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Doug Besterman

Also Credited As: Douglas Besterman

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BIO

DOUG BESTERMAN is a three-time Tony Award winning musician with a career spanning across theatre, film, television and recording. As a Composer, Producer, Arranger, and Orchestrator, he has been privileged to work with some of the most recognizable names in the industry, including composers Mel Brooks, Alan Menken, and Marc Shaiman; recording artists Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow; and directors Rob Marshall and Susan Stroman.



A veteran of 25+ Broadway shows, Besterman won the Best Orchestrations Tony Award® for Fosse, The Producers, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and was nominated for The Music Man (2000), How to Succeed in Business, and Bullets over Broadway. He was also awarded the Drama Desk Award for The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie. His most recent Broadway credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Bronx Tale, and Anastasia.

Besterman has also written orchestrations for 20+ film and television projects; including recent film work on Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Frozen; and American Housewife, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Galavant for television.

As a composer, Besterman penned the scores for the podcast musical Little Did I Know (with lyricists Dean Pitchford and Marcy Heisler), currently available for download on Apple Podcasts; The Big One-Oh (with lyricist Dean Pitchford), which recently premiered at The Atlantic For Kids in NYC, and is available for licensing through Music Theater International (MTI); and the vignette “Swelling and Irritation” (with lyricist Sharon Vaughn) from the musical Breathe, also to be licensed by MTI - concept album to be released by Sony. His music has also been recorded by singer Christian Bautista, heard in the films The Punisher, Out of Step and Exit Speed, television shows Summerland and One Life To Live, in concert with the United States Military Academy Concert Band, and in the musical revue Hats.

He is a proud father, husband, and sommelier. When not in New York or Los Angeles working, Doug is an avid traveler. Follow his latest adventures at @DougBesterman.

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Orchestrations
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Orchestrations
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Orchestrations
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Regional (US), 2019]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] Cancelled [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2018]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2017] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2017]
Orchestrations
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Orchestrator
 
[Regional (US), 2016]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2015] [Replacement]
Orchestrator[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Orchestrations
 
[West End, 2013]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Movement Director
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Orchestrations
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2009]
Orchestrator
 
[Houston, TX (Regional), 2008]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2005]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Orchestrator

Writing


Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Anastasia

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Anastasia

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Young Frankenstein


winner
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Thoroughly Modern Millie


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Producers


winner
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Producers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Music Man

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Music Man

Videos

News


ELF THE MUSICAL Will Offer a Digital Lottery

Elf The Musical will offer a digital ticket lottery starting this week ahead of the show's first preview. Find out how to get discount tickets to Elf The Musical here!
BOOP! The Musical Reveals BOOP! Dupe Costume Contest Winners

BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical has revealed the winners of the BOOP! Dupe Costume Contest on Instagram. See who the winners are and learn more about the new Broadway show!
Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, John Behlmann & More Will Star in SMASH on Broadway

SMASH is set to open at Broadway's Imperial Theatre this spring, bringing the acclaimed TV series to the stage. We have all of the new details on what to expect including who's who in the cast, and the show's official dates for Broadway in the Spring of 2025!
DEATH BECOMES HER Will Offer Digital Lottery and Rush Tickets

DEATH BECOMES HER, which begins performances this Wednesday, October 23, 2024, has announced its Digital Lottery and Rush Policy. Learn how to get discount tickets here!
DEATH BECOMES HER Digital Lottery And Rush

DEATH BECOMES HER now playing on Broadway has revealed its Digital Lottery and Rush Policy for the new musical comedy. Find out how to get ticket discounts for this new musical!
ELF The Musical Tour Sets Full Cast

The full cast has been announced for the 2024 National Tour of ELF THE MUSICAL. The National Tour will officially launch on November 2nd, heading to 9 cities this holiday season, including Detroit, New Orleans, Milwaukee and Charlotte. Get the full schedule including the tour route and ticket information.
Kayla Davion, Michael Hayden, and More Join ELF THE MUSICAL

A cast of Broadway and TV stars have been announced to join the limited holiday engagement of Elf The Musical, coming to Broadway this November at The Marquis Theatre. Find out who's who in the cast of this special holiday show.
Sean Astin to Make Broadway Debut as Santa in ELF This Holiday Season

Academy Award nominee and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actor Sean Astin will make his Broadway debut this holiday season as Santa, in Elf The Musical. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets!
Full Cast Set for DEATH BECOMES HER Starring Megan Hilty & Jennifer Simard

The full cast has been revealed for Death Becomes Her on Broadway. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Ali Ewoldt, Luba Mason, and Jamison Stern in ASK FOR THE MOON! at Goodspeed

Check out production photos for Ask for the Moon!, running at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre through August 11 in Chester, Connecticut here!
BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL Sets Broadway Theatre and Opening Night

 BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical has found its Broadway theatre! The new musical is set to open at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre on April 5, 2025. Learn more about BOOP! here!
Photos: First Look at YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Berkshire Theatre Group

Get a first look at photos of Young Frankenstein at Berkshire Theatre Group! See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL Sets Broadway Opening For April 2025

BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical has set its Broadway dates! The new musical will open on Broadway in April 2025 at a Shubert theatre to be announced. Learn more about the musical here!
Kyla Stone, Nick Cearley & More to Star in Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Berkshire Theatre Group

Berkshire Theatre Group has revealed the cast for its upcoming production of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
PARTING GIFT: THE SONGS OF GERALD GINSBURG Out Now

PS Classics has released Parting Gift: The Songs of Gerald Ginsburg on streaming and digital formats. Listen now!
Interview: Give Credit Where Credit is Due When it Comes to The Orchestrator!

Recently I wrote a Broadway World feature dealing with a partial restoration of Robert Ginzler’s original orchestrations for Bye, Bye, Birdie at the Kennedy Center by conductor John Bell with additional work by Joshua Clayton. When the piece was shared on social media, it started a bigger conversation about proper credit for the original orchestrator. Robert Ginzler was somehow never acknowledged in the Kennedy Center program.
Ali Ewoldt, Luba Mason & More to Star in ASK FOR THE MOON at Goodspeed

Goodspeed Musicals has revealed the cast for Ask for the Moon, an outrageous comedy about greed, revenge and...murder. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Exclusive: Hear Colin Donnell Perform 'Little Boy Blue' on Parting Gift: The Songs of Gerald Ginsburg

BroadwayWorld has your first listen to an all new track from the upcoming album, Parting Gift: The Songs of Gerald Ginsburg. 'Little Boy Blue' is performed by Colin Donnell, and based on a poem by Eugene Field.
Kelli O'Hara, Will Chase & More to be Featured on PARTING GIFT: THE SONGS OF GERALD GINSBURG

PS CLASSICS will release Parting Gift: The Songs of Gerald Ginsburg, featuring stars from Broadway and opera with a 17-piece orchestra. Learn when you can download the album!
Video/Photos: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Michelle Williams & More in DEATH BECOMES HER

Get a first look at all-new photos and videos of the World Premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre, now on stage for a limited five-week engagement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Doug Besterman written?

Doug Besterman has written 1 shows including The Big One-Oh! (Music).

What awards has Doug Besterman been nominated for?

Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding Orchestrations (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Young Frankenstein, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Music Man and Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Music Man.

What awards has Doug Besterman won?

Doug Besterman has won several awards, including Best Orchestrations at the Tony Awards for Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Producers. He also received Outstanding Orchestrations at the Drama Desk Awards for The Producers and The Music Man.

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