John Doyle has shared his point of view onstage through his myriad directing credits, including five on Broadway. Through the 2005 revival of “Sweeney Todd” (for which he won a Tony Award for direction), the 2006 revival of “Company,” 2008’s “A Catered Affair,” 2015’s “The Visit” and the 2016 revival of “The Color Purple,” Doyle has revealed his perspective to Main Stem audiences. He served as artistic director of Off-Broadway’s Classic Stage Company from 2016 to 2022, shaping the company. Now, for the first time, Doyle is offering his perspective through a book.
In this memoir, “Opening Doors: Reimagining the American Musical,” Doyle reflects on his 50-year theatrical journey from the Highlands of Scotland to prestigious regional theaters and Broadway. The book features anecdotes, industry insight and practical advice — and includes a foreword by Patti LuPone. Released on Jan. 22 via Methuen Drama/Bloomsbury Publishing, Doyle dedicates chapters to each of his Broadway shows and, in the exclusive excerpt below, addresses his reputation as a “minimalist.”
