David Cromer

David Cromer is a highly influential theater director and actor, celebrated for revitalizing classic American plays with emotional authenticity and innovative minimalism.

Dropping out of high school but later completing his GED, he studied briefly at Columbia College Chicago, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant theater community. Cromer rose to prominence with his visionary staging and portrayal of the Stage Manager in Thornton Wilder’s "Our Town"—a minimalist yet emotionally potent production that earned him both the Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards. His trailblazing approach continued with his Off‑Broadway musical adaptation of "The Adding Machine," which garnered Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations

Transitioning to Broadway, Cromer directed a series of lauded revivals, including "Brighton Beach Memoirs," "The House of Blue Leaves," "A Raisin in the Sun"—in which he also appeared as Karl Lindner—and most notably "The Band’s Visit," earning the 2018 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. Beyond the stage, he has acted in television series like HBO’s "The Newsroom" and Showtime’s "Billions," as well as in the film "The Meyerowitz Stories." Recognition of his artistic impact includes a MacArthur Genius grant in 2010 and multiple honors—Tony, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Obie, and Joseph Jefferson Awards, along with regional accolades for directing works such as "Angels in America," "The Price," and "The Cider House Rules" in Chicago.

Cromer continues to bridge intimate character work and inventive stagings, recently helming Broadway productions like "The Sound Inside," "Good Night, and Good Luck," and new musicals like "Dead Outlaw" -- for which he received a 2025 Tony nod for Best Direction of a Musical -- and "Prayer for the French Republic."