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Susan Birkenhead

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BIO

Susan Birkenhead is an American lyricist.



Birkenhead made her Broadway debut as one of a team of songwriters contributing to Working (1978), for which she received her first Tony Award nomination. Her second was earned for Jelly's Last Jam (1992), which won her the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics and a Grammy Award nomination. Additional Broadway credits include Triumph of Love (Drama Desk nomination) and additional lyrics for the Cole Porter tunes in the 1998 revival of High Society.

Birkenhead's Off-Broadway and regional theatre credits include What About Luv?, a musical adaptation of the Murray Schisgal play Luv, for which she won the Outer Critics Circle Award; Pieces of Eight with Jule Styne and Michael Stewart; Fanny Hackabout Jones with Erica Jong and Lucy Simon; The Night They Raided Minsky's with Charles Strouse and Evan Hunter, the new musical Minsky's based on the same; and, in collaboration with Henry Krieger, two potentially Broadway-bound projects based on hit films, The Flamingo Kid and Moonstruck (with a book by screenwriter John Patrick Shanley).

Birkenhead is one of several lyricists who contributed to Hats!, a musical inspired by the Red Hat Society, which is enjoying an open-ended run at Harrah's New Orleans, after premiering at the New Denver Civic Theatre. The musical had a limited engagement at the Royal George Theatre in Chicago starting in April 2007.

Radio Girl, a musical based on Kate Douglas Wiggin's Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, premiered at the Goodspeed Musicals' Norma Terrace Theatre with music by Henry Krieger, lyrics by Birkenhead, and a book by Daniel Goldfarb. The show ran in 2010 from July 29 to August 22.

She also wrote the lyrics for the musical version of Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees, with music by Duncan Sheik and a book by Lynn Nottage. It premiered at the Off-Broadway Atlantic Theater Company on May 12, 2019.

Photos

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Lyrics

Susan Birkenhead, The Secret Life of Bees


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding New Score

Susan BirkenheadThe Secret Life of Bees


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Lyrics

Susan BirkenheadTriumph of Love

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Lyrics

Susan Birkenhead, Triumph of Love


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Lyrics

Susan Birkenhead, Jelly's Last Jam

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Susan Birkenhead, Jelly's Last Jam


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1984 - Best Score

Susan Birkenhead, Love

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Susan Birkenhead, Working

Videos

News


Theatre Now Awarded NAMT Writers Residency Grant
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2025

Theatre Now New York has been awarded a Writers Residency Grant through the Frank Young Fund for New Musicals by the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT).
Up on the Marquee: BOOP! THE MUSICAL
by Jennifer Broski - Jan 17, 2025

Betty's coming to Broadway! In just a matter of weeks, previews will begin for the new Broadway musical BOOP! The Musical. Check out the new Broadway marquee at the Broadhurst Theatre!
WHEN ELVIS MET THE BEATLES Will Premiere at Ogunquit Playhouse; 2025 Season Announced
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 14, 2025

Ogunquit Playhouse has unveiled their 93rd season, featuring a world premiere production, Guys and Dolls, and much more. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
BOOP! THE MUSICAL Finds Complete Broadway Cast
by Stephi Wild - Jan 13, 2025

The complete cast has been announced for the new Broadway musical BOOP! The Musical, which begins performances on Broadway in March. Learn more about the cast here!
Theatre Now Announces New Cabaret Series Beginning In 2025
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 17, 2024

Starting in 2025, Theatre Now will present a monthly cabaret series at SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam St., NYC. Verse Intro Cabaret will feature performances of songs by 2 writing teams from Theatre Now's prestigious Musical Writers Lab.
Best Broadway Shows in 2025- What's Coming!
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 13, 2024

Looking for what the best shows to see in 2025 on Broadway will be? Our editors have rounded up info on all of the Broadway productions which have revealed full details of their upcoming engagements. Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2025 including plays, musicals, revivals, new shows and of course - stars!
Jasmine Amy Rogers Will Lead BOOP! THE MUSICAL on Broadway; Full Cast Set
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2024

BOOP! The Musical has found its cast! The Broadway production will be led by Jasmine Amy Rogers in the title role, who led the cast in its world premiere production in Chicago last year. 
BOOP! The Musical Reveals BOOP! Dupe Costume Contest Winners
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 31, 2024

BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical has revealed the winners of the BOOP! Dupe Costume Contest on Instagram. See who the winners are and learn more about the new Broadway show!
BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL to Celebrate Halloween with Costume Contest
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 17, 2024

BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical will celebrate Halloween with a BOOP! Dupe Costume Contest. See how to enter the contest and learn more about the production!
Theatre Now Hosts Master Class With Susan Birkenhead
by Stephi Wild - Oct 14, 2024

Theatre Now's next Industry Night will be held on Monday, October 21st at 6:30pm, featuring a Master Class with Tony-nominated lyricist Susan Birkenhead (Jelly's Last Jam, Working, BOOP!).
Submissions Open For SOUND BITES XII Festival Of 10-Minute Musicals
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2024

Theatre Now is accepting submissions for SOUND BITES XII, the 12th Annual Festival of 10-Minute Musicals, through January 3rd, 2025. 10 finalists will be selected for presentation on Monday, May 5, 2025 at Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center.
Theatre Now Industry Nights Return September 30 With Andrew Lippa
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 23, 2024

Theatre Now New York's Industry Nights feature rotating events dedicated to the future of musical theatre. Kicking off the series on Monday, September 30th at 7pm will be a Master Class with Tony-nominated composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, Big Fish, The Wild Party).
BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL Sets Broadway Theatre and Opening Night
by Stephi Wild - Jul 17, 2024

 BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical has found its Broadway theatre! The new musical is set to open at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre on April 5, 2025. Learn more about BOOP! here!
BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL Sets Broadway Opening For April 2025
by Stephi Wild - Jun 27, 2024

BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical has set its Broadway dates! The new musical will open on Broadway in April 2025 at a Shubert theatre to be announced. Learn more about the musical here!
Review: JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse
by Evan Henerson - Jun 14, 2024

Director Kent Gash’s production in Pasadena serves up equal parts heat and cool, a slick and sweaty celebration of a man who was as vibrant and dangerous as his music. Under the musical direction of Darryl Archibald and choreography of Dell Howlett – both of which are first-rate – the evening cooks.
Jeanine Tesori and Bess Wohl Join Dramatists Guild Council
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 13, 2024

Jeanine Tesori and Bess Wohl have joined The Dramatists Guild Council, the leadership team of the Guild.
JELLY'S LAST JAM Enters Final Two Weeks of Performances at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 13, 2024

Pasadena Playhouse's production of the Tony Award-winning musical JELLY'S LAST JAM, directed by Kent Gash will close this month. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Celebrities on the Red Carpet at Opening Night of JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jun 4, 2024

Pasadena Playhouse is now presenting a new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam, featuring a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson. Check out photos from the opening night red carpet here!
Photos/Video: First Look at Pasadena Playhouse's JELLY'S LAST JAM
by Joshua Wright - Jun 3, 2024

Get a first look at Pasadena Playhouse's new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam, now on stage through through June 23, 2024. The production features a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson. 
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - May 21, 2024

Get a first look at rehearsals for the new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam at Pasadena Playhouse, featuring a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Susan Birkenhead written?

Susan Birkenhead has written 14 shows including Working (Lyricist), King of Schnorrers (Lyricist), A...My Name Is Alice (Material), Love (Lyricist), Tatterdemalion (Lyricist), Pieces of Eight (Lyricist), High Society (Lyricist), What About Luv? (Lyricist), Jelly's Last Jam (Lyricist), Triumph of Love (Lyricist), The Night They Raided Minsky's (Lyricist), The Flamingo Kid (Lyricist), Hats! (Composer/Lyricist), Monsoon Wedding (Lyrics).

What awards has Susan Birkenhead been nominated for?

Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for The Secret Life of Bees, Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Secret Life of Bees, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Triumph of Love, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Triumph of Love, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, Best Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Love and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Working.

What awards has Susan Birkenhead won?

Susan Birkenhead has won the following awards: Outstanding New Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Secret Life of Bees, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Triumph of Love, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam, and Best Score (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Love.

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