News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Scott Wittman Headshot

Scott Wittman

read more news

Get Scott Wittman Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

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


Review: HAIRSPRAY at Desert Theatricals Photo
Review: HAIRSPRAY at Desert Theatricals
by Kay Kudukis - Apr 14, 2025

John Waters made films for queer people long before the word queer was embraced by the community. That he was good friends with Warhol makes complete sense to me. They were cut from the same jib. What makes Waters a far better filmmaker was his ability to give us a fun story steeped in pretty clear messages while Warhol’s films are more like abstract art.
Photos: SMASH Cast and Creative Team Celebrate Opening Night Photo
Photos: SMASH Cast and Creative Team Celebrate Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 14, 2025

SMASH officially opened last week at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. The new musical, inspired by the hit NBC television series, is now playing. Check out photos of the cast on the opening night red carpet here!
Photos: Go Inside SMASH VIP Arrivals on Opening Night! Photo
Photos: Go Inside SMASH VIP Arrivals on Opening Night!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 12, 2025

Many arrived for opening night, including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more. Scroll down to see photos of the VIP arrivals on opening night! 
Photos: SMASH Cast Takes Opening Night Bows Photo
Photos: SMASH Cast Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 12, 2025

Smash is officially open on Broadway! BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and you can check out photos from the opening night curtain call here.
Anjelica Huston Reflects on SMASH Experience: 'I Wasn't Very Happy' Photo
Anjelica Huston Reflects on SMASH Experience: 'I Wasn't Very Happy'
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 11, 2025

In a new interview, Anjelica Huston reflected on her role as Broadway producer Eileen Rand in the TV series Smash, sharing that she 'didn't feel very prized in that role.'
Review Roundup: SMASH Opens On Broadway Starring Robyn Hurder and More Photo
Review Roundup: SMASH Opens On Broadway Starring Robyn Hurder and More
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 11, 2025

Read reviews for Broadway’s SMASH, opening tonight at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. The new musical, inspired by the hit NBC television series, takes audiences inside the backstage pandemonium behind the scenes of Bombshell, a musical about Marilyn Monroe.
Video: Robyn Hurder Shares SMASH Pre-Show Rituals and Bringing Marilyn Monroe to Life Photo
Video: Robyn Hurder Shares SMASH Pre-Show Rituals and Bringing Marilyn Monroe to Life
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 9, 2025

Robyn Hurder recently visited The View to discuss her starring role as Ivy Lynn and Marilyn Monroe in Broadway's Smash. During the interview, she revealed her pre-show rituals and shared how she manifested the role with a tattoo on her wrist. Watch the interview!
Video: Robyn Hurder and More in SMASH on Broadway First Look Photo
Video: Robyn Hurder and More in SMASH on Broadway First Look
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2025

You can now get a first look at footage of Broadway’s SMASH, the new musical, inspired by the hit NBC television series. See footage here and learn more about the production!
HAIRSPRAY to be Presented at Florida Repertory Theatre Photo
HAIRSPRAY to be Presented at Florida Repertory Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2025

Florida Rep's Education Conservatory Program will present “Hairspray – The Broadway Musical,” in May at the Historic Arcade Theatre. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Moving from TV to Broadway with SMASH Photo
Video: Moving from TV to Broadway with SMASH
by Emmy Rice - Apr 6, 2025

Smash started previews at the Imperial Theatre on March 11 and will be opening on April 10, 2025. The composing team for the show, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, sat down with CBS Sunday Morning to talk about moving the show to Broadway.
Video: Watch New SMASH Footage Narrated By Nathan Lane Photo
Video: Watch New SMASH Footage Narrated By Nathan Lane
by Michael Major - Apr 4, 2025

Watch a new video montage from SMASH on Broadway, narrated by Nathan Lane! The new highlights show off scenes from the new musical, starring Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, Caroline Bowman, and more.
SMASH Releases New Block of Tickets Through Early January 2026 Photo
SMASH Releases New Block of Tickets Through Early January 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 3, 2025

SMASH has released a new block of tickets for performances through early 2026. Learn more about the musical based on the television show, and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Robyn Hurder and Susan Stroman Discuss the Meta Nature of SMASH on MORNING JOE Photo
Video: Robyn Hurder and Susan Stroman Discuss the Meta Nature of SMASH on MORNING JOE
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 1, 2025

On a recent visit to MSNBC's Morning Joe, director Susan Stroman and performer Robyn Hurder shed light on the new musical Smash, which is officially opening on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. Watch the interview!
INTO THE WOODS, NOISES OFF and More Set for San Francisco Playhouse 23rd Season Photo
INTO THE WOODS, NOISES OFF and More Set for San Francisco Playhouse 23rd Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 31, 2025

San Francisco Playhouse has revealed its 23rd season, which will be presented September 2025 to September 2026. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: PROVA A PRENDERMI (CATCH ME IF YOU CAN) al TEATRO BRANCACCIO Photo
Review: PROVA A PRENDERMI (CATCH ME IF YOU CAN) al TEATRO BRANCACCIO
by Ettore Farrattini - Mar 31, 2025

Negli ultimi due decenni Broadway si è notevolmente rivolta verso Hollywood per presentare al suo pubblico nuovi musical originali le cui trame erano però tratte da film di successo. Titoli come Tootsie, Rocky, Hairspray, Nine, Once e molti altri sono così diventati musical di successo.
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT at Orpheum Theatre is Unstoppable! Photo
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT at Orpheum Theatre is Unstoppable!
by Christine Swerczek - Mar 28, 2025

The film “Some Like it Hot” conjures up visions of blonde Marilyn Monroe with her two musician sidekicks, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, in prohibition era Chicago. The musicians dressed as women join an all women band to avoid a mafia boss when they witness a murder.
SOME LIKE IT HOT Is Coming To The Bushnell; Tickets On Sale Now Photo
SOME LIKE IT HOT Is Coming To The Bushnell; Tickets On Sale Now
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 28, 2025

The SOME LIKE IT HOT North American tour coming to The Bushnell on April 29 through May 4, 2025. The musical is based on the classic MGM film Some Like It Hot, which has been named the “Funniest American Movie of All Time” by the American Film Institute.
Aspen Music Festival's Summer Lineup Includes Patti LuPone Concert, World Premiere, & Photo
Aspen Music Festival's Summer Lineup Includes Patti LuPone Concert, World Premiere, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 26, 2025

This summer, vocal music takes center stage at the Aspen Music Festival and School (AMFS). The 2025 festival will present the staged world premiere of Siddhartha, She, a recital from Patti LuPone, and more.
Photos: First look at Mount Vernon Nazarene University Theatre CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOL Photo
Photos: First look at Mount Vernon Nazarene University Theatre CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
by Jerri Shafer - Mar 26, 2025

Join MVNU Theatre as we step into a world of Pure Imagination! The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Charlie Bucket, an imaginative boy with a knack for making something out of nothing, dreams of acquiring a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's over-the-top chocolate factory and can’t believe his luck when it actually happens.
How Often Do Musicals Change Their Titles After Broadway? Photo
How Often Do Musicals Change Their Titles After Broadway?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 15, 2025

This time, the reader question was: How often do Broadway musicals change their titles after Broadway? We're unpacking the history of shows that have been renamed.
More News

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 awards, including: Best Original Score at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Some Like It Hot; Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Some Like It Hot; Outstanding New Score at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Some Like It Hot; 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.

Get Scott Wittman Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos