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David Yazbek

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BIO

David Yazbek has become one of Broadway's preeminent composer/lyricists. Three of his shows, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown have been nominated for Best Score Tony Awards. He is a Tony Award winner for his most recent musical, The Band's Visit, which opened on Broadway to rave reviews and has been named to every Best of the Year list for 2017. The show also received 10 Tony Awards, as well as the Lucille Lortel Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Musical. He's also received three Grammy nominations and a Drama Desk Award. Yazbek won an Outstanding Writing Emmy Award for his stint on "Late Night with David Letterman." He scored the last season of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire," wrote the theme song to "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego," and has written hundreds of songs, scripts, scores and jingles for adult and children's TV. As a recording artist, Yazbek is responsible for five albums—The Laughing Man, Tock, Damascus, Tape Recorder, and Evil Monkey Man. He has written and/or produced for such acts as XTC, Ruben Blades, The Persuasions, Joe Jackson, Tito Puente and many others. As a performer, he and his band are engaged in an ongoing series of monthly shows at NYC's 54 Below club.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Music Team Leader
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Original Music
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Orchestration
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Creative Consultant
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Music & Lyrics[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Original Music
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Original Music
 
[West End, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Vocal Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Lyrics
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Composer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Composer

Writing

Music
Music & Lyrics
Music and Lyrics
Composer & Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Lyrics

David Yazbek, Dead Outlaw

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Music

David Yazbek, Dead Outlaw

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Orchestrations

David YazbekDead Outlaw


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Best Musical

David YazbekDead Outlaw

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

David YazbekDead Outlaw

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

David Yazbek, Dead Outlaw


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Lyrics

David Yazbek, Tootsie


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Music

David Yazbek, Tootsie


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Best Musical

David Yazbek, Tootsie

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding New Score

David Yazbek, Tootsie

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Yazbek, Tootsie


winner
Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Yazbek, The Band's Visit


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

David Yazbek, The Band's Visit

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Music

David Yazbek, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Orchestrations

David Yazbek, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Yazbek, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Yazbek, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Yazbek, The Full Monty


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Lyrics

David Yazbek, The Full Monty


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Music

David Yazbek, The Full Monty

Videos

News


Previews: TOOTSIE

TOOTSIE PRESENTAZIOTO ALLA STAMPA IL NUOVO MUSICAL FIRMATO MASSIMO ROMEO PIPARO IN TOUR DAL 1 NOVEMBRE E DAL 13 FEBBRAIO AL TEATRO SISTINA
See Marilyn Maye & More Perform Next Week at 54 Below

Next week, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work. See who is performing and learn more!
Cast and Creative Teams Set for Stratford Festival 2025

Stratford Festival has its preparations for 2025 in full swing. The preliminary casting for the 11 productions of the coming season has been revealed! Learn more about the 2025 company, stars and shows and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: Moonbox Productions DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is a Devilish Delight

What did our critic think of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at Moonbox Productions? Read the review...
Cameron Blakely and Alex Young Join DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS in Concert at the London Palladium

Cameron Blakely and Alex Young will join the cast of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, in concert at The London Palladium on Sunday 24 November. 
THE ROOMMATE Cancels Performances Due to Illness in the Company

The Roommate, the new Broadway play starring Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow, cancelled its performances this past weekend due to illness in the cast.
See Linda Eder, Beth Leavel and More at 54 Below in October

Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See Linda Eder, Beth Leavel and more! See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Mia Farrow Returns To THE ROOMMATE On Broadway Tonight

Screen legend Mia Farrow triumphantly returned to the Booth Theatre tonight in Jen Silverman’s play, The Roommate, after missing several performances due to illness.
What We Know So Far About BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB

Buena Vista Social Club is officially getting ready for a Broadway bow. What do you need to know about the new musical? Let's study up!
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet on Opening Night of THE ROOMMATE

Just last week, Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone took their opening night bows in Jen Silverman’s The Roommate, which is now running at the Booth Theatre. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals here!
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Will Arrive on Broadway in 2025

The acclaimed new musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB is coming to Broadway! A band of renowned musicians from across the globe will  tell the legendary story of the artists who recorded the original album. The new musical features a book by Marco Ramirez and will be directed by Tony nominee Saheem Ali.
Marsha Mason Steps in for Mia Farrow in THE ROOMMATE

According to the New York Times, Marsha Mason is stepping in for Mia Farrow, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, September 14th, according to a now-deleted post on her official X account.
THE ROOMMATE Star Mia Farrow Tests Positive for COVID-19

According to a post on her official X account, The Roommate star Mia Farrow has tested positive for COVID-19.
Photos: Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow Take Opening Night Bows in THE ROOMMATE

Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone took their Opening Night bows in Jen Silverman’s The Roommate last night, September 12, at the Booth Theatre. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the opening curtain call here!
Photos: Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow Backstage at THE ROOMMATE Opening Night

Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone took their Opening Night bows in Jen Silverman’s The Roommate last night, September 12, at the Booth Theatre. The production is directed by Jack O’Brien. BroadwayWorld was on hand backstage at the big night, and snapped some photos of Farrow and LuPone. Check out the photos here!
Review Roundup: THE ROOMMATE On Broadway Starring Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow

Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone star in Jen Silverman’s The Roommate, opening this evening at the Booth Theatre. Read the reviews!
Photos: Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone in THE ROOMMATE

Get a first look at photos of Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone in The Roommate. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow Talk THE ROOMMATE on CBS SUNDAY MORNING

Watch Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow discuss returning to Broadway in The Roommate in the video here!
Review: THE FULL MONTY at Paramount Theatre Aurora, IL

“Desperate times take desperate measures”. These words are spoken by one of the out of work steel workers in Buffalo. That is exactly what happens in the Full Monty, currently playing at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora through October 6, 2024.  
Photos: THE FULL MONTY at Paramount Theatre

Check out production photos for Paramount Theatre's The Fully Monty, running now through October 6, here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has David Yazbek written?

David Yazbek has written 7 shows including Mojo (Music), The Full Monty (Composer), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Composer), Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (Lyricist), The Band's Visit (Music and Lyrics), Tootsie (Composer & Lyricist), Dead Outlaw (Music & Lyrics).

What awards has David Yazbek been nominated for?

Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Tootsie, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Tootsie, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Tootsie, Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Tootsie, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Tootsie, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Band's Visit, Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Band's Visit, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Full Monty, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty and Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty.

What awards has David Yazbek won?

David Yazbek has received numerous awards throughout his career. He won Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Dead Outlaw. He also received the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Dead Outlaw. Additionally, he won Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for Tootsie, along with the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Tootsie. For The Band's Visit, he was honored with the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre and the Outstanding New Score award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards. He also won Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for The Full Monty.

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