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Nell Benjamin

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BIO

Nell Benjamin is a lyricist, writer, and composer noted for her work in musical theatre. With her husband and frequent collaborator Laurence O'Keefe, she won the Laurence Olivier Award for writing Legally Blonde in 2011. And in 2007, she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Original Score for Legally Blonde, and then again in 2018 for her lyrics for Mean Girls.

Photos

Productions

Real Women Have CurvesReal Women Have Curves
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Additional Material
Mean GirlsMean Girls
 
[West End, 2024]
Lyrics
Mean Girls (Non-Equity)Mean Girls (Non-Equity)
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Lyricist
Mean GirlsMean Girls
 
[US Tour, 2021]
Lyricist
Because of Winn DixieBecause of Winn Dixie
 
[East Haddam, CT (Regional), 2019]
Bookwriter
Lyricist
DaveDave
 
[Washington, DC (Regional), 2018]
Book Writer
Lyricist
Pirates!
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2007]
Concept
Book/Lyrics
Legally BlondeLegally Blonde
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Music and Lyrics
The Pirates of Penzance
 
[East Haddam, CT (Regional), 2006]
Concept
Book/Lyrics

Writing

Sarah, Plain and Tall
Lyricist
Lyricist
Real Women Have Curves
Additional Material
Half Time
Lyrics
Mean Girls
Lyricist
Because of Winn Dixie
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Cam Jansen
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Legally Blonde
Composer
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Lyrics

Nell Benjamin, Mean Girls

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

Nell Benjamin, Mean Girls

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Play

Nell Benjamin, The Explorers Club

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics

Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Music

Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde The Musical


winner
- 2003 - Most promising musical theatre lyricist

Nell Benjamin

Videos

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News


HALF TIME Begins At World Stage Theatre Company In June Photo
HALF TIME Begins At World Stage Theatre Company In June
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 19, 2025

World Stage Theatre Company's Seventh Season will continue with Half Time. Book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, with additional music by Marvin Hamlisch.
Interview: Josefina López on REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES THE MUSICAL from Boyle Heights t Photo
Interview: Josefina López on REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES THE MUSICAL from Boyle Heights to Broadway
by Shari Barrett - Apr 17, 2025

Josefina López, the celebrated Mexican-American award-winning playwright and screenwriter best known for creating and authoring the play and co-authoring the film Real Women Have Curves, was an undocumented five-year-old immigrant when she migrated with her family from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to the United States in 1974 to settle in Boyle Heights. And on April 27, she will be making her Broadway debut when Real Women Have Curves: The Musical opens on Broadway!
Video: Kathryn Brunner Talks Playing Elle Woods in LEGALLY BLONDE at La Mirada Photo
Video: Kathryn Brunner Talks Playing Elle Woods in LEGALLY BLONDE at La Mirada
by Michael Major - Apr 16, 2025

Watch Kathryn Brunner discuss playing Elle Woods in La Mirada Theatre's production of Legally Blonde in a new video! The musical features music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin.
THE PRODUCERS And More Set for City Springs Theatre Company Eighth Season of Musicals Photo
THE PRODUCERS And More Set for City Springs Theatre Company Eighth Season of Musicals
by Caroline Powell - Apr 15, 2025

Atlanta’s fastest-growing performing arts organization, City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC), has announced its latest season of musicals at the beautiful Byers Theatre in Sandy Springs, with new subscriptions going on sale May 1.
Video: Tatianna Córdoba Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Photo
Video: Tatianna Córdoba Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 15, 2025

On Monday morning, the cast from the new musical Real Women Have Curves joined Good Morning America. During their visit, Tatianna Córdoba, who plays the role of Ana García, performed the song Flying Away. Watch her performance now!
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL Will Host Talkback With Joy Huerta and Gloria Est Photo
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL Will Host Talkback With Joy Huerta and Gloria Estefan
by Stephi Wild - Apr 15, 2025

Gloria Estefan and Joy Huerta (of the band Jesse & Joy), will host a special talk-back following the evening performance of Real Women Have Curves. Learn more about the event here!
Interview: Lauryn Gaffney Brings New Musical JILTED to 54 Below Photo
Interview: Lauryn Gaffney Brings New Musical JILTED to 54 Below
by Chloe Yang - Apr 15, 2025

Musical theatre composer Lauryn Gaffney discusses her journey from 'Big Shot' to her new show 'Jilted,' exploring heartbreak, self-love, and the collaboration between Irish and American performers at 54 Below.
Video: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Cast Perform Title Number on GOOD MORNING AMERICA Photo
Video: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Cast Perform Title Number on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 14, 2025

On Monday morning, the cast from the new musical Real Women Have Curves joined Good Morning America to perform the title song from the musical, which is now in preview performances at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Watch the performance now!
Full Cast Set For COME FALL IN LOVE - THE DDLJ MUSICAL Ahead of UK Premiere Photo
Full Cast Set For COME FALL IN LOVE - THE DDLJ MUSICAL Ahead of UK Premiere
by Stephi Wild - Apr 14, 2025

Full casting has been announced for Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical, the new English musical comedy based on one of the biggest blockbuster films in the history of Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
Review: MEAN GIRLS at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts Photo
Review: MEAN GIRLS at Ordway Center For The Performing Arts
by Jared Fessler - Apr 9, 2025

The iconic 2004 movie Mean Girls has been reimagined for the stage in this infectious musical, currently running at The Ordway. With a book by Tina Fey, music by Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, Mean Girls on tour delivers high energy, sharp humor, and a soundtrack that will have you tapping your toes long after the curtain falls.
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Broadway Cast Album to be Released in June Photo
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Broadway Cast Album to be Released in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is set to be released in June. Learn more about the production, currently running on Broadway, and see how to purchase tickets.
MEAN GIRLS & More Lead Boston's April 2025 Top Theatre Shows Photo
MEAN GIRLS & More Lead Boston's April 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Mar 28, 2025

Boston is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2025 include Mean Girls on tour and more.
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Reveals Rush and Lottery Ticket Policies Photo
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Reveals Rush and Lottery Ticket Policies
by Stephi Wild - Mar 28, 2025

Ahead of the production’s first preview on April 1, Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has announced its rush and lottery ticketing policies. Learn more about how to get discount tickets to the show!
WAITRESS & More Leads Dallas' April 2025 Top Picks Photo
WAITRESS & More Leads Dallas' April 2025 Top Picks
by Joshua Wright - Mar 27, 2025

Dallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2025 include Dallas Theatre Center's Waitress and more.
DISNEY’S FROZEN and More Set for Duluth Playhouse 2025-26 Season Photo
DISNEY’S FROZEN and More Set for Duluth Playhouse 2025-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2025

Duluth Playhouse has unveiled its 2025-2026 Main Stage, Underground, and Youth Theatre seasons. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Jason Alexander-Directed SWEENEY TODD and More Set For La Mirada's 2025/2026 Season Photo
Jason Alexander-Directed SWEENEY TODD and More Set For La Mirada's 2025/2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2025

La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment have announced its 2025/2026 season of shows. The season will include a production of Sweeney Todd, directed by Jason Alexander.
Randolph High School To Present MEAN GIRLS: HIGH SCHOOL VERSION Photo
Randolph High School To Present MEAN GIRLS: HIGH SCHOOL VERSION
by Emmy Rice - Mar 23, 2025

Randolph High School Drama Club has announced its spring musical Mean Girls: High School Version. Check here for more details.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL Comes To La Mirada Theatre Photo
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL Comes To La Mirada Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2025

Full casting has been announced for LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL at La Mirada, featuring music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin. Learn more here!
Cast Set for LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL at La Mirada Theatre Photo
Cast Set for LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL at La Mirada Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2025

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoy Rigby Entertainment have revealed the full cast for LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
MEAN GIRLS Will Close in London Ahead of 2026 UK Tour Photo
MEAN GIRLS Will Close in London Ahead of 2026 UK Tour
by Stephi Wild - Mar 19, 2025

The award-winning West End production of MEAN GIRLS will complete its run at the Savoy Theatre on Sunday 8 June at the end of the current booking period, ahead of a UK Tour in 2026.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Nell Benjamin written?

Nell Benjamin has written 10 shows including Half Time (Lyrics), Sarah, Plain and Tall (Lyricist), Sarah, Plain and Tall (Lyricist), Cam Jansen (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Legally Blonde (Composer), The Explorers Club (Playwright), Gotta Dance (Lyrics), Mean Girls (Lyricist), Because of Winn Dixie (Bookwriter), Real Women Have Curves (Additional Material).

What awards has Nell Benjamin been nominated for?

Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Mean Girls, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Mean Girls, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Explorers Club, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Legally Blonde, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Legally Blonde, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Legally Blonde The Musical and Most promising musical theatre lyricist () for .

What awards has Nell Benjamin won?

Nell Benjamin has received several awards and nominations throughout her career. She won the Most Promising Musical Theatre Lyricist award at the 2001 Richard Rodgers Awards for her work on the musical "Sarah, Plain and Tall." Additionally, she has been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Original Score for "Legally Blonde," and received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding New Musical for "The Tenth Muse." Benjamin also won the 2013 Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Musical for "Legally Blonde" and the 2017 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics for her work on "Because of Winn-Dixie."

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