Tom Eyen
Birth Place: Cambridge, OH, USA
Latest News on Tom Eyen:
DREAMGIRLS Will Host Open Casting Call For Female Ensemble (Dec 4, 2025)
LaChanze Steps Down as Producer of DREAMGIRLS on Broadway (Oct 23, 2025)
DREAMGIRLS Broadway Revival to Hold Casting Calls for 'The Dreams' (Oct 9, 2025)
DREAMGIRLS Will Host Open Casting Call For Female Ensemble (Dec 4, 2025)
LaChanze Steps Down as Producer of DREAMGIRLS on Broadway (Oct 23, 2025)
DREAMGIRLS Broadway Revival to Hold Casting Calls for 'The Dreams' (Oct 9, 2025)
BIO
Writer and director. Eyen is best known for his 1981 TonyAward-winning Broadway musical Dreamgirls, based loosely on the lives of the members of the female vocal trio The Supremes. Eyen, the author of more than thirty plays, was an innovator in the 1960s Off-Off Broadway experimental theatre movement and once had four plays showing simultaneously. After receiving a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation in the mid 1960s, he formed his own company, the Theatre of the Eye. With a formula that often included strong language, daring sexual content, comedy, nudity, profanity, and social criticism, Eyen wrote such cult hits The Dirtiest Show in Town, The White Whore and the Bit Player, Why Hanna's Skirt Won't Stay Down, Sarah B.Divine, and Women behind Bars. He also directed many of his own plays, sometimes under the names Jerome Eyen and Roger Short, Jr. In 1976 he became a writer for the television program Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
Productions
Writing
Conceiver
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Music
Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls
winner
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Book of a Musical
Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls
Videos
Video: Jennifer Holliday Reflects on DREAMGIRLS in JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW Interview
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-24 16:13:36
Video: Watch Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday Perform Special DREAMGIRLS Duet
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-24 13:54:03
Video: Meet the Dreams of DREAMGIRLS at Walnut Street Theatre
by Michael Major - 2025-03-26 11:15:20
VIDEO: Eureka! Talks WOMEN BEHIND BARS on Backstage LIVE with Richard Ridge- Watch Now!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2021-09-12 13:00:20
Longview Native Brings The Life And Music Of James Brown To His Hometown As Part Of His National Tour
by A.A. Cristi - 2019-07-12 16:09:22
VIDEO: Watch Marisha Wallace and London's DREAMGIRLS Perform LIVE
by Julie Musbach - 2018-01-25 11:35:33
VIDEO: Get a Look Behind the Scenes at the Costumes of DREAMGIRLS
by Stephi Wild - 2018-01-02 09:06:11
TV: It's Only the Beginning - Watch Highlights from DREAMGIRLS, Starring Amber Riley, in London!
by BroadwayWorld TV - 2016-12-14 11:50:57
STAGE TUBE: Amber Riley Debuts Iconic, 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' on The Graham Norton Show
by A.A. Cristi - 2016-10-07 20:17:35
STAGE TUBE: Watch Performances from Porchlight's DREAMGIRLS!
by Tyler Peterson - 2016-04-19 21:30:15
STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at NSMT's DREAMGIRLS, Celebrating 60th Anniversary
by Christina Mancuso - 2015-06-02 08:35:35
STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek - DREAMGIRLS at Maine State Music Theatre
by Stage Tube - 2013-05-22 17:49:10
News
DREAMGIRLS Will Host Open Casting Call For Female Ensemble
by Stephi Wild - Dec 4, 2025
The producers of the upcoming Broadway revival of Dreamgirls are currently seeking performers to play the female ensemble and will hold an open call to cast these roles. Find out how to attend the call or submit a self-tape here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 4, 2025
The producers of the upcoming Broadway revival of Dreamgirls are currently seeking performers to play the female ensemble and will hold an open call to cast these roles. Find out how to attend the call or submit a self-tape here!
LaChanze Steps Down as Producer of DREAMGIRLS on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2025
LaChanze has stepped down as a producer of the Broadway revival of Dreamgirls. Learn more about the Broadway revival, and about LaChanze's decision to step away from the project here.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2025
LaChanze has stepped down as a producer of the Broadway revival of Dreamgirls. Learn more about the Broadway revival, and about LaChanze's decision to step away from the project here.
DREAMGIRLS Broadway Revival to Hold Casting Calls for 'The Dreams'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 9, 2025
Producers of the upcoming first-ever newly directed and choreographed Broadway revival of Dreamgirls, have begun the worldwide search for 'The Dreams.' Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 9, 2025
Producers of the upcoming first-ever newly directed and choreographed Broadway revival of Dreamgirls, have begun the worldwide search for 'The Dreams.' Learn more!
DREAMGIRLS Dazzles in São Paulo with Soul, Spectacle and Heart
by Claudio Erlichman - Sep 27, 2025
The Broadway classic Dreamgirls makes its Brazilian debut in a dazzling production. Directed by Gustavo Barchilon, the show captures the rise and struggles of a 1960s girl group inspired by Motown legends. Letícia Soares shines as Effie White, while Laura Castro (Deena) and Samantha Schmütz (Lorell) complete a dynamic trio. With striking sets, costumes, and a vibrant score, Dreamgirls is both a tribute to soul music’s golden era and a moving story of ambition, resilience, and identity and thrills with its energy, soul, and spectacle.
by Claudio Erlichman - Sep 27, 2025
The Broadway classic Dreamgirls makes its Brazilian debut in a dazzling production. Directed by Gustavo Barchilon, the show captures the rise and struggles of a 1960s girl group inspired by Motown legends. Letícia Soares shines as Effie White, while Laura Castro (Deena) and Samantha Schmütz (Lorell) complete a dynamic trio. With striking sets, costumes, and a vibrant score, Dreamgirls is both a tribute to soul music’s golden era and a moving story of ambition, resilience, and identity and thrills with its energy, soul, and spectacle.
Video: Jennifer Holliday Reflects on DREAMGIRLS in JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW Interview
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 24, 2025
Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday recently joined The Jennifer Hudson Show and took a look back at the original 1981 Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Check out her conversation with Hudson here.
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 24, 2025
Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday recently joined The Jennifer Hudson Show and took a look back at the original 1981 Broadway production of Dreamgirls. Check out her conversation with Hudson here.
Video: Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday Team Up for DREAMGIRLS Duet
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 24, 2025
During a recent episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, Hudson paired up with Jennifer Holliday for a duet rendition of 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going.' Watch the special performance now!
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 24, 2025
During a recent episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, Hudson paired up with Jennifer Holliday for a duet rendition of 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going.' Watch the special performance now!
Review: DREAMGIRLS at Shea's 710 Theatre
by Michael Rabice - Sep 15, 2025
A renaissance of Buffalo born theatre productions at the former Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo continues to burnish brightly. As I sat in the crowded, newly renovated Shea's 710 Theatre, thinking how the facility had been mothballed a decade ago, Buffalo's hometown pride burst through. On afternoon when the Buffalo Bills were playing, a mix of cultures gathered for a spectacular production of DREAMGIRLS. In a joint production between Shea's 710 and the newly formed AnsariSaxon Productions, the energy was palpable both on and off stage.
by Michael Rabice - Sep 15, 2025
A renaissance of Buffalo born theatre productions at the former Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo continues to burnish brightly. As I sat in the crowded, newly renovated Shea's 710 Theatre, thinking how the facility had been mothballed a decade ago, Buffalo's hometown pride burst through. On afternoon when the Buffalo Bills were playing, a mix of cultures gathered for a spectacular production of DREAMGIRLS. In a joint production between Shea's 710 and the newly formed AnsariSaxon Productions, the energy was palpable both on and off stage.
DREAMGIRLS Will Return to Broadway in 2026, Directed and Choreographed by Camille A. Brown
by Stephi Wild - Sep 15, 2025
The Tony Award-winning musical Dreamgirls will return to New York in the Fall of 2026 in its first-ever newly directed and choreographed Broadway revival, directed and choreographed by five-time Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 15, 2025
The Tony Award-winning musical Dreamgirls will return to New York in the Fall of 2026 in its first-ever newly directed and choreographed Broadway revival, directed and choreographed by five-time Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown.
Cast and Creative Team Set For DREAMGIRLS at Shea's Buffalo
by Stephi Wild - May 30, 2025
Shea's Performing Arts Center has announced the cast and creative team for DREAMGIRLS, part of the 2025-26 Frey Electric Season. Learn more about the show here!
by Stephi Wild - May 30, 2025
Shea's Performing Arts Center has announced the cast and creative team for DREAMGIRLS, part of the 2025-26 Frey Electric Season. Learn more about the show here!
No Guarantees Productions Takes Over Astor Place Theater, Former Home of BLUE MAN GROUP
by Stephi Wild - May 27, 2025
Following the closing of Blue Man Group after 34 years, Astor Place Theater is being taken over by No Guarantees Productions. Learn more about what this means for the future of the theater!
by Stephi Wild - May 27, 2025
Following the closing of Blue Man Group after 34 years, Astor Place Theater is being taken over by No Guarantees Productions. Learn more about what this means for the future of the theater!
DREAMGIRLS and More Set for Shea’s 710 Theatre Stage 2025-2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2025
Shea’s Performing Arts Center, MusicalFare Theatre, AnsariSaxon Productions, Second Generation Theatre, and Road Less Traveled Productions has revealed the lineup of shows headed to the Shea’s 710 Theatre stage. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2025
Shea’s Performing Arts Center, MusicalFare Theatre, AnsariSaxon Productions, Second Generation Theatre, and Road Less Traveled Productions has revealed the lineup of shows headed to the Shea’s 710 Theatre stage. Learn more!
Video: First Look at DREAMGIRLS at Walnut Street Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Apr 10, 2025
Watch a video of Walnut Street Theatre's production of DREAMGIRLS as they close out their 216th season. First premiering on Broadway in 1981, DREAMGIRLS took the theatre world by storm.
by Joshua Wright - Apr 10, 2025
Watch a video of Walnut Street Theatre's production of DREAMGIRLS as they close out their 216th season. First premiering on Broadway in 1981, DREAMGIRLS took the theatre world by storm.
Nya, Ashley Lalonde and Charlotte Odusanya to Lead DREAMGIRLS at WPPAC
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2025
The White Plains Performing Arts Center has revealed the cast for its Mainstage production of DREAMGIRLS. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2025
The White Plains Performing Arts Center has revealed the cast for its Mainstage production of DREAMGIRLS. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: First Look at DREAMGIRLS at Walnut Street Theatre
by Michael Major - Apr 4, 2025
Watch a video of Walnut Street Theatre's production of DREAMGIRLS as they close out their 216th season. First premiering on Broadway in 1981, DREAMGIRLS took the theatre world by storm.
by Michael Major - Apr 4, 2025
Watch a video of Walnut Street Theatre's production of DREAMGIRLS as they close out their 216th season. First premiering on Broadway in 1981, DREAMGIRLS took the theatre world by storm.
Photos: DREAMGIRLS First Look at Walnut Street Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2025
Walnut Street Theatre is bringing DREAMGIRLS to life as they close their 216th season. Get a first look at photos here and learn how to purchase tickets!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2025
Walnut Street Theatre is bringing DREAMGIRLS to life as they close their 216th season. Get a first look at photos here and learn how to purchase tickets!
San Pedro Playhouse And Classic Theatre Announce 2025/26 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 28, 2025
San Pedro Playhouse and Classic Theatre will present 'The Rest is HERstory,' a season spotlighting powerful, women-centered stories that captivate, inspire, and entertain.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 28, 2025
San Pedro Playhouse and Classic Theatre will present 'The Rest is HERstory,' a season spotlighting powerful, women-centered stories that captivate, inspire, and entertain.
Video: Meet the Dreams of DREAMGIRLS at Walnut Street Theatre
by Michael Major - Mar 26, 2025
Watch a video of the Dreams from Dreamgirls at Walnut Street Theatre. Leading the cast as The Dreams are Aveena Sawyer as Effie White, Gabrielle Beckford as Deena Jones, and Khalifa White Lorrell Robinson. Chali Cooke joins as Michelle.
by Michael Major - Mar 26, 2025
Watch a video of the Dreams from Dreamgirls at Walnut Street Theatre. Leading the cast as The Dreams are Aveena Sawyer as Effie White, Gabrielle Beckford as Deena Jones, and Khalifa White Lorrell Robinson. Chali Cooke joins as Michelle.
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.
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.
Interview: ONE FOR MY BABY Creators Fred Barton And Scott Thompson
by Shari Barrett - Mar 4, 2025
All Roads Theatre Company’s (ARTCO’s) 2025 Season kicks off with the World Premiere musical One For My Baby, which features Broadway stars Lana Gordon and Luba Mason leading a cast of 28 performers, supported by a 12-piece Big Band. I decided to speak with ARTCO’s Fred Barton and Scott Thompson who wrote the musical’s book, with conductor Barton also creating the music arrangements and Thompson directing and choreographing the production.
by Shari Barrett - Mar 4, 2025
All Roads Theatre Company’s (ARTCO’s) 2025 Season kicks off with the World Premiere musical One For My Baby, which features Broadway stars Lana Gordon and Luba Mason leading a cast of 28 performers, supported by a 12-piece Big Band. I decided to speak with ARTCO’s Fred Barton and Scott Thompson who wrote the musical’s book, with conductor Barton also creating the music arrangements and Thompson directing and choreographing the production.
Cast & Creative Team Set For Walnut Street Theatre's DREAMGIRLS
by Joshua Wright - Feb 27, 2025
Walnut Street Theatre will bring the acclaimed award-winning musical DREAMGIRLS to life as they close their 216th season of dreams. This dazzling production begins previews on March 25, opens April 2, and runs through May 4.
by Joshua Wright - Feb 27, 2025
Walnut Street Theatre will bring the acclaimed award-winning musical DREAMGIRLS to life as they close their 216th season of dreams. This dazzling production begins previews on March 25, opens April 2, and runs through May 4.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Tom Eyen written?
Tom Eyen has written 10 shows including Kicks (Lyricist), Tour de Four (Conceiver), The Dirtiest Show in Town (Playwright), Rachael Lily Rosenbloom and Don't You Ever Forget It (Bookwriter), Why Hanna's Skirt Won't Stay Down (Playwright), Tom Eyen's Dirtiest Musical (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Women Behind Bars (Playwright), The Neon Woman (Playwright), Dreamgirls (Bookwriter), Dangerous Music (Bookwriter/Lyricist).
What awards has Tom Eyen been nominated for?
Tom Eyen has been nominated for several prestigious awards in his career. He received a nomination for Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on the musical "Dreamgirls." Additionally, Eyen was nominated for Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Dreamgirls." He also received a nomination for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for his contributions to "Dreamgirls." These nominations highlight Eyen's talent and recognition in the Broadway industry.
What awards has Tom Eyen won?
Tom Eyen has won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for his work on Dreamgirls.
Videos