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BIO

Wittman was raised in Nanuet, New York, graduated from Nanuet Senior High School in 1972 and attended Emerson College in Boston for two years before leaving to pursue a career in musical theatre in New York City. While directing a show for a Greenwich Village club he met songwriter and composer Marc Shaiman, and the two became collaborators and professional partners. While Shaiman wrote for television shows, including Saturday Night Live, Wittman directed concerts for such artists as Bette Midler, Christine Ebersole, Raquel Welch, Dame Edna Everage, and Lypsinka, among others.



In 2002, Shaiman and Wittman wrote the music and lyrics for the musical Hairspray, which won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, the Tony Award for Best Original Score, and a Grammy Award. In addition to Hairspray, Wittman conceived, wrote lyrics for, and directed Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me and conceived and directed Matters of the Heart, a solo concert by Patti LuPone in 2000.

Shaiman and Wittman worked on Catch Me If You Can, a musical adaptation of the 2002 Steven Spielberg film, together with Terrence McNally. The musical opened on Broadway in April 2011. They again worked together on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical.

In 2011, Hairspray was performed at Nanuet Senior High School, where Wittman attended high school.

In 2013, Wittman and Marc Shaiman co-wrote the score for Bombshell, a musical about Marilyn Monroe within the context of the NBC television show Smash. A soundtrack was released later that same year.

Wittman and Shaiman collaborated in 2018 on Mary Poppins Returns where Wittman wrote the lyrics for nine of the tracks listed. He and Shaiman were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the song "The Place Where Lost Things Go".

In 2021, Wittman and Shaiman wrote a song entitled "Save the City" for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in-universe Broadway production, titled Rogers: The Musical featured in the first episode of Hawkeye, "Never Meet Your Heroes". It was released as a single on November 24, the day the episode became available on Disney+.

In February 2021, it was announced that Wittman and Shaiman were writing songs for a new musical adaptation of Some Like It Hot, due on Broadway in 2022, with a book by Amber Ruffin and Matthew Lopez.

Photos

Productions

SmashSmash
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Composer
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Non Eq)Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Non Eq)
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Lyricist [Replacement]
Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryCharlie and the Chocolate Factory
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Lyrics[Replacement]
Martin Short: Fame Becomes MeMartin Short: Fame Becomes Me
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Director
Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Director
Patti LuPone on Broadway
 
[Broadway, 1995]
Director
The White Devil
 
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Music Consultant

Writing

Hairspray
Lyricist
Livin' Dolls
Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2023 - Best Original Score

Scott WittmanSome Like It Hot


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lyrics

Scott WittmanSome Like it Hot


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding New Score

Scott WittmanSome Like It Hot

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Scott WittmanSome Like It Hot

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Lyrics

Scott Wittman, Catch Me if You Can

Drama Desk Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Lyrics

Scott Wittman, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Lyrics

Scott Wittman, Hairspray


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Best Musical

Scott Wittman, Hairspray


winner
Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Scott Wittman, Hairspray

Videos

More Videos

News


Photos: Robyn Hurder and the SMASH Cast Meet the Press Photo
Photos: Robyn Hurder and the SMASH Cast Meet the Press
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2025

The musical Smash, inspired by the hit NBC television series, will begin performances on Broadway. See photos of the company meeting the press here! Learn more about the production.
Review: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: THE MUSICAL at Sheyenne Theatre Photo
Review: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: THE MUSICAL at Sheyenne Theatre
by Brian Michaels - Feb 17, 2025

Yara Arts Group To Bring THE MAGIC OF LIGHT To La MaMa In March Photo
Yara Arts Group To Bring THE MAGIC OF LIGHT To La MaMa In March
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 15, 2025

From March 7 to 16, La MaMa and Yara Arts Group will present Yara's 'The Magic of Light,' an innovative theater piece that interweaves puppetry, languages, music and poetry to illustrate the cultural and spiritual awakening of an artist in the 1870s.
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT at ASU Gammage Photo
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT at ASU Gammage
by Herbert Paine - Feb 12, 2025

It’s always a risk to transplant a beloved classic film to the stage, particularly when that film is one so thoroughly embedded in its time as SOME LIKE IT HOT. Yet this latest Broadway adaptation, now performing at ASU Gammage until the 16th, with kinetic direction and crowd-pleasing choreography by Casey Nicholaw, not only succeeds in updating the story but breathes new, surprising life into its proceedings.
Videos You Missed This Week: URINETOWN, JUST IN TIME and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: URINETOWN, JUST IN TIME and More
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 7, 2025

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! 2025 has officially arrived and the second half of the 2024-25 Broadway season has officially begun. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending February 7, 2025 with videos from Urinetown, Just In Time, and more!
20 Unique Audition Songs for Kids Photo
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.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 5, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 5, 2025
by - Feb 5, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 5, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review: HAIRSPRAY at White Theatre Photo
Review: HAIRSPRAY at White Theatre
by Alan Portner - Feb 4, 2025

HAIRSPRAY, a co-production of the White Theatre and the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, is the kind of old-fashioned, joyous, musical theater experience that recalls a PAJAMA GAME, or a DAMN YANKEES, kind of show that is just pure entertainment.  Additionally, HAIRSPRAY has a point to make and a super cast with which to make it.
Video: Robyn Hurder Sings 'Let Me Be Your Star' From SMASH on Broadway Photo
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!
 La MaMa Presents IN THROUGH THE DOORWAY OUT Photo
 La MaMa Presents IN THROUGH THE DOORWAY OUT
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2025

IN THROUGH THE DOORWAY OUT will be presented at LaMaMa Experimental Theatre, Community Art Space. Running February 7, 8 and 9, 2025. IN THROUGH THE DOORWAY OUT is the second original production by the TUT (Teens Ukraine Theatre).
CABARET, FROZEN & More Set for 5-Star Theatricals 2025 Season Photo
CABARET, FROZEN & More Set for 5-Star Theatricals 2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 31, 2025

STAR THEATRICALS has reveraled its 2025 season of shows!  All of 5-Star’s productions are locally produced, auditioned and rehearsed in Southern California. See the full lineup of shows and learn how to purchase tickets.
Previews: PROVA A PRENDERMI al TEATRO BRANCACCIO Photo
Previews: PROVA A PRENDERMI al TEATRO BRANCACCIO
by Ettore Farrattini - Jan 31, 2025

PROVA A PRENDERMI al TEATRO BRANCACCIODebutto al Teatro Nazionale di Milano il 27 febbraio per poi approdare a Roma il 19 marzo per l'adattamento in italiano del musical ispirato al celebre film
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY to be Presented at Matthews Playhouse Photo
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY to be Presented at Matthews Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 30, 2025

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is inviting audiences to step into the whimsical world of Willy Wonka's iconic factory this February with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Interview: As Sweet Sue, Tarra Conner Jones knows that SOME LIKE IT HOT at Broadway S Photo
Interview: As Sweet Sue, Tarra Conner Jones knows that SOME LIKE IT HOT at Broadway San Diego
by ErinMarie Reiter - Jan 28, 2025

The new musical “Some Like it Hot’, a new take on the classic movie of the same name, arrives at Broadway San Diego this week in all of its madcap and tap dancing glory.  Tarra Conner Jones plays “Sweet Sue” the loving but no-nonsense lead of an all-girls band who unknowingly has two people in disguise traveling with her as they hide from the mob. Tarra took time between shows to talk about this show and how exciting it is to bring it to San Diego.
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.
Video: Step Inside the First SMASH Broadway Rehearsal With Krysta Rodriguez, Robyn Hu Photo
Video: Step Inside the First SMASH Broadway Rehearsal With Krysta Rodriguez, Robyn Hurder & More
by Michael Major - Jan 24, 2025

Watch a video from inside the first rehearsal for Smash on Broadway! Step inside the rehearsal room with Krysta Rodriguez, Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, Marc Shaiman, Caroline Bowman and more.
Photos: Robyn Hurder, Krysta Rodriguez & More in SMASH Rehearsals Photo
Photos: Robyn Hurder, Krysta Rodriguez & More in SMASH Rehearsals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2025

Rehearsals for the stage musical adaptation of SMASH have officially begun! See photos of star Robyn Hurder and more in rehearsals for the production and learn how to purchase tickets.
HAIRSPRAY to be Presented at Sullivan Rep in February Photo
HAIRSPRAY to be Presented at Sullivan Rep in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2025

Hairspray, the modern classic with Music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman, and book by Mark O'Donell & Thomas Meehan will be presented by Sullivan Rep as the opening show of their second season. Learn more!
Photo: SMASH on Broadway Debuts Artwork Photo
Photo: SMASH on Broadway Debuts Artwork
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2025

The Broadway artwork for the stage musical adaptation of SMASH has been revealed! See the artwork here and learn more about the upcoming Broadway production!
SOME LIKE IT HOT Comes To The Fabulous Fox In February Photo
SOME LIKE IT HOT Comes To The Fabulous Fox In February
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 17, 2025

The SOME LIKE IT HOT North American tour is coming to The Fabulous Fox. The Tony Award-winning musical will run February 26 – March 9. SOME LIKE IT HOT won more theater awards than any show in its season, and was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk, The Drama League, and the Outer Critics Circle.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Scott Wittman written?

Scott Wittman has written 7 shows including Hairspray (Lyricist), Livin' Dolls (Bookwriter/Composer/Lyricist), Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart (Conceiver), Catch Me If You Can (Lyricist), Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me (Conceiver), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Composer), Some Like It Hot (Lyricist).

What awards has Scott Wittman been nominated for?

Best Original Score (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Some Like It Hot, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Some Like it Hot, Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Some Like It Hot, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Some Like It Hot, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Catch Me if You Can, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Hairspray, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Hairspray and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Hairspray.

What awards has Scott Wittman won?

Scott Wittman has won several prestigious awards, including Best Original Score at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Some Like It Hot. He also received Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Some Like It Hot, as well as Outstanding New Score at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same show. Additionally, Wittman won Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Hairspray, Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Hairspray, and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Hairspray.

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