American choreographer (born 1982)
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Danny Mefford |
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| Born |
Daniel Ray Mefford (1982-05-18)May 18, 1982 |
| Education | University of Evansville; Brown University / Trinity Rep (MFA) |
| Occupations | Director, choreographer |
| Known for | Dear Evan Hansen, Fun Home, Kimberly Akimbo, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (revival) |
Danny Mefford is an American theatre director and choreographer. He has choreographed Broadway productions including Best Tony Award winners for Best Musical Dear Evan Hansen, Fun Home (musical), and Kimberly Akimbo (musical).[1] In 2024–2025, he directed and choreographed a production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.[2]
In addition to his work in theatre, Mefford has choreographed for television and film. His television credits include staging theatrical sequences for ‘Rise (TV series) on NBC, creating dance sequences for Dickinson (TV series) on Apple TV+, and choreographing a sequence for Fleishman Is in Trouble (miniseries) on FX. He is currently choreographing the film adaptation of ‘Merrily We Roll Along (musical), directed by Richard Linklater, a project being filmed over a twenty-year period.[3]
Early life and education
Mefford studied acting at the University of Evansville and later earned an MFA from the Brown University/Trinity Repertory Company program before moving to New York City.[4]
Career
Mefford’s work spans Broadway and regional theatre.[5] As a choreographer, his Broadway credits include Dear Evan Hansen, Fun Home, and Kimberly Akimbo.[1] Profiles of his approach to making choreography have appeared in national arts publications.[6]
In 2024–2025, Mefford served as director and choreographer for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Kennedy Center, described by the venue as a production directed and choreographed by Mefford.[2]
Mefford began his professional career as an actor after studying at the University of Evansville and earning an MFA from the Brown University/Trinity Repertory Company program. After moving to New York City, he transitioned into choreography following an opportunity at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, where he was recommended to choreograph a late-night production. The experience led to further choreography work in downtown and regional theatre, marking a shift in his career focus.[5]
As a choreographer, Mefford developed a body of work noted for its emphasis on character-driven movement and narrative storytelling. His Broadway choreography credits include Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, The Bridges of Madison County, Fun Home, Dear Evan Hansen, and Kimberly Akimbo. His work across these productions established him as a frequent collaborator with major directors and creative teams in contemporary American musical theatre.
In 2024–2025, Mefford directed and choreographed a revival of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Mefford has cited the influence of directors including Sam Gold, Jessica Stone, Jack O’Brien (director), Michael Greif, Alex Timbers, Lear deBessonet, and Bartlett Sher on his development as a director. He has described directing as an expansion of his choreographic practice, rooted in character, storytelling, and collaborative ensemble work.
Following Spelling Bee, Mefford began development on The Gorgeous Nothings, a new musical centered on six gay men incarcerated in New York City during the 1930s and the drag performances they created while imprisoned.
Awards and nominations
Mefford has received major theatre award recognition, including a Fred & Adele Astaire Award (win) and nominations from the Drama Desk Awards and the Lucille Lortel Awards.[7]
Selected works
Broadway (choreographer)
Directing
- The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Kennedy Center; director and choreographer)[2]
