Christopher Ashley

**Christopher Ashley**, born July 6, 1964, is known as a remarkable American stage director. His career is marked by his dedication and significant contributions to theatre. Ashley studied at Yale University where he graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Art in Theatre. He further shaped his directorial perspective by completing The Drama League program for directors in 1987. He demonstrated his refined skills in numerous Off-Broadway stage productions, including those at Manhattan Theatre Club. His outstanding direction for the well-received play Jeffrey by Paul Rudnick Off-Broadway at the WPA Theatre in 1993 earned him the prestigious Lucille Lortel Award. Later, he directed its film adaptation that was released in 1995. Known for his diverse work, Ashley directed the musical Memphis and the musical version of the cult 1980 film Xanadu. Both works garnered him different award nominations proving his expert hand in directing. In 2007, Christopher Ashley became a key figure in the La Jolla Playhouse, California, as he was appointed its artistic director. Furthermore, he made a remarkable impact with the successful musical Come from Away, which won a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. Ashley is also celebrated for his work on the stage version of Freaky Friday and the Netflix-released film musical Diana. His appointment as the artistic director of the Roundabout Theatre Company in September 2024 marks another important milestone in his career.