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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


Video: Tatianna Córdoba Sings 'Flying Away' from REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Photo
Video: Tatianna Córdoba Sings 'Flying Away' from REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Joey Mervis - Feb 17, 2025

Real Women Have Curves is getting ready for Broadway! Check out a sneak peek video as director and choreographer Sergio Trujillo takes the stage at BroadwayCon to introduce 'Flying Away,' performed by Tatianna Córdoba.
Review: Land O Lakes High School’s Production of MEAN GIRLS: THE MUSICAL Photo
Review: Land O Lakes High School’s Production of MEAN GIRLS: THE MUSICAL
by Peter Nason - Feb 17, 2025

After experiencing it, and after the cast and crew put on one hell of a show, I just couldn’t shake my disdain for the actual material.   It sometimes seemed unworthy of these delightful performers.
Imari & Friends to Celebrate Black History Month With BROADWAY SESSIONS At The Triad Photo
Imari & Friends to Celebrate Black History Month With BROADWAY SESSIONS At The Triad
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

For one night only, Imari Hardon will return to New York City to celebrate Black History Month in an evening of music, storytelling, and powerhouse vocals! The performance will take place at The Triad Theatre. Learn more!
Jena Pandya and Ashley Day Will Lead UK Premiere of COME FALL IN LOVE - The DDLJ Musi Photo
Jena Pandya and Ashley Day Will Lead UK Premiere of COME FALL IN LOVE - The DDLJ Musical at Manchester Opera House
by Stephi Wild - Feb 14, 2025

Jena Pandya and Ashley Day will play lovers Simran and Rog (Roger) in Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical, the new musical comedy based on one of the biggest blockbuster films in the history of Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
Up on the Marquee: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Photo
Up on the Marquee: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 13, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical is coming soon to Broadway! The new musical is set to begin performances on April 1 at the James Earl Jones Theatre, ahead of an opening night on April 27. Check out photos of the new Broadway marquee here.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL to Open At LPAC in February Photo
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL to Open At LPAC in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025

The Broadway at LPAC series second production of the 2025 season is Legally Blonde The Musical.  Legally Blonde The Musical is based on the novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and the popular 2001 film of the same name. Learn how to attend!
Review: MEAN GIRLS at Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) Photo
Review: MEAN GIRLS at Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS)
by Jonathan Netek - Jan 30, 2025

OMG, Theatre Under the Stars just got a serious Plastics-level upgrade because MEAN GIRLS is BACK in Houston!
MEAN GIRLS National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox in March Photo
MEAN GIRLS National Tour is Coming to The Fabulous Fox in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025

The North American tour of Mean Girls is coming to The Fabulous Fox. The tour features Katie Yeomans as Cady Heron, Maya Petropoulos as Regina George. See who else is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Just For Laughs Joins the Producing Team of the Broadway Musical REAL WOMEN HAVE CURV Photo
Just For Laughs Joins the Producing Team of the Broadway Musical REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

Just For Laughs has signed on as co-producer of the Broadway musical Real Women Have Curves, set to begin previews at Broadway’s James Earl Jones Theatre in April.
LEGALLY BLONDE, LIFE OF PI, and More Set For Citadel Theatre's 2025-26 Season Photo
LEGALLY BLONDE, LIFE OF PI, and More Set For Citadel Theatre's 2025-26 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

The Citadel Theatre has announced a brand-new season of theatre. From familiar classics to new and groundbreaking scripts, learn more about the 2025/26 Season here!
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide Photo
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025

Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Adds Florencia Cuenca, Shelby Acosta And More To Broadway Cast Photo
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Adds Florencia Cuenca, Shelby Acosta And More To Broadway Cast
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 23, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has announced additional casting for its Broadway run. Find out who will join previously announced Tatianna Córdoba and Justina Machado in the new musical.
Justina Machado and Tatianna Córdoba Will Lead REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES Photo
Justina Machado and Tatianna Córdoba Will Lead REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has announced casting for two of their leading ladies. Learn more about Justina Machado and Tatianna Córdoba and find out how to get tickets here to the new Broadway musical!
MEAN GIRLS is Coming to Theatre Under The Stars This Month Photo
MEAN GIRLS is Coming to Theatre Under The Stars This Month
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2025

Theatre Under The Stars will launch the second half of its 2024/25 Season with the North American Tour of Mean Girls. The musical comedy, adapted from the hit Paramount Pictures film, will begin this month. Find out how to get tickets.
Katie Yeomans Joins MEAN GIRLS Tour as Cady Heron Photo
Katie Yeomans Joins MEAN GIRLS Tour as Cady Heron
by Stephi Wild - Jan 10, 2025

The National Tour of Mean Girls has found its new Cady Heron! Katie Yeomans, formerly the standby for Cady on tour, has taken over the role full-time for the remainder of the 2024/25 tour.
Video: Joy Huerta Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL Photo
Video: Joy Huerta Performs 'Flying Away' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - Jan 10, 2025

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has released a special acoustic performance video of the song “Flying Away,” from the new musical, performed by Grammy Award-winning artist Joy Huerta.
MEAN GIRLS Stops At The Granada Theatre In January Photo
MEAN GIRLS Stops At The Granada Theatre In January
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 3, 2025

The American Theatre Guild will present MEAN GIRLS—the record-breaking new musical comedy adapted from the hit 2004 Paramount Pictures film. Tickets to MEAN GIRLS are available now.
Photos: LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL At Music Theater Works Photo
Photos: LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL At Music Theater Works
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2024

Music Theater Works’ Legally Blonde: The Musical, in the Center Theatre  at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, is now playing through December 29.  See photos of the production.
Video: Watch an Acoustic Performance of 'If I Were A Bird' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CUR Photo
Video: Watch an Acoustic Performance of 'If I Were A Bird' From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - Dec 18, 2024

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has released a special acoustic video of “If I Were A Bird,” performed by Aline Mayagoitia and Grammy Award-winning artist Joy Huerta, accompanied by Nadia DiGiallonardo, Rich Mercurio, and Yair Evnine.
MEAN GIRLS Takes The Granada Theatre Stage In January Photo
MEAN GIRLS Takes The Granada Theatre Stage In January
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 13, 2024

The American Theatre Guild will present MEAN GIRLS—the record-breaking new musical comedy adapted from the hit 2004 Paramount Pictures film- as part of the 24–25 BROADWAY IN SANTA BARBARA Series.
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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 won the following awards: Most Promising Musical Theatre Lyricist from the Richard Rodgers Award and Outstanding Lyrics from the Drama Desk Award. She received a nomination for Best Original Score from the Tony Awards for the show "Legally Blonde." Additionally, she has been nominated for both the Outer Critics Circle Award and the Edwin Booth Award for her work in musical theatre.

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