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Nell Benjamin

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BIO

Nell Benjamin is a lyricist, writer, and composer noted for her work in musical theatre. With her husband and frequent collaborator Laurence O'Keefe, she won the Laurence Olivier Award for writing Legally Blonde in 2011. And in 2007, she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Original Score for Legally Blonde, and then again in 2018 for her lyrics for Mean Girls.

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Photos

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Productions

Real Women Have CurvesReal Women Have Curves
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Additional Material
Book
Mean GirlsMean Girls
 
[West End, 2024]
Lyrics
Mean Girls (Non-Equity)Mean Girls (Non-Equity)
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Lyricist
Mean GirlsMean Girls
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Lyricist
Because of Winn DixieBecause of Winn Dixie
 
[East Haddam, CT (Regional), 2019]
Bookwriter
Lyricist
DaveDave
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2018]
Book Writer
Lyricist
Pirates!
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2007]
Concept
Book/Lyrics (Additional)
Legally BlondeLegally Blonde
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Music and Lyrics
The Pirates of Penzance
 
[East Haddam, CT (Regional), 2006]
Concept
Book/Lyrics (additional)

Writing

Sarah, Plain and Tall
Lyricist
Lyricist
Real Women Have Curves
Additional Material
Half Time
Lyrics
Mean Girls
Lyricist
Because of Winn Dixie
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Cam Jansen
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Legally Blonde
Composer
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Lyrics

Nell Benjamin, Mean Girls

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

Nell Benjamin, Mean Girls

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Play

Nell Benjamin, The Explorers Club

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics

Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music

Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde The Musical


winner
- 2003 - Most promising musical theatre lyricist

Nell Benjamin

Videos

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News


Broadway-Bound BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE to Hold NYC Reading Photo
Broadway-Bound BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE to Hold NYC Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2026

Because of Winn-Dixie, the new Broadway-bound musical based on the Newbery Medal-winning and best-selling children’s novel by Kate DiCamillo, will hold a private reading in New York City.
LEGALLY BLONDE, JR. Will Be Performed By Academy Youth Productions Photo
LEGALLY BLONDE, JR. Will Be Performed By Academy Youth Productions
by Stephi Wild - May 8, 2026

The Academy of Music Theatre will present LEGALLY BLONDE, JR., featuring young actors ages 12 to 17 at its Northampton, MA venue. Tickets range from $15.16 to $23.95.
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES, THE VISIT and More Set for Pasadena Playhouse 2026/27 Season Photo
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES, THE VISIT and More Set for Pasadena Playhouse 2026/27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 7, 2026

The Mainstage offerings for the 2026/2027 Season of Pasadena Playhouse has been revealed! The Mainstage Season kicks off with an all-new Pasadena Playhouse production of Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s chilling classic The Visit.
Video: Emily Lane, Vivian Panka and More in MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL UK Tour Photo
Video: Emily Lane, Vivian Panka and More in MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL UK Tour
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026

All new footage has been released from the UK and Ireland tour of Mean Girls The Musical, touring until January 2027. Learn more about the show and check out the video here!
Photos: Theatre UCF's LEGALLY BLONDE Brought Robot Dogs to the Stage Photo
Photos: Theatre UCF's LEGALLY BLONDE Brought Robot Dogs to the Stage
by Joshua Wright - Apr 16, 2026

Two robot dogs walked across the Walt Disney Theater stage during Theatre UCF's production of Legally Blonde - operated live, in real time, by theater students trained in the university's engineering labs.
Review: Revamped MEAN GIRLS Musical Debuts at La Mirada Theatre Photo
Review: Revamped MEAN GIRLS Musical Debuts at La Mirada Theatre
by Michael Quintos - Apr 15, 2026

Now having its Southern California regional production, MEAN GIRLS - THE MUSICAL continues performances at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through May 3, 2026. Produced by McCoy Rigby Entertainment, this fun, high-energy, youthfully-targeted new iteration of the 2018 stage adaptation of Tina Fey’s beloved 2004 film comedy looks and feels like a brand new show—boosted by impressive new visuals and a highly-caffeinated ensemble whose enthusiasm and verve is quite infectious. A dazzling, entertaining show with high-caliber polish, La Mirada's production is a slick, electrically-charged iteration that is a worthwhile new chapter in the show’s evolution.
Exclusive: First Look at MEAN GIRLS at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts Photo
Exclusive: First Look at MEAN GIRLS at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
by Gillian Blum - Apr 11, 2026

Take a first look at exclusive production photos from Mean Girls at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, which runs April 11 through May 3, 2026.
Review: LEGALLY BLONDE, King's Theatre Photo
Review: LEGALLY BLONDE, King's Theatre
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Apr 8, 2026

This ultimate feel-good rom-com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.
Photos: Amber Davies and More in LEGALLY BLONE UK and Ireland Tour Photo
Photos: Amber Davies and More in LEGALLY BLONE UK and Ireland Tour
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2026

All new production photos have been released from the UK & Ireland tour of LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL starring Strictly Come Dancing Finalist and West End star Amber Davies. Check out phtoos here!
Video: Amber Davies and More in LEGALLY BLONDE UK and Ireland Tour New Footage Photo
Video: Amber Davies and More in LEGALLY BLONDE UK and Ireland Tour New Footage
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2026

All new footage has been released from the UK & Ireland tour of LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL starring Strictly Come Dancing Finalist and West End star Amber Davies. Check out the video here!
Broadway-Bound BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE to Hold Open Casting Call for 'Opal Buloni' Photo
Broadway-Bound BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE to Hold Open Casting Call for 'Opal Buloni'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 30, 2026

The TRC Company will hold an open casting call for the role of “Opal Buloni” in the new Broadway-bound musical Because of Winn-Dixie. All submissions are due by mid-April.
COME FROM AWAY, DEAR EVAN HANSEN & More Included in Omaha Community Playhouse's 2026- Photo
COME FROM AWAY, DEAR EVAN HANSEN & More Included in Omaha Community Playhouse's 2026-27 Theatre Season
by Gillian Blum - Mar 23, 2026

The Omaha Community Playhouse unveiled its eagerly awaited 2026–27 season, presenting a slate of live performances designed to uplift, captivate, and resonate with audiences.
Photos: First look at OOHS Orangelight Productions' MEAN GIRLS: HS VERSION Photo
Photos: First look at OOHS Orangelight Productions' MEAN GIRLS: HS VERSION
by Jerri Shafer - Mar 19, 2026

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order?
Full Cast Set for MEAN GIRLS Regional Premiere at La Mirada Photo
Full Cast Set for MEAN GIRLS Regional Premiere at La Mirada
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 16, 2026

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment have revealed full casting for the Southern California regional theatre premiere of Mean Girls, book by Tina Fey.
MEAN GIRLS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and More Set For Pioneer Theatre Company 65th Sea Photo
MEAN GIRLS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and More Set For Pioneer Theatre Company 65th Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2026

Pioneer Theatre Company has announced its 2026–2027 lineup, marking the organization's 65th Season with a slate that blends contemporary premieres, Broadway hits, and a classic American comedy.
Video: First Look At BURNOUT PARADISE Off-Broadway Photo
Video: First Look At BURNOUT PARADISE Off-Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2026

The new Off-Broadway production BURNOUT PARADISE officially opened Thursday, March 5 at the Astor Place Theatre. Watch highlights from the show in a newly released video!
Photos: BURNOUT PARADISE Opens Off-Broadway at Astor Place Theatre Photo
Photos: BURNOUT PARADISE Opens Off-Broadway at Astor Place Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2026

The new Off-Broadway production BURNOUT PARADISE officially opened Thursday, March 5 at the Astor Place Theatre. Check out photos from inside the opening night celebration!
Photos: MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL is Now on UK and Ireland Tour Photo
Photos: MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL is Now on UK and Ireland Tour
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2026

Production photos have been released for the UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, which opened at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026 and is touring until January 2027. Check out the photos here!
MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL To Play Milton Keynes Theatre Photo
MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL To Play Milton Keynes Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 4, 2026

The UK and Ireland tour of MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL will play the Milton Keynes Theatre from April 14–18. Produced by Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live, and Sonia Friedman, the stage adaptation of the 2004 film will continue its 2026–2027 UK and Ireland tour with performances at the Milton Keynes venue.
Photos: MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL UK and Ireland Tour in Rehearsal Photo
Photos: MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL UK and Ireland Tour in Rehearsal
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2026

Rehearsal photos have been released for the UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL, ahead of its first performance at Manchester Opera House on 23 February 2026. Check out the photos here!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Nell Benjamin written?

Nell Benjamin has written 10 shows including Half Time (Lyrics), Sarah, Plain and Tall (Lyricist), Sarah, Plain and Tall (Lyricist), Cam Jansen (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Legally Blonde (Composer), The Explorers Club (Playwright), Gotta Dance (Lyrics), Mean Girls (Lyricist), Because of Winn Dixie (Bookwriter), Real Women Have Curves (Additional Material).

What awards has Nell Benjamin been nominated for?

Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Mean Girls, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Mean Girls, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Explorers Club, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Legally Blonde, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Legally Blonde, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Legally Blonde The Musical and Most promising musical theatre lyricist () for .

What awards has Nell Benjamin won?

Most Promising Musical Theatre Lyricist for the Outer Critics Circle Award. Nell Benjamin has also been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

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