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.