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Rupert Holmes

Birth Place: ENGLAND

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BIO

Rupert Holmes is the author of numerous songs, musicals, plays and novels, which have earned him three Tony Awards (Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical), several Drama Desk Awards, and the prestigious Edgar Award, which was given to him by the Mystery Writers of America. He has developed and arranged songs for many renowned artists, including Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Barry Manilow, Paul Williams, the Manhattan Transfer and Barbara Cook. His Solitary, which starred Stacy Keach, set a new box office record at the Kennedy Center. Other notable theatrical projects include the Tony Award-Winning, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Tonynominated Say Goodnight Gracie, The Accomplice, Goosebumps and Marty. His latest show, Curtains!, a Kander and Ebb musical, recently played to major acclaim on Broadway. He also received an Emmy for his made-fortelevision dramedy, "Remember WENN," and more recently his novel, Where The Truth Lies, has been translated into a major motion picture starring Kevin Bacon.

Photos

Productions

Pirates! The Penzance MusicalPirates! The Penzance Musical
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Adaptation
The Mystery of Edwin DroodThe Mystery of Edwin Drood
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
Say Goodnight, GracieSay Goodnight, Gracie
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Composer
Music Arranger
Accomplice
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Composer
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Orchestrator
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Orchestrator

Writing

Accomplice
Playwright
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Curtains
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Marty
Bookwriter
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Book of a Musica

Rupert Holmes, Curtains

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Lyrics

Rupert Holmes, Curtains

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Book of a Musical

Rupert Holmes, Curtains

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

Rupert Holmes, Curtains

Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Play

Rupert Holmes, Say Goodnight Gracie


winner
Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Book of a Musical

Rupert Holmes, The Mystery of Edwin Drood


winner
Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Rupert Holmes, The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Videos

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News


Remaking the Model of a Modern, Major Revival Photo
Remaking the Model of a Modern, Major Revival
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 11, 2025

The show that is about to be staged at the Todd Haimes Theatre is not your grandma's The Pirates of Penzance. As evidenced by its new name, Pirates! The Penzance Musical is turning the classic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta on its head with a Louisiana-style reimagining.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 10, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 10, 2025
by - Mar 10, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 10, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Video: David Hyde Pierce on the New Orleans-Flavored PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL- ' Photo
Video: David Hyde Pierce on the New Orleans-Flavored PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL- 'It Really Works!'
by Joey Mervis - Mar 7, 2025

Pirates! The Penzance Musical is a reimagined version of the 1879 operetta that begins previews on April 4 ahead of an April 24 opening at the Todd Haimes Theatre. Watch in this video as we check in with the whole company during a break from rehearsals.
Jinkx Monsoon Will Sing Additional Gilbert & Sullivan Songs in PIRATES! THE PENZANCE Photo
Jinkx Monsoon Will Sing Additional Gilbert & Sullivan Songs in PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 7, 2025

Rupert Holmes has revealed Jinkx Monsoon will sing additional songs from other Gilbert and Sullivan operettas in the new production of Pirates! The Penzance Musical.
Photos: The Cast of PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL Meet the Press Photo
Photos: The Cast of PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL Meet the Press
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 7, 2025

Roundabout Theatre Company will bring a new version of the Gilbert & Sullivan classic, The Pirates of Penzance, back to Broadway in 2025, led by Jinkx Monsoon, Ramin Karimloo, David Hyde Pierce, and more! Meet the cast here!
MISERY, PROOF, and More Set For Act II Playhouse 2025-26 Season Photo
MISERY, PROOF, and More Set For Act II Playhouse 2025-26 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 7, 2025

Act II Playhouse has announced its slate of 2025-2026 productions. Subscriptions and discount rates are now available. Learn more about the full season here!
Video: Inside PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL Rehearsal With Jinkx Monsoon, David Hyde Photo
Video: Inside PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL Rehearsal With Jinkx Monsoon, David Hyde Pierce & More
by Michael Major - Feb 28, 2025

Step inside the first rehearsal for Roundabout Theatre Company's upcoming Pirates! the Penzance Musical. In a new video from the first day of rehearsal, the cast – led by Jinkx Monsoon, David Hyde Pierce, and Ramin Karimloo – gets ready for the show.
Rita McKenzie Memorial To Take Place February 22 Photo
Rita McKenzie Memorial To Take Place February 22
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025

Friends, family and colleagues of the late Rita McKenzie will salute her in A Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 22 at 5:00pm PST. This weekend, she will be memorialized and celebrated in Los Angeles. 
TRU to Present This And That: Conversations About A Life In Theater (2) Photo
TRU to Present This And That: Conversations About A Life In Theater (2)
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2025

A dependable haven for artists in isolation, Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) is now in its fourth year of non-stop weekly Community Gatherings. Join in on This and That: Conversations About a Life in Theater (2).
Yachtley Crew Returns To Indian Ranch This Summer Photo
Yachtley Crew Returns To Indian Ranch This Summer
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 14, 2025

The nation's #1 Yacht Rock Band, Yachtley Crew, returns to Indian Ranch in Webster, MA this summer on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Tickets go on-sale this Saturday, January 18.
LONDON SWINGS! A New Musical To Have Industry Presentations In December Photo
LONDON SWINGS! A New Musical To Have Industry Presentations In December
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 5, 2024

Producers Eric Krebs and Judith Manocherian have announced industry presentations of “London Swings,” a new musical with book, music, and lyrics by Michael Roberts (Golf: The Musical, Goldstein) and co-book writer Shannon Hunt, directed by Christopher Scott.
Review: Amy Wolk's Glorious Return To The Stage at Don't Tell Mama Photo
Review: Amy Wolk's Glorious Return To The Stage at Don't Tell Mama
by Analisa Bell - Nov 27, 2024

Amy Wolk’s one-woman show Amy Has Some Things to Wolk On, performed at Don’t Tell Mama on Monday, November 25, was a delightful and hilarious journey showcasing her unique comedic sensibility and impressive vocal talent.
See Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch in A SWINGING BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS Photo
See Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch in A SWINGING BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2024

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the 15th Annual “A Swinging Birdland Christmas” – starring vocalists Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Jinkx Monsoon, Nicholas Barasch, Preston Truman Boyd, Samantha Williams Join PIRATES! Photo
Jinkx Monsoon, Nicholas Barasch, Preston Truman Boyd, Samantha Williams Join PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 13, 2024

Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced further casting, design team and a brand-new title for its reimagined The Pirates of Penzance. This jazz-infused, New Orleans-style Broadway production, now titled Pirates! The Penzance Musical and we've got all the information about the new production.
Klea Blackhurst to Honor Ethel Merman in THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage Photo
Klea Blackhurst to Honor Ethel Merman in THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2024

CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present the return of Klea Blackhurst in “The Box Set,” a fantastic season-long retrospective of the celebrated theater and concert artist’s acclaimed shows. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Santa Fe Playhouse Unveils 2025 Season Featuring a New Mexico Premiere & More Photo
Santa Fe Playhouse Unveils 2025 Season Featuring a New Mexico Premiere & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 18, 2024

Santa Fe Playhouse revealed its 2025 season featuring the New Mexico premiere of PUEBLO REVOLT, curated by Anna M. Hogan, and more. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Full Cast Announced for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Starring Jason Alexander at La Mirada The Photo
Full Cast Announced for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Starring Jason Alexander at La Mirada Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 28, 2024

LA Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment announced the cast for their upcoming production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, featuring a talented ensemble ready to bring the classic musical to life.
Klea Blackhurst to Perform THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage Photo
Klea Blackhurst to Perform THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 19, 2024

CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present the return of Klea Blackhurst in “The Box Set,” a season-long retrospective of the celebrated theater and concert artist’s acclaimed shows. Learn more about the concert and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE LIFE & TRIALS OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG at HOBBY CENTER FO Photo
Review: ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE LIFE & TRIALS OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG at HOBBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
by Brett Cullum - Sep 6, 2024

No matter what side of the aisle you fall on, this is a fascinating tribute to a legal lady who taught us all what it means to be both feminine and ferocious. To quote a previous BROADWAY WORLD critic, it is “a must-see.” And in these days, right before the election of 2024, it is imperative to consider what Ruth is saying.
THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD Comes to Star Of The Day Photo
THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD Comes to Star Of The Day
by Stephi Wild - Aug 29, 2024

Star of the Day has announced casting for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, a musical whodunnit by Rupert Holmes based on the unfinished Charles Dickens novel of the same name.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Rupert Holmes written?

Rupert Holmes has written 10 shows including The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Bookwriter), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Composer), Accomplice (Playwright), Solitary Confinement (Playwright), Twelfth Night (Music), Say Goodnight, Gracie (Playwright), Marty (Bookwriter), Curtains (Lyricist), A Time To Kill (Adaptor), The Nutty Professor (Lyricist).

What awards has Rupert Holmes been nominated for?

Outstanding Book of a Musica (Drama Desk Awards) for Curtains, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Curtains, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Curtains, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Curtains, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Say Goodnight Gracie, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

What awards has Rupert Holmes won?

Rupert Holmes has won the following awards: Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Curtains; Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for The Mystery of Edwin Drood; and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

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