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


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.
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT! at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Photo
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT! at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
by Jarrod Michael - Mar 14, 2025

Swing, sizzle, and tap your way into the golden age of jazz with Some Like It Hot! Based on the beloved 1959 Billy Wilder film, this high-energy musical comedy follows the misadventures of Joe and Jerry, two down-on-their-luck musicians who witness a mob hit in Prohibition-era Chicago.
Photos/Video: SMASH Begins Previews On Broadway Photo
Photos/Video: SMASH Begins Previews On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025

SMASH began performances on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and will officially open on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. Check out photos and videos from their sold-out first preview!
Video: Gigi Hadid, Cole Escola, & More Perform 'You Can’t Stop the Beat' for Vogue Photo
Video: Gigi Hadid, Cole Escola, & More Perform 'You Can’t Stop the Beat' for Vogue
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 11, 2025

In a new video for Vogue, Gigi Hadid takes the stage to perform Hairspray's “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” The model is joined by a starry cast including Broadway's Cole Escola, Laverne Cox, and more. Watch it now!
Janice McCune Makes Solo Cabaret Debut In LET'S START TOMORROW TONIGHT! At Don't Tel Photo
Janice McCune Makes Solo Cabaret Debut In LET'S START TOMORROW TONIGHT! At Don't Tell Mama
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 11, 2025

This Spring, after a lifetime of singing, Janice McCune will make her solo cabaret debut in Let's Start Tomorrow Tonight!, at Don't Tell Mama on Thursday, April 24 and Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00 PM, and Saturday, May 3 at 1:00 PM. 
Video: Watch Robyn Hurder & Caroline Bowman Sing 'Don't Forget Me' From SMASH Photo
Video: Watch Robyn Hurder & Caroline Bowman Sing 'Don't Forget Me' From SMASH
by Michael Major - Mar 10, 2025

Watch a video of Caroline Bowman and Robyn Hurder perform 'Don't Forget Me' from SMASH the Musical, which begins previews on Broadway Tuesday. The pair play Karen Cartwright and Ivy Lynn, respectively, in the in the Broadway musical.
La MaMa To Present ABOVE GROUND - NOT EXACTLY A COMEDY, A Reflection On Aging By Ten Photo
La MaMa To Present ABOVE GROUND - NOT EXACTLY A COMEDY, A Reflection On Aging By Ten Actors Age 74-98
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 8, 2025

In 'Above Ground - Not Exactly a Comedy,' ten senior actors reflect on how they deal with the undeniable fact of getting old, regaling the audience with improvised personal experiences of maturity, illness and loss mixed with childhood memories.
SMASH Will Offer Rush, Lottery, and $30 Under 30 Initiative Photo
SMASH Will Offer Rush, Lottery, and $30 Under 30 Initiative
by Stephi Wild - Mar 7, 2025

SMASH on Broadway will host a digital lottery, in-person rush and $30 under 30 initiative at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre and we've got the scoop on how to get discounted tickets.
Review: A Timely & Much-Needed HAIRSPRAY at the Carrollwood Players Photo
Review: A Timely & Much-Needed HAIRSPRAY at the Carrollwood Players
by Peter Nason - Mar 5, 2025

Now that we are a quarter of the way through the 21st Century, the serious debate can begin: What is the best stage musical of this century so far? There are several contenders, including The Producers, Hamilton, Waitress, Wicked, Spring Awakening, Fun Home, Next to Normal and In the Heights. High on my list, maybe at or near the very top of it, must be HAIRSPRAY. 
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and More Set for Broadway at the Eccles 25/26 Season Photo
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and More Set for Broadway at the Eccles 25/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 4, 2025

The 25/26 Broadway at the Eccles season will feature eight shows including seven premiere engagements to Salt Lake City, and the eagerly awaited return of a favorite to the magnificent Eccles Theater. Learn more!
SUFFS, HELL'S KITCHEN, and More Set For Eccles' 2025-26 Broadway Season Photo
SUFFS, HELL'S KITCHEN, and More Set For Eccles' 2025-26 Broadway Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025

The 2025/26 Broadway at the Eccles season has been announced, which includes eight shows, with seven premiere engagements to Salt Lake City, as well as the return of a fan favorite. Learn more about the season lineup here!
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT at Fox Theatre, St. Louis Photo
Review: SOME LIKE IT HOT at Fox Theatre, St. Louis
by Rob Levy - Mar 4, 2025

For Joe and Jerry, two entertainers looking for career stability, being on the run can be a real drag!  The lead characters of Some Like It Hot, now onstage at the Fox Theatre, begin the production as run-of-the-mill performers bouncing from gig to gig in Prohibition era Chicago. However, after they accidentally witness a mob hit, they take on the personas of two gals in a female troupe as they attempt to lay low.
FROZEN, HAIRSPRAY, and More Set For Broward Center's Slow Burn Theatre Company 2025/2 Photo
FROZEN, HAIRSPRAY, and More Set For Broward Center's Slow Burn Theatre Company 2025/2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 27, 2025

Slow Burn Theatre Company has announced its upcoming season of five shows, Frozen, Hairspray, Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill, and more. Check out the full season lineup here!
Review: GMHC Benefit Is Terrific, Tuneful & Touching at Joe's Pub Photo
Review: GMHC Benefit Is Terrific, Tuneful & Touching at Joe's Pub
by Rob Lester - Feb 19, 2025

Songwriters of Smash, Some Like It Hot & Hairspray, Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman get the annual Howard Ashman Award at a starry fundraiser that also raised awareness and spirits for the GMHC.
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.
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?

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, 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.

Get Scott Wittman Email Alerts

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

Videos