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     John Simpkins is a Director and Educator.  His directing work has included New York, Regional, and International theatres and venues – and his portfolio has focused primarily on the development and direction of new musicals. 

 

     Among the many writers he loves working with, he has had the pleasure of a 15-year collaboration with Tony nominee Joe Iconis – directing his shows The Black Suits, Bloodsong of Love, Things to Ruin, Rewrite, The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks, and all 11 years of The Joe Iconis Christmas Extravaganza.  His next project with Mr. Iconis is Love in Hate Nation – opening Fall, 2019 at Two River Theater.

     As an educator, John became the Head of Musical Theatre at Penn State University in Fall, 2015. Among the new initiatives he has created are a New Musicals commissioning program and a wellness center for young artists. Read more here.

RECENT NEWS & CURRENT PROJECTS

 The Lucky Boy 

      Developmental Production 

 Book, Music, and Lyrics by Kirsten Childs 
 Directed by John Simpkins 


 Penn State Musical Theatre 
 Opens February, 2020 

 Based on the Grimm's fairy tale 

 "The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs" 

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A Hero's Tale

World Premiere

 Music by Arthur Bacon, Book and Lyrics by Mads Nielsen 
 Directed by John Simpkins 


 Fredericia Teater, Denmark 
 Opens April, 2020 

THE LAST DAY

Premiere Production

 Music by Mike Reid 
 Lyrics by Sarah Schlesinger 
 Book by Sarah Schlesinger, John Simpkins, and Mike Reid 
 Directed by John Simpkins 


 June, 2019 

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