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Dean Pitchford

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BIO

Dean Pitchford is a multi-talented artist who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry as a writer, lyricist, and director. Born on July 29, 1951, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Pitchford began his career as an actor before transitioning into writing and directing.


Pitchford's Broadway career began in 1980 when he co-wrote the book and lyrics for the musical "Fame," which was based on the popular film of the same name. The show was a huge success, running for over 1,000 performances and earning Pitchford a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics.
In 1984, Pitchford wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the musical "Footloose," which was based on the hit film of the same name. The show was a smash hit, running for over 700 performances and earning Pitchford a Tony nomination for Best Original Score. The musical has since become a beloved classic and was revived on Broadway in 1998.
Pitchford's success on Broadway led to opportunities in film and television. He wrote the screenplay for the 1984 film "Footloose," which starred Kevin Bacon and became a cultural phenomenon. He also contributed songs to the films "Sing" and "Fievel Goes West."
In addition to his work in film and on Broadway, Pitchford has also made significant contributions to the world of music. He wrote the lyrics for the hit song "After All," which was performed by Cher and Peter Cetera and was featured in the film "Chances Are." He also wrote the lyrics for the song "Make Me Lose Control," which was performed by Eric Carmen and was a top 10 hit in the US.
Pitchford's most recent work includes writing the book for the musical "The Big Boom," which premiered at the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 2019. The show is a musical comedy that follows a group of small-town residents who are trying to save their town from a nuclear disaster.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1979
Guy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1972
Pippin [Replacement]

Pippin (Standby) [Replacement]

Pippin (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1976
Performer

[New York]
Reading, 1986
Narrator

Writing

Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Additional Material
Source Material
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Stage adaptation, original screenplay, lyrics
Additional Material

Movies

Footloose
[ 1984 ] writer
Sing
[ 1989 ] writer
Our Footloose Remake
[ 2011 ] writer

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Book of a Musical

Dean Pichford, Footloose

Tony Awards - 1999 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Dean Pitchford, Footloose

News


FOOTLOOSE Comes To Meadow Brook Theatre

FOOTLOOSE will explode on the Meadow Brook Theatre stage running January 8 through February 2, 2025, at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester.
Review: CARRIE THE MUSICAL at Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre

Carrie: The Musical is an ambitious adaptation of Stephen King’s 1974 novel, blending horror, psychological tension, and music in a hauntingly memorable way. With a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore, the musical captures the intensity of King’s story through emotionally charged performances and gripping songs.
Wright State Theatre Opens Horror Classic CARRIE The Musical, On Halloween

Celebrate Halloween with the Stephen King novel-inspired CARRIE: the musical under the direction of Jamie Cordes (Senior Lecturer), and music direction by Matt Ebright.  CARRIE will run three weekends from Oct. 31st to Nov. 17th. 
CARRIE to be Presented at Theatre Three This Fall

Theatre Three in Dallas announced a gripping production of Carrie: The Musical, adapted from Stephen King's novel. Featuring young actors from local universities and a visual art exhibition, this show explores high school bullying and supernatural powers.
CARRIE Comes to Fargo Moorhead Community Theater Next Month

Carrie: The Musical comes to Fargo Moorhead Community Theater next month. Performances run October 18-27, 2024. The musical features music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, book by Lawrence D. Cohen, and is based on the novel by Stephen King.
Big Noise Theatre To Open Season With FOOTLOOSE

Big Noise Theatre has announced the opening of their 2024-2025 season with FOOTLOOSE.
Theatre Three Announces NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 And More 62nd Season

Theatre Three in Dallas announced its 62nd season featuring 4 musicals and 4 plays, including CARRIE: THE MUSICAL, NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812, INTIMATE APPAREL, and XANADU.
Cast Set for FOOTLOOSE At Big Noise Theatre

Big Noise Theatre will kick off its 2024-2025 season with FOOTLOOSE, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic 1984 film. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL at Arkansas Repertory Theatre

What did our critic think of FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL at Arkansas Repertory Theatre?
Photos: First look at MTVarts' FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth.
FOOTLOOSE Announced At The Morgan-Wixson Theatre

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of FOOTLOOSE at The Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica, directed by Niko Montelibano.
Performers and Presenters for 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala Includes Carrie Underwood, Kevin Bacon & More

Trey Anastasio, Kevin Bacon and Michael Bacon p/k/a The Bacon Brothers, Cary Barlowe, Andra Day, Rodney Chrome, El Debarge, Missy Elliott, Jason Isbell, Nile Rodgers, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Deniece Williams and Paul Williams will either present and/or perform at the 53rd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner slated for Thursday, June 13th at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in New York City.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Its 2024-2025 Season Of Theatre, Music And Dance In Hackettstown

Centenary Stage Company, the not-for-profit theatre company prepares a full schedule of professional theatrical performances for their 39th season.
Video: Kevin Bacon Visits FOOTLOOSE High School Prior to Demolition

Watch a video of Kevin Bacon's speech to Payson High School students on prom night here!
Cast Set For Pitlochry Festival Theatre and New Wolsey Theatre's FOOTLOOSE

Pitlochry Festival Theatre and New Wolsey Theatre are heading back to the 1980s this summer to stage a spectacular new production of the explosive musical Footloose.  Learn more about the cast here!
CARRIE THE MUSICAL Comes To TheatreZone in April

Carrie: The Musical, the thriller based on Stephen King's first published novel, is coming to TheatreZone Thursday, April 25. Set in the present in the small New England town of Chamberlain, Maine, Carrie is a multi-layered coming-of-age story dealing with feelings of isolation, bullying and religious fanaticism.
Spotlight: FOOTLOOSE at Macklanburg Playhouse

Join Us for Footloose the Musical
Photos: First Look at FOOTLOOSE at The Colony Theatre

Footloose is currently running at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, CA through March 17th. Check out photos from the production here!
Diane Warren to Receive Johnny Mercer Award at the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala

Diane Warren will be honored with the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award at the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York City on June 13, 2024. Other notable inductees include Hillary Lindsey, Timbaland, and R.E.M. The award reflects whose body of work upholds the gold standard set by the legendary Johnny Mercer.
Interview: Barry Pearl's FOOTLOOSE & Always Fancy-Free

Panic! Productions & BarCinBoo Productions’ Footloose the Musical will open at the Colony Theatre March 2, 2024 (with previews beginning March 1st). Barry Pearl directs with co-director/choreographer Michelle Elkin. Barry managed to free up some time to give me some behind-the-scenes of Footloose.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Dean Pitchford been in?

Dean Pitchford has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Dean Pitchford been in?

Dean Pitchford has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Dean Pitchford been nominated for?

Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Footloose and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Footloose.

How many shows has Dean Pitchford written?

Dean Pitchford has written 6 shows including Peter Allen: Up in One (Additional Material), Carrie (Lyricist), The Boy From Oz (Lyricist), Footloose (Source Material), Fame on 42nd Street (Composer/Lyricist), The Big One-Oh! (Lyrics).

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