Howard Ashman

Date of Death: March 14, 1991

Birth Place: Baltimore, MD, USA

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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 Productions

 
[St. Louis, MO (Regional), 2015]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2008] [Replacement]
Lyrics[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 1986]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Director
Director
 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1982]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director

Writing

Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter

Howard Ashman Movies

Little Shop of Horrors
[ 1986 ] book
The Little Mermaid
[ 1989 ] producer
Beauty and the Beast
[ 1991 ] songs
Aladdin
[ 1992 ] songs
Aladdin: Live from the West End
[ 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

Howard Ashman News


Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Ford's Theatre

Horrors! Ford’s Little Shop disappoints. Little Shop of Horrors is a cult favorite with catchy score of rock and doo-wop tunes. But the latest version at Ford’s Theatre underwhelms. The fun has run out.

The Studio Theatre Announces SUMMER SHOWS

The Studio Theatre has revealed their 2024 summer shows. Check out the lineup here!

Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point Announces First-Ever Mainstage Season

Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point has announced its first-ever – mainstage season. Learn more about the production here!

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 18, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 18, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Original LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Film Reboot in the Works

Little Shop of Horrors, the 1960 horror comedy that inspired the hit musical, is being rebooted for a new film. Little Shop of Halloween Horrors will launch a new franchise, led by Joe Dante and Roger Corman. Following the original film, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's musical adaptation premiered Off-Broadway in 1982, where the revival now runs.

New Staging Of FROZEN, IN THE HEIGHTS & More Set for Theatre Under The Stars 2024/25 Season

Today, Theatre Under The Stars has revealed the shows that make up the musical theatre company’s 2024/25 Season. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review Roundup: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is now running at The Westside Theatre. See what the critics are saying!

Review: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a Wonder for All at City Springs Theatre Company

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is appropriate for all ages, and is absolutely worth the family outing. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, be sure to show up in costume! The show is everything we love about Disney and Broadway:  A story told through song with a heartwarming message destined to lighten your heart.

John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Jared Grimes & More Join The Muny's 106th Season

The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, A DOLL'S HOUSE, and More Set For Sheffield Theatres 2024-25 Season

Robert Hastie has announced his final season at Sheffield Theatres, as he steps down after eight years as Artistic Director. New productions will be running from summer 2024 to spring 2025 in the Crucible Theatre and Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse. Learn more about the season lineup here!

Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID Comes to Springer Theatre

The Springer Theatre will present Disney's The Little Mermaid, opening this week. The classic story of dreams, love, family, and friendship opens on the Springer's Mainstage Friday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m.

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME And More Announced for PlayMakers New Season

Discover the exciting new season of shows announced by PlayMakers Repertory Company. Stay updated with BroadwayWorld's latest news on upcoming performances.

PlayMakers Repertory Company Reveals 2024/2025 Season Featuring a World Premiere & More

PlayMakers Repertory Company has revealed its lineup of mainstage shows for the 2024/2025 season, which includes modern classics, a world premiere, and a deviously, delicious musical. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Comes to City Springs Theatre Company This Week

City Springs Theatre Company will bring Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to metro Atlanta with performances from March 8 – 24, part of its 2023-2024 Season. Performances run March 8 – 24.

Review: Societal Consciousness in A Political Era With GOD BLESS YOU, MR. ROSEWATER at freeFall Theatre

God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater is Kurt Vonnegut’s fifth novel and was published in 1965. Its Post-Modern Satire context paved way for Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, arguably his most well-known work. In the novel, Vonnegut highlights the life and times of the consciously-bound multi-millionaire Eliot Rosewater.

Review: GMHC CABARET BENEFIT HONORING ALAN MENKEN Brings Music & Memories at Joe's Pub

A star-studded night honoring composer Alan Menken was exciting, energizing and sentimental as he received an award named for collaborator Howard Ashman. From 'The Little Mermaid' to 'Little Shop of Horrors,' Ashman left no small legacy in his work with Menken. The evening benefited GMHC's work for communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

Starlight Theatre Announces Broadway 3-Show Packages

Discover the exciting Broadway 3-Show Packages announced by Starlight Theatre.

ALADDIN & More Lead Seattle's Spring 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 Spring 2024 include Aladdin​​​​​​​ and more.

Inland Pacific Ballet Will Perform Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in March

Inland Pacific Ballet in partnership with Candlelight Pavilion will present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Broadway Musical, the international sensation nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Review: ALADDIN at Princess Of Wales

The story of the ascendance of young Aladdin from “street rat” to sultan in Agrabah, this morality tale about the importance of pure-heartedness, self-determination and using your power to help others is a straightforward, fun show that expands slightly on the original film’s memorable musical numbers.

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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