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David Yazbek

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BIO

David Yazbek has become one of Broadway's preeminent composer/lyricists. Three of his shows, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown have been nominated for Best Score Tony Awards. He is a Tony Award winner for his most recent musical, The Band's Visit, which opened on Broadway to rave reviews and has been named to every Best of the Year list for 2017. The show also received 10 Tony Awards, as well as the Lucille Lortel Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Musical. He's also received three Grammy nominations and a Drama Desk Award. Yazbek won an Outstanding Writing Emmy Award for his stint on "Late Night with David Letterman." He scored the last season of HBO's "Boardwalk Empire," wrote the theme song to "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego," and has written hundreds of songs, scripts, scores and jingles for adult and children's TV. As a recording artist, Yazbek is responsible for five albums—The Laughing Man, Tock, Damascus, Tape Recorder, and Evil Monkey Man. He has written and/or produced for such acts as XTC, Ruben Blades, The Persuasions, Joe Jackson, Tito Puente and many others. As a performer, he and his band are engaged in an ongoing series of monthly shows at NYC's 54 Below club.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Music Team Leader
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Original Music
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Orchestration
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Creative Consultant
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Music & Lyrics[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Original Music
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Original Music
 
[West End, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Vocal Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Lyrics
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Composer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1988]
Composer

Writing

Music
Music & Lyrics
Music and Lyrics
Composer & Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Lyrics

David Yazbek, Dead Outlaw

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Music

David Yazbek, Dead Outlaw

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Orchestrations

David YazbekDead Outlaw


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Best Musical

David YazbekDead Outlaw

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

David YazbekDead Outlaw

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

David Yazbek, Dead Outlaw


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Lyrics

David Yazbek, Tootsie


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Music

David Yazbek, Tootsie


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Best Musical

David Yazbek, Tootsie

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding New Score

David Yazbek, Tootsie

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Yazbek, Tootsie


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

David Yazbek, The Band's Visit


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway)

David Yazbek, The Band's Visit

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Music

David Yazbek, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Orchestrations

David Yazbek, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Yazbek, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Yazbek, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

David Yazbek, The Full Monty


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Lyrics

David Yazbek, The Full Monty


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Music

David Yazbek, The Full Monty

Videos

News


20 Great Audition Songs for Baritones & Basses

If you’re a baritone or bass singer looking to refresh your go-to audition material, here’s a list of musical theatre songs to help you showcase your range and talent to the folks behind the audition table. 
Andrew Durand and the Cast of DEAD OUTLAW Will Reprise Roles on Broadway

The cast and creative team have been announced for the Broadway run of Dead Outlaw, which made its premiere off-Broadway last year. Learn more about who is starring in the show here!
Theatre Now Awarded NAMT Writers Residency Grant

Theatre Now New York has been awarded a Writers Residency Grant through the Frank Young Fund for New Musicals by the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT).
Photos: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Begins Rehearsals on Broadway

Rehearsals have begun for the new Broadway musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB in New York City. Check out rehearsal photos of the new Broadway production and learn more about the show!
Ashley Blanchet & More Join Shoshana Bean-Led THE BEDWETTER at Arena Stage

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has revealed the full cast and creative team for two-time Emmy Award–winning comedian, actress, writer, and producer Sarah Silverman’s The Bedwetter – A New Musical. Learn how to purchase tickets.
25 Broadway People to Watch in 2025

Who should you keep your eye on as the spring season begins and awards season approaches? Check out our list of just 25 performers and creatives to watch out for in the new year! ​ ​
What We Know So Far About DEAD OUTLAW

Dead Outlaw is the latest show that has been added to the 2024/25 Broadway season, with preview performances beginning at Broadway’s Longacre Theatre on Saturday, April 12 and an opening set for Sunday, April 27. What do we know so far about the new show?
DEAD OUTLAW Will Open on Broadway in 2025

Following its Off-Broadway run earlier this year, Dead Outlaw will open on Broadway in 2025! Learn more about the production and find out how to get tickets here!
Atlantic Theater Company Unveils 2024 Judith Champion Launch Commissioning Program Writers

Atlantic Theater Company has unveiled its Judith Champion Launch Commissioning Program writers for 2024, Stephen Brown, Stefani Kuo, and Arun Welandawe-Prematilleke. Learn more about the writers and about the program!
2 Broadway Shows Close Today

 Broadway says goodbye to two productions. The Notebook takes its final bow at the Schoenfeld Theatre following 35 previews and 317 regular performances; and The Roommate will conclude its limited run at the Booth Theatre following 14 previews and 101 regular performances.
See Lorna Luft & Andrea McArdle and More at 54 Below in December

Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Lorna Luft and Andrea McCardle and more.
Previews: TOOTSIE

TOOTSIE PRESENTAZIOTO ALLA STAMPA IL NUOVO MUSICAL FIRMATO MASSIMO ROMEO PIPARO IN TOUR DAL 1 NOVEMBRE E DAL 13 FEBBRAIO AL TEATRO SISTINA
See Marilyn Maye & More Perform Next Week at 54 Below

Next week, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work. See who is performing and learn more!
Cast and Creative Teams Set for Stratford Festival 2025

Stratford Festival has its preparations for 2025 in full swing. The preliminary casting for the 11 productions of the coming season has been revealed! Learn more about the 2025 company, stars and shows and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: Moonbox Productions DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is a Devilish Delight

What did our critic think of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at Moonbox Productions? Read the review...
Cameron Blakely and Alex Young Join DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS in Concert at the London Palladium

Cameron Blakely and Alex Young will join the cast of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, in concert at The London Palladium on Sunday 24 November. 
THE ROOMMATE Cancels Performances Due to Illness in the Company

The Roommate, the new Broadway play starring Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow, cancelled its performances this past weekend due to illness in the cast.
See Linda Eder, Beth Leavel and More at 54 Below in October

Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See Linda Eder, Beth Leavel and more! See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Mia Farrow Returns To THE ROOMMATE On Broadway Tonight

Screen legend Mia Farrow triumphantly returned to the Booth Theatre tonight in Jen Silverman’s play, The Roommate, after missing several performances due to illness.
What We Know So Far About BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB

Buena Vista Social Club is officially getting ready for a Broadway bow. What do you need to know about the new musical? Let's study up!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has David Yazbek written?

David Yazbek has written 7 shows including Mojo (Music), The Full Monty (Composer), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Composer), Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (Lyricist), The Band's Visit (Music and Lyrics), Tootsie (Composer & Lyricist), Dead Outlaw (Music & Lyrics).

What awards has David Yazbek been nominated for?

Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Tootsie, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Tootsie, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Tootsie, Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Tootsie, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Tootsie, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Band's Visit, Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Band's Visit, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Full Monty, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty and Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty.

What awards has David Yazbek won?

David Yazbek has won several awards, including: - Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Dead Outlaw - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Dead Outlaw - Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Tootsie - Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Tootsie - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Tootsie - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Band's Visit - Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Band's Visit - Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty - Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for The Full Monty.

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