John Neville-Andrews boasts an extensive career spanning over 45 years in the professional theatre world, demonstrating expertise as an actor, director, and producer. His profound knowledge and passion for the performing arts have led him to share his insights as an educator at prestigious institutions including Penn State University, Yale School of Drama, the University of Maryland, the University of Rhode Island, and the California Institute of the Arts.
His tenure as the Artistic Producer of The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C., marked a period of significant critical acclaim. Neville-Andrews was lauded for his innovative and insightful productions of Shakespearean plays and other classic works, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in theatrical production. Beyond Shakespeare, his creative talents extend to comedy. He is recognized as a co-author, actor, and director of the uproarious comedy El Grande de Coca-Cola, which received the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical in 1972. Further showcasing his comedic versatility, Neville-Andrews also co-authored and directed Bullshot Crummond, a witty parody based on the “Bulldog Drummond” novels by H. C. McNeile. This play’s success reached Hollywood, becoming a movie produced by George Harrison’s Handmade Films, highlighting Neville-Andrews’ impact beyond the stage.
As both an actor and director, John Neville-Andrews’ credits include a remarkable number of productions at leading regional theatres across the United States. He has graced the stages of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, American Players Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Olney Theatre Center, The Long Wharf Theatre, and Texas Shakespeare Festival, contributing his talents to a diverse range of theatrical projects. His Broadway debut was in The Elephant Man, a production that garnered a Tony Award, and he further showcased his acting abilities off-Broadway in productions of The Homecoming and Clarence.
Neville-Andrews has also made significant contributions to musical theatre. He successfully directed national tours of Gershwin’s Crazy For You in both the U.S. and Germany. His innovative direction of these tours led to a unique opportunity: the Gershwin Estate authorized him to adapt and direct a condensed, 90-minute version of Crazy For You specifically for the Sands Casino in Atlantic City, demonstrating his ability to adapt and innovate within the musical genre. During his impactful time as the Artistic Producer of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, John Neville-Andrews was not only committed to presenting cutting-edge Shakespearean productions but also played a crucial role in securing the Festival’s designation as “The Official Shakespeare Festival of the State of Michigan,” a testament to his leadership and vision.
His contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Smithsonian Institute’s Certificate of Excellence for Playaround Shakespeare in 1987, and the American Theatre Association Award in 1983 for his multifaceted “Contribution to Theatre as an Author, Actor, and Director.” In 2012, he was honored with the Claribel Baird Halstead Collegiate Professorship by the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, further cementing his legacy in theatrical education and performance. John Neville-Andrews’ career is a testament to his enduring commitment and significant impact on the world of theatre.
