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Doug Besterman

Also Credited As: Douglas Besterman

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BIO

DOUG BESTERMAN is a three-time Tony Award winning musician with a career spanning across theatre, film, television and recording. As a Composer, Producer, Arranger, and Orchestrator, he has been privileged to work with some of the most recognizable names in the industry, including composers Mel Brooks, Alan Menken, and Marc Shaiman; recording artists Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow; and directors Rob Marshall and Susan Stroman.



A veteran of 25+ Broadway shows, Besterman won the Best Orchestrations Tony Award® for Fosse, The Producers, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and was nominated for The Music Man (2000), How to Succeed in Business, and Bullets over Broadway. He was also awarded the Drama Desk Award for The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie. His most recent Broadway credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Bronx Tale, and Anastasia.

Besterman has also written orchestrations for 20+ film and television projects; including recent film work on Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Frozen; and American Housewife, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Galavant for television.

As a composer, Besterman penned the scores for the podcast musical Little Did I Know (with lyricists Dean Pitchford and Marcy Heisler), currently available for download on Apple Podcasts; The Big One-Oh (with lyricist Dean Pitchford), which recently premiered at The Atlantic For Kids in NYC, and is available for licensing through Music Theater International (MTI); and the vignette “Swelling and Irritation” (with lyricist Sharon Vaughn) from the musical Breathe, also to be licensed by MTI - concept album to be released by Sony. His music has also been recorded by singer Christian Bautista, heard in the films The Punisher, Out of Step and Exit Speed, television shows Summerland and One Life To Live, in concert with the United States Military Academy Concert Band, and in the musical revue Hats.

He is a proud father, husband, and sommelier. When not in New York or Los Angeles working, Doug is an avid traveler. Follow his latest adventures at @DougBesterman.

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Orchestrations
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Orchestrations
 
[US Tour, 2024]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2022]
Orchestrations
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Regional (US), 2019]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] Cancelled [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2018]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2017] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2017]
Orchestrations
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Orchestrator
 
[Regional (US), 2016]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2015] [Replacement]
Orchestrator[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Orchestrations
 
[West End, 2013]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Movement Director
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Orchestrations
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2009]
Orchestrator
 
[Houston, TX (Regional), 2008]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2005]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Orchestrator

Writing


Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Anastasia

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Anastasia

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Young Frankenstein


winner
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Thoroughly Modern Millie


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Producers


winner
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Producers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Music Man

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Music Man

Videos

News


Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL Will Have Regional Premiere at Hope Mill Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2025

Hope Mill Theatre has announced that Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL will have its regional premiere in October. YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN will be directed and choreographed by Nick Winston.
VIDEO: SCHMIGADOON! World Premiere at the Kennedy Center
by Joshua Wright - Feb 7, 2025

The stage version of Schmigadoon! has made its world premiere at the Kennedy Center. Get a first look at the cast in action in all-new video. Schmigadoon! is based on the Emmy Award–winning TV series.
20 Unique Audition Songs for Kids
by Sarah Lasko - Feb 6, 2025

Looking for unique audition songs for kids? Explore our expert list of 20 songs that offer young performers a chance to shine with less common selections in musical theatre. From simple melodies to challenging pieces, find options suitable for different voice types and ages.
Review: SCHMIGADOON at Kennedy Center
by Elliot Lanes - Feb 4, 2025

During the pandemic, musical theatre lovers were hit with withdrawal. Apple TV took us out of our funk when Schmigadoon hit the air in July of 2021. The series took an original story line and based it around a specific genre of musical theatre. The result had us laughing and singing along for two seasons. The first season was more of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic variety of musical while season two had more of a Chicago/Pippin vibe. For whatever reason, the third season was written but Apple TV elected not to go into production with it.
Video: Robyn Hurder Sings 'Let Me Be Your Star' From SMASH on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2025

Get an exciting first look and listen at SMASH on Broadway featuring an exciting new version of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s iconic, “Let Me Be Your Star”! See the video!
BOOP! THE MUSICAL Will Offer $50 Tickets When Box Office Opens Next Week
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2025

The iconic Betty Boop is exactly where she wants to be as she gets ready for her Broadway debut! The Broadhurst Theatre Box Office (235 West 44th Street) opens Tuesday, February 11 at 10am for the splashy new Broadway musical.
Review Roundup: SCHMIGADOON! World Premiere at the Kennedy Center
by Joshua Wright - Feb 3, 2025

The reviews are rolling in for the world premiere of Schmigadoon! at the Kennedy Center.  Schmigadoon! is based on the Emmy® Award–winning Apple Original series from Broadway Video, executive produced by Saturday Night Live creator, executive producer, and 2021 Kennedy Center Honoree Lorne Michaels.
Photos: SCHMIGADOON! Makes World Premiere at the Kennedy Center
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 2, 2025

The stage version of Schmigadoon!, based on the Apple series, has made its world premiere at the Kennedy Center. Check out photos from the production now!
Kevin Del Aguila, Isabelle McCalla, Javier Muñoz & More Join SCHMIGADOON World Premiere
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 17, 2025

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has revealed the complete cast and creative team for the world premiere Broadway Center Stage production of Schmigadoon! based on the Emmy Award–winning Apple Original series. Learn more!
BOOP! THE MUSICAL Finds Complete Broadway Cast
by Stephi Wild - Jan 13, 2025

The complete cast has been announced for the new Broadway musical BOOP! The Musical, which begins performances on Broadway in March. Learn more about the cast here!
DEATH BECOMES HER Cancels January 8 Performances Due to Illness
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 8, 2025

Death Becomes Her on Broadway has cancelled its January 8 performances due to illness in the company. Learn more about the upcoming performances in the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Listen: Hear the DEATH BECOMES HER Song That's Trending on TikTok
by Michael Major - Jan 8, 2025

So tell me, Earnest, have you seen these viral Death Becomes Her TikToks? Performed by Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, and Chistopher Sieber, the song is gaining traction on TikTok. Watch videos from Trisha Paytas, Scott Hoying, and more!
Video: Watch the First SCHMIGADOON! Teaser From the Kennedy Center
by Michael Major - Dec 27, 2024

The Kennedy Center has released the first teaser for Schmigadoon!, the world-premiere musical of the Emmy Award®–winning hit show. Schmigadoon! will star Alex Brightman, Sara Chase, and more. Watch the video!
Corbin Bleu and Stephanie Styles Will Lead Industry Reading of Broadway-Bound GET HAPPY
by Stephi Wild - Dec 2, 2024

Corbin Bleu and Stephanie Styles will headline a private industry reading of the Broadway-bound musical comedy, Get Happy. Learn more about the production here!
Photos: Stars Arrive at DEATH BECOMES HER on Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 24, 2024

Stars came out for the opening of DEATH BECOMES HER at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. Check out photos of Kelly Rowland, Tina Knowles, Tina Fey, Brooke Shields, and more as they arrive on the opening night red carpet here!
Photos: Cast & Creative Team of DEATH BECOMES HER Walk the Opening Night Purple Carpet
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 23, 2024

Check out photos of the cast and creative team of Death Becomes Her, including Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, Michelle Williams, and more, as they walk the opening night purple carpet here!
Photos: DEATH BECOMES HER Opening Night Curtain Call
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 22, 2024

DEATH BECOMES HER is officially open at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in a production starring Tony Award nominees Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, and more. Check out photos from the opening night curtain call here. 
Review Roundup: DEATH BECOMES HER Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 22, 2024

DEATH BECOMES HER comes to life on Broadway tonight as it celebrates its opening at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in a production starring Tony Award nominees Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Christopher Sieber, and Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams. Did the critics fall under the spell of Broadway's most glamourous new musical? Find out below!
DEATH BECOMES HER Extends Run Ahead of Tonight's Opening Night
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2024

Ahead of tonight's opening night for Death Becomes Her at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, the production has announced a new block of tickets on sale. Learn more about how to get tickets here!
Video: Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard & More in DEATH BECOMES HER
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2024

Get a first look at footage of Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard and more in Death Becomes Her on Broadway. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Doug Besterman written?

Doug Besterman has written 1 shows including The Big One-Oh! (Music).

What awards has Doug Besterman been nominated for?

Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Anastasia, Outstanding Orchestrations (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Anastasia, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for Young Frankenstein, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers, Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Music Man and Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Music Man.

What awards has Doug Besterman won?

Doug Besterman has won the following awards: Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for Thoroughly Modern Millie; Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers; Best Orchestrations (Tony Awards) for The Producers; and Outstanding Orchestrations (Drama Desk Awards) for The Music Man.

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