Robert Falls

Robert Falls is a celebrated American director, playwright, and librettist whose career has significantly shaped modern American theatre. Best known for his long tenure as Artistic Director of Chicago’s Goodman Theatre (1986–2022), Falls has directed landmark productions that range from bold reinterpretations of classics to groundbreaking new works. His influence extends beyond the director’s chair; as a librettist and creative collaborator, he has played a key role in shaping the storytelling and emotional arc of several major theatrical productions. Falls is known for his ability to fuse dramatic structure with deeply felt character work, often elevating source material through his theatrical insight.

One of Falls’ most high-profile contributions as a librettist and co-creator was on Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida. During the show’s development, Falls directed the original Broadway production and helped rework the structure and tone of the piece, guiding its transformation from a concept album into a fully realized stage musical. His collaboration with the creative team helped deepen the emotional core of the story and ground its sweeping romance in character-driven drama. Under Falls’ direction, Aida premiered on Broadway in 2000 to commercial success and won four Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Scenic Design. Falls’ imprint on the show remains evident in its balance of grandeur and intimacy.

Beyond Broadway, Falls has also made a significant mark in the world of opera. In collaboration with composer Philip Glass, he co-wrote the libretto for the opera Galileo Galilei, which premiered in 2002. The work explores the life and legacy of the famed astronomer through a non-linear narrative that moves backward in time. Falls’ libretto is marked by poetic language, philosophical depth, and a theatrical structure that complements Glass’s meditative score. The opera exemplifies Falls’ talent for crafting intellectually rich yet emotionally resonant texts that challenge and engage audiences.

Throughout his career, Falls has championed bold storytelling that pushes theatrical boundaries. Under his leadership, the Goodman Theatre became a national model for excellence in regional theatre, producing numerous world premieres and earning a Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Falls’ directorial work includes celebrated productions of Death of a Salesman, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, King Lear, and Measure for Measure, among many others. His ability to collaborate with writers, composers, and designers across genres has made him a respected figure not just in theatre, but in opera and musical theatre as well.

As both a librettist and director, Robert Falls brings a unique blend of literary sensitivity and theatrical daring. Whether reimagining a Shakespeare tragedy, shaping a modern musical, or exploring the cosmos through opera, Falls remains committed to emotionally honest, visually striking storytelling. His contributions to Aida and Galileo Galilei highlight his gift for fusing music and drama into cohesive, impactful experiences. Through his multi-faceted body of work, Falls continues to influence generations of theatre artists and audiences alike.