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Jerry Zaks
Jerry Zaks
Jerry Zaks
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Jerry Zaks (born September 7, 1946) is an American stage and television director, and actor. He won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play and Drama Desk Award for directing The House of Blue Leaves (1986), Lend Me a Tenor (1989), and Six Degrees of Separation (1991) and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical and Drama Desk Award for Guys and Dolls (1992).

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Zaks was born in Stuttgart, Germany, the son of Holocaust survivors Lily (Gliksman) and Sy Zaks, a butcher.[1] His family immigrated to the United States in 1948, finally settling in Paterson, New Jersey, where he graduated from Eastside High School in 1963.[2][3] He graduated from Dartmouth College and received a Master of Fine Arts from Smith College.[4]

Career

[edit]

Stage

[edit]

He made his Broadway acting debut in the original production of Grease as "Kenickie" and appeared in Tintypes in 1980. He made his directing debut in 1981 with the off-Broadway production of Christopher Durang's Beyond Therapy, which co-starred Sigourney Weaver.[5] He has directed many Broadway productions, both musicals and dramas.

He has also directed many Off-Broadway productions, several at Playwrights Horizons and the Public Theater. He directed the City Center Encores! productions of Girl Crazy (November 2009),[6] Stairway to Paradise (May 2007),[7] and Bye Bye Birdie (May 2004).[8]

He was the director of the new musical The 101 Dalmatians Musical, which toured the United States from October 2009 through April 2010.[9] Zaks was named "creative consultant" for the new musical The Addams Family, which opened on Broadway in April 2010.[10]

He directed the Broadway production of Sister Act, which opened in Spring 2011.[11]

Lincoln Center

[edit]

Zaks served as Resident Director at Lincoln Center from 1986 to 1990 and is a founding member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre.[12]

Television and film

[edit]

As an actor, Zaks' screen credits include Outrageous Fortune, Crimes and Misdemeanors, and Husbands and Wives. On television he has appeared in M*A*S*H and The Edge of Night and directed episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, Hope and Faith, and Two and a Half Men, among others. He also directed the feature films Marvin's Room and Who Do You Love?[13] Marvin's Room won the Golden St. George at the 20th Moscow International Film Festival.[14]

Honors

[edit]

Zaks received the George Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater in 1994 and an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Dartmouth College in 1999. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2013.[15]

Personal life

[edit]

Jerry lives with long time partner Melissa Gooding; Jerry has two children, Emma and Hannah Zaks.[1]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]

Director

Actor

Year Title Role Ref.
1987 Outrageous Fortune Tobacco Clerk [17]
1989 Crimes and Misdemeanors Man on Campus
1992 Husbands and Wives Dinner Party Guest [18]

Television

[edit]

Director[17]

Year Title Notes
1996 O'Henry's Christmas Segment "The Last Leaf"
2000 The Man Who Came to Dinner TV movie
2001 Kristin 2 episodes
2001–2004 Everybody Loves Raymond 21 episodes
2002 Bram and Alice 7 episodes
2002–2003 Frasier 4 episodes
2004 All About the Andersons 2 episodes
Married to the Kellys Episode "Double Dating"
Hope and Faith 2 episodes
2006–2007 Two and a Half Men 3 episodes

Actor

Year Title Role Notes
1973 The New Temperatures Rising Show Episode "The Misguided Appendectomy"
M*A*S*H Cpl. Phil Walker Episode "L.I.P. (Local Indigenous Personnel)"
1980 Attica Lenny Becker TV movie
1981 The Gentleman Bandit Carl Schnee
1983–1984 The Edge of Night Louis Van Dine 24 episodes
2000 The Beat Episode "Can I Get a Witness?"

Theatre

[edit]

Director

Year Title Venue Ref.
1986 The House of Blue Leaves Vivian Beaumont Theatre, Broadway [19]
The Front Page [20]
1987 Anything Goes [21]
1989 Lend Me a Tenor Royale Theatre, Broadway [22]
1990 Six Degrees of Separation Vivian Beaumont Theatre, Broadway [23]
1992 Guys and Dolls Martin Beck Theatre, Broadway [24]
1993 Face Value Cort Theatre, Broadway [25]
Laughter on the 23rd Floor Richard Rodgers Theatre, Broadway [26]
1995 Smokey Joe's Cafe Virginia Theatre, Broadway [27]
1996 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum St. James Theatre, Broadway [28]
1999 The Civil War [29]
Epic Proportions Helen Hayes Theatre, Broadway [30]
2000 The Man Who Came to Dinner American Airlines Theatre, Broadway [31]
2001 45 Seconds from Broadway Richard Rodgers Theatre, Broadway [32]
2003 Little Shop of Horrors Virginia Theatre, Broadway [33]
2004 La Cage aux Folles Marquis Theatre, Broadway [34]
2006 The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Broadway [35]
Losing Louie Biltmore Theatre, Broadway [36]
2007 A Bronx Tale Walter Kerr Theatre, Broadway [37]
2011 Sister Act Broadway Theatre, Broadway [38]
2016 A Bronx Tale Longacre Theatre, Broadway [39]
2017 Hello, Dolly! Sam S. Shubert Theatre, Broadway [40]
Meteor Shower Booth Theatre, Broadway [41]
2020 Mrs. Doubtfire Stephen Sondheim Theatre, Broadway [42]
2021 The Music Man Winter Garden Theatre, Broadway [43]

Actor

Year Title Role Venue Ref.
1972 Grease Kenickie (Replacement) Eden Theatre, Broadway [44]
1978 Once in a Lifetime Weisskopf Circle in the Square Theatre, Broadway [45]
1980 Tintypes Performer John Golden Theatre, Broadway [46]

Production Supervisor

Year Title Role Venue Ref.
1999 Swing! Production Supervisor St. James Theatre, Broadway [47]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Association Category Project Result Ref.
1986 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Play The House of Blue Leaves Won [48]
1988 Best Direction of a Musical Anything Goes Nominated [49]
1989 Best Direction of a Play Lend Me a Tenor Won [50]
1991 Six Degrees of Separation Won [51]
1992 Best Direction of a Musical Guys and Dolls Won [52]
1995 Smokey Joe's Cafe Nominated [53]
1996 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Nominated [54]
2017 Hello, Dolly! Nominated [55]
1980 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actor in a Musical Tintypes Nominated
1986 Outstanding Director of a Play The Marriage of Bette & Boo / The House of Blue Leaves Won
1988 Outstanding Director of a Musical Anything Goes Nominated
1989 Outstanding Director of a Play Lend Me a Tenor Won
1991 Six Degrees of Separation Won
1991 Outstanding Director of a Musical Assassins Nominated
1992 Guys and Dolls Won
2006 Outstanding Director of a Play The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial Nominated
2022 Drama League Award Best Direction of a Musical The Music Man Nominated
1985 Obie Award The Marriage of Bette and Boo / The Foreigner Won
1988 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Direction Wenceslas Square Won
2022 Best Direction of a Musical Mrs. Doubtfire Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jerry Zaks

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jerry Zaks (born September 7, 1946) is an American stage and and former , best known for his prolific career directing Broadway musicals and plays, for which he has won four for Best Direction. Born in , , to Jewish —his mother, Lily, a Auschwitz prisoner identified by number 74735, and his father, Sy, a butcher who resisted the Nazis by posing as a —Zaks immigrated to the with his family in 1948, settling in East Paterson, New Jersey. His early exposure to theater came at , where a production of sparked his interest, leading him to earn a in fine arts from in 1969. Zaks began his professional career as an , appearing in the Broadway production of Grease (as a replacement for Kenickie) and on Broadway in shows like The 1940s Radio Hour (1978) and Tintypes (1980). Transitioning to directing in the early 1980s after working Off-Off-Broadway at the Ensemble Studio Theatre, Zaks quickly established himself with acclaimed productions such as The House of Blue Leaves (1986 revival at Lincoln Center Theater), Anything Goes (1987 revival), Lend Me a Tenor (1989), and Six Degrees of Separation (1990). His Broadway directing credits also include musical revivals like Guys and Dolls (1992), Smokey Joe's Cafe (1995), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1996), Hello, Dolly! (2017 with Bette Midler), The Music Man (2022 revival starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster), and new adaptations such as Mrs. Doubtfire (2021) and A Bronx Tale (2014). Zaks has directed over 25 Broadway productions in total, often specializing in comedies and musicals that blend sharp wit with ensemble energy, and he served as creative consultant on The Addams Family (2010). In addition to his four Tony Awards—for The House of Blue Leaves, Lend Me a Tenor, Six Degrees of Separation, and Guys and Dolls—Zaks has received four Drama Desk Awards, two Outer Critics Circle Awards, an Obie Award, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's Mr. Abbott Award; he was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2013. Married to actress Jill Rose since 1979, with whom he has two daughters, including the actress Emma Rose Zaks, Zaks continues to influence American theater through his mentorship and ongoing projects.

Early life

Birth and family

Jerry Zaks was born on September 7, 1946, in , , to Jewish parents Lily (née Gliksman) and Sy Zaks, both of whom were . His mother, Lily, endured a year in , where she was tattooed with the number 74735, which she later interpreted as a symbol of luck tied to the Jewish concept of chai (life). His father, Sy, survived by joining the resistance, posing as a , and working in a factory while concealing his Jewish identity. The family immigrated to the in 1948 when Zaks was two years old, eventually settling in , where Sy worked as a . This move marked the beginning of their post-war rebuilding in America, following the profound losses and traumas of that had claimed many relatives. Zaks's early awareness of his Jewish heritage and the resilience required to survive such ordeals was deeply shaped by his parents' experiences, which instilled in him a sense of inherited fear and determination from a young age. Their stories of survival, shared sparingly during his childhood, emphasized themes of endurance and that influenced his formative years in .

Education

Jerry Zaks graduated from Eastside High School in Paterson in 1963. He attended Dartmouth College, where he initially pursued premedical studies before switching to an English major, as the institution did not offer a drama degree during the 1960s. His passion for theater ignited during his sophomore year when he attended a production of Wonderful Town at the Hopkins Center on a blind date, prompting him to abandon his medical aspirations and immerse himself in campus theater activities. He subsequently acted in several Dartmouth Players productions, including a role in Luigi Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author during his junior year, and emceed shows for Green Key while being elected to the Casque & Gauntlet senior society, which recognized his contributions to the arts. These experiences not only built his confidence in performing but also sparked his dual interests in acting and directing, laying the groundwork for his professional career. Zaks earned a degree from Dartmouth in 1967. Following graduation, he pursued graduate studies in theater at , where he focused on acting training in the program. During this period, Zaks underwent significant personal transformation, losing 40 pounds and learning to dance by practicing alone to the soundtrack, which enhanced his performance skills. He also formed key professional connections, including with director Curt Dempster, with whom he later co-founded the Ensemble Studio Theatre. Zaks completed his M.F.A. in 1969, equipping him with the technical foundation needed for his entry into New York theater.

Career

Stage acting

Jerry Zaks made his Broadway debut as a replacement in the role of in the original production of the musical Grease, which opened in and became a landmark of ensemble comedy on stage. His tenure in the production, spanning from late to 1974, immersed him in the high-energy world of rock 'n' roll antics, contributing to the show's reputation as a crowd-pleasing hit that ran for nearly eight years. Following Grease, Zaks took on the role of Weisskopf in the 1978 Broadway revival of and Moss Hart's comedy Once in a Lifetime at the Circle in the Square Theatre, where he portrayed a hapless aspiring actor navigating Hollywood's absurdities alongside a cast including John Rubenstein and . He then joined the ensemble of the Tintypes in 1980 at the , performing a series of character vignettes that evoked American immigrant stories through song and dance, earning him a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical. Prior to these Broadway appearances, Zaks honed his craft in regional and theater, including as a founding member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre in from 1971 to 1981, where he participated in new play workshops and ensemble-driven productions. He also appeared at the , building versatility in character roles that emphasized comedic timing and . These early experiences as a in ensemble settings established Zaks's reputation for reliable, scene-stealing support in comedic works, paving the way for his transition to directing in the .

Directing

Jerry Zaks transitioned from a successful career to directing in the early , after a decade on stage that honed his understanding of performance dynamics. His directorial debut came in 1981 with Christopher Durang's Beyond Therapy at the Phoenix Theatre, a production that ran for 30 performances and featured . This marked the beginning of Zaks's shift toward creative leadership, building on his acting experience to guide ensembles in comedic and character-driven works. Over the next four decades, he directed more than 25 Broadway productions, establishing himself as a prolific force in American theater. Zaks's Broadway directing career gained momentum with the 1986 revival of John Guare's , a critical and commercial success that showcased his ability to reinvigorate mid-20th-century plays. He followed with acclaimed productions of (1989), a by that highlighted his precise staging of escalating chaos; (1990), John Guare's exploration of identity and race; and the 1992 revival of and Abe Burrows's , which emphasized the musical's vibrant New York underbelly. In later years, Zaks revitalized classic musicals, including the 2017 revival of Jerry Herman's Hello, Dolly! starring , which captured the show's effervescent joy during a limited engagement; the 2021 musical adaptation of , based on the 1993 film and featuring ; and the 2022 revival of Meredith Willson's with in the lead. Zaks also directed the national tour of , which began on September 24, 2023, and continues to perform across as of 2025. These works, spanning revivals and new adaptations, underscore Zaks's versatility across plays and musicals. Zaks's directorial style is characterized by meticulous comedic timing, slapstick precision, and a focus on ensemble interplay that brings out the humanity in farcical or satirical material. Critics have praised his ability to pace action with an "urban American pulse," ensuring rapid, stylish choreography in comedies like and (1987 revival). He excels at revitalizing classics by infusing them with fresh energy while honoring their structural integrity, often directing actors to prioritize interactions that reveal character depth amid humor—as seen in the butter-soft hearts behind the wisecracks of 45 Seconds from Broadway (2001). This approach fosters dynamic group performances, turning ensembles into cohesive units that drive the narrative's emotional and comedic arcs.

Lincoln Center Theater

Jerry Zaks served as Resident Director at Theater from 1986 to 1990, a role in which he contributed significantly to the institution's programming during a pivotal period of revitalization under Gregory Mosher. In this capacity, Zaks oversaw and directed several acclaimed productions that blended revivals of classic works with contemporary pieces, helping to establish Theater as a hub for innovative staging and high-quality ensemble performances. Among his key contributions during this tenure were the 1986 revival of John Guare's , which originated at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater before transferring to the Vivian Beaumont Theater and then Broadway, earning Zaks his first Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play. He also helmed the 1986 revival of and Charles MacArthur's at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, a fast-paced that showcased his skill in bringing journalistic to life with a stellar cast including and Richard Thomas. Additionally, Zaks directed the world premiere of Guare's in 1990 at the Vivian Beaumont, a groundbreaking exploration of race, class, and identity that transferred to Broadway and solidified his reputation for nurturing new voices in American theater. Zaks's work as Resident Director fostered a commitment to innovative revivals that refreshed classic texts for modern audiences while supporting emerging playwrights through premieres like , which highlighted Theater's role in developing contemporary drama. His tenure emphasized ensemble-driven productions that balanced commercial appeal with artistic depth, contributing to the theater's resurgence in the late as a leading venue for both established and innovative works. Following his residency, Zaks maintained a strong association with Theater, returning to direct subsequent productions such as the 1987 revival of Cole Porter's and the 2015 premiere of Matthew Broderick's Shows for Days.

Television and film

Zaks made his early screen acting debut in a guest role as Corporal Phil Walker in the "MAS*H" episode "L.I.P. (Local Indigenous Personnel)," which aired in 1973 and explored themes of cultural integration during the . His film appearances were primarily cameo roles, including the part of a tobacco clerk in the comedy "Outrageous Fortune" (1987), where he shared scenes with and in a story of mistaken identities and pursuit. Additional small roles followed in Woody Allen's "" (1989) as a man on campus and as a dinner party guest in "" (1992), both showcasing his knack for understated comedic timing in ensemble settings. Transitioning to directing, Zaks helmed his first , "Marvin's Room" (1996), an of Scott McPherson's play about estranged sisters confronting family illness and reconciliation. The project marked a significant shift from his Broadway roots, requiring him to adapt stage techniques to cinema's more intimate and fluid medium; as Zaks noted, the process involved relinquishing meticulous control honed in theater rehearsals to accommodate actors' improvisations and the immediacy of on-camera takes. Notable collaborations included working with as the vibrant Bessie and as the ailing Ruth, whose performances Zaks praised for bringing emotional depth to the screen version originally staged at . He later directed the biographical drama "Who Do You Love" (2008), focusing on founder . In television, Zaks directed 21 episodes of "" from 1996 to 2004, contributing to the sitcom's blend of domestic humor and family dynamics through his precise handling of ensemble timing. His TV work extended to other series, including four episodes of "" (2002–2003) and episodes of "" (2005–2007), where he applied his stage-honed expertise to multi-camera formats. These projects highlighted Zaks's ability to bridge theatrical pacing with screen efficiency, often emphasizing character-driven amid logistical constraints like live audiences.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Zaks married actress on January 14, 1979. The couple met during a national tour of the musical Grease, where Zaks performed as and Rose worked as a dancer. Rose, who has her own Broadway credits including a role in the 1981 production of , shares a background in the that has intertwined with Zaks's career. The couple has two daughters: Emma Rose Zaks, who followed in her parents' footsteps as an actress with credits in productions such as the 2004 revival of La Cage aux Folles directed by her father, and Hannah Zaks. The family has remained actively involved in the theater community, often attending events together, including the York Theatre's 33rd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Awards Gala in 2025. Zaks has credited his family's understanding of the demands of theater life with providing essential support throughout his professional journey, allowing him to balance high-profile directing roles with home responsibilities.

Later years

In his later years, Jerry Zaks has maintained a residence on New York City's , where he occupies a modest two-bedroom apartment that reflects his preference for simplicity and comfort over elaborate decor. At age 75 in 2022, Zaks described his home as a necessary retreat from the intensifying demands of his theater work, emphasizing clean lines and basic furnishings while surrounding himself with personal mementos like family photographs and theater caricatures by . Zaks shares an ongoing family life with his two adult daughters, Emma Rose Zaks and Hannah Zaks, from his marriage to actress Jill Rose, which has lasted over four decades. The family remains connected through shared memories of his playful parenting style, such as staging humorous pranks that highlighted his theatrical flair even at home. In recent interviews, Zaks has reflected on the longevity of his career with a sense of enduring passion and gratitude, noting at age 71 in 2018 that directing hits like the Hello, Dolly! revival brought him profound joy and a deep appreciation for audience connections that have sustained him over decades. By 2023, he expressed continued enthusiasm for discovering new talent and adapting stories for the stage, underscoring how theater remains a vital, life-affirming pursuit into his late 70s.

Awards and honors

Tony Awards

Jerry Zaks is a four-time Tony Award winner for directing, with victories spanning both plays and musicals that cemented his status as one of Broadway's most acclaimed directors during the late and early . These awards, particularly his streak of wins from 1986 to 1992, highlighted his ability to helm critically and commercially successful productions, earning him a reputation for revitalizing classic works and championing new voices in American theater. His Tony wins include Best Direction of a Play for The House of Blue Leaves (1986), (1989), and (1991), as well as Best Direction of a Musical for the revival of (1992). Zaks has also received four Tony nominations for directing, demonstrating his consistent excellence across genres.
YearCategoryProductionStatus
1988Best Direction of a MusicalAnything GoesNominee
1995Best Direction of a MusicalSmokey Joe's CafeNominee
1996Best Direction of a MusicalA Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the ForumNominee
2017Best Direction of a MusicalHello, Dolly!Nominee
These honors underscore Zaks's versatility and enduring influence, as his directed productions have collectively garnered dozens of additional Tony nominations and contributed to his legacy of over 25 Broadway credits.

Other recognitions

Zaks has received multiple Drama Desk Awards for his directing work on Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. He won the Outstanding Director of a Play award for The House of Blue Leaves in 1986. In 1988, he earned the Outstanding Director of a Musical for the revival of Anything Goes. He received another Outstanding Director of a Play for Lend Me a Tenor in 1989. Additional Drama Desk honors include a win for Six Degrees of Separation (Outstanding Director of a Play, 1991) and a nomination for Assassins (Outstanding Director of a Musical, 1991). He also won Outstanding Director of a Musical for Guys and Dolls (1992) and Hello, Dolly! (2017). Zaks received two Outer Critics Circle Awards for direction: Best Direction for Anything Goes (1988) and Best Direction for Wenceslas Square (1988). In 1985, Zaks won an for directing The Marriage of Bette and Boo and The Foreigner. In 1994, Zaks was awarded the Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, recognizing his contributions to American theater. Zaks was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2013 as part of the 43rd annual class, joining other luminaries such as George Wolfe and . On November 11, 2025, Zaks received the Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theater from the York Theatre Company at its 33rd Annual Gala, honoring his extensive directing career in musicals including Hello, Dolly! and .

Filmography

Film

Jerry Zaks maintained a sparse screen career, limited to a handful of small roles in feature films during the late and early .

Acting roles

As a film director, Zaks helmed two features: the stage adaptation Marvin's Room (1996) and the biopic Who Do You Love (2008).

Directing credits

  • Marvin's Room (1996)
  • Who Do You Love (2008)

Television

Zaks began his television acting career with a guest role as Corporal Phil Walker in the "L.I.P." episode of MASH* (season 2, episode 7), which aired in 1973. He also appeared in the daytime soap opera The Edge of Night during the 1970s. His additional acting credits include made-for-television films such as Attica (1980) as Lenny Becker, in the dramatization of the 1971 prison riot; The Gentleman Bandit (1981) as Carl Schnee, a key figure in the bank robbery story; and The Wall (1982), a Holocaust drama based on John Hersey's novel. As a television director, Zaks helmed 21 episodes of the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond between 1996 and 2004, contributing to the show's signature blend of family humor and ensemble dynamics in episodes such as "The Annoying Kid" (2002) and "Sweet Charity" (2003). Zaks's other directing credits encompass 4 episodes of Frasier (2002–2003), including "Wheels of Fortune" and "Roe to Perdition"; 2 episodes of Hope & Faith (2004), such as "Faith's Maid"; 1 episode of Two and a Half Men ("Tucked, Taped and Gorgeous," 2007); 7 episodes of Bram and Alice (2002); 2 episodes of All About the Andersons (2004); 1 episode of Married to the Kellys ("Double Dating," 2004); and 1 episode of Charlie Lawrence (2003).

Theatre credits

As actor

Zaks began his professional acting career in the early , following his graduation from in 1967 and a in from . He co-founded the Ensemble Studio Theatre in 1968, where he performed in various productions during the late 1960s and , though specific roles from that period are sparsely documented. His breakthrough came on Broadway as a replacement in the long-running musical Grease, marking his entry into major commercial . Zaks's stage acting credits spanned Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional/touring productions, often in comedic or ensemble roles that showcased his energetic and versatile style. He appeared in approximately eight notable credits through the early 1980s, after which he shifted focus to directing. The following table summarizes his verified major theatre acting roles in chronological order by year of participation:
YearProductionRoleVenue/TypeNotes
1972–1980GreaseKenickie (replacement)Broadhurst Theatre, BroadwayOriginal production; long-running hit musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Zaks joined shortly after the February 1972 opening and performed extensively during its record-breaking run.
1975Kid ChampionDevoted HackThe Public Theater/Anspacher Theatre, Off-BroadwayMusical by Jim Steinman and Herman Raucher, part of the New York Shakespeare Festival; co-starred Christopher Walken.
1975–1976Fiddler on the Roof (tour)Motel the TailorRegional tour (e.g., Melody Fair, tent theaters)Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's musical; performed opposite Zero Mostel as Tevye in this summer stock revival tour.
1976Marco PoloHarlequinMarymount Manhattan Theater, Off-BroadwayChildren's play adapted by John Guare from the legend; a lighthearted ensemble role in this short-lived production.
1978The 1940's Radio HourNeal TildenSt. James Theatre, BroadwayOriginal musical revue by Walton and O'Neil; Zaks appeared during its run from October 1978 to January 1979.
1978Once in a LifetimeWeisskopfCircle in the Square Theatre, BroadwayGeorge S. Kaufman and Moss Hart comedy revival; Zaks played the bumbling talent agent in this short run from June to August.
1978One Crack OutAlMarymount Manhattan Theater, Off-BroadwayDavid French's drama about grifters; Zaks portrayed a key supporting character in this Phoenix Theatre production that ran from January to February.
1980TintypesPerformer (ensemble)Lyceum Theatre (Broadway transfer from Off-Broadway)Musical revue by Mary Kyte, Mel Marvin, and Paul John Sills; Zaks contributed vocals and movement in this nostalgic tribute to early 20th-century America, which ran from October 1980 to 1981.
These roles highlighted Zaks's comedic timing and physicality, particularly in ensemble-driven works, before he earned acclaim as a director starting with productions in the late 1970s.

As director

Zaks began his directing with the production of Christopher Durang's Beyond Therapy at the Phoenix Theatre, which opened on January 1, 1981, and ran for 156 performances. His Broadway directing debut came with the revival of John Guare's at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, opening on April 29, 1986, and closing on March 15, 1987, after 244 performances. This was followed by the revival of and Charles MacArthur's at the , which opened on November 23, 1986, and ran for 38 performances. In 1987, Zaks directed the Lincoln Center Theater revival of Cole Porter's Anything Goes at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, opening on October 19, 1987, and closing on September 3, 1989, after 804 performances. His next production was the original comedy Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig at the Royale Theatre, which opened on March 2, 1989, and ran for 460 performances until April 22, 1990. Zaks directed John Guare's Six Degrees of Separation at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, opening on November 8, 1990, and closing on January 5, 1992, after 441 performances. He then helmed the Lincoln Center Theater revival of Frank Loesser's Guys and Dolls at the Martin Beck Theatre, which opened on April 14, 1992, and ran for 1,143 performances until January 8, 1995. Subsequent Broadway credits include the revue Smokey Joe's Cafe (original, March 2, 1995–January 16, 2000, 2,035 performances), The Civil War (original musical, April 22–June 13, 1999, 44 performances), Epic Proportions (original comedy, September 30–December 19, 1999, 97 performances), the revival of George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's The Man Who Came to Dinner (July 27–October 8, 2000, 85 performances), 45 Seconds from Broadway (original comedy by Woody Allen, November 11, 2001–January 13, 2002, 88 performances), the revival of Little Shop of Horrors (October 2, 2003–August 22, 2004, 371 performances), the revival of La Cage aux Folles (December 9, 2004–June 26, 2005, 229 performances), the revival of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (May 7–21, 2006, 13 performances), Losing Louie (original comedy, October 12–November 26, 2006, 68 performances), the original one-man play A Bronx Tale (October 25, 2007–February 24, 2008, 108 performances), and the original musical Sister Act (April 20, 2011–August 26, 2012, 561 performances). Zaks returned to direct the original musical adaptation A Bronx Tale The Musical (co-directed with , December 1, 2016–August 5, 2018, 700 performances), the revival of Jerry Herman's Hello, Dolly! (April 20, 2017–January 19, 2020, with interruptions, 2,764 performances), and Steve Martin's (original comedy, November 29, 2017–January 21, 2018, 388 performances). More recent Broadway productions under Zaks's direction include the original musical (December 5, 2021–May 29, 2022, with a return engagement April 19–May 29, 2022, 77 performances total) and the revival of Meredith Willson's (February 10, 2022–January 15, 2023, 616 performances). He also directed the West End transfer of at the Shaftesbury Theatre in , which opened on May 12, 2023, and ran through April 2025. Over his career, Zaks has amassed more than 25 Broadway directing credits, many in association with Theater. Beyond Broadway, Zaks has directed national tours, including the 2018–2020 tour of Hello, Dolly!, which launched after the Broadway revival and played multiple cities through early 2020. He also oversaw the ongoing national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire, which began performances in the 2023–2024 season at venues such as the Providence Performing Arts Center and continues with dates scheduled through 2026. As of November 2025, no additional new full productions are announced for Zaks on Broadway or major tours.

References

  1. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/jerry-zaks-16571
  2. https://playbill.com/article/a-life-in-the-theatre-jerry-zaks-com-171340
  3. https://forward.com/culture/479974/jerry-zaks-son-of-auschwitz-survivor-broadway-music-man-mrs-doubtfire/
  4. http://www.filmreference.com/film/91/Jerry-Zaks.html
  5. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Jerry-Zaks/
  6. https://primarystagesoffcenter.org/interviews/u-z/jerry-zaks.html
  7. https://www.tenchimneys.org/2023-master-teacher-jerry-zaks
  8. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0952360/bio/
  9. https://obits.nj.com/us/obituaries/starledger/name/lily-zaks-obituary?id=19099689
  10. https://calltolead.dartmouth.edu/stories/dont-be-frightened-uncertainty-if-you-find-your-passion-pursue-it
  11. https://dartmouthalumnimagazine.com/articles/king-broadway-jerry-zaks-67
  12. https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2016/12/a_bronx_tale_broadway_jerry_zaks_robert_deniro.html
  13. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/once-in-a-lifetime-4065
  14. https://jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com/comedy-with-sharp-edges/
  15. https://playbill.com/article/nyc-revival-of-christopher-durangs-beyond-therapy-begins-previews-march-11-com-215822
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/03/theater/reviews-theater-when-one-tenor-is-much-like-another.html
  17. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/mrs-doubtfire-524999
  18. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-music-man-526102
  19. https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/mrs-doubtfire-536908
  20. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/25/theater/a-london-accent-for-anything-goes.html
  21. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/07/movies/theater-guide.html
  22. https://www.lct.org/shows/the-house-of-blue-leaves/
  23. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-front-page-4432
  24. https://www.lct.org/shows/shows-archive/?page=12
  25. https://www.lct.org/explore/blog/jerry-zaks-acting-directing-and-john-guare/
  26. https://www.lct.org/shows/people/jerry-zaks/
  27. https://www.lct.org/explore/blog/mr-zaks-back-building/
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0638342/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093690/fullcredits/
  30. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jerry_zaks
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116999/
  32. https://www.nydailynews.com/1997/02/01/a-change-of-scene-top-bway-director-does-a-film/
  33. https://variety.com/1996/film/reviews/marvin-s-room-2-1117436693/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1186795/
  35. https://raymond.fandom.com/wiki/Jerry_Zaks
  36. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0952360/
  37. https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/16/theater/theater-on-the-rebound-in-a-safe-haven-hard-work.html
  38. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/jill-p-rose-71992
  39. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Emma-Zaks/
  40. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photos-Inside-The-York-Theatres-33rd-Annual-Oscar-Hammerstein-Awards-Gala-20251111
  41. https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/stage-struck-6101
  42. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/15/realestate/where-jerry-zaks-goes-to-escape-the-pure-pleasure-of-the-theater.html
  43. https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/broadway-legend-jerry-zaks-has-discovered-a-new-british-star/
  44. https://playbill.com/person/jerry-zaks-vault-0000020517
  45. https://art19.com/shows/the-sydcast/episodes/e0a9a5e0-c45f-4f35-8d4e-b2ff6ceaf778
  46. https://playbill.com/production/the-house-of-blue-leaves-vivian-beaumont-theatre-vault-0000011257
  47. https://playbill.com/production/lend-me-a-tenor-royale-theatre-vault-0000010197
  48. https://www.obieawards.com/events/1980s/year-85/
  49. https://americantheatrecritics.org/theater-hall-of-fame-selects-8/
  50. https://www.yorktheatre.org/oscar-hammerstein-award-gala
  51. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097123/characters/nm0952360/
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104466/fullcredits/
  53. https://letterboxd.com/director/jerry-zaks/
  54. https://shotonwhat.com/everybody-loves-raymond-2005
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0574133/
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0582579/
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0604819/
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1017622/
  59. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/grease-3641
  60. https://ovrtur.com/production/2903600
  61. https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2016/03/27/tonyaward-winning-director-jerry-zaks-goes-home-to-paterson/94586940/
  62. https://www.nytimes.com/1976/12/29/archives/play-marco-polo-too-childish.html
  63. https://playbill.com/production/once-in-a-lifetime-circle-in-the-square-theatre-vault-0000003284
  64. https://www.nytimes.com/1978/01/17/archives/stage-phoenixs-one-crack-out-david-frenchs-drama-shows-climactic.html
  65. https://www.playbill.com/article/a-life-in-the-theatre-jerry-zaks-com-171340
  66. https://www.concordtheatricals.com/p/2285/beyond-therapy
  67. https://playbill.com/production/mrs-doubtfire-london-shaftesbury-theatre-2023
  68. https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/hello-dolly-518028
  69. https://www.ppacri.org/news/detail/2023-2024-season-announcement
  70. https://doubtfirethemusical.com/tour
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