Martin Charnin is perhaps best known for conceiving, directing, and writing the lyrics for the hit Broadway musical Annie.
Charnin began his career as an actor, playing the role of "Big Deal" in the original production of West Side Story, both on Broadway and on tour.
He then began writing music and lyrics for Off-Broadway and cabaret revues, as well as nightclub performances for the likes of Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson, Leslie Uggams, and more.
His first time writing lyrics for a Broadway musical was Hot Spot in 1963, which starred Judy Holliday.
In the 1970s, Charnin worked in television where he conceived, produced, ... read more
Harold GraySource Material (Based on the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie")
Thomas Meehan won the 2003 Tony for co-writing the book for Hairspray, the 2001 Tony for the book of The Producers and the 1977 Tony for the book of Annie, which was his first Broadway show. He has since written the books for Young Frankenstein, I Remember Mama, Ain't Broadway Grand, Annie Warbucks and Bombay Dreams. He is a long-time contributor of humor, including "Yma Dream," to The New Yorker; an Emmy-winning television writer; and a collaborator on screenplays, including Mel Brooks' Spaceballs, To Be or Not to Be and The Producers. He is a member of the Council of ... read more
