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Dick Scanlan

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BIO

Dick Scanlan is a multi-talented actor, director, and writer who has made a name for himself both on and off Broadway. Born in Massachusetts in 1960, Scanlan developed a love for the theater at a young age and went on to study drama at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.



Scanlan's first major Broadway credit came in 1996 when he co-wrote the book and lyrics for the musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie" alongside Richard Morris. The show, which starred Sutton Foster in the title role, went on to win six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Scanlan's clever lyrics and witty book were praised by critics and audiences alike, and he quickly became a sought-after writer in the theater world.

In addition to his work on "Thoroughly Modern Millie," Scanlan has written several other successful musicals, including "A Christmas Story," "Everyday Rapture," and "The Little Mermaid." He has also directed productions of "The Full Monty" and "High Fidelity" and has acted in numerous plays and musicals throughout his career.

Scanlan's talents are not limited to the stage, however. He has also worked in television and film, appearing in shows like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Good Wife" and films like "The Producers" and "Indignation." He even provided the voice of the character of Woody in the hit video game "Toy Story 3."

Despite his success in other mediums, Scanlan remains dedicated to the theater and continues to work on new projects. In 2019, he collaborated with composer Mark Hollmann on the musical "The Man in the Ceiling," which premiered at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, New York. The show, based on the book by Jules Feiffer, tells the story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a cartoonist.

Scanlan's contributions to the theater world have not gone unnoticed. In addition to his Tony Award for "Thoroughly Modern Millie," he has also been nominated for several other awards, including a Drama Desk Award for his work on "Everyday Rapture." He has also been recognized for his advocacy work in the LGBTQ+ community, receiving the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award in 2019.

Throughout his career, Scanlan has proven himself to be a versatile and talented artist, capable of writing, directing, and performing with equal skill. His contributions to the theater world have been significant, and his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1991
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Miss Great Plains

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1986
Performer

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Book & New Lyrics
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Co-Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Co-Director and Co-Author
 
[Regional (US), 2014]
Book and Additional Lyrics

Writing

Conceiver
Bookwriter
Script Consultant
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Dick Scanlan, The Unsinkable Molly Brown

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Book of a Musical

Dick Scanlan, Everyday Rapture

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Book of a Musical

Dick Scanlan, Thoroughly Modern Millie

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Dick Scanlan, Thoroughly Modern Millie

Videos

News


Interview: Hannah Holmes Dishes on G&S's RUDDIGORE at Gerald W. Lynch Theater

This weekend, NYGASP will revive Ruddigore, the classic Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera that has entertained world-wide audiences for 137 years. Catch it 11/23 and 11/24. We spoke with Hannah Holmes, who plays Mad Margaret in this production.
Lottery Announced For THE MERRILY CHAPTERS NYC Presentation

The Stage Door Foundation and Pam Pariseau have announced a special lottery for live studio audience tickets to a special industry presentation showing how Stephen Sondheim created MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG through the eyes of original Broadway cast member, David Loud.
Randolph High School Drama Club Receives Grant to Stage THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN

Randolph High School Drama Club received a grant to stage the revised version of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, highlighting Molly Brown's activism and resilience during the Progressive Era. Learn more!
Review: COCKEYED OPTIMIST Celebrates Hammerstein at 92NY

Songs with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein from musical theatre gems were celebrated and sung and discussed at 92NY in a fine Lyrics and Lyricists concert, COCKEYED OPTIMIST concert at The 92nd Street Y, New York. The concert kicked off L&L's 2024-25 season which continues next month with a tribute to activist Nina Simone.
Denver Center Theatre Company Announces Playwrights For The 19th Annual Colorado New Play Summit

The Denver Center Theatre Company has announced the playwrights, dates, and details for the 2025 Colorado New Play Summit (CNPS). Learn more about the festival here!
Licensing Your Next Theatrical Production- A Complete Guide

What is theatrical licensing and why is it important? Check out our for guide to how licensing works and view an updating list of new shows to license!
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup â€" Oct. 21 to Oct. 27, 2024

Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including the cabaret convention, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Jason Robert Brown.
Review: BEN JONES - TEMPTATION at Feinstein's At The Nikko

Ben Jones, award-winning singer, comedian, storyteller, and actor returned to the intimate Feinstein’s at the Nikko for an extremely successful two-run engagement displaying his considerable talents. If you haven’t seen Ben Jones, make it a must. He has that unique skill that makes a great entertainer – he’s so engaging and interesting that you can’t wait for the next moment. This show, titled ‘Temptation’, exhibits that proficiency brilliantly.
Tony Awards Reveal 2025 Nominating Committee

The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced the Nominating Committee for the 2024-2025 Broadway season. Find out who made the list!
92NY's LYRICS & LYRICIST to Present COCKEYED OPTIMIST: WHERE HAMMERSTEIN FOUND HIS HOPE

Cockeyed Optimist: Where Hammerstein Found His Hope, the Lyrics and Lyricists 2024/25 season opener, takes a deep dive into the plays, novels, and films that inspired Oscar Hammerstein. Learn how to purchase tickets.
National Alliance For Musical Theatre Announces Grant Recipients For 2023/2024

The cast for the upcoming production of THE LION KING at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco has been announced, featuring a mix of new and returning performers.
Kelli O'Hara, Alex Newell & More to Star in Lyrics & Lyricists 2024/25 Season

The 92nd Street Y, New York has revealed the new Lyrics & Lyricists season and a slate of American Songbook concerts. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Lillias White to Perform at TDF's Wendy Wasserstein Project Year End Ceremony

TDF will host its annual Wendy Wasserstein Project ceremony at The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College. Learn more and see how to attend.
16 U.S. High Schools Awarded $10,000 To Perform THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN

Local high schools receive grants to perform THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, supporting arts education and providing students with opportunities to engage in theater productions.
16 U.S. High Schools Awarded Grants to Perform THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN

Sixteen U.S. high schools will receive $10,000 each to perform a new, revised version of The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Learn more about the grants!
Review: CELEBRATING BROADWAY'S LEADING LADIES at Auguste Théâtre

A Showstopping AMT Live Concert at Auguste Théâtre in Paris.
Revised Version of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN Is Now Available to License

Music Theatre International (MTI) announced that the new, revised version of The Unsinkable Molly Brown is available for licensing.
Freestyle Love Supreme, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and John Lloyd Young Will Headline Transport Group Gala

Transport Group has announced performers for its 2024 gala will include Tony Award winners Freestyle Love Supreme, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and John Lloyd Young.  
From La Jolla Playhouse to Broadway - A Brief History

Learn more about some of the Broadway productions that you may not have realized began their journey at La Jolla Playhouse! 
Bennett Leak Will Be Second Stage Theater's Interim Artistic Director

Second Stage Theater has announced that Bennett Leak, Second Stage Theater's Director of Artistic Production, has been named Interim Artistic Director for the 2024-25 Season.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Dick Scanlan written?

Dick Scanlan has written 6 shows including Thoroughly Modern Millie (Bookwriter), You May Now Worship Me (Conceiver), Everyday Rapture (Bookwriter), Motown the Musical (Script Consultant), Whorl Inside a Loop (Co-Author), Renascence (Book).

What awards has Dick Scanlan been nominated for?

Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Everyday Rapture, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie.

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