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Dick Scanlan

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Dick Scanlan BIO

Dick Scanlan is a multi-talented actor, director, and writer who has made a name for himself both on and off Broadway. Born in Massachusetts in 1960, Scanlan developed a love for the theater at a young age and went on to study drama at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Scanlan's first major Broadway credit came in 1996 when he co-wrote the book and lyrics for the musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie" alongside Richard Morris. The show, which starred Sutton Foster in the title role, went on to win six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Scanlan's clever lyrics and witty book were praised by critics and audiences alike, and he quickly became a sought-after writer in the theater world.

In addition to his work on "Thoroughly Modern Millie," Scanlan has written several other successful musicals, including "A Christmas Story," "Everyday Rapture," and "The Little Mermaid." He has also directed productions of "The Full Monty" and "High Fidelity" and has acted in numerous plays and musicals throughout his career.

Scanlan's talents are not limited to the stage, however. He has also worked in television and film, appearing in shows like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Good Wife" and films like "The Producers" and "Indignation." He even provided the voice of the character of Woody in the hit video game "Toy Story 3."

Despite his success in other mediums, Scanlan remains dedicated to the theater and continues to work on new projects. In 2019, he collaborated with composer Mark Hollmann on the musical "The Man in the Ceiling," which premiered at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, New York. The show, based on the book by Jules Feiffer, tells the story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a cartoonist.

Scanlan's contributions to the theater world have not gone unnoticed. In addition to his Tony Award for "Thoroughly Modern Millie," he has also been nominated for several other awards, including a Drama Desk Award for his work on "Everyday Rapture." He has also been recognized for his advocacy work in the LGBTQ+ community, receiving the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award in 2019.

Throughout his career, Scanlan has proven himself to be a versatile and talented artist, capable of writing, directing, and performing with equal skill. His contributions to the theater world have been significant, and his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Dick Scanlan Photos

Dick Scanlan STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1991
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Miss Great Plains

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1986
Performer

Dick Scanlan Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Book & New Lyrics
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Co-Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Co-Director and Co-Author
 
[Regional (US), 2014]
Book and Additional Lyrics

Writing

Conceiver
Bookwriter
Script Consultant
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Dick Scanlan Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Dick Scanlan, The Unsinkable Molly Brown

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Book of a Musical

Dick Scanlan, Everyday Rapture

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Book of a Musical

Dick Scanlan, Thoroughly Modern Millie

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Dick Scanlan, Thoroughly Modern Millie

Dick Scanlan Videos

Dick Scanlan News


Review: CELEBRATING BROADWAY'S LEADING LADIES at Auguste Théâtre


A Showstopping AMT Live Concert at Auguste Théâtre in Paris.

Revised Version of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN Is Now Available to License


Music Theatre International (MTI) announced that the new, revised version of The Unsinkable Molly Brown is available for licensing.

Freestyle Love Supreme, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and John Lloyd Young Will Headline Transport Group Gala


Transport Group has announced performers for its 2024 gala will include Tony Award winners Freestyle Love Supreme, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and John Lloyd Young.  

From La Jolla Playhouse to Broadway - A Brief History


Learn more about some of the Broadway productions that you may not have realized began their journey at La Jolla Playhouse! 

Bennett Leak Will Be Second Stage Theater's Interim Artistic Director


Second Stage Theater has announced that Bennett Leak, Second Stage Theater's Director of Artistic Production, has been named Interim Artistic Director for the 2024-25 Season.

Transport Group 2024 Gala Will Honor Jennifer Costello and Jan Svendsen Weiss This April


Transport Group has announced that its 2024 gala will honor Broadway producer Jennifer Costello and Activate4Good founder Jan Svendsen Weiss with its Transporting American Theatre Award on Tuesday, April 30, at The Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47 Street.

Second Stage to Present the World Premiere of Alexis Scheer's BREAKING THE STORY


Second Stage Theater will present the world premiere production of a new play by Alexis Scheer, BREAKING THE STORY.

How Often Do Actors Go On to Write Musicals?


This time, the reader question was: What is the history of theatre actors who later wrote musicals as well? 

Nimene Wureh Joins the Cast of Second Stage's Production of THE APIARY


Nimene Wureh will join the cast of Kate Douglas’ THE APIARY, directed by Kate Whoriskey at Second Stage Theater.

Second Stage Theater to Present Reading of New Musical EIGHTY-SIXED


Second Stage Theater will present a one-night-only reading of the new musical EIGHTY-SIXED, which will kick off the NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL on January 16, 2024 at Second Stage’s Tony Kiser Theater.

APPROPRIATE Starring Sarah Paulson & More Extends on Broadway Through Early March


Second Stage Theater’s production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ APPROPRIATE, directed by Lila Neugebauer, has extended three weeks. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Review: ONE NIGHT ONLY: AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER AND KELLI O'HARA Consistent With Past Carnegie Hall Greatness


It was a one night only special event, and it was so special that people better start wishing for another one night.

Sixteen High Schools Announced As THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN Grant Recipients


The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), The Music Man Foundation (TMMF), and Music Theatre International (MTI) have announced 16 recipients of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” Grant, awarded to high school theatre programs nationwide to allow them to mount productions of the newly revised version of the classic Meredith Willson and Richard Morris property.

Denver Center Theatre Company Announces Playwrights For The 18th Annual Colorado New Play Summit


The Denver Center Theatre Company has announced playwrights, dates, and details for the 2024 Colorado New Play Summit (CNPS). The 18th annual festival will take place over one weekend on February 24-25, and feature readings of new plays by Terence Anthony, Nina McConigley and Matthew Spangler, Andrew Rosendorf, and Vauhini Vara. The festival will also feature 2022 CNPS World Premieres, Cebollas by Leonard Madrid and Rubicon by Kirsten Potter.

Taylor Schilling, Gabby Beans & More to Star in THE APIARY at Second Stage Theater


Second Stage Theater has unveiled the complete cast for its upcoming world premiere production of Kate Douglas’ THE APIARY, directed by Kate Whoriskey.

Second Stage Theater to Present The Next Stage Festival Supporting Early Career Playwrights


Second Stage Theater will present its first ever NEXT STAGE FESTIVAL. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!

Complete Cast Set for APPROPRIATE at Second Stage Theater Starring Elle Fanning, Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll & More


The complete cast has been revealed for Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ APPROPRIATE, directed by Lila Neugebauer at Second Stage Theater. 

Single Tickets for MOTHER PLAY Starring Jessica Lange, Jim Parsons & Celia Keenan-Bolger To Go On Sale Tomorrow


Single tickets for Second Stage Theater's upcoming world premiere of Paula Vogel’s MOTHER PLAY will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, October 17 at 12pm. 

Erika Henningsen, Jason Gotay, and More Set For EVER AFTER in Concert at the Ordway


This special event will kick off the Ordway's 2023-2024 season and give audiences an exclusive look at the latest songs from a musical in development, Ever After, based on the 1998 film starring Drew Barrymore.

New Works Provincetown Commissions Projects From Hannah Corneau, Douglas Lyons & More


Learn about the exciting collaborations and commissions announced by New Works Provincetown, featuring talented artists like Hannah Corneau, Douglas Lyons, and more. Find out what projects they will be working on and when you can catch these innovative performances.

Dick Scanlan FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Dick Scanlan written?

Dick Scanlan has written 6 shows including Thoroughly Modern Millie (Bookwriter), You May Now Worship Me (Conceiver), Everyday Rapture (Bookwriter), Motown the Musical (Script Consultant), Whorl Inside a Loop (Co-Author), Renascence (Book).

What awards has Dick Scanlan been nominated for?

Dick Scanlan has been nominated for the following awards: - Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Unsinkable Molly Brown - Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Everyday Rapture - Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie.

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