Howard Ashman
Date of Death: March 14, 1991
Birth Place: Baltimore, MD, USA
Latest News on Howard Ashman:
Photos: First look at Little Theatre Off Broadway's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Apr 24, 2024)
Adi Roy Will Take Over the Title Role in ALADDIN This Summer (Apr 23, 2024)
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is Now Playing at Sing'Theatre (Apr 19, 2024)
Photos: First look at Little Theatre Off Broadway's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Apr 24, 2024)
Adi Roy Will Take Over the Title Role in ALADDIN This Summer (Apr 23, 2024)
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is Now Playing at Sing'Theatre (Apr 19, 2024)
Howard Ashman BIO
Howard Ashman followed a distinguished career as a musical comedy librettist, lyricist, playwright, and director with his animated feature film debut, Disney's critically and popularly celebrated The Little Mermaid. Ashman received the 1989 Academy Award® for Best Song for "Under the Sea," written with his longtime collaborator, Alan Menken. Ashman and Menken garnered a total of six awards for The Little Mermaid, including two Academy Awards®, two Golden Globe Awards®, and two Grammy Awards®.
Born in Baltimore, Ashman received his education at Goddard College and Boston University, and earned an MFA from Indiana University. He moved to New York in 1974 and became an editor at Grosset & Dunlap, while he wrote plays, including 'Cause Maggie's Afraid of the Dark, The Confirmation, and Dreamstuff, a musical version of The Tempest. Dreamstuff marked the start of his association with the Off-Off Broadway WPA Theatre, of which he became Art Director when it reopened in the fall of 1977. Ashman was the WPA's guiding force from 1977 to 1982. In 1979, he and Alan Menken wrote a musical version of Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater.
Ashman's greatest success at WPA was the musical version of Roger Corman's film Little Shop of Horrors, also written with Alan Menken. The musical received many awards, including the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for the Best Musical of 1982-83. Little Shop of Horrors became the third longest-running musical in Off-Broadway history, as well as the highest-grossing musical in Off-Broadway history. The subsequent London production received the prestigious Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, and productions of Little Shop of Horrors were seen all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hungary, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Mexico, Israel, South Africa, France, Austria, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and Germany. Little Shop of Horrors is currently tied with Our Town as the most-produced play in high schools throughout America.
Little Shop of Horrors was subsequently filmed by Frank Oz for David Geffen. For the screen version, Ashman and Menken wrote two songs not included in the stage production. Ashman received his first Academy Award® nomination for Best Song, for "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space," in 1986.
Howard Ashman's unique theatrical gifts enabled him to create the book, lyrics, and direction for not only God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater and Little Shop of Horrors, but also for the 1986 Broadway production of Smile, written with Marvin Hamlisch, for which he received a Tony Award® nomination for Best Book.
Ashman completed work on the animated Disney feature Beauty and the Beast, as well as Aladdin, prior to his death in March 1991.
Howard Ashman Photos
Howard Ashman Productions
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Howard Ashman Movies
Little Shop of Horrors
[ 1986 ] book
[ 1986 ] book
The Little Mermaid
[ 1989 ] producer
[ 1989 ] producer
Beauty and the Beast
[ 1991 ] songs
[ 1991 ] songs
Aladdin
[ 1992 ] songs
[ 1992 ] songs
Aladdin: Live from the West End
[ 2022 ] Lyrics by
[ 2022 ] Lyrics by
Howard Ashman Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Lyrics
Howard Ashman, Aladdin
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Howard Ashman, Aladdin
Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Howard Ashman, The Little Mermaid
Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Lyrics
Howard Ashman, Beauty and the Beast
Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Howard Ashman , Beauty and the Beast
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Book of a Musical
Howard Ashman, Smile
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Howard Ashman, Little Shop of Horrors
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Lyrics
Howard Ashman, Little Shop of Horrors
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1983 - Best Musical
Howard Ashman, Little Shop of Horrors
Olivier Awards - 1983 - Musical of the Year
Howard Ashman, Little Shop Of Horrors
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1983 - Best Score
Howard Ashman, Little Shop of Horrors
Howard Ashman Videos
Video: Evan Rachel Wood Discusses Her Musical Theatre Roots Before LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Michael Major - Feb 16, 2024
Video: Watch ALADDIN Perform 'Friend Like Me' on Disney's Christmas Day Parade
by Michael Major - Dec 26, 2023
Video: Constance Wu Performs 'Somewhere That's Green' From LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Stephi Wild - Dec 7, 2023
VIDEO: Watch a Teaser Trailer for Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Walnut Street Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 25, 2023
Video: Watch Corbin Bleu & LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Cast Perform 'Ya Never Know' on GMA3
by Michael Major - Oct 23, 2023
Video: Watch Corbin Bleu & Constance Wu Perform 'Suddenly Seymour' From LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Michael Major - Oct 23, 2023
Listen: Hear Javier Bardem's Cut THE LITTLE MERMAID Song By Alan Menken & Lin-Manuel Miranda
by Michael Major - Sep 8, 2023
Video: Watch 'Gaston' From Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Stephi Wild - Aug 1, 2023
Video: Watch 'The Scuttlebutt' By Daveed Diggs & Awkwafina in THE LITTLE MERMAID
by Michael Major - Jun 1, 2023
Video: Watch Melissa McCarthy as Ursula in New THE LITTLE MERMAID Clip
by Michael Major - May 10, 2023
Video: Hear Daveed Diggs Sing 'Under the Sea' in New THE LITTLE MERMAID Clip
by Michael Major - May 8, 2023
Listen: Hear Halle Bailey Sing 'Part of Your World' From THE LITTLE MERMAID Soundtrack
by Michael Major - Apr 26, 2023
VIDEO: Get A First Look at LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Tickets On Sale At Arkansas Repertory Theatre
by Alan Henry - Apr 18, 2023
Video: Disney Releases an Inside Look at THE LITTLE MERMAID With Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alan Menken & More
by Michael Major - Apr 13, 2023
VIDEO: Halle Bailey Shares First Look at New LITTLE MERMAID Ariel Doll
by Michael Major - Mar 6, 2023
VIDEO: Disney Drops New LITTLE MERMAID Teaser; First Look at Melissa McCarthy as Ursula
by Michael Major - Feb 15, 2023
Photos & Video: Inside Rehearsals for ALADDIN North American Tour Launching Tonight
by Sneak Peek - Oct 11, 2022
VIDEO: ALADDIN's Rodney Ingram & Katie Terza Perform Dual Language 'A Whole New World'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 21, 2022
Howard Ashman News
Photos: First look at Little Theatre Off Broadway's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre-goers for over 30 years. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names 'Audrey II' - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!
Adi Roy Will Take Over the Title Role in ALADDIN This Summer
Broadway's ALADDIN is set to welcome Adi Roy in the title role starting June 4. Catch the magical performance as the new Aladdin brings a fresh take to the beloved character.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is Now Playing at Sing'Theatre
With Music by Alan Menken and Book by Howard Ashman, the creative geniuses behind Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, Little Shop of Horrors plays through April 28 at SOTA Drama Theatre.
The ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Fest Returns To The Wallis Annenberg Center For The Performing Arts
Catch the second year of The ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Fest at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts from May 14 - 21.
Video: Celebrate 30 Years of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
30 years ago, on April 18, 1994, Disney's Beauty and the Beast opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre. The musical would go on to run for 46 previews and 5462 regular performances, making it the 10th longest-runing Broadway show of all time.
Concert Performances of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and THE JUNGLE BOOK Will Be Performed at New Wimbledon Theatre
The Novello Orchestra will present two classic Disney films in concert this summer, Beauty and the Beast and The Jungle Book will be performed live to film as part of Wimbledon Childrens Festival. Beauty and the Beast will take place on 10th August, with showings at 3pm and 7pm and The Jungle Book the following day on the 11th August, with showings at 10am and 3pm.
Rose Center Theater to Present BEAUTY AND THE BEAST This Summer
Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be presented at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster, CA. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Michael James Scott visita ALADDIN en Madrid
ALADDÍN ha celebrado su primer año en Madrid al mismo tiempo que la producción de Broadway cumple una década en la gran manzana, y qué mejor manera de aunar ambos eventos que con la visita a la versión española de Michael James Scott, quien en la actualidad interpreta al Genio en el New Amsterdam Theatre de Nueva York.
PCPA Presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS At Solvang Festival Theater And Marian Theatre
PCPA presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Solvang Festival Theater in June, featuring book & lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith.
Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Toby's in Columbia Invites Everyone to “Be Our Guest.”
The fairytale magic of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST The Musical is on opulent display at Toby's Dinner Theatre in Columbia, directed by Mark Minnick. This family favorite, packed with stunning performances and resplendent costumes, delivers the enchantment of live theater through June 16th, 2024
Broadway Buying Guide: April 8, 2024- HAMILTON Rises to the Top
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, April 8, 2024.
Review: American Stage's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST IN THE PARK at Demens Landing
It's a perfect fit for the American Stage in the Park experience!
Danbury's Musicals At Richter to Hold Auditions For BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and GREASE
Join the auditions for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and GREASE by Musicals at Richter, Connecticut's longest-running outdoor theater.
Review: DISNEY'S ALADDIN at Broadway San Diego
Aladdin now playing through April 7th at the Civic Theatre through Broadway San Diego invites you to enjoy their Arabian night of magic, music, and magic carpets.
A Sandy Rustin World Premiere & More Set for Denver Center Theatre Company 2024/25 Season
Denver Center Theatre Company has revealed its 2024/25 season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Vanguard University's Department Of Theatre Arts Presents Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Experience the magic of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST presented by Vanguard University's award-winning theatre arts department.
Broadway Buying Guide: April 1, 2024- MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Rolls to the Top
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, April 1, 2024.
UNKNOWN SOLIDER & More Lead Washington, DC's March 2024 Top Theatre Shows
Washington, DC is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2024 include Little Shop of Horrors, Unknown Solider, and more.
BEETLEJUICE & More Lead Seattle's April 2024 Top Theatre Shows
Seattle is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2024 include Beetlejuice, Aladdin, and more!
Review: ALAN CUMMING IS NOT ACTING HIS AGE delights Sanders Theatre audience
What did our critic think of ALAN CUMMING IS NOT ACTING HIS AGE at Sanders Theatre? In his eponymous show Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age, the performer definitely lives up to the title.
Howard Ashman FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Howard Ashman written?
Howard Ashman has written 10 shows including Maggie May (Lyricist), God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Real Life Funnies (Conceiver), Little Shop of Horrors (Bookwriter), Diamonds (Lyricist), Smile (Bookwriter), Beauty and the Beast (Lyricist), Hundreds of Hats (Lyricist), The Little Mermaid (lyricist), Aladdin (Lyricist).
What awards has Howard Ashman been nominated for?
Howard Ashman has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He received nominations for Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Little Shop of Horrors. He was also nominated for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. Additionally, he received a nomination for Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Smile. Ashman's work on Little Shop of Horrors earned him nominations for Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards, and Best Score at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.
What awards has Howard Ashman won?
Howard Ashman has won several awards for his work in the Broadway musical "Little Shop of Horrors." He received the Outstanding Lyrics award at the Drama Desk Awards, the Best Musical award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and the Best Score award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.
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