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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

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Adaptation
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2002]
Composer
Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Composer
 
[Broadway, 1985]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1985]
Orchestrator

Writing

Playwright
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
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

News


LONDON SWINGS! A New Musical To Have Industry Presentations In December

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

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

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! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL

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.
Klea Blackhurst to Honor Ethel Merman in THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage

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

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 Theatre

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

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 FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

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

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.
Interview: MICHELLE AZAR of ALL THINGS EQUAL: RUTH BADER GINSBURG at HOBBY CENTER

People are like, “How do you keep doing it? It's like so many words, 90 min for two years!” I say it is because you can never learn enough. You could never get tired of it! All that feeds into my performance.
Ronnie Marmo Will Direct World Premiere of BROOKLYN'S WAY in Los Angeles

Ronnie Marmo will direct the world premiere of Brooklyn’s Way, the latest production by critically acclaimed playwright Sam Henry Kass.  The emotionally charged drama will open September 7, 2024, at Theatre 68 Arts Complex.
Klea Blackhurst to Present THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage

Klea Blackhurst will present 'The Box Set,' at Chelsea Table + Stage featuring her acclaimed tribute to Hoagy Carmichael alongside Billy Stritch. Learn how to purchase tickets.
JoAnn M. Hunter to Direct Broadway-Aimed YASUKE: THE BLACK SAMURAI

JoAnn M. Hunter will direct the Broadway-aimed musical Yasuke: The Black Samurai. Learn more about the Hunter and about the show!
Video: Highlights from THE NUTTY PROFESSOR at Hale Centre Theatre

Watch highlights from Hale Centre Theatre's production of The Nutty Professor in the video here.
Review: Hale Centre Theatre's THE NUTTY PROFESSOR is a Joyful, Tuneful Triumph

The joyful regional premiere of THE NUTTY PROFESSOR on Hale Centre Theatre’s Centre Stage in Sandy is one of the first productions of the new musical since the composer unexpectedly passed away during the initial run in Nashville in 2012. If you are a fan of Jerry Lewis, romantic comedies, or tuneful musicals, this show is a breath of fresh air. Support Hale Centre Theatre’s laudable efforts to bring theatrical premieres to Utah by adding it to your must-see list, and maybe even coming back for an encore.
ALL THINGS EQUAL: THE LIFE AND TRIALS OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG is Coming to the Hobby Center

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts will present All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Roundabout Theatre Company's 2024-25 Season Now On Sale

Single tickets are now on sale for Roundabout Theatre Company's 2024-2025 season on Broadway and Off-Broadway. Learn more about the season how to purchase
Arizona Theatre Company To Present New Musical Workshop Of MY MAN GODFREY

Arizona Theatre Company is workshopping the first-ever musical adaptation of the 1930s novel My Man Godfrey, featuring a book by Rupert Holmes and music by Mark Hollmann, with Broadway stars Kevin Earley and Stephanie Styles.
Goodspeed to Present Talkback and Book Signing With Rupert Holmes

Goodspeed Musicals will welcomes Tony award-winning playwright, composer and lyricist Rupert Holmes for a special talkback. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

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 several awards, including Outstanding Book of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Curtains. He received the Best Book of a Musical award at the Tony Awards for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, as well as the Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre award at the Tony Awards for The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

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