact on the world of musical theater. His innovative approach to direction and choreography has helped shape the careers of countless performers and producers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
---------------------------------------------
As a master of his craft, Joe Mantello's work continues to inspire new generations of artists and audiences alike. His contributions to the world of musical theater will be remembered for years to come, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in the industry.
Note: The bio is written in Markdown format, with headings denoted by `##` and subheadings or regular text formatted accordingly.
Quotes by Joe Mantello
In 'The Humans,' there's a gay character, and the fact that she's gay is probably the least interesting thing about her.
I don't think of gay writers. I mean if you were to say to me who are the straight writers, well, you wouldn't ask me that question. So for me to identify a little tribe of gay writers, I don't know.
I have a responsibility to diversity onstage, but one of the things I've heard about our production of 'Boys' is that it's a bunch of white guys. Well, race is a component of this play. You can't just drop people in willy-nilly and say, 'Well, we're going for diversity.'
I get to be in a room with other actors, but I never, or very rarely, get the chance to be in a room with another director.
One of the jobs of a director is to ask questions. One of the jobs of the director is to stand in for the audience until they get there.
Is it perfect? Absolutely not! But there was an audience for 'Wicked,' and our producers were smart enough to reach that audience.
One of my favorite experiences was '9 to 5,' for one reason: Dolly Parton. I learned what it means to really work hard and do it with a sense of humor about yourself. Every day was joyful.