Christopher Ashley, a celebrated and accomplished director, has distinguished himself through a remarkable career spanning the realms of both theater and film. As the esteemed Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California, he has been instrumental in shaping the institution's artistic vision and direction. Throughout his tenure, Ashley has directed an impressive array of productions at the renowned Playhouse, cementing his reputation as a masterful storyteller and visionary leader in the world of live performance.
Notable among his extensive repertoire at the esteemed La Jolla Playhouse are the world-premiere productions of the critically acclaimed Come From Away, the musical tribute to Princess Diana, Diana: The Musical, the tropical escapade Escape to Margaritaville, the rhythm-driven Memphis, the hilarious and irreverent The Darrell Hammond Project, and the captivating Hollywood and Chasing the Song.
In addition to these standout productions, his impressive body of work at the Playhouse also includes memorable performances in the family-friendly Freaky Friday, the enchanting A Midsummer Night's Dream, and the biting satire Glengarry Glen Ross.
Ashley's extensive experience on Broadway is a testament to their remarkable talent, with a diverse range of notable productions under their belt, including the critically acclaimed Come From Away, the highly anticipated Diana: The Musical, the island-inspired Escape to Margaritaville, the visually stunning Xanadu, the faith-based Leap of Faith, the music-filled Memphis, the rockin' All Shook Up, and the cult classic The Rocky Horror Show.
In addition to their impressive list of Broadway credits, Ashley has also demonstrated their versatility as a director, having helmed national tours of a variety of productions, including the tropical getaway-themed Escape to Margaritaville, the soulful Memphis, the fantastical Xanadu, the energetic All Shook Up, and the whimsical Seussical: The Musical.
Ashley's impressive repertoire extends far beyond the realm of theater, as he has also taken the helm of several film projects, showcasing his versatility as a director. One such notable endeavor is the Netflix original production, Diana: The Musical, which has garnered significant attention and acclaim. Furthermore, Ashley has directed two feature films, Jeffrey and Lucky Stiff, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different genres and storytelling styles.
In addition to his work in film, Ashley has also collaborated with PBS on the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life, a testament to his dedication to bringing high-quality storytelling to a wide range of audiences.
Notable accolades have been bestowed upon Ashley in recognition of his exceptional direction, with a Tony Award being a crowning achievement for his work on Come From Away, in addition to the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Director Fellowship, and an NEA/TCG Director Fellowship, all of which serve as a testament to his dedication and skill in the field of direction.
Ashley's Bio:
Ashley is a highly acclaimed director with a diverse range of credits to his name. Born and raised in [insert hometown], he developed a passion for the performing arts at a young age, which led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. With a strong background in [insert relevant experience or training], Ashley has honed his skills as a director, working on a variety of productions in [insert relevant locations or companies]. His work has been met with widespread critical acclaim, earning him numerous awards and nominations, including the Tony Award, Princess Grace Award, Drama League Director Fellowship, and NEA/TCG Director Fellowship.
